more_o valuable_a than_o any_o other_o delight_n whatsoever_o and_o he_o now_o find_v impossible_a to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o his_o heavenly_a father_n 3._o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o folly_n upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v which_o be_v emphatical_o call_v come_v to_o himself_o have_v before_o act_v so_o much_o below_o himself_o and_o against_o himself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n of_o those_o faculty_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o those_o hope_n and_o expectation_n he_o may_v have_v have_v from_o he_o either_o as_o to_o this_o or_o another_o world_n 4._o in_o the_o resolution_n he_o take_v upon_o this_o conviction_n no_o long_o to_o delay_v his_o purpose_n of_o repent_v and_o return_v home_o but_o to_o embrace_v the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o free_o hearty_o and_o ingenuous_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v former_o in_o this_o place_n and_o on_o a_o like_a occasion_n consider_v the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v come_v to_o himself_o i_o shall_v now_o pursue_v the_o method_n of_o his_o repentance_n in_o the_o resolution_n he_o here_o take_v to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n i._o what_o ground_n a_o sinner_n have_v to_o encourage_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o to_o form_v such_o a_o resolution_n in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n when_o he_o know_v he_o have_v so_o much_o provoke_v and_o offend_v he_o ii_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o true_a repentance_n to_o form_v a_o fix_a and_o steady_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v etc._n etc._n first_o what_o ground_n a_o sinner_n have_v to_o encourage_v he_o to_o repent_v or_o to_o make_v application_n to_o his_o father_n in_o order_n to_o forgiveness_n since_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v so_o just_o offend_v he_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n here_o mention_v he_o have_v no_o such_o reason_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o favour_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n as_o be_v here_o express_v for_o 1._o he_o have_v wilful_o forsake_v his_o father_n house_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n of_o any_o hard_a usage_n there_o 2._o he_o have_v embrace_v such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n which_o he_o know_v be_v displease_v to_o he_o live_v riotous_o and_o disorderly_o in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o will._n 3._o he_o never_o think_v of_o return_v home_o till_o mere_a necessity_n force_v he_o till_o hunger_n and_o poverty_n make_v he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o disoblige_v to_o a_o father_n than_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o 1._o his_o father_n never_o force_v he_o from_o home_n nor_o make_v his_o condition_n uneasy_a there_o our_o saviour_n here_o represent_v almighty_a god_n as_o deal_v 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towards_o we_o and_o in_o these_o two_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n consist_v the_o neglect_v whereof_o be_v such_o a_o disrespect_n to_o our_o heavenly_a father_n as_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o our_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o god_n himself_o argue_v in_o the_o prophet_n a_o son_n honour_v his_o father_n and_o a_o servant_n 6._o his_o master_n if_o then_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n god_n be_v a_o father_n by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n but_o he_o be_v a_o master_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n on_o that_o account_n in_o they_o which_o incline_v they_o to_o a_o more_o servile_a fear_n so_o there_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v a_o natural_a spirit_n of_o adoption_n towards_o god_n as_o their_o supreme_a creator_n and_o father_n which_o shall_v excite_v all_o man_n to_o such_o a_o dutiful_a love_n such_o a_o reverential_a esteem_n such_o a_o mixture_n of_o awe_n and_o kindness_n as_o be_v in_o child_n towards_o their_o parent_n yea_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v because_o the_o distance_n be_v infinite_a between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o our_o dependence_n more_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a and_o there_o be_v in_o he_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o perfection_n which_o may_v cause_v in_o we_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o the_o humble_a adoration_n there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a duty_n owe_v by_o child_n to_o their_o earthly_a parent_n but_o how_o much_o rather_o 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o apostle_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n may_v be_v very_o kind_a but_o not_o wise_a in_o their_o love_n or_o wise_a and_o not_o so_o kind_a or_o they_o may_v be_v both_o wise_a and_o kind_a but_o not_o able_a to_o help_v their_o child_n they_o may_v love_v and_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o sickness_n and_o pain_n but_o after_o all_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o relieve_v they_o for_o the_o most_o indulgent_a father_n when_o his_o bowel_n yearn_v and_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o child_n lie_v under_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o moment_n respite_n to_o the_o terrible_a pang_n which_o he_o can_v neither_o behold_v nor_o abate_v but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v not_o only_o infinite_a wisdom_n but_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o power_n and_o where_o all_o these_o be_v join_v together_o what_o honour_n what_o love_n what_o fear_n be_v due_a unto_o he_o although_o there_o be_v defect_n in_o their_o parent_n yet_o child_n be_v still_o bind_v to_o obey_v they_o and_o to_o show_v a_o mighty_a regard_n and_o reverence_n towards_o they_o but_o here_o it_o be_v so_o much_o otherwise_o that_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v ourselves_o without_o this_o relation_n to_o god_n yet_o his_o perfection_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a so_o infinite_a as_o to_o deserve_v and_o require_v our_o utmost_a veneration_n the_o prodigal_a son_n can_v then_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o father_n and_o be_v it_o not_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o appoint_v the_o order_n of_o his_o family_n and_o to_o expect_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v behave_v themselves_o therein_o as_o become_v the_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o decent_a regard_n to_o themselves_o in_o sobriety_n temperance_n command_v of_o their_o passion_n and_o care_n of_o their_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o brethren_n with_o sincerity_n kindness_n and_o justice_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o what_o now_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o the_o prodigal_n can_v have_v any_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o or_o that_o shall_v make_v his_o father_n house_n so_o uneasy_a to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o be_v provoke_v when_o his_o wise_a counsel_n and_o prudent_a care_n and_o constant_a kindness_n and_o righteous_a government_n be_v so_o much_o slight_v and_o despise_v by_o a_o disobedient_a and_o ungrateful_a son_n who_o have_v so_o little_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o his_o interest_n as_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o be_v so_o well_o at_o home_n and_o therefore_o impatient_o desire_v to_o find_v out_o new_a method_n of_o live_v well_o as_o he_o then_o think_v when_o the_o best_a order_n of_o his_o father_n family_n be_v become_v so_o displease_v to_o he_o 2._o but_o what_o be_v these_o new_a and_o fine_a
say_v he_o doubt_v he_o can_v not_o why_o then_o say_v the_o philosopher_n smile_v be_v not_o you_o ashamed_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o so_o much_o folly_n as_o to_o be_v so_o exceed_o cast_v down_o under_o such_o a_o calamity_n as_o though_o you_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n that_o undergo_v it_o this_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o to_o his_o humour_n in_o expose_v the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o subject_a large_a enough_o for_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o he_o be_v too_o pleasant_a upon_o it_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o moralist_n do_v find_v out_o some_o very_a useful_a consideration_n to_o bear_v man_n up_o under_o the_o common_a accident_n of_o life_n but_o those_o of_o great_a moment_n be_v such_o as_o be_v much_o improve_v by_o christianity_n viz._n the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n the_o usefulness_n of_o trial_n the_o benefit_n of_o patience_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a state_n 2._o as_o to_o voluntary_a and_o choose_a suffering_n we_o have_v in_o scripture_n several_a extraordinary_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o magnanimity_n such_o as_o abraham_n leave_n his_o kindred_n and_o country_n and_o go_v he_o know_v not_o whither_o on_o god_n command_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n which_o argue_v a_o entire_a sacrifice_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n such_o be_v moses_n his_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o pharaob_n court_n such_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n choose_v to_o suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n with_o admirable_a resignation_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pray_v for_o his_o persecutor_n under_o the_o great_a agony_n on_o the_o cross._n such_o be_v the_o apostle_n resolution_n and_o courage_n when_o they_o rejoice_v to_o be_v account_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n and_o true_o the_o magnanimity_n of_o suffer_v rather_o than_o sin_v be_v never_o so_o much_o show_v to_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n there_o be_v some_o few_o heroic_a instance_n of_o suffer_v for_o truth_n among_o the_o heathen_n but_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o numerous_a example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o vestal_a virgin_n be_v with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n it_o can_v not_o but_o amaze_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o spectator_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o see_v the_o gladiator_n who_o be_v either_o hire_v or_o condemn_v to_o that_o cruel_a entertainment_n of_o other_o with_o their_o blood_n to_o behold_v a_o sort_n of_o grave_n and_o serious_a person_n expose_v themselves_o to_o so_o much_o torment_n and_o cruelty_n when_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n as_o burn_v a_o little_a incense_n will_v set_v they_o free_a this_o be_v a_o new_a spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o can_v not_o but_o put_v they_o upon_o think_v what_o strange_a sort_n of_o philosophy_n this_o be_v which_o inspire_v ordinary_a person_n with_o such_o a_o magnanimity_n in_o suffering_n they_o have_v never_o find_v those_o who_o pretend_v to_o philosophy_n among_o they_o very_o fond_a of_o suffer_v for_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v they_o rather_o like_v the_o example_n of_o aristotle_n than_o socrates_n who_o when_o the_o people_n of_o athens_n be_v enrage_v against_o he_o withdraw_v to_o chalcis_n and_o when_o he_o be_v upbraid_v with_o it_o make_v a_o witty_a excuse_n that_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n the_o city_n of_o athens_n shall_v sin_v twice_o against_o philosophy_n whereas_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o forward_o to_o suffer_v for_o their_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v impute_v as_o a_o fault_n to_o they_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n that_o some_o scap._n outgo_v the_o bound_n of_o christianity_n in_o offer_v themselves_o too_o free_o to_o it_o this_o make_v such_o as_o antoninus_n and_o other_o 3_o impute_v all_o their_o suffering_n to_o a_o invincible_a obstinacy_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o madness_n 7._o which_o possess_v they_o which_o have_v be_v easy_o confute_v if_o they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o have_v examine_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o christian_n magnanimity_n do_v imply_v for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n but_o of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o so_o it_o have_v ii_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o passion_n of_o men._n and_o true_o there_o be_v such_o a_o variety_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o they_o so_o much_o folly_n and_o mistake_n so_o much_o prejudice_n and_o peevishness_n in_o some_o so_o much_o wilfulness_n and_o stiffness_n in_o other_o so_o little_a regard_n to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n under_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o it_o that_o those_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o promote_v they_o have_v need_n of_o magnanimity_n to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o such_o humour_n and_o distemper_n of_o man_n mind_n aristotle_n have_v well_o observe_v that_o magnanimity_n do_v go_v beyond_o the_o consideration_n of_o danger_n it_o make_v a_o 3._o man_n more_o ready_a to_o do_v kindness_n than_o to_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o forget_v injury_n i_o add_v and_o to_o forgive_v they_o for_o else_o it_o be_v rather_o want_v of_o memory_n than_o magnanimity_n it_o be_v well_o he_o add_v one_o thing_n viz._n that_o he_o that_o have_v magnanimity_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d content_v within_o himself_o so_o he_o have_v need_n to_o be_v for_o he_o will_v find_v very_o little_a satisfaction_n abroad_o especial_o in_o a_o age_n when_o sincerity_n be_v almost_o lose_v when_o man_n have_v use_v themselves_o to_o so_o much_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n with_o god_n and_o man_n that_o they_o can_v zealous_o pretend_v to_o love_v what_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o ruin_v and_o cry_v up_o peace_n and_o unity_n only_o to_o get_v a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v they_o but_o still_o true_a magnanimity_n keep_v a_o man_n own_o mind_n at_o ease_n and_o make_v he_o to_o govern_v himself_o as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n observe_v with_o due_a temper_n and_o moderation_n in_o all_o thing_n such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o only_o easy_a to_o himself_o but_o to_o all_o other_o as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o duty_n for_o a_o mind_n true_o great_a have_v nothing_o of_o bitterness_n or_o sourness_n peevishness_n or_o ill-will_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n all_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n argue_v a_o mean_a and_o base_a spirit_n the_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a any_o temper_n be_v the_o more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a they_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o oblige_v the_o more_o easy_a to_o forgive_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a there_o be_v two_o thing_n imply_v in_o this_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n 1._o the_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o it_o make_v man_n to_o consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n the_o variety_n and_o weakness_n of_o most_o man_n judgement_n the_o power_n of_o persuasion_n the_o bias_n of_o party_n and_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n which_o person_n undergo_v that_o break_v off_o from_o they_o after_o they_o have_v be_v once_o ensnare_v by_o they_o on_o these_o account_v it_o make_v they_o rather_o pity_v than_o triumph_n over_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o a_o great_a mind_n do_v most_o abhor_v in_o religion_n and_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n and_o these_o be_v hypocrisy_n and_o cruelty_n which_o make_v man_n false_a to_o god_n and_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n these_o two_o often_o go_v together_o and_o although_o they_o be_v mask_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o two_o thing_n more_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o design_n of_o it_o st._n john_n conclude_v that_o man_n to_o have_v no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o brother_n he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o 20._o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v and_o we_o may_v argue_v the_o other_o way_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o love_n god_n how_o can_v he_o love_v his_o brother_n when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a foundation_n for_o charity_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v at_o first_o make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o have_v it_o again_o renew_v in_o they_o by_o the_o
i_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o when_o i_o can_v not_o but_o see_v my_o danger_n and_o yet_o be_v unwilling_a to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o i_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o thankful_a for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o his_o bring_v i_o to_o myself_o have_v be_v i_o have_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o secure_a stupid_a senseless_a condition_n that_o other_o lie_v in_o if_o he_o have_v not_o thorough_o awaken_v i_o and_o rouse_v i_o out_o of_o my_o impenitent_a state_n how_o dreadful_a have_v my_o condition_n for_o ever_o be_v if_o my_o first_o awaken_n have_v be_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n nothing_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o patience_n will_v have_v wait_v so_o long_o for_o the_o repentance_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o i_o have_v be_v i_o have_v sin_v so_o often_o that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o the_o number_n of_o my_o transgression_n so_o deep_o that_o i_o be_o confound_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o so_o foolish_o that_o i_o be_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n who_o have_v act_v so_o unlike_o thy_o child_n so_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o speak_v to_o his_o father_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v admit_v i_o but_o to_o the_o mean_a condition_n of_o thy_o servant_n i_o shall_v ever_o esteem_v it_o as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o my_o life_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v thou_o for_o the_o future_a though_o in_o the_o low_a capacity_n thus_o the_o repent_a prodigal_n go_v on_o five_o 19_o and_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n every_o true_a penitent_n behave_v himself_o towards_o god_n with_o great_a humility_n and_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o be_v thereby_o render_v more_o capable_a of_o divine_a favour_n for_o god_n reâ—steth_v the_o proud_a but_o 6._o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o show_v pity_n towards_o a_o true_o humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v 17._o 3._o if_o god_n be_v not_o so_o full_a of_o compassion_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o sinner_n to_o repent_v but_o they_o must_v have_v sink_v into_o everlasting_a despair_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v forgive_v none_o that_o sin_n than_o all_o mankind_n must_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a misery_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o 20._o there_o be_v not_o a_o just_a man_n upon_o earth_n who_o sin_v not_o and_o so_o the_o best_a and_o worst_a and_o all_o fort_n of_o sinner_n must_v here_o suffer_v together_o which_o will_v have_v take_v away_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n in_o god_n towards_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o as_o to_o some_o particular_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_v we_o limit_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a we_o determine_v what_o we_o know_v not_o viz._n how_o far_o god_n mercy_n do_v extend_v we_o destroy_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o change_v and_o reform_v the_o worst_a of_o men._n but_o the_o scriture_n have_v record_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o great_a sinner_n who_o have_v be_v great_a penitent_n and_o upon_o that_o have_v be_v pardon_v such_o as_o manasses_n and_o some_o other_o that_o no_o penitent_a sinner_n may_v be_v discourage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n for_o a_o true_a penitent_a search_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o set_v all_o his_o sin_n before_o he_o with_o their_o several_a aggravation_n can_v be_v keep_v from_o despair_n by_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o those_o who_o true_o repent_v 4._o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o provoke_v in_o sin_n as_o obstinate_a impenitency_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a god_n hate_v all_o sin_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o not_o all_o equal_o some_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o other_o be_v be_v against_o plain_a light_n strong_a conviction_n more_o easy_a command_n strict_a obligation_n than_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o sinner_n mind_n which_o be_v most_o provoke_a when_o sin_n be_v commit_v not_o through_o infirmity_n or_o sudden_a surprise_n or_o a_o violent_a temptation_n but_o habitual_o know_o wilful_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v do_v in_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o provoke_v to_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n in_o another_o world_n be_v take_v from_o thence_o because_o god_n hate_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o thus_o 17._o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n acquit_v the_o guilty_a there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n say_v st._n john_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o christ_n have_v say_v he_o will_v never_o pardon_v and_o that_o be_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o sin_n which_o none_o who_o do_v true_o own_o christianity_n 32._o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v but_o be_v there_o then_o no_o sin_n unto_o death_n to_o they_o yes_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n who_o have_v clear_a conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o act_v so_o plain_o and_o wilful_o and_o direct_o against_o it_o as_o either_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o take_v they_o away_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a judgement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o sin_n unto_o a_o spiritual_a death_n but_o beside_o these_o case_n every_o wilful_a sinner_n who_o add_v impenitency_n to_o his_o sin_n commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n without_o true_a repentance_n how_o infinite_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o exclude_v no_o sinner_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n who_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o repent_v sincere_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o just_o be_v god_n in_o the_o final_a punishment_n of_o those_o sinner_n who_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v after_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o encouragement_n which_o be_v give_v they_o to_o that_o end_n can_v we_o in_o reason_n suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v stoop_v low_o towards_o sinner_n than_o to_o offer_v they_o pardon_v of_o former_a sin_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o to_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o suppose_v we_o be_v come_v thus_o far_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o must_v repent_v what_o course_n and_o method_n must_v we_o take_v in_o order_n to_o it_o of_o this_o brief_o and_o so_o to_o conclude_v second_o i_o know_v no_o better_o than_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o form_v a_o present_a sincere_a fix_v and_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o doâ—ng_v it_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o suffer_v conviction_n to_o cool_v upon_o our_o mind_n the_o force_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v go_v it_o have_v be_v of_o late_o observe_v by_o the_o strict_a enquirer_n into_o nature_n that_o 18._o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n be_v very_o small_a and_o hardly_o discernible_a it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o spark_n that_o appear_v and_o may_v easy_o be_v exstinguish_v but_o if_o it_o be_v encourage_v by_o a_o continual_a heat_n a_o wonderful_a alteration_n soon_o follow_v and_o the_o distinct_a part_n begin_v to_o be_v form_v the_o first_o which_o be_v discern_v be_v the_o eye_n but_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o when_o the_o course_n of_o the_o blood_n be_v there_o settle_a the_o other_o part_n come_v to_o their_o due_a formation_n with_o great_a quickness_n this_o may_v be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o eye_n be_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o the_o inward_a change_n first_o appear_v that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v resolution_n and_o when_o that_o be_v fix_v a_o mighty_a reformation_n will_v soon_o follow_v but_o spiritual_a life_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a be_v in_o its_o first_o beginning_n a_o very_a nice_a and_o tender_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o stop_v and_o very_o hardly_o recover_v it_o be_v therefore_o of_o very_o great_a concernment_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o warmth_n of_o our_o
which_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o so_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o animosity_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n will_v be_v remove_v and_o christianity_n will_v thereby_o gain_v more_o friend_n and_o meet_v with_o few_o enemy_n the_o apostle_n find_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n if_o possible_a to_o keep_v they_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o he_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v of_o itself_o so_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o it_o need_v no_o addition_n either_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o may_v introduce_v several_a thing_n with_o a_o specious_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n humility_n and_o mortification_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o from_o christ_n they_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a for_o salvation_n for_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o 3._o knowledge_n 2._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v at_o first_o true_o deliver_v to_o they_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o text._n but_o they_o may_v object_v that_o epaphras_n be_v no_o apostle_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o apostle_n and_o the_o false_a apostle_n pretend_v to_o be_v true_a one_o and_o although_o st._n paul_n interpose_v his_o authority_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o judaizer_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o it_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v more_o favourable_a to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n than_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o more_o general_a and_o common_a rule_n be_v find_v out_o whereby_o to_o distinguish_v the_o original_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o that_o of_o pretender_n and_o seducer_n the_o clear_n of_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o not_o only_o be_v to_o those_o of_o that_o age_n but_o be_v so_o in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n where_o the_o same_o question_n may_v be_v put_v what_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o come_v to_o it_o which_o concern_v we_o at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o the_o answer_n lie_v in_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v 1._o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o common_a deliver_v to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v in_o their_o write_n after_o it_o come_v to_o be_v contest_v which_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o common_a deliver_v to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o for_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o before_o their_o dispersion_n and_o to_o agree_v upon_o some_o common_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o ruffinus_n symbol_n imagine_v lest_o they_o shall_v differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o how_o can_v they_o differ_v who_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v 13._o they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o we_o find_v nothing_o like_o a_o combination_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v it_o will_v have_v render_v the_o faith_n they_o deliver_v more_o suspicious_a in_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v particular_a person_n with_o delivery_n of_o it_o without_o a_o antecedent_n confederacy_n among_o themselves_o which_o will_v have_v look_v like_o a_o mistrust_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v fulfil_v upon_o all_o of_o they_o and_o we_o find_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o such_o meeting_n together_o to_o settle_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v of_o as_o much_o consequence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n in_o judoea_n at_o the_o time_n say_v irenoeus_n that_o peter_n and_o paul_n preach_v and_o found_v a_o 1._o church_n in_o rome_n st._n mark_v either_o at_o rome_n or_o in_o egypt_n not_o till_o after_o their_o decease_n say_v the_o same_o very_a ancient_a father_n st._n luke_n in_o greece_n after_o st._n paul_n plant_v 18._o church_n in_o rome_n and_o st._n john_n in_o asia_n after_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o there_o be_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n which_o assist_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v such_o a_o concurrence_n as_o show_v their_o veracity_n but_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o show_v there_o be_v no_o combination_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o none_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v till_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o many_o place_n and_o many_o church_n be_v form_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a advantage_n thereby_o 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o more_o see_v because_o then_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o write_a rule_n they_o so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v not_o as_o though_o it_o be_v less_o possible_a to_o mistake_v without_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a liableness_n to_o mistake_v so_o universal_a a_o consent_n be_v the_o strong_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v so_o many_o enemy_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o false_a apostle_n who_o will_v present_o have_v reproach_v the_o christian_a church_n with_o it_o but_o no_o disagreement_n be_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v as_o to_o what_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v they_o have_v one_o body_n one_o 6._o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o wherever_o the_o apostle_n go_v whether_o into_o scythia_n parthia_n mesopotamia_n or_o any_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n all_o who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o st._n judas_n call_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 3._o but_o once_o deliver_v though_o by_o many_o person_n and_o in_o very_o distant_a place_n and_o so_o once_o deliver_v as_o the_o same_o faith_n once_o deliver_v be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o always_o so_o for_o that_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o new_a foundation_n and_o to_o make_v another_o covenant_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o 8._o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n can_v never_o be_v alter_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o new_a saviour_n and_o new_a apostle_n and_o new_a teacher_n but_o if_o we_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v go_v that_o way_n that_o himself_o have_v direct_v for_o man_n and_o angel_n join_v their_o power_n together_o can_v save_v one_o soul_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o 6._o life_n and_o none_o can_v come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o this_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o know_v and_o be_v therefore_o careful_a to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o for_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o 11._o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o not_o by_o way_n of_o tradition_n from_o man_n but_o by_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n for_o as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o apostle_n of_o man_n or_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o 1._o father_n and_o not_o long_o after_o he_o say_v he_o neither_o receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o man_n neither_o 12._o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o set_v up_o for_o himself_o and_o vary_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v for_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o original_a number_n of_o apostle_n and_o he_o be_v a_o know_a persecutor_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o sudden_a convert_v be_v always_o suspect_v and_o ananias_n have_v a_o vision_n to_o satisfy_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o to_o think_v at_o first_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o disciple_n when_o they_o