work_v and_o who_o that_o either_o understand_v the_o frail_a contexture_n of_o his_o body_n or_o the_o many_o thousand_o accident_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o can_v be_v warranty_n for_o his_o own_o life_n one_o moment_n beyond_o the_o present_a or_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v continue_v who_o shall_v secure_v we_o that_o a_o day_n of_o grace_n shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v who_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v wait_v our_o leisure_n and_o accept_v we_o at_o last_o all_o which_o thing_n consider_v he_o that_o only_o resolve_v to_o amend_v hereafter_o be_v certain_o resolve_v not_o to_o amend_v now_o and_o therefore_o be_v in_o no_o state_n of_o repentance_n nor_o in_o the_o way_n of_o mercy_n wherefore_o the_o true_a penitent_n resolve_v present_o to_o arise_v i_o have_v trifle_v too_o long_o already_o faith_n he_o it_o be_v no_o dally_v any_o long_o in_o a_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o have_v be_v cozen_v by_o my_o own_o heart_n oft_o enough_o i_o will_v trust_v myself_o for_o day_n no_o long_o i_o do_v not_o find_v my_o heart_n either_o more_o willing_a or_o more_o able_a to_o perform_v by_o all_o the_o time_n i_o have_v give_v it_o but_o quite_o contrary_a my_o ability_n be_v less_o and_o my_o debt_n great_a my_o heart_n hard_o my_o affection_n more_o engage_v and_o less_o willing_a to_o come_v off_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o long_o i_o serve_v the_o devil_n he_o be_v ever_o the_o likely_a to_o manumit_v i_o nay_o i_o feel_v the_o long_o i_o serve_v he_o the_o heavy_a chain_n he_o lay_v upon_o i_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v i_o that_o it_o be_v yet_o too_o soon_o to_o return_v to_o god_n he_o will_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n persuade_v i_o hereafter_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o and_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v bad_a to_o day_n it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v worse_o to_o morrow_n i_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n spirit_n will_v strive_v with_o i_o the_o more_o i_o resist_v he_o nor_o dare_v i_o trust_v that_o grace_n shall_v abound_v the_o more_o my_o sin_n abound_v a_o day_n neglect_v now_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v be_v as_o much_o as_o my_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o may_v cost_v i_o eternity_n now_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o find_v it_o in_o my_o heart_n to_o return_v and_o now_o i_o will_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n i_o will_v no_o more_o venture_v upon_o uncertainty_n nor_o forgo_v what_o be_v in_o my_o power_n for_o what_o be_v not_o i_o will_v not_o promise_v to_o pay_v hereafter_o what_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a now_o to_o perform_v no_o more_o therefore_o of_o the_o sluggard_n yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v i_o will_v now_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o my_o father_n and_o to_o my_o duty_n which_o be_v 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o property_n of_o virtuous_a resolution_n namely_o it_o be_v a_o through_o and_o uniform_a resolution_n which_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n and_o compass_n of_o religion_n the_o historian_n observe_v of_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o degenerate_a time_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n that_o now_o all_o their_o dispute_n be_v not_o a_o servirent_fw-la sed_fw-la cui_fw-la not_o for_o liberty_n but_o who_o shall_v be_v their_o lord_n and_o they_o fight_v not_o to_o assert_v or_o recover_v their_o freedom_n but_o mere_o to_o have_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o yoke_n and_o so_o whoever_o conquer_v they_o be_v certain_o slave_n in_o like_a manner_n some_o man_n be_v under_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v in_o resolve_v upon_o a_o change_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o change_v themselves_o but_o their_o sin_n one_o for_o another_o the_o drunkard_n become_v covetous_a the_o loose_a and_o licentious_a person_n exchange_n his_o levity_n for_o morosity_n and_o from_o a_o common_a scandal_n become_v a_o busy_a body_n a_o judge_n and_o very_o censorious_a and_o so_o the_o man_n be_v disguise_v rather_o then_o amend_v and_o have_v a_o new_a master_n but_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o slave_n other_o perhaps_o there_o be_v who_o will_v go_v further_o and_o part_n with_o a_o sin_n without_o a_o succedaneum_fw-la or_o entertain_v any_o other_o in_o its_o room_n because_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o such_o a_o sin_n be_v grow_v less_o agreeable_a to_o their_o constitution_n too_o chargeable_a for_o their_o profit_n too_o dangerous_a to_o their_o reputation_n and_o peradventure_o also_o too_o uneasy_a for_o their_o conscience_n but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o sin_n they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v of_o forego_v thus_o the_o scripture_n observe_v of_o some_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v great_a reformer_n and_o express_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o ahab_n and_o other_o corruption_n who_o yet_o all_o their_o day_n stick_v close_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la that_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n be_v bind_v up_o with_o their_o interest_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o be_v lay_v aside_o indeed_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n well_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o power_n of_o a_o enlighten_v conscience_n to_o be_v such_o as_o to_o prevail_v with_o any_o man_n to_o resolve_v either_o to_o forsake_v any_o one_o sin_n upon_o condition_n he_o may_v secure_o enjoy_v all_o the_o rest_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o stick_v at_o any_o one_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o thereby_o he_o may_v expiate_v his_o other_o commission_n and_o omission_n and_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o corrupt_a doctrine_n among_o they_o very_o agreeable_a to_o this_o humour_n namely_o that_o if_o a_o man_n observe_v some_o one_o remarkable_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o excuse_v he_o upon_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o notion_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o that_o question_n so_o often_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n 35._o which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o upon_o that_o supposition_n 28._o which_o be_v the_o one_o sure_a point_n to_o trust_v to_o 18._o whether_o to_o sacrifice_n as_o some_o hold_v or_o to_o circumcision_n as_o other_o or_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o a_o three_o etc._n etc._n i_o say_v their_o intent_n be_v to_o ask_v his_o opinion_n what_o branch_n of_o the_o law_n god_n most_o insist_v upon_o that_o in_o compliance_n therewith_o they_o may_v compendious_o secure_v their_o own_o interest_n without_o the_o trouble_n of_o universal_a obedience_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v aware_a of_o the_o subtlety_n direct_v they_o in_o all_o the_o place_n foremention_v to_o that_o paragraph_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o the_o whole_a viz._n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n the_o devil_n be_v so_o wary_a and_o frugal_a a_o trader_n that_o he_o will_v comply_v with_o the_o market_n and_o be_v content_a as_o i_o note_v before_o to_o barter_v one_o sin_n for_o another_o or_o rather_o to_o compound_v for_o half_a then_o to_o lose_v all_o and_o be_v also_o so_o good_a a_o philosopher_n as_o to_o know_v malum_fw-la oritur_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la defectu_fw-la &_o bonum_fw-la constat_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la causis_fw-la that_o the_o volùntary_a omission_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n null_v our_o obedience_n and_o that_o one_o sin_n will_v damn_v a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o for_o he_o that_o retain_v a_o love_n to_o any_o one_o sin_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o resolution_n against_o sin_n or_o to_o hate_v sin_n for_o itself_o and_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o have_v we_o entire_o he_o or_o not_o at_o all_o for_o he_o that_o make_v any_o exception_n or_o reservation_n that_o capitulate_v with_o god_n deal_v not_o with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o god_n he_o therefore_o that_o take_v up_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a therein_o full_o decree_n with_o himself_o to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o he_o know_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n nor_o to_o dispense_v with_o himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n how_o grateful_a soever_o to_o he_o that_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n i_o know_v say_v he_o god_n by_o his_o sovereignty_n have_v a_o just_a title_n to_o my_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o all_o my_o power_n he_o have_v oblige_v i_o beyond_o all_o that_o ever_o i_o can_v correspond_v with_o he_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v serve_v deceitful_o and_o by_o half_n he_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o rival_n no_o sharer_n with_o he_o he_o see_v all_o my_o wander_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o revenge_v my_o
minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o if_o they_o will_v divide_v a_o hair_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o love_a god_n too_o much_o or_o bid_v too_o high_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o supererogation_n erogation_n as_o some_o vain_o speak_v i._n e._n whereby_o we_o may_v make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o overplus_n and_o be_v able_a to_o contribute_v towards_o a_o public_a stock_n beside_o our_o own_o necessity_n yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscious_a of_o his_o own_o many_o fail_n shall_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o he_o love_v god_n sincere_o oblige_v himself_o suppose_v to_o pray_v often_o or_o give_v alm_n more_o liberal_o than_o be_v express_o require_v of_o he_o this_o sure_a will_v not_o be_v unblamable_a and_o again_o be_v hearty_o trouble_v for_o what_o evil_n he_o have_v commit_v heretofore_o he_o endeavour_v to_o retract_v and_o undo_v they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a not_o only_o labour_v to_o prevent_v the_o contagion_n of_o his_o example_n but_o where_o the_o case_n will_v admit_v it_o rescind_v and_o nullify_n the_o very_a effect_n so_o manasses_n that_o have_v set_v up_o idolatry_n effectual_o reform_v it_o and_o zacheus_n beside_o the_o half_a of_o his_o good_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a make_v a_o fourfold_a restitution_n wherever_o he_o have_v wrong_v nay_o the_o jailor_n wash_v the_o stripe_n he_o have_v inflict_v &_o s._n paul_n zealous_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n which_o before_o he_o persecute_v last_o such_o be_v the_o indignation_n which_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v against_o himself_o for_o his_o former_a rebellion_n and_o such_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n have_v he_o over_o himself_o lest_o he_o shall_v relapse_n that_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o another_o extreme_a for_o whereas_o heretofore_o he_o too_o much_o indulge_v the_o humour_n of_o his_o body_n now_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o abridge_v it_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o endanger_v his_o health_n perhaps_o in_o time_n past_a he_o live_v in_o too_o much_o gaiety_n and_o now_o so_o grave_o that_o there_o be_v some_o danger_n his_o strictness_n shall_v sour_v into_o austerity_n heretofore_o he_o live_v lawless_o and_o now_o be_v ready_a by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o vehement_a incline_v the_o contrary_a way_n to_o fall_v into_o scrupulosity_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o s._n austin_n factum_fw-la horretur_fw-la licitum_fw-la ob_fw-la vicinitatem_fw-la illiciti_fw-la which_o i_o render_v by_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n he_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n now_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o swallow_v a_o camel_n those_o that_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o new_a and_o zealous_a convert_v know_v this_o which_o i_o have_v last_o say_v to_o be_v too_o true_a and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o management_n of_o such_o person_n find_v it_o become_v their_o prudence_n not_o only_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o to_o interpret_v to_o they_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o defect_n of_o such_o care_n and_o prudence_n it_o very_o often_o unhappy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n work_v upon_o that_o well_o mean_v but_o intemperate_a zeal_n find_v advantage_n of_o insinuate_a their_o curiosity_n their_o superstition_n nay_o their_o very_a morosity_n and_o the_o distinctive_a badge_n of_o their_o peculiar_a faction_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o both_o indispose_v these_o honest_a mind_n to_o some_o of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o render_v they_o uncomfortable_a in_o themselves_o and_o scandalous_a to_o religion_n but_o abate_v this_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o bad_a weed_n but_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o good_a soil_n all_o that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v say_v otherwise_o be_v in_o the_o temper_n and_o practice_n of_o every_o true_a convert_n as_o be_v most_o eminent_o to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v convert_v from_o paganism_n or_o judaisme_n to_o christ_n jesus_n but_o especial_o the_o former_a the_o whole_a world_n see_v they_o strange_o improve_v and_o metamorphose_v to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o which_o account_n the_o primitive_a father_n origen_n justin_n martyr_n eusebius_n lactantius_n etc._n etc._n glory_v in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shame_v the_o blind_a pagan_n out_o of_o their_o contempt_n of_o it_o they_o despise_v it_o for_o the_o plainness_n and_o familiarity_n of_o the_o phrase_n but_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n far_o beyond_o all_o the_o admire_a write_n of_o philosopher_n 26._o for_o whereas_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o usual_o extend_v no_o further_o then_o to_o furnish_v man_n head_n with_o notion_n or_o to_o guild_v the_o outside_n this_o change_v they_o thorough_o make_v the_o drunkard_n become_v grave_a the_o lascivious_a person_n chaste_a and_o modest_a the_o gripe_a oppressor_n merciful_a and_o liberal_a and_o in_o short_a make_v the_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a become_v uniform_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n intimate_v in_o the_o son_n be_v return_v to_o his_o father_n he_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o obedience_n but_o 3._o three_o and_o last_o when_o the_o son_n return_v to_o his_o father_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o then_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n providence_n and_o accommodation_n that_o whereas_o heretofore_o the_o way_n of_o his_o father_n family_n be_v too_o frugal_a and_o parsimonious_a for_o he_o he_o must_v live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n and_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o portion_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v please_v himself_o now_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o he_o find_v that_o his_o prodigality_n have_v bring_v he_o to_o rag_n and_o his_o riot_n to_o hunger_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v starve_v this_o therefore_o have_v like_a to_o have_v break_v his_o heart_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o have_v break_v his_o spirit_n and_o now_o he_o will_v not_o capitulate_v nor_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o his_o father_n but_o be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n make_v i_o but_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o penitent_n of_o old_a to_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o to_o sprinkle_v themselves_o with_o ash_n as_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v vile_a earth_n and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o mean_a accommodation_n and_o what_o be_v thus_o do_v emblematical_o on_o the_o solemn_a time_n of_o humiliation_n be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o every_o sincere_a convert_n he_o be_v sensible_a that_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v heretofore_o pride_n begin_v his_o ruin_n and_o therefore_o humility_n must_v recover_v he_o time_n be_v that_o he_o swell_v against_o god_n as_o the_o proud_a wave_n against_o their_o bank_n strive_v to_o break_v down_o and_o overrun_v all_o the_o restraint_n of_o providence_n because_o he_o can_v not_o bring_v his_o condition_n to_o his_o mind_n therefore_o he_o swell_v and_o murmur_v rage_v and_o blaspheme_v why_o must_v he_o be_v poor_a and_o limit_v sick_a or_o of_o short_a continuance_n why_o since_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o man_n shall_v not_o he_o have_v his_o full_a swing_n and_o like_o leviathan_n sport_n himself_o therein_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v some_o malevolent_a or_o evil_a genius_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o not_o such_o a_o wise_a and_o benign_a be_v as_o man_n talk_v of_o in_o short_a as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o straight_o so_o be_v his_o providence_n and_o he_o can_v brook_v neither_o of_o they_o but_o as_o we_o have_v see_v upon_o this_o change_n his_o compliance_n with_o the_o former_a so_o we_o shall_v now_o see_v his_o conformity_n to_o the_o latter_a he_o have_v now_o like_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v turn_v out_o to_o grass_n till_o by_o his_o affliction_n he_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o now_o the_o clay_n have_v learn_v not_o to_o dispute_v with_o the_o potter_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o now_o whatever_o condition_n it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v he_o in_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v better_a than_o he_o deserve_v if_o he_o will_v that_o he_o be_v a_o beggar_n in_o disgrace_n sickness_n prison_n where_o and_o what_o he_o please_v so_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v learn_v to_o say_v with_o jacob_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n 10._o and_o with_o the_o israelite_n humble_v by_o their_o captivity_n thou_o always_o punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n
himself_o on_o this_o wise_a whatever_o my_o case_n be_v now_o sure_o i_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n place_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o family_n and_o table_n heaven_n and_o earth_n minister_v to_o i_o i_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o low_a and_o favourite_n of_o the_o upper_a world_n as_o if_o the_o one_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o exercise_v and_o divert_v i_o and_o the_o other_o to_o receive_v and_o reward_v i_o i_o have_v a_o nature_n capable_a of_o immortality_n and_o have_v eternal_a life_n design_v for_o i_o as_o the_o inheritance_n of_o a_o son_n and_o my_o task_n of_o obedience_n be_v as_o easy_a and_o honourable_a as_o my_o hope_n be_v glorious_a for_o i_o have_v no_o hard_a burden_n lay_v upon_o i_o nothing_o require_v of_o i_o but_o what_o be_v proportionable_a to_o my_o power_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o mind_n no_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o my_o passion_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_o both_o necessary_a for_o the_o world_n and_o good_a for_o myself_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o argument_n of_o harshness_n and_o severity_n in_o god_n nor_o make_v apology_n for_o my_o transgression_n all_o my_o faculty_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a i_o be_v neither_o tempt_v by_o necessity_n nor_o oppress_v by_o any_o fate_n i_o be_v therefore_o happy_a enough_o and_o why_o be_o i_o not_o so_o still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o humane_a nature_n have_v miscarry_v since_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o i_o carry_v the_o scar_n of_o that_o common_a wound_n yet_o be_v the_o damage_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n so_o repair_v by_o the_o second_o that_o mankind_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a in_o all_o its_o actual_a transgression_n but_o especial_o in_o a_o dissolute_a and_o impenitent_a course_n of_o rebellion_n beside_o i_o see_v other_o who_o circumstance_n be_v in_o all_o point_v the_o same_o with_o i_o and_o their_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n no_o less_o to_o live_v holy_o and_o comfortable_o have_v either_o escape_v the_o too_o common_a pollution_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o early_a compliance_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o quick_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n i_o find_v therefore_o that_o i_o may_v have_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n in_o serenity_n of_o mind_n quiet_a of_o conscience_n sense_n of_o my_o own_o integrity_n and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o unspeakable_a glory_n in_o contemplation_n of_o which_o i_o may_v have_v defy_v death_n and_o live_v in_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n but_o i_o have_v be_v mere_o fool_v by_o my_o own_o incogitancy_n and_o undo_v by_o my_o own_o choice_n for_o proceed_v he_o 2._o i_o have_v forfeit_v all_o this_o by_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o be_v so_o sottish_a as_o to_o prefer_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o my_o own_o humour_n before_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a felicity_n i_o have_v be_v ingrateful_a towards_o my_o great_a benefactor_n break_v the_o law_n of_o my_o creation_n confront_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v insolent_a towards_o a_o mighty_a majesty_n violate_v just_a and_o righteous_a commandment_n sin_v against_o light_n knowledge_n and_o conscience_n add_v presumption_n to_o folly_n wilfullness_n to_o weakness_n despise_a counsel_n exhortation_n promise_n assistance_n my_o sin_n be_v many_o in_o number_n horrible_a in_o their_o aggravation_n deadly_a in_o their_o continuance_n and_o my_o perseverance_n in_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o have_v not_o only_o wrought_v disorder_n in_o the_o world_n but_o disorder_v my_o own_o soul_n spoil_v my_o own_o power_n suffer_v passion_n to_o get_v head_n of_o my_o reason_n cloud_v my_o understanding_n and_o so_o by_o former_a sin_n render_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a that_o i_o sin_n still_o for_o when_o i_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o i_o i_o find_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n rebel_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o carry_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o death_n i_o have_v drive_v away_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o put_v myself_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n become_v his_o slave_n and_o drudge_n i_o know_v nothing_o now_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o innocence_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o be_v a_o continual_a torture_n to_o i_o i_o have_v lose_v the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o he_o be_v dreadful_a to_o i_o by_o all_o which_o together_o life_n be_v a_o burden_n and_o yet_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v intolerable_a such_o reflection_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o break_v the_o very_a heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o resolve_v he_o into_o sigh_n and_o tear_n 3._o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o the_o case_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n he_o consider_v what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o this_o miserable_a life_n say_v the_o sinner_n can_v last_v always_o death_n will_v arrest_v i_o short_o and_o present_v i_o before_o a_o just_a tribunal_n the_o grave_n will_v ever_o ong_z cover_v i_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o conceal_v i_o for_o i_o must_v come_v to_o judgement_n methinks_v i_o hear_v already_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o last_o trump_n let_v the_o dead_a arise_v let_v they_o come_v to_o judgement_n i_o see_v the_o angel_n as_o apparitor_n gather_v all_o the_o world_n together_o and_o present_v they_o before_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a with_o my_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o appear_v upon_o that_o huge_a theatre_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n methinks_v i_o see_v the_o devil_n stand_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n to_o aggravate_v those_o fault_n which_o he_o prompt_v i_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o i_o behold_v the_o book_n open_v and_o all_o the_o debauchery_n extravagancy_n and_o folly_n of_o my_o whole_a life_n lay_v open_a christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o that_o have_v not_o know_v he_o nor_o obey_v his_o gospel_n how_o shall_v i_o endure_v his_o presence_n how_o shall_v i_o escape_v his_o eye_n i_o can_v elude_v his_o judgement_n nor_o evade_v his_o sentence_n come_v then_o you_o rock_n and_o fall_v upon_o i_o and_o you_o mountain_n cover_v i_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o from_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n but_o the_o rock_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o earth_n disclose_v their_o dead_a the_o earth_n dissolve_v the_o heaven_n vanish_v as_o a_o scroll_n and_o i_o hear_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n methinks_v i_o hear_v christ_n jesus_n thus_o upbraid_v i_o you_o have_v listen_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o i_o i_o will_v have_v save_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o i_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o death_n now_o therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v fill_v with_o your_o own_o way_n i_o forewarn_v you_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o your_o course_n but_o you_o will_v have_v your_o full_a swing_n of_o pleasure_n for_o the_o present_a whatever_o come_v of_o it_o hereafter_o you_o laugh_v at_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v come_v in_o earnest_n you_o have_v have_v your_o time_n of_o jollity_n and_o sensual_a transport_n and_o now_o your_o portion_n be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n o_o therefore_o say_v the_o sinner_n that_o i_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v curse_a be_v the_o day_n that_o bring_v i_o forth_o and_o the_o sun_n that_o shine_v upon_o i_o will_v the_o womb_n have_v be_v my_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v never_o see_v the_o light_n thus_o my_o guilty_a conscience_n anticipate_v its_o own_o punishment_n and_o i_o be_o torment_v before_o my_o time_n 4._o but_o be_v there_o no_o hope_n leave_v must_v i_o lie_v down_o thus_o in_o sorrow_n and_o despair_n these_o thing_n i_o may_v just_o expect_v but_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o incumbent_a upon_o i_o i_o be_o yet_o alive_a and_o they_o say_v there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o door_n be_v not_o yet_o shut_v against_o i_o hell_n have_v not_o yet_o close_v her_o mouth_n upon_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v god_n be_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o thereupon_o i_o presume_v hitherto_o and_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n but_o sure_o his_o mercy_n be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o man_n if_o they_o be_v infinite_a like_o himself_o he_o have_v more_o goodness_n than_o i_o have_v ingratitude_n possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o hope_n leave_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o
forty_o night_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o execution_n the_o ninevite_n be_v not_o out_o of_o hope_n but_o that_o if_o repentance_n be_v interpose_v their_o ruin_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o succeed_v according_o with_o they_o for_o as_o they_o believe_v god_n word_n by_o the_o prophet_n expect_v nothing_o but_o sudden_a destruction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v so_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o exorableness_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n upon_o repentance_n apply_v themselves_o serious_o thereto_o and_o be_v preserve_v wherefore_o say_v the_o relent_a sinner_n forasmuch_o as_o although_o i_o know_v not_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n yet_o this_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v set_v limit_n thereto_o but_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o he_o be_v never_o so_o straighten_a but_o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v pitiable_a and_o he_o see_v reason_n of_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o consistent_o with_o his_o justice_n here_o i_o will_v cast_v anchor_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v myself_o a_o object_n of_o mercy_n and_o trust_v upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n miscarry_v in_o this_o bottom_n or_o that_o a_o penitent_a be_v cast_v away_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o god_n will_v have_v save_v man_n but_o they_o will_v not_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o resort_v penitent_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o be_v reject_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o hell_n itself_o can_v furnish_v one_o instance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o can_v upbraid_v god_n goodness_n and_o say_v i_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v everlasting_o pregnant_a of_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o motion_n to_o godward_o be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o never_o any_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n or_o begin_v a_o reformation_n but_o so_o much_o of_o that_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n another_o encouragement_n to_o this_o penitent_a resolution_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n opinion_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o be_v equal_a to_o real_a impotency_n check_v all_o motion_n nip_v all_o endeavour_n in_o the_o very_a bud_n stifle_n and_o lay_v asleep_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o hope_v and_o apprehension_n of_o feasibleness_n spirit_n all_o industry_n actuate_v all_o faculty_n raise_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o great_a action_n in_o the_o world_n some_o dare_a man_n have_v effect_v thing_n beyond_o their_o own_o expectation_n but_o no_o brave_a exploit_n be_v ever_o perform_v by_o such_o as_o despair_v of_o accomplish_v it_o nor_o be_v ever_o any_o force_n defeat_v that_o do_v praelibare_fw-la victoriam_fw-la and_o resolve_v to_o conquer_v when_o once_o a_o conceit_n have_v possess_v the_o midianite_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v conquer_v by_o gideon_n army_n 7._o though_o ground_v only_o upon_o a_o odd_a dream_n of_o a_o brown_a loaf_n tumble_v down_o upon_o their_o tent_n their_o heart_n present_o melt_v in_o they_o their_o spirit_n be_v emasculate_v and_o a_o mighty_a host_n become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o inconsiderable_a number_n which_o gideon_n lead_v against_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v never_o suffer_v israel_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o long_o as_o the_o rumour_n of_o giant_n and_o anakim_v and_o wall_v city_n run_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v that_o good_a land_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o sinner_n think_v either_o his_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v i._n e._n either_o despair_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v utter_o lose_v indeed_o that_o therefore_o which_o put_v he_o forward_o upon_o resolution_n be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o the_o return_v prodigal_n say_v it_o be_v true_a i_o find_v i_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n from_o my_o father_n house_n and_o weary_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o wander_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o i_o may_v reach_v home_o again_o and_o i_o say_v the_o sinner_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o my_o own_o undo_n have_v indulge_v my_o passion_n and_o dethrone_v my_o reason_n enslave_v my_o will_n weaken_v all_o my_o power_n and_o harden_v my_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o long_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a job_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o tree_n if_o it_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o will_v sprout_v again_o and_o that_o the_o tender_a branch_n thereof_o will_v not_o cease_v though_o the_o root_n thereof_o wax_v old_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o stock_n thereof_o die_v in_o the_o ground_n yet_o through_o the_o scent_n of_o water_n it_o will_v bud_v and_o bring_v forth_o bough_n like_o a_o plant_n job_n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o though_o i_o have_v weaken_v my_o power_n yet_o i_o be_o a_o man_n still_o though_o i_o have_v destroy_v myself_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v tul_o be_v report_v to_o have_v affirm_v repentance_n to_o be_v impossible_a lose_v namely_o for_o a_o man_n to_o retrieve_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n contrary_a to_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a so_o to_o do_v as_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intimate_v inveterate_a custom_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o nature_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o find_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v exuere_fw-la hominem_fw-la shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n facilis_fw-la descensus_fw-la averni_fw-la sed_fw-la revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o old_a sinner_n be_v call_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n notwithstanding_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o rich_a man_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n add_v with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v and_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v awaken_v those_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n conscience_n be_v not_o so_o callous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v soft_a and_o sensible_a again_o the_o will_n and_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v pervert_v yet_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v exert_v themselves_o in_o a_o new_a strain_n oppose_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a habit_n as_o custom_n bear_v down_o and_o overgrew_n nature_n former_o so_o new_a custom_n may_v supplant_v the_o old_a one_o and_o make_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o well-known_a story_n that_o when_o zopyrus_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o skill_n of_o read_v man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o countenance_n have_v pronounce_v of_o socrates_n that_o he_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o intemperate_a man_n the_o company_n who_o know_v well_o the_o remarkable_a virtue_n of_o socrates_n laugh_v the_o cunning_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n till_o socrates_n relieve_v he_o say_v that_o indeed_o his_o inclination_n be_v natural_o such_o as_o zopyrus_n have_v pronounce_v but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o the_o culture_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o have_v alter_v he_o to_o what_o he_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o contain_v both_o more_o excellent_a institution_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o all_o philosophy_n and_o more_o effectual_a method_n of_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n so_o in_o the_o history_n thereof_o they_o afford_v we_o the_o
he_o observe_v the_o most_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a essay_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o when_o christ_n be_v beginning_n to_o be_v form_v in_o man_n i_o see_v thou_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o nathanael_n s._n joh._n 1._o 48._o when_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o figtree_n when_o thou_o be_v reason_v about_o i_o whether_o i_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o i_o be_v privy_a to_o that_o conflict_n of_o thy_o thought_n between_o the_o report_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o i_o and_o the_o prejudicate_a opinion_n concern_v the_o suppose_a place_n of_o my_o nativity_n i_o be_v not_o so_o much_o offend_v with_o thy_o objection_n as_o please_v with_o thy_o sincerity_n in_o that_o thou_o do_v diligent_o inquire_v honest_o debate_n and_o proceed_v to_o resolution_n upon_o rational_a satisfaction_n most_o apposite_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 31._o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n sure_o after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v and_o after_o that_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o passionate_o describe_v the_o first_o kindle_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o than_o introduce_v god_n take_v notice_n and_o express_v his_o compassion_n in_o the_o next_o word_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o afford_v mighty_a encouragement_n to_o sinner_n to_o begin_v their_o motion_n to_o god-ward_o who_o will_v not_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o way_n when_o the_o first_o attempt_n of_o return_v shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o if_o a_o man_n do_v but_o consider_v if_o he_o do_v but_o pray_v if_o but_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o god_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a eye_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o lose_v labour_n nay_o say_v our_o saviour_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n and_o if_o such_o mean_a performance_n pass_v not_o unrewarded_a much_o less_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o good_a escape_n god_n notice_n and_o observation_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n of_o caution_n and_o that_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o discourage_v any_o though_o never_o so_o small_a hope_n of_o good_a and_o budding_n of_o reformation_n in_o other_o for_o see_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o beginning_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o that_o obstruct_v they_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a severe_o to_o resent_v it_o let_v therefore_o those_o that_o scoff_n at_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o preciseness_n at_o seriousness_n and_o self-reflection_n as_o melancholy_a degeneracy_n of_o spirit_n that_o either_o press_v man_n forward_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o divert_v or_o stifle_v all_o work_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o sensual_a entertainment_n or_o treat_v those_o with_o contumely_n who_o boggle_v at_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o and_o reform_v let_v all_o such_o i_o say_v consider_v well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o god_n eye_n be_v upon_o such_o begining_n of_o good_a lest_o they_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o let_v all_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o goodness_n themselves_o or_o but_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n think_v it_o become_v they_o to_o encourage_v such_o beginning_n to_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v such_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o take_v liberty_n to_o apply_v a_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 65._o vers_fw-la 8._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o new_a wine_n be_v find_v in_o the_o cluster_n and_o one_o say_v destroy_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n in_o it_o q._n d._n the_o wise_a master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n especial_o in_o a_o unfruitful_a time_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o those_o few_o grape_n in_o a_o cluster_n that_o have_v good_a juice_n in_o they_o and_o will_v neither_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v careless_o crush_v with_o the_o hand_n nor_o cast_v away_o among_o refuse_v so_o will_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v by_o his_o vineyard_n the_o house_n of_o israel_n he_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o few_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o bad_a generation_n and_o not_o destroy_v all_o together_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o first_o essay_n of_o emergency_n from_o former_a vice_n and_o wickedness_n but_o thus_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o parallel_n §_o iii_o 2._o the_o father_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v his_o son_n have_v compassion_n so_o have_v god_n to_o mankind_n especial_o when_o he_o see_v they_o on_o their_o way_n homeward_o he_o have_v always_o good_a will_n towards_o they_o as_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n design_v for_o his_o service_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n have_v a_o propension_n to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o so_o long_o as_o any_o man_n continue_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o all_o the_o issue_n and_o expression_n of_o this_o good_a will_n be_v obstruct_v which_o nevertheless_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o come_v to_o himself_o break_v out_o again_o and_o discover_v themselves_o for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o like_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 103._o 13._o not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o imagine_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a passion_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o feel_v any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o concern_n for_o mankind_n for_o that_o the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o his_o self-sufficiency_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o but_o he_o be_v please_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o represent_v himself_o after_o that_o manner_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_n and_o to_o endeavour_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a spectator_n of_o the_o conflict_n and_o agony_n of_o a_o penitent_a but_o have_v a_o real_a inclination_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v he_o perish_v to_o this_o purpose_n ezek._n 33._o 11._o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n what_o great_a passion_n can_v any_o father_n express_v towards_o his_o belove_a son_n than_o god_n here_o condescend_v to_o and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v god_n give_v of_o his_o earnestness_n and_o reality_n then_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n by_o himself_o while_o man_n be_v at_o the_o worst_a the_o divine_a goodness_n find_v out_o some_o argument_n of_o pity_n for_o he_o consider_v he_o make_v they_o fallible_a creature_n that_o he_o give_v they_o not_o the_o bright_a and_o pierce_a intellect_n of_o angel_n he_o join_v matter_n and_o spirit_n together_o in_o their_o composition_n by_o mean_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a contest_v between_o sense_n and_o reason_n a_o constant_a dispute_n betwixt_o bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la and_o jucundum_fw-la that_o their_o transgression_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o devil_n who_o sin_v proprio_fw-la motu_fw-la without_o a_o tempter_n he_o know_v the_o power_n of_o example_n the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n the_o long_a folly_n of_o childhood_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o be_v not_o implacable_a towards_o mankind_n while_o the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o this_o world_n last_v but_o when_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o any_o man_n begin_v to_o
such_o person_n be_v in_o and_o partly_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o such_o a_o entertainment_n will_v compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o upon_o this_o account_n god_n propound_v not_o only_o pardon_v of_o sin_n but_o all_o the_o forementioned_a inestimable_a benefit_n to_o repent_v sinner_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o just_a man_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v neither_o such_o need_n of_o man_n service_n as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o resort_v to_o these_o great_a inducement_n and_o it_o be_v also_o very_o true_a that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o those_o that_o make_v up_o the_o choir_n in_o glory_n who_o upon_o such_o motive_n be_v convert_v from_o extreme_a debauchery_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o graciousness_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o he_o carry_v the_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o stick_v not_o at_o this_o price_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o any_o one_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o as_o we_o note_v from_o the_o historian_n former_o difficile_fw-la est_fw-la in_o tot_fw-la humanis_fw-la erroribus_fw-la solâ_fw-la innocentiâ_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o though_o no_o good_a subject_n will_v voluntary_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o displeasure_n of_o the_o prince_n yet_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o inoffensive_a person_n that_o be_v most_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o integrity_n will_v desire_v to_o live_v under_o such_o a_o government_n where_o there_o be_v room_n for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n if_o he_o shall_v offend_v and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o slipperiness_n of_o their_o station_n as_o well_o as_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n that_o they_o be_v marvellous_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v by_o this_o admirable_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a both_o to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o preserve_v good_a man_n from_o apostasy_n we_o shall_v find_v upon_o due_a consideration_n that_o fear_n let_v it_o be_v of_o what_o object_n it_o will_v be_v neither_o so_o last_a a_o principle_n nor_o so_o potent_a and_o effective_a a_o motive_n as_o hope_v for_o this_o last_o raise_v generosity_n inflame_v the_o mind_n spirit_n all_o the_o power_n despise_v or_o glory_n in_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o all_o wise_a man_n employ_v this_o engine_n especial_o in_o all_o great_a erterprise_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n hope_n great_a than_o their_o fear_n and_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o those_o they_o employ_v may_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a by_o success_n in_o their_o attempt_n as_o shall_v outweigh_v all_o their_o apprehension_n of_o difficulty_n or_o danger_n in_o the_o achievement_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a if_o we_o observe_v in_o that_o famous_a encounter_n of_o david_n with_o goliath_n the_o giant_n of_o gath_n that_o although_o there_o be_v doubtless_o some_o extraordinary_a impulse_n upon_o david_n heart_n to_o undertake_v that_o business_n etc._n yet_o the_o holy_a text_n intimate_v that_o he_o listen_v to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v inflame_v by_o the_o general_a assurance_n be_v give_v he_o of_o a_o mighty_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v effect_v it_o since_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a hope_n be_v so_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o present_a allurement_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v the_o charm_n of_o sense_n which_o habituate_v sinner_n be_v bind_v in_o but_o also_o to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v even_o good_a man_n themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o a_o generous_a course_n of_o virtue_n the_o divine_a majesty_n consider_v he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n and_o resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o agreeable_o to_o their_o nature_n think_v it_o as_o well_o become_v his_o wisdom_n as_o his_o goodness_n not_o only_o to_o proclaim_v impunity_n to_o his_o rebel_n upon_o their_o submission_n but_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o high_a favour_n and_o preferment_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n 2._o second_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o consequent_o the_o wonderful_a rarity_n of_o example_n of_o great_a sinner_n recover_v to_o sincere_a piety_n make_v such_o happy_a accident_n deserve_v to_o be_v solemnize_v with_o the_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_n st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n make_v a_o oration_n in_o commemoration_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o well_o report_v his_o flagitious_a life_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n as_o his_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o piety_n afterward_o and_o make_v the_o former_a a_o shadow_n to_o heighten_v and_o set_v off_o the_o latter_a 18._o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n to_o maintain_v the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o attain_v to_o it_o as_o to_o begin_v a_o whole_a new_a course_n of_o piety_n for_o now_o the_o one_o be_v but_o to_o be_v like_o a_o man_n self_n and_o to_o pursue_v a_o custom_n or_o habit_n but_o the_o other_o require_v a_o virtuous_a choice_n and_o a_o manly_a resolution_n able_a to_o bear_v down_o former_a habit_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v but_o few_o example_n of_o the_o one_o but_o many_o of_o the_o other_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o be_v early_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o easiness_n of_o do_v good_a which_o be_v consequent_a of_o custom_n a_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v under_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a fate_n a_o peculiar_a predestination_n to_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o than_o that_o good_a providence_n of_o he_o which_o take_v hold_v of_o our_o tender_a year_n and_o form_n they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n for_o hereby_o sin_n be_v make_v dreadful_a to_o our_o conscience_n and_o upon_o the_o matter_n virtue_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o vice_n and_o the_o narrow_a way_n to_o heaven_n as_o ready_a to_o our_o foot_n as_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o destruction_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la to_o reduce_v a_o old_a dislocation_n be_v very_o painful_a to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n to_o change_v custom_n to_o cast_v out_o satan_n out_o of_o his_o old_a possession_n must_v be_v very_o difficult_a and_o require_v a_o very_a brave_a and_o generous_a resolution_n and_o although_o to_o omnipotent_a power_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a yet_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n not_o only_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o also_o proceed_v ordinary_o by_o the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o do_v not_o supersede_n their_o activity_n but_o assist_v they_o proportionable_o to_o their_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o notwithstanding_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o recover_v a_o old_a and_o deplore_a sinner_n in_o who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enfeeble_v the_o sense_n of_o conscience_n stupefy_v and_o the_o very_a synteresis_fw-la and_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v corrupt_v and_o consequent_o a_o through_o reformation_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v like_a to_o life_n from_o the_o grave_n and_o must_v needs_o draw_v after_o it_o not_o only_o the_o eye_n and_o admiration_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o vexation_n of_o hell_n and_o make_v the_o devil_n rage_n as_o disappoint_v of_o the_o prey_n he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o but_o especial_o must_v produce_v joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n it_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o surprisal_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o foreknow_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v as_o far_o from_o admiration_n as_o from_o mutability_n of_o passion_n both_o which_o proceed_v from_o shortness_n of_o understanding_n nor_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o in_o glory_n for_o we_o see_v that_o whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o know_v when_o vertue-proceeded_n from_o he_o to_o cure_v the_o woman_n of_o her_o inveterate_a distemper_n but_o whereas_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v some_o passionate_a expression_n of_o their_o resentment_n of_o every_o new_a and_o admirable_a event_n god_n think_v fit_a also_o in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a recovery_n as_o this_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o to_o set_v up_o a_o monument_n crown_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o aforesaid_a difficulty_n with_o immortal_a glory_n