1_o cor._n 15._o ult_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n this_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v unto_o we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n iu._n psal._n lxxvi_o 10._o sure_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v praise_v thou_o the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n shall_v thou_o restrain_v this_o psalm_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v a_o psalm_n of_o thanksgiving_n a_o song_n compose_v to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n of_o some_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a deliverance_n but_o what_o this_o deliverance_n be_v be_v not_o so_o well_o agree_v on_o by_o interpreter_n some_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v a_o psalm_n of_o david_n pen_v to_o commemorate_v those_o victory_n he_o obtain_v over_o the_o philistine_n the_o moabite_n and_o the_o syrian_n other_o will_v have_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o discomfiture_n of_o that_o formidable_a army_n which_o be_v bring_v up_o by_o the_o ethiopian_n in_o the_o day_n of_o asa_n but_o most_o understand_v it_o of_o that_o remarkable_a defeat_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o sennacherib_n army_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o hezekiah_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o lxx_o inscribe_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latin_a canticum_fw-la ad_fw-la assyrian_a that_o be_v a_o ode_n or_o song_n make_v upon_o the_o assyrian_n and_o this_o interpretation_n will_v receive_v further_a light_n from_o those_o word_n of_o vers_fw-la 5._o the_o stouthearted_a be_v spoil_v they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o none_o of_o the_o man_n of_o may_v have_v find_v their_o hand_n the_o assyrian_a be_v now_o a_o universal_a monarch_n his_o soldier_n be_v repute_v the_o stout_a heart_a in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v their_o valour_n renown_v by_o their_o innumerable_a conquest_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o when_o they_o bring_v a_o formidable_a army_n against_o jerusalem_n their_o number_n and_o their_o strength_n do_v signify_v nothing_o for_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v forth_o and_o in_o one_o night_n slay_v 185000_o man_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n 2_o king_n 19_o 35._o they_o indeed_o sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o hezekiahs_n weakness_n make_v they_o secure_a but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o security_n god_n smite_v they_o in_o the_o nighttime_n by_o his_o angel_n so_o that_o the_o mighty_a man_n of_o valour_n sleep_v indeed_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sleep_n of_o death_n for_o they_o never_o awake_v again_o never_o find_v their_o hand_n hence_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 32._o 21._o that_o the_o captain_n the_o leader_n and_o all_o the_o mighty_a man_n of_o valour_n be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n thus_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v be_v blaspheme_v by_o the_o assyrian_n vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n by_o this_o wonderful_a overthrow_n and_o his_o servant_n hezekiah_n who_o be_v deliver_v become_v famous_a and_o renown_a among_o the_o nation_n hence_o we_o read_v 2_o chron._n 32._o 23._o that_o many_o bring_v gift_n unto_o the_o lord_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o present_v to_o hezekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n so_o that_o he_o be_v magnify_v in_o the_o fight_n of_o all_o nation_n from_o thenceforth_o thus_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n do_v praise_v the_o lord_n the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n he_o do_v restrain_v before_o i_o can_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n such_o observation_n as_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o day_n will_v require_v i_o must_v bestow_v some_o little_a explication_n on_o they_o first_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v chamath_n and_o proper_o signify_v rage_n though_o anger_n wrath_n and_o rage_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n use_v promiscuous_o yet_o sometime_o they_o be_v distinguish_v and_o indeed_o a_o real_a difference_n may_v be_v find_v between_o they_o for_o anger_n be_v the_o boil_a of_o the_o blood_n about_o the_o heart_n a_o fever_n dart_v into_o the_o vein_n which_o cause_v a_o violent_a commotion_n in_o the_o spirit_n wrath_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o this_o inward_a distemper_n by_o look_n or_o gesture_n or_o action_n tend_v to_o revenge_n but_o rage_n be_v the_o height_n or_o extremity_n of_o both_o the_o former_a it_o cause_v the_o heart_n to_o study_v destruction_n to_o mediate_v and_o contrive_v the_o utmost_a of_o mischief_n and_o villainy_n and_o the_o outward_a man_n to_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n of_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o malice_n and_o height_n of_o fury_n one_o will_v think_v this_o one_o word_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v that_o helish_a malice_n which_o the_o wicked_a bear_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v chamath_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o verse_n be_v chemoth_n in_o the_o close_a what_o be_v put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n be_v afterward_o put_v in_o the_o plural_a for_o so_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v render_v the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v praise_v the_o lord_n the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n or_o rage_n shall_v thou_o restrain_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v not_o small_a their_o fury_n do_v not_o terminate_v in_o one_o plot_n but_o it_o be_v exceed_o great_a ever_o work_v and_o multiply_v by_o continuance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o design_n so_o barbarous_a any_o conspiracy_n so_o bloody_a or_o deulish_a which_o their_o rage_n will_v not_o put_v they_o upon_o if_o one_o plot_n fail_v they_o be_v ready_a for_o another_o and_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n they_o never_o rest_v but_o be_v still_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n well_o than_o may_v the_o psalmist_n call_v they_o rage_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n they_o be_v as_o gad_n a_o troop_n or_o if_o you_o please_v you_o may_v call_v their_o name_n legion_n they_o be_v so_o many_o but_o second_o it_o be_v call_v the_o wrath_n of_o man_n in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o wrath_n of_o adam_n this_o livery_n can_v fit_v the_o shoulder_n of_o none_o but_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n one_o that_o be_v descend_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o ingraft_v into_o the_o second_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o comfort_n that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o all_o this_o rage_n we_o may_v be_v safe_a it_o seem_v so_o long_o as_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v on_o our_o side_n he_o can_v restrain_v all_o this_o wrath_n he_o can_v make_v it_o turn_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o lxx_o be_v very_o ingenious_a upon_o the_o last_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o what_o we_o translate_v the_o remainder_n of_o wrath_n shall_v thou_o restrain_v they_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o rage_n of_o man_n shall_v keep_v holiday_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v his_o people_n opportunity_n to_o laud_n and_o magnify_v his_o glorious_a name_n by_o this_o you_o can_v but_o understand_v how_o well_o the_o text_n and_o the_o day_n will_v agree_v we_o shall_v in_o the_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o text_n find_v anger_n and_o wrath_n and_o rage_n yea_o rage_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o though_o our_o adversary_n call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a catholic_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o their_o anger_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v fierce_a and_o curse_a their_o wrath_n and_o rage_n cruel_a such_o as_o the_o psalmist_n here_o call_v the_o wrath_n the_o rage_n of_o adam_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o regenerate_v or_o graft_v into_o the_o new_a stock_n their_o plot_n have_v be_v many_o their_o conspiracy_n black_a and_o bloody_a but_o thanks_o be_v to_o heaven_n we_o have_v find_v our_o enemy_n to_o be_v but_o man_n though_o cruel_a and_o wicked_a to_o the_o height_n we_o have_v have_v the_o experience_n of_o god_n power_n and_o goodness_n overrule_a and_o restrain_v their_o wrath_n and_o fury_n so_o that_o if_o our_o gratitude_n have_v keep_v pace_n with_o our_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v more_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o our_o calendar_n than_o now_o we_o have_v but_o to_o help_v we_o a_o little_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o this_o solemn_a day_n call_v aloud_o for_o i_o shall_v observe_v from_o the_o word_n three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o wicked_a against_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v very_o great_a second_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n wonderful_o do_v over-rule_v the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o wicked_a men._n and_o three_o the_o end_n that_o god_n have_v in_o these_o
bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o thus_o great_a be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o it_o be_v the_o more_o heinous_a and_o damnable_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n have_v more_o of_o wilfulness_n in_o they_o and_o argue_v great_a contempt_n of_o god_n hence_o such_o sinner_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o reproach_v the_o lord_n numb_a 15._o 30._o yea_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o light_n job_n 24._o 13._o since_o therefore_o christian_n sin_n against_o great_a light_n they_o must_v expect_v severe_a punishment_n fer_n he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n 3._o another_o reason_n why_o christian_n must_v expect_v the_o severe_a punishment_n if_o they_o neglect_v this_o great_a salvation_n be_v because_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o salvation_n be_v now_o more_o plentiful_a than_o they_o be_v before_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1._o 17._o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o fullness_n say_v he_o verse_n 16._o we_o all_o have_v receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n or_o grace_n upon_o grace_n to_o denote_v the_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o it_o the_o law_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o show_v man_n his_o duty_n but_o the_o gospel_n afford_v he_o grace_n to_o perform_v it_o hence_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o letter_n kill_v but_o the_o spirit_n give_v life_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 6._o the_o law_n be_v here_o call_v the_o letter_n and_o be_v say_v to_o kill_v because_o it_o show_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o but_o give_v no_o grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o but_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n do_v by_o his_o internal_a operation_n accompany_v the_o outward_a ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o give_v we_o life_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o grace_n the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o great_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v neglect_v these_o mean_n of_o grace_n our_o condemnation_n as_o it_o will_v be_v more_o just_a so_o it_o will_v be_v more_o heavy_a too_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o our_o saviour_n threaten_a chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n mat._n 11._o 21_o 22._o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o thus_o christian_n as_o they_o enjoy_v more_o plentiful_a mean_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o so_o if_o all_o these_o be_v lose_v upon_o they_o they_o must_v expect_v the_o severe_a punishment_n three_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v you_o that_o minister_n may_v very_o well_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v mighty_a earnest_n and_o passionate_a in_o their_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n see_v how_o earnest_a and_o passionate_a st._n paul_n be_v in_o the_o text_n with_o what_o vehemency_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n do_v he_o cry_v out_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n st._n paul_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a orator_n in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o never_o think_v his_o oratory_n better_o employ_v than_o in_o the_o win_a soul_n to_o christ._n hence_o we_o find_v he_o in_o the_o act_n preach_v with_o such_o zeal_n and_o eloquence_n that_o the_o man_n of_o lycaonia_n fancy_v mercury_n their_o god_n of_o eloquence_n be_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n be_v thus_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n and_o promote_a the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n so_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o he_o charge_v minister_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_v and_o exhort_v with_o all_o long_o suffer_v and_o in_o truth_n what_o zeal_n what_o vehemency_n can_v be_v think_v too_o much_o for_o the_o pulpit_n indeed_o the_o heathen_a of_o old_a say_v well_o stultus_fw-la labour_n ineptiarum_fw-la it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n say_v he_o to_o make_v a_o noise_n about_o trifle_n but_o sure_a life_n and_o death_n heaven_n and_o hell_n these_o be_v no_o trifle_n man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v the_o worth_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o salvation_n christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n of_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v angry_a at_o the_o seriousness_n of_o their_o exhortation_n or_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o reproof_n but_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o hell_n shall_v be_v hang_v with_o such_o rich_a furniture_n as_o the_o precious_a soul_n of_o man_n and_o who_o will_v not_o employ_v their_o utmost_a zeal_n to_o save_v such_o wicked_a sinner_n as_o be_v ready_a every_o moment_n to_o drop_v into_o hell_n fire_n let_v i_o therefore_o with_o all_o seriousness_n entreat_v you_o to_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v as_o you_o love_v your_o own_o immortal_a soul_n and_o value_v that_o infinite_a price_n which_o christ_n have_v pay_v for_o they_o as_o you_o dread_v the_o everlasting_a burn_n of_o the_o infernal_a tophet_n and_o earnest_o desire_v the_o endless_a joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v persuade_v to_o break_v off_o your_o league_n with_o sin_n and_o make_v your_o peace_n with_o almighty_a god_n that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v your_o bless_a saviour_n may_v see_v the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o may_v then_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o bestow_v on_o you_o as_o he_o be_v to_o purchase_v for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v at_o last_o obtain_v this_o great_a salvation_n which_o god_n grant_v unto_o we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n in_o newcastle_n upon_o tine_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o k._n james_n ii_o ephes._n two_o 19_o 20._o vers_fw-la now_o therefore_o you_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n vers._n 20._o and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n st_n paul_n have_v plant_v the_o gospel_n among_o the_o ephesian_n labour_n in_o this_o most_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o same_o by_o sundry_a argument_n some_o of_o these_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o wretched_a condition_n they_o be_v in_o before_o and_o some_o from_o the_o excellency_n and_o blessedness_n of_o their_o present_a state_n their_o former_a condition_n be_v display_v in_o all_o its_o colour_n ver_fw-la 12._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v then_o without_o christ_n they_o be_v then_o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o seem_v such_o as_o be_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o god_n anger_n in_o this_o world_n and_o must_v hereafter_o be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a burn_n in_o the_o next_o but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o lamentable_a condition_n of_o these_o ephesian_n before_o their_o conversion_n yet_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v make_v a_o happy_a change_n for_o they_o be_v now_o no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v now_o deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o have_v a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o all_o these_o glorious_a privilege_n which_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o bless_a citizen_n of_o heaven_n do_v actual_o possess_v and_o what_o be_v it_o which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o all_o this_o happiness_n if_o you_o please_v to_o look_v a_o little_a far_o into_o the_o text_n you_o will_v find_v it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n for_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n which_o
2_o we_o shall_v find_v yet_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v serious_o that_o great_a power_n he_o exercise_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o true_a say_v of_o seneca_n if_o understand_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n in_o corpore_fw-la exercentur_fw-la supplicia_fw-la animus_n ipse_fw-la sacer_fw-la &_o aeternus_fw-la est_fw-la cui_fw-la nequeat_fw-la injici_fw-la manus_fw-la the_o sword_n of_o justice_n which_o earthly_a potentate_n carry_v before_o they_o as_o the_o ensign_n of_o their_o power_n can_v only_o hurt_v the_o shell_n of_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o great_a tyrant_n be_v honour_v in_o scripture_n with_o no_o high_a title_n than_o those_o of_o master_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n be_v far_o enough_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o power_n the_o conscience_n be_v secure_a from_o their_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o god_n as_o by_o his_o omniscience_n to_o know_v the_o most_o inward_a thought_n so_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n to_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v they_o when_o the_o almighty_a please_v he_o break_v into_o the_o solitary_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o lodge_v his_o revenge_a fury_n in_o the_o inner_a man._n and_o now_o can_v we_o set_v a_o casement_n upon_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o orestes_n or_o some_o despair_a sinner_n and_o there_o see_v those_o ictus_fw-la and_o laniatus_fw-la those_o gnawing_n of_o the_o worm_n which_o prey_n upon_o all_o the_o vital_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o shall_v easy_o grant_v with_o tertullian_n that_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n be_v praejudicium_fw-la judicii_fw-la the_o antedate_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n we_o may_v then_o see_v hell_n seize_v the_o wretched_a sinner_n here_o upon_o earth_n at_o least_o inflict_v some_o part_n of_o its_o torment_n on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a such_o a_o dreadful_a monument_n of_o vengeance_n be_v curse_v cain_n no_o soon_o do_v he_o kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n but_o he_o become_v a_o wretched_a vagabond_n he_o tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o every_o beast_n say_v josephus_n and_o be_v force_v to_o bear_v such_o incredible_a torment_n as_o he_o himself_o confess_v be_v great_a than_o he_o can_v bear_v it_o be_v sad_a enough_o for_o the_o sinner_n to_o have_v god_n almighty_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o he_o but_o his_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v sad_a when_o he_o become_v a_o traitor_n to_o himself_o nay_o more_o his_o own_o tormentor_n so_o much_o of_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o that_o say_v of_o seneca_n nemini_fw-la gravius_fw-la imprecari_fw-la potes_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la seipsum_fw-la habeat_fw-la iratum_fw-la thou_o can_v not_o say_v he_o lay_v a_o heavy_a curse_n or_o imprecation_n upon_o any_o person_n than_o to_o wish_v he_o angry_a or_o at_o enmity_n with_o himself_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v we_o will_v join_v with_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o text_n and_o say_v thou_o even_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o thou_o be_v angry_a fearful_a we_o be_v to_o offend_v a_o earthly_a king_n how_o careful_a of_o our_o word_n and_o behaviour_n lest_o by_o treason_n or_o any_o misdemeanour_n we_o fall_v under_o his_o displeasure_n but_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v gibbet_n rack_n or_o the_o most_o ingenious_a torment_n they_o can_v invent_v to_o the_o sullen_a lash_n and_o silent_a gird_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n let_v solomon_n if_o you_o please_v determine_v this_o matter_n prov._n 18._o 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n say_v he_o can_v bear_v all_o his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v how_o many_o noble_a martyr_n have_v sing_v and_o dance_v amid_o the_o devour_a flame_n but_o what_o judas_n what_o spira_n what_o dare_v sinner_n be_v ever_o yet_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o sting_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v wound_v our_o spirit_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o ineffable_a torment_n of_o black_a despair_n but_o three_o we_o shall_v find_v yet_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o most_o exquisite_a and_o eternal_a punishment_n he_o be_v able_a to_o inflict_v both_o on_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o sinner_n in_o the_o lake_n below_o if_o the_o bold_a sinner_n have_v but_o courage_n enough_o to_o look_v beyond_o the_o grave_a he_o will_v find_v prepare_v for_o he_o the_o eternal_a tophet_n such_o a_o dreadful_a place_n of_o torment_n as_o be_v most_o tragical_o describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 30._o 33._o tophet_n be_v prepare_v of_o old_a say_v he_o the_o pile_n thereof_o be_v fire_n and_o much_o wood_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o the_o lord_n like_o a_o stream_n of_o brimstone_n do_v kindle_v it_o continual_o see_v how_o each_o word_n be_v arm_v with_o thunder_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v fire_n in_o this_o eternal_a tophet_n yea_o there_o be_v a_o great_a pile_n of_o fire_n now_o how_o dreadful_a how_o terrible_a be_v fire_n which_o the_o persian_n of_o old_a be_v wont_a to_o call_v immanissima_fw-la bellua_fw-la a_o most_o fierce_a and_o devour_a monster_n and_o yet_o this_o fire_n of_o tophet_n be_v no_o ordinary_a fire_n it_o be_v no_o such_o material_a fire_n as_o we_o have_v in_o our_o chimney_n for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v original_o prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n now_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v spiritual_a being_n can_v be_v torment_v by_o any_o material_a or_o corporeal_a fire_n the_o fire_n therefore_o of_o tophet_n must_v be_v some_o strange_a metaphorical_a fire_n such_o as_o the_o fire_n we_o use_v be_v only_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o cold_a and_o faint_a emblem_n of_o it_o and_o we_o will_v the_o rather_o believe_v this_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v kindle_v by_o the_o breath_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o fiery_a furnace_n of_o babylon_n be_v dreadful_a enough_o though_o kindle_v only_o by_o the_o finite_a power_n of_o a_o earthly_a king_n how_o dreadful_a then_o must_v the_o furnace_n of_o hell_n be_v which_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o torment_n infinite_a wisdom_n can_v invent_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o torment_v dreadful_a remember_v that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n we_o know_v these_o infernal_a fiend_n be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a and_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o heaven_n such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o at_o first_o endeavour_n to_o dethrone_v their_o almighty_a creator_n but_o have_v ever_o since_o employ_v all_o their_o malice_n and_o subilty_a to_o affront_v god_n and_o draw_v mankind_n into_o a_o conspiracy_n against_o he_o sure_o then_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v at_o first_o prepare_v for_o these_o inveterate_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o heaven_n can_v possible_o want_v any_o ingredient_n of_o torture_n either_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v invent_v or_o infinite_a power_n inflict_v and_o yet_o such_o devour_a flame_n as_o these_o be_v not_o only_o prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o likewise_o for_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n than_o will_v it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o fearful_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o eternity_n of_o all_o these_o torment_n for_o in_o hell_n the_o worm_n never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n shall_v never_o be_v quench_v when_o the_o sinner_n have_v lie_v in_o hell_n as_o many_o million_o of_o age_n as_o there_o be_v star_n in_o heaven_n or_o sands_n on_o the_o seashore_n he_o will_v be_v no_o near_o a_o end_n of_o his_o torment_n than_o he_o be_v the_o first_o moment_n he_o enter_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n who_o then_o will_v not_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o may_v stand_v in_o his_o sight_n when_o once_o he_o be_v angry_a but_o it_o seem_v our_o psalmist_n meet_v with_o some_o in_o his_o day_n who_o have_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n who_o do_v set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o almighty_a and_o be_v there_o not_o still_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o discover_v little_a or_o no_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o heaven_n by_o their_o drunken_a vomit_n who_o profane_a his_o tremendous_a name_n by_o oath_n and_o blasphemy_n deride_v his_o ordinance_n and_o break_v his_o holy_a law_n by_o their_o notorious_a debauchery_n but_o sure_a these_o man_n have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n than_o
come_v now_o four_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o reason_n and_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o one_a our_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n will_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o preserve_v that_o save_a growth_n in_o grace_n the_o pious_a christian_a have_v already_o attain_v to_o there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n can_v total_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n according_a to_o these_o man_n sentiment_n he_o that_o be_v once_o sincere_o righteous_a will_v infallible_o hold_v on_o and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n now_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a this_o exhortation_n will_v be_v vain_a but_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n hear_v what_o st._n peter_n say_v chap._n 1._o of_o this_o epistle_n vers_fw-la 10._o give_v all_o diligence_n say_v he_o to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v you_o see_v he_o put_v a_o if_o in_o the_o case_n such_o as_o fair_o imply_v that_o we_o may_v neglect_v our_o duty_n and_o fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o necessary_a caution_n rom._n 11._o 20._o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o a_o full_a confutation_n of_o this_o dangerous_a opinion_n we_o can_v desire_v than_o what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 18._o 24._o when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n no_o all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v thus_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n may_v fall_v away_o from_o that_o save_a state_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v attain_v to_o and_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o secure_v his_o steadfastness_n than_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n our_o apostle_n it_o seem_v think_v so_o for_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n give_v this_o necessary_a caution_n beware_v brethren_n lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n he_o present_o subjoin_v in_o the_o text_n as_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o fall_v but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a growth_n that_o it_o be_v in_o natural_n for_o as_o a_o man_n by_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o natural_a action_n preserve_v his_o natural_a life_n so_o the_o christian_a by_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n preserve_v his_o spiritual_a life_n the_o musician_n screw_v up_o his_o peg_n to_o a_o high_a pitch_n that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o fall_v low_o than_o the_o true_a note_n even_o so_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n we_o aspire_v to_o the_o less_o danger_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o of_o fall_v low_o than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o this_o certain_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o continue_v these_o our_o serious_a endeavour_n 2_o these_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o a_o further_a growth_n in_o grace_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n will_v give_v the_o pious_a christian_a a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o heaven_n whilst_o we_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n this_o be_v that_o hide_a manna_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n which_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o delight_n now_o nothing_o beside_o a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n can_v be_v more_o likely_a to_o create_v this_o full_a assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o these_o heroic_a attainment_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grace_n be_v that_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v mark_v and_o seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o certain_o the_o bright_a and_o more_o evident_a that_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a will_v it_o be_v to_o our_o own_o self_n and_o the_o full_a our_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n many_o good_a christian_n be_v in_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o yet_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o comfortable_a by_o reason_n of_o those_o fear_n and_o doubt_n which_o do_v often_o accompany_v these_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o more_o we_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_o our_o grace_n shine_n the_o more_o comfortable_a will_v our_o assurance_n be_v and_o the_o clear_a our_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n read_v st._n paul_n 11_o chap._n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o he_o set_v down_o a_o large_a calendar_n of_o god_n eminent_a saint_n such_o as_o advance_v into_o the_o high_a form_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o you_o will_v find_v their_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o be_v their_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o their_o assurance_n of_o heaven_n bear_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o their_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n for_o st._n paul_n describe_v their_o faith_n ver_fw-la 1._o call_v it_o the_o substance_n or_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 3_o these_o serious_a endeavour_n after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o will_v secure_v our_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o present_a so_o they_o will_v hereafter_o advance_v we_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n we_o know_v there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n even_o as_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o say_v st._n paul_n shall_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a as_o st._n austin_n speak_v splendour_n dispar_fw-la caelum_fw-la common_a the_o saint_n shall_v dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o heaven_n but_o yet_o like_a star_n they_o shall_v shine_v with_o different_a ray_n of_o glory_n now_o these_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n will_v be_v confer_v on_o such_o who_o arrive_v at_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n hence_o when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n john_n 14._o 2._o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n tertullian_n remark_n thus_o upon_o the_o place_n quomodo_fw-la multae_fw-la mansiones_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la pro_fw-la varietate_fw-la meritorum_fw-la wherefore_o say_v he_o shall_v our_o saviour_n mention_v many_o mansion_n in_o his_o father_n house_n if_o there_o be_v not_o several_a room_n of_o different_a size_n and_o glory_n provide_v for_o his_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o desert_n indeed_o heaven_n have_v room_n enough_o to_o lodge_v all_o the_o godly_a but_o as_o in_o other_o magnificent_a palace_n so_o in_o this_o of_o heaven_n there_o be_v high_a and_o low_o large_a and_o lesser_a mansion_n in_o which_o god_n saint_n shall_v be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o those_o service_n they_o have_v perform_v upon_o earth_n their_o reward_n hereafter_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o their_o obedience_n here_o see_v then_o what_o encouragement_n there_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o glory_n these_o it_o seem_v will_v create_v a_o heaven_n in_o our_o soul_n whilst_o we_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n these_o will_n at_o our_o death_n carry_v our_o soul_n as_o high_a as_o heaven_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o they_o will_v lodge_v they_o in_o the_o best_a mansion_n there_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o our_o apostle_n chap._n 1._o 11._o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o you_o and_o abound_v then_o shall_v a_o entrance_n be_v minister_v unto_o you_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n and_o grow_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o grace_n unto_o another_o until_o we_o appear_v before_o our_o god_n in_o zion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n
text_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v he_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o own_v he_o for_o a_o mediator_n hence_o we_o find_v he_o make_v solemn_a and_o earnest_a address_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n lord_n say_v he_o remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o his_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n his_o humble_a confession_n of_o they_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o his_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a faith_n i_o say_v one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o extraordinary_a that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n how_o short_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o by_o way_n of_o overplus_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o concern_v it_o this_o day_n say_v our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n sure_o that_o repentance_n must_v be_v sincere_a and_o perfect_a which_o enter_v into_o heaven_n pass_v into_o paradise_n and_o make_v so_o notorious_a a_o thief_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a so_o fit_a a_o companion_n for_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o now_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o matter_n of_o comfort_n here_o can_v be_v for_o the_o bold_a dare_a sinner_n of_o the_o time_n have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o expect_v such_o a_o lively_a vigorous_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n the_o age_n of_o miracle_n do_v expire_v long_o ago_o and_o god_n have_v abundant_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v resolve_v to_o leave_v the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n how_o then_o can_v we_o expect_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o find_v such_o a_o wonderful_a faith_n wrought_v in_o those_o profligate_v wretch_n who_o have_v all_o their_o life_n time_n despise_a god_n minister_n quench_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n trample_v on_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o shameful_o abuse_v all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v in_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n such_o a_o prodigious_a and_o extraordinary_a faith_n as_o be_v in_o this_o penitent_a thief_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o he_o be_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v as_o charitable_a to_o these_o penitent_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n will_v allow_v i_o to_o be_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o suppose_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n to_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o willing_a to_o confess_v they_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o send_v for_o their_o debauch_a companion_n to_o remind_v they_o of_o eternity_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o delay_v their_o repentance_n nay_o far_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o water_v their_o couch_n with_o their_o tear_n and_o make_v most_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o better_a obedience_n if_o god_n shall_v restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a health_n suppose_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o minister_n to_o afford_v they_o a_o cordial_n or_o any_o solid_a comfort_n from_o this_o example_n of_o the_o text_n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v declare_v that_o i_o think_v it_o impossible_a we_o may_v hope_v well_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n but_o to_o give_v they_o any_o such_o assurance_n as_o this_o penitent_a thief_n be_v beyond_o the_o power_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o wise_a minister_n for_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o since_o minister_n be_v not_o omniscious_a as_o our_o saviour_n be_v they_o can_v pass_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o such_o a_o late_a repentance_n when_o esau_n have_v lose_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n do_v not_o he_o shed_v as_o hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a tear_n as_o these_o suppose_a penitent_n can_v do_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n do_v not_o judas_n run_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v he_o not_o confess_v public_o that_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o innocent_a blood_n nay_o do_v he_o not_o throw_v down_o the_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o sure_a if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v in_o earnest_n such_o a_o covetous_a wretch_n will_v never_o have_v part_v with_o his_o money_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v his_o repentance_n be_v not_o right_a alas_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o ghastly_a apparition_n of_o death_n will_v force_v man_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o because_o they_o proceed_v from_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o not_o from_o the_o love_n of_o he_o nay_o let_v i_o add_v yet_o far_o that_o sad_a experience_n have_v set_v its_o seal_n to_o this_o observation_n that_o many_o such_o penitent_n who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o better_a obedience_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n when_o god_n have_v restore_v they_o in_o mercy_n to_o their_o former_a health_n they_o have_v with_o the_o dog_n return_v to_o their_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n to_o their_o wallowing_n in_o the_o mire_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o repentance_n of_o the_o thief_n in_o the_o text_n be_v so_o remarkable_a so_o wonderful_a so_o extraordinary_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o will_v afford_v little_a solid_a comfort_n to_o repent_v sinner_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n 4_o this_o repentance_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v be_v find_v yet_o far_a extraordinary_a and_o such_o as_o can_v afford_v little_a comfort_n to_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n if_o we_o consider_v those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a temptation_n he_o have_v to_o grapple_v with_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o his_o worst_a estate_n in_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o humiliation_n there_o be_v no_o beauty_n no_o form_n no_o comeliness_n in_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o elder_n mock_v he_o all_o that_o pass_v by_o revile_v he_o wag_v their_o head_n of_o his_o own_o disciple_n some_o deny_v he_o and_o all_o of_o they_o shameful_o and_o most_o ungrateful_o forsake_v he_o this_o poor_a penitent_a thief_n be_v the_o only_a confessor_n he_o have_v and_o what_o inducement_n have_v he_o at_o this_o time_n to_o own_v he_o he_o can_v expect_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n all_o that_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o be_v only_o this_o that_o as_o he_o be_v now_o crucify_a as_o a_o malefactor_n only_o so_o for_o such_o his_o confession_n his_o torment_n will_v have_v be_v enhance_v and_o he_o persecute_v as_o a_o martyr_n and_o can_v now_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n show_v we_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a repentance_n be_v christ_n now_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o ignominy_n that_o he_o be_v then_o do_v not_o all_o our_o creed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o will_v it_o be_v any_o such_o heroic_a act_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o seek_v unto_o such_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a saviour_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n the_o thief_n have_v no_o inducement_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o succour_n and_o these_o have_v none_o to_o fly_v to_o but_o their_o saviour_n there_o be_v therefore_o but_o little_a solid_a comfort_n for_o such_o penitent_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o text._n 5_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v yet_o further_o be_v find_v extraordinary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a time_n but_o a_o time_n when_o god_n be_v show_v a_o public_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n god_n at_o this_o time_n be_v give_v his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v proper_a and_o well_o become_v so_o solemn_a a_o time_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o this_o infinite_a mercy_n it_o may_v possible_o deserve_v your_o serious_a observation_n that_o god_n almighty_n do_v always_o something_o extraordinary_a to_o grace_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediatorship_n we_o know_v at_o his_o nativity_n a_o glorious_a star_n shine_v in_o the_o air_n
resolution_n now_o though_o all_o this_o do_v abundant_o show_v a_o late_a deathbed_n repentance_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o dangerous_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a and_o yet_o see_v this_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o most_o serious_a importance_n 5_o i_o will_v in_o the_o five_o place_n add_v one_o consideration_n more_o which_o will_v show_v it_o yet_o to_o be_v more_o dangerous_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a and_o pray_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v lose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o death_n come_v sure_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o such_o sinner_n shall_v repent_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o yet_o before_o their_o death_n they_o may_v sin_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o forfeit_v this_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n it_o be_v the_o vain_a fancy_n of_o such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o day_n of_o life_n run_v parallel_n and_o that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o one_o last_v the_o other_o will_v last_v too_o and_o therefore_o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n think_v they_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o repent_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o if_o this_o fancy_n of_o they_o be_v vain_a the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n till_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o dangerous_a and_o in_o some_o sort_n impossible_a now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v set_v bound_n to_o his_o patience_n and_o limit_n to_o his_o mercy_n though_o he_o bear_v very_o much_o with_o sinner_n and_o wait_v a_o long_a time_n to_o be_v gracious_a yet_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o express_o gen._n 6._o 3._o my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o god_n allow_v the_o anti-deluvians_a or_o old_a world_n a_o long_a day_n of_o grace_n he_o promise_v to_o bear_v with_o they_o 120_o year_n now_o during_o this_o time_n he_o send_v unto_o they_o noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n beside_o those_o admonition_n and_o frequent_a call_v the_o holy_a man_n give_v they_o to_o repent_v his_o very_a building_n the_o ark_n be_v a_o constant_a daily_a sermon_n to_o they_o but_o when_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o this_o preacher_n but_o scoff_v at_o his_o discourse_n god_n do_v not_o tarry_v for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n but_o with_o a_o dreadful_a deluge_n sweep_v they_o all_o away_o in_o luc._n 19_o 41_o 42._o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n and_o declare_v their_o wretched_a condition_n in_o such_o like_o doleful_a accent_n as_o these_o o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o be_v they_o hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n it_o seem_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n have_v a_o evening_n before_o the_o night_n of_o death_n approach_v the_o thing_n of_o peace_n be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o jerusalem_n before_o they_o be_v close_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v what_o we_o read_v in_o prov._n 1._o 28._o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a measure_n of_o iniquity_n god_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o allow_v sinner_n to_o fill_v up_o and_o when_o this_o measure_n be_v full_a they_o may_v call_v upon_o he_o in_o vain_a they_o may_v seek_v he_o early_o and_o late_o but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o and_o as_o be_v it_o thus_o plain_a from_o these_o text_n that_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v lose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o death_n so_o the_o same_o truth_n may_v be_v evidence_v by_o sundry_a scripture_n example_n god_n allow_v cain_n a_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o day_n cain_n though_o he_o sin_v again_o and_o again_o yet_o he_o hear_v nothing_o but_o this_o still_a voice_n if_o thou_o do_v well_o shall_v not_o thou_o be_v accept_v but_o if_o thou_o do_v ill_a sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n but_o when_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v lose_v upon_o he_o when_o notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a admonition_n of_o his_o father_n and_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o heaven_n he_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n till_o at_o last_o he_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n by_o murder_v righteous_a abel_n his_o season_n of_o grace_n be_v then_o go_v and_o god_n tell_v he_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v then_o accurse_v from_o the_o earth_n now_o this_o happen_v unto_o he_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o his_o death_n another_o instance_n we_o have_v in_o esau_n who_o the_o apostle_n style_v a_o profane_a person_n he_o be_v a_o idle_a unprofitable_a fellow_n one_o who_o spend_v too_o much_o of_o his_o time_n in_o game_n and_o impertinent_a recreation_n and_o to_o all_o his_o other_o sin_n he_o add_v the_o fell_n of_o his_o birthright_n on_o which_o be_v entail_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o indeed_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o profane_a person_n with_o a_o witness_n one_o that_o prefer_v his_o sport_n and_o recreation_n before_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n now_o this_o great_a sin_n fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n so_o that_o his_o day_n of_o grace_n expire_v some_o 50_o year_n before_o his_o death_n as_o divine_n compute_v and_o though_o now_o he_o endeavour_v to_o regain_v his_o birthright_n though_o he_o seek_v the_o blessing_n earnest_o and_o with_o tear_n yet_o he_o be_v reject_v there_o be_v no_o place_n find_v for_o repentance_n heb._n 12._o 17._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o example_n of_o wicked_a saul_n god_n have_v strive_v with_o saul_n many_o way_n and_o many_o time_n he_o have_v give_v he_o riches_n and_o honour_n yea_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o when_o saul_n multiply_v his_o transgression_n and_o notwithstanding_o such_o signal_n token_n of_o his_o favour_n rebel_v against_o the_o lord_n god_n then_o cast_v he_o off_o yea_o he_o send_v a_o evil_a spirit_n to_o torment_v he_o and_o will_v no_o long_o hearken_v to_o his_o cry_n as_o he_o sad_o confess_v to_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n now_o this_o rejection_n happen_v 36_o year_n before_o he_o die_v according_a to_o iosephus_n chronology_n thus_o god_n do_v withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o sinner_n long_o before_o they_o die_v in_o their_o life_n time_n he_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n and_o of_o giddiness_n he_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o sear_v their_o conscience_n and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o for_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n to_o repent_v when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v if_o they_o will_v obstinate_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o multiply_v their_o transgression_n till_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a than_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n they_o have_v then_o forfeit_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v repent_v it_o will_v therefore_o be_v safe_a for_o sinner_n to_o follow_v st._n paul_n advice_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n as_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v not_o this_o present_a discourse_n this_o present_a opportunity_n be_v lose_v upon_o you_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n begin_v this_o very_a moment_n to_o resolve_v against_o thy_o sin_n come_v this_o day_n to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o there_o vow_n and_o swear_v that_o thou_o will_v hereafter_o keep_v all_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o excellent_a advice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n say_v not_o god_n mercy_n be_v great_a and_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v for_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o sin_n for_o mercy_n and_o wrath_n be_v with_o he_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o forgive_v and_o to_o pour_v out_o displeasure_n and_o as_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a so_o be_v his_o correction_n also_o therefore_o make_v no_o long_a tarry_n to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o shall_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v humble_a thyself_o
before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sin_n show_v repentance_n let_v nothing_o hinder_v to_o pay_v thy_o vow_n in_o due_a time_n and_o defer_v not_o till_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o luke_n xxiv_o 43._o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o the_o context_n we_o find_v ver._n 33._o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v crucify_a betwixt_o two_o theives_n or_o malefactor_n though_o he_o be_v without_o sin_n yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n tell_v we_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n chap._n 53._o 12._o now_o one_o of_o these_o malefactor_n begin_v to_o rail_v on_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n save_v thyself_o and_o we_o vers_fw-la 39_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o desperate_a wickedness_n to_o insult_v over_o such_o as_o be_v in_o misery_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o defy_v almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o use_n to_o avenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o malefactor_n rebuke_n he_o ver_fw-la 40._o saying_n do_v not_o thou_o fear_v god_n especial_o since_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n such_o as_o be_v in_o prosperity_n do_v ordinary_o forget_v god_n but_o in_o time_n of_o adversity_n most_o man_n will_v consider_v when_o they_o be_v approach_v towards_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n they_o be_v then_o general_o serious_a the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a state_n usual_o strike_v a_o awe_n into_o their_o soul_n but_o this_o thief_n be_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a that_o even_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o death_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n he_o despise_v god_n and_o revile_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o other_o thief_n give_v ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rebuke_v his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o endeavour_n his_o conversion_n but_o he_o also_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n and_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o punishment_n as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n ver_fw-la 41._o if_o such_o scandalous_a person_n that_o be_v among_o we_o will_v when_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n thus_o take_v shame_n to_o themselves_o by_o a_o free_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n if_o they_o will_v send_v for_o such_o person_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o debauch_v either_o by_o their_o example_n or_o counsel_n and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n they_o then_o find_v in_o it_o they_o will_v give_v the_o world_n much_o better_a demonstration_n of_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o much_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_v their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o as_o this_o poor_a thief_n give_v such_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o he_o give_v also_o very_o good_a proof_n of_o a_o true_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n in_o christ_n for_o ver_fw-la 42._o he_o say_v unto_o christ_n jesus_n lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n you_o see_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n own_o disciple_n do_v nay_o far_o he_o own_v christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n even_o when_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v mock_v and_o persecute_v he_o yea_o when_o his_o own_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o st._n peter_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a have_v deny_v he_o thrice_o nay_o far_o yet_o how_o wonderful_a be_v his_o humility_n he_o only_o desire_v that_o christ_n will_v remember_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o ask_v that_o he_o may_v sit_v on_o christ_n right_a hand_n or_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v remember_v he_o a_o true_a penitent_a humble_a soul_n will_v think_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o mercy_n great_a enough_o or_o too_o great_a for_o he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o note_v all_o this_o because_o too_o many_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o example_n of_o this_o poor_a thief_n they_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o yet_o be_v save_v if_o they_o repent_v on_o a_o sickbed_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n but_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o that_o god_n do_v give_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o much_o grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n how_o seldom_o do_v they_o give_v such_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n humility_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n now_o what_o answer_n do_v christ_n return_v to_o this_o honest_a thief_n the_o text_n will_v give_v you_o a_o fair_a account_n of_o this_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v a_o fair_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o this_o wretched_a body_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o lie_v and_o first_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o pious_a soul_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n to_o day_n say_v christ._n second_o they_o do_v far_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o happiness_n they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o paradise_n to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n first_o these_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o pious_a soul_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o depature_n from_o the_o body_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o call_v psychoparruychites_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n sleep_v all_o the_o while_n till_o the_o general_n resurrection_n and_o consequent_o be_v neither_o in_o a_o state_n of_o joy_n nor_o misery_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v reunite_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o send_v with_o it_o either_o to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o christ_n do_v here_o promise_v this_o honest_a thief_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v that_o very_a day_n with_o he_o in_o paradise_n paradise_n be_v a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o bliss_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n now_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v the_o thief_n to_o be_v that_o very_a day_n so_o act._n 7._o 56._o st._n stephen_n see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o know_v the_o heaven_n be_v open_v for_o he_o and_o that_o christ_n stand_v there_o ready_a to_o receive_v he_o into_o glory_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v ver_fw-la 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n so_o again_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 8._o we_o be_v confident_a i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n it_o seem_v the_o pious_a soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n it_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n again_o revel_v 14._o 13._o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o you_o see_v here_o the_o godly_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bless_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o die_v and_o not_o only_o to_o rest_v but_o also_o to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o good_a work_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o text_n more_o which_o you_o will_v find_v phil._n 1._o 21_o 22._o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o say_v st._n paul_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v i_o can_v tell_v whether_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v long_o or_o