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 do_v by_o baptism_n enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n assure_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v and_o repent_v and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n intend_v by_o our_o have_v our_o 〈◊〉_d citizen-ship_n in_o heaven_n phil._n 3._o 20._o and_o by_o our_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v glorify_v together_o with_o he_o rom._n 8._o 17._o 5._o another_o privilege_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o confer_v by_o baptism_n be_v the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n all_o person_n that_o be_v baptize_v as_o their_o body_n be_v wash_v and_o purify_v with_o water_n so_o their_o mind_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o at_o their_o baptism_n they_o receive_v baptism_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o gift_n constant_o annex_v to_o that_o ordinance_n and_o unless_o they_o quench_v and_o grieve_v it_o by_o their_o sin_n commit_v afterward_o it_o always_o continue_a with_o they_o from_o thenceforward_o assist_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n strengthen_v and_o comfort_v they_o under_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n and_o bear_v 16._o witness_n with_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frequent_o discover_v itself_o in_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n work_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n as_o appear_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o these_o by_o degree_n cease_v it_o afterward_o continue_a to_o evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o strange_a and_o almost_o miraculous_a change_n which_o it_o make_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o most_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a to_o the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o heavenly_a disposition_n almost_o in_o a_o instant_n upon_o their_o be_v baptize_v and_o when_o this_o effect_n also_o grow_v less_o frequent_a as_o the_o zeal_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_n decline_v it_o yet_o continue_a always_o by_o its_o secret_a power_n to_o renew_v and_o transform_v man_n mind_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v it_o hence_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o a_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o and_o by_o the_o ancient_n frequent_o 〈◊〉_d illumination_n and_o person_n baptize_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v enlighten_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n heb._n 6._o 4._o 6._o the_o last_o privilege_n which_o person_n baptise_a be_v entitle_v to_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v a_o assurance_n of_o a_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o receive_v as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o spirit_n so_o long_o as_o it_o dwell_v with_o they_o be_v a_o 30._o seal_n and_o 14._o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a resurrection_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o rom._n 8._o 11._o and_o this_o be_v most_o significant_o represent_v by_o their_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o for_o as_o christ_n descend_v into_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v raise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o person_n baptize_v be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n 4._o into_o death_n and_o rise_v again_o after_o the_o similitude_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n and_o they_o be_v by_o this_o sign_n assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n colos._n 2._o 12._o you_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n wherein_o also_o you_o be_v rise_v with_o he_o through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o which_o st._n peter_n seem_v likewise_o to_o allude_v 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o the_o like_a figure_n whereunto_o viz._n to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o ark_n by_o the_o water_n of_o the_o flood_n even_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n 7._o these_o be_v the_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o privilege_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n in_o baptism_n and_o confer_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o these_o be_v what_o god_n on_o his_o part_n engage_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o in_o that_o great_a and_o holy_a covenant_n there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o the_o person_n baptise_a oblige_v themselves_o to_o on_o their_o part_n in_o that_o covenant_n and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n which_o by_o their_o baptism_n they_o vow_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o perform_v represent_v also_o by_o the_o same_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n the_o first_o of_o these_o duty_n which_o the_o person_n baptize_v promise_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o perform_v be_v a_o constant_a confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o family_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o own_v themselves_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v solemn_o baptize_v into_o his_o death_n and_o they_o 3._o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o he_o crucify_a they_o own_v public_o at_o their_o baptism_n their_o belief_n in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v with_o the_o heart_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n 10_o and_o they_o think_v that_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n they_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o they_o confess_v christ_n before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o confess_v they_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 8._o and_o before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o if_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o he_o and_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o so_o mighty_a a_o effect_n have_v this_o consideration_n upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v their_o saviour_n and_o renounce_v the_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v they_o choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v than_o either_o to_o renounce_v or_o dissemble_v their_o christianity_n and_o those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n deny_v or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v their_o faith_n they_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v forfeit_v and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n as_o have_v crucify_v to_o themselves_o 6._o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n 8._o the_o second_o thing_n to_o which_o person_n baptize_v solemn_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o baptism_n be_v a_o death_n unto_o sin_n and_o a_o new-birth_n unto_o righteousness_n i._n e._n they_o engage_v utter_o and_o for_o ever_o to_o forsake_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n all_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n all_o injustice_n wrong_v fraud_n and_o uncharitableness_n towards_o man_n all_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n the_o pomp_n and_o luxury_n of_o this_o present_a world_n all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n gluttony_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a and_o for_o the_o future_a they_o promise_v to_o make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n to_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n with_o all_o devotion_n reverence_n and_o humility_n to_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o generous_o charitable_a upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o fine_a to_o be_v temperate_a and_o sober_a chaste_a and_o pure_a as_o the_o worshipper_n of_o
deserve_o eminent_a seem_v to_o be_v that_o great_a rigour_n with_o which_o they_o insist_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o this_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o those_o who_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v date_v be_v confirmation_n the_o time_n from_o their_o baptism_n be_v only_o their_o preparation_n or_o time_n of_o instruction_n but_o then_o for_o those_o who_o have_v neglect_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a opportunity_n or_o have_v since_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a and_o wliful_a sin_n the_o only_a remain_a time_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v reckon_v be_v repentance_n i._n e._n the_o time_n since_o which_o they_o have_v so_o perfect_o have_v the_o conquest_n over_o all_o their_o temptation_n as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o any_o more_o into_o any_o gross_a or_o wilful_a sin_n of_o baptism_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a essay_n of_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v treat_v in_o this_o of_o repentance_n in_o the_o next_o 3._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n those_o who_o upon_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o their_o admission_n complete_v or_o perfect_v afterward_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o the_o samaritan_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n only_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o yet_o fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o 73._o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8._o 17._o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n stle_n to_o perfect_a or_o complete_a baptism_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o two_o thing_n be_v therefore_o lay_v down_o together_o among_o the_o principle_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o be_v according_o practise_v joint_o by_o the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n this_o custom_n say_v 73._o st._n cyprian_n be_v also_o descend_v to_o we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o baptismo_fw-la tertullian_n after_o baptism_n the_o hand_n be_v impose_v by_o blessing_n call_v down_o and_o invite_v the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o that_o most_o holy_a spirit_n willing_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o body_n that_o be_v cleanse_v and_o bless_a 4._o but_o of_o this_o confirmation_n of_o person_n baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n which_o be_v ancient_o administer_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o many_o not_o without_o reason_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o speak_v now_o more_o large_o that_o which_o i_o be_o at_o this_o time_n more_o especial_o to_o consider_v be_v that_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n perfect_v or_o make_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o confirm_v such_o person_n be_v plain_o this_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o certain_a condition_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptise_a as_o certain_a privilege_n assure_v to_o be_v confer_v on_o god_n part_n and_o infant_n though_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o promise_v or_o perform_v any_o condition_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o certain_a surety_n who_o engage_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o baptize_v infant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o continue_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v appropriate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v willing_a also_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o god_n have_v indispensable_o require_v of_o all_o those_o member_n that_o they_o may_v enter_v therefore_o into_o these_o obligation_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o great_a solemnity_n and_o choice_n it_o have_v most_o wise_o be_v institute_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n of_o their_o take_n free_o upon_o themselves_o that_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o conformable_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o most_o solemn_a purpose_n of_o obedience_n they_o shall_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n have_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o baptism_n seal_v anew_o and_o secure_v to_o they_o 5._o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o solemn_o and_o effectual_o so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o last_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o baptism_n have_v ancient_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o before_o baptism_n admit_v as_o complete_a member_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v esteem_v only_o as_o candidate_n desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o those_o who_o have_v now_o be_v only_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v before_o confirmation_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o by_o themselves_o too_o as_o no_o other_o than_o catechuman_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o confirmation_n before_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v certain_a solemn_a time_n appoint_v for_o baptism_n as_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n at_o which_o those_o who_o be_v before_o prepare_v by_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v be_v admit_v with_o great_a solemnity_n into_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o there_o be_v now_o such_o solemn_a season_n appoint_v against_o which_o minister_n of_o particular_a parish_n shall_v for_o some_o time_n beforehand_o diligent_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v those_o who_o be_v of_o age_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o whole_a process_n may_v be_v perform_v with_o so_o much_o reverence_n and_o solemnity_n that_o all_o the_o person_n confirm_v may_v understand_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n seal_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o that_o they_o now_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o effectual_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o they_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o themselves_o before_o god_n and_o the_o church_n what_o their_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o before_o at_o baptism_n to_o live_v from_o henceforward_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o constant_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o be_v this_o excellent_a institution_n thus_o solemn_o and_o religious_o observe_v exceed_v great_a will_v be_v the_o effect_n which_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o see_v produce_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n have_v upon_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o indue_a they_o with_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o the_o like_a and_o though_o these_o mighty_a
service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v by_o confirmation_n assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v 2._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o if_o they_o keep_v here_o in_o temperance_n and_o purity_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n they_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v with_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o 5._o if_o they_o abuse_v they_o by_o any_o intimperance_n or_o defile_v they_o with_o any_o lust_n they_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o life_n again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o age_n or_o temper_v or_o company_n or_o business_n place_n they_o beyond_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v hurry_v away_o continual_o must_v not_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o not_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n but_o must_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o whether_o they_o be_v true_o useful_a and_o charitable_a according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sincere_o careful_a to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n to_o which_o their_o particular_a circumstance_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v more_o especial_o expose_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o state_n chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n 1._o last_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n encompass_v perpetual_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v all_o offend_v indeed_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o we_o strive_v and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o tolerable_a progress_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o desire_v just_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o border_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o find_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o those_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a be_v but_o 17._o wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o shall_v have_v no_o portion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o who_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_o zealous_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n will_v with_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a enough_o but_o forget_v those_o ihing_n which_o be_v behind_o 1â—_n and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o will_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o good_a and_o holy_a enough_o but_o get_v continual_o a_o more_o complete_a victory_n over_o his_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n will_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n in_o the_o improvement_n 7_o of_o virtue_n here_o till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o 2._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v once_o attain_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o frame_v hearty_a resolution_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o resolution_n that_o you_o be_v present_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v frequent_o 16._o review_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o must_v frequent_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v your_o good_a resolution_n and_o you_o must_v always_o be_v correct_v and_o amend_v your_o practice_n till_o that_o which_o be_v well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o brave_o begin_v arrive_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o perpetual_a improvement_n to_o a_o confirm_a habit_n and_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n 3._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v perform_v your_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o vulgar_o repute_a bound_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o when_o you_o be_v 60._o by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o you_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v now_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o good_a and_o creditable_a will_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n have_v be_v think_v if_o not_o scandalous_a yet_o at_o best_a very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v be_v 23._o above_o all_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n and_o must_v not_o limit_v his_o purity_n of_o mind_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a to_o any_o degree_n or_o rule_n but_o must_v exalt_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o hope_n of_o happiness_n 4._o further_o think_v not_o when_o upon_o a_o loose_a and_o general_a view_n of_o your_o life_n your_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o scandalous_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o therefore_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n with_o which_o man_n easy_o impose_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o coldness_n of_o devotion_n many_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o neglect_v of_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a many_o fault_n of_o surprise_n and_o indecency_n of_o passion_n much_o sensuality_n and_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n many_o excess_n and_o small_a degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o overcome_v without_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a particular_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o our_o action_n and_o make_v repeat_v resolution_n and_o use_v constant_a unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v whatever_o upon_o such_o strict_a search_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v amiss_o 5._o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o some_o even_o among_o aurea_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v every_o night_n strict_o examine_v into_o the_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n that_o if_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v reprove_v themselves_o they_o may_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o that_o particular_a for_o the_o future_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v in_o all_o point_v perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o continue_v to_o perform_v it_o other_o have_v do_v this_o yet_o more_o frequent_o and_o habitual_o never_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a thought_n how_o they_o may_v best_o act_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o never_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a reflection_n whether_o they_o have_v act_v so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o great_a ends._n 6._o these_o indeed_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n by_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o such_o as_o must_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o each_o one_o prudence_n or_o zeal_n only_o in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o a_o man_n examine_v the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_o he_o observe_v his_o small_a failures_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o correct_v they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v his_o religion_n be_v uniform_a and_o his_o obedience_n perfect_a he_o that_o use_v himself_o often_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v perform_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o know_v indeed_o and_o understand_v in_o general_a but_o 95._o through_o habitual_a careless_a and_o inconsiderateness_n omit_v and_o he_o that_o often_o search_v strict_o into_o the_o small_a error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o resolve_v
god_n and_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o live_v unto_o righteousness_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o this_o be_v true_o a_o be_v wash_v sanctify_a and_o justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a ordinance_n be_v design_v this_o be_v what_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v to_o profess_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n when_o he_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o be_v what_o be_v principal_o represent_v by_o that_o main_a part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n the_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o it_o again_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n most_o full_o explain_v it_o rom._n 6._o 3._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o shall_v not_o serve_v sin_n that_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o descend_v into_o the_o water_n to_o be_v baptize_v and_o rise_v again_o out_o of_o it_o be_v to_o mind_v we_o that_o as_o we_o then_o receive_v remission_n of_o our_o past_a sin_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n have_v die_v for_o sin_n so_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o die_v and_o be_v bury_v to_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o to_o walk_v for_o the_o future_a with_o christ_n in_o newness_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n respect_v in_o baptism_n and_o without_o this_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o wash_n or_o put_v away_o of_o 21_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v nothing_o avail_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n baptism_n be_v not_o the_o mart._n wash_v and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o every_o evil_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n without_o which_o baptism_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v available_a to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o make_v it_o far_o the_o more_o grievous_a and_o inexcusable_a but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 9_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n be_v solemn_o engage_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o whosoever_o will_v come_v after_o he_o 26._o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o forsake_v all_o that_o he_o have_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o man_n come_v to_o be_v baptize_v he_o be_v according_o oblige_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n the_o splendour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o he_o profess_v himself_o a_o candidate_n for_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v hereafter_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v ambitious_a for_o that_o honour_n which_o man_n so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o here_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o expect_v his_o portion_n in_o those_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v 9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o set_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n upon_o any_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n he_o profess_v that_o from_o thenceforward_o his_o treasure_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n where_o 20._o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n do_v not_o break_v through_o and_o steal_v and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v covetous_a of_o any_o riches_n or_o possession_n on_o earth_n in_o a_o word_n he_o engage_v to_o make_v it_o the_o main_a business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o prepare_v and_o fit_v himself_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o be_v extreme_o solicitous_a after_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o this_o be_v what_o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v by_o their_o renounce_v the_o world_n they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o only_o to_o forsake_v all_o gross_a and_o palpable_o sinful_a lust_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o spare_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a they_o look_v upon_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o as_o 2._o enemy_n to_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o fight_v as_o soldier_n under_o the_o banner_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o pleasure_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o and_o for_o a_o emblem_n of_o this_o it_o be_v that_o in_o some_o church_n they_o anoint_v the_o baptize_v person_n with_o oil_n he_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o combatant_n to_o a_o runner_n just_o prepare_v to_o start_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o they_o mind_v he_o 29._o that_o if_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n only_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n be_v temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n much_o more_o ought_v he_o to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o to_o prepare_v and_o harden_v himself_o to_o be_v ready_a and_o expedite_a to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a and_o to_o get_v perfect_o above_o all_o those_o earthly_a desire_n which_o will_v hinder_v and_o clog_v he_o in_o that_o great_a race_n which_o he_o be_v to_o run_v for_o the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n it_o be_v true_a the_o forsake_v all_o worldly_a possession_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o condition_n more_o particular_o require_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n of_o persecution_n but_o how_o far_o it_o still_o oblige_v we_o as_o it_o most_o certain_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n chap_n iu._n what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n after_o baptism_n 1._o when_o the_o whole_a ceremony_n be_v finish_v the_o person_n baptize_v be_v clothe_v as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v with_o a_o white_a garment_n and_o then_o he_o be_v mart._n admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v afterward_o require_v of_o he_o be_v this_o one_o great_a and_o necessary_a thing_n to_o keep_v his_o baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o life_n 2_o to_o the_o keep_v a_o man_n baptism_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a through_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o his_o life_n that_o which_o be_v think_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v this_o first_o that_o he_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o preserve_v himself_o from_o fall_v not_o only_o into_o the_o habit_n but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o into_o the_o single_a act_n of_o any_o of_o these_o gross_a and_o palpable_a wickedness_n idolatry_n perjury_n blasphemy_n murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a injustice_n cheat_v adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o st._n paul_n express_o and_o peremptory_o declare_v and_o repeat_v it_o with_o great_a earnestness_n over_o and_o over_o again_o that_o they_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n may_v be_v surprise_v into_o a_o unheeded_a sin_n but_o into_o the_o gross_a act_n of_o any_o of_o these_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a impiety_n they_o think_v he_o be_v tertul._n never_o to_o be_v seduce_v and_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o and_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o 6._o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n from_o the_o act_n therefore_o of_o any_o of_o these_o great_a and_o plain_a wickedness_n which_o stare_v man_n in_o the_o face_n and_o at_o the_o first_o view_n terrify_v man_n conscience_n they_o think_v it_o indispensable_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n abstain_v whole_o and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v once_o name_v among_o christian_n 3._o
operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v afterward_o by_o degree_n cease_v yet_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n confer_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n express_v and_o show_v forth_o itself_o in_o great_a and_o very_o remarkable_a effect_n it_o fill_v man_n with_o spiritual_a and_o internal_a strength_n it_o endue_v they_o with_o courage_n and_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n to_o confess_v bold_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o to_o promote_v zealous_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n it_o wrought_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o continual_a joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o perfect_a purity_n of_o heart_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n a_o boundless_a charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n and_o a_o infinite_a desire_n of_o do_v good_a in_o their_o generation_n and_o be_v young_a person_n teach_v now_o to_o receive_v confirmation_n with_o the_o same_o preparation_n with_o the_o same_o reverence_n and_o with_o the_o same_o expectation_n that_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o may_v yet_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v annex_v the_o same_o inward_a blessing_n to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o same_o external_n mean_v be_v none_o esteem_v perfect_a christian_n or_o look_v upon_o as_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o confirmation_n parent_n and_o surety_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v child_n in_o order_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o perfect_a christian_n and_o faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o ever_o know_v how_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n they_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n who_o have_v not_o first_o pass_v through_o such_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v as_o to_o understand_v perfect_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o perform_v it_o this_o will_v breed_v in_o young_a person_n a_o great_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n for_o religion_n and_o a_o great_a zeal_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o high_a mystery_n by_o this_o mean_n child_n will_v be_v full_o and_o distinct_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v man_n live_v all_o their_o life_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o its_o sacrament_n without_o ever_o understand_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o promise_v at_o baptism_n by_o this_o mean_v that_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o christian_n live_v and_o die_v will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v prevent_v and_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v child_n for_o want_n of_o instruction_n so_o soon_o possess_v and_o corrupt_v by_o vice_n as_o to_o lie_v and_o swear_v to_o be_v disobedient_a and_o ill_a nature_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o idle_a in_o that_o tender_a age_n wherein_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v form_v to_o all_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n with_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o prejudice_n and_o first_o possession_n be_v none_o receive_v to_o confirmation_n who_o do_v not_o express_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o godly_a conversation_n or_o who_o do_v not_o with_o free_a choice_n and_o a_o zealous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n desire_v to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o to_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o whole_a church_n this_o will_v give_v a_o mighty_a reputation_n to_o religion_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v prevent_v that_o goldness_n and_o deadness_n in_o religion_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n take_v up_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o course_n without_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n this_o will_v make_v man_n earnest_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o solicitous_a not_o to_o contradict_v their_o profession_n by_o their_o life_n such_o a_o solemn_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n such_o a_o vow_n solemn_o confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o our_o personal_a protestation_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o mighty_a bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o a_o mighty_a spur_n to_o provoke_v man_n to_o good_a work_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o man_n in_o who_o presence_n so_o sacred_a a_o obligation_n be_v enter_v into_o can_v not_o but_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v man_n to_o live_v worthy_a of_o this_o great_a vocation_n that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o expectation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o become_v a_o blemish_n and_o dishonour_n to_o their_o religion_n last_o be_v none_o admit_v to_o confirmation_n without_o be_v first_o full_o persuade_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o perfection_n and_o strength_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v domini_fw-la the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v from_o henceforward_o continue_v with_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o enemy_n we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n so_o now_o also_o these_o external_n ordinance_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o such_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o inward_a and_o sanctify_a grace_n as_o will_v have_v a_o visible_a effect_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o time_n be_v when_o the_o professor_n of_o true_a religion_n can_v challenge_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o lustful_a malicious_a passionate_a revengeful_a man_n and_o they_o will_v by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o confirmation_n transform_v he_o into_o the_o pure_a the_o meek_a and_o the_o gentle_a spirit_n upon_o earth_n and_o since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v always_o with_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o confirmation_n of_o baptise_a person_n if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v by_o we_o with_o the_o same_o preparation_n and_o reverence_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o ancient_n may_v not_o be_v as_o effectual_a now_o to_o confirm_v man_n in_o virtue_n as_o it_o be_v then_o to_o transform_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o have_v as_o proportionable_o great_a a_o effect_n upon_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o our_o life_n as_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o church_n will_v be_v again_o restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a regular_a constitution_n by_o these_o mean_v many_o perplex_v scruple_n about_o the_o worthy_a receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n will_v in_o great_a measure_n be_v remove_v no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n without_o have_v be_v first_o confirm_v and_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v confirm_v without_o have_v first_o pass_v through_o such_o preparation_n as_o will_v sit_v he_o for_o the_o communion_n last_o by_o these_o mean_n if_o any_o one_o after_o confirmation_n lapse_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n a_o fair_a opportunity_n will_v offer_v itself_o of_o restore_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v so_o just_o lament_v by_o the_o church_n this_o solemn_a preparation_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v person_n fit_v for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o work_v in_o man_n mind_n such_o a_o dread_a of_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v afterward_o as_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o profit_v under_o discipline_n 7._o these_o be_v the_o exceed_a great_a benefit_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o confirmation_n but_o till_o this_o excellent_a institution_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o ancient_a solemnity_n and_o reverence_n which_o as_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v so_o in_o the_o present_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v earnest_o
to_o live_v with_o all_o the_o strictness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o duty_n of_o which_o i_o have_v brief_o set_v down_o the_o head_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 3._o and_o consider_v that_o you_o promise_v all_o this_o most_o solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n consider_v that_o you_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o such_o solemnity_n as_o lay_v upon_o you_o the_o strong_a possible_a obligation_n to_o virtue_n consider_v that_o you_o so_o enter_v into_o this_o promise_n with_o knowledge_n and_o deliberation_n that_o if_o you_o shall_v afterward_o fall_v into_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n in_o contempt_n of_o such_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o gild_n thereof_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v and_o that_o therefore_o you_o ought_v now_o to_o affect_v your_o mind_n deep_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o strengthen_v mighty_o your_o good_a resolution_n ancient_o every_o one_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v teach_v to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o enter_v into_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n of_o religion_n that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a and_o sacred_a vow_n he_o shall_v fall_v into_o any_o wilful_a and_o know_a sin_n it_o can_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o but_o upon_o a_o proportionable_o great_a and_o long_a repentance_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v now_o why_o every_o one_o that_o by_o confirmation_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v look_v upon_o himself_o as_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o solemn_a obligation_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o exceed_o fearful_a of_o fall_v for_o the_o future_a into_o any_o great_a sin_n the_o gild_n of_o which_o will_v be_v extreme_o increase_v by_o be_v commit_v after_o such_o repeat_v vow_n and_o promise_v to_o the_o contrary_n 4._o yet_o be_v this_o no_o reason_n why_o any_o one_o shall_v defer_v be_v confirm_v as_o if_o by_o omit_v to_o bind_v himself_o by_o this_o new_a and_o solemn_a promise_n he_o may_v continue_v to_o sin_n with_o less_o guilt_n and_o less_o danger_n for_o though_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v indeed_o mighty_o increase_v by_o be_v commit_v after_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o if_o any_o one_o omit_v to_o renew_v his_o obligation_n only_o for_o that_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v continue_v in_o sin_n his_o sin_n be_v then_o equal_o heinous_a and_o against_o knowledge_n as_o if_o he_o have_v renew_v his_o obligation_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n because_o they_o think_v sin_n will_v be_v more_o heinous_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n do_v therefore_o defer_v to_o be_v baptise_a till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v also_o a_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o many_o in_o our_o day_n because_o they_o think_v sin_n will_v be_v more_o heinous_a after_o so_o solemn_a a_o obligation_n do_v therefore_o defer_v receive_v the_o communion_n all_o their_o life_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a these_o man_n run_v into_o a_o very_a great_a error_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o sin_n after_o repeat_v obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a become_v more_o heinous_a be_v because_o it_o be_v commit_v with_o great_a deliberation_n &_o against_o clear_a conviction_n when_o therefore_o a_o man_n who_o believe_v religion_n and_o understand_v its_o obligation_n omit_v these_o duty_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v sin_v as_o he_o think_v with_o less_o danger_n his_o sin_n be_v then_o equal_o deliberate_a and_o against_o equal_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o he_o moreover_o add_v to_o they_o a_o contemptuous_a neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v more_o religious_a chap._n vii_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 1._o second_o consider_v that_o you_o come_v now_o to_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o you_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v you_o to_o receive_v at_o baptism_n we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o at_o confirmation_n this_o grace_n be_v seal_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o therefore_o you_o come_v in_o this_o solemn_a manner_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o your_o religion_n and_o to_o dedicate_v yourself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a to_o come_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o a_o long_a soul_n with_o firm_a faith_n and_o a_o well-assured_n hope_n with_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o mind_n prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o pour_v down_o upon_o you_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o give_v you_o strength_n from_o thenceforward_o to_o overcome_v both_o the_o inward_a corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n and_o the_o outward_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o enable_v you_o to_o continue_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o command_n to_o preserve_v you_o always_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o bring_v you_o safe_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n than_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v not_o be_v annex_v constant_o to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n if_o we_o imagine_v that_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o utter_o corrupt_v that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o do_v or_o will_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a than_o a_o dead_a body_n can_v move_v or_o bring_v itself_o to_o life_n till_o we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o a_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o nothing_o that_o we_o can_v do_v can_v in_o the_o least_o prepare_v we_o to_o receive_v if_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o we_o can_v possible_o overcome_v they_o without_o such_o a_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o god_n have_v not_o annex_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o ordinance_n or_o mean_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v that_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v we_o must_v sit_v still_o in_o expectation_n of_o be_v convert_v sudden_o by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n this_o must_v needs_o make_v all_o our_o endeavour_n weak_a and_o faint_a dead_a and_o without_o heart_n and_o we_o shall_v certain_o never_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v our_o temptation_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a 3._o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o â—_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v real_o so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v real_o so_o strong_a that_o we_o can_v never_o mere_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v broad_a that_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o our_o own_o power_n we_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o then_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o this_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v break_v all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n if_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v purchase_v this_o grace_n for_o we_o that_o upon_o our_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v god_n will_v as_o certain_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o sufficient_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o tender_a father_n can_v deny_v his_o child_n any_o reasonable_a request_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n 13_o also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v and_o whenever_o he_o require_v more_o of_o we_o than_o we_o be_v natural_o able_a to_o perform_v will_v certain_o afford_v we_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o encounter_v as_o he_o constant_o do_v to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o through_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v enable_v to_o bear_v all_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o either_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v invent_v with_o less_o concern_n than_o we_o can_v even_o
to_o the_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o 59_o holy_a word_n and_o church_n of_o god_n always_o admit_v of_o true_a repentance_n that_o 24._o he_o that_o have_v fall_v may_v yet_o recover_v and_o escape_v if_o he_o repent_v true_o of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o for_o the_o future_a amend_v his_o life_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n that_o 2._o god_n not_o only_o give_v full_a remission_n of_o sin_n in_o baptism_n but_o allow_v also_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v afterward_o sin_v a_o further_a place_n of_o repentance_n that_o to_o etc._n every_o one_o who_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o repent_v god_n ready_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o pardon_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n return_v again_o into_o a_o mind_n purify_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n that_o 8._o all_o man_n who_o repent_v even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v find_v any_o more_o pardon_n shall_v be_v save_v because_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a compassion_n will_v be_v patient_a towards_o man_n and_o keep_v the_o invitation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v by_o his_o son_n that_o servandus_fw-la god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n in_o the_o condition_n he_o find_v he_o and_o that_o therefore_o as_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o have_v be_v former_o righteous_a if_o he_o at_o last_o grow_v wicked_a so_o one_o who_o have_v former_o live_v wicked_o may_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n and_o renew_a obedience_n blot_v out_o his_o past_a transgression_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n 6._o thus_o that_o god_n admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o then_o to_o make_v this_o repentance_n such_o as_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o effectual_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n there_o be_v several_a considerable_a circumstance_n require_v and_o these_o i_o think_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v early_o second_o that_o it_o must_v be_v great_a and_o three_o that_o it_o must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o 1._o first_o that_o repentance_n may_v be_v true_a and_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v early_o that_o be_v the_o sinner_n must_v forsake_v his_o vice_n so_o timely_a as_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o his_o repentance_n be_v hearty_a or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n 2._o first_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o security_n that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o at_o the_o amaze_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v extreme_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v live_v wicked_o he_o may_v strong_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o resolve_v if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v over_o again_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v mere_o the_o passion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n of_o life_n but_o the_o passion_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n be_v such_o as_o accurse_a spirit_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o torment_v with_o in_o vain_a and_o such_o as_o a_o die_a penitent_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o this_o late_a repentance_n will_v exceed_v many_o upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n have_v make_v all_o the_o holy_a vow_n and_o pious_a resolution_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v nay_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o wicked_a man_n who_o when_o he_o think_v he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v do_v not_o desire_n and_o design_n to_o amend_v yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o these_o who_o if_o they_o recover_v do_v ever_o make_v good_a those_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o no_o late_a penitent_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o will_v not_o be_v his_o own_o case_n when_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v in_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o resolve_n and_o endeavour_n in_o earnest_a to_o reform_v while_o he_o have_v life_n and_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o seldom_o do_v he_o at_o the_o first_o trial_n work_v himself_o up_o to_o such_o a_o effectual_a and_o prevail_a resolution_n against_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o change_v his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o deliver_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o 2d_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n usual_o he_o proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o after_o many_o relapse_n and_o renew_a resolution_n arrive_v at_o last_o to_o a_o settle_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o late_a penitent_n who_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o contrary_a disadvantage_n ever_o be_v secure_a that_o his_o repentance_n will_v be_v sincere_a and_o his_o resolution_n effectual_a enough_o to_o translate_v he_o at_o one_o effort_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ancient_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o begin_v not_o their_o repentance_n before_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n those_o say_v 52._o st._n cyprian_n who_o will_v not_o in_o time_n repent_v and_o by_o public_a lamentation_n testify_v their_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n we_o utter_o reject_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v to_o entreat_v because_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o approach_a death_n that_o drive_v they_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o no_o one_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n in_o death_n who_o never_o consider_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v 4._o but_o second_o suppose_v a_o late_a repentance_n to_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a yet_o have_v we_o no_o positive_a and_o absolute_a promise_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accept_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v by_o christ_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel_n and_o merciful_a sense_n allow_v for_o humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n or_o of_o our_o come_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n until_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o least_o that_o can_v possible_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reward_n promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n be_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o produce_v the_o actual_a obedience_n of_o at_o least_o some_o proportianable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n 5._o to_o say_v that_o the_o original_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o live_v wicked_o all_o his_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o his_o lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o the_o utmost_a provide_v he_o do_v but_o leave_v off_o and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n at_o the_o last_o be_v real_o to_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n how_o prevail_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n how_o deceitful_a the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o how_o powerful_a the_o assault_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o seldom_o sudden_a death_n happen_v and_o how_o little_a the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o find_v argument_n sufficient_o strong_a to_o move_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o reform_v immediate_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o danger_n but_o in_o sudden_a death_n and_o no_o great_a malignity_n in_o sin_n than_o what_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o short_a repentance_n at_o last_o most_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o be_v wicked_a at_o present_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o though_o therefore_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v reserve_v of_o mercy_n which_o in_o event_n he_o may_v exercise_v towards_o man_n in_o their_o last_o extremity_n yet_o original_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o gospel_n covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o comfort_n but_o either_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v holiness_n
shall_v have_v of_o thing_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o our_o life_n when_o death_n and_o judgement_n approach_v and_o let_v we_o view_v thing_n now_o in_o the_o same_o light_n as_o we_o know_v certain_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o do_v then_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v then_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o every_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a which_o we_o have_v omit_v and_o shall_v grutch_v every_o minute_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n which_o may_v have_v be_v employ_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n we_o know_v we_o shall_v then_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o past_a pleasure_n of_o life_n as_o emptiness_n and_o nothing_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o true_a virtue_n and_o no_o fruit_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o in_o have_v do_v much_o good_a and_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o know_v this_o what_o can_v be_v more_o miserable_o and_o more_o inexcusable_o foolish_a than_o not_o to_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n now_o as_o we_o know_v assure_o we_o shall_v do_v afterward_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n die_v full_a of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n full_a of_o dark_a suspicion_n and_o confuse_a doubt_n be_v because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v live_v careless_o and_o indifferent_o without_o have_v take_v any_o pain_n either_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o without_o have_v use_v any_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o overcome_v the_o present_a world_n or_o to_o obtain_v the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v thing_n in_o time_n if_o they_o will_v pass_v true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o act_v according_o with_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n they_o may_v then_o know_v certain_o their_o own_o state_n and_o may_v live_v with_o comfort_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n chap._n xii_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v 1._o five_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o resist_v and_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o either_o your_o constitution_n company_n or_o employment_n make_v you_o most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v this_o be_v the_o great_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o of_o his_o growth_n in_o virtue_n he_o that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n can_v mortify_v and_o deny_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n can_v quell_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o most_o natural_a passion_n can_v resist_v and_o constant_o overcome_v those_o temptation_n by_o which_o he_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v seduce_v into_o sin_n such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o be_v very_o near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o instance_n wherein_o a_o man_n habitual_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o duty_n or_o indulge_v a_o lust_n a_o passion_n a_o sinful_a desire_n it_o be_v certain_a whatever_o other_o virtue_n he_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o that_o he_o either_o act_n upon_o wrong_a principle_n and_o be_v not_o sincere_a or_o that_o his_o resolution_n be_v hitherto_o too_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n here_o or_o to_o the_o assurance_n of_o happiness_n hereafter_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o either_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o body_n or_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o employment_n or_o the_o humour_n of_o his_o company_n do_v not_o make_v obnoxious_a to_o some_o particular_a sort_n of_o temptation_n more_o than_o to_o any_o other_o and_o in_o this_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v something_o of_o sincerity_n and_o will_v not_o with_o other_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n do_v yet_o make_v shift_n to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o they_o think_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o many_o good_a and_o virtuous_a quality_n they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a enormous_a impiety_n they_o know_v themselves_o innocent_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n which_o they_o see_v other_o continual_o commit_v but_o something_o to_o which_o they_o be_v particular_o tempt_v they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o and_o the_o fatal_a mischief_n be_v that_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o see_v other_o commit_v and_o to_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o violent_o tempt_v seem_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v avoid_v but_o that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v themselves_o addict_v they_o think_v to_o be_v either_o so_o small_a as_o not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o very_a evil_a consequence_n or_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v resist_v as_o to_o be_v allow_v for_o among_o the_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n of_o nature_n thus_o to_o many_o who_o have_v little_a or_o no_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sin_n of_o fraud_n injustice_n deceit_n over_o reach_v and_o the_o like_a seem_v very_o heinous_a base_a and_o unreasonable_a while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o habitual_a intemperances_n and_o impurity_n as_o either_o harmless_a vice_n or_o almost_o insuperable_a weakness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o less_o a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n intemperate_a debauch_a drunkard_n reveler_n and_o the_o like_a while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o look_v upon_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n trick_v and_o overreach_a as_o the_o necessary_a art_n and_o mystery_n of_o business_n 3._o but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o a_o very_a fatal_a cheat._n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o true_a and_o solid_a peace_n in_o himself_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o just_a confidence_n in_o his_o address_n to_o god_n no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n here_o much_o less_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o hereafter_o before_o his_o obedience_n be_v if_o not_o perfect_a yet_o at_o least_o universal_a god_n will_v not_o share_v with_o any_o impiety_n nor_o ever_o accept_v of_o any_o man_n obedience_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o accurse_a thing_n if_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n that_o we_o can_v hardly_o part_v with_o if_o there_o be_v any_o lust_n that_o be_v like_o a_o right_a hand_n or_o a_o right_a eye_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o conquer_v this_o be_v the_o good_a epicteâ—_n fight_n which_o we_o must_v fight_v through_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o victory_n to_o which_o heaven_n be_v propose_v for_o this_o we_o must_v gather_v together_o all_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o this_o we_o must_v strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o prayer_n and_o consideration_n in_o this_o warfare_n we_o must_v resolve_v strong_o persevere_v obstinate_o and_o though_o we_o be_v conquer_v yet_o resolve_v to_o overcome_v always_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o stake_n for_o life_n or_o death_n happiness_n or_o misery_n heaven_n or_o hell_n 4._o here_o therefore_o let_v every_o man_n consider_v with_o himself_o and_o let_v he_o well_o observe_v his_o own_o temptation_n and_o his_o own_o strength_n let_v he_o consider_v not_o how_o many_o sin_n he_o can_v easy_o avoid_v but_o by_o what_o temptation_n he_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v seduce_v and_o let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o guard_v himself_o there_o let_v those_o who_o be_v young_a and_o not_o yet_o enter_v into_o the_o hurry_n and_o business_n of_o the_o world_n not_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o be_v innocent_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o extortion_n or_o the_o like_a for_o that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v without_o any_o pain_n and_o without_o overcome_v any_o powerful_a temptation_n but_o let_v they_o try_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v firm_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o vanity_n and_o lightness_n of_o heat_n and_o passion_n of_o intemperance_n and_o impurity_n and_o let_v they_o judge_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o behaviour_n in_o these_o instance_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o obnoxious_a let_v they_o consider_v that_o their_o peculiar_a task_n be_v to_o overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 13._o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n to_o conquer_v and_o get_v above_o 23_o those_o pleasure_n which_o sensualize_v the_o soul_n and_o enslave_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o body_n and_o thereby_o bring_v it_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o in_o fine_a to_o strive_v continual_o to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n ibid._n not_o only_o of_o body_n but_o even_o of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v by_o baptism_n dedicate_v to_o the_o