unseen_a state_n which_o above_o all_o thing_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o take_v care_n about_o and_o wise_o to_o provide_v for_o this_o life_n be_v a_o continue_v round_o and_o circle_n of_o bodily_a action_n and_o business_n but_o in_o death_n these_o cease_v and_o have_v a_o end_n that_o let_v we_o down_o the_o curtain_n and_o the_o drama_n of_o life_n be_v over_o and_o whatever_o part_n we_o act_v on_o this_o stage_n we_o lay_v they_o all_o aside_o and_o what_o we_o enjoy_v in_o this_o body_n and_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v no_o more_o and_o as_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v and_o we_o only_o have_v dream_v of_o it_o for_o a_o while_n he_o take_v away_o their_o breath_n they_o die_v and_o turn_v again_o to_o their_o dust_n that_o say_v he_o be_v my_o present_a case_n and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n all_o their_o thought_n perish_v i._n e._n all_o their_o apprehension_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o enjoyment_n with_o all_o their_o mighty_a project_n and_o design_n they_o have_v here_o how_o reasonable_a then_o be_v it_o for_o we_o frequent_o to_o meditate_v upon_o die_v and_o how_o proper_o be_v it_o place_v of_o old_a among_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n and_o upon_o my_o say_n to_o he_o that_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v get_v almost_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n of_o life_n his_o friend_n be_v run_v hard_o after_o he_o and_o will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n overtake_v he_o he_o reply_v true_a but_o prithee_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v get_v the_o start_n of_o thou_o here_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n which_o have_v discover_v the_o most_o amaze_a but_o the_o most_o important_a and_o momentous_a truth_n for_o man_n to_o know_v it_o be_v this_o say_v he_o that_o give_v i_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n and_o fill_v my_o mind_n with_o the_o most_o serene_a hope_n when_o i_o can_v find_v pleasure_n in_o nothing_o else_o and_o without_o it_o all_o my_o thought_n when_o i_o stretch_v they_o as_o far_o as_o ever_o they_o will_v go_v be_v either_o dark_a or_o troublesome_a that_o god_n shall_v send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o our_o likeness_n to_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n that_o he_o shall_v propose_v by_o he_o the_o advance_v we_o who_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a yea_o sinful_a creature_n to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o be_v equal_a to_o angel_n to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o to_o have_v eternal_o communicate_v to_o we_o of_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n can_v but_o affect_v every_o one_o who_o believe_v and_o exercise_n his_o thought_n about_o these_o matter_n with_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n with_o all_o possible_a love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o a_o most_o solicitous_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v god_n universal_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v have_v promise_v he_o add_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o term_n of_o life_n therein_o propose_v do_v appear_v to_o he_o so_o very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o amazement_n how_o any_o man_n who_o have_v look_v into_o those_o record_n and_o consider_v their_o own_o nature_n and_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v miss_v of_o understand_v they_o aright_o the_o antinomian_a scheme_n he_o look_v upon_o as_o direct_o antichristian_a and_o the_o very_o worst_a that_o the_o most_o malicious_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a name_n can_v possible_o have_v invent_v and_o he_o give_v i_o a_o very_a sad_a instance_n of_o a_o person_n who_o live_v many_o year_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o very_a gross_a sin_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o think_v himself_o very_o safe_a upon_o those_o principle_n till_o be_v startle_v by_o a_o public_a discourse_n of_o he_o god_n make_v he_o a_o instrument_n of_o set_v the_o poor_a man_n right_o in_o his_o notion_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o reform_v his_o life_n for_o which_o his_o new_a convert_n be_v very_o thankful_a and_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o that_o sin_n if_o he_o have_v believe_v as_o he_o thorough_o do_v now_o that_o it_o will_v have_v hazard_v his_o salvation_n here_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v much_o confirm_v in_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n by_o consider_v his_o present_a circumstance_n what_o can_v i_o do_v say_v he_o be_v i_o now_o to_o begin_v to_o repent_v of_o a_o long_a wicked_a life_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v not_o have_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o my_o salvation_n but_o bless_a be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o my_o own_o case_n i_o be_o sensible_a of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v make_v a_o allowance_n for_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o main_a design_n of_o my_o life_n and_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o make_v no_o question_n of_o be_v happy_a when_o i_o can_v once_o get_v loose_a from_o this_o prison_n of_o a_o earthly_a infirm_a body_n and_o shall_v be_v set_v above_o those_o imperfection_n which_o can_v be_v whole_o remedy_v in_o this_o state_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o he_o give_v i_o his_o thought_n at_o large_a about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n which_o be_v not_o needful_a to_o be_v here_o set_v down_o especial_o since_o i_o have_v already_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o that_o matter_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v add_v be_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v any_o controversy_n with_o those_o who_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n his_o business_n be_v to_o defend_v it_o against_o those_o who_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o write_v on_o this_o subject_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o be_v full_o confirm_v in_o his_o thought_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o unexceptionable_a divine_n of_o our_o church_n the_o right_a reverend_a bishop_n pearson_n explain_v the_o divine_a unity_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o assert_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o avoid_v that_o old_a and_o so_o often_o urge_v objection_n tritheism_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a say_v he_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o person_n who_o be_v from_o none_o for_o if_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o which_o be_v from_o none_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o this_o origination_n of_o the_o divine_a paternity_n have_v ancient_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o therefore_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n because_o both_o from_o the_o father_n who_o be_v one_o and_o so_o the_o union_n of_o they_o he_o perfect_o concur_v with_o this_o excellent_a person_n who_o without_o any_o question_n be_v allow_v to_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o with_o the_o father_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n as_o their_o sense_n be_v express_v in_o their_o creed_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n he_o believe_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n and_o yet_o three_o real_a distinct_a person_n as_o evident_o distinguish_v in_o their_o person_n as_o unite_v in_o their_o nature_n the_o father_n be_v not_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o son_n be_v not_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v neither_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o son_n the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n can_v be_v but_o one_o the_o father_n be_v original_o the_o one_o god_n the_o son_n be_v the_o same_o god_n but_o not_o original_o of_o himself_o but_o have_v his_o divine_a essence_n by_o communication_n from_o the_o father_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o same_o god_n not_o original_o subsist_v of_o himself_o but_o have_v the_o same_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n common_a both_o to_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n communicate_v by_o they_o both_o to_o he_o so_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v one_o god_n the_o father_n original_o that_o one_o essence_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o majesty_n the_o one_o person_n original_o of_o himself_o subsist_v in_o that_o infinite_a be_v the_o son_n be_v god_n of_o god_n by_o be_v of_o the_o father_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n of_o god_n by_o be_v of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n as_o receive_v that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a essence_n from_o they_o both_o this_o be_v the_o explication_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o that_o excellent_a prelate_n foremention_v in_o his_o authentic_a book_n upon_o the_o apostle_n creed_n by_o this_o time_n his_o spirit_n and_o
monitor_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n then_o what_o a_o melancholy_a thing_n must_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v of_o go_v down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o forgetfulness_n to_o become_v a_o cold_a heavy_a lump_n a_o stiff_a dead_a corpse_n to_o have_v all_o his_o brisk_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n put_v out_o and_o extinguish_v and_o a_o end_n put_v to_o all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o hope_n of_o a_o after_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o no_o man_n can_v enjoy_v himself_o or_o be_v easy_a in_o his_o thought_n if_o he_o think_v at_o all_o who_o know_v he_o must_v die_v in_o a_o little_a time_n if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n take_v off_o and_o moderate_v by_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o consider_v say_v plutarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o that_o death_n translate_v we_o into_o a_o better_a state_n or_o at_o least_o one_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o evil_a have_v make_v a_o excellent_a provision_n both_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n and_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o he_o make_v this_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o procure_v this_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n thus_o to_o overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o otherwise_o that_o will_v embitter_v all_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o spoil_v all_o our_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n and_o draw_v a_o dark_a cloud_n over_o all_o our_o cheerfullness_n and_o gaity_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n steal_v in_o now_o and_o then_o upon_o we_o as_o they_o unavoidable_o will_v if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o less_o terrible_a and_o frightful_a than_o they_o will_v be_v to_o a_o wicked_a man_n he_o must_v be_v sad_o scare_v and_o amaze_v at_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o can_v think_v much_o less_o look_v on_o death_n without_o sad_a misgiving_n and_o horror_n of_o mind_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o himself_o but_o it_o will_v be_v all_o break_v by_o one_o thought_n of_o mortality_n by_o the_o hear_n a_o knell_n or_o see_v a_o coffin_n for_o let_v he_o seem_v to_o put_v on_o never_o so_o much_o false_a courage_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o company_n and_o his_o vice_n yet_o he_o tremble_v at_o they_o when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o a_o cold_a and_o clammy_a sweat_n feize_v upon_o he_o whenever_o he_o think_v of_o die_v in_o earnest_n nothing_o can_v prevent_v this_o despondency_n and_o die_v of_o mind_n and_o arm_v even_o against_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o bodily_a death_n which_o will_v often_o come_v upon_o we_o and_o scatter_v all_o our_o other_o comfortable_a thought_n but_o religion_n which_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o lessen_v and_o abate_v its_o terror_n and_o fortify_v we_o against_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a hope_n of_o be_v free_a from_o all_o gild_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o and_o of_o have_v a_o better_a life_n and_o be_v in_o another_o world_n when_o we_o be_v to_o part_v with_o this_o here_o death_n must_v be_v very_o terrible_a to_o the_o thought_n either_o of_o a_o atheist_n by_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o be_v and_o of_o all_o enjoyment_n or_o of_o a_o wicked_a christian_a by_o consign_v he_o to_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n and_o translate_n he_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n only_a religion_n can_v take_v off_o its_o terror_n and_o sweeten_v the_o bitter_a cup_n with_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n it_o afford_v to_o a_o good_a man_n in_o his_o last_o agony_n and_o extremity_n and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n when_o he_o think_v of_o die_v last_o religion_n infuse_v inward_a and_o unspeakable_a comfort_n into_o our_o mind_n from_o its_o present_a privilege_n and_o future_a hope_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o their_o secret_a communication_n operation_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o high_a improvement_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n nature_n and_o philosophy_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o but_o revelation_n and_o especial_o the_o christian_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o many_o a_o pious_a and_o good_a christian_n have_v feel_v the_o effect_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o have_v have_v a_o cheerful_a and_o well_o ground_a sense_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n and_o that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o heaven_n by_o god_n promise_n upon_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v partake_v of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a salvation_n these_o will_v raise_v and_o inspire_v he_o as_o it_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a comfort_n peace_n and_o cheerfullness_n of_o soul_n and_o make_v he_o very_o happy_a though_o in_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o outward_a affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v the_o christian_n rejoice_v always_o in_o the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n sing_v and_o be_v cheerful_a in_o prison_n and_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o their_o trouble_n when_o they_o have_v these_o inward_a comfort_n to_o support_v and_o raise_v and_o invigorate_v their_o mind_n when_o though_o their_o enemy_n be_v implacable_a and_o irreconcilable_a yet_o god_n they_o know_v be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o world_n hate_v thom_n yet_o he_o love_v they_o though_o they_o have_v tribulation_n from_o without_o yet_o they_o have_v peace_n in_o themselves_o and_o peace_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o promise_v they_o mat._n 16.32_o and_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o dismal_a about_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o heaven_n and_o like_o st._n stephen_n can_v see_v that_o open_v through_o a_o shower_n of_o stone_n and_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n one_o such_o view_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n though_o but_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o pleasure_n and_o courage_n of_o mind_n above_o not_o only_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n he_o endure_v but_o all_o other_o pleasure_n he_o ever_o feel_v in_o his_o life_n a_o great_a but_o ill_a man_n can_v say_v that_o the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n even_o when_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o enthusiastic_a be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o carnality_n what_o be_v they_o then_o when_o they_o be_v true_a and_o well_o ground_v how_o do_v they_o not_o only_o give_v peace_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o even_o rapture_n not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_v it_o but_o transport_v it_o not_o only_o give_v it_o rest_v and_o tranquillity_n but_o ecstasy_n and_o joy_n this_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14.17_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n philip._n 4.7_o for_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v communicate_v inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o convey_v a_o secret_a sense_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o relish_v of_o his_o kindness_n and_o make_v we_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a he_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psa_n 34.8_o and_o lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v more_o in_o all_o this_o not_o only_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n promise_v in_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n all_o the_o charm_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v ever_o amount_v to_o and_o as_o we_o plain_o feel_v peace_n and_o ease_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o great_a good_a than_o any_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o know_v this_o from_o sense_n and_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n so_o when_o this_o be_v heighten_v by_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o that_o inconceiveable_a peace_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n these_o give_v such_o a_o improvement_n to_o this_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n as_o nothing_o can_v equal_v but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o which_o the_o wife_n heathen_n and_o philosopher_n know_v nothing_o of_o in_o their_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a religion_n and_o christianity_n therefore_o outdo_v
and_o blemish_v his_o baptismal_a purity_n nor_o fall_v into_o nor_o wallow_v in_o any_o great_a sin_n and_o so_o need_v not_o to_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v and_o purisied_a as_o a_o sinner_n in_o a_o high_a sense_n need_v and_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a the_o bless_a person_n who_o i_o prefer_v to_o the_o best_a penitent_n and_o the_o true_a convert_n as_o the_o parable_n here_o do_v 3._o this_o show_v the_o good_a of_o early_a obedience_n and_o the_o great_a happiness_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n there_o be_v for_o parent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o this_o and_o the_o great_a thankfulness_n which_o those_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o their_o parent_n who_o have_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o for_o nothing_o make_v virtue_n and_o religion_n so_o easy_a or_o so_o acceptable_a to_o we_o as_o to_o have_v they_o teach_v and_o instill_a into_o we_o in_o our_o tender_a yearâ—_n when_o like_o soft_a wax_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o impression_n and_o yet_o grow_v hard_a and_o retain_v they_o afterward_o when_o the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n be_v early_o plant_v in_o our_o heart_n before_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n be_v grow_v up_o in_o they_o and_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n take_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o we_o and_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n or_o of_o evil_a example_n then_o virtue_n become_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o custom_n make_v it_o both_o very_a easy_a to_o be_v practise_v and_o hard_a to_o be_v overcome_v for_o let_v the_o habit_n and_o custom_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difficulty_n for_o a_o virtuous_a person_n to_o become_v vicious_a as_o for_o a_o vicious_a person_n to_o be_v make_v virtuous_a it_o must_v be_v with_o great_a violence_n and_o reluctancy_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v bring_v to_o commit_v a_o wilful_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o therefore_o scripture_n represent_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v moral_o impossible_a as_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v as_o hardly_o learn_v to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o aethiopian_a can_v change_v his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n so_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v sin_n 1_o john_n 3.9_o i_o doubt_v not_o therefore_o but_o most_o of_o the_o good_a man_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o educate_v and_o bring_v up_o and_o but_o few_o of_o those_o in_o proportion_n who_o have_v be_v otherwise_o have_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n they_o contract_v when_o they_o be_v young_a it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n a_o good_a one_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n what_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o and_o what_o it_o often_o can_v effect_v through_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a hence_o those_o complaint_n and_o expostulation_n i_o will_v have_v heal_v they_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v jerem._n 51.9_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v oh_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o of_o sinner_n resist_v grieve_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o god_n spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o the_o like_a which_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v even_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o and_o how_o much_o happy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o early_a obedience_n and_o determine_v by_o a_o virtuous_a education_n than_o to_o be_v afterward_o struggle_v with_o they_o 4._o this_o prevent_v the_o common_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n about_o repentance_n whereby_o man_n make_v it_o a_o reserve_n to_o themselves_o to_o excuse_v they_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o think_v that_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o they_o shall_v avoid_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o sin_n at_o last_o and_o be_v as_o safe_a and_o as_o secure_v of_o heaven_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n though_o they_o live_v never_o so_o loose_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o repent_v before_o they_o die_v and_o that_o as_o little_a before_o as_o they_o can_v if_o they_o can_v nick_v it_o right_n and_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o sudden_o and_o unexpected_o which_o be_v but_o a_o accident_n that_o happen_v only_o to_o few_o and_o the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n be_v do_v by_o a_o true_a sorrow_n and_o some_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o a_o instantaneous_a change_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o most_o entire_a virtue_n and_o constant_a obedience_n of_o a_o man_n whole_a life_n if_o so_o most_o man_n sin_n and_o lust_n will_v persuade_v they_o to_o indulge_v and_o gratify_v they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n if_o they_o can_v whole_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o a_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v thus_o corrupt_v religion_n and_o make_v it_o thereby_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o by_o these_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n raise_v hope_n to_o themselves_o of_o escape_v all_o the_o mischief_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o ill_a life_n and_o save_v themselves_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o repentance_n at_o the_o last_o without_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n which_o they_o will_v therefore_o be_v glad_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o as_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o so_o whole_o trust_v and_o depend_v and_o venture_v upon_o the_o other_o way_n now_o this_o be_v put_v a_o trick_n upon_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n as_o they_o think_v though_o it_o be_v indeed_o put_v a_o trick_n upon_o themselves_o and_o miserable_o delude_v themselves_o into_o destruction_n by_o thus_o abuse_v this_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v this_o grant_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o design_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v man_n live_v well_o and_o bring_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o at_o all_o encourage_v they_o in_o they_o whereas_o by_o thus_o pervert_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o wrong_a notion_n and_o wretched_a mistake_n about_o repentance_n the_o obligation_n to_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedienâ—â—_n be_v take_v off_o and_o a_o man_n may_v secure_v heaven_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n without_o those_o by_o another_o and_o much_o short_a and_o easy_a way_n which_o be_v by_o repentance_n at_o the_o last_o which_o shall_v be_v as_o safe_a to_o ourselves_o and_o as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o as_o well_o reward_v by_o he_o as_o the_o other_o now_o i_o know_v but_o one_o way_n of_o save_v a_o man_n soul_n and_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o by_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n repentance_n be_v the_o bring_v a_o sinner_n to_o these_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o do_v this_o though_o the_o sorrow_n be_v never_o so_o great_a it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n nor_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o his_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n that_o he_o perform_v after_o his_o disobedience_n and_o wickedness_n which_o constitute_v and_o complete_v his_o repentance_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n and_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n and_o another_o world_n and_o the_o great_a and_o perfect_a and_o more_o entire_a this_o obedience_n have_v be_v the_o more_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o the_o more_o reward_v by_o a_o righteous_a and_o just_a god_n who_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o not_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o the_o constant_a and_o unbroken_a and_o early_a and_o entire_a obedience_n of_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n all_o their_o life_n last_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o early_a virtue_n and_o constant_a obedience_n be_v prefertable_a to_o the_o true_a repentance_n stand_v upon_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o secure_v those_o evident_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o all_o practical_a religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o be_v build_v such_o as_o these_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o at_o the_o last_o day_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o in_o proportion_n to_o they_o and_o
he_o i_o say_v upon_o his_o return_n with_o more_o expression_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o rejoice_v than_o he_o ever_o do_v the_o other_o who_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o this_o seem_v not_o a_o just_a and_o a_o fair_a usage_n to_o the_o elder_a brother_n as_o much_o fail_n in_o justice_n to_o he_o as_o exceed_v in_o kindness_n to_o the_o other_o too_o little_o reward_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o the_o one_o and_o too_o much_o encourage_v the_o lewdness_n and_o prodigality_n of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n he_o seem_v to_o take_v it_o ill_o and_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o this_o unreasonable_a deal_n of_o his_o father_n parable_n be_v very_o good_a way_n of_o instruction_n and_o very_o lively_a representation_n of_o thing_n or_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o picture_n or_o scene_n and_o dramatical_a history_n now_o though_o all_o the_o part_n must_v be_v suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o main_a aim_n plot_n and_o design_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v chief_o design_v by_o it_o and_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o other_o thing_n be_v but_o as_o the_o circumstance_n and_o ornament_n the_o dress_n and_o habit_n this_o be_v the_o air_n the_o stroke_n that_o give_v life_n and_o likeness_n to_o the_o whole_a the_o parable_n of_o this_o chapter_n concern_v the_o lose_a sheep_n the_o lose_a piece_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o return_v prodigal_n be_v design_v to_o show_v how_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o god_n the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v certain_o be_v receive_v very_o kind_o upon_o it_o and_o to_o represent_v this_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a and_o affect_v to_o we_o god_n who_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o provoke_v at_o sinner_n be_v here_o say_v to_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v at_o their_o return_n and_o repentance_n the_o joyful_a father_n kiss_v and_o embrace_v his_o return_a son_n put_v the_o best_a robe_n on_o he_o and_o kill_v the_o satted_a calf_n for_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o with_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o mirth_n and_o rejoice_v this_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o repentance_n but_o we_o must_v not_o apply_v parable_n too_o far_o for_o they_o touch_v not_o in_o all_o their_o part_n but_o only_o like_o globe_n here_o and_o there_o in_o a_o point_n these_o parable_n seem_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o teach_v and_o denote_v that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o great_a sinner_n in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n be_v more_o please_v to_o god_n than_o the_o constant_a obedience_n of_o a_o good_a man_n all_o his_o life_n which_o undoubted_o can_v never_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o the_o parable_n can_v never_o mean_v that_o but_o only_o by_o comparative_a and_o condeseend_a representation_n to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v very_o well_o please_v and_o will_v certain_o accept_v a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n that_o expression_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v strict_o and_o rigorous_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentante_n v._o 7._o the_o angel_n those_o lover_n of_o virtue_n can_v but_o rejoice_v as_o much_o and_o more_o at_o man_n live_v always_o by_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n as_o at_o their_o sometime_o repent_v for_o break_v they_o and_o god_n like_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n can_v but_o be_v better_o please_v that_o his_o child_n be_v always_o dutiful_a and_o virtuous_a and_o obedient_a than_o that_o they_o be_v any_o time_n otherwise_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o undeniable_a at_o first_o sight_n indeed_o upon_o a_o vicious_a son_n be_v be_v reclaim_v a_o parent_n may_v have_v a_o quick_a passion_n and_o resentment_n as_o upon_o a_o child_n recovery_n after_o a_o hopeless_a sickness_n in_o which_o he_o be_v give_v over_o his_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n as_o it_o be_v gives_z a_o great_a joy_n to_o the_o parent_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v never_o ill_a but_o this_o be_v but_o the_o work_n of_o different_n humane_a animal_n passion_n in_o we_o and_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o our_o spirit_n upon_o apprehension_n of_o some_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o great_o affect_v we_o none_o of_o this_o be_v true_o in_o god_n but_o only_o the_o several_a act_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o wise_a resolve_n of_o his_o will_n and_o mean_v and_o denote_v by_o they_o it_o be_v all_o human_a and_o a_o condescension_n to_o the_o passion_n and_o humour_n of_o man_n to_o rejoice_v more_o at_o the_o find_v one_o lose_v sheep_n or_o one_o lose_a piece_n of_o silver_n than_o at_o a_o great_a many_o that_o be_v always_o safe_a so_o for_o a_o lose_v chisess_v â—â—â—â—â—ing_v home_o than_o for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o cover_n be_v in_o danger_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v strict_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o teacâ—â—_n and_o represent_v this_o positive_a truth_n that_o the_o return_v and_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v very_o acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o thus_o in_o other_o parable_n when_o christ_n to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o earnest_n and_o constant_a prayer_n represent_v it_o by_o a_o widow_n importune_v a_o unjust_a judge_n luke_n 18._o chap._n and_o by_o a_o friend_n be_v prevail_v to_o make_v another_o rise_n and_o give_v he_o what_o he_o want_v not_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n but_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n luke_n 11.8_o this_o which_o be_v usual_a with_o man_n must_v not_o be_v strict_o apply_v to_o god_n as_o if_o his_o blessing_n flow_v not_o so_o much_o from_o his_o own_o goodness_n as_o that_o they_o be_v extort_a by_o importunity_n so_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a steward_n luke_n 16._o and_o in_o other_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d nice_a application_n of_o every_o part_n but_o only_o of_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o primary_n design_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v thereslex_a image_n represent_v the_o thing_n intend_v without_o those_o collatoral_a ray_n that_o be_v but_o adventitious_a and_o adhering_a to_o it_o among_o the_o many_o mistake_n about_o repentance_n which_o be_v not_o a_o few_o for_o we_o have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o corrupt_v most_o of_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o what_o be_v moral_a and_o natural_a nothing_o will_v secure_v it_o from_o be_v turn_v into_o mere_a superstition_n to_o serve_v the_o lust_n and_o looseness_n and_o yet_o stupefy_v the_o fear_n and_o delude_v the_o hope_n of_o man_n sinful_o incline_v one_o i_o say_v of_o the_o great_a mistake_n be_v to_o think_v a_o constant_a obedience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o true_a repentance_n or_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v more_o please_v with_o and_o more_o high_o reward_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o be_v here_o plain_o suppose_v and_o assert_v son_n thou_o be_v always_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o where_o plain_o the_o father_n who_o rejoice_v so_o much_o at_o the_o return_v prodigal_n yet_o allow_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o his_o innocent_a son_n who_o have_v always_o serve_v he_o and_o never_o at_o any_o time_n transgress_v his_o commandment_n to_o make_v out_o and_o illustrate_v this_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o i_o hope_v in_o the_o world_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v need_v no_o repentance_n luke_n 15.7_o i_o e._n no_o such_o repentance_n as_o be_v to_o alter_v their_o whole_a state_n and_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o to_o change_v the_o whole_a habit_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o from_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o good_a one_o for_o they_o who_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a education_n have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o virtuous_o and_o religious_o and_o preserve_v from_o any_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n who_o never_o err_v from_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n nor_o step_v into_o those_o of_o sin_n and_o death_n these_o have_v a_o title_n to_o the_o character_n of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luke_n 1.6_o that_o they_o be_v righteous_a before_o god_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o these_o who_o never_o defile_v themselves_o need_v not_o to_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v as_o those_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o filthy_a and_o impure_a they_o deserve_v not_o the_o character_n give_v to_o the_o vile_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n in_o scripture_n nor_o need_v such_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n as_o
it_o will_v do_v even_o by_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n itself_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o heaven_n upon_o its_o own_o term_n and_o concession_n but_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v thus_o mock_v or_o overreach_v no_o repentance_n will_v do_v but_o what_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o good_a life_n nor_o be_v a_o sin_n so_o easy_o repent_v of_o after_o it_o be_v commit_v especial_o upon_o such_o presumptuous_a term_n as_o may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o a_o harden_v and_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o to_o that_o wretched_a state_n which_o sin_n by_o be_v continue_v in_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v 2._o how_o man_n be_v harden_v by_o their_o sin_n or_o how_o sin_n harden_v their_o mind_n afterward_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o deprave_a state_n and_o temper_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o the_o gross_a or_o in_o general_n 2._o more_o particular_o how_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n it_o harden_v they_o 3._o make_v some_o remark_n and_o observation_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o how_o sin_n harden_v in_o general_n when_o a_o man_n have_v give_v way_n to_o it_o in_o any_o great_a and_o wilful_a instance_n and_o it_o have_v make_v a_o breach_n upon_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n which_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o it_o will_v enter_v with_o all_o its_o force_n and_o gain_v ground_n daily_o upon_o he_o and_o quick_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o repulse_v it_o immediate_o and_o drive_v it_o out_o by_o repentance_n though_o he_o may_v a_o little_a struggle_n and_o rally_v against_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n when_o natural_a conscience_n will_v strive_v a_o while_n with_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inclination_n yet_o if_o in_o this_o conflict_n the_o sin_n prevail_v and_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n and_o he_o continue_v to_o commit_v it_o it_o will_v at_o last_o whole_o master_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o into_o such_o bondage_n and_o vassalage_n that_o he_o shall_v lose_v the_o moral_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v such_o a_o slave_n to_o it_o as_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o it_o at_o its_o will_n so_o that_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o both_o will_v not_o and_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o it_o for_o he_o have_v then_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o perfect_a dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o vice_n so_o that_o though_o he_o see_v the_o plain_a mischief_n of_o they_o and_o wish_n he_o can_v leave_v they_o and_o will_v do_v so_o if_o a_o faint_a wish_n and_o a_o mere_a velleity_n be_v sufficient_a yet_o he_o still_o live_v in_o they_o to_o the_o plain_a ruin_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o his_o undo_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o another_o and_o though_o he_o see_v and_o seel_v the_o pernicious_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o yet_o neither_o a_o decay_a body_n nor_o a_o disorder_a mind_n nor_o a_o shatter_a estate_n nor_o conscience_n nor_o credit_n nor_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o condemn_v and_o reproach_n he_o for_o they_o can_v ever_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v they_o they_o have_v take_v such_o strong_a hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o much_o under_o their_o power_n that_o he_o can_v for_o all_o these_o strong_a argument_n and_o consideration_n resist_v the_o next_o temptation_n or_o opportunity_n that_o invite_v to_o they_o his_o lust_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o disorderly_a appetite_n be_v grow_v so_o strong_a and_o his_o reason_n and_o religion_n so_o weak_a and_o unable_a to_o resist_v they_o that_o like_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n they_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o himself_o have_v break_v down_o all_o the_o bank_n that_o shall_v withstand_v they_o and_o he_o be_v carry_v down_o by_o the_o violent_a stream_n of_o his_o lust_n till_o it_o dry_v up_o of_o itself_o and_o age_n and_o infirmity_n abate_v and_o sink_v it_o and_o his_o sin_n as_o we_o common_o say_v leave_v he_o and_o even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n in_o some_o sense_n yet_o the_o ghost_n of_o his_o depart_a vice_n still_o haunt_v he_o and_o the_o phantom_n or_o fancy_n the_o spirit_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o of_o his_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n still_o hover_v over_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o carcase_n as_o it_o be_v of_o a_o old_a sinner_n and_o will_v not_o quite_o depart_v from_o he_o this_o harden_v of_o a_o sinner_n be_v gradual_a and_o come_v not_o all_o at_o once_o upon_o he_o but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o vicious_a habit_n he_o be_v bring_v by_o time_n and_o degree_n to_o this_o harden_a state_n and_o by_o a_o unaccountable_a quality_n in_o sin_n itself_o whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v petrify_v by_o it_o and_o bring_v to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o platonist_n often_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o deadness_n and_o stupidness_n of_o its_o faculty_n and_o its_o moral_a power_n as_o we_o can_v well_o express_v every_o sin_n harden_v the_o mind_n a_o little_a and_o weaken_v the_o first_o tender_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v natural_a to_o it_o and_o the_o long_o it_o continue_v in_o it_o it_o sensible_o harden_v it_o the_o more_o though_o by_o secret_a and_o insensible_a mean_n as_o even_o stone_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v at_o first_o soft_a and_o fluid_a but_o by_o time_n and_o a_o saline_n and_o other_o quality_n they_o grow_v hard_a and_o rocky_a a_o sinner_n at_o first_o have_v great_a tenderness_n of_o mind_n and_o can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o commit_v a_o wilful_a sin_n till_o by_o custom_n and_o many_o repeat_v act_n he_o grow_v more_o harden_v and_o embolden_v so_o that_o what_o he_o commit_v at_o first_o with_o reluctancy_n he_o commit_v afterward_o with_o greediness_n the_o first_o conception_n and_o formation_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n be_v by_o a_o small_a seed_n or_o principle_n and_o by_o a_o unaccountable_a growth_n and_o increase_n a_o wicked_a thought_n become_v at_o first_o a_o inclination_n or_o rather_o a_o natural_a inclination_n produce_v a_o thought_n a_o think_v increase_v the_o inclination_n that_o beget_v a_o delight_n a_o delight_n a_o consent_n a_o consent_n a_o act_n a_o act_n by_o degree_n a_o habit_n and_o that_o become_v strong_a and_o strong_a by_o time_n as_o in_o the_o growth_n of_o our_o body_n anatomist_n tell_v we_o a_o jelly_n become_v a_o nerve_n a_o fiber_n a_o tendon_n a_o muscle_n or_o a_o bone_n by_o strange_a and_o imperceptible_a way_n the_o body_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o be_v form_v by_o custom_n and_o grow_v still_o more_o and_o more_o and_o have_v no_o fix_a stature_n set_v to_o it_o but_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v put_v off_o the_o old_a it_o be_v and_o get_v strength_n every_o day_n and_o renew_v it_o by_o age_n the_o sin_n which_o at_o first_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o withstand_v and_o overcome_v and_o like_o a_o young_a weed_n ready_o pluck_v up_o afterward_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o a_o man_n mind_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o remove_v it_o and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o long_a and_o confirm_a habit_n that_o have_v be_v a_o great_a while_n grow_v upon_o we_o this_o harden_v of_o the_o mind_n by_o sin_n i_o take_v to_o proceed_v from_o custom_n which_o have_v a_o unaccountable_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o we_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v bend_v the_o will_v that_o way_n and_o put_v so_o strong_a a_o bias_n upon_o the_o thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o with_o all_o its_o natural_a liberty_n and_o god_n ordinary_a grace_n get_v off_o of_o it_o and_o when_o the_o will_n be_v thus_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o any_o lust_n or_o wickedness_n it_o affect_v and_o draw_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o the_o mind_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v thus_o harden_a by_o its_o vice_n be_v blind_v also_o by_o they_o and_o so_o the_o two_o great_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o both_o at_o once_o for_o harden_v respect_n proper_o the_o will_n and_o blind_a the_o understanding_n and_o they_o always_o go_v together_o and_o be_v promiscuous_o mention_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o in_o scripture_n man_n lust_n and_o vice_n as_o they_o harden_v they_o and_o bring_v as_o it_o be_v a_o callus_fw-la upon_o the_o mind_n by_o long_a use_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v past_a