and_o destroy_v it_o but_o wave_v they_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v two_o particular_n wherein_o this_o energy_n of_o faith_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n be_v the_o most_o conspicuous_a first_o faith_n preserve_v from_o sin_n by_o bring_v in_o and_o present_v to_o the_o soul_n eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o faith_n these_o indeed_o be_v future_a unto_o sense_n but_o they_o be_v present_a unto_o faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11.1_o it_o give_v they_o a_o be_v before_o they_o be_v and_o what_o we_o hope_v for_o or_o fear_n as_o to_o come_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v enjoy_v or_o feel_v as_o already_o present_a why_o now_o what_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n be_v this_o to_o preserve_v man_n from_o sin_v will_v sinner_n treat_v with_o the_o devil_n or_o hearken_v to_o a_o temptation_n if_o they_o shall_v now_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n on_o flame_n angel_n hasten_v they_o to_o judgement_n and_o christ_n upon_o his_o throne_n here_o heaven_n to_o receive_v and_o crown_v they_o there_o hell_n with_o all_o its_o horror_n to_o torment_v they_o will_v any_o of_o you_o dare_v to_o sin_n if_o all_o this_o be_v before_o your_o eye_n why_o believe_v it_o when_o faith_n act_v lively_a all_o this_o be_v as_o true_o present_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o shall_v once_o be_v and_o therefore_o no_o more_o than_o we_o will_v commit_v a_o sin_n if_o sentence_n be_v now_o pass_v upon_o we_o either_o of_o absolution_n or_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n at_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o god_n no_o more_o shall_v we_o sin_v while_o faith_n set_v these_o thing_n evident_o before_o our_o eye_n and_o make_v they_o as_o real_a to_o we_o as_o they_o be_v sure_a second_o faith_n preserve_v from_o sin_v by_o represent_v that_o god_n who_o must_v hereafter_o be_v our_o judge_n to_o be_v now_o our_o spectator_n and_o observer_n it_o be_v only_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n that_o can_v discover_v thing_n future_a as_o present_v and_o thing_n spiritual_a as_o real_a why_o now_o god_n he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a be_v and_o therefore_o be_v invisible_a to_o the_o dull_a eye_n of_o flesh_n but_o the_o quick_a eye_n of_o faith_n that_o can_v see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n heb._n 11.27_o it_o fix_v its_o eye_n upon_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o awful_a thought_n of_o god_n omni-presence_n and_o omnisciency_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o bare_a before_o he_o in_o who_o company_n we_o be_v wherever_o we_o be_v and_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v whatever_o we_o be_v do_v why_o now_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o will_v i_o commit_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sin_n to_o which_o possible_o you_o be_v tempt_v if_o some_o grave_a person_n be_v in_o the_o room_n with_o you_o who_o you_o do_v much_o respect_n and_o what_o shall_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o mortal_a man_n keep_v you_o from_o 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that_o can_v exercise_v the_o discern_a eye_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v a_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n than_o if_o all_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v upon_o he_o second_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o sprightly_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o divine_a love_n be_v a_o excellent_a preservative_n against_o sin_n love_n will_v not_o willing_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v offend_v and_o grieve_v the_o object_n love_v love_n it_o be_v a_o assimilate_v affection_n it_o be_v the_o very_a cement_n that_o join_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n together_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n it_o be_v the_o loadstone_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o touch_v all_o other_o affection_n and_o make_v they_o stand_v heaven-ward_n when_o once_o god_n have_v wrought_v the_o love_n of_o himself_o in_o our_o heart_n this_o will_v constrain_v we_o to_o love_v what_o he_o love_v and_o to_o 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against_o sin_n none_o be_v so_o safe_a as_o those_o that_o be_v least_o secure_a fear_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n of_o grace_n whereas_o those_o that_o be_v rash_a and_o venturous_a and_o confident_a of_o their_o own_o strength_n run_v themselves_o into_o many_o temptation_n and_o come_v off_o with_o wound_a and_o smart_a conscience_n stand_v in_o awe_n say_z the_o psalmist_n and_o sin_n not_o psalm_n 4.4_o the_o timorous_a and_o tremble_a christian_n stand_v firm_a because_o such_o a_o one_o be_v apt_a upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v his_o own_o strength_n and_o to_o call_v in_o god_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o treachery_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o holy_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v needful_a and_o it_o be_v less_o than_o sufficient_a a_o man_n that_o be_v to_o wade_v through_o a_o deep_a river_n will_v first_o try_v his_o foot_n before_o he_o take_v his_o step_n why_o we_o be_v to_o wade_v through_o the_o depth_n of_o satan_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o and_z certain_o it_o be_v but_o a_o requisite_a caution_n first_o to_o try_v our_o ground_n before_o we_o venture_v upon_o it_o to_o look_v about_o and_o consider_v whether_o such_o and_o such_o a_o action_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o command_n and_o secure_v to_o we_o by_o a_o promise_n whether_o if_o we_o do_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o such_o and_o such_o temptation_n or_o if_o we_o do_v lie_v open_a to_o they_o whether_o or_o not_o we_o be_v in_o god_n way_n and_o may_v expect_v his_o protection_n and_o preservation_n true_o such_o circumspection_n as_o this_o be_v will_v prove_v our_o best_a security_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a by_o all_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o diligence_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o yet_o when_o god_n see_v we_o so_o industrious_o solicitous_a to_o avoid_v sin_n he_o will_v then_o come_v in_o by_o his_o almighty_a grace_n that_o help_v not_o the_o slothful_a but_o the_o laborious_a and_o he_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o those_o sin_n that_o we_o can_v keep_v ourselves_o from_o now_o for_o the_o application_n of_o this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n only_o that_o can_v keep_v we_o from_o sin_n this_o may_v then_o be_v convictive_a of_o that_o error_n that_o now_o a_o day_n be_v very_o rife_a in_o the_o world_n that_o ascribe_v our_o preservation_n in_o our_o stand_n not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o almighty_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o our_o own_o wi_n true_o this_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o proceed_v much_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o stomach_n
â—s_v small_a sin_n yet_o they_o still_o plod_v on_o in_o â—he_n way_n to_o hell_n and_o destruction_n without_o any_o stop_n or_o interruption_n in_o sharp_a disease_n the_o violence_n of_o the_o fit_a do_v not_o â—ast_v so_o long_o as_o the_o disease_n last_v at_o time_n â—here_o be_v a_o intermission_n but_o still_o there_o be_v â—_o constant_a distemper_n in_o the_o body_n so_o when_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o violent_a sin_n be_v well_o over_o yet_o still_o there_o remain_v a_o constant_a distemper_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o outrageous_a yet_o still_o continue_v the_o soul_n disease_n and_o will_v bring_v it_o to_o its_o death_n at_o last_o in_o the_o fortification_n of_o a_o city_n or_o town_n all_o the_o rampart_n be_v not_o castle_n and_o strong_a hold_n but_o between_o fort_n and_o fort_n there_o be_v a_o line_n draw_v thaâ—_n do_v as_o it_o be_v join_v all_o together_o anâ—_n make_v the_o place_n impregnable_a so_o be_v â—_o in_o the_o fortification_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o sin_n all_o sin_n be_v not_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n they_o be_v great_a and_o grosser_n sin_n but_o between_o these_o be_v draw_v a_o line_n of_o smalleâ—_n sin_v so_o close_o that_o you_o can_v find_v â—_o breach_n in_o it_o and_o by_o these_o the_o heart_n iâ—_n fence_v against_o god_n now_o be_v it_o nothing_o that_o your_o little_a sin_n fill_v up_o all_o the_o voiâ—_n space_n of_o your_o life_n be_v it_o nothing_o thaâ—_n you_o not_o where_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o force_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o by_o his_o conviction_n batter_v the_o great_a and_o more_o heinous_a sin_n of_o your_o life_n buâ—_n these_o strong_a hold_v of_o satan_n be_v impregnable_a and_o give_v he_o the_o repulse_n he_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o thought_n but_o these_o be_v so_o fortify_v by_o vanity_n and_o earthly_a mindedness_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o folly_n that_o though_o they_o be_v but_o little_a sin_n yet_o swarm_v of_o they_o stop_v up_o the_o passage_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o full_a already_o that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enter_v there_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n here_o that_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o impartial_a search_n within_o he_o but_o will_v find_v the_o experience_n of_o this_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n when_o at_o any_o â—me_n you_o have_v fly_v out_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o boisterous_a and_o notorious_a wickedness_n have_v you_o not_o afterward_o â—und_v that_o you_o live_v in_o a_o more_o constant_a â—king_n and_o allowance_n of_o little_a sin_n when_o â—nce_o a_o man_n be_v stun_v by_o some_o heavy_a â—ow_o a_o small_a nip_n or_o pinch_n be_v not_o then_o feel_v â—y_a he_o and_o when_o once_o conscience_n be_v â—eadned_v by_o the_o stroke_n of_o some_o great_a and_o â—andalous_a sin_n afterward_o it_o grow_v less_o â—ensible_a of_o the_o guilt_n and_o evil_n that_o there_o â—_o in_o small_a sin_n and_o thus_o you_o live_v in_o â—hem_n without_o pain_n and_o regret_n till_o you_o â—ll_v into_o some_o notorious_a wickedness_n that_o â—ore_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o more_o fear_n â—he_v conscience_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o â—n_v round_o from_o sin_n to_o sin_n from_o a_o small_a â—in_a to_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o from_o a_o great_a sin_n â—o_o a_o small_a sin_n again_o till_o hell_n put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o circle_n what_o be_v this_o now_o â—ut_v for_o the_o devil_n to_o get_v ground_n upon_o â—ou_n by_o great_a sin_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o by_o little_a sin_n whereby_o he_o drive_v on_o and_o keep_v up_o â—he_n trade_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o god_n shall_v â—ast_v up_o your_o account_n for_o you_o at_o the_o last_o day_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o trade_n have_v â—gained_v you_o no_o small_a loss_n even_o the_o loss_n of_o â—our_n immortal_a soul_n now_o although_o â—he_v evil_a and_o danger_n of_o commit_v little_a sin_n have_v be_v make_v very_o apparent_a in_o the_o forementioned_a particular_n yet_o because_o man_n be_v very_o prone_a to_o indulge_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o herein_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a demonstration_n of_o their_o aggravate_v gild_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n which_o will_v serve_v great_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n sin_n little_a sin_n usual_o be_v the_o damn_v sin_n first_o consider_v little_a sin_n usual_o be_v the_o damn_v and_o destroy_v sin_n there_o be_v more_o beyond_o comparison_n that_o perish_v and_o go_v down_o to_o hell_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o little_a sin_n than_o by_o those_o that_o be_v more_o notorious_a and_o infamous_a here_o perish_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o here_o the_o formal_a professor_n here_o perish_v your_o honest_a civil_a neighbourly_a man_n that_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o upright_o in_o his_o deal_n that_o you_o can_v see_v nothing_o that_o be_v gross_a and_o scandalous_a by_o he_o oh_o but_o yet_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n run_v out_o and_o be_v spill_v for_o ever_o through_o those_o insensible_a wound_n that_o little_a sin_n do_v make_v yea_o hereby_o common_o perish_v the_o profane_a sinner_n also_o for_o it_o be_v usual_o but_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o small_a sin_n more_o that_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n and_o make_v they_o full_o ripe_a â—or_a damnation_n sometime_o indeed_o god_n â—oth_v by_o some_o signal_n strike_v of_o his_o vengeance_n strike_v the_o sinner_n through_o and_o through_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o bold_a â—nd_n dare_v sin_n but_o usual_o the_o last_o sin_n â—f_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o the_o lesser_a â—ze_n and_o though_o god_n have_v former_o â—orn_v many_o great_a impiety_n from_o such_o person_n yet_o be_v he_o at_o last_o so_o provoke_v by_o â—ome_o little_a sin_n that_o he_o will_v wait_v no_o long_o but_o snatch_v the_o sinner_n away_o in_o his_o â—rath_n and_o throw_v he_o down_o into_o hell_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n how_o dreadful_o provoke_v small_a sin_n be_v that_o usual_o â—pon_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o they_o god_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o great_a and_o cry_a â—ins_n of_o a_o man_n life_n that_o bring_v so_o much_o misery_n upon_o he_o as_o a_o little_a sin_n that_o â—nks_v he_o down_o into_o eternal_a torment_n â—oth_o usual_o the_o last_o sin_n that_o a_o sinner_n enter_v into_o hell_n by_o be_v but_o a_o little_a sin_n take_v it_o therefore_o as_o a_o warn_n from_o god_n henceforth_o never_o more_o despise_v any_o sin_n â—s_v slight_a because_o it_o be_v small_a we_o have_v a_o known_a proverb_n among_o we_o that_o when_o a_o â—east_n have_v his_o full_a load_n one_o straw_n more_o will_v break_v his_o back_n believe_v it_o sir_n it_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a in_o the_o present_a case_n many_o christian_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n sinner_n against_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n add_v iniquity_n to_o iniquity_n and_o some_o oâ—_n you_o may_v already_o have_v your_o full_a load_n â—_o beware_v how_o you_o ever_o venture_v upon_o thâ—_n commission_n of_o another_o sin_n though_o it_o bâ—_n but_o a_o little_a and_o a_o slight_a sin_n yet_o this_o slight_a and_o small_a sin_n add_v to_o the_o rest_n may_v breaâ—_n and_o sink_v you_o for_o ever_o into_o hell_n thiâ—_n little_a sin_n may_v fill_v up_o the_o ephah_n of_o youâ—_n iniquity_n and_o after_o this_o small_a sin_n yoâ—_n may_v neither_o have_v time_n to_o sin_n again_o noâ—_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n innumber_n little_a sin_n what_o they_o want_v in_o weight_n they_o do_v more_o than_o make_v up_o innumber_n second_o consider_v this_o small_a sin_n what_o they_o want_v in_o weight_n usual_o they_o do_v more_o than_o make_v up_o in_o number_n and_o therefore_o be_v as_o pernicious_a to_o the_o souâ—_n as_o the_o great_a sin_n can_v be_v hence_o david_n pray_v psal_n 19.12_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o secret_a sin_n 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o secret_n sin_n must_v needs_o bâ—_n the_o least_o and_o small_a sin_n see_v they_o be_v so_o small_a that_o he_o that_o commit_v than_o can_v discern_v they_o but_o yet_o as_o they_o be_v small_a so_o be_v they_o numerous_a whâ—_n know_v how_o often_o he_o thus_o transgress_v whâ—_n can_v understand_v his_o error_n therefore_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o o_o lord_n from_o these_o secret_a â—ins_n a_o ship_n may_v have_v a_o heavy_a burâ—en_n of_o sand_n as_o well_o as_o of_o millstone_n and_o â—ay_v be_v as_o soon_o sink_v with_o they_o and_o â—uly_o small_a sin_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v â—_o small_a as_o sands_n yet_o common_o they_o â—e_v as_o numerous_a as_o the_o sand_n too_o and_o â—hat_n odds_o than_o be_v there_o between_o
the_o future_a to_o shun_v such_o snare_n and_o entanglement_n as_o these_o be_v thy_o sin_n will_v be_v judge_v by_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o be_v wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n for_o they_o be_v so_o if_o not_o in_o themselves_o consider_v yet_o at_o least_o in_o their_o cause_n for_o you_o presumptuous_o run_v into_o those_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n whereby_o in_o all_o likelihood_n you_o will_v be_v overcome_v and_o this_o be_v to_o sin_n presumptuous_o presumptuous_o if_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v we_o yield_v without_o vigorous_a resistance_n we_o then_o sin_v presumptuous_o three_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v strong_o tempt_v without_o the_o betray_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o temptation_n why_o then_o consider_v if_o you_o commit_v the_o sin_n to_o which_o you_o be_v tempt_v without_o vigorous_a and_o resolute_a resistance_n if_o you_o do_v this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n you_o sin_n presumptuous_o let_v the_o temptation_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a and_o irresistible_a yet_o if_o you_o yield_v to_o it_o without_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n make_v against_o it_o to_o your_o utmost_a you_o then_o sin_n presumptuous_o a_o child_n of_o god_n when_o he_o act_n like_o himself_o fall_v fight_v the_o devil_n get_v not_o a_o foot_n of_o ground_n upon_o he_o but_o by_o main_a force_n and_o strength_n though_o principality_n and_o power_n though_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n set_v themselves_o all_o in_o array_n against_o he_o why_o yet_o he_o encounter_v they_o all_o and_o wrestle_v with_o they_o all_o and_o though_o sometime_o through_o weakness_n he_o be_v overcome_v yet_o he_o never_o base_o yield_v he_o fight_v stand_v and_o he_o fight_v fall_v and_o he_o fight_v rise_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o sin_n it_o be_v through_o weakness_n and_o not_o through_o presumption_n but_o now_o other_o though_o they_o be_v very_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a against_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v very_a coward_n against_o their_o lust_n and_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n when_o a_o temptation_n assault_v they_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o oppose_v that_o but_o they_o dare_v presume_v to_o offend_v and_o provoke_v god_n himself_o that_o they_o dare_v do_v believe_v it_o sir_n you_o must_v be_v bold_a and_o resolute_a either_o against_o the_o devil_n or_o against_o the_o great_a god_n one_o of_o these_o you_o must_v grapple_v with_o choose_v which_o you_o think_v you_o may_v best_o oppose_v and_o soon_o conquer_v the_o devil_n stand_v before_o you_o arm_v with_o his_o fiery_a dart_n god_n follow_v you_o arm_v with_o everlasting_a vengeance_n if_o you_o will_v not_o engage_v against_o satan_n and_o resolute_o oppose_v he_o and_o all_o his_o force_n what_o do_v you_o else_o but_o turn_n upon_o god_n and_o challenge_v he_o to_o the_o combat_n and_o make_v he_o your_o enemy_n that_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o hell-fire_n for_o ever_o why_o what_o a_o most_o dare_a presumption_n be_v this_o that_o ever_o we_o shall_v base_o surrender_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o devil_n without_o strike_v one_o stroke_n in_o our_o own_o defence_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o shall_v dare_v to_o provoke_v that_o god_n that_o can_v with_o one_o look_n and_o frown_n sink_v we_o into_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o thus_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n we_o see_v when_o a_o sin_n be_v presumptuous_a in_o respect_n of_o temptation_n when_o it_o be_v commit_v without_o temptation_n when_o we_o run_v into_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o make_v no_o vigorous_a opposition_n against_o they_o presumptuous_o to_o sin_v under_o eminent_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n be_v to_o sin_v presumptuous_o in_o the_o five_o place_n another_o trial_n be_v this_o when_o man_n will_v dare_v to_o sin_n under_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n that_o god_n bring_v upon_o they_o than_o they_o sin_v presumptuous_o what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o when_o god_n stand_v visible_o in_o your_o way_n yet_o you_o will_v desperate_o run_v upon_o the_o thick_a boss_n of_o his_o buckler_n he_o hedge_n up_o your_o way_n with_o thorn_n and_o yet_o you_o will_v break_v through_o though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o tear_v of_o your_o flesh_n he_o strike_v at_o you_o by_o his_o judgement_n and_o oh_o the_o madness_n and_o presumption_n of_o vile_a dust_n and_o ash_n that_o they_o dare_v to_o strike_v at_o god_n again_o by_o their_o sin_n what_o be_v this_o else_o but_o even_o to_o dare_v god_n to_o do_v his_o worst_a when_o god_n tread_v upon_o we_o shall_v such_o vile_a worm_n as_o we_o be_v turn_v the_o tail_n and_o threaten_v to_o take_v revenge_n upon_o the_o almighty_a this_o be_v presumption_n and_o boldness_n that_o god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o in_o 2_o chron._n 28_o and_o 22._o ahaz_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a say_v the_o text_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n he_o trespass_v yet_o more_o against_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v that_o ahaz_n god_n set_v a_o mark_n and_o brand_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v know_v to_o all_o posterity_n for_o a_o most_o dare_a sinner_n that_o when_o god_n have_v bring_v he_o so_o low_a when_o so_o many_o enemy_n wage_v war_n against_o he_o and_o distress_v he_o yet_o even_o then_o he_o provoke_v a_o great_a enemy_n than_o they_o all_o and_o challenge_v god_n against_o he_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahaz_n true_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v of_o many_o among_o we_o this_o and_o this_o be_v that_o person_n who_o when_o god_n afflict_v they_o instead_o of_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n grow_v enrage_v at_o their_o suffering_n and_o sin_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o against_o he_o oh_o it_o be_v dreadful_a when_o those_o punishment_n that_o shall_v break_v and_o melt_v we_o prove_v only_o to_o harden_v our_o heart_n and_o to_o exasperate_v and_o embitter_v our_o spirit_n against_o god_n what_o can_v reform_v we_o when_o we_o offend_v under_o the_o very_a smart_n of_o the_o rod_n hereby_o therefore_o judge_v of_o your_o sin_n if_o so_o be_v god_n be_v go_v out_o against_o you_o if_o he_o have_v lay_v his_o hand_n heavy_a upon_o you_o and_o yet_o you_o regard_v it_o not_o but_o still_o persevere_v in_o your_o old_a sin_n and_o still_o add_v new_a iniquity_n to_o they_o if_o instead_o of_o humility_n and_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n your_o heart_n rise_v up_o against_o god_n and_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o that_o wicked_a king_n this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n any_o long_o conclude_v upon_o it_o you_o be_v those_o desperate_a presumptuous_a sinner_n that_o scorn_v to_o shrink_v for_o whatever_o god_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o presumptuous_o to_o encourage_v ourselves_o with_o hope_n of_o mercy_n while_o we_o live_v impenitent_o in_o sin_n be_v to_o sin_v presumptuous_o six_o and_o last_o when_o we_o can_v encourage_v ourselves_o with_o hope_n of_o mercy_n though_o we_o live_v in_o sin_n impenitent_o this_o be_v to_o sin_n presumptuous_o you_o that_o know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v you_o to_o bear_v up_o with_o so_o much_o peace_n and_o confidence_n why_o do_v you_o not_o every_o moment_n fear_n lest_o hell_n shall_v open_v its_o mouth_n and_o swallow_v you_o up_o lest_o god_n shall_v sudden_o strike_v you_o dead_a by_o some_o remarkable_a judgement_n lest_o the_o devil_n shall_v fetch_v you_o away_o alive_a to_o torment_n why_o do_v you_o not_o fear_v this_o since_o you_o know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n why_o true_o you_o still_o hope_v for_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v only_o from_o this_o very_a presumption_n that_o man_n cry_v peace_n peace_n to_o themselves_o when_o yet_o god_n be_v at_o enmity_n with_o they_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n though_o god_n swear_v he_o will_v not_o spare_v they_o but_o his_o wrath_n and_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o they_o in_o deut._n 29.19_o 20._o say_v god_n there_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v encourage_v himself_o when_o he_o go_v on_o presumptuous_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n add_v drunkenness_n unto_o thirst_n i_o will_v not_o spare_v he_o say_v god_n but_o my_o wrath_n and_o my_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o he_o and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v fall_v upon_o he_o be_v but_o sinner_n true_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o wretched_a estate_n how_o they_o stand_v liable_a every_o moment_n to_o the_o stroke_n of_o divine_a justice_n how_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o interpose_v betwixt_o they_o and_o hell_n but_o only_o god_n temporary_a forbearance_n of_o they_o
but_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o merchant_n pass_v by_o that_o way_n and_o to_o they_o they_o sell_v he_o there_o be_v i_o believe_v but_o few_o man_n who_o if_o they_o will_v examine_v back_o their_o life_n can_v produce_v many_o instance_n both_o of_o the_o devil_n policy_n in_o fit_v they_o with_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o god_n providence_n cause_v some_o emergent_a affair_n some_o unexpected_a action_n to_o interpose_v and_o hinder_v they_o from_o those_o sin_n that_o they_o purpose_v object_n providence_n prevent_v sin_n by_o remove_v the_o object_n last_o god_n sometime_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o remove_v the_o object_n against_o which_o they_o intend_v to_o commit_v it_o thus_o when_o herod_n intend_v to_o put_v peter_n to_o death_n the_o next_o morning_n that_o very_a night_n god_n send_v a_o angel_n and_o make_v his_o escape_n and_o so_o prevent_v that_o sin_n and_o so_o true_o in_o all_o aâ—es_v god_n hide_v away_o his_o child_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o ungodly_a man_n there_o be_v doubtless_o many_o other_o various_a and_o mysterious_a providence_n whereby_o god_n hinder_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o these_o be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o most_o remarkable_a way_n by_o shorten_v their_o life_n by_o lessen_v their_o power_n by_o raise_v up_o another_o power_n to_o oppose_v they_o by_o divert_v another_o way_n and_o by_o remove_v the_o object_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o god_n hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o i_o shall_v leave_v this_o till_o another_o time_n and_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v and_o first_o then_o see_v here_o the_o sad_a and_o woeful_a estate_n of_o wicked_a man_n who_o grace_n do_v not_o change_n but_o only_a providence_n restrain_v a_o mere_a restraint_n from_o sin_n when_o the_o heart_n continue_v full_o set_v and_o bend_v upon_o it_o must_v needs_o cause_v torment_n and_o vexation_n their_o own_o corruption_n urge_v they_o forward_o but_o god_n providence_n that_o meet_v they_o and_z crosses_z they_o at_o every_o turn_n and_o that_o disappointment_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o when_o they_o full_o resolve_v upon_o sin_n cause_v great_a vexation_n of_o spirit_n as_o god_n will_v torment_v they_o hereafter_o for_o their_o sin_n so_o he_o torment_v they_o here_o by_o keep_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n all_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o world_n be_v strange_o hamper_v by_o god_n providence_n as_o so_o many_o bull_n in_o a_o net_n that_o though_o they_o struggle_v yet_o they_o can_v possible_o break_v through_o and_o by_o their_o struggle_a they_o only_o vex_v and_o weary_v themselves_o god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o the_o devil_n only_o he_o tie_v their_o hand_n let_v they_o intend_v and_o imagine_v as_o much_o evil_a and_o mischief_n as_o they_o can_v yea_o as_o much_o as_o hell_n can_v inspire_v into_o they_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o shall_v execute_v any_o of_o it_o otherwise_o than_o as_o god_n permit_v they_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o real_a pleasure_n in_o sin_n it_o be_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o plot_v and_o contrive_v of_o it_o be_v mere_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o fancy_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o exceed_a wretchedness_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o though_o providence_n almighty_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o sin_n yet_o justice_n will_v just_o punish_v their_o intention_n and_o plot_v of_o it_o second_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o adore_v and_o magnnfie_v this_o sin-preventing_a providence_n of_o god_n our_o life_n our_o estate_n yea_o whatever_o be_v dear_a &_o precious_a to_o we_o hitherto_o have_v be_v secure_v to_o we_o only_o by_o his_o powerful_a hand_n which_o have_v curb_v in_o the_o unruly_a lust_n of_o man_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o break_v forth_o into_o violence_n and_o blood_n and_o rapine_n shall_v god_n slack_v the_o reins_o shall_v he_o throw_v they_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o ungodly_a man_n how_o will_v uproar_n and_o confusion_n murder_n and_o slaughter_v overspread_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o make_v the_o world_n a_o hell_n above_o ground_n redemption_n and_o providence_n be_v two_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n by_o the_o one_o he_o pardon_v sin_n that_o be_v commit_v and_o by_o the_o other_o he_o prevent_v sin_n lest_o it_o be_v commit_v both_o of_o they_o be_v contrivance_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n of_o both_o unto_o god_n that_o have_v lay_v both_o the_o design_n of_o redemption_n and_o of_o providence_n for_o man_n good_a and_o for_o man_n salvation_n three_o if_o at_o any_o time_n we_o can_v recall_v to_o mind_n as_o indeed_o who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v that_o god_n have_v thus_o by_o his_o providence_n prevent_v we_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n how_o shall_v this_o oblige_v we_o thankful_o to_o own_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o may_v not_o all_o of_o we_o say_v have_v not_o god_n take_v away_o our_o power_n have_v he_o not_o take_v away_o the_o object_n of_o our_o lust_n have_v he_o not_o divert_v we_o some_o other_o way_n we_o have_v now_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o those_o sin_n that_o the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v divert_v we_o from_o he_o it_o be_v that_o hedge_v up_o the_o broad_a way_n with_o thorn_n that_o so_o he_o may_v turn_v we_o into_o the_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n four_o have_v god_n providence_n so_o many_o way_n and_o method_n to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n why_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v never_o permit_v it_o but_o when_o it_o shall_v redound_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_v of_o s._n austin_n he_o that_o be_v most_o good_a will_v never_o suffer_v evil_a unless_o he_o be_v also_o most_o wise_a whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v wicked_a man_n let_v alone_a to_o accomplish_v their_o hellish_a design_n we_o may_v then_o quiet_v ourselves_o with_o this_o god_n know_v how_o to_o make_v his_o own_o advantage_n out_o of_o their_o wickedness_n he_o know_v how_o from_o such_o dung_n and_o filth_n to_o reap_v a_o most_o fruitful_a crop_n of_o glory_n to_o himself_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n say_v the_o psalmist_n thou_o will_v restrain_v and_o the_o residue_n thereof_o shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n that_o wickedness_n which_o god_n do_v not_o restrain_v he_o will_v make_v redound_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n four_o and_o last_o this_o may_v establish_v our_o heart_n in_o peace_n when_o we_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n most_o rage_a and_o violent_a why_o they_o can_v sin_v unless_o god_n give_v they_o a_o power_n as_o christ_n tell_v pilate_n thou_o have_v no_o power_n over_o i_o in_o john_n 19.10_o except_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o from_o above_o and_o certain_o that_o god_n that_o give_v they_o a_o power_n to_o sin_n still_o keep_v a_o power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o limit_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o when_o their_o lust_n be_v most_o unruly_a he_o can_v say_v to_o they_o hitherto_o shall_v you_o go_v and_o here_o shall_v your_o proud_a wave_n be_v stay_v he_o stint_v they_o and_o bound_n they_o and_o he_o also_o can_v total_o restrain_v they_o when_o he_o please_v and_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o his_o own_o praise_n and_o glory_n now_o as_o god_n do_v thus_o keep_v man_n back_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n by_o a_o strong_a hand_n of_o providence_n so_o sometime_o he_o do_v by_o his_o grace_n and_o this_o grace_n be_v either_o mere_o restrain_v or_o else_o it_o be_v sanctify_v and_o renew_v both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o very_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n by_o the_o one_o he_o hold_v man_n back_o from_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o other_o he_o turn_v they_o against_o sin_n you_o have_v doubtless_o hear_v much_o concern_v sanctify_a and_o restrain_v grace_n but_o yet_o that_o your_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a i_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o difference_n that_o there_o be_v betwixt_o these_o two_o in_o several_a particular_n differ_v how_o restrain_v &_o renew_v grace_n do_v differ_v they_o differ_v in_o their_o subject_n they_o differ_v in_o their_o essence_n and_o in_o their_o manner_n of_o operation_n first_o subject_n in_o their_o subject_n they_o differ_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o subject_n restrain_v grace_n be_v but_o common_a and_o it_o
forth_o itself_o it_o be_v keep_v out_o from_o the_o thought_n when_o they_o be_v busy_v in_o holy_a meditation_n it_o be_v kepâ—_n out_o from_o the_o affection_n when_o they_o be_v set_v upon_o heavenly_a object_n it_o be_v keep_v ouâ—_n from_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n wherâ—_n the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a calling_n be_v due_o perform_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o in_o ephesian_n 4.27_o not_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o devil_n true_o when_o god_n exciting_a grace_n quicken_v our_o inherent_a grace_n into_o continual_a exercise_n when_o every_o faculty_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a act_n and_o every_o season_n with_o holy_a duty_n the_o devil_n can_v have_v no_o place_n to_o tempt_v nor_o corruption_n to_o stir_v it_o be_v the_o best_a security_n god_n can_v give_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n to_o quicken_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n when_o we_o pray_v or_o meditate_v or_o attend_v upon_o public_a ordinance_n we_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o exciting_a grace_n whereby_o we_o have_v not_o only_o perform_v a_o duty_n but_o also_o escape_v some_o soul_n and_o notorious_a sin_n that_o we_o may_v have_v commit_v have_v we_o not_o be_v so_o holy_o employ_v we_o who_o be_v here_o now_o present_a before_o the_o lord_n this_o day_n have_v we_o neglect_v this_o present_a opportunity_n who_o of_o we_o know_v what_o horrid_a temptation_n and_o foul_a sin_n we_o may_v have_v be_v expose_v to_o in_o our_o own_o house_n which_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o have_v avoid_v david_n when_o he_o walk_v idle_o upon_o the_o roof_n of_o his_o house_n he_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o sin_n foul_o have_v he_o then_o be_v at_o his_o harp_n or_o psalm_n he_o may_v thereby_o have_v drive_v the_o evil_a spirit_n from_o himself_o as_o former_o he_o do_v from_o his_o master_n saul_n run_v stream_n preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o clean_a when_o stand_a pool_n soon_o grow_v corrupt_a and_o noisome_a and_o venomous_a creature_n breed_v in_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o heart_n while_o god_n exciting_a and_o quicken_a grace_n put_v it_o upon_o continual_a act_n it_o be_v preserve_v from_o corruption_n but_o when_o once_o it_o grow_v sluggish_a and_o do_v not_o free_o flow_v forth_o into_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o performance_n of_o duty_n the_o spawn_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n breed_v there_o and_o filthy_a lust_n crawl_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o it_o without_o any_o disturbance_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v continual_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o quicken_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o will_v fill_v our_o sail_n with_o that_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v arise_v o_o north_n wind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n wind_n and_o blow_v upon_o our_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v forth_o for_o if_o the_o spice_n do_v not_o the_o stench_n will_n second_o as_o god_n by_o his_o exciting_a grace_n hinder_v those_o sin_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o heart_n so_o he_o also_o suppress_v those_o sin_n that_o do_v arise_v there_o be_v the_o great_a contrariety_n imaginable_a betwixt_o inherent_a sin_n and_o inherent_a grace_n when_o the_o one_o be_v vigorous_a the_o other_o languish_v when_o the_o one_o be_v act_v the_o other_o grow_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a now_o both_o these_o opposite_a principle_n have_v their_o seat_n and_o abode_n in_o the_o same_o heart_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a expectation_n of_o exciting_a influence_n to_o call_v they_o forth_o into_o act_n indwell_v corruption_n that_o be_v usual_o rouse_v up_o by_o temptation_n when_o it_o stir_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v forth_o in_o the_o life_n habitual_a grace_n though_o it_o look_v on_o yet_o be_v of_o itself_o so_o feeble_a that_o it_o can_v make_v no_o opposition_n till_o a_o kindly_a influence_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n call_v out_o some_o particular_a grace_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o sin_n that_o stir_v and_o this_o resist_v and_o subdue_v it_o this_o method_n god_n use_v in_o keep_v the_o apostle_n from_o sin_v 2_o cor._n 12._o he_o be_v there_o under_o a_o sharp_a and_o pungent_a temptation_n that_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n v._o 7._o satan_n buffet_n and_o the_o apostle_n pray_v and_o god_n answer_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a not_o thy_o grace_n that_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o helpless_a yea_o a_o very_a nothing_o if_o i_o withdraw_v my_o influence_n from_o it_o but_o that_o quicken_a grace_n that_o flow_v from_o i_o that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v the_o temptation_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o sin_n why_o now_o while_o god_n exciting_a grace_n work_v upon_o the_o apostle_n inherent_a grace_n this_o temptation_n this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n only_o make_v he_o more_o watchful_a and_o more_o industrious_a against_o it_o but_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v suspend_v this_o his_o influence_n this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n will_v immediate_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o grace_n sad_o have_v wound_v his_o conscience_n by_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o great_a and_o foul_a sin_n now_o as_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n lie_v couch_v in_o that_o body_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o bear_v about_o with_o we_o so_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n lie_v couch_v in_o that_o principle_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n implant_v in_o his_o own_o child_n now_o when_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o temptation_n call_v forth_o some_o particular_a sin_n god_n also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o his_o exciting_a grace_n call_v forth_o a_o particular_a grace_n to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o that_o sin_n thus_o when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o pride_n god_n call_v forth_o humility_n to_o prick_v that_o swell_a puff_a bladder_n when_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o wrath_n and_o passion_n he_o stir_v up_o meekness_n when_o to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n he_o put_v patience_n upon_o its_o perfect_a work_n brief_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatever_o that_o the_o devil_n can_v by_o his_o temptation_n stir_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n but_o god_n also_o can_v stir_v up_o a_o contrary_a grace_n to_o it_o to_o quell_v and_o master_v it_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o god_n exciting_a grace_n in_o the_o prevent_n of_o sin_n that_o when_o the_o devil_n call_v forth_o a_o particular_a corruption_n out_o of_o the_o stock_n of_o corruption_n god_n call_v forth_o a_o particular_a grace_n contrary_a to_o it_o from_o the_o stock_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a grace_n that_o be_v more_o especial_o employ_v about_o this_o service_n and_o which_o god_n do_v most_o frequent_o exercise_v and_o set_v on_o work_n to_o keep_v his_o child_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n first_o god_n hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n by_o keep_v up_o the_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a act_n of_o faith_n indeed_o if_o faith_n fail_v all_o other_o grace_n must_v fail_v by_o consequence_n faith_n be_v the_o soul_n steward_n that_o fetch_v in_o supply_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v the_o treasure_n of_o it_o and_o distribute_v they_o to_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n therefore_o when_o christ_n tell_v st._n peter_n satan_n have_v desire_v to_o sift_v he_o by_o his_o temptation_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v thereby_o discourage_v and_o deject_v present_o he_o add_v in_o v._o 32._o but_o i_o have_v pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o wherefore_o his_o faith_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o grace_n but_o because_o other_o grace_n must_v take_v their_o lot_n with_o faith_n and_o must_v be_v strong_a or_o weak_a victorious_a or_o languish_a as_o faith_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n ephes_n 6.6_o now_o the_o office_n of_o a_o shield_n be_v to_o defend_v not_o only_o the_o body_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o armour_n also_o and_o so_o do_v faith_n when_o it_o be_v dexterous_o manage_v it_o keep_v both_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o grace_n also_o from_o the_o attempt_v of_o the_o devil_n i_o may_v be_v large_a here_o in_o show_v you_o how_o faith_n preserve_v from_o sin_n as_o by_o derive_v virtue_n and_o strength_n from_o the_o death_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o plead_v god_n engagement_n and_o promise_n to_o tread_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n by_o urge_v and_o importune_v christ_n to_o fulfil_v in_o we_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o such_o way_n i_o may_v name_v by_o which_o faith_n prevent_v sin_n
much_o less_o therefore_o can_v we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v deserve_v it_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v be_v either_o sinful_a or_o holy_a if_o what_o we_o do_v be_v sinful_a it_o only_o increase_v our_o debt_n if_o it_o be_v holy_a it_o must_v proceed_v from_o god_n free_a grace_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v free_a grace_n to_o pardon_v we_o upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o free_a grace_n only_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o affirm_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o good_a work_n be_v meritorious_a of_o pardon_n what_o be_v our_o prayer_n our_o sigh_n our_o tear_n yea_o what_o be_v our_o life_n and_o our_o blood_n itself_o shall_v we_o shed_v it_o for_o christ_n all_o this_o can_v make_v one_o blot_n in_o god_n remembrance-book_n yea_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o more_o become_v the_o infinite_a bounty_n of_o god_n to_o give_v pardon_n and_o heaven_n free_o than_o to_o set_v they_o to_o sale_n for_o such_o inconsiderable_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v heaven_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v so_o needless_o prodigal_a and_o lavish_v as_o to_o have_v send_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o lead_v a_o miserable_a life_n and_o die_v a_o curse_a death_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v buy_v off_o his_o own_o guilt_n and_o to_o have_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n by_o a_o low_a price_n than_o what_o christ_n himself_o can_v do_v or_o suffer_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o first_o question_n god_n pardon_v grace_n though_o it_o be_v purchase_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o absolute_o free_a in_o respect_n of_o any_o merit_n of_o we_o the_o second_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o require_v no_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n of_o gift_n some_o be_v bestow_v absolute_o without_o any_o term_n of_o agreement_n and_o some_o be_v conditional_a upon_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o stipulation_n and_o condition_n without_o which_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v bestow_v of_o which_o sort_n be_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n absolute_o sanctify_v grace_n be_v give_v absolute_o i_o answer_v first_o the_o sanctify_a and_o regenerate_v grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o great_a change_n be_v wrought_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o first_o conversion_n and_o turn_n unto_o god_n be_v give_v absolute_o and_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n indeed_o we_o be_v command_v to_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o get_v true_a and_o save_a grace_n wrought_v in_o we_o but_o these_o mean_n be_v not_o condition_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o condition_n be_v such_o that_o the_o benefit_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o be_v never_o bestow_v but_o where_o the_o condition_n be_v first_o perform_v and_o therefore_o we_o call_v faith_n and_o repentance_n condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n because_o eternal_a life_n be_v never_o confer_v upon_o any_o who_o do_v not_o first_o believe_v and_o repent_v but_o now_o certain_a it_o be_v god_n have_v convert_v some_o without_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n therefore_o though_o we_o be_v command_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n yet_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n can_v be_v call_v condition_n of_o our_o regeneration_n and_o indeed_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v a_o condition_n of_o obtain_v grace_n it_o must_v either_o be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n now_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n it_o can_v be_v till_o grace_n be_v wrought_v and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o make_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n a_o condition_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v to_o go_v about_o to_o revive_v that_o old_a error_n of_o the_o pelagian_o for_o which_o they_o stand_v anathematise_v in_o count_n pallestine_n many_o year_n since_o sanctify_v grace_n be_v give_v free_o except_v from_o any_o condition_n though_o not_o except_v from_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n second_o justify_v and_o pardon_v grace_n though_o it_o be_v free_a yet_o be_v it_o limit_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o certain_a condition_n without_o which_o god_n never_o bestow_v it_o upon_o any_o and_o they_o be_v two_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o these_o grace_n god_n bestow_v upon_o who_o he_o please_v without_o any_o forego_v condition_n faith_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n that_o ever_o god_n bestow_v upon_o any_o except_o that_o christ_n on_o who_o we_o believe_v but_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v restrain_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o ever_o obtain_v without_o they_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v to_o we_o whoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 10.43_o repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o act_v 3.19_o whoever_o believe_v on_o he_o there_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o there_o repentance_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n these_o two_o particular_n correspond_v with_o the_o twofold_a covenant_n of_o grace_n god_n make_v with_o man_n his_o absolute_a covenant_n wherein_o he_o promise_v the_o first_o convert_v grace_n this_o covenant_n now_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o condition_n a_o copy_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o and_o then_o there_o be_v god_n conditional_a covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o he_o promise_v salvation_n only_o upon_o the_o forego_n condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n this_o we_o have_v mark_v 16.16_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v thus_o i_o have_v state_v the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n the_o first_o sanctify_v grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o exclude_v all_o condition_n but_o the_o justify_n and_o pardon_v grace_n of_o god_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o both_o sanctify_a and_o justify_v grace_n be_v free_o bestow_v without_o any_o merit_n of_o we_o but_o not_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v purchase_v they_o at_o the_o high_a rate_n even_o with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o set_v before_o you_o some_o particular_n wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n in_o pardon_v sin_n may_v be_v more_o illustrate_v that_o it_o may_v appear_v god_n assume_v to_o himself_o this_o as_o the_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v a_o sin-pardoning_a god_n and_o first_o this_o high_o commend_v the_o freeness_n of_o pardon_v grace_n in_o that_o god_n decree_v to_o bestow_v it_o without_o any_o request_n or_o entreaty_n of_o we_o there_o be_v no_o rhetoric_n move_v he_o beside_o the_o yearning_n of_o his_o own_o bowel_n this_o be_v a_o gracious_a resolution_n spring_v up_o spontaneous_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n he_o see_v thou_o wallow_v in_o thy_o blood_n long_o before_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o be_v and_o this_o time_n it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o love_n even_o a_o time_n before_o all_o time_n what_o friend_n can_v thou_o then_o make_v in_o heaven_n what_o intercessor_n have_v thou_o then_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o god_n when_o this_o design_n of_o love_n be_v lay_v there_o be_v neither_o prayer_n nor_o tongue_n to_o utter_v they_o yea_o christ_n himself_o though_o now_o he_o intercede_v for_o the_o application_n of_o pardon_n do_v not_o then_o intercede_v for_o the_o decree_n of_o pardon_n he_o can_v not_o then_o urge_v his_o blood_n and_o merit_n as_o motive_n for_o god_n to_o take_v up_o thought_n of_o forgive_a we_o for_o have_v not_o god_n do_v so_o before_o christ_n have_v never_o shed_v his_o blood_n nor_o wrought_v out_o salvation_n for_o we_o what_o argument_n what_o advocate_n do_v then_o persuade_v he_o true_o the_o only_a argument_n be_v our_o misery_n and_o the_o only_a advocate_n be_v his_o own_o mercy_n and_o not_o jesus_n christ_n sinner_n god_n pardon_v sin_n when_o he_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v sinner_n second_o god_n pardon_v sin_n when_o yet_o he_o be_v infinite_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o sinner_n and_o this_o great_o advance_v the_o riches_n and_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o same_o breath_n that_o pronounce_v a_o sinner_n absolve_v may_v have_v pronounce_v he_o damn_v the_o angel_n that_o fall_v can_v not_o stand_v before_o the_o power_n and_o
iâ—_n we_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o the_o other_o covenant_n bestow_v this_o faith_n and_o repentance_n upon_o we_o the_o conditional_a covenant_n promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n if_o we_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o the_o absolute_a covenant_n promise_v faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o what_o can_v god_n do_v more_o that_o may_v far_o express_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o we_o than_o to_o pardon_v upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o work_v in_o we_o this_o be_v to_o pardon_v we_o as_o free_o as_o if_o he_o have_v pardon_v we_o without_o any_o faith_n and_o repentance_n at_o all_o less_o god_n pardon_v great_a sinner_n and_o pass_v by_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o less_o seven_o god_n sometime_o select_v out_o the_o great_a and_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n to_o vouchsafe_v grace_n and_o pardon_v to_o they_o when_o he_o suffer_v other_o eternal_o to_o perish_v under_o far_o less_o guilt_n he_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o his_o proceed_n quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o difference_n he_o find_v in_o man_n demerit_n and_o wherefore_o be_v this_o but_o only_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o absolute_a freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n great_a debt_n be_v blot_v out_o when_o small_a stand_v still_o upon_o the_o account_n only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o god_n be_v free_a to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o and_o that_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n to_o who_o he_o will_v show_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o pardon_v how_o many_o heathen_n man_n of_o improve_a natural_a endowment_n and_o proportionable_a virtue_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v faith_n in_o and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n who_o sin_n rather_o show_v they_o to_o be_v man_n than_o not_o to_o be_v christian_n whereas_o other_o under_o the_o noon-tide_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o flagitious_a crime_n that_o show_v they_o to_o be_v monster_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o yet_o these_o upon_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n obtain_v pardon_n and_o remission_n as_o if_o it_o be_v with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o man_n the_o more_o there_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v the_o soon_o he_o forget_v it_o be_v these_o riches_n of_o pardon_v grace_n that_o st._n paul_n admire_v and_o adore_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o concern_v himself_o i_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o merit_n god_n pardon_v without_o foresight_n of_o merit_n eight_o god_n decree_v to_o pardon_v without_o foresight_n of_o merit_n or_o worth_n in_o we_o when_o we_o lie_v before_o he_o as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v our_o posture_n but_o welter_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o what_o promise_v aspect_n be_v such_o a_o loathsome_a object_n as_o this_o divine_a love_n do_v not_o foresee_v any_o attractive_a comeliness_n in_o we_o but_o make_v it_o when_o we_o be_v roll_v up_o in_o our_o own_o filth_n cast_v forth_o to_o the_o loathe_n of_o our_o flesh_n yet_o then_o be_v it_o a_o time_n of_o love_n and_o even_o then_o when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o blood_n god_n say_v to_o we_o live_v when_o we_o be_v full_a of_o wound_n bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n divine_a love_n condescend_v to_o bind_v they_o up_o and_o cure_v they_o such_o miserable_a deform_a creature_n be_v we_o and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n amiable_a in_o such_o a_o object_n as_o this_o only_o hereby_o god_n put_v a_o accent_n on_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o love_n lay_v it_o out_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o worthy_a with_o a_o design_n to_o make_v they_o worthy_a sin_n god_n pardon_v sin_n though_o he_o foresee_v we_o will_v commit_v more_o sin_n nine_o consider_v this_o god_n pardon_v not_o only_o though_o he_o see_v no_o merit_n in_o we_o but_o what_o be_v more_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n though_o he_o foresee_v many_o future_a wrong_n and_o injury_n will_v be_v add_v to_o those_o we_o have_v already_o do_v he_o foresee_v all_o our_o provocation_n and_o rebellion_n how_o we_o will_v abuse_v his_o grace_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o wantonness_n he_o see_v the_o rebellion_n of_o our_o unregeneracy_n the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o convert_v state_n yet_o though_o he_o foresee_v all_o before_o they_o be_v yet_o he_o resolve_v not_o to_o see_v they_o when_o they_o be_v numb_a 23.21_o he_o have_v not_o behold_v iniquity_n in_o jacob_n nor_o perverseness_n in_o israel_n and_o this_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o sin_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o support_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o when_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n we_o have_v sin_v that_o god_n who_o love_v we_o and_o decree_v to_o pardon_v we_o when_o he_o foresee_v how_o sinful_a we_o will_v be_v will_v not_o certain_o now_o cease_v to_o love_v we_o and_o pardon_v we_o when_o we_o be_v as_o vile_a and_o sinful_a as_o he_o foresee_v we_o will_v be_v ten_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n god_n christ_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v paron_v be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v pardon_v be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o by_o the_o father_n what_o price_n can_v we_o have_v offer_v to_o have_v bring_v down_o the_o son_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n from_o his_o embrace_n what_o be_v there_o in_o we_o to_o draw_v a_o saviour_n out_o of_o heaven_n be_v we_o so_o amiable_a as_o to_o move_v he_o to_o divest_v himself_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o eclipse_v his_o deity_n in_o our_o mortal_a body_n only_o that_o he_o may_v become_v like_o such_o poor_a worm_n as_o we_o be_v and_o take_v we_o unto_o himself_o ask_v no_o more_o but_o admire_v god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o may_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n here_o be_v a_o mystery_n that_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o angel_n can_v never_o comprehend_v what_o god_n condemn_v his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v pardon_v rebel_n the_o son_n of_o god_n blot_v his_o deity_n in_o our_o flesh_n only_o that_o he_o may_v blot_v out_o our_o transgression_n with_o his_o blood_n this_o be_v such_o transcendent_a free_a grace_n and_o love_n that_o in_o this_o we_o have_v a_o advantage_n above_o the_o angel_n themselves_o stand_v high_a in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n than_o they_o do_v now_o compact_a all_o these_o ten_o particular_n in_o your_o thought_n together_o wherein_o the_o freeness_n of_o pardon_v grace_n most_o illustrious_o appear_v and_o you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o god_n in_o the_o text_n triumphant_o to_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o i_o even_o i_o be_o he_o that_o blot_v out_o your_o transgression_n the_o application_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o brief_o mention_v first_o grace_n use_v we_o must_v not_o sin_v because_o of_o pardon_v grace_n be_v the_o pardon_v grace_n of_o god_n thus_o free_a take_v heed_n then_o that_o you_o do_v not_o abuse_v or_o turn_v it_o into_o wantonness_n shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n because_o god_n so_o free_o pardon_v sin_n god_n forbid_v who_o will_v ever_o make_v such_o a_o curse_a inference_n as_o this_o that_o ever_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n or_o touch_v of_o divine_a love_n upon_o his_o heart_n every_o one_o love_n to_o have_v his_o ear_n tickle_v with_o this_o soft_a sweet_a downy_a doctrine_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o love_n and_o when_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o stretch_v themselves_o upon_o it_o and_o lull_v themselves_o fast_o asleep_a in_o sin_n but_o what_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 25.27_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o eat_v much_o honey_n no_o there_o be_v no_o such_o dangerous_a surfeit_n as_o upon_o the_o sweet_a and_o luscious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o honey_n leave_v a_o deadly_a sting_n in_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o to_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v such_o disingenuity_n to_o argue_v from_o freeness_n of_o pardon_n to_o freedom_n in_o sin_v that_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o no_o heart_n that_o ever_o have_v a_o pardon_n seal_v to_o it_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o utter_o abhor_v it_o what_o therefore_o to_o provoke_v god_n because_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v what_o to_o multiply_v sin_n because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o spurn_v at_o those_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n that_o yern_v towards_o we_o and_o even_o to_o strike_v at_o god_n with_o that_o golden_a sceptre_n that_o he_o hold_v out_o to_o we_o as_o a_o token_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n certain_o