and_o without_o delay_n and_o because_o they_o be_v many_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a without_o be_v very_o curious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o they_o for_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n of_o persuasion_n it_o matter_n not_o how_o inartificial_o they_o be_v range_v and_o dispose_v 1._o consider_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n and_o which_o must_v be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a mind_n than_o irresolution_n to_o be_v undermine_v where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a to_o be_v always_o about_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v must_v be_v do_v victuros_fw-la agimus_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vivimus_fw-la unquam_fw-la we_o be_v always_o intend_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o can_v never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o set_v about_o it_o this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v off_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v from_o one_o day_n and_o night_n to_o another_o till_o he_o have_v starve_v and_o destroy_v himself_o it_o seldom_o fall_v under_o any_o man_n deliberation_n whether_o he_o shall_v live_v or_o not_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v and_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deliberate_v about_o it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deliberate_v whether_o we_o shall_v live_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o sober_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o consult_v whether_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o not_o nature_n have_v determine_v this_o for_o we_o and_o we_o need_v not_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o delay_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o 2._o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a work_n and_o ask_v so_o much_o time_n that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o to_o begin_v with_o repentance_n which_o be_v common_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o business_n of_o a_o sudden_a thought_n and_o resolution_n but_o of_o execution_n and_o action_n it_o be_v the_o abandon_v of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o we_o can_v leave_v till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n master_v our_o lust_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v our_o master_n like_o pharaoh_n they_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o bondage_n and_o not_o let_v we_o go_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v off_o at_o once_o as_o they_o have_v be_v long_o in_o contract_n so_o without_o a_o miracle_n it_o will_v require_v a_o competent_a time_n to_o subdue_v they_o and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o for_o they_o be_v conquer_v just_a by_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grow_v up_o and_o get_v strength_n in_o we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v several_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n and_o often_o to_o be_v repeat_v many_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v long_o practise_v and_o exercise_v before_o the_o contrary_a vice_n will_v be_v subdue_v and_o before_o we_o arrive_v to_o a_o confirm_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o goodness_n such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o our_o good_a condion_fw-la towards_o god_n we_o have_v many_o lust_n to_o mortify_v many_o passion_n to_o govern_v and_o bring_v into_o order_n much_o good_a to_o do_v to_o make_v what_o amends_o and_o reparation_n we_o can_v for_o the_o much_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o learn_v and_o many_o to_o unlearn_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_o prompt_v by_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o remain_a power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o perhaps_o we_o have_v satisfaction_n and_o restitution_n to_o make_v for_o the_o many_o injury_n we_o have_v do_v to_o other_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v a_o body_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v off_o which_o cling_v close_o to_o we_o and_o be_v hard_o to_o part_v with_o we_o have_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o improve_v our_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o have_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n our_o light_n be_v so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v we_o think_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o require_v no_o time_n that_o we_o may_v delay_v and_o put_v off_o to_o the_o last_o and_o yet_o do_v all_o this_o work_n well_o enough_o do_v we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o a_o wound_a spirit_n do_v we_o think_v that_o when_o the_o day_n have_v be_v idle_o spend_v and_o squander_v away_o by_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o work_v when_o the_o night_n and_o darkness_n come_v when_o our_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o our_o memory_n frail_a and_o our_o will_n crooked_a and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v obstinate_o bend_v the_o wrong_a way_n what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n can_v we_o then_o perform_v to_o god_n when_o our_o candle_n be_v just_o sink_v into_o the_o socket_n how_o shall_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n alas_o the_o long_a life_n be_v no_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o in_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o good_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n to_o train_v up_o ourselves_o for_o eternity_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 3._o consider_v what_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n we_o run_v by_o these_o delay_n every_o delay_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o venture_v the_o main_a chance_n it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v time_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v time_n whether_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o god_n indeed_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v pardon_n to_o repentance_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v life_n and_o leisure_n the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v acceptance_n to_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n for_o sin_n without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o favour_n who_o only_o give_v he_o good_a word_n and_o be_v at_o last_o content_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o he_o as_o to_o promise_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o no_o long_o many_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o sickness_n as_o to_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v mighty_o trouble_v for_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o to_o make_v solemn_a promise_n and_o profession_n of_o become_v better_a and_o yet_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n all_o have_v vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o their_o righteousness_n have_v be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o pass_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o those_o person_n who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o and_o go_v as_o far_o as_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o
counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o god_n word_n nor_o his_o mild_a and_o gentle_a deal_n with_o we_o can_v usual_o attain_v thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n luk._n 15._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n make_v use_v of_o hunger_n and_o extreme_a necessity_n to_o bring_v home_o the_o prodigal_n and_o by_o he_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o temper_n of_o most_o sinner_n for_o till_o we_o have_v spend_v that_o stock_n of_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v pinch_v with_o want_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o entertain_v thought_n of_o return_v to_o our_o father_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o sinner_n which_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o so_o headstrong_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v by_o mild_a and_o soft_a mean_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a many_o senseless_a and_o outrageous_a sinner_n who_o be_v mad_o and_o furious_o bend_v upon_o their_o own_o ruin_n now_o to_o treat_v these_o fair_o with_o the_o allurement_n of_o kindness_n and_o the_o gentle_a art_n of_o persuasion_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n the_o only_a way_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v rigour_n and_o severity_n when_o sinner_n be_v thus_o beside_o themselves_o some_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o cruelty_n be_v perhaps_o the_o great_a mercy_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o they_o nothing_o so_o proper_a for_o such_o person_n as_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o a_o spare_a diet_n and_o severe_a usage_n a_o rod_n for_o the_o back_n of_o fool_n as_o the_o wiseman_n speak_v thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o merciful_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n judgement_n viz._n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o they_o therefore_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o because_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o incorrigibleness_n under_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v a_o provocation_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n a_o sign_n of_o a_o most_o deprave_a and_o incorrigible_a temper_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a obstinacy_n in_o evil_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n brand_v ahaz_n as_o a_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a sort_n of_o sinner_n 2_o chron._n 28.22_o because_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n he_o sin_v yet_o more_o against_o the_o lord_n the_o long_a pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n resist_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o more_o still_o they_o be_v harden_v and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v plague_v levit._fw-la 26.23_o after_o god_n have_v there_o threaten_v his_o people_n with_o several_a sore_a judgement_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o will_v punish_v they_o seven_o time_n more_o and_o after_o that_o seven_o time_n more_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o just_a god_n will_v punish_v seven_o time_n more_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o sin_n after_o judgement_n be_v seven_o time_n great_a so_o likewise_o deut._n 28_o after_o a_o long_a and_o dreadful_a catalogue_n of_o curse_n there_o denounce_v against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o case_n of_o their_o disobedience_n god_n at_o last_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o foreign_a enemy_n that_o shall_v distress_v they_o in_o their_o gate_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o all_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n for_o they_o in_o store_n v_o 58_o and_o 59_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v fear_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n than_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v thy_o plague_n wonderful_a if_o we_o be_v of_o so_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a a_o disposition_n as_o to_o grow_v worse_o under_o judgement_n god_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o after_o a_o unusual_a and_o prodigious_a manner_n he_o will_v make_v our_o plague_n wonderful_a this_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a every_o where_o make_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n isa_n 1.4_o 5_o ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n and_o after_o a_o great_a many_o other_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o what_o heinous_a sinner_n they_o be_v he_o sum_v up_o all_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o several_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o correction_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v strike_v any_o more_o they_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o so_o likewise_o hos_fw-la 7.9_o 10_o ephraim_n though_o bring_v very_o low_a be_v represent_v as_o of_o the_o same_o refractory_a temper_n stranger_n have_v devour_v his_o strength_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o seek_v he_o for_o all_o this_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o methinks_v it_o bear_v but_o too_o near_o a_o resemblance_n with_o our_o own_o condition_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o our_o carriage_n under_o they_o amos_n 4._o where_o god_n upbraid_v his_o people_n several_a time_n with_o this_o as_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o all_o those_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o they_o i_o have_v send_v among_o you_o say_v he_o famine_n and_o then_o pestilence_n and_o then_o the_o sword_n and_o last_o of_o all_o a_o terrible_a fire_n which_o have_v almost_o utter_o consume_v they_o vers_n 11._o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o i_o overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o you_o be_v as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o and_o because_o all_o these_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v effectual_a to_o reclaim_v they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o punish_v and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o to_o expect_v it_o and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o vers_n 12._o therefore_o thus_o will_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o israel_n and_o because_o i_o will_v do_v this_o unto_o thou_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n when_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o punish_v a_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o amend_v by_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o proceed_v and_o not_o to_o give_v over_o by_o every_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v we_o offend_v god_n but_o if_o he_o smite_v we_o and_o we_o stand_v out_o against_o he_o then_o do_v we_o contend_v with_o he_o and_o strive_v for_o mastery_n and_o when_o the_o sinner_n be_v upon_o these_o stubborn_a and_o insolent_a term_n then_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n a_o bitter_a sarcasme_n as_o if_o man_n can_v be_v a_o match_n for_o god_n and_o a_o poor_a weak_a creature_n in_o any_o wise_a able_a to_o encounter_v he_o to_o who_o power_n belong_v there_o be_v a_o severe_a expression_n concern_v god_n deal_v with_o such_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n psal_n 18.26_o with_o the_o froward_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o froward_a or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v more_o proper_o and_o convenient_o be_v render_v with_o the_o froward_a thou_o will_v wrestle_v god_n will_v not_o be_v outbrave_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o continue_v impeninent_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v go_v on_o to_o punish_v but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o case_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n so_o very_o bad_a that_o we_o may_v almost_o be_v afraid_a to_o consider_v it_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n like_o a_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a father_n have_v use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o this_o nation_n to_o reclaim_v we_o he_o have_v invite_v we_o to_o he_o by_o many_o blessing_n but_o we_o will_v not_o come_v sanderson_n so_o that_o to_o borrow_v a_o apt_a illustration_n from_o a_o great_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v force_v he_o
be_v tender_v to_o such_o person_n serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v their_o scorn_n or_o their_o passion_n and_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a case_n that_o be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o his_o amendment_n into_o the_o occasion_n of_o new_a and_o great_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o render_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n much_o more_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a be_v that_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o for_o every_o degree_n of_o sin_n cause_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o assistance_n to_o retire_v far_o from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o devil_n that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o work_v effectual_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n do_v according_a as_o man_n improve_v in_o wickedness_n get_v a_o great_a and_o a_o more_o establish_a dominion_n over_o they_o for_o as_o they_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o evil_a course_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v rescue_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v turn_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o far_a man_n advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o the_o far_o they_o depart_v from_o god_n from_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o care_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o providence_n and_o they_o give_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o neglect_v his_o advantage_n upon_o they_o great_a opportunity_n every_o day_n to_o gain_v the_o firm_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o pass_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o the_o sinner_n become_v harden_v in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v insensible_o slide_v into_o that_o state_n in_o which_o without_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v like_a for_o ever_o to_o continue_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n after_o it_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o evil_a and_o be_v once_o grow_v old_a in_o vice_n be_v almost_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v rectify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o recover_v a_o body_n bow_v down_o with_o age_n to_o its_o first_o straightness_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o that_o commit_v sin_n with_o greediness_n and_o that_o drink_v up_o iniquity_n as_o the_o ox_n drink_v up_o water_n with_o a_o mighty_a appetite_n and_o thirst_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o refrain_v from_o it_o and_o to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o such_o person_n it_o represent_v they_o as_o perfect_a slave_n to_o their_o vice_n that_o have_v sell_v themselves_o to_o do_v wickedness_n and_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o satan_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o when_o man_n have_v bring_v themselves_o to_o this_o pass_n they_o be_v almost_o under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o sin_v on_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v absolute_o predestinate_v any_o man_n to_o ruin_n but_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n man_n may_v in_o a_o sort_n predestine_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o choose_v wickedness_n so_o long_o till_o it_o almost_o become_v necessary_a and_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o under_o all_o imaginable_a disadvantage_n of_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o their_o own_o recovery_n be_v bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o hold_v in_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n nay_o like_a samson_n not_o only_o bind_v by_o those_o lust_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v but_o likewise_o rob_v of_o all_o their_o strength_n whereby_o they_o shall_v break_v loose_a from_o those_o bond_n god_n grant_v that_o none_o of_o we_o may_v ever_o have_v the_o woeful_a experience_n of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o horrible_o afraid_a it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o a_o sinner_n may_v arrive_v to_o that_o confirm_a state_n of_o impiety_n as_o almost_o total_o to_o lose_v his_o liberty_n to_o do_v better_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n in_o vice_n as_o to_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o bad_a man_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o the_o historian_n extravagant_o say_v cato_n be_v virtuous_a patere_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n it_o be_v the_o scripture_n comparison_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o goodness_n that_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a he_o that_o be_v thus_o deep_o engage_v and_o entangle_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n will_v scarce_o ever_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o resolution_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v force_v violent_o out_o of_o it_o by_o some_o severe_a affliction_n by_o a_o sharp_a sickness_n or_o by_o a_o terrible_a calamity_n or_o by_o the_o present_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n nor_o will_v these_o be_v effectual_a neither_o to_o change_v such_o a_o person_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o provocation_n he_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v or_o hope_v god_n shall_v ever_o bestow_v upon_o he_o wretched_a man_n that_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o this_o miserable_a state_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v but_o just_a a_o possibility_n leave_v of_o thy_o be_v rescue_v that_o have_v neglect_v thy_o disease_n so_o long_o till_o it_o be_v almost_o too_o late_o to_o apply_v remedy_n that_o have_v provoke_v god_n so_o far_o and_o sin_v to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n that_o thou_o have_v reason_n almost_o to_o despair_n both_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o thy_o repentance_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n for_o thy_o pardon_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o discourage_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n from_o repentance_n though_o their_o case_n be_v extreme_o difficult_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o desperate_a for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n but_o i_o speak_v it_o on_o purpose_n to_o stop_v sinner_n in_o their_o course_n and_o to_o discourage_v man_n from_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n till_o they_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o it_o and_o have_v bring_v themselves_o by_o insensible_a degree_n into_o that_o dangerous_a and_o difficult_a state_n which_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v represent_v to_o you_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o ii_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v from_o this_o consideration_n to_o show_v what_o great_a reason_n and_o need_v there_o be_v to_o warn_v man_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rescue_v they_o out_o of_o it_o the_o apostle_n direct_v this_o precept_n to_o all_o christian_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v lest_o you_o be_v harden_v by_o degree_n and_o be_v final_o ruin_v and_o sure_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o rescue_v his_o brother_n from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n it_o be_v every_o one_o place_n and_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v those_o who_o he_o see_v ready_a to_o perish_v much_o more_o do_v it_o concern_v those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o work_n i_o mean_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n who_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v and_o warn_v every_o man_n day_n and_o night_n who_o be_v set_v as_o watchman_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o blood_n in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o miscarry_v through_o our_o neglect_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o we_o declare_v to_o other_o if_o we_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dreadful_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o safety_n if_o we_o have_v any_o pity_n for_o perish_a soul_n we_o can_v but_o be_v very_o importunate_a with_o sinner_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o to_o consider_v their_o danger_n and_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o serious_o of_o the_o miserable_a event_n and_o issue_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n we_o can_v but_o be_v earnest_n with_o they_o to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o repentance_n before_o darkness_n come_v and_o their_o foot_n stumble_v upon_o the_o dark_a mountain_n when_o we_o be_v convince_v more_o full_o than_o we_o can_v desire_v that_o misery_n and_o destruction_n be_v in_o their_o way_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o evil_a day_n haste_v towards_o they_o apace_o and_o destruction_n
whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o golden_a verse_n which_o pass_v under_o his_o name_n do_v especial_o recommend_v this_o practice_n to_o his_o scholar_n every_o night_n before_o they_o sleep_v to_o call_v themselves_o to_o account_v for_o the_o action_n of_o the_o day_n past_a inquire_v wherein_o they_o have_v transgress_v what_o good_a they_o have_v do_v that_o day_n or_o omit_v to_o do_v and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v a_o admirable_a mean_n to_o improve_v man_n in_o virtue_n a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v our_o conscience_n continual_o wake_v and_o tender_a and_o to_o make_v we_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o ourselves_o and_o afraid_a to_o sin_n when_o we_o know_v beforehand_o that_o we_o must_v give_v so_o severe_a a_o account_n to_o ourselves_o of_o every_o action_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o make_v up_o our_o account_n as_o frequent_o as_o we_o can_v that_o our_o repentance_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n keep_v pace_n with_o the_o error_n and_o fail_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v oppress_v and_o confound_v by_o the_o insupportable_a weight_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o whole_a life_n fall_v upon_o we_o at_o once_o and_o that_o perhaps_o at_o the_o very_o worst_a time_n when_o we_o be_v sick_a and_o weak_a and_o have_v neither_o understanding_n nor_o leisure_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n distinct_o to_o remembrance_n much_o less_o to_o exercise_v any_o fit_a and_o proper_a act_n of_o repentance_n for_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n when_o our_o reason_n be_v once_o depart_v from_o we_o then_o darkness_n have_v overtake_v we_o indeed_o and_o the_o night_n be_v come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v but_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o sensible_a and_o shall_v do_v all_o we_o can_v at_o that_o time_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o how_o it_o will_v go_v with_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v too_o much_o presumption_n for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v confident_a that_o one_o general_a and_o confuse_a act_n of_o repentance_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v often_o examine_v ourselves_o both_o in_o order_n to_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o our_o conscience_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v 2._o this_o think_v of_o our_o way_n may_v particular_o and_o special_o refer_v to_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o call_v my_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n i_o take_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n and_o lay_v they_o serious_o to_o heart_n i_o consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o reason_v the_o matter_n thorough_o with_o myself_o come_v to_o a_o peremptory_a and_o fix_a resolution_n of_o break_v off_o this_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o way_n take_v in_o this_o sense_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n may_v reasonable_o imply_v in_o it_o these_o follow_v particular_n 1._o the_o take_n of_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o our_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n of_o they_o 2._o a_o hearty_a trouble_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o lay_v they_o sad_o to_o heart_n 3._o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n 4._o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o fearful_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n 5._o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o quit_v this_o course_n 6._o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o do_v this_o 1._o the_o take_n of_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o our_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o reflect_v particular_o upon_o the_o several_a stage_n and_o period_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o recollect_v at_o least_o the_o principal_a miscarriage_n belong_v to_o each_o of_o they_o and_o the_o better_a to_o enable_v we_o hereto_o it_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n some_o abridgement_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n contain_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o will_v help_v to_o bring_v many_o of_o our_o fault_n and_o neglect_v to_o our_o remembrance_n which_o otherwise_o perhaps_o will_v have_v be_v forget_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v likewise_o consider_v the_o several_a relation_n wherein_o we_o have_v stand_v to_o other_o and_o how_o far_o we_o have_v transgress_v or_o fail_v of_o our_o duty_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n and_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v up_o our_o sad_a account_n we_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n understand_v the_o number_n and_o greatness_n of_o our_o sin_n abate_v for_o some_o particular_n which_o be_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o daily_a infirmity_n which_o be_v innumerable_a by_o all_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o vile_a wretch_n and_o grievous_a offender_n we_o have_v be_v especial_o if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o several_a heavy_a circumstance_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o do_v above_o measure_n aggravate_v they_o the_o heinousness_n of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o injurious_a consequence_n of_o they_o to_o the_o person_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n of_o our_o neighbour_n their_o have_v be_v commit_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n against_o the_o frequent_a check_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o when_o we_o do_v they_o that_o we_o do_v amiss_o against_o so_o many_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n so_o many_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n from_o other_o and_o contrary_a to_o our_o own_o most_o serious_a vow_n and_o resolution_n renew_v at_o several_a time_n especial_o upon_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o distress_n and_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n notwithstanding_o the_o cruel_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o most_o merciful_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n add_v to_o this_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o wicked_a life_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n the_o ill_a example_n of_o they_o to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o other_o the_o affront_n of_o they_o to_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o horrible_a ingratitude_n of_o they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o which_o we_o have_v such_o infinite_a obligation_n thus_o we_o shall_v set_v our_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o our_o eye_n with_o the_o several_a aggravation_n of_o they_o 2._o a_o hearty_a trouble_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o lay_v my_o sin_n sad_o to_o heart_n and_o sure_o whenever_o we_o remember_v the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o our_o life_n we_o can_v but_o be_v inward_o touch_v and_o sensible_o grieve_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o we_o can_v but_o hang_v down_o our_o head_n and_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o heaviness_n at_o our_o very_a heart_n i_o know_v that_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o tear_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o repentance_n but_o they_o do_v very_o well_o 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and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
repentance_n of_o the_o former_a be_v try_v and_o prove_v insincere_a but_o the_o deathbed_n repentance_n never_o come_v to_o a_o trial_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v sincere_a or_o not_o and_o how_o it_o will_v have_v prove_v if_o the_o man_n have_v live_v long_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n for_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o mere_a refuse_n and_o dregs_o of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o day_n which_o himself_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o expect_v to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n at_o his_o hand_n but_o though_o we_o do_v not_o design_n to_o delay_v this_o work_n so_o long_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o delay_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a because_o we_o put_v off_o a_o business_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o future_a and_o in_o so_o do_v put_v it_o to_o the_o hazard_n whether_o ever_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o the_o future_a be_v as_o 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the_o secure_n of_o thy_o future_a happiness_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a be_v remain_v therefore_o be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o that_o little_a which_o may_v be_v leave_v and_o wise_o to_o manage_v the_o last_o stake_n 4._o see_v the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n do_v main_o rely_v upon_o the_o hope_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o future_a repentance_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a how_o unreasonable_a these_o hope_n be_v and_o how_o absurd_a the_o encouragement_n be_v which_o man_n take_v from_o they_o to_o sin_v in_o hope_n that_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v repent_v be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n in_o hope_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v one_o day_n mighty_o ashamed_a of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v and_o trouble_v that_o we_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n in_o hope_n that_o we_o shall_v afterward_o condemn_v ourselves_o for_o it_o and_o wish_v a_o thousand_o time_n we_o 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venture_v all_o upon_o such_o a_o after_o game_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v content_a to_o be_v shipwrack_v in_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v afterward_o escape_v by_o a_o plank_n and_o get_v safe_a to_o shore_n but_o i_o hope_v none_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a yet_o i_o fear_v that_o many_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v it_o off_o to_o old_a age_n though_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o say_v so_o seneca_n expostulate_v excellent_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o shall_v ensure_v thy_o life_n till_o that_o time_n who_o shall_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o thou_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o happen_v and_o fall_v out_o just_a as_o thou_o have_v design_v and_o forecast_v they_o be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a to_o reserve_v the_o relic_n of_o thy_o life_n for_o thyself_o and_o to_o set_v apart_o only_o that_o time_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a in_o which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o how_o late_o be_v it_o then_o to_o begin_v to_o llve_v well_o when_o thy_o life_n be_v almost_o at_o a_o end_n what_o a_o stupid_a forgetfulness_n be_v it_o of_o our_o mortality_n to_o put_v off_o good_a resolution_n to_o the_o fifty_o or_o sixty_v year_n of_o our_o age_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o begin_v to_o do_v better_o at_o that_o time_n of_o life_n to_o which_o but_o very_o few_o person_n have_v reach_v but_o perhaps_o thou_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o unreasonable_a but_o desire_v only_o to_o respite_v this_o work_n till_o the_o first_o heat_n of_o youth_n and_o lust_n be_v over_o till_o the_o cool_a and_o more_o considerate_a part_n of_o thy_o life_n come_v on_o that_o perhaps_o thou_o think_v may_v be_v the_o fit_a and_o most_o convenient_a season_n but_o still_o we_o reckon_v upon_o uncertainty_n for_o perhaps_o that_o season_n may_v never_o be_v however_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v much_o more_o in_o our_o power_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o conquer_v our_o lust_n now_o and_o to_o resist_v the_o most_o heady_a and_o violent_a temptation_n to_o vice_n than_o either_o to_o secure_v the_o future_a time_n or_o to_o recover_v that_o which_o be_v once_o past_a and_o go_v some_o seem_v yet_o more_o reasonable_a and_o be_v content_a to_o come_v low_a and_o desire_v only_a to_o put_v it_o off_o for_o a_o very_a little_a while_n but_o why_o for_o a_o little_a while_n why_o till_o to_o morrow_n to_o morrow_n will_v be_v as_o this_o day_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o thou_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v more_o unwilling_a and_o indispose_v then_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o future_a time_n which_o any_o man_n can_v reasonable_o pitch_v upon_o all_o delay_n in_o this_o case_n be_v dangerous_a and_o as_o senseless_a as_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o idiot_n describe_v by_o the_o poet_n who_o be_v come_v to_o the_o river_n side_n and_o intend_v to_o pass_v over_o stay_v till_o all_o the_o water_n in_o the_o river_n be_v go_v by_o and_o have_v leave_v the_o channel_n a_o dry_a passage_n for_o he_o at_o ille_fw-la labitur_fw-la &_o labetur_fw-la in_o omne_fw-la volubilis_fw-la aevum_fw-la but_o the_o river_n run_v and_o run_v and_o will_v run_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v stay_v a_o thousand_o year_n will_v never_o be_v the_o near_o be_v dry_v so_o that_o if_o the_o man_n must_v go_v over_o and_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o as_o there_o be_v for_o repentance_n the_o only_a wise_a resolution_n to_o be_v take_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o wade_v or_o swim_v over_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v because_o the_o matter_n will_v never_o be_v mend_v by_o
estate_n and_o condition_n by_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n concern_v their_o condition_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n which_o imply_v likewise_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n now_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o this_o phrase_n he_o only_o who_o live_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n blameless_a can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v righteousness_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v righteousness_n no_o not_o one_o and_o consequent_o none_o can_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o text_n suppose_v some_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o by_o do_v righteousness_n the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v something_o that_o be_v short_a of_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n so_o that_o the_o question_n be_v what_o do_v of_o righteousness_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v a_o man_n a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v nice_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v nothing_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o determine_v the_o very_a utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o tell_v exact_o and_o just_a to_o a_o point_n where_o the_o line_n of_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n between_o the_o state_n of_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o be_v place_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o my_o business_n to_o tell_v man_n how_o many_o fault_n they_o may_v have_v and_o how_o little_a goodness_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o to_o acquaint_v they_o what_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n a_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n and_o then_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o peace_n and_o assurance_n to_o endeavour_v after_o such_o degree_n wherefore_o to_o state_n the_o business_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v man_n a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o their_o condition_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v who_o they_o be_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v doer_n of_o righteousness_n or_o not_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o because_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o the_o rule_n negative_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n inquire_v who_o they_o be_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o do_v righteousness_n 1._o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n as_o injustice_n intemperance_n filthy_a and_o sensual_a lust_n profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o by_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o denial_n that_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n concern_v these_o the_o case_n be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o it_o seem_v too_o mild_a and_o gentle_a a_o expression_n to_o call_v they_o not_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o one_o know_v sin_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o know_a duty_n for_o any_o vicious_a habit_n denominate_v a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o evil_a state_n 3._o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o a_o very_a heinous_a and_o notorious_a crime_n as_o a_o deliberate_a act_n of_o blasphemy_n of_o murder_n perjury_n fraud_n or_o oppression_n or_o of_o any_o other_o crime_n of_o the_o like_a enormity_n for_o though_o ordinary_o one_o single_a act_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o denominate_v one_o a_o bad_a man_n when_o the_o general_a course_n of_o the_o man_n life_n be_v contrary_a yet_o the_o single_a act_n of_o some_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o cry_v and_o heinous_a and_o do_v so_o stare_v every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o face_n that_o they_o be_v just_o esteem_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a malignity_n with_o vicious_a habit_n of_o a_o inferior_a kind_n because_o they_o do_v almost_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o great_a depravation_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o monstrous_a alienation_n from_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o person_n that_o deliberate_o commit_v they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a in_o any_o of_o these_o three_o degree_n now_o mention_v be_v most_o certain_o not_o doer_n of_o righteousness_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o shall_v inquire_v who_o they_o be_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v righteousness_n in_o short_a they_o who_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n do_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n general_o express_v this_o matter_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o by_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n by_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n by_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n by_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o by_o practise_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o description_n which_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n luk._n 1.6_o they_o be_v both_o 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 all_o which_o expression_n do_v plain_o signify_v the_o actual_a conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o imply_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o these_o action_n be_v do_v with_o a_o sincere_a and_o upright_a mind_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n and_o not_o for_o low_a and_o temporal_a end_n and_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o describe_v a_o righteous_a man_n by_o the_o actual_a conformity_n of_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n than_o as_o some_o have_v do_v by_o a_o sincere_a desire_n or_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n for_o a_o desire_n may_v be_v sincere_a for_o the_o time_n it_o last_v and_o yet_o vanish_v before_o it_o come_v to_o any_o real_a effect_n and_o how_o innocent_o soever_o it_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o divinity_n and_o of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o desire_n of_o grace_n be_v grace_n and_o consequent_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o desire_n of_o obedience_n be_v obedience_n a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o be_v good_a be_v indeed_o a_o good_a beginning_n and_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v cherish_v and_o encourage_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v the_o thing_n desire_v or_o from_o be_v accept_v for_o it_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n for_o god_n never_o accept_v the_o desire_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n no_o opportunity_n of_o do_v the_o thing_n desire_v but_o if_o there_o be_v and_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o desire_n in_o that_o case_n shall_v be_v accept_v as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n give_v alm_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o will_v give_v more_o if_o he_o be_v able_a in_o this_o case_n the_o desire_n be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n and_o of_o this_o case_n it_o be_v and_o no_o other_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 8.12_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o that_o be_v god_n interpret_v and_o accept_v the_o charity_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o straitness_n of_o their_o fortune_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o draw_v a_o general_a
he_o have_v it_o and_o according_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o job_n and_o david_n hezekiah_n and_o nehemiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a st._n paul_n for_o himself_o and_o timothy_n make_v this_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o passage_n in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o can_v be_v collect_v that_o any_o good_a man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v modesty_n but_o impudence_n in_o any_o man_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o suspect_v himself_o of_o hypocrisy_n good_a man_n have_v always_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v to_o have_v his_o integrity_n question_v it_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o a_o generous_a speech_n of_o he_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o this_o be_v become_v a_o very_a common_a doubt_n among_o religious_a people_n and_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o cherish_v in_o it_o as_o to_o have_v it_o make_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o himself_o it_o be_v indeed_o say_v in_o scripture_n jer._n 17.9_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o be_v true_a concern_v our_o future_a intention_n and_o action_n no_o man_n know_v how_o his_o mind_n may_v change_v hereafter_o little_o do_v hazael_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text._n for_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o chapter_n plain_o make_v use_v of_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o take_v off_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o trust_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o in_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o of_o foreign_a assistance_n from_o egypt_n because_o man_n may_v pretend_v fair_a and_o yet_o deceive_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o none_o but_o god_n know_v whether_o man_n inward_a intention_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o outward_a profession_n for_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v be_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n here_o intend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o bad_a man_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rely_v upon_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n but_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n but_o now_o because_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n towards_o one_o another_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n either_o impossible_a or_o very_a difficult_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o present_a intention_n and_o action_n to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n be_v to_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o god_n child_n those_o holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n job_n and_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o do_v so_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o sure_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v from_o the_o very_a foundation_n destroy_v a_o imagination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o untrue_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o good_a man_n iii_o let_v we_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n second_o the_o causeless_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n real_o good_a concern_v their_o bad_a condition_n and_o three_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o other_o as_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o bad_a and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a vice_n these_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n if_o they_o be_v trouble_v about_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o doubtful_a of_o it_o it_o be_v less_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o person_n in_o this_o condition_n there_o be_v only_a counsel_n to_o be_v give_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o become_v better_o but_o no_o comfort_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o till_o first_o they_o have_v follow_v that_o counsel_n for_o till_o they_o reform_v if_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n they_o think_v just_a as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o no_o body_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o otherwise_o first_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n i_o do_v not_o now_o mean_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a to_o man_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o hard_a opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o other_o but_o the_o most_o grievous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n use_v all_o manner_n of_o shift_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n as_o be_v the_o ill_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n some_o therefore_o rely_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o exemption_n from_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o it_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thou_o of_o all_o man_n be_v inexcusable_a if_o thou_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n other_o trust_v to_o their_o external_a devotion_n they_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o serve_v god_n constant_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n spoil_v all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o devotion_n he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n that_o be_v from_o obey_v it_o even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n other_o who_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v very_o bad_a depend_v very_o much_o upon_o their_o repentance_n especial_o if_o they_o set_v solemn_a time_n apart_o for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n will_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o real_a change_n and_o reformation_n in_o our_o life_n for_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v to_o purpose_n if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v well_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a of_o thy_o miscarriage_n but_o thou_o be_v never_o safe_a till_o thou_o have_v forsake_v thy_o sin_n thy_o estate_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o change_v till_o thou_o have_v real_o alter_v thyself_o and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n other_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n justice_n and_o liberality_n and_o charity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o
particular_o know_v to_o we_o when_o they_o be_v commit_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v particular_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n do_v accept_v of_o a_o general_a repentance_n as_o he_o do_v from_o david_n when_o he_o make_v that_o humble_a confession_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o 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 3._o they_o be_v afraid_a their_o obedience_n be_v not_o sincere_a because_o it_o proceed_v many_o time_n from_o fear_n and_o not_o always_o out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o god_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n propound_v to_o man_n several_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o obedience_n some_o proper_a to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n as_o the_o threaten_n of_o punishment_n some_o upon_o their_o hope_n as_o the_o promise_n of_o blessing_n and_o reward_n other_o upon_o their_o love_n as_o the_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o intend_v they_o shall_v all_o work_n upon_o we_o and_o according_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o instance_n in_o each_o kind_n noah_n move_v with_o fear_n obey_v god_n in_o prepare_v a_o ark_n moses_n have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n marry_o magdalen_n love_v much_o and_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v so_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v just_a how_o much_o influence_n and_o no_o more_o each_o of_o these_o have_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o man_n be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v good_a by_o the_o joint_a force_n of_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o god_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o be_v sure_a love_n be_v the_o noble_a and_o most_o generous_a principle_n of_o obedience_n but_o fear_v common_o take_v the_o first_o and_o fast_o hold_v of_o we_o and_o in_o time_n of_o violent_a temptation_n be_v perhaps_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o keep_v even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n 4._o another_o cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o good_a man_n be_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o imperfect_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o abatement_n of_o their_o affection_n towards_o god_n at_o some_o time_n they_o have_v many_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o they_o can_v for_o their_o life_n keep_v their_o mind_n continual_o intent_n on_o what_o they_o be_v about_o this_o we_o shall_v strive_v against_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a we_o can_v do_v but_o to_o cure_v this_o whole_o be_v impossible_a the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o question_v his_o sincerity_n because_o he_o can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v and_o then_o for_o the_o abatement_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n at_o some_o time_n this_o natural_o proceed_v from_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n temper_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a always_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n towards_o god_n but_o our_o comfort_n be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o measure_v man_n sincerity_n by_o the_o tide_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a bent_n of_o their_o resolution_n and_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n 5._o another_o cause_n of_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o man_n expect_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o reasonable_a assurance_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n some_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o extraordinary_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n god_n may_v give_v this_o when_o and_o to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v he_o have_v any_o where_o promise_v it_o and_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o those_o phrase_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_v and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o my_o apprehension_n no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o christian_n in_o so_o powerful_a and_o sensible_a a_o manner_n be_v a_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n according_a to_o that_o plain_a text_n rom._n 8.11_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o you_o but_o then_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o real_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o if_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o but_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n tell_v they_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n i_o know_v not_o what_o peculiar_a favour_n god_n may_v show_v to_o some_o but_o i_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n that_o do_v affirm_v it_o of_o himself_o and_o i_o fear_v that_o in_o most_o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o it_o be_v either_o mere_a fancy_n or_o gross_a delusion_n 6._o as_o for_o the_o case_n of_o melancholy_n it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a case_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o any_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v seldom_o fit_a to_o take_v that_o counsel_n which_o alone_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v themselves_o concern_v themselves_o but_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o rather_o than_o their_o own_o apprehension_n in_o other_o case_n every_o man_n know_v himself_o best_a but_o a_o melancholy_a man_n be_v most_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o himself_o this_o cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o doubt_v be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o hard_o to_o be_v remove_v unless_o by_o physic_n or_o by_o time_n or_o by_o chance_n one_o may_v happen_v to_o say_v something_o that_o may_v hit_v the_o humour_n of_o a_o melancholy_a man_n and_o satisfy_v he_o for_o the_o present_a but_o reason_n must_v needs_o signify_v very_o little_a to_o those_o person_n the_o nature_n of_o who_o distemper_n it_o be_v to_o turn_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o their_o comfort_n into_o objection_n against_o themselves_o three_o but_o beside_o those_o who_o mistake_v their_o condition_n either_o by_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v better_o or_o fear_v it_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v likewise_z other_o who_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v doubtful_a of_o their_o condition_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o those_o i_o mean_v who_o have_v some_o beginning_n of_o goodness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o imperfect_a they_o have_v good_a resolution_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n well_o but_o they_o often_o fall_v and_o be_v frequent_o pull_v back_o by_o those_o evil_a inclination_n and_o habit_n which_o be_v yet_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n unsubdued_a in_o they_o these_o i_o can_v liken_v better_a than_o to_o the_o borderer_n between_o two_o country_n who_o live_v in_o the_o march_n and_o confine_n of_o two_o powerful_a kingdom_n both_o which_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v who_o subject_n they_o be_v and_o to_o which_o prince_n they_o belong_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o in_o religion_n they_o have_v pious_a inclination_n and_o have_v make_v some_o fair_a attempt_n towards_o goodness_n they_o have_v begin_v to_o refrain_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o ever_o and_o anon_o they_o be_v master_v by_o their_o old_a lust_n and_o carry_v off_o from_o their_o best_a resolution_n and_o perhaps_o upon_o a_o little_a consideration_n they_o repent_v and_o recover_v themselves_o again_o and_o after_o a_o while_o be_v again_o entangle_v and_o overcome_v now_o the_o case_n of_o these_o person_n be_v real_o doubtful_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o the_o proper_a direction_n to_o be_v give_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o peace_n and_o settlement_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o encourage_v they_o
to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o search_v out_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n there_o need_v no_o anxious_a enquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o we_o daily_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o grow_v in_o goodness_n and_o take_v care_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o certain_o take_v the_o best_a course_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o comfortable_a and_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n this_o one_o mark_n of_o do_v righteousness_n be_v that_o into_o which_o all_o other_o sign_n and_o character_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n give_v of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v final_o resolve_v and_o this_o answer_v all_o those_o various_a phrase_n which_o some_o man_n will_v make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n
they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o calumny_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1_o sy_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o devil_n shall_v lend_v he_o this_o power_n to_o use_v it_o against_o himself_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v 2_o dly_z our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n attribute_v all_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v those_o among_o themselves_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n as_o origen_n and_o tertullian_n and_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o of_o these_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o ask_v the_o pharisee_n by_o what_o power_n they_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o they_o aknowledge_v that_o these_o do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n but_o their_o malice_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o do_v it_o likewise_o by_o the_o same_o power_n ver_fw-la 27_o if_o i_o by_o beelzebub_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o who_o do_v your_o child_n cast_v they_o out_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v your_o judge_n that_o be_v this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v you_o malice_n of_o to_o i_o but_o if_o i_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v unto_o you_o that_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v because_o he_o wrought_v these_o and_o other_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n so_o that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o person_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o their_o blasphemy_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o say_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o malicious_o ascribe_v these_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n why_o our_o saviour_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_a from_o st._n mark_n mark_v 3.28_o 29_o 30_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o soever_o they_o shall_v blaspheme_v but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n that_o be_v because_o the_o pharisee_n charge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o magician_n and_o to_o have_v a_o familiar_a spirit_n by_o who_o assistance_n he_o do_v those_o work_n when_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n declare_v they_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v so_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o most_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o come_v from_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n such_o as_o do_v plain_o evidence_n a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n accompany_v of_o he_o for_o in_o st._n luke_n he_o be_v say_v to_o do_v they_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n luke_n 11.20_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a testimony_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v to_o any_o person_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o the_o pharisee_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v they_o yet_o such_o be_v their_o opposition_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n that_o though_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o and_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o yet_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v own_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o come_v from_o god_n they_o most_o malicious_o and_o unreasonable_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o which_o though_o themselves_o see_v yet_o they_o malicious_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o hardly_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v our_o saviour_n discourse_n upon_o this_o occasion_n can_v otherwise_o determine_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o those_o remarkable_a word_n which_o i_o cite_v before_o mark_n 3.29_o but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iii_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v namely_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v peculiar_o unpardonable_a for_o this_o our_o saviour_n positive_o affirm_v to_o be_v in_o this_o different_a from_o all_o other_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o pardon_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o not_o forgive_n of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v follow_v it_o in_o the_o other_o world_n whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o st._n mark_n express_v more_o plain_o that_o it_o shall_v bring_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n mark_v 3.29_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o forgive_v in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v forgive_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o these_o word_n he_o either_o allude_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o high_a excommunication_n the_o sentence_n whereof_o they_o hold_v not_o to_o be_v reversible_a neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o other_o or_o else_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o expression_n may_v probable_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o common_a and_o false_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v that_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o pardon_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n may_v by_o sacrifice_n be_v expiate_v in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o other_o and_o st._n mark_v more_o plain_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v forgiveness_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v altogether_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n i_o know_v some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o mollify_v this_o matter_n but_o i_o think_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n grotius_n understand_v the_o word_n comparative_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n shall_v soon_o be_v forgive_v than_o this_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n only_o intend_v to_o express_v the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n above_o other_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o pardon_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o of_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o absolute_o desperate_a but_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v absolute_o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a
person_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o melancholy_n than_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o trouble_n some_o think_v that_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o conviction_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v aknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o a_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n other_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o those_o they_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v general_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o melancholy_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o black_a thought_n be_v no_o way_n consent_v to_o they_o but_o they_o rise_v in_o their_o mind_n perfect_o against_o their_o will_n and_o without_o any_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n that_o i_o hope_v yea_o and_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o no_o more_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o the_o wild_a and_o idle_a rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o fever_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a disease_n shall_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o these_o person_n have_v reason_n enough_o for_o comfort_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v their_o present_a distemper_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o degree_n and_o approach_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o unpardonable_a than_o all_o approach_n to_o it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a such_o as_o be_v profane_a scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n abuse_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perverse_a infidelity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o credible_a history_n though_o we_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a malicious_a oppose_a of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o he_o that_o oppose_v the_o truth_n have_v no_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v furious_o and_o heady_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o these_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o any_o that_o can_v easy_o be_v instance_a in_o and_o though_o god_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n have_v not_o declare_v they_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o be_v great_a provocation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v long_o continue_v in_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v ready_a then_o to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propound_v to_o thou_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v in_o other_o matter_n where_o thou_o have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o interest_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o thy_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v secret_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v we_o many_o time_n gentle_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o after_o many_o repulse_n will_v at_o last_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n into_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n a_o sermon_n of_o charity_n and_o alm_n act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a when_o almighty_a god_n design_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o pattern_n after_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o have_v likewise_o set_v before_o we_o a_o live_a pattern_n and_o a_o familiar_a example_n to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o go_v before_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n such_o be_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o man_n that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v only_o give_v we_o a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o have_v send_v a_o great_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o declare_v and_o interpret_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o fulfil_v that_o law_n himself_o the_o observation_n whereof_o he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o bare_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o very_a dead_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o live_a example_n which_o show_v we_o the_o possibility_n and_o practicableness_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o religion_n indeed_o do_v always_o consist_v in_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o resemblance_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v but_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o now_o with_o much_o great_a ease_n and_o advantage_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o how_o man_n may_v become_v like_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v so_o long_o and_o familiar_o with_o mankind_n that_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n he_o may_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o all_o that_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o nothing_o like_a the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o in_o be_v and_o do_v good_a so_o be_v he_o in_o nothing_o a_o fit_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n than_o in_o that_o excellent_a character_n give_v of_o he_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o which_o word_n two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o our_o saviour_n great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o do_v good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o employ_v himself_o in_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n this_o refer_v more_o especial_o to_o his_o heal_v the_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n god_n anoint_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n intimate_v to_o we_o by_o this_o instance_n of_o his_o do_v good_a that_o he_o who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o rescue_v man_n body_n from_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v their_o soul_n remain_v under_o his_o tyranny_n but_o though_o the_o text_n instance_v only_o in_o one_o particular_a yet_o this_o general_a expression_n of_o do_v good_a comprehend_v all_o those_o several_a way_n whereby_o he_o be_v beneficial_a to_o mankind_n second_o here_o be_v his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o this_o work_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o both_o these_o particular_n i._o his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o do_v good_a