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and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._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 for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n 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many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n
which_o the_o world_n stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o he_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n both_o in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o be_v even_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n this_o be_v the_o needful_a time_n when_o it_o be_v most_o seasonable_a for_o this_o great_a physician_n to_o come_v and_o show_v his_o pity_n and_o skill_n in_o our_o recovery_n god_n can_v have_v send_v his_o son_n many_o age_n before_o but_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o try_v other_o way_n first_o and_o to_o reserve_v this_o powerful_a remedy_n to_o the_o last_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n 4._o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v of_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o his_o come_v whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n best_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o 2._o 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philosophy_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o man_n to_o refine_v their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n to_o detect_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o learning_n and_o philosophy_n flourish_v a_o great_a while_n before_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o before_o that_o in_o some_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v very_o speedy_a and_o of_o vast_a extent_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v neither_o so_o universal_a nor_o so_o well_o settle_v nor_o do_v they_o propagate_v their_o philosophy_n and_o civility_n together_o with_o their_o conquest_n as_o the_o roman_n do_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o mankind_n be_v so_o general_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n appear_v 2._o this_o be_v likewise_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o the_o easy_a diffuse_v and_o 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the_o chief_a mean_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v to_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o have_v not_o now_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o main_a argument_n for_o it_o rely_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o at_o this_o distance_n we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o man_n not_o only_o may_v have_v but_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n ancient_a than_o these_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o the_o distance_n of_o they_o from_o our_o time_n create_v no_o manner_n of_o scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o that_o he_o conquer_v darius_n and_o the_o persian_n that_o julius_n caesar_n invade_v our_o nation_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v it_o and_o that_o he_o overcome_v pompey_n in_o the_o battle_n of_o pharsalia_n and_o innumerable_a other_o thing_n which_o i_o may_v instance_n in_o that_o be_v do_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v firm_o believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n by_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v do_v so_o long_o ago_o so_o that_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o we_o may_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v equal_a evidence_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a belief_n the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o the_o argument_n but_o in_o the_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v 2._o we_o have_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a assurance_n nay_o great_a if_o it_o can_v or_o need_v to_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n rely_v as_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n rely_v be_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n that_o he_o bestow_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o make_v they_o competent_a witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o publish_v in_o his_o name_n that_o according_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n without_o any_o human_a advantage_n do_v propagate_v it_o and_o gain_v entertainment_n for_o it_o in_o most_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n now_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v the_o same_o testimony_n of_o history_n write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o as_o general_a and_o uncontrole_v a_o tradition_n as_o the_o conquest_n of_o alexander_n and_o julius_n caesar_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o afford_v equal_a belief_n to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v some_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n against_o the_o one_o more_o than_o against_o the_o other_o though_o the_o evidence_n for_o both_o be_v equal_a nay_o i_o go_v further_o that_o the_o evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o be_v of_o far_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n be_v more_o oblige_v to_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o eye-witness_n who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o be_v true_o extraordinary_a person_n
they_o not_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o perpetual_a death_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o condemnation_n these_o be_v not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o child_n of_o perdition_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a be_v the_o full_a and_o final_a declaration_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o a_o new_a life_n but_o because_o at_o the_o resurrection_n we_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o that_o bless_a inheritance_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o believer_n in_o their_o regeneration_n and_o afterward_o dwell_v and_o reside_v in_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o final_a adoption_n by_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o our_o future_a inheritance_n and_o the_o seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o eph._n 1.13_o in_o who_o also_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v by_o that_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchase_a possession_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o upon_o their_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o our_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o the_o apostle_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o that_o remarkable_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 i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o serve_v full_o to_o explain_v to_o we_o those_o obscure_a phrase_n of_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_a and_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o many_o have_v mistake_v to_o import_v some_o particular_a and_o spiritual_a revelation_n or_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n assure_v they_o of_o their_o salvation_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n intend_v no_o more_o by_o they_o but_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o believer_n enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n to_o we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o now_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o be_v the_o same_o spirit_n which_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v say_v v._o 16._o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o assure_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n now_o and_o consequent_o heir_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v also_o be_v glorify_v together_o and_o this_o be_v glorify_v together_o with_o christ_n at_o the_o resurrection_n he_o call_v v._o 19_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o elder_a brother_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v now_o regenerate_v and_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v raise_v up_o to_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n namely_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v or_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o hereby_o god_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 1._o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o expect_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o sufficient_o vindicate_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n and_o for_o our_o full_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o 2._o what_o the_o many_o crime_n be_v which_o they_o lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o 1._o what_o the_o apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o evangelical_n history_n that_o they_o general_o apprehend_v these_o two_o thing_n of_o he_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n by_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n do_v call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 1.41_o andrew_n tell_v his_o brother_n simon_n we_o have_v find_v the_o messiah_n v._o 45._o philip_n tell_v nathanael_n we_o have_v find_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v write_v that_o be_v the_o messiah_n v._o 49._o nathanael_n upon_o discourse_n with_o our_o saviour_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n own_v he_o in_o these_o term_n rabbi_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n thou_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n john_n 6.69_o peter_n declare_v his_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n in_o these_o word_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o high-priest_n question_n to_o he_o matth._n 26.63_o be_v thou_o the_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o st._n mark_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a compare_v with_o pilat_n question_n be_v thou_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n some_o revile_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n matth._n 27.40_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n other_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n v._o 42._o if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o jew_n expect_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o whoever_o be_v not_o so_o be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n but_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o god_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a do_v abundant_o vindicate_v he_o to_o the_o world_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v all_o that_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o viz._n the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 2_o dly_a what_o be_v the_o crime_n which_o the_o jew_n lay_v to_o our_o saviour_n charge_n and_o for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o and_o they_o be_v main_o these_o two_o that_o by_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o make_v himself_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o pilate_n hope_v by_o this_o accusation_n to_o make_v he_o guilty_a of_o sedition_n against_o the_o roman_a government_n for_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o other_o they_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n as_o be_v guilty_a of_o blasphemy_n in_o that_o not_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o lay_v the_o main_a stress_n as_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v condemn_v he_o by_o their_o law_n they_o charge_v he_o with_o this_o in_o his_o life-time_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o
in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 4_o thly_a but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2.1_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10.23_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5.16_o 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 all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5_o thly_a we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3.12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12.15_o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n 2_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o
this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 10.26_o 27._o for_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 there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n the_o great_a sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o who_o renounce_v he_o what_o way_n of_o expiation_n can_v they_o hope_v for_o afterward_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o fall_v into_o his_o hand_n as_o a_o judge_n who_o they_o have_v reject_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o then_o 3_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n provoke_v god_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n from_o they_o by_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v leave_v those_o to_o themselves_o who_o have_v so_o unworthy_o forsake_v he_o and_o whole_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v so_o notorious_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n always_o do_v this_o he_o be_v sometime_o better_a to_o such_o person_n than_o they_o have_v deserve_v from_o he_o and_o save_v those_o who_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o undo_v themselves_o and_o merciful_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o recover_v they_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v sudden_o surprise_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o temptation_n and_o yield_v to_o it_o not_o deliberate_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o mere_o through_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o do_v return_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o sudden_a fear_n deny_v christ_n but_o be_v admonish_v of_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o signal_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o he_o be_v recover_v by_o a_o speedy_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n and_o so_o likewise_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v at_o first_o overcome_v by_o fear_n to_o renounce_v their_o religion_n do_v afterward_o recover_v themselves_o and_o die_v resolute_a martyr_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a state_n out_o of_o which_o but_o few_o recover_v and_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o five_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o make_v out_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o text_n from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o hence_o by_o way_n of_o application_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o far_o this_o do_v concern_v ourselves_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o 1_o st_o from_o the_o supposition_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o such_o person_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v namely_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v firm_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o these_o may_v fall_v away_o this_o shall_v caution_n we_o all_o against_o confidence_n and_o security_n when_o those_o that_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o may_v fall_v let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o describe_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v that_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o total_o so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v renew_v again_o to_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n design_n which_o be_v to_o caution_n christian_n against_o apostasy_n because_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v away_o their_o recovery_n will_v be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a which_o argument_n do_v plain_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v fall_v away_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v other_o who_o think_v the_o person_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v hypocritical_a christian_n who_o for_o some_o base_a end_n have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o not_o be_v sincere_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n will_v forsake_v it_o when_o persecution_n come_v but_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o description_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o to_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o if_o we_o understand_v justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n these_o be_v blessing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o hypocrite_n and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v such_o person_n when_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o hypocrite_n in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n for_o what_o shall_v tempt_v man_n to_o dissemble_v christianity_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o profession_n or_o what_o worldly_a end_n can_v man_n have_v in_o take_v that_o profession_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v real_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o such_o may_v fall_v away_o for_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v so_o perfect_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o firm_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o that_o persuasion_n as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n to_o be_v able_a to_o quit_v all_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v real_a christian_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o sincere_o resolve_v as_o many_o other_o they_o be_v not_o like_o st._n paul_n and_o those_o try_a person_n who_o he_o speak_v of_o rom._n 8.35_o 37._o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n they_o have_v be_v try_v by_o all_o these_o and_o yet_o have_v hold_v out_o upon_o which_o he_o break_v out_o into_o those_o triumphant_a expression_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n they_o may_v not_o i_o say_v be_v like_o those_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v real_a in_o their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o hypocrite_n in_o short_a i_o take_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o our_o saviour_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o stony_a place_n namely_o he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o anon_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o but_o dure_v for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v for_o he_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o come_v to_o such_o a_o confirm_a state_n as_o resolute_o to_o withstand_v the_o assault_n of_o persecution_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v true_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v secure_a nor_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v
and_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o afterward_o fall_v off_o from_o it_o and_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o his_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o his_o beginning_n all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v will_v not_o be_v remember_v he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o god_n soul_n will_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o this_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v a_o contrary_a persuasion_n without_o contradict_v the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n and_o sincere_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a where_o there_o be_v no_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v opportunity_n for_o actual_a obedience_n and_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o perseverance_n therein_o they_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n perfect_a obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n without_o the_o least_o imperfection_n and_o without_o fail_v in_o any_o point_n or_o degree_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o this_o obedience_n as_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n so_o neither_o do_v god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o be_v indeed_o command_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a but_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v imitate_v those_o divine_a perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o purity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n in_o all_o these_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o he_o as_o may_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o connexion_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n by_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o customary_a neglect_n of_o any_o material_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o our_o know_a duty_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o wilful_o and_o deliberate_o guilty_a of_o the_o single_a act_n of_o heinous_a and_o notorious_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v former_o explain_v this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a in_o another_o discourse_n and_o this_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a frailty_n and_o imperfection_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o state_n of_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a as_o that_o god_n be_v please_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o meritorious_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o accept_v this_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n and_o to_o reward_v it_o with_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o after_o all_o the_o intricate_a dispute_n and_o infinite_a controversy_n about_o this_o business_n be_v the_o true_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n though_o it_o be_v sometime_o call_v by_o divine_n evangelical_n perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o very_o improper_o so_o call_v for_o nothing_o be_v proper_o perfect_a to_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o great_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n do_v neither_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o themselves_o but_o as_o st._n john_n say_v of_o such_o person_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o beside_o other_o imperfection_n these_o two_o be_v evident_a in_o they_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o second_o particular_a namely_o what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n sermon_n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z what_o obedience_n the_o gospel_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n 3_o dly_z the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v v._n vol._n v._n and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n 4_o thly_a the_o necessity_n of_o this_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n 5_o thly_a the_o consistency_n of_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n with_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v handle_v the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o and_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o possibility_n of_o our_o perform_v this_o condition_n by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v he_o then_o those_o who_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o disobedience_n where_o obedience_n be_v impossible_a no_o man_n be_v guilty_a or_o just_o liable_a to_o punishment_n for_o the_o not_o do_v of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o which_o god_n be_v enter_v with_o mankind_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o leave_v they_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o because_o it_o only_o offer_v new_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o 7._o ser._n 7._o but_o set_v we_o never_o the_o near_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v grant_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o we_o nay_o it_o render_v our_o state_n many_o degree_n worse_o if_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o gracious_a offer_v bring_v we_o under_o new_a and_o great_a guilt_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o few_o person_n have_v great_a benefit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o by_o a_o especial_a and_o effectual_a grace_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a straighten_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o confine_v it_o within_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o still_o to_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o if_o salvation_n have_v never_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v if_o as_o this_o doctrine_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o gild_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v great_o increase_v and_o heighten_v by_o their_o contempt_n of_o and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o man_n to_o obey_v it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v they_o thereto_o i_o
let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v which_o admonition_n be_v sure_o to_o little_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o that_o stand_v to_o fall_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o their_o importunity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o last_o this_o indeed_o be_v only_o to_o seek_v and_o not_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n represent_v as_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o or_o as_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o their_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o last_o extremity_n and_o next_o to_o that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n when_o man_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sinner_n will_v then_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o but_o the_o door_n be_v then_o shut_v to_o most_o sinner_n and_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n if_o any_o repentance_n that_o man_n can_v then_o exercise_v which_o at_o the_o best_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a will_v then_o be_v accept_v if_o any_o importunity_n which_o man_n can_v then_o use_v will_v be_v available_a for_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o after_o all_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o a_o long_a life_n god_n shall_v be_v mollify_v towards_o we_o by_o a_o few_o good_a word_n and_o accept_v of_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v repentance_n for_o all_o our_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a crime_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o a_o little_a importunity_n when_o we_o can_v sin_v no_o long_o and_o will_v repent_v no_o soon_o let_v we_o then_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n especial_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a course_n for_o the_o future_a and_o let_v we_o not_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o this_o necessary_a work_n to_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o improper_a time_n of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o set_v about_o it_o present_o and_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n and_o make_v all_o the_o speed_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o we_o can_v and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o whatever_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o universal_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o though_o we_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o thousand_o other_o way_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o after_o all_o our_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o security_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o any_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a damp_n and_o disappointment_n to_o we_o to_o see_v the_o sincere_a christian_n who_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n to_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o we_o who_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o because_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n sermon_n x._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n i._o luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n i_o intend_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o go_v over_o this_o parable_n than_o which_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o affect_v man_n or_o which_o be_v more_o artificial_o contrive_v and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n whereof_o a_o great_a decorum_n be_v observe_v it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n among_o interpreter_n whether_o this_o narration_n concern_v the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n be_v a_o parable_n or_o a_o history_n v._n vol._n v._n or_o a_o mixture_n of_o both_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o history_n the_o resemblance_n between_o it_o and_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n will_v easy_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a beside_o that_o in_o some_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o preface_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n a_o certain_a rich_a man_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o improbable_o conjecture_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o parable_n as_o have_v something_o of_o a_o real_a foundation_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o poor_a man_n as_o lazarus_n be_v here_o describe_v and_o of_o that_o name_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o a_o mere_a parable_n it_o be_v altogether_o unusual_a to_o name_v person_n nor_o be_v this_o do_v in_o any_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o not_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o dispute_v because_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n as_o to_o our_o saviour_n purpose_n and_o the_o instruction_n which_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o parable_n i_o shall_v explain_v it_o as_o i_o go_v along_o and_o draw_v two_o sort_n of_o instruction_n or_o observation_n from_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o will_v not_o warrant_v to_o be_v all_o intend_a by_o our_o saviour_n 10._o ser._n 10._o but_o only_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a and_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a rise_n from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o they_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o observation_n and_o instruction_n which_o i_o shall_v gather_v up_o from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o i_o shall_v take_v they_o in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o parable_n ver._n 19_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n some_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o description_n reflect_v upon_o herod_n because_o he_o describe_v this_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v without_o reason_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n custom_n in_o his_o preach_v to_o give_v secret_a gird_n to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v long_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o purple_n be_v appropriate_v to_o king_n it_o be_v then_o and_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o wear_v of_o rich_a and_o powerful_a man_n and_o of_o the_o favourite_n and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o court_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o ancient_a history_n call_v the_o purpurati_fw-la those_o that_o wear_v purple_a that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o here_o censure_v for_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v for_o wear_v rich_a apparel_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a table_n this_o of_o itself_o
i_o proceed_v to_o a_o six_o observation_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n be_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o divine_a thing_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v these_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v or_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o know_v very_o well_o the_o text_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o of_o the_o new_a be_v not_o then_o extant_a when_o this_o parable_n be_v deliver_v but_o what_o be_v here_o say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o the_o new_a and_o though_o abraham_n do_v only_o recommend_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v have_v say_v the_o same_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v then_o extant_a so_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v upon_o this_o observation_n do_v indifferent_o concern_v the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v out_o this_o observation_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v take_v these_o five_o thing_n into_o consideration_n 1_o st_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 2_o dly_z give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z show_v what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n 4_o thly_a that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n 5_o thly_a that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o conviction_n than_o to_o afford_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o 1_o st_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o manifestation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o say_v supernatural_a because_o it_o may_v either_o be_v immediate_o by_o god_n or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o manifestation_n either_o immediate_o to_o our_o mind_n by_o our_o understanding_n and_o inward_a faculty_n for_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o distinction_n between_o understanding_n and_o imagination_n as_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o or_o else_o mediate_o to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n as_o by_o a_o external_a appearance_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n or_o by_o a_o voice_n and_o sound_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v a_o discovery_n or_o manifestation_n of_o a_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o natural_a light_n but_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v or_o we_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n to_o we_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n either_o to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v more_o obscure_o know_v and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v bury_v in_o our_o understanding_n or_o else_o to_o quicken_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o lively_a consideration_n of_o those_o truth_n 2_o dly_z for_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o they_o be_v various_a the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o ch_n 1.1_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o several_a manner_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n where_o by_o prophet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o those_o who_o do_v foretell_v future_a thing_n but_o any_o person_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v any_o supernatural_a discovery_n of_o himself_o now_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o revelation_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v vision_n dream_n prophecy_n oracle_n inspiration_n or_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n voice_n bath-col_a or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o which_o they_o call_v gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n the_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o moses_n the_o jewish_a writer_n especial_o maimonides_n have_v many_o subtle_a observation_n about_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o revelation_n which_o depend_v upon_o subtle_a and_o philosophical_a distinction_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o perception_n as_o that_o some_o of_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o impression_n only_o upon_o the_o understanding_n some_o only_a upon_o the_o imagination_n some_o upon_o both_o some_o upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n but_o the_o simple_a and_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o distinguish_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o vision_z be_v a_o representation_n of_o something_o to_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wake_v in_o opposition_n to_o dream_n which_o be_v representation_n make_v to_o man_n in_o their_o sleep_n prophecy_n may_v be_v either_o dream_n or_o vision_n and_o the_o jew_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v always_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n which_o they_o ground_v upon_o numb_a 12.6_o if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o prophecy_n in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o have_v this_o peculiarly_a belong_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o monitory_a or_o instructive_a but_o do_v foretell_v some_o event_n of_o concernment_n to_o other_o and_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a revelation_n and_o carry_v great_a assurance_n along_o with_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o ecstasy_n and_o transport_v of_o mind_n in_o all_o these_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o oracle_n which_o be_v call_v urim_n and_o thummim_n be_v a_o render_n of_o answer_n to_o question_n by_o the_o highpriest_n look_v upon_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o breastplate_n which_o how_o it_o be_v do_v be_v uncertain_a the_o five_o sort_n of_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v a_o more_o calm_a and_o gentle_a inspiration_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a transport_v of_o mind_n or_o ecstasy_n such_o as_o david_n have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o low_a of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v bath_n col_fw-fr which_o be_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o the_o jew_n observe_v do_v only_o continue_v among_o they_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n to_o our_o saviour_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n give_v several_a prerogative_n above_o all_o the_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n as_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o impression_n mere_o upon_o the_o understanding_n without_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n or_o transport_v when_o he_o be_v wake_v and_o in_o his_o ordinary_a temper_n and_o his_o sense_n not_o bind_v up_o either_o by_o ecstasy_n or_o sleep_n that_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o amazement_n or_o faint_v which_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o prophet_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o can_v exert_v it_o arbitrary_o and_o put_v it_o forth_o when_o he_o will_v of_o which_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_o true_a from_o the_o story_n of_o he_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v rest_n more_o constant_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v exert_v it_o with_o great_a freedom_n and_o without_o any_o discernible_a amazement_n or_o transport_v from_o his_o ordinary_a temper_n but_o that_o it_o be_v by_o impression_n mere_o upon_o his_o understanding_n as_o that_o be_v a_o distinct_a faculty_n from_o the_o imagination_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a communication_n from_o god_n without_o
also_o by_o their_o own_o carelessness_n and_o folly_n shall_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o misery_n that_o he_o be_v in_o v._n vol._n v._n and_o therefore_o he_o beg_v of_o abraham_n that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n where_o he_o have_v five_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o shall_v come_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o which_o request_n abraham_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a course_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n so_o near_o at_o hand_n if_o they_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o the_o rich_a man_n press_v his_o request_n further_o upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v move_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o they_o for_o they_o have_v always_o have_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o remain_v impenitent_a but_o if_o a_o special_a messenger_n shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a this_o certain_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o awaken_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n v._o 30._o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o which_o abraham_n make_v this_o peremptory_a reply_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n 12._o ser._n 12._o neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o which_o word_n abraham_n absolute_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o probability_n much_o less_o certainty_n that_o those_o who_o reject_v a_o public_a credible_a revelation_n of_o god_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v by_o a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o our_o saviour_n bring_v in_o abraham_n deliver_v himself_o very_o positive_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v presume_v it_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n own_o sense_n and_o may_v rely_v upon_o it_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o however_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o evident_a yet_o i_o hope_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o make_v it_o sufficient_o clear_a but_o before_o i_o undertake_v that_o i_o shall_v promise_v a_o caution_n or_o two_o to_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v simple_o and_o in_o itself_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o hear_v or_o read_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n any_o other_o way_n for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n yea_o and_o likely_a enough_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o calm_a evidence_n and_o persuasion_n may_v yet_o be_v very_o much_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o strange_a and_o amaze_a accident_n and_o if_o one_o who_o he_o have_v know_v when_o he_o be_v alive_a shall_v appear_v to_o he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o declare_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o thing_n in_o another_o world_n there_o be_v little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o this_o will_v more_o rouse_v and_o awaken_v he_o to_o consider_v his_o danger_n than_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n this_o may_v prove_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v such_o a_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o if_o all_o circumstance_n be_v due_o consider_v that_o this_o shall_v general_o have_v a_o permanent_a effect_n upon_o man_n so_o as_o thorough_o to_o reclaim_v such_o person_n as_o do_v obstinate_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n word_n second_o another_o caution_n i_o will_v give_v be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n so_o as_o to_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n from_o miracle_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o a_o divine_a doctrine_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o convince_v men._n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o oppose_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o miraculous_a testimony_n but_o he_o advance_v the_o public_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n which_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v above_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o single_a and_o private_a miracle_n for_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v their_o confirmation_n from_o miracle_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o great_a evidence_n and_o attestation_n which_o god_n have_v always_o give_v to_o the_o divinity_n of_o any_o person_n or_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o abraham_n can_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o miracle_n when_o he_o say_v if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o that_o that_o this_o reason_n of_o his_o be_v rather_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o miracle_n for_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o confirmation_n of_o many_o and_o great_a of_o public_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n a_o credible_a relation_n whereof_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o after_o age_n so_o that_o if_o rational_a mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v the_o thing_n desire_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o to_o have_v have_v the_o confirmation_n of_o so_o many_o undoubted_a miracle_n shall_v in_o reason_n be_v convince_v by_o a_o private_a and_o single_a miracle_n these_o consideration_n be_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o caution_n i_o come_v now_o to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v here_o assert_v in_o the_o text._n and_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o these_o two_o proposition_n first_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n than_o to_o afford_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v and_o if_o so_o than_o second_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o those_o who_o reject_v this_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v though_o one_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a first_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n than_o to_o afford_v they_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v this_o be_v strong_o imply_v in_o abraham_n first_o answer_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v have_v such_o mean_n of_o conviction_n so_o near_o at_o hand_n why_o shall_v they_o desire_v and_o expect_v any_o other_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o that_o of_o god_n providence_n god_n do_v not_o common_o prove_v his_o providence_n to_o man_n by_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o his_o power_n and_o by_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o convince_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o govern_v it_o but_o by_o stand_v testimony_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n by_o these_o god_n do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v considerate_a man_n of_o his_o government_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o do_v seldom_o manifest_v himself_o in_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n by_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o these_o stand_a argument_n of_o his_o providence_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o they_o be_v so_o common_a yet_o be_v they_o daily_a miracle_n and_o we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v great_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v strange_o amaze_v at_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o divine_a revelation_n god_n have_v not_o
man_n from_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o general_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n that_o man_n do_v not_o yield_v a_o full_a and_o effectual_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n i_o mean_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o obey_v it_o but_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o lust_n the_o true_a cause_n be_v not_o in_o man_n understanding_n and_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o will_n which_o be_v enslave_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o disease_n be_v there_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_a by_o more_o evidence_n but_o by_o more_o consideration_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o better_a resolution_n the_o man_n be_v addict_v to_o some_o vice_n or_o other_o and_o that_o make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v check_v and_o control_v he_o in_o his_o course_n the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n be_v offensive_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v shut_v it_o out_o this_o account_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v of_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n john_n 3.19_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v that_o man_n resist_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o because_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o to_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o they_o be_v slow_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o cross_v their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n so_o that_o though_o great_a evidence_n be_v offer_v it_o be_v likely_a it_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o they_o because_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o their_o will_n be_v distemper_v man_n hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o this_o make_v they_o cast_v the_o law_n of_o god_n behind_o their_o back_n and_o if_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v a_o stiff-necked_a and_o rebellious_a people_n though_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o as_o their_o understanding_n can_v not_o resist_v yet_o their_o will_n may_v still_o hold_v out_o and_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o their_o mind_n may_v have_v no_o last_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o violent_a conviction_n may_v affect_v they_o for_o the_o present_a but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v perhaps_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o then_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a hardness_n man_n by_o a_o long_a and_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n may_v bring_v themselves_o to_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o devil_n who_o though_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o threaten_n yet_o they_o be_v wicked_a still_o for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n retain_v a_o strong_a affection_n for_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o conviction_n and_o what_o evidence_n soever_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o they_o will_v find_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o delude_v themselves_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o if_o man_n will_v honest_o speak_v their_o conscience_n they_o can_v deny_v it_o they_o do_v not_o call_v 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and_o gain_v say_v people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v more_o prodigious_a the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o or_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o when_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v and_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o man_n do_v such_o as_o one_o will_v have_v think_v may_v have_v bring_v the_o worst_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o repentance_n those_o of_o tyre_n and_o sydon_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o they_o repent_v not_o yea_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o my_o text_n request_v of_o abraham_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v do_v among_o they_o lazarus_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o testify_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o our_o saviour_n himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n and_o be_v 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