matter_n which_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v he_o to_o know_v and_o a_o intimation_n withal_o that_o the_o great_a and_o only_a thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o providence_n intend_v to_o liken_v he_o to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n so_o his_o thought_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n of_o the_o trial_n appoint_v for_o himself_o now_o the_o rebuke_n apply_v here_o to_o one_o particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v so_o treat_v of_o at_o this_o time_n as_o to_o render_v it_o a_o admonition_n of_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o such_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v prove_v to_o every_o christian_a if_o we_o from_o this_o example_n take_v the_o hint_n of_o forbear_v to_o indulge_v all_o needless_a curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v our_o study_n to_o those_o object_n which_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n lay_v aside_o such_o airy_a speculation_n as_o deserve_o fall_v under_o this_o reprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o even_o in_o this_o busy_a and_o pretend_v age_n of_o we_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o thus_o far_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o benefit_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o first_o that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o abstruse_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o 2._o second_o that_o can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n yet_o such_o knowledge_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o real_a use_n to_o they_o 3._o three_o that_o the_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o such_o 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grace_n the_o state_n of_o soul_n depart_v and_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o await_v man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o and_o abundance_n more_o such_o point_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o some_o general_a insight_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o when_o man_n not_o content_a to_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o controversy_n about_o the_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o the_o far_o they_o wade_v the_o more_o they_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o indeed_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o do_v these_o be_v subject_n not_o of_o a_o size_n with_o we_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v not_o qualify_v to_o fathom_v they_o the_o light_n from_o above_o be_v our_o only_a safe_a guide_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o far_o then_o 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thus_o for_o belief_n it_o ask_v no_o mighty_a depth_n for_o a_o man_n to_o convice_n himself_o that_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v reveal_v ought_v ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n do_v certain_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v understand_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v his_o word_n in_o its_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n except_o where_o there_o appear_v manifest_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o its_o contain_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v especial_o when_v treat_v of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o operation_n be_v no_o good_a argument_n of_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v he_o otherwise_o because_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o it_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o that_o infinite_a he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o a_o finite_a mind_n can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v modesty_n and_o integrity_n rather_o than_o acuteness_n and_o skill_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o quality_n or_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o party_n reveal_v these_o be_v matter_n that_o lie_v sufficient_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o every_o considerate_a person_n and_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o these_o impression_n will_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o there_o nor_o any_o occasion_n for_o fly_v to_o wretched_a criticism_n as_o a_o expedient_a for_o bring_v down_o the_o lofty_a doctrine_n to_o their_o own_o narrow_a apprehension_n so_o again_o for_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o once_o throw_v off_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a inclination_n they_o can_v but_o cast_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o contrary_a vice_n nor_o must_v i_o upon_o this_o occasion_n forget_v to_o put_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o our_o more_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o engage_v our_o diligent_a attention_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o secure_v probity_n of_o mind_n a_o teachable_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blesling_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o study_n who_o goodness_n will_v never_o suffer_v those_o who_o serve_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n to_o continue_v in_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v
which_o be_v wont_a to_o rise_v from_o the_o fail_n we_o feel_v or_o fancy_v in_o ourselves_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v imagine_v always_o to_o attend_v piety_n and_o true_a faith_n shall_v be_v consider_v god_n will_v in_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n xiii_o the_o case_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n the_o scruple_n about_o it_o consider_v st._n mark_v ix_o 24._o latter_a part_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n i_o have_v already_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n such_o and_o so_o general_a that_o all_o people_n will_v find_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o they_o which_o be_v my_o first_n head_n my_o second_o propose_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o many_o well-meaning_a person_n upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v frequent_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o their_o have_a no_o true_a faith_n be_v real_o not_o so_o now_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o proceed_v from_o a_o sight_n or_o a_o imagination_n of_o some_o fail_n in_o man_n own_o self_n and_o other_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easiness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v suppose_v constant_o to_o attend_v true_a piety_n and_o faith_n the_o former_a of_o these_o kind_n have_v be_v already_o consider_v particular_o and_o the_o latter_a come_v now_o under_o our_o examination_n viz._n those_o dissatisfaction_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o piety_n which_o god_n accept_v be_v always_o suppose_v to_o produce_v now_o of_o these_o i_o common_o meet_v with_o two_o which_o seem_v most_o to_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n and_o they_o be_v first_o man_n doubt_v of_o their_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o second_o the_o want_n of_o those_o inward_a joy_n and_o that_o present_a constant_a peace_n of_o heart_n which_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o cheer_v our_o spirit_n with_o and_o to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v you_o that_o for_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n as_o that_o phrase_n be_v common_o use_v be_v not_o any_o argument_n that_o they_o want_v true_a faith_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o ever_o have_v be_v think_v one_o if_o a_o sort_n of_o vain_a man_n have_v not_o lead_v their_o follower_n away_o with_o a_o strange_a delude_a imagination_n that_o it_o be_v one_o necessary_a part_n and_o character_n of_o a_o true_a belief_n in_o christ_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a election_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o miscarry_v so_o that_o not_o to_o rest_v asselve_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v as_o they_o represent_v the_o matter_n a_o distrust_n of_o christ_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o promise_n since_o his_o gift_n and_o his_o call_n be_v without_o repentance_n and_o who_o he_o once_o love_v he_o love_v they_o unto_o the_o end_n now_o when_o people_n be_v tell_v in_o so_o very_o confident_a and_o peremptory_a term_n that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o question_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o no_o such_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o a_o humble_a sight_n of_o their_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n they_o can_v rest_v in_o all_o that_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n but_o find_v some_o little_a misgiving_n and_o fear_n mix_v with_o their_o hope_n we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o lie_v under_o sad_a anxiety_n and_o dissatisfaction_n so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v themselves_o want_v in_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o such_o be_v not_o this_o positive_a assurance_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v nor_o in_o truth_n can_v it_o be_v as_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o in_o few_o word_n and_o by_o so_o do_v most_o offectual_o to_o put_v and_o end_v to_o all_o those_o scruple_n and_o disquiet_n that_o be_v owe_v mere_o to_o this_o false_a presumption_n of_o its_o be_v so_o and_z that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n without_o it_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n to_o save_v mankind_n from_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a destruction_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v most_o certain_o by_o his_o merit_n have_v their_o obedience_n accept_v and_o their_o soul_n make_v eternal_o happy_a this_o indeed_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o necessary_a belief_n and_o to_o question_v this_o be_v to_o distrust_v and_o dishonour_n god_n it_o be_v to_o contradict_v his_o word_n and_o to_o blaspheme_v his_o truth_n but_o for_o you_o or_o i_o in_o particular_a to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o happy_a number_n this_o can_v never_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o positive_a duty_n nor_o have_v the_o gospel_n enjoin_v it_o any_o far_a than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o find_v ourselves_o within_o those_o general_n term_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o mankind_n at_o large_a and_o you_o will_v i_o think_v agree_v that_o even_o in_o very_o good_a man_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v this_o shall_v amount_v to_o a_o positive_a assurance_n when_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o follow_a argument_n as_o first_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o conceive_v to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n with_o fear_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n plain_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o proper_a and_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o christian_n obedience_n for_o however_o that_o may_v have_v be_v run_v down_o as_o a_o spirit_n contrary_n to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n 10._o creature_n ps_n cxi_o 10._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n place_n the_o 13._o the_o phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o beginning_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o it_o be_v that_o the_o new_a attribute_n the_o very_a finish_n and_o excellence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o very_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n a_o foundation_n for_o it_o for_o so_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o corinthian_n 2_o ep._n chap._n vii_o v._o 1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v not_o to_o novice_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o make_v their_o first_o feeble_a essay_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o and_o then_o pass_v on_o to_o some_o noble_a motive_n but_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v complete_v their_o duty_n and_o become_v perfect_a by_o that_o a_o virtue_n so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o gospel-mercy_n that_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o fear_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o gracious_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o same_o apostle_n command_v his_o philippian_n 13._o philippian_n phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v in_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n justice_n constant_o upon_o their_o mind_n a_o constant_a dread_a of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o from_o thence_o a_o anxious_a care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o these_o philippian_n have_v who_o be_v according_o encourage_v to_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n grace_n whereby_o he_o work_v in_o man_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o may_v we_o say_v as_o some_o fond_o do_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v cool_v by_o such_o a_o principle_n since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v recommend_v the_o high_a act_n of_o love_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o less_o than_o suffer_a martyrdom_n itself_o and_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n from_o the_o same_o motive_n thus_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o do_v to_o his_o beloved_a one_o luke_n xii_o 4._o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o
especial_o in_o view_n and_o the_o only_a one_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o at_o present_a be_v this._n that_o this_o example_n when_o right_o understand_v and_o equal_o weigh_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n be_v no_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o any_o man_n defer_v his_o reformation_n one_o single_a hour_n much_o less_o than_o for_o depend_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n to_o procure_v he_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n fetch_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n which_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o attend_v to_o serious_o and_o impartial_o can_v not_o one_o will_v think_v but_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o set_v about_o a_o work_n which_o even_o they_o that_o excuse_n themselves_o from_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n confess_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o when_o they_o be_v press_v to_o begin_v it_o speedy_o when_o we_o who_o office_n and_o duty_n oblige_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o and_o vehement_o importune_v they_o to_o 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same_o kind_a reception_n and_o full_a pardon_n for_o all_o the_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o many_o never_o so_o grievous_a of_o their_o whole_a past_a profligate_v life_n 3._o three_o whereas_o some_o have_v earnest_o contend_v that_o repentance_n be_v a_o change_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n both_o and_o that_o whatever_o it_o may_v appear_v or_o be_v charitable_o hope_v and_o suppose_v yet_o in_o reality_n that_o be_v no_o repentance_n which_o do_v not_o prove_v its_o own_o sincerity_n by_o a_o man_n after-act_n i_o will_v satisfy_v myself_o in_o the_o present_a argument_n with_o that_o loose_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n which_o imply_v a_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n only_o consequent_o i_o must_v grant_v that_o what_o be_v common_o though_o some_o pretend_v very_o improper_o call_v a_o deathbed_n repentance_n may_v be_v a_o true_a repentance_n because_o though_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n will_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a do_v the_o person_n survive_v to_o testify_v the_o 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unseasonable_a officiousness_n place_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o danger_n which_o by_o his_o absence_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o even_o after_o his_o first_o denial_n he_o be_v say_v 68_o say_v verse_n 68_o to_o have_v go_v out_o and_o to_o have_v hear_v the_o cock_n crow_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o impression_n so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o he_o return_v again_o and_o mingle_v with_o the_o same_o company_n fear_v probable_o that_o withdraw_a may_v increase_v their_o suspicion_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o entangle_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o snare_n a_o second_o time_n and_o to_o gain_v credit_n by_o fresh_a and_o more_o obstinate_a denial_n than_o to_o leave_v any_o jealousy_n of_o his_o have_v say_v a_o untruth_n before_o and_o thus_o one_o lie_n be_v add_v for_o a_o confirmation_n to_o a_o former_a and_o each_o repeat_v with_o great_a eagerness_n and_o vehemence_n and_o in_o term_n more_o express_a and_o peremptory_a till_o three_o distinct_a denial_n have_v 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have_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o be_v steadfast_o determine_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o think_v himself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v good_a to_o the_o uttermost_a what_o he_o with_o so_o much_o piety_n and_o affection_n intend_v and_o profess_v but_o here_o be_v the_o error_n here_o the_o misfortune_n that_o st._n peter_n overlookt_a the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o warmth_n of_o his_o zeal_n promise_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v he_o rely_v upon_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o think_v that_o good_a resolution_n be_v a_o impregnable_a defence_n against_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n but_o when_o the_o assault_n be_v make_v and_o that_o danger_n draw_v up_o close_o to_o he_o which_o he_o at_o a_o distance_n despise_v then_o the_o event_n prove_v that_o how_o willing_a and_o well_o resolve_v soever_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v yet_o the_o flesh_n alas_o be_v but_o weak_a at_o the_o best_a exceed_v frail_a and_o weak_a 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not_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o proof_n we_o be_v it_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o blame_v or_o to_o pity_v this_o apostle_n and_o may_v fancy_v how_o much_o more_o valiant_o we_o shall_v have_v acquit_v ourselves_o under_o the_o like_a difficulty_n but_o how_o extreme_o vain_a all_o such_o despising_n of_o other_o or_o the_o prefer_v our_o own_o virtue_n before_o they_o be_v this_o sad_a experiment_n instruct_v we_o for_o he_o who_o declare_v that_o though_o all_o shall_v be_v offend_v yet_o will_v not_o he_o fall_v more_o shameful_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o constancy_n he_o suspect_v and_o engage_v so_o far_o to_o excel_v that_o very_a argument_n he_o go_v upon_o prove_v his_o ruin_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o scandalous_o weak_a so_o very_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o think_v ourselves_o something_o when_o in_o truth_n we_o be_v nothing_o so_o fatal_a to_o lean_v to_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o safe_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n when_o in_o reality_n all_o our_o sufficiency_n all_o our_o safety_n be_v entire_o of_o god_n so_o much_o do_v even_o our_o excellency_n expose_v we_o and_o such_o cruel_a advantage_n do_v the_o tempter_n take_v from_o our_o best_a disposition_n and_o action_n if_o we_o grow_v too_o sensible_a of_o they_o too_o well_o please_v with_o they_o proud_a or_o careless_a upon_o their_o account_n if_o we_o impute_v they_o to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o ascribe_v the_o success_n and_o improvement_n we_o have_v former_o attain_v to_o our_o own_o virtue_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o security_n against_o future_a trial_n so_o different_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o defy_v difficulty_n
any_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n or_o so_o far_o to_o presume_v upon_o our_o former_a virtue_n as_o to_o think_v ourselves_o incapable_a even_o of_o the_o black_a vice_n if_o god_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o poor_a power_n and_o unwary_a measure_n they_o awaken_v our_o care_n mortify_v our_o vanity_n and_o remind_v we_o of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o a_o high_a power_n and_o to_o give_v he_o the_o acknowledgement_n due_a for_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v and_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a we_o do_v not_o and_o as_o they_o admonish_v so_o do_v they_o comfort_v we_o too_o by_o show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o utter_o cast_v off_o his_o servant_n no_o not_o when_o they_o offend_v very_o grievous_o and_o scandalous_o that_o we_o need_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o despair_v though_o our_o transgression_n be_v very_o many_o very_o heinous_a since_o there_o be_v still_o room_n leave_v for_o second_o and_o better_a thought_n and_o provide_v man_n return_v and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o past_a offence_n they_o shall_v be_v kind_o receive_v and_o free_o pardon_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o read_v this_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o stop_v in_o the_o midst_n but_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a relation_n and_o observe_v the_o character_n throughout_o for_o st._n peter_n fall_n will_v minister_v just_a ground_n of_o comfort_n to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v careful_a to_o rise_v with_o he_o again_o his_o sin_n indeed_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o but_o his_o repentance_n be_v no_o less_o a_o pattern_n they_o that_o blame_v his_o sin_n will_v do_v well_o to_o observe_v his_o sorrow_n and_o if_o they_o abhor_v the_o one_o they_o will_v not_o perhaps_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a to_o imitate_v the_o other_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o deny_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n express_o say_v they_o do_v it_o in_o work_n and_o in_o effect_n who_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o what_o they_o believe_v this_o i_o be_o afraid_a few_n if_o any_o of_o we_o can_v purge_v ourselves_o whole_o of_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o guilt_n be_v not_o far_o from_o st._n peter_n but_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n after_o another_o fashion_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o our_o concern_v and_o reformation_n shall_v come_v up_o as_o near_o to_o he_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fault_n do_v in_o order_n whereunto_o my_o second_o head_n propose_v to_o treat_v of_o st._n peter_n repentance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v shall_v be_v the_o business_n of_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n vi_o st._n peter_n repentance_n st._n mark_v fourteen_o 72._o and_o peter_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o before_o the_o cock_n crow_v twice_o thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o and_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o two_o general_a head_n i._n first_o st._n peter_n be_v fall_v which_o be_v employ_v and_o refer_v to_o in_o the_o text_n and_o ii_o second_o his_o repentance_n which_o be_v express_o contain_v in_o it_o concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v at_o large_a and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o latter_a st._n peter_n repentance_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n as_o before_o consider_v careful_o the_o several_a step_n and_o part_n of_o this_o repentance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o then_o draw_v from_o this_o example_n such_o reflection_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o occasion_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o all_o christian_n in_o general_a more_o especial_o to_o such_o who_o unhappy_a engagement_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n have_v render_v a_o very_a deep_a and_o solemn_a repentance_n necessary_a for_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o a_o offend_a god_n 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o repentance_n so_o far_o as_o st._n peter_n himself_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o four_o follow_v particular_n which_o though_o not_o all_o express_v in_o the_o word_n before_o we_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v plain_o from_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o other_o evangelist_n have_v leave_v we_o concern_v this_o matter_n 1._o now_o the_o first_o thing_n observable_a here_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o occasion_n to_o this_o change_n and_o this_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o crow_v of_o the_o cock_n but_o st._n mark_n have_v inform_v we_o 68_o we_o verse_n 68_o particular_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v hear_v he_o crow_n once_o before_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o impression_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a intimation_n how_o the_o repeat_v it_o a_o second_o time_n come_v to_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o first_o for_o this_o evangelist_n be_v singular_a in_o one_o circumstance_n mention_v ch._n xxii_o 61._o the_o lord_n turn_v and_o look_v upon_o peter_n and_o peter_n then_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o this_o glance_n of_o our_o lord_n upon_o st._n peter_n fall_v in_o so_o seasonable_o with_o that_o crow_v of_o the_o cock_n awaken_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o attend_v to_o that_o signal_n of_o his_o duty_n that_o remembrancer_n of_o the_o fault_n our_o lord_n have_v foretell_v and_o he_o have_v so_o sad_o fulfil_v this_o then_o so_o back_v so_o send_v home_o to_o his_o conscience_n put_v he_o upon_o the_o second_o thing_n remarkable_a 2._o which_o be_v his_o own_o recollection_n he_o remember_v the_o word_n that_o jesus_n have_v say_v and_o find_v by_o compare_v his_o own_o behaviour_n with_o it_o how_o shameful_o he_o have_v fall_v from_o his_o boast_a courage_n and_o constancy_n how_o frail_a and_o unstable_a his_o strong_a resolution_n have_v prove_v how_o much_o better_a our_o lord_n understand_v he_o than_o he_o understand_v himself_o how_o very_o quick_o and_o easy_o he_o have_v be_v betray_v into_o a_o crime_n of_o which_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v himself_o capable_a how_o base_a he_o have_v be_v to_o so_o kind_a a_o master_n how_o false_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n how_o regardless_o of_o truth_n how_o peremptory_a in_o a_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n how_o profane_a in_o the_o oath_n and_o curse_n by_o which_o he_o have_v bind_v it_o upon_o his_o conscience_n for_o by_o this_o remembrance_n and_o thought_n no_o doubt_n be_v intend_v a_o represent_v to_o himsslf_a the_o offence_n he_o have_v commit_v in_o its_o black_a colour_n and_o load_v it_o with_o all_o the_o dreadful_a aggravation_n which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o it_o all_o which_o when_o set_v before_o he_o prove_v so_o frightful_a a_o spectacle_n that_o he_o can_v no_o long_o refrain_v from_o tear_n for_o that_o be_v the_o 3._o three_o circumstance_n observable_a in_o his_o behaviour_n when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v or_o as_o some_o understand_v it_o he_o burst_v out_o into_o tear_n immediate_o intimate_v hereby_o both_o the_o suddenness_n and_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o grief_n such_o as_o seek_v a_o convenient_a place_n to_o give_v itself_o free_a vent_n in_o and_o therefore_o he_o go_v 〈◊〉_d and_o weep_v bitter_o without_o enter_v into_o the_o dispute_n what_o may_v be_v the_o proper_a interpretation_n of_o those_o word_n by_o which_o st._n mark_n 〈◊〉_d mark_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v describe_v this_o action_n it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o st._n peter_n reflection_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v produce_v in_o he_o this_o sorrow_n and_o that_o his_o sorrow_n be_v very_o serious_a and_o hearty_a the_o inward_a horror_n of_o his_o mind_n express_v themselves_o by_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o tear_n and_o all_o other_o mark_v of_o bitter_a remorse_n which_o we_o can_v suppose_v his_o condition_n to_o require_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v for_o the_o anguish_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v describe_v than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o in_o st._n peter_n every_o thing_n conspire_v to_o increase_v this_o confusion_n for_o beside_o the_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o heighten_v his_o gild_n and_o embitter_v the_o remembrance_n of_o so_o foul_a a_o offence_n the_o very_a kindness_n of_o his_o master_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o contumely_n and_o suffering_n seem_v to_o forget_v himself_o a_o while_n and_o have_v a_o compassionate_a look_v in_o reserve_v to_o reclaim_v he_o must_v needs_o have_v add_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o his_o astonishment_n and_o concern_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apt_a to_o soften_v and_o melt_v a_o man_n heart_n down_o
consider_v that_o other_o of_o such_o as_o do_v entertain_v and_o profess_v but_o yet_o be_v not_o save_v by_o it_o for_o this_o answer_n to_o the_o person_n who_o do_v come_v and_o yet_o be_v afterward_o thrust_v out_o for_o want_n of_o a_o wedding-garment_n what_o this_o garment_n signify_v seem_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v most_o interpreter_n agree_v it_o to_o be_v good_a work_n in_o general_a to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o beg_v leave_n to_o add_v such_o work_v do_v out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o since_o the_o want_n of_o this_o garment_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v discover_v till_o the_o master_n come_v in_o to_o see_v and_o examine_v the_o guest_n though_o the_o circumstance_n in_o parable_n be_v not_o to_o be_v too_o curious_o insist_v upon_o yet_o i_o presume_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o take_v in_o inward_a holiness_n here_o in_o opposition_n to_o a_o dissemble_a formal_a show_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v what_o may_v be_v so_o nice_o wrought_v that_o no_o humane_a eye_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v it_o but_o god_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o unmask_v the_o hypocrite_n he_o see_v through_o all_o our_o disguise_n and_o will_v one_o day_n sever_v not_o only_o between_o the_o open_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o between_o he_o that_o be_v righteous_a in_o reality_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o in_o affectation_n and_o appearance_n only_o this_o then_o be_v a_o seasonable_a warning_n to_o all_o of_o we_o 6._o phil._n i._n 27._o ephes_n iv_o 23_o 24._o 1_o pet._n iii_o 15._o ephes_n vi_o 6._o that_o our_o conversation_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o take_v care_n to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o inward_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v form_v according_a to_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o we_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o and_o do_v his_o will_n from_o our_o heart_n this_o prove_v that_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o number_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a partake_v in_o the_o same_o proviledge_n and_o the_o same_o instruction_n join_v in_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o the_o same_o sacrament_n do_v some_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o this_o i_o say_v will_v avail_v we_o nothing_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v rot_v at_o the_o bottom_n if_o we_o be_v not_o sincere_a and_o steadfast_a and_o uniform_a in_o our_o duty_n such_o man_n may_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o by_o degree_n upon_o themselves_o too_o but_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o be_v a_o strict_a search_n to_o come_v and_o god_n be_v not_o can_v be_v â—ocked_v a_o man_n may_v lie_v within_o christ_n fold_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n but_o the_o shepberd_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v he_o out_o and_o to_o deal_v with_o he_o according_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o the_o form_n but_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o must_v save_v we_o this_o unworthy_a comer_n do_v no_o more_o eat_v of_o the_o feast_n than_o they_o who_o come_v not_o at_o all_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o matter_n will_v come_v much_o to_o one_o whether_o we_o be_v reckon_v among_o hypocrite_n or_o unbeliever_n since_o the_o great_a judge_n have_v already_o declare_v that_o the_o portion_n of_o both_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o 51._o matth._n xxiv_o 51._o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o weep_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n 46._o luk._n xii_o 46._o now_o that_o this_o walk_a unworthy_a our_o christian_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o not_o profess_v christ_n at_o all_o be_v from_o our_o own_o fault_n i_o need_v not_o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o refer_v my_o reader_n back_o to_o the_o former_a considerstion_n since_o the_o very_a same_o advantage_n and_o assistance_n afford_v meâ—_n for_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n be_v at_o least_o as_o plentiful_o afford_v 〈◊〉_d dispose_v they_o to_o practice_v it_o whâ—…_n they_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o the_o very_a saâ—…_n indisposition_n and_o vicious_a qualitiâ—…_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v likewise_o obstruct_v the_o conform_v their_o life_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o entertain_v the_o same_o be_v far_o manifest_v from_o this_o person_n be_v punishment_n here_o and_o from_o his_o be_v speechless_a strike_v dumb_a with_o gild_n and_o confusion_n which_o fair_o intimate_v to_o we_o what_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a that_o of_o all_o man_n live_v they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n will_v have_v least_o to_o say_v in_o their_o own_o excuse_n if_o they_o lead_v wicked_a life_n since_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o profess_v one_o rule_n and_o act_n by_o another_o and_o to_o live_v not_o only_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n but_o under_o a_o perpetual_a upbraid_v of_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o constant_a contradiction_n to_o themselves_o now_o all_o this_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o end_v i_o chief_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o subject_a which_o be_v to_o remove_v must_fw-mi discouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n which_o some_o weak_a mind_n may_v labour_v under_o from_o a_o mistake_a notion_n that_o these_o thing_n will_v either_o be_v do_v without_o we_o or_o not_o effectual_o attain_v even_o by_o our_o most_o laborious_a and_o conscientious_a endeavour_n and_o though_o may_v be_v object_v that_o parable_n afford_v but_o little_a matter_n for_o solid_a argument_n yet_o the_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v will_v not_o be_v much_o weaken_v by_o that_o pretence_n if_o it_o be_v remember_v thaat_fw-mi we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o argue_v from_o parable_n so_o far_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o plain_a design_n of_o they_o lead_v we_o and_o that_o nothing_o here_o have_v be_v advance_v beyond_o that_o which_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o evince_v by_o other_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o not_o then_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o little_a shift_n and_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o dark_a excuse_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n and_o election_n for_o be_v assure_v that_o at_o the_o general_n day_n of_o account_n a_o new_a and_o different_a scene_n of_o thing_n shall_v open_v and_o what_o cloak_n soever_o man_n may_v contrive_v to_o cover_v their_o shame_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n every_o mouth_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n all_o flesh_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v but_o acknowledge_v itself_o to_o be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o he_o be_v justify_v in_o all_o his_o do_n and_o clear_v when_o he_o be_v judge_v the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o god_n call_v free_o who_o and_o when_o and_o how_o he_o please_v that_o every_o body_n be_v call_v to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v send_v and_o call_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o if_o they_o who_o live_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o receive_v and_o profit_n by_o it_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n will_v be_v they_o that_o this_o hear_n and_o receive_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n come_v when_o call_v imply_v not_o only_o a_o belief_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v but_o live_v in_o agreement_n to_o the_o principle_n christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o who_o wilful_o fail_v in_o either_o of_o these_o point_n can_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_a they_o may_v be_v call_v and_o not_o come_v they_o may_v come_v and_o yet_o be_v thrust_v out_o as_o unworthy_a and_o none_o be_v the_o choose_a but_o such_o as_o partake_v of_o the_o feast_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o election_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o certain_a term_n and_o qualification_n and_o although_o man_n be_v call_v 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i_o hope_v too_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o honest_a and_o the_o feeble-minded_n christian_n that_o though_o they_o be_v sad_o sensible_a of_o some_o remain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o need_v to_o be_v help_v yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a with_o they_o neither_o but_o that_o they_o may_v without_o vanity_n that_o profession_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o text_n and_o say_v very_o true_o lord_n i_o believe_v this_o be_v my_o intention_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v not_o so_o well_o bear_v to_o have_v the_o argument_n branch_v out_o to_o these_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n distinct_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o faith_n do_v likewise_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v because_o he_o discover_v some_o imperfection_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o since_o at_o that_o rate_n every_o one_o 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will_v never_o find_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n that_o it_o do_v for_o other_o which_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o daily_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o level_n with_o ourselves_o and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a good_a account_n of_o by_o our_o own_o serious_a thought_n and_o nice_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o our_o belief_n even_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v least_o able_a to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o convince_v that_o these_o be_v his_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o equitable_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o own_o reason_v to_o his_o declaration_n this_o single_a reflection_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v be_v mistake_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v lead_v other_o into_o mistake_n nor_o perfect_a truth_n lie_v be_v a_o foundation_n strong_a enough_o to_o build_v the_o firm_a faith_n upon_o but_o still_o the_o urge_n of_o this_o reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o much_o application_n and_o though_o we_o be_v exceed_o to_o blame_n if_o any_o objection_n which_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o great_a important_a doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o raise_v in_o we_o be_v suffer_v to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n or_o dangerous_o to_o shake_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o where_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n do_v not_o represent_v thing_n to_o we_o plain_o and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n there_o scruple_n and_o cavil_n will_v now_o and_o then_o arise_v and_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o occasion_n and_o try_v by_o they_o to_o loosen_v and_o dissettle_v we_o from_o that_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n even_o they_o who_o struggle_n most_o successful_o against_o such_o attempt_n of_o he_o may_v yet_o sometime_o find_v a_o tendency_n to_o doubt_v or_o some_o little_a disturbance_n from_o they_o but_o those_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v a_o very_a great_a deal_n who_o overlook_a the_o credibility_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n itself_o which_o be_v reason_n proper_a province_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o expect_v their_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o put_v their_o enquiry_n upon_o a_o wrong_a scent_n to_o require_v a_o evidence_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v not_o be_v faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n unseen_a now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o very_a first_o act_n that_o of_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o difficulty_n grow_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o influence_n our_o practice_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o second_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o truth_n come_v to_o gain_v a_o power_n over_o our_o will_n and_o to_o command_v our_o action_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v once_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o enjoin_v be_v enough_o to_o fix_v a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o perhaps_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n it_o be_v so_o after_o any_o point_n have_v be_v due_o consider_v and_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o
my_o friend_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o how_o often_o be_v we_o call_v upon_o 12._o upon_o heb._n iii_o 12._o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o depart_v from_o god_n not_o to_o be_v 20._o be_v rom._n xi_o 20._o high-minded_a but_o to_o fear_v lest_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o olive_n be_v cut_v off_o after_o they_o have_v be_v graft_v in_o and_o other_o be_v take_v in_o their_o stead_n and_o to_o beware_v of_o temptation_n lest_o he_o 12._o he_o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o who_o think_v he_o stand_v and_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o bottom_n happen_v at_o last_o to_o fall_v now_o if_o any_o man_n can_v discern_v how_o such_o a_o fear_n as_o this_o can_v agree_v with_o a_o full_a and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n of_o one_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n than_o he_o may_v allow_v every_o misgive_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o be_v a_o want_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o be_v afraid_a and_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n if_o tremble_v for_o fear_n we_o shall_v miscarry_v and_o offend_v and_o know_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o miscarry_v if_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o fall_v and_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v as_o soon_o cease_v to_o stand_v as_o we_o if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v not_o contradiction_n to_o all_o experience_n and_o common_a sense_n i_o must_v own_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o command_v such_o a_o awful_a dread_n of_o god_n and_o fear_v of_o our_o own_o safety_n as_o we_o have_v see_v can_v command_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o fear_n and_o must_v needs_o destroy_v it_o consequent_o then_o those_o doubt_n which_o prove_v the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o person_n who_o labour_v under_o they_o want_v true_a faith_n or_o any_o qualification_n requisite_a for_o a_o christian_a life_n here_o and_o heaven_n hereafter_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v second_o that_o such_o a_o positive_a persuasion_n as_o this_o can_v be_v require_v as_o a_o necessary_a act_n of_o save_a faith_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n be_v themselves_o conditional_a and_o one_o of_o those_o condition_n be_v perseverance_n the_o mark_n which_o st._n john_n have_v give_v to_o judge_v our_o state_n by_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 3._o these_o 1_o john_n iii_o 3._o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o enjoy_v his_o bless_a presence_n for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 10._o pure_a 1_o john_n iii_o 10._o 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 he_o that_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o first_o of_o that_o epistle_n that_o though_o he_o write_v to_o they_o on_o purpose_n that_o 6._o that_o 1_o john_n i._n 4_o 6._o their_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a yet_o all_o the_o comfort_n he_o can_v give_v they_o be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o i._n e._n with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n our_o life_n we_o know_v be_v a_o condition_n of_o discipline_n and_o trial_n and_o what_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n may_v still_o await_v we_o none_o of_o we_o all_o can_v tell_v a_o good_a man_n may_v look_v back_o upon_o that_o part_n already_o spend_v with_o great_a comfort_n and_o a_o holy_a trust_n but_o when_o the_o best_a of_o man_n look_v forward_o all_z they_o can_v do_v be_v only_o to_o hope_v well_o and_o resolve_v well_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o alas_o how_o many_o of_o our_o most_o likely_a hope_n have_v be_v defeat_v how_o many_o of_o the_o purpose_n which_o we_o make_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n have_v be_v break_v and_o baffle_v heretofore_o and_o can_v we_o then_o be_v certain_a where_o all_o we_o can_v do_v be_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o intend_v and_o to_o endeavour_v well_o that_o be_v to_o do_v again_o what_o we_o have_v do_v perhaps_o a_o thousand_o time_n already_o without_o success_n if_o our_o resolution_n indeed_o be_v steadfast_a if_o our_o good_a intention_n be_v accomplish_v upon_o this_o condition_n we_o be_v infallible_o sure_a but_o can_v we_o be_v infallible_o sure_a of_o the_o condition_n itself_o dare_v we_o depend_v upon_o our_o own_o heart_n which_o we_o have_v find_v treacherous_a so_o often_o before_o and_o not_o doubt_v our_o frail_a nature_n or_o remember_v our_o many_o infirmity_n this_o sure_a be_v 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before_o his_o service_n have_v give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o they_o be_v a_o insolent_a servant_n he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v do_v not_o ask_v a_o security_n to_o support_v he_o in_o the_o hardship_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o rather_o to_o indulge_v carelessness_n and_o cherish_v presumption_n but_o to_o silence_v all_o scruple_n in_o one_o word_n i_o observe_v three_o that_o such_o a_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o not_o only_o be_v not_o but_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o necessary_a christian_a faith_n command_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v time_n without_o number_n that_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v and_o consequent_o whatever_o faith_n be_v till_o we_o have_v it_o we_o can_v be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o be_v save_v but_o now_o if_o this_o faith_n consist_v in_o a_o peremptory_a persuasion_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o own_o personal_a salvation_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o we_o be_v real_o so_o now_o this_o be_v manifest_o absurd_a and_o make_v what_o such_o man_n call_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o effect_v no_o other_o than_o ignorance_n and_o presumption_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o a_o thing_n must_v actual_o be_v before_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v then_o we_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n which_o put_v we_o into_o that_o state_n can_v be_v a_o full_a and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n of_o our_o be_v in_o it_o already_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n for_o any_o such_o doubt_n or_o misgiving_n as_o proceed_v not_o from_o any_o distrust_n of_o god_n but_o of_o ourselves_o such_o as_o fear_v always_o because_o they_o always_o dread_a a_o angry_a justice_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o offend_v a_o good_a and_o a_o holy_a god_n these_o doubt_n may_v argue_v modesty_n and_o humility_n but_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o constant_a mark_n of_o infidelity_n or_o such_o a_o defect_n in_o faith_n as_o shall_v endanger_v our_o soul_n or_o give_v they_o any_o disturbance_n with_o regard_n to_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o next_o world_n mere_o upon_o this_o account_n there_o remain_v yet_o one_o objection_n more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a sometime_o to_o make_v against_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o want_n of_o those_o inward_a joy_n and_o that_o present_a peace_n of_o heart_n which_o a_o true_a piety_n such_o as_o god_n
most_o belove_a servant_n when_o he_o see_v this_o most_o expedient_a profitable_a for_o the_o trial_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o patience_n or_o any_o otherwise_o more_o for_o the_o eternal_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n thus_o it_o appear_v evident_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o welldoing_a do_v not_o always_o accompany_v the_o action_n itself_o sometime_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o by_o god_n who_o send_v this_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n of_o spirit_n and_o consult_v our_o advantage_n by_o these_o unpleasant_a method_n and_o sometime_o a_o unhappy_a constitution_n shed_v its_o venom_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o imbitter_v all_o its_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o but_o however_o that_o be_v since_o the_o pleasure_n and_o charm_a satisfaction_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v sometime_o miss_v and_o since_o these_o way_n there_o be_v at_o least_o of_o take_v they_o from_o we_o the_o consequence_n be_v undeniable_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n viz._n that_o those_o 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the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o always_o our_o fault_n but_o now_o and_o then_o our_o misfortune_n this_o be_v a_o support_n due_a to_o the_o integrity_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o some_o melancholy_a good_a person_n but_o when_o i_o urge_v thus_o much_o on_o their_o behalf_n my_o mean_v be_v not_o to_o encourage_v other_o in_o their_o security_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v deject_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o some_o case_n give_v man_n unnecessary_a trouble_v and_o scare_v they_o with_o imaginary_a danger_n other_o carry_v just_a fear_n in_o they_o and_o open_v all_o hell_n to_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o blind_a that_o that_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o see_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o both_o those_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o to_o set_v each_o of_o their_o circumstance_n in_o a_o true_a light_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v awaken_v from_o his_o frightful_a dream_n the_o other_o from_o his_o pleasant_a delude_a one_o the_o sorrowful_a rejoice_v in_o the_o vanish_v of_o his_o sorrow_n and_o the_o sinner_n have_v no_o less_o cause_n to_o do_v so_o in_o the_o timely_a sight_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o happy_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o this_o be_v a_o work_n well_o deserve_v a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a treat_v than_o i_o be_o now_o able_a to_o allow_v it_o but_o however_o some_o few_o general_n observation_n careful_o apply_v and_o compare_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o the_o two_o former_a head_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o this_o affair_n first_o such_o imperfection_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o our_o safety_n as_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o voluntary_o contribute_v to_o there_o be_v as_o i_o say_v former_o a_o defect_n in_o believe_v which_o proceed_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o large_a enough_o to_o comprehend_v they_o and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n as_o nature_n and_o not_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o but_o there_o be_v also_o another_o which_o man_n make_v this_o only_a a_o pretence_n for_o and_o that_o be_v whole_o their_o own_o for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v every_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n distinct_o and_o to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o every_o nicety_n that_o captious_a disputer_n may_v load_v it_o with_o yet_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o unfair_a deal_v of_o which_o we_o be_v guilty_a to_o the_o blind_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v discover_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n now_o indeed_o if_o we_o first_o consult_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o take_v a_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n because_o itabridge_n we_o of_o some_o pleasure_n and_o clap_v a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o some_o appetite_n and_o expect_v that_o humane_a discourse_n shall_v submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o these_o term_n the_o success_n of_o our_o study_n in_o it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v very_o great_a but_o then_o the_o disappointment_n be_v entire_o from_o ourselves_o for_o when_o man_n thus_o possess_v pretend_v to_o examine_v and_o give_v off_o dissatisfy_v it_o be_v because_o their_o mind_n be_v bribe_v and_o bias_v against_o the_o cause_n they_o undertake_v to_o judge_v almighty_a god_n do_v indeed_o declare_v truth_n of_o a_o more_o elevate_a kind_n but_o the_o principle_n he_o require_v we_o to_o proceed_v upon_o be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o give_v man_n leave_v to_o use_v all_o argument_n that_o they_o think_v reasonable_a in_o other_o case_n provide_v they_o will_v but_o yield_v their_o assent_n upon_o equal_a term_n but_o if_o a_o man_n resolve_v beforehand_o not_o to_o allow_v that_o god_n can_v be_v wise_a or_o great_a than_o himself_o if_o no_o authority_n shall_v suffice_v to_o prove_v that_o any_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n ever_o come_v from_o heaven_n but_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v esteem_v liar_n rather_o than_o that_o idol_n within_o his_o own_o brain_n if_o he_o discern_v beforehand_o what_o engagement_n these_o doctrine_n when_o allow_v draw_v he_o into_o and_o can_v away_o with_o the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o practice_n contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n will_v not_o enslave_v himself_o nor_o tie_v up_o his_o own_o hand_n this_o alter_v the_o case_n extreme_o these_o be_v not_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n but_o our_o own_o make_n god_n will_v vindicate_v his_o institution_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o severe_a vengeance_n upon_o such_o perverse_a wretch_n and_o make_v a_o just_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o doubt_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o know_v perfect_o and_o they_o that_o dispute_n and_o oppose_v because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o find_v the_o truth_n slack_a to_o consider_v and_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v second_o another_o very_a distinguish_a character_n of_o this_o imperfect_a faith_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o be_v the_o humility_n or_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o man_n heart_n for_o where_o a_o person_n be_v modest_a and_o think_v mean_o of_o himself_o he_o will_v see_v and_o bewail_v and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o redress_v the_o grievance_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n his_o ear_n will_v be_v open_a to_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n his_o understanding_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o blaspheme_v and_o rally_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o arraign_v all_o sober_a christian_n of_o credulity_n and_o madness_n for_o submit_v to_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o unite_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n he_o study_v the_o scripture_n reverent_o confirm_v himself_o in_o what_o reason_n may_v attain_v to_o and_o what_o it_o can_v he_o silent_o adore_v his_o ignorance_n be_v not_o wilful_a and_o affect_v but_o he_o be_v ever_o desirous_a of_o better_a information_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n submit_v quiet_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o superior_n in_o dispute_v point_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o contradiction_n or_o the_o itch_n of_o advance_v any_o particular_a conceit_n of_o his_o own_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o this_o be_v high_o necessary_a and_o commendable_a where_o no_o man_n can_v know_v every_o point_n of_o religion_n perfect_o and_o but_o very_o few_o have_v advantage_n of_o examine_v nice_o all_o that_o may_v be_v know_v now_o a_o humble_a spirit_n make_v the_o best_a amends_o for_o such_o disability_n in_o speculation_n and_o indeed_o for_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o practice_n
because_o it_o keep_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o disease_n and_o want_n and_o best_a qualify_v to_o receive_v a_o cure_n for_o they_o whereas_o pride_n on_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o make_v man_n fool_n but_o keep_v they_o so_o it_o fill_v they_o full_a of_o themselves_o alone_o and_o never_o look_v but_o through_o the_o magnify_v part_n of_o the_o perspective_n it_o render_v they_o deaf_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o admonition_n because_o it_o never_o suffer_v they_o to_o suppose_v they_o want_v any_o and_o instead_o of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a they_o be_v only_o exasperate_v and_o harden_v the_o more_o in_o their_o folly_n in_o short_a take_v faith_n in_o its_o utmost_a latitude_n and_o you_o will_v find_v in_o every_o instance_n the_o same_o event_n with_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n 9_o parable_n luke_n 18._o 9_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n he_o that_o descend_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o sad_o reflect_v on_o his_o unworthiness_n and_o deficiency_n that_o lament_n and_o condemn_v himself_o with_o a_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n or_o as_o in_o the_o text_n cry_v out_o with_o tear_n lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n be_v likely_a enough_o to_o go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v 9_o justify_v psal_n 25._o 9_o the_o meek_a will_n god_n guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o humble_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n but_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v come_v to_o a_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v when_o he_o be_v blind_a to_o his_o own_o fail_n and_o rip_v up_o those_o of_o other_o to_o shelter_v and_o excuse_v his_o own_o this_o man_n unbelief_n be_v not_o through_o weakness_n but_o through_o perverseness_n and_o choice_n he_o continue_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a because_o he_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o continue_v so_o he_o must_v because_o he_o think_v himself_o too_o wise_a and_o too_o good_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o admonish_v his_o desperate_a condition_n be_v well_o observe_v by_o solomon_n 12._o solomon_n prov._n 26._o 12._o see_v thou_o a_o man_n wise_a he_o may_v have_v say_v holy_a too_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o a_o fool_n or_o of_o a_o profligate_n sinner_n than_o of_o he_o the_o one_o labour_n under_o a_o more_o rage_a and_o a_o more_o scandalous_a distemper_n indeed_o but_o the_o other_o be_v poison_v secret_o and_o so_o fond_a of_o his_o disease_n that_o he_o hate_v his_o antidote_n and_o obstruct_v all_o the_o method_n of_o recovery_n but_o three_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n and_o defect_n in_o practice_n be_v know_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o safety_n or_o otherwise_o by_o the_o use_n or_o the_o neglect_n of_o proper_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o have_v not_o wilful_o contribute_v to_o our_o past_a fail_n nor_o yet_o that_o we_o lament_v or_o be_v serious_o concern_v for_o our_o present_n unless_o to_o both_o these_o we_o add_v vigilance_n and_o care_n to_o prevent_v those_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o for_o the_o future_a he_o that_o feel_v himself_o perplex_v with_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n must_v ask_v wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o labour_n after_o it_o with_o meekness_n and_o diligence_n he_o that_o find_v his_o faith_n weak_a in_o influence_v his_o practice_n must_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o fasten_v good_a principle_n on_o his_o mind_n and_o continual_o quicken_v and_o rouse_v himself_o up_o by_o holy_a motion_n and_o remembrance_n and_o drive_v the_o impression_n deep_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ever_o present_a and_o ever_o vigorous_a to_o draw_v out_o into_o use_n and_o ward_v off_o every_o temptation_n that_o beset_v he_o the_o man_n that_o languish_v in_o his_o devotion_n must_v raise_v and_o inflame_v his_o zeal_n by_o all_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o prayer_n by_o sequester_v himself_o from_o business_n and_o care_n as_o much_o as_o convenient_o he_o may_v fix_v his_o mind_n with_o reverent_a apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n he_o kneel_v before_o and_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o blessing_n he_o pray_v for_o he_o that_o repent_v and_o think_v his_o regret_n for_o past_a offence_n less_o afflict_v than_o it_o ought_v must_v work_v himself_o into_o as_o deep_a remorse_n as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o express_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o sorrow_v in_o proportion_n for_o his_o sin_n as_o nature_n determine_v he_o to_o do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o sadness_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o case_n mention_v heretofore_o for_o though_o god_n make_v allowance_n for_o nature_n and_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n yet_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v not_o improve_v these_o into_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o habit_n of_o vice_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o withstand_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o correct_v and_o cure_v of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v equal_o know_v or_o equal_o considerate_a or_o equal_o devout_a or_o contrite_a but_o he_o require_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o make_v his_o belief_n as_o practical_a and_o effectual_a as_o he_o can_v and_o pray_v as_o fervent_o and_o do_v good_a as_o delightful_o and_o mourn_v for_o his_o wickedness_n as_o affectionate_o as_o he_o be_v able_a for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o that_o which_o will_v take_v off_o all_o the_o mischief_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n not_o to_o make_v our_o misfortune_n a_o pretence_n for_o real_a fault_n nor_o from_o the_o necessary_a imperfection_n to_o which_o we_o all_o be_v liable_a to_o take_v occasion_n of_o transgress_v perverse_o and_o cover_v our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o wilful_a neglect_v and_o to_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o must_v add_v a_o four_o sign_n which_o be_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a application_n for_o strength_n and_o grace_n to_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o support_v and_o perfect_v we_o to_o our_o lord_n therefore_o we_o shall_v come_v and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a we_o shall_v come_v like_o he_o in_o the_o text_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o vehement_a contention_n of_o heart_n and_o voice_n we_o shall_v beg_v his_o assistance_n against_o our_o fail_n and_o his_o comfort_n against_o our_o sorrow_n and_o sad_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v protect_v we_o in_o our_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o give_v we_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o that_o he_o will_v scatter_v our_o doubt_n and_o distraction_n and_o dispel_v those_o cloud_n which_o intercept_v the_o joyful_a light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o we_o and_o in_o all_o these_o and_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o a_o weak_a faith_n lord_n we_o believe_v thou_o can_v and_o therefore_o we_o pray_v that_o thou_o of_o thy_o goodness_n will_v help_v our_o unbelief_n establish_v strengthen_v settle_v we_o in_o thy_o truth_n yea_o we_o beseech_v thou_o good_a lord_n that_o it_o may_v please_v thou_o to_o strengthen_v such_o as_o do_v stand_v and_o to_o comfort_n and_o help_v the_o weakhearted_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o they_o that_o fall_v and_o final_o to_o beat_v down_o satan_n under_o our_o foot_n amen_n sermon_n xv._o christ_n resignation_n to_o his_o father_n will._n st._n luke_n xxii_o 42._o father_n if_o thou_o be_v willing_a remove_v this_o cup_n from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n passion_n be_v relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o so_o particular_a so_o move_v a_o manner_n as_o must_v needs_o argue_v those_o man_n extreme_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a upon_o who_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o vigorous_a impression_n now_o the_o purpose_v this_o account_n be_v design_v to_o serve_v be_v principal_o these_o two_o to_o excite_v our_o thankfulness_n and_o love_n to_o he_o who_o submit_v to_o undergo_v such_o bitter_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o to_o work_v we_o up_o to_o a_o irreconcilable_a aversion_n against_o sin_n the_o wretched_a cause_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n and_o what_o can_v kindle_v our_o love_n and_o inflame_v our_o heart_n with_o zeal_n and_o gratitude_n if_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o agony_n and_o pain_n the_o torture_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o amazement_n and_o exceed_a sorrow_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o to_o which_o he_o voluntary_o expose_v himself_o by_o accept_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o offence_n what_o can_v present_v we_o with_o a_o more_o frightful_a image_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o self-condemning_a conscience_n than_o those_o sweat_v of_o blood_n that_o heaviness_n