and_o design_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n upon_o promise_n make_v by_o surety_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o that_o infant_n be_v right_o so_o admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n beside_o the_o almost_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v use_v but_o this_o one_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v infant_n to_o be_v mar._n 10._o 14_o and_o 15._o be_v certain_o qualify_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o both_o be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n now_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o repentance_n yet_o they_o have_v 59_o innocence_n which_o be_v better_o than_o repentance_n and_o which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n be_v yet_o by_o their_o repentance_n qualify_v for_o baptism_n how_o much_o more_o be_v infant_n who_o have_v never_o sin_v fit_v for_o it_o by_o their_o innocence_n and_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v 14._o sanctify_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o sense_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v ready_a without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o 3._o infant_n therefore_o be_v right_o admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o privilege_n appropriate_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o promise_v make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v of_o certain_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o one_o on_o god_n part_n of_o certain_a grace_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v confer_v and_o because_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o promise_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v certain_a surety_n who_o shall_v promise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n what_o itself_o shall_v afterward_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o see_v it_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n 1_o that_o therefore_o which_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n of_o its_o be_v hearty_a in_o this_o belief_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o renew_a engagement_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o this_o practice_n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o fit_a season_n be_v bring_v to_o declare_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n its_o firmness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o command_n 2._o this_o be_v what_o the_o godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n promise_n for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n this_o they_o promise_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o promise_n solemn_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o matter_n serious_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o solemn_a obligation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o duty_n more_o general_o and_o more_o shameful_o neglect_v nor_o any_o promise_n more_o light_o regard_v 3._o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v guardian_n to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n how_o just_o do_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v he_o instruct_v in_o all_o that_o necessary_a knowledge_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o management_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v zealous_a to_o have_v he_o further_o endue_v with_o all_o those_o useful_a accomplishment_n which_o may_v become_v his_o quality_n and_o recommend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v spare_v no_o pain_n to_o secure_v to_o he_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o fortune_n and_o do_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o unfaithful_a of_o man_n who_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o how_o much_o a_o great_a trust_n do_v he_o betray_v who_o have_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v whole_o to_o have_v it_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o consist_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o portion_n which_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o who_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a babe_n perhaps_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o instruction_n begin_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o time_n must_v drown_v it_o in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n do_v yet_o show_v no_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o it_o what_o great_a uncharitableness_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o what_o great_a mockery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o whole_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o surety_n in_o baptism_n but_o first_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o but_o undoubted_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v assistant_n and_o if_o the_o parent_n either_o through_o wickedness_n neglect_v to_o instruct_v it_o or_o by_o death_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o surety_n must_v look_v upon_o this_o care_n as_o chief_o devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n 4._o in_o what_o station_n soever_o god_n appoint_v any_o man_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n either_o to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a or_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o brother_n perish_v through_o his_o default_n the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n ezek_n 3â—_n 8._o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n be_v commit_v particular_o to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o person_n if_o through_o his_o neglect_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v shall_v its_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n shall_v we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v those_o who_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n accuse_v we_o for_o have_v
return_v to_o your_o duty_n for_o if_o your_o resolution_n when_o firm_a be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v much_o less_o will_v they_o do_v it_o when_o they_o have_v once_o be_v break_v if_o you_o can_v withstand_v the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n while_o it_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o distance_n much_o less_o will_v you_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o when_o it_o have_v interest_v your_o passion_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o into_o your_o affection_n if_o you_o can_v maintain_v your_o ground_n while_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v ready_a constant_o to_o assist_v you_o much_o less_o will_v you_o do_v it_o when_o he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o from_o you_o but_o resolve_v brave_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n while_o you_o have_v time_n and_o may_v do_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o make_v your_o religion_n easy_a and_o your_o happiness_n secure_a set_v out_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n in_o the_o christian_a race_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 3._o again_o while_o one_o who_o have_v early_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n maintain_v his_o integrity_n and_o stand_v firm_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n he_o carry_v with_o he_o not_o only_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n and_o a_o undisturbed_a mind_n but_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n not_o only_o willing_o but_o cheerful_o and_o to_o despise_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n as_o vanity_n and_o nothing_o but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o sin_n in_o any_o gross_a and_o notorious_a instance_n then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n anxiety_n and_o scruple_n must_v be_v his_o portion_n and_o though_o by_o repentance_n he_o may_v recover_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o pardon_n yet_o not_o easy_o the_o assurance_n and_o joy_n of_o innocence_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v tempt_v by_o sin_n that_o you_o may_v now_o yield_v to_o its_o solicitation_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n recover_v your_o first_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n for_o when_o once_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v lose_v obedience_n will_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o peace_n will_v not_o return_v but_o after_o much_o labour_n and_o many_o fear_n after_o great_a sorrow_n and_o long_a doubt_n but_o resolve_v now_o to_o resist_v the_o very_a first_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v convince_v there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n nor_o any_o joy_n but_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n command_n 4._o last_o while_o one_o who_o have_v enter_v betimes_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n continue_v resolute_o to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n he_o have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o shall_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n but_o when_o once_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o enticement_n and_o allurement_n of_o sin_n he_o forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o what_o degree_n his_o after-endeavour_n will_v restore_v he_o he_o can_v tell_v that_o repentance_n will_v procure_v he_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n be_v certain_a but_o to_o recover_v the_o reward_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o innocence_n it_o must_v be_v very_o early_a and_o very_a effectual_a all_o that_o a_o late_a penitent_n can_v hope_v for_o be_v to_o obtain_v forgiveness_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n the_o bright_a crown_n will_v be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n think_v not_o therefore_o when_o you_o be_v assault_v by_o temptation_n that_o you_o may_v now_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o by_o repentance_n attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n also_o for_o though_o god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o be_v those_o who_o be_v late_o instruct_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n yet_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v idle_a in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o 11_o hour_n that_o be_v who_o notwithstanding_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o know_v their_o duty_n yet_o defer_v their_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o shall_v receive_v likewise_o the_o same_o reward_n but_o resolve_v now_o as_o a_o faithful_a soldier_n of_o christ_n to_o resist_v resolute_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o get_v above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o deceit_n of_o sense_n and_o then_o your_o labour_n will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 5._o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o thus_o overcome_v that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v make_v rev._n 21._o 7._o he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o rev._n 3_o 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o like_a he_o that_o overcome_v that_o be_v he_o that_o have_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n continue_v steadfast_a in_o this_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n to_o the_o contrary_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n the_o great_a temptation_n with_o which_o christian_n be_v assault_v be_v persecution_n by_o which_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v their_o saviour_n and_o to_o renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v by_o return_v again_o to_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n this_o be_v their_o peculiar_a conflict_n and_o trial_n and_o he_o that_o in_o that_o great_a trial_n resist_v unto_o blood_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o to_o die_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n than_o to_o deny_v christ_n be_v say_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o more_o emphatical_a sense_n to_o have_v overcome_v and_o to_o those_o person_n we_o must_v understand_v these_o great_a promise_n to_o be_v primary_o and_o more_o immediate_o make_v but_o that_o they_o proportionable_o belong_v to_o all_o other_o christian_n also_o who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o any_o other_o temptation_n shall_v keep_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o victorious_o persevere_v in_o their_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a temptation_n that_o he_o overcome_v but_o because_o he_o maintain_v his_o integritry_n inviolable_a to_o the_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o any_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o perhaps_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n close_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v which_o be_v more_o difficult_a and_o show_v a_o great_a constancy_n of_o mind_n to_o die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n to_o part_v actual_o with_o all_o our_o temporal_a good_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o keep_v they_o with_o such_o indifferency_n as_o if_o we_o enjoy_v they_o not_o those_o person_n therefore_o who_o enter_v early_o into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n when_o their_o temptation_n to_o sin_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o most_o powerful_a continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n unmoved_a amid_o the_o perpetual_a allurement_n of_o pleasure_n the_o dazzle_a vanity_n of_o worldly_a glory_n and_o the_o manifold_a deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n be_v by_o the_o ancient_n look_v upon_o with_o 9_o no_o less_o esteem_n than_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o as_o great_a a_o reward_n 6._o let_v those_o who_o have_v still_o
so_o appropriate_v but_o apply_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o the_o apostle_n letter_n in_o which_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n be_v call_v elect_a sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o evident_o from_o st._n john_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o whosoever_o say_v he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n every_o christian_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o in_o those_o time_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o elect_a person_n and_o as_o christian_n who_o then_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n be_v style_v regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a so_o they_o who_o continue_v to_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n be_v say_v to_o persevere_v and_o of_o such_o only_a be_v it_o say_v that_o they_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o after_o their_o baptism_n lapse_v into_o any_o notorious_a transgression_n for_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o lapse_v they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o he_o shall_v repeat_v his_o crime_n no_o more_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o baptismal_a remission_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o 23._o a_o long_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o wash_v out_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n nay_o and_o even_o this_o course_n also_o they_o allow_v of_o but_o 4._o once_o not_o that_o true_a repentance_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o ambrose_n ancient_a writer_n express_v it_o that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remain_a remedy_n may_v not_o by_o be_v make_v too_o easy_a grow_v contemptible_a and_o ineflectual_a 6._o and_o now_o let_v we_o think_v upon_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n who_o i_o do_v not_o say_v after_o baptism_n and_o the_o solemn_a take_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o frequent_a purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n after_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n nay_o perhaps_o after_o confirm_v all_o these_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o weak_a excuse_n of_o infirmity_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n do_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o have_v god_n establish_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o upon_o slight_a term_n and_o entail_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o upon_o easy_a condition_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a christian_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v st._n john_n he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 7._o it_o be_v true_a the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o we_o live_v in_o christian_a nation_n and_o under_o christian_a government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o pagan_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v after_o their_o repentance_n and_o with_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o sin_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n and_o complete_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o etc._n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o require_v some_o time_n perfect_o to_o overcome_v a_o vicious_a disposition_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n but_o may_v we_o therefore_o spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o little_a and_o weak_a struggle_n against_o sin_n without_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v ancient_o think_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o man_n for_o baptism_n may_v we_o therefore_o be_v excuse_v from_o ever_o become_v perfect_a christian_n because_o we_o be_v all_o along_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v never_o convert_v by_o any_o sudden_a conviction_n when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n to_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o through_o the_o viciousness_n of_o his_o inclination_n or_o the_o force_n of_o evil_a habit_n he_o frequent_o relapse_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o again_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v hope_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v at_o length_n prevail_v and_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o overcome_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a nor_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o get_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o know_v sin_n and_o assure_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o any_o more_o to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v and_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v at_o it_o timely_a that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n so_o wicked_a who_o do_v not_o design_n to_o repent_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o he_o die_v and_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o in_o his_o gospel_n make_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o repentance_n that_o he_o have_v to_o innocence_n and_o continue_a obedience_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o by_o a_o fatal_a error_n the_o repentance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o large_a promise_n be_v not_o the_o late_a repentance_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o timely_a repentance_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a at_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o baptism_n itself_o indeed_o if_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o unhappy_a education_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o sin_n and_o habituate_v to_o wickedness_n whenever_o he_o come_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o a_o heathen_a convert_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o both_o but_o when_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n do_v notwitstanding_n that_o continue_v wilful_o all_o his_o life_n in_o sin_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n and_o angel_n will_v rejoice_v at_o his_o conversion_n if_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a he_o leave_v off_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o such_o a_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o all_o we_o must_v therefore_o so_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n as_o to_o attain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o our_o saviour_n will_v accept_v and_o tryph._n he_o that_o after_o such_o a_o repentance_n live_v constant_o virtuous_a shall_v certain_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o renew_a obedience_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 1._o as_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n upon_o their_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n so_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n
to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
or_o to_o a_o repentance_n evidence_v by_o actual_o renew_v obedience_n 6._o at_o baptism_n indeed_o or_o when_o ever_o we_o first_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o past_a sin_n be_v so_o entire_o forgive_v and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o repentance_n though_o it_o have_v no_o time_n to_o evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v without_o all_o controversy_n available_a to_o salvation_n but_o when_o man_n who_o have_v by_o baptism_n covenant_v solemn_o with_o god_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o confirm_v that_o covenant_n by_o other_o repeat_v promise_n and_o resolution_n shall_v yet_o wilful_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o express_a threaten_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o earnest_a exhortation_n and_o warning_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o perpetual_a reproach_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n continue_v obstinate_o to_o do_v so_o such_o person_n have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v at_o last_o accept_v their_o late_a unactive_a and_o ineffectual_a repentance_n the_o penitent_a thief_n be_v receive_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o any_o other_o infidel_n undoubted_o may_v be_v who_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o hearty_o embrace_v it_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o a_o promise_n in_o scripture_n that_o the_o unactive_a repentance_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v live_v all_o his_o life_n in_o notorious_a wickedness_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o labourer_n who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n receive_v indeed_o the_o same_o wage_n with_o they_o that_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o baptize_v and_o profess_v christian_n who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n in_o the_o morning_n if_o they_o riot_n away_o all_o the_o day_n in_o idleness_n and_o wickedness_n shall_v at_o night_n be_v accept_v for_o their_o profess_v their_o sorrow_n that_o they_o have_v not_o wrought_v 7._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v these_o thing_n who_o resolve_v now_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n and_o hope_v hereafter_o by_o a_o late_a repentance_n to_o get_v a_o share_n also_o in_o the_o eternal_a reward_n of_o virtue_n let_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o hope_n or_o that_o 12._o they_o may_v be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o repent_v hereafter_o as_o they_o be_v at_o present_a but_o above_o all_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o that_o time_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o leave_v their_o sin_n because_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o temptation_n will_v cease_v yet_o they_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v then_o accept_v they_o the_o express_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o we_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o we_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o overcome_v the_o world_n how_o slender_a therefore_o must_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o strength_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o make_v religion_n not_o their_o first_o but_o their_o last_o refuge_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n so_o inconsiderable_a or_o be_v the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n so_o small_a that_o he_o shall_v accept_v our_o cold_a and_o most_o unwilling_a service_n offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n offer_v the_o lame_a and_o sick_a 7._o offer_v it_o now_o unto_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o how_o much_o less_o will_v god_n accept_v we_o when_o we_o be_v 4._o least_o fit_a to_o serve_v he_o and_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o we_o ourselves_o have_v no_o pleasure_n 8._o terrible_a be_v the_o threaten_n which_o the_o scripture_n denounce_v against_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n when_o he_o call_v and_o to_o seek_v he_o whilst_o he_o may_v be_v find_v because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 1._o 24_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o jew_n who_o god_n have_v save_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o be_v grieve_v with_o they_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o border_n of_o the_o promise_a canaan_n despise_v that_o good_a land_n and_o refuse_v to_o enter_v therein_o he_o swear_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o when_o afterward_o they_o resolve_v to_o go_v up_o and_o possess_v it_o he_o suffer_v they_o not_o esau_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o one_o morsel_n of_o bread_n sell_v 17._o his_o birthright_n and_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v reject_v for_o he_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 all_o which_o thing_n the_o apostle_n declare_v plain_o to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n lest_o there_o be_v any_o fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n among_o we_o as_o esau_n be_v and_o lest_o any_o among_o we_o tempt_v god_n as_o the_o jew_n also_o tempt_v and_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n 9_o let_v those_o therefore_o who_o have_v yet_o the_o time_n before_o they_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v let_v they_o be_v careful_a to_o hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n let_v they_o be_v zealous_a to_o improve_v that_o time_n and_o those_o talent_n wherewith_o god_n have_v bless_v they_o that_o when_o their_o master_n come_v he_o may_v find_v they_o so_o do_v and_o bid_v they_o as_o have_v be_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n 10._o the_o sum_n of_o this_o point_n be_v this_o when_o a_o christian_a have_v live_v wicked_o all_o his_o life_n and_o come_v at_o his_o last_o extremity_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o folly_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o amend_v how_o far_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v tell_v and_o therefore_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o swallow_v up_o in_o complete_a despair_n but_o to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v yet_o any_o space_n and_o opportunity_n leave_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v strong_o and_o perpetual_o inculcate_v that_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n allow_v not_o the_o least_o hope_n to_o any_o other_o repentance_n than_o such_o as_o have_v time_n to_o evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o actual_a and_o persevere_v obedience_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n chap._n iu._n that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v great_a and_o of_o penance_n 1._o second_o true_a repentance_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o great_a that_o be_v he_o that_o repent_v aught_o to_o affect_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n as_o will_v put_v he_o upon_o those_o afflictive_a duty_n of_o fast_v watch_a pray_v humiliation_n liberal_a alm_n and_o the_o like_a 2._o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v first_o because_o in_o many_o case_n repentance_n can_v otherwise_o be_v evidence_v to_o be_v real_a and_o sincere_a true_a repentance_n be_v a_o effectual_a change_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o actual_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o as_o a_o bare_a change_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o a_o acceptable_a repentance_n unless_o it_o produce_v a_o actual_a amendment_n of_o life_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o bare_a amendment_n of_o life_n unless_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o real_a change_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v leave_v off_o commit_v a_o habitual_a sin_n and_o yet_o not_o true_o repent_v of_o it_o some_o accidental_a change_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n some_o present_a worldly_a and_o temporal_a interest_n or_o some_o other_o like_o cause_n may_v restrain_v a_o man_n from_o continue_v in_o a_o customary_a sin_n and_o
yet_o he_o may_v retain_v such_o a_o affection_n to_o it_o such_o a_o readiness_n to_o return_v to_o it_o in_o his_o former_a circumstance_n or_o at_o least_o may_v have_v so_o little_a hatred_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o as_o may_v make_v he_o very_o far_o from_o a_o true_a penitent_n in_o all_o such_o case_n therefore_o where_o a_o man_n may_v break_v off_o a_o sin_n upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o evidence_a the_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o for_o the_o preserve_v he_o from_o impose_v upon_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o he_o testify_v his_o sincerity_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o change_n of_o mind_n by_o some_o such_o afflictive_a laborious_a or_o expensive_a duty_n as_o will_v prove_v he_o to_o have_v indeed_o attain_v such_o a_o religious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v he_o in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n from_o return_v again_o to_o the_o same_o or_o to_o any_o other_o the_o like_o wilful_a sin_n be_v this_o right_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o sin_v on_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o with_o less_o pain_n when_o some_o particular_a alteration_n of_o their_o circumstance_n of_o life_n or_o perhaps_o age_n and_o sickness_n shall_v have_v remove_v their_o temptation_n 3._o but_o second_o when_o amendment_n of_o life_n do_v alone_o sufficient_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o repentance_n as_o general_o and_o in_o most_o case_n it_o do_v yet_o ought_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o do_v something_o to_o testify_v their_o sorrow_n for_o past_a offence_n and_o to_o judge_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v 31._o judge_v of_o the_o lord_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v 2._o shame_n to_o themselves_o that_o after_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o shall_v again_o have_v return_v to_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o ought_v to_o consider_v with_o confusion_n of_o face_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o have_v again_o commit_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o continuance_n in_o they_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o will_v not_o once_o pardon_v they_o under_o a_o less_o ransom_n than_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o work_v in_o they_o that_o carefulness_n that_o indignation_n that_o fear_v that_o vehement_a desire_n that_o zeal_n and_o 10._o that_o revenge_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o consist_v that_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o work_v repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 4._o thus_o when_o st._n peter_n have_v thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shamefulness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v he_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o weep_v bitter_o thus_o when_o david_n have_v commit_v those_o cry_a sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o foulness_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o fact_n make_v he_o every_o night_n wash_v his_o bed_n and_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o his_o tear_n and_o extort_a from_o he_o those_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o penitential_a psalm_n be_v make_v up_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o ever_o fall_v into_o any_o notorious_a sin_n be_v very_o 9_o severe_a in_o their_o humiliation_n earnest_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o their_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 5._o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n advise_v those_o who_o have_v sin_v to_o be_v afflict_v and_o mourn_v and_o weep_v to_o let_v their_o laughter_n be_v turn_v to_o mourn_v and_o their_o joy_n to_o heaviness_n and_o to_o humble_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v lift_v they_o up_o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n always_o teach_v that_o pentecost_n sin_v commit_v wilful_o after_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o with_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n that_o such_o sin_n 7._o be_v not_o immediate_o forgive_v upon_o a_o man_n beginning_n to_o repent_v but_o after_o he_o have_v afflict_v his_o soul_n and_o humble_v himself_o deep_o and_o undergo_v many_o trouble_n that_o the_o lapsis_fw-la afflictive_a duty_n of_o repentance_n ought_v to_o bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o the_o penitent_a aught_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o watch_v fast_v pray_v and_o give_v much_o alm_n and_o that_o poenit._n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o severe_o he_o judge_v himself_o here_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o may_v he_o hope_v god_n will_v spare_v he_o and_o be_v merciful_a to_o he_o hereafter_o 6._o it_o be_v true_a the_o sin_n which_o the_o ancient_n particular_o respect_v when_o they_o preach_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o severe_a repentance_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o deny_v our_o saviour_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n impartial_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o live_v in_o a_o open_a and_o profane_a contempt_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o manifest_a injustice_n fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o in_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n only_o put_fw-mi they_o who_o deny_v christ_n do_v it_o be_v compel_v by_o great_a and_o long_a torment_n but_o these_o other_o vice_n be_v commit_v wilful_o and_o of_o choice_n 7._o very_o great_a reason_n therefore_o there_o be_v why_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n shall_v enjoin_v themselves_o a_o great_a and_o remarkable_a repentance_n but_o yet_o because_o after_o all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n the_o whole_a sum_n and_o life_n of_o repentance_n be_v reformation_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o any_o other_o penitential_a severity_n than_o such_o as_o be_v direct_o conducive_a to_o this_o main_a end_n ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a be_v the_o penance_n enjoin_v man_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o more_o ignorant_a age_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o neither_o tend_v to_o improve_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n nor_o to_o make_v man_n more_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o but_o such_o penitential_a exercise_n as_o direct_o mortify_v man_n lust_n and_o passion_n or_o lead_v they_o to_o be_v more_o charitable_a and_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n in_o these_o by_o how_o much_o the_o penitent_n be_v more_o strict_a and_o constant_a by_o so_o much_o be_v he_o more_o secure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o pardon_n 8._o the_o best_a therefore_o and_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o effectual_a repentance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o exercise_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a in_o mortify_v his_o vice_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a in_o improve_n all_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a by_o how_o much_o he_o have_v former_o be_v more_o faulty_a in_o any_o particular_a and_o to_o resolve_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v forgive_v he_o to_o love_n so_o much_o the_o more_o let_v he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v vanquish_v by_o any_o temptation_n lapsis_fw-la resolve_v to_o strengthen_v himself_o so_o much_o the_o more_o against_o it_o and_o to_o become_v for_o the_o future_a the_o more_o heroical_o virtuous_a he_o that_o thus_o endeavour_n to_o appease_v god_n and_o by_o the_o repentance_n and_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n of_o his_o past_a fault_n be_v spur_v on_o to_o exercise_v great_a faith_n and_o virtue_n and_o courage_n such_o a_o one_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n may_v become_v a_o joy_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o before_o make_v sorrowful_a and_o shall_v obtain_v not_o only_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o also_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 9_o particular_o a_o penitent_a aught_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o endeavour_v after_o a_o great_a and_o fervent_a charity_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o 13._o all_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n think_v to_o have_v a_o especial_a efficacy_n to_o procure_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o very_o great_a be_v the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o it_o in_o scripture_n alm_n say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n make_v a_o atonement_n for_o sin_n ecclus._n 3._o 30._o and_o charity_n say_v st._n peter_n shall_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 8._o and_o the_o merciful_a say_v our_o saviour_n