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only_o to_o ruin_v himself_o but_o to_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n against_o all_o hazard_n of_o ruin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o hard_a but_o a_o prudent_a and_o needful_a commandment_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v we_o 22._o 1_o thess_n v._o 22._o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n they_o who_o profess_v to_o hate_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o yet_o will_v fain_o be_v do_v what_o look_v like_o it_o and_o lead_v to_o it_o can_v escape_v this_o censure_n at_o least_o of_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n this_o come_v from_o a_o perpetual_a hanker_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o show_v that_o they_o will_v fain_o accommodate_v the_o matter_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o endeavour_v to_o divide_v themselves_o as_o equal_o as_o may_v be_v not_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o fear_v of_o danger_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v as_o near_o wicked_a as_o they_o can_v too_o 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back_o again_o upon_o virtue_n and_o religion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o these_o particular_n we_o see_v the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n command_n and_o our_o duty_n with_o regard_n to_o it_o how_o false_a those_o man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o avoid_v the_o gross_a and_o foul_a offence_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o indulge_v their_o lust_n and_o expose_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o snare_n of_o evil_a company_n if_o they_o retain_v any_o secret_a fondness_n for_o sin_n and_o can_v so_o much_o as_o with_o ease_n or_o patience_n see_v or_o hear_v what_o be_v so_o if_o they_o be_v so_o tame_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o not_o bold_o and_o sharp_o to_o rebuke_v vice_n where_o that_o can_v be_v prudent_o and_o seasonable_o do_v if_o they_o still_o halt_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o sport_v upon_o the_o very_a confine_n 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manner_n of_o excess_n can_v but_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n for_o they_o impose_v more_o merciless_a task_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o more_o dangerous_a and_o more_o extravagant_a attempt_n than_o the_o most_o arbitrary_a tyrant_n or_o the_o cruel_a enemy_n can_v invent_v for_o his_o captive_n or_o his_o slave_n and_o he_o that_o have_v once_o resign_v up_o the_o government_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o furious_a and_o wild_a suggestion_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o his_o own_o rebellious_a appetite_n must_v make_v no_o more_o pretension_n to_o freedom_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o that_o can_v give_v he_o any_o and_o do_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n verify_v our_o lord_n observation_n 34._o observation_n joh._n viii_o 34._o whosoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o
once_o make_v sufficient_a tender_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o have_v neglect_v they_o if_o we_o perish_v the_o fault_n be_v our_o own_o but_o if_o notwithstanding_o our_o backwardness_n and_o unprepared_a heart_n those_o offer_n be_v repeat_v to_o we_o again_o and_o again_o this_o be_v not_o debt_n but_o favour_n not_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o the_o free_a effect_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a and_o exuberant_a goodness_n thus_o much_o however_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v allow_v that_o the_o more_o opportunity_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v former_o let_v go_v and_o the_o more_o voluntary_a those_o neglect_v have_v be_v the_o great_a must_v the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o man_n needs_o be_v who_o have_v stand_v out_o against_o they_o or_o not_o put_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o they_o before_o and_o the_o great_a be_v the_o mercy_n which_o admit_v such_o into_o grace_n at_o the_o last_o call_v and_o pass_v by_o all_o their_o former_a contempt_n and_o yet_o this_o will_n most_o assure_o be_v do_v upon_o their_o compliance_n even_o then_o for_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n intend_v to_o mock_v man_n by_o any_o of_o his_o invitation_n he_o make_v they_o with_o a_o kind_a intent_n he_o consider_v more_o exact_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v what_o advantage_n each_o person_n have_v have_v and_o what_o he_o have_v want_v what_o hindrance_n have_v keep_v he_o off_o so_o long_o and_o why_o one_o call_v be_v more_o successful_a than_o another_o we_o may_v say_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n concern_v these_o spiritual_a dispensation_n what_o david_n do_v of_o god_n providence_n in_o our_o temporal_a affair_n that_o 6._o psal_n xxxvi_o 6._o his_o goodness_n stand_v like_o the_o strong_a mountain_n this_o be_v high_o exalt_v and_o eminent_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o his_o judgement_n be_v like_o the_o great_a deep_a vast_a and_o dark_a and_o such_o as_o mortal_a eye_n can_v see_v through_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o depth_n so_o absolute_o impenetrable_a neither_o but_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v so_o far_o into_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n we_o may_v know_v enough_o to_o justify_v god_n in_o his_o deal_n though_o we_o can_v go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o infinite_o wise_a and_o mysterious_a counsel_n and_o therefore_o have_v show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n receive_v any_o manner_n of_o man_n into_o his_o vineyard_n and_o pay_n ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o make_v they_o equal_a in_o the_o wage_n who_o be_v thus_o unequal_o receive_v into_o the_o work_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o goodness_n of_o this_o housholder_n ever_o bring_v in_o question_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o the_o excess_n of_o it_o be_v reckon_v injurious_a and_o the_o first_o labourer_n think_v their_o master_n evil_a and_o hard_o upon_o they_o because_o he_o be_v so_o bountiful_a so_o seem_o overgood_a to_o those_o who_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n last_o now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o better_a discern_v this_o matter_n we_o will_v brief_o state_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o sort_n of_o labourer_n in_o the_o parable_n according_a to_o the_o application_n usual_o make_v of_o it_o and_o then_o examine_v what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o surprise_a distribution_n of_o reward_n in_o their_o several_a case_n the_o jew_n bear_v proportion_n to_o labourer_n hire_v early_o for_o they_o have_v long_o submit_v to_o a_o religion_n institute_v by_o god_n a_o law_n clog_v with_o rigorous_a ordinance_n and_o very_o troublesome_a observation_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o 12._o verse_n 12._o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n but_o the_o gentile_n have_v wrought_v their_o own_o will_n live_v all_o along_o in_o ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n luxury_n and_o lasciviousness_n and_o yet_o these_o too_o have_v the_o tender_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o eternal_a life_n make_v to_o they_o and_o as_o many_o as_o embrace_v those_o offer_n be_v vest_v in_o a_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n a_o title_n equal_a with_o those_o jew_n who_o have_v live_v under_o a_o severe_a confinement_n and_o bear_v the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n so_o again_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n come_v in_o to_o the_o gospel_n at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o expense_n their_o fortune_n their_o fame_n their_o liberty_n their_o life_n be_v the_o purchase_n pay_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o the_o same_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v open_v for_o sincere_a believer_n of_o all_o after-age_n though_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o be_v peaceable_a the_o encouragement_n to_o christianity_n secular_a and_o all_o the_o heat_n of_o public_a persecution_n extinct_a and_o over_o thus_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n some_o be_v train_v up_o from_o child_n 6._o prov._n xxii_o 6._o in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o do_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o they_o conquer_v and_o quench_v the_o irregular_a heat_n of_o youth_n and_o passion_n betimes_o and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v allow_v 27._o jam._n i._n 27._o do_v keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n 1._o eccles_n xi_o 9_o xii_o 1._o other_o rejoice_v and_o let_v their_o heart_n cheer_v they_o in_o their_o youth_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n till_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v and_o the_o year_n in_o which_o they_o can_v no_o long_o have_v pleasure_n and_o yet_o if_o even_o then_o they_o remember_v their_o creator_n he_o show_v himself_o 12._o joel_n ii_o 12._o merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n and_o though_o it_o be_v late_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v sincere_o and_o effectual_o that_o they_o come_v back_o to_o their_o duty_n he_o open_v his_o arm_n wide_a to_o embrace_v the_o return_v prodigal_n pardon_v their_o long_a disobedience_n save_v their_o soul_n and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a recompense_n and_o last_o which_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o measure_n they_o who_o have_v their_o day_n shorten_v and_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o age_n if_o they_o die_v in_o innocence_n or_o in_o early_a and_o promife_v virtue_n be_v entitle_v to_o happiness_n in_o common_a with_o other_o who_o live_v long_o and_o glorify_v god_n by_o much_o labour_n and_o suffer_v and_o through_o severe_a trial_n and_o great_a hardship_n enter_v at_o last_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o several_a case_n the_o importance_n of_o the_o parable_n may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v extend_v to_o and_o i_o must_v try_v now_o to_o reconcile_v those_o doubt_n which_o so_o great_a a_o disproportion_n of_o person_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o suggest_v to_o we_o and_o must_v show_v if_o i_o can_v that_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v of_o the_o matter_n still_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n in_o give_v this_o penny_n to_o each_o of_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o right_a and_o throughout_o this_o whole_a disquisition_n i_o shall_v make_v use_n chief_o if_o not_o altogether_o of_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o parable_n itself_o furnish_v either_o plain_a ground_n for_o or_o at_o least_o very_a fair_a intimation_n of_o 1._o now_o first_o of_o all_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o difference_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o parable_n between_o these_o labourer_n themselves_o and_o that_o partly_o before_o and_o partly_o after_o their_o work_n the_o first_o drive_v a_o positive_a bargain_n and_o agree_v express_o for_o a_o 2._o verse_n 2._o penny_n a_o day_n they_o who_o come_v late_a be_v content_a to_o stand_v to_o their_o master_n courtesy_n and_o undertake_v the_o work_n upon_o this_o general_a promise_n that_o 7._o verse_n 4._o 7._o whatsoever_o be_v right_a that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o again_o when_o the_o toil_n and_o duty_n be_v over_o these_o last_o receive_v their_o pay_n with_o thankfulness_n and_o decency_n but_o the_o former_a with_o murmur_n and_o saucy_a expostulation_n envy_v their_o brethren_n good_a acceptance_n and_o bold_o arraign_v their_o lord_n justice_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o those_o person_n to_o who_o this_o parable_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o refer_v and_o many_o qualification_n be_v observable_a in_o they_o which_o may_v move_v god_n to_o govern_v his_o distribution_n by_o the_o same_o measure_n here_o too_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o constant_a direction_n of_o his_o law_n but_o then_o they_o be_v of_o a_o slavish_a and_o mercenary_a disposition_n loc_fw-la grot._n in_o loc_fw-la drive_v by_o present_a punishment_n and_o encourage_v by_o temporal_a blessing_n prosperous_a
commander_n will_v needs_o march_v up_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o load_v cannon_n by_o turn_v their_o own_o tempter_n this_o be_v not_o courage_n but_o fool-hardiness_n and_o whatever_o expectation_n these_o man_n may_v cherish_v of_o god_n assistance_n in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o vigorous_a faith_n and_o well_o ground_a trust_n but_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o hotheaded_a presumption_n for_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v the_o use_n of_o proper_a mean_n and_o of_o those_o mean_v the_o first_o and_o best_a be_v to_o prevent_v our_o danger_n and_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n will_v venture_v the_o break_n a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o surgeon_n skill_n to_o set_v it_o again_o so_o neither_o will_v any_o considerate_a christian_a lay_v himself_o open_a to_o sin_n or_o make_v needless_a approach_n towards_o it_o because_o he_o know_v that_o god_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o preserve_v than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o destroy_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o be_v our_o security_n but_o the_o know_v that_o he_o will_v exert_v that_o power_n on_o our_o behalf_n and_o this_o we_o can_v know_v but_o rather_o the_o direct_a contrary_n when_o the_o temptation_n be_v our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o we_o choose_v have_v no_o right_n to_o his_o protection_n and_o it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o suffer_v such_o man_n as_o wanton_o set_v their_o soul_n at_o stake_n to_o eat_v the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o foolish_a device_n 3._o three_o the_o wariness_n i_o have_v be_v advise_v to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o temptation_n may_v yet_o be_v far_o enforce_v by_o consider_v from_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o we_o how_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o sin_n draw_v we_o on_o to_o more_o and_o great_a thus_o he_o after_o one_o denial_n proceed_v to_o a_o second_o and_o a_o three_o and_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o strengthen_v they_o with_o false_a oath_n and_o horrid_a curse_n and_o thus_o in_o other_o case_n when_o man_n have_v once_o let_v go_v their_o hold_n they_o be_v carry_v as_o it_o be_v down_o the_o stream_n and_o let_v themselves_o drive_v till_o at_o last_o they_o sink_v into_o the_o gross_a impiety_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o sinful_a act_n that_o they_o quick_o grow_v into_o habit_n weaken_v and_o waste_v the_o conscience_n harden_v man_n by_o custom_n and_o by_o degree_n destroy_v their_o very_a principle_n but_o especial_o when_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o do_v a_o ill_a thing_n for_o the_o escape_v some_o present_a inconvenience_n if_o then_o they_o feel_v their_o danger_n continue_v or_o increase_v they_o imagine_v themselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o grow_v bold_a as_o they_o be_v more_o press_v and_o have_v go_v too_o far_o to_o retreat_v with_o honour_n or_o safety_n endeavour_v to_o disengage_v themselves_o by_o more_o grievous_a and_o obstinate_a degree_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n a_o more_o abandon_a wretch_n than_o he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o drudge_n on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n by_o the_o difficulty_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o retract_v his_o former_a error_n no_o man_n know_v what_o such_o a_o embroiled_a state_n will_v grow_v to_o or_o where_o the_o man_n will_v stop_v that_o principle_n which_o shall_v have_v preserve_v he_o be_v give_v up_o and_o when_o the_o reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n be_v break_v through_o he_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o fresh_a temptation_n and_o want_v only_a opportunity_n of_o become_v every_o day_n worse_o and_o more_o profligate_v and_o this_o be_v very_o observable_a as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o case_n of_o lie_v which_o come_v near_a to_o st._n peter_n in_o my_o text._n how_o confident_o man_n will_v stand_v in_o defence_n of_o falsehood_n and_o what_o pain_n they_o often_o take_v to_o gain_v credit_n by_o repeat_v and_o confirm_v what_o they_o have_v say_v or_o do_v amiss_o and_o how_o quick_o this_o settle_n into_o a_o habit_n of_o falsehood_n till_o they_o seem_v at_o last_o to_o have_v lose_v and_o lay_v aside_o all_o regard_n to_o honesty_n and_o truth_n the_o check_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o vengeance_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o yet_o the_o event_n at_o last_o be_v like_a that_o of_o st._n peter_n denial_n here_o to_o entangle_v themselves_o fast_a in_o the_o snare_n and_o the_o more_o they_o struggle_v to_o get_v quit_v of_o their_o difficulty_n the_o more_o to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o expose_v their_o reputation_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o safe_a as_o well_o as_o the_o short_a course_n be_v to_o stick_v fast_o to_o our_o duty_n for_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v carry_v we_o through_o where_o all_o the_o shift_n and_o shuffle_n of_o wicked_a craft_n will_v forsake_v and_o betray_v we_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o servant_n and_o child_n and_o such_o as_o be_v under_o authority_n or_o indeed_o any_o who_o lie_v under_o the_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o displeasure_n will_v observe_v this_o matter_n due_o for_o beside_o the_o great_a offence_n which_o lie_v excuse_n be_v to_o almighty_a god_n every_o master_n or_o person_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v can_v but_o think_v the_o fault_n and_o provocation_n double_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o no_o man_n of_o reason_n or_o common_a sense_n can_v suppose_v himself_o secure_a of_o our_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o service_n or_o interest_n if_o he_o discover_v in_o we_o a_o disposition_n upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o deal_v indirect_o that_o we_o make_v no_o bone_n of_o sacrifice_a truth_n to_o respect_n and_o be_v unfaithful_a to_o the_o witness_n within_o our_o own_o breast_n and_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n in_o heaven_n 4._o four_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o cause_v the_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o saint_n to_o be_v record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o their_o fail_n and_o temptation_n not_o to_o flatter_v ourselves_o in_o any_o manner_n of_o evil_a as_o if_o we_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o these_o man_n be_v so_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminent_a virtue_n and_o their_o as_o eminent_a repentance_n where_o they_o do_v amiss_o otherwise_o the_o threaten_v in_o ezekiel_n have_v be_v their_o portion_n 24._o ezek._n xviii_o 24._o all_o their_o former_a righteousness_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n but_o in_o the_o trespass_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o have_v sin_v in_o these_o they_o shall_v have_v die_v but_o this_o be_v do_v for_o a_o seasoable_a warn_v and_o to_o be_v a_o effectual_a humiliation_n to_o all_o future_a age_n by_o let_v we_o see_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a of_o man_n be_v still_o but_o man_n subject_a to_o mighty_a blemish_n and_o imperfection_n and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o most_o purify_a state_n we_o can_v possible_o arrive_v at_o in_o this_o world_n be_v no_o security_n from_o danger_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o very_o tender_a how_o we_o judge_v and_o despise_v our_o brethren_n who_o fault_n how_o severe_o soever_o we_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o censure_v it_o be_v high_o probable_a will_v be_v our_o own_o be_v their_o circumstance_n and_o their_o temptation_n we_o this_o also_o confute_v the_o imagination_n of_o some_o who_o teach_v that_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o true_a grace_n can_v never_o fall_v from_o it_o a_o opinion_n extreme_o false_a and_o groundless_a for_o what_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o true_a grace_n if_o that_o confession_n of_o st._n peter_n do_v not_o show_v it_o which_o our_o lord_n so_o high_o commend_v declare_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o and_o pronounce_v he_o bless_v for_o and_o what_o be_v fall_v from_o such_o grace_n and_o faith_n if_o the_o obstinate_a repeat_v deny_v and_o abjure_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o these_o instance_n therefore_o of_o such_o worthy_n miscarry_v so_o gross_o ring_v in_o our_o ear_n those_o admonition_n of_o st._n paul_n 1._o rom._n xi_o 20._o 1_o cor._n x._o 12._o gal._n vi_o 1._o be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_n and_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o if_o a_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n restore_v such_o a_o one_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v they_o forbid_v we_o to_o promise_v ourselves_o safety_n and_o freedom_n from_o temptation_n in_o
with_o regard_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n he_o tell_v the_o hebrew_n 9_o hebrew_n heb._n ii_o 9_o that_o jesus_n be_v make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n the_o design_n be_v not_o less_o universal_a because_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o so_o for_o st._n peter_n 1._o peter_n 2_o pet._n two_o 1._o upbraid_v the_o man_n who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n with_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o so_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o destruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n enlarge_n most_o admirable_o to_o show_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o convert_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o bring_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v also_o a_o occasion_n of_o soften_a the_o jew_n by_o work_v they_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o that_o happiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o those_o despise_a nation_n have_v so_o surprise_o outstrip_v they_o in_o some_o person_n indeed_o there_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o pretend_v that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v out_o shall_v ever_o have_v come_v in_o that_o he_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o hearken_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o his_o call_n but_o i_o add_v notwithstanding_o four_o that_o god_n be_v very_o serious_a in_o these_o invitation_n and_o that_o the_o parable_n give_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v so_o it_o be_v true_a among_o man_n many_o thing_n be_v do_v mere_o out_o of_o ceremony_n and_o form_n many_o proffer_v make_v in_o hope_n of_o be_v refuse_v many_o civility_n show_v where_o nothing_o less_o be_v intend_v and_o what_o the_o world_n call_v complaisance_n and_o good_a breed_n be_v frequent_o not_o so_o much_o the_o language_n as_o the_o disguise_n 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sense_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v our_o state_n independent_a upon_o the_o favour_n or_o friendship_n of_o one_o another_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o flatterer_n or_o dissembler_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o this_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o design_n his_o invitation_n shall_v be_v accept_v why_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v they_o at_o all_o but_o at_o least_o when_o man_n refuse_v they_o why_o do_v he_o not_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n a_o compliment_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o be_v easy_o drop_v and_o when_o man_n be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v deny_v they_o be_v usual_o content_a to_o spare_v the_o trouble_n of_o press_v but_o be_v this_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n use_v here_o for_o bring_v in_o guest_n to_o the_o marriage_n if_o the_o first_o bid_v will_v bear_v so_o vile_a a_o interpretation_n yet_o sure_a the_o importunity_n of_o a_o second_o and_o three_o call_v will_n by_o no_o mean_n endure_v it_o and_o yet_o lest_o of_o all_o will_v that_o indignation_n for_o be_v so_o unworthy_o reject_v the_o new_a commission_n issue_v out_o to_o his_o servant_n the_o mighty_a care_n of_o pick_v up_o other_o guest_n and_o the_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o those_o who_o receive_v his_o gracious_a offer_n with_o disdain_n in_o all_o appearance_n the_o do_v what_o god_n all_o along_o intend_a man_n shall_v do_v nay_o what_o he_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o do_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v breed_v so_o irreconcilable_a a_o quarrel_n we_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o vast_a and_o dark_a depth_n and_o think_v it_o very_o unbecoming_a poor_a feeble_a mortal_n too_o busy_o to_o intrude_v into_o or_o peremptory_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o plain_a principle_n so_o obvious_a that_o all_o contend_a party_n can_v but_o agree_v in_o they_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n can_v but_o do_v right_a be_v a_o truth_n universal_o confess_v and_o though_o justice_n in_o god_n may_v proceed_v upon_o measure_n not_o understand_v by_o we_o and_o be_v perfect_a above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v yet_o since_o just_a and_o unjust_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a and_o unalterable_a thing_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o esteem_v just_a and_o good_a among_o men._n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v excuse_v if_o they_o think_v that_o all_o the_o caution_n and_o jealousy_n due_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o who_o out_o of_o honest_a zeal_n perhaps_o have_v set_v up_o a_o secret_a will_n in_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o seem_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o his_o precept_n and_o revelation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v that_o any_o shall_v hear_v and_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n and_o enjoin_v this_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o have_v in_o most_o solemn_a manner_n declare_v this_o to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v another_o will_n to_o we_o unknown_a which_o control_v and_o overrule_v all_o this_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o word_n though_o they_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o and_o then_o punish_v and_o damn_v they_o eternal_o for_o not_o do_v so_o let_v they_o who_o maintain_v this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v deliver_v it_o from_o such_o reflection_n upon_o the_o honour_n the_o justice_n the_o goodness_n the_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v so_o to_o speak_v the_o sincerity_n and_o common_a honesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o reverence_n to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o name_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v for_o unaffected_a mistake_v and_o difference_n in_o opinion_n but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o just_a matter_n of_o blame_n to_o dissent_v from_o those_o doctrine_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o even_o they_o that_o advance_v they_o profess_v to_o abhor_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o show_v we_o how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v for_o so_o far_o as_o yet_o appear_v if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v also_o vain_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o obstruct_v man_n honest_a endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o outward_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o full_a power_n and_o that_o his_o decree_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v very_o well_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o covenant_n his_o exhortation_n his_o promise_n his_o threaten_n his_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a expostulation_n his_o lay_v
to_o make_v their_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a which_o imply_v that_o without_o their_o own_o diligence_n these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v secure_v to_o they_o and_o indeed_o as_o the_o commentator_n i_o just_o now_o mention_v observe_v because_o god_n be_v so_o very_a kind_n and_o bountiful_a in_o do_v his_o part_n and_o man_n so_o very_o negligent_a and_o insensible_a in_o they_o he_o bid_v but_o they_o who_o be_v bid_v be_v not_o worthy_a this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o be_v call_v and_o yet_o so_o few_o be_v choose_v i_o discharge_v myself_o of_o this_o subject_a with_o that_o eminent_a passage_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n very_o apposite_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n 20._o ecclus_n xv_o 11._o 12._o 14._o 15._o 17._o 20._o say_v not_o thou_o it_o be_v through_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o fall_v away_o for_o thou_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o he_o hate_v say_v not_o thou_o he_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o err_v for_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sinful_a man_n god_n make_v man_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o leave_v he_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o counsel_n if_o thou_o will_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o to_o perform_v acceptable_a righteousness_n before_o man_n be_v life_n and_o death_n and_o whether_o he_o like_v that_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v no_o man_n to_o do_v wicked_o neither_o have_v be_v give_v any_o man_n licence_n to_o sin_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o worldly_n hindrance_n no_o excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religious_a duty_n st._n luke_n fourteen_o v._o 23_o 24._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o servant_n go_v out_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o that_o my_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n the_o divine_a discourse_n 1._o v._o 1._o with_o which_o our_o lord_n entertain_v the_o company_n while_o dine_a with_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a pharisee_n make_v such_o impression_n upon_o they_o that_o a_o certain_a person_n then_o at_o meat_n with_o he_o break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n 15._o v._o 15._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o shall_v eat_v bread_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hereupon_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v that_o this_o blessedness_n great_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o however_o embrace_v with_o that_o eagerness_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o seek_v with_o all_o that_o industry_n which_o it_o most_o just_o deserve_v and_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o this_o sad_a truth_n the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o different_a reception_n it_o find_v among_o man_n be_v represent_v under_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n prepare_v 16._o v._o 16._o and_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o guest_n invite_v to_o it_o some_o absent_v themselves_o upon_o frivolous_a pretence_n other_o rude_o refuse_v the_o civility_n and_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n by_o this_o mean_v drive_v to_o furnish_v his_o table_n with_o stranger_n of_o a_o mean_a quality_n and_o full_a of_o just_a indignation_n and_o resentment_n against_o those_o unworthy_a people_n who_o deny_v to_o grace_v his_o house_n with_o their_o presence_n and_o put_v such_o a_o slight_a upon_o his_o kindness_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v various_a for_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o first_o eminent_a discrimination_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n or_o whether_o that_o more_o continue_v one_o of_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o qualification_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n it_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n a_o lively_a image_n of_o both_o and_o be_v in_o either_o sense_n capable_a of_o great_a use_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o wherein_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v concern_v i_o have_v x._o have_v serm._n ix_o x._o already_o speak_v so_o large_o that_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a again_o to_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a reflection_n i_o shall_v make_v at_o present_a upon_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o parable_n regard_v one_o expression_n peculiar_a to_o this_o place_n which_o be_v that_o those_o gentile_n fetch_v from_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o come_v in_o not_o from_o any_o external_a or_o irresistible_a necessity_n make_v use_v of_o to_o reduce_v they_o but_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n by_o repeat_v message_n by_o all_o the_o prevail_a art_n of_o a_o holy_a importunity_n which_o subdue_v their_o will_n and_o bring_v over_o their_o affection_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n extort_a their_o assent_n while_o lust_n and_o worldly_a inclination_n persuade_v the_o contrary_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n of_o compel_v mean_v only_o a_o exceed_a care_n and_o solicitous_a application_n to_o win_v they_o over_o and_o the_o marvellous_a efficacy_n of_o those_o method_n at_o last_o notwithstanding_o the_o appetite_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o long_a custom_n and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o love_n of_o evil_n can_v raise_v in_o mind_n violent_o bend_v against_o any_o such_o compliance_n and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o accept_v the_o invitation_n then_o follow_v a_o severe_a though_o most_o deserve_a sentence_n of_o utter_a exclusion_n upon_o those_o other_o insensible_a ungrateful_a creature_n who_o have_v provoke_v this_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n and_o affront_v his_o intention_n of_o favour_n towards_o they_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o folly_n of_o exclude_v themselves_o to_o proceed_v then_o the_o relation_n this_o parable_n bear_v to_o person_n of_o several_a degree_n and_o qualification_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n be_v not_o less_o worthy_a our_o regard_n the_o event_n of_o the_o gospel_n first_o set_n out_o so_o different_a among_o the_o poor_a the_o unlettered_a the_o notorious_a sinner_n from_o what_o it_o be_v with_o the_o wealthy_a the_o learned_a the_o seem_a righteous_a the_o man_n of_o splendid_a fortune_n and_o eminent_a post_n deride_v its_o doctrine_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n while_o those_o of_o inferior_a condition_n who_o spirit_n and_o temper_n be_v of_o a_o size_n with_o their_o estate_n submit_v glad_o to_o them_o the_o person_n of_o study_n and_o attainment_n delude_v themselves_o with_o vain_a sophistry_n and_o scorn_v the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o its_o faith_n while_o those_o of_o honest_a mind_n and_o less_o subtlety_n subdue_v their_o reason_n and_o bring_v every_o proud_a aspire_a thought_n into_o captivity_n to_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o pretender_n to_o sanctity_n and_o rigid_a observer_n of_o ceremony_n and_o tradition_n presume_v upon_o their_o own_o merit_n for_o justification_n while_o other_o of_o a_o conversation_n more_o liable_a to_o censure_n with_o thanks_o and_o joy_n inexpressible_a lay_v hold_v on_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n of_o another_o and_o conscious_a of_o the_o impotence_n of_o work_n alone_o seek_v salvation_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o in_o each_o of_o these_o respect_n those_o who_o be_v bid_v that_o be_v who_o have_v receive_v most_o from_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v the_o forward_a in_o duty_n to_o he_o stand_v out_o and_o they_o who_o character_n be_v less_o considerable_a and_o less_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o be_v find_v most_o ready_a to_o express_v their_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o most_o desirous_a to_o partake_v of_o it_o once_o more_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n accommodate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o those_o people_n among_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v already_o profess_v and_o establish_v for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o teach_v and_o of_o your_o believe_a be_v practice_n as_o the_o end_n of_o that_o practice_n be_v the_o save_v of_o man_n soul_n the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o be_v no_o less_o shadow_v out_o by_o this_o feast_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n here_o and_o consequent_o all_o that_o neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o prefer_v the_o business_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n before_o their_o concern_v for_o the_o next_o do_v refuse_v the_o invitation_n to_o this_o spiritual_a supper_n and_o incur_v the_o gild_n and_o the_o condemnation_n imply_v in_o the_o text_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o person_n or_o fortune_n conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o
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 circumstance_n will_v be_v desperate_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o worthy_a and_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n i_o must_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o general_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o at_o present_a the_o best_a method_n for_o do_v it_o effectual_o be_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o three_o head_n i._n first_o to_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o ii_o second_o to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o many_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o unbelief_n or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v not_o in_o reality_n any_o such_o sign_n and_o iii_o three_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v show_v how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n careful_o may_v discern_v whether_o his_o belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o one_a and_o here_o by_o faith_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o 1_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n nor_o bare_o 2._o a_o outward_a and_o express_a profession_n of_o all_o such_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o christian_n but_o also_o 3_o such_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a assent_n as_o may_v prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o may_v influence_n their_o heart_n and_o practice_n powerful_o such_o as_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o make_v good_a those_o engagement_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o when_o we_o thus_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n for_o all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v under_o believe_v and_o several_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o our_o fail_v in_o sundry_a instance_n of_o this_o faith_n particular_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o as_o first_o one_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v for_o some_o of_o these_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a truth_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o our_o mind_n shall_v adhere_v to_o they_o with_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v in_o such_o other_o matter_n as_o fall_v within_o our_o comprehension_n and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o eternal_a state_n of_o bliss_n or_o woe_n hereafter_o and_o the_o restore_a to_o we_o these_o fleshly_a body_n again_o at_o the_o general_n resurrection_n notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a and_o unconceivable_a change_n which_o time_n and_o corruption_n bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n these_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o prime_n and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o firm_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o which_o one_o can_v have_v any_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o large_a mind_n be_v too_o narrow_a to_o receive_v they_o the_o most_o penetrate_a wit_n can_v sound_v all_o their_o depth_n nor_o the_o most_o indefatigable_a study_n conquer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o man_n assent_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o their_o apprehension_n the_o mind_n 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
and_o against_o it_o have_v be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n together_o that_o side_n which_o preponderates_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o the_o advantage_n be_v visible_a and_o great_a there_o will_v be_v no_o probable_a danger_n of_o have_v this_o undo_v again_o or_o be_v draw_v off_o to_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n but_o where_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o bare_a judgement_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o where_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pursue_v a_o doctrine_n â—…o_v '_o all_o its_o consequence_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n of_o live_v to_o we_o where_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o so_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o like_o man_n serious_o possess_v with_o that_o belief_n there_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o present_a persuasion_n though_o never_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a will_v answer_v the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a faith_n without_o a_o particular_a and_o constant_a application_n and_o in_o this_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v chief_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n fail_v and_o great_a difficulty_n there_o be_v both_o in_o reduce_v general_n acknowledge_v truth_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o in_o have_v the_o application_n always_o ready_a and_o at_o hand_n when_o our_o occasion_n call_v for_o they_o this_o be_v manifest_o see_v in_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o be_v infor_n a_o power_n constant_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o present_a with_o we_o a_o strict_a observer_n and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o mighty_a avenger_n of_o his_o honour_n when_o we_o provoke_v he_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o notion_n which_o either_o nature_n or_o religion_n or_o both_o have_v rivet_v so_o fast_o into_o man_n mind_n that_o we_o find_v very_o few_o of_o those_o who_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o will_v fain_o get_v quit_v of_o they_o able_a to_o do_v it_o effectual_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o have_v these_o apprehension_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o take_v a_o due_a care_n to_o drive_v they_o home_o upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o improve_v they_o to_o all_o the_o mighty_a purpose_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o serve_v nay_o how_o often_o do_v even_o they_o who_o revolve_v they_o frequent_o and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o dwell_v and_o converse_v with_o their_o lord_n how_o often_o i_o say_v do_v they_o the_o best_a the_o most_o reverent_a adorer_n of_o the_o godhead_n betray_v their_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o fall_v by_o surprise_n or_o forgetfulness_n if_o not_o by_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n now_o the_o fail_n of_o most_o people_n in_o this_o case_n can_v proceed_v from_o infidelity_n or_o want_v of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o they_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v able_a perhaps_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o convince_v the_o sturdy_a gainsayer_n and_o to_o warm_v the_o cold_a and_o most_o freeze_a neglecter_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o business_n be_v that_o their_o thought_n be_v not_o always_o equal_o bend_v nor_o the_o application_n of_o these_o general_a doctrine_n at_o all_o time_n make_v to_o their_o own_o private_a circumstance_n or_o even_o those_o application_n be_v not_o ever_o powerful_a alike_o and_o because_o the_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o continual_a practice_n and_o use_v and_o not_o one_o single_a act_n of_o persuasion_n and_o assent_n though_o never_o so_o steadfast_a therefore_o every_o one_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o or_o less_o defective_a as_o he_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ready_a performance_n of_o each_o act._n and_o even_o those_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v at_o a_o stake_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o can_v always_o preserve_v their_o mind_n so_o thorough_o awake_a nor_o find_v the_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a as_o to_o prevent_v in_o their_o life_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o such_o a_o belief_n the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o in_o many_o perhaps_o in_o most_o occasion_n exert_n itself_o with_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n but_o it_o be_v their_o misfortune_n that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n the_o clutter_n of_o business_n the_o diversion_n of_o life_n their_o own_o inadvertency_n or_o some_o other_o accidental_a unhappiness_n justle_v the_o more_o necessary_a meditation_n aside_o for_o a_o while_n and_o so_o that_o habit_n lie_v dormant_a and_o idle_a it_o will_v probable_o recover_v and_o rouse_v itself_o very_o quick_o but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a instant_n of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o man_n have_v have_v no_o such_o idea_n at_o all_o 3._o but_o three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o man_n weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o of_o we_o be_v deep_o all_o god_n know_v but_o too_o deep_o concern_v i_o mean_v the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o the_o affection_n we_o bear_v to_o this_o present_a world_n the_o former_a particular_a show_v we_o a_o defect_n owe_v to_o want_v of_o consideration_n but_o this_o go_v far_a &_o discover_v a_o fail_v even_o in_o consideration_n itself_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o judge_v and_o yet_o determine_v wrong_a when_o we_o do_v remember_v our_o duty_n &_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o think_v and_o remember_v without_o success_n and_o this_o be_v a_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fatalconsequence_n because_o person_n of_o high_a perfection_n be_v subject_a to_o it_o for_o that_o the_o heedless_a and_o heady_a shall_v stumble_v and_o fall_v can_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o when_o the_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o slippery_a way_n and_o see_v their_o danger_n and_o intend_v to_o avoid_v the_o precipice_n do_v yet_o slide_v into_o it_o this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v we_o very_o apprehensive_a and_o will_v warrant_v no_o man_n in_o any_o vain_a supposal_n of_o absolute_a security_n and_o perfection_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v give_v we_o to_o check_v and_o control_v the_o extravagance_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o calm_a and_o quiet_a our_o passion_n to_o comfort_n and_o sustain_v we_o in_o all_o our_o disorder_n and_o misfortune_n and_o indeed_o if_o apply_v seasonable_o and_o impartial_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o great_a work_n a_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o all_o our_o disease_n and_o a_o sure_a 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his_o example_n to_o look_v not_o at_o 18._o at_o 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v and_o be_v temporal_a but_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v because_o they_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v impress_v this_o truth_n pretty_a well_o as_o we_o think_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o frequent_o either_o forsake_v we_o quite_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o encounter_n or_o prove_v too_o feeble_a when_o we_o have_v most_o occasion_n for_o it_o the_o bias_n of_o sense_n draw_v we_o from_o our_o strait_a course_n some_o trifle_a advantage_n some_o please_a gratification_n present_v itself_o and_o though_o we_o pretend_v to_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_o but_o like_o a_o corrupt_a judge_n all_o argument_n against_o inclination_n be_v lessen_v to_o the_o view_n the_o bribery_n upon_o our_o affection_n
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 strange_a stupidity_n strange_a confidence_n strange_a forgetfulness_n in_o a_o word_n undoubt_v assurance_n be_v only_o for_o they_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o warfare_n and_o come_v to_o receive_v their_o crown_n but_o in_o those_o who_o be_v still_o in_o heat_n of_o action_n and_o have_v many_o sharp_a conflict_n yet_o to_o undergo_v many_o difficult_a pass_n and_o ambush_n to_o fight_v their_o way_n through_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o boldness_n too_o great_a a_o folly_n to_o sing_v song_n of_o triumph_n to_o themselves_o before_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o day_n be_v over_o it_o be_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o strive_v lawful_o that_o in_o god_n due_a time_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a 9_o sure_a gal._n vi_o 9_o to_o reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o some_o fear_n of_o lose_v the_o prize_n be_v mingle_v with_o our_o hope_n these_o will_v but_o quicken_v our_o care_n the_o more_o but_o he_o that_o demand_v to_o have_v his_o wage_n make_v over_o to_o he_o irrevocable_o 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