Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n good_a holy_a spirit_n 3,941 5 4.8416 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62629 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions By John Tillotson, D.D. Dean of Canterbury, preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincolns-Inn, and one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. The second volume. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1678 (1678) Wing T1260BA; ESTC R222222 128,450 338

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person_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o melancholy_n than_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o trouble_n some_o think_v that_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o conviction_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v aknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o a_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n other_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o those_o they_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v general_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o melancholy_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o black_a thought_n be_v no_o way_n consent_v to_o they_o but_o they_o rise_v in_o their_o mind_n perfect_o against_o their_o will_n and_o without_o any_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n that_o i_o hope_v yea_o and_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o no_o more_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o the_o wild_a and_o idle_a rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o fever_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a disease_n shall_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o these_o person_n have_v reason_n enough_o for_o comfort_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v their_o present_a distemper_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o degree_n and_o approach_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o unpardonable_a than_o all_o approach_n to_o it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a such_o as_o be_v profane_a scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n abuse_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perverse_a infidelity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o credible_a history_n though_o we_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a malicious_a oppose_a of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o he_o that_o oppose_v the_o truth_n have_v no_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v furious_o and_o heady_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o these_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o any_o that_o can_v easy_o be_v instance_a in_o and_o though_o god_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n have_v not_o declare_v they_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o be_v great_a provocation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v long_o continue_v in_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v ready_a then_o to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propound_v to_o thou_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v in_o other_o matter_n where_o thou_o have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o interest_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o thy_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v secret_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v we_o many_o time_n gentle_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o after_o many_o repulse_n will_v at_o last_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n into_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n a_o sermon_n of_o charity_n and_o alm_n act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a when_o almighty_a god_n design_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o pattern_n after_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o have_v likewise_o set_v before_o we_o a_o live_a pattern_n and_o a_o familiar_a example_n to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o go_v before_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n such_o be_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o man_n that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v only_o give_v we_o a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o have_v send_v a_o great_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o declare_v and_o interpret_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o fulfil_v that_o law_n himself_o the_o observation_n whereof_o he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o bare_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o very_a dead_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o live_a example_n which_o show_v we_o the_o possibility_n and_o practicableness_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o religion_n indeed_o do_v always_o consist_v in_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o resemblance_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v but_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o now_o with_o much_o great_a ease_n and_o advantage_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o how_o man_n may_v become_v like_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v so_o long_o and_o familiar_o with_o mankind_n that_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n he_o may_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o all_o that_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o nothing_o like_a the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o in_o be_v and_o do_v good_a so_o be_v he_o in_o nothing_o a_o fit_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n than_o in_o that_o excellent_a character_n give_v of_o he_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o which_o word_n two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o our_o saviour_n great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o do_v good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o employ_v himself_o in_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n this_o refer_v more_o especial_o to_o his_o heal_v the_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n god_n anoint_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n intimate_v to_o we_o by_o this_o instance_n of_o his_o do_v good_a that_o he_o who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o rescue_v man_n body_n from_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v their_o soul_n remain_v under_o his_o tyranny_n but_o though_o the_o text_n instance_v only_o in_o one_o particular_a yet_o this_o general_a expression_n of_o do_v good_a comprehend_v all_o those_o several_a way_n whereby_o he_o be_v beneficial_a to_o mankind_n second_o here_o be_v his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o this_o work_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o both_o these_o particular_n i._o his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o do_v good_a
they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o calumny_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1_o sy_n that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o devil_n shall_v lend_v he_o this_o power_n to_o use_v it_o against_o himself_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v 2_o dly_z our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n attribute_v all_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v those_o among_o themselves_o who_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n as_o origen_n and_o tertullian_n and_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o of_o these_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o ask_v the_o pharisee_n by_o what_o power_n they_o cast_v they_o out_o but_o they_o aknowledge_v that_o these_o do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n but_o their_o malice_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o do_v it_o likewise_o by_o the_o same_o power_n ver_fw-la 27_o if_o i_o by_o beelzebub_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o who_o do_v your_o child_n cast_v they_o out_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v your_o judge_n that_o be_v this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v you_o malice_n of_o to_o i_o but_o if_o i_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v unto_o you_o that_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v come_v because_o he_o wrought_v these_o and_o other_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n so_o that_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o person_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o their_o blasphemy_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o when_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o say_v he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o malicious_o ascribe_v these_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n why_o our_o saviour_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_a from_o st._n mark_n mark_v 3.28_o 29_o 30_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o blasphemy_n wherewith_o soever_o they_o shall_v blaspheme_v but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n that_o be_v because_o the_o pharisee_n charge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o magician_n and_o to_o have_v a_o familiar_a spirit_n by_o who_o assistance_n he_o do_v those_o work_n when_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n declare_v they_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v so_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o most_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o come_v from_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n such_o as_o do_v plain_o evidence_n a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n accompany_v of_o he_o for_o in_o st._n luke_n he_o be_v say_v to_o do_v they_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n luke_n 11.20_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n 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they_o malicious_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o hardly_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v our_o saviour_n discourse_n upon_o this_o occasion_n can_v otherwise_o determine_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n especial_o if_o he_o do_v but_o attend_v to_o those_o remarkable_a word_n which_o i_o cite_v before_o mark_n 3.29_o but_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iii_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v namely_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v peculiar_o unpardonable_a for_o this_o our_o saviour_n positive_o affirm_v to_o be_v in_o this_o different_a from_o all_o other_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o pardon_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o not_o forgive_n of_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v follow_v it_o in_o the_o other_o world_n whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v which_o st._n mark_n express_v more_o plain_o that_o it_o shall_v bring_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n mark_v 3.29_o he_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v never_o forgiveness_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o forgive_v in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v forgive_v in_o the_o other_o but_o in_o these_o word_n he_o either_o allude_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o high_a excommunication_n the_o sentence_n whereof_o they_o hold_v not_o to_o be_v reversible_a neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o other_o or_o else_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o expression_n may_v probable_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o common_a and_o false_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v that_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o pardon_v to_o man_n in_o this_o life_n may_v by_o sacrifice_n be_v expiate_v in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o other_o and_o st._n mark_v more_o plain_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v forgiveness_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o this_o sin_n be_v altogether_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n i_o know_v some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o mollify_v this_o matter_n but_o i_o think_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n grotius_n understand_v the_o word_n comparative_o that_o any_o sort_n of_o sin_n shall_v soon_o be_v forgive_v than_o this_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n only_o intend_v to_o express_v the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n above_o other_o in_o which_o respect_n the_o pardon_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a than_o of_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o case_n of_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o absolute_o desperate_a but_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v absolute_o
defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n this_o day_n this_o hour_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n as_o lot_z do_v out_o of_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n overtake_v we_o he_o that_o can_v promise_v himself_o the_o next_o moment_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o present_a opportunity_n while_o we_o be_v linger_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v therefore_o make_v haste_n sinner_n and_o escape_v for_o thy_o life_n lest_o evil_a overtake_v thou_o 6._o last_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o make_v this_o change_n god_n who_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n at_o first_o and_o after_o we_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o by_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v we_o if_o we_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o for_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o we_o may_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o we_o may_v have_v that_o assistance_n for_o ask_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n for_o that_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o god_n part_n to_o hinder_v this_o change_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o he_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o good_a resolution_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o most_o certain_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v plain_o as_o he_o say_v and_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o with_o any_o private_a reserve_n or_o nice_a distinction_n between_o his_o secret_a and_o reveal_v will_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o decree_v one_o thing_n and_o declare_v the_o contrary_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o that_o if_o a_o sinner_n entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o do_v but_o once_o move_v towards_o he_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o receive_v he_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o when_o he_o be_v return_v home_o and_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o what_o haste_n do_v his_o father_n make_v to_o meet_v he_o he_o see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n on_o god_n part_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o on_o we_o one_o will_v think_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o great_a offender_n as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o business_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o and_o will_v we_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o choice_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o have_v but_o patience_n to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v our_o thought_n and_o deliberation_n to_o some_o issue_n the_o conclusion_n must_v natural_o be_v the_o quit_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a course_n in_o which_o we_o have_v live_v for_o sin_n and_o consideration_n can_v not_o long_o dwell_v together_o do_v but_o man_n consider_v what_o sin_n be_v they_o will_v have_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o such_o strong_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o miserable_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o change_n be_v perfect_o make_v at_o once_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n and_o consequent_o be_v at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o far_o any_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o one_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o person_n be_v by_o a_o mighty_a conviction_n and_o resolution_n and_o by_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n almost_o perfect_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o once_o and_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o usual_a and_o settle_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n evil_a habit_n be_v master_v and_o subdue_v by_o degree_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o conflict_n and_o many_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rout_v they_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o considerable_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o maturity_n and_o before_o a_o man_n come_v to_o that_o confirm_a state_n of_o goodness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v conquer_v and_o mortify_v his_o lust_n but_o yet_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o for_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v serious_o begin_v this_o change_n we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n will_v have_v the_o acceptance_n of_o good_a beginning_n and_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o help_v we_o and_o if_o we_o pursue_v our_o advantage_n we_o shall_v every_o day_n gain_v ground_n and_o the_o work_n will_v grow_v easy_a upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o who_o move_v at_o first_o with_o so_o much_o slowness_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v after_o a_o while_n be_v enable_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o course_n here_o prescribe_v and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
he_o have_v it_o and_o according_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o job_n and_o david_n hezekiah_n and_o nehemiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a st._n paul_n for_o himself_o and_o timothy_n make_v this_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o passage_n in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o can_v be_v collect_v that_o any_o good_a man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v modesty_n but_o impudence_n in_o any_o man_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o suspect_v himself_o of_o hypocrisy_n good_a man_n have_v always_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v to_o have_v his_o integrity_n question_v it_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o a_o generous_a speech_n of_o he_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o this_o be_v become_v a_o very_a common_a doubt_n among_o religious_a people_n and_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o cherish_v in_o it_o as_o to_o have_v it_o make_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o himself_o it_o be_v indeed_o say_v in_o scripture_n jer._n 17.9_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o be_v true_a concern_v our_o future_a intention_n and_o action_n no_o man_n know_v how_o his_o mind_n may_v change_v hereafter_o little_o do_v hazael_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text._n for_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o chapter_n plain_o make_v use_v of_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o take_v off_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o trust_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o in_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o of_o foreign_a assistance_n from_o egypt_n because_o man_n may_v pretend_v fair_a and_o yet_o deceive_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o none_o but_o god_n know_v whether_o man_n inward_a intention_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o outward_a profession_n for_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v be_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n here_o intend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o bad_a man_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rely_v upon_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n but_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n but_o now_o because_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n towards_o one_o another_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n either_o impossible_a or_o very_a difficult_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o present_a intention_n and_o action_n to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n be_v to_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o god_n child_n those_o holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n job_n and_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o do_v so_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o sure_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v from_o the_o very_a foundation_n destroy_v a_o imagination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o untrue_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o good_a man_n iii_o let_v we_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n second_o the_o causeless_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n real_o good_a concern_v their_o bad_a condition_n and_o three_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o other_o as_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o bad_a and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a vice_n these_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n if_o they_o be_v trouble_v about_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o doubtful_a of_o it_o it_o be_v less_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o person_n in_o this_o condition_n there_o be_v only_a counsel_n to_o be_v give_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o become_v better_o but_o no_o comfort_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o till_o first_o they_o have_v follow_v that_o counsel_n for_o till_o they_o reform_v if_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n they_o think_v just_a as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o no_o body_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o otherwise_o first_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n i_o do_v not_o now_o mean_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a to_o man_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o hard_a opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o other_o but_o the_o most_o grievous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n use_v all_o manner_n of_o shift_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n as_o be_v the_o ill_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n some_o therefore_o rely_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o exemption_n from_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o it_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thou_o of_o all_o man_n be_v inexcusable_a if_o thou_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n other_o trust_v to_o their_o external_a devotion_n they_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o serve_v god_n constant_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n spoil_v all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o devotion_n he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n that_o be_v from_o obey_v it_o even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n other_o who_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v very_o bad_a depend_v very_o much_o upon_o their_o repentance_n especial_o if_o they_o set_v solemn_a time_n apart_o for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n will_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o real_a change_n and_o reformation_n in_o our_o life_n for_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v to_o purpose_n if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v well_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a of_o thy_o miscarriage_n but_o thou_o be_v never_o safe_a till_o thou_o have_v forsake_v thy_o sin_n thy_o estate_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o change_v till_o thou_o have_v real_o alter_v thyself_o and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n other_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n justice_n and_o liberality_n and_o charity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a
at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o