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any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n i._n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o grow_a danger_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o what_o step_n and_o degree_n bad_a habit_n do_v insensible_o gain_v upon_o man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o natural_a but_o proceed_v from_o deliberation_n and_o choice_n have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o practice_v they_o because_o at_o first_o we_o be_v rude_a and_o unexercised_a in_o that_o way_n but_o after_o we_o have_v practise_v they_o awhile_o they_o become_v more_o easy_a and_o when_o they_o be_v easy_a we_o begin_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o when_o they_o please_v we_o we_o do_v they_o frequent_o and_o think_v we_o can_v repeat_v they_o too_o often_o and_o by_o frequency_n of_o act_n a_o thing_n grow_v into_o a_o habit_n and_o a_o confirm_a habit_n be_v a_o second_o kind_n 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have_v travel_v a_o good_a while_n in_o foulways_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v troublesome_a to_o they_o to_o be_v dash_v and_o bespatter_v 4._o after_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a man_n may_v come_v to_o approve_v their_o vice_n for_o if_o man_n judgement_n do_v not_o command_v their_o will_n and_o restrain_v their_o lust_n it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o will_n will_v put_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n come_v to_o boast_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o they_o be_v half_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v generous_a and_o commendable_a quality_n thus_o much_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o some_o man_n have_v get_v so_o perfect_a a_o habit_n of_o some_o sin_n as_o not_o to_o know_v and_o take_v notice_n many_o time_n when_o they_o commit_v they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o swear_v which_o some_o man_n have_v so_o 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factious_o concern_v to_o propagate_v together_o with_o their_o atheistical_a principle_n their_o lewd_a practice_n and_o to_o draw_v follower_n and_o disciple_n after_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v arrive_v to_o this_o height_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o hate_v reproof_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n to_o quarrel_v against_o all_o the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o to_o count_v those_o their_o great_a enemy_n who_o have_v so_o much_o courage_n and_o kindness_n as_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o they_o and_o to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o all_o the_o wise_a counsel_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o most_o gentle_a and_o prudent_a admonition_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_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
from_o the_o error_n of_o thy_o way_n be_v well_o save_v thyself_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v when_o happiness_n present_v itself_o to_o thou_o do_v not_o turn_v it_o off_o and_o bid_v it_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n perhaps_o thou_o may_v never_o be_v so_o fair_o offer_v again_o perhaps_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n may_v not_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n nay_o perhaps_o to_o thou_o to_o morrow_n may_v never_o come_v but_o if_o we_o be_v sure_o that_o happiness_n will_v come_v again_o yet_o why_o shall_v we_o put_v it_o off_o do_v any_o man_n know_v how_o to_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a to_o day_n and_o can_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o tarry_v till_o to_o morrow_n now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o patience_n give_v every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 25_o the_o 1675_o 6._o 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 whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n true_o to_o understand_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o whether_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v his_o child_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o will_v but_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o for_o the_o text_n give_v we_o a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v it_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 whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o lay_v man_n open_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o represent_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n serious_a consideration_n to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v brief_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o attend_v steadfast_o to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o i_o think_v that_o no_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o attention_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v particular_o design_v against_o the_o impious_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o as_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o spring_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o glitter_a pretence_n they_o do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o impious_a and_o vicious_a practice_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n as_o st._n judas_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o that_o st._n john_n particular_o aim_v at_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a and_o plain_a allusion_n throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o those_o name_n and_o title_n which_o this_o sect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o vers_fw-la 9_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o which_o passage_n and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n do_v plain_o refer_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o this_o sect_n to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v these_o glorious_a pretence_n by_o the_o impiety_n of_o their_o life_n and_o particular_o by_o their_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n to_o their_o fellow-christians_a for_o as_o the_o ancient_a father_n tell_v we_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v not_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o apostle_n intimate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o they_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o renounce_v christianity_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o to_o join_v with_o the_o heathen_a in_o persecute_v the_o christian_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n so_o often_o tax_v they_o for_o hatred_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o call_v they_o murderer_n now_o to_o show_v the_o inconsistence_n of_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n use_v many_o argument_n among_o which_o he_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o which_o title_n christian_n be_v common_o know_v than_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n vers_fw-la 6._o of_o this_o chap._n whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o whatever_o knowledge_n they_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o vers_fw-la 7_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o vers_fw-la 8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v wickedness_n be_v a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o one_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a righteousness_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n 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 etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v mean_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o call_v person_n or_o thing_n which_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_o endue_v with_o that_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v abraham_n child_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o in_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n imitate_v god_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o addict_v themselves_o to_o sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v count_v of_o another_o race_n and_o descent_n they_o resemble_v the_o devil_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o head_n of_o that_o faction_n by_o righteousness_n be_v here_o mean_v universal_a goodness_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n by_o be_v manifest_a be_v mean_v that_o hereby_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v real_o distinguish_v so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v examine_v his_o condition_n by_o this_o mark_n may_v know_v of_o which_o number_n he_o be_v and_o to_o what_o party_n he_o belong_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a argument_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a character_n and_o mark_v of_o distinction_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_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 whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o by_o this_o mark_n every_o man_n may_v with_o due_a care_n and_o diligence_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o spiritual_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
unpardonable_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o can_v he_o have_v express_v the_o matter_n in_o high_a full_a word_n dr._n hammond_n mollify_v the_o word_n another_o way_n that_o this_o sin_n shall_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n because_o he_o plain_o intend_v to_o difference_n this_o from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_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 according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n our_o saviour_n must_v mean_v that_o all_o other_o sin_n will_v be_v forgive_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v not_o true_a for_o there_o be_v many_o other_o sin_n beside_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n there_o be_v wilful_a and_o heinous_a sin_n such_o as_o wilful_a murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o like_a gross_a sin_n which_o all_o divine_n hold_v shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n so_o that_o this_o interpretation_n do_v not_o sufficient_o difference_n this_o sin_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o do_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o these_o word_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v understand_v absolute_o that_o the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n shall_v never_o have_v it_o forgive_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v so_o harsh_a when_o we_o have_v consider_v in_o the_o iu_o four_o place_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v above_o all_o other_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o by_o this_o sin_n man_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n what_o can_v god_n be_v imagine_v to_o do_v more_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n or_o message_n that_o come_v from_o he_o than_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v man_n have_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v such_o evidence_n what_o can_v god_n do_v more_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n if_o when_o man_n see_v plain_a miracle_n wrought_v they_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o do_v they_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o when_o man_n see_v the_o devil_n cast_v out_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n conspire_v against_o himself_o this_o be_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o convince_v such_o perverse_a person_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o such_o person_n must_v continue_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v out_o and_o prevent_v all_o remedy_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o perverse_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o truth_n must_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n unavoidable_o continue_v in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v do_v for_o his_o conviction_n more_o than_o be_v already_o do_v if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o person_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n to_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o great_a testimony_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o miracle_n and_o if_o when_o god_n enable_v that_o person_n to_o work_v these_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o man_n will_v obstinate_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o defeat_v all_o the_o imaginable_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o conviction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o that_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a which_o resist_v the_o last_o and_o utmost_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v fit_a to_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o the_o way_n to_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n to_o such_o a_o one_o he_o do_v by_o this_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n render_v himself_o incapable_a of_o be_v satisfy_v and_o convince_v concern_v any_o divine_a revelation_n second_o because_o this_o sin_n be_v of_o that_o high_a nature_n that_o god_n be_v therefore_o just_o provoke_v to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a resolve_v so_o to_o do_v without_o which_o grace_n they_o will_v continue_v impenitent_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o will_v can_v work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v and_o repent_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o mean_v that_o when_o person_n be_v come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n god_n will_v as_o just_o he_o may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o his_o spirit_n will_v not_o strive_v with_o they_o to_o overcome_v their_o obstinacy_n but_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a and_o malicious_a mind_n which_o will_v still_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o further_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o final_o sink_v they_o in_o perdition_n so_o that_o be_v desert_v by_o god_n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o necessary_a help_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n just_o withdraw_v from_o they_o continue_v final_o impenitent_a they_o become_v incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o this_o to_o those_o who_o grant_v as_o i_o think_v all_o man_n do_v that_o god_n may_v be_v so_o provoke_v by_o man_n as_o just_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n and_o sure_o if_o any_o provocation_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a obstinate_o and_o malicious_o to_o oppose_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v here_o charge_v with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o inquire_v into_o from_o these_o word_n namely_o the_o difference_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v so_o namely_o because_o man_n by_o this_o sin_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n and_o because_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o provocation_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n god_n may_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o withdraw_v that_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n without_o which_o their_o sin_n remain_v for_o ever_o unpardonable_a all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v to_o these_o two_o purpose_n first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n second_o to_o caution_n other_o against_o the_o approach_n to_o it_o 1._o first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_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