holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n
but_o a_o solid_a and_o expereienced_a truth_n and_o how_o shall_v this_o animate_v our_o endeavour_n and_o enliven_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a course_n that_o the_o better_a speed_n we_o make_v the_o less_o weary_a we_o shall_v be_v with_o our_o journey_n and_o that_o have_v past_o the_o first_o stage_n of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o loiter_v by_o the_o way_n we_o shall_v gather_v strength_n all_o along_o as_o we_o go_v and_o be_v less_o tire_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v by_o sit_v still_o the_o while_n every_o step_n will_v yield_v we_o a_o new_a refreshment_n as_o it_o bring_v we_o near_o the_o glorious_a end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o shorten_v the_o distance_n betwixt_o we_o and_o heaven_n 7._o last_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o better_a we_o grow_v the_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o die_v and_o the_o ripe_a for_o eternity_n every_o degree_n of_o grace_n will_v help_v to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o last_o agony_n when_o of_o all_o the_o hour_n we_o have_v to_o live_v we_o will_v choose_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o our_o future_a state_n and_o to_o have_v nothing_o upon_o our_o spirit_n that_o may_v occasion_v any_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o the_o live_v we_o have_v lead_v or_o any_o misgive_a thought_n of_o our_o approach_a eternity_n when_o our_o last_o and_o determine_a hour_n come_v we_o shall_v need_v all_o the_o succour_n which_o a_o strong_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o perefect_a patience_n a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n can_v afford_v we_o to_o vanquish_v the_o fear_n and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o pang_n and_o struggle_n of_o death_n to_o make_v our_o passage_n easy_a and_o our_o dissolution_n desirable_a we_o be_v general_o apt_a when_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o immortality_n to_o stand_v shiver_v at_o the_o amaze_a prospect_n of_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n before_o we_o be_v natural_o very_o loath_a to_o put_v off_o from_o this_o belove_a world_n and_o common_o very_o fearful_a of_o our_o land_n upon_o the_o next_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v perfect_o cure_v we_o of_o this_o fear_n but_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n i._n e._n our_o improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v entrust_v we_o with_o such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o will_v charm_v our_o natural_a fear_n disarm_v death_n of_o its_o terror_n and_o make_v we_o even_o glad_a to_o die_v and_o desirous_a to_o see_v that_o happy_a world_n we_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o the_o expectation_n of_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o give_v up_o our_o account_n if_o we_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o rejoice_v that_o our_o audit_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v be_v do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o god_n it_o will_v be_v a_o unexpressible_a comfort_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o sight_n 38.3_o isa_n 38.3_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v we_o imagine_v or_o choose_v for_o ourselves_o than_o to_o sail_v with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o full_a tide_n of_o joy_n into_o a_o bless_a eternity_n if_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o best_a man_n in_o this_o world_n will_v certain_o be_v the_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o since_o there_o be_v glory_n enough_o there_o to_o crown_v all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o improvement_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o aim_v at_o as_o great_a a_o share_n of_o it_o and_o to_o rise_v as_o high_a in_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v bestow_v our_o time_n better_o than_o in_o lay_v up_o all_o the_o treasure_n that_o we_o can_v in_o heaven_n where_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v safe_a and_o will_v be_v always_o in_o a_o thrive_a and_o grow_v state_n and_o where_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o after_o a_o few_o day_n improve_v into_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v these_o mighty_a reason_n to_o quicken_v our_o spiritual_a growth_n aspire_v every_o day_n to_o exceed_v ourselves_o and_o to_o mend_v our_o progress_n in_o religion_n they_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o infant-state_n of_o grace_n have_v many_o stage_n and_o degree_n to_o pass_v through_o before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o any_o great_a perfection_n and_o so_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v press_v on_o lest_o time_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v too_o hasty_a for_o they_o and_o not_o allow_v they_o space_n to_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o great_a strength_n and_o maturity_n as_o better_a fruit_n will_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o other_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a shame_n and_o prejudice_n to_o they_o to_o come_v behind_o themsleve_n and_o that_o their_o last_o work_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o their_o first_o when_o all_o be_v say_v to_o satisfy_v man_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o their_o spiritual_a state_n assure_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o growth_n and_o flourish_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o belove_v see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o of_o murder_v particular_o duel_v and_o self-murder_n matth._n 5.21_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v by_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o precept_n in_o the_o text_n be_v no_o modern_a say_n no_o positive_a command_n of_o christ_n but_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o stand_a rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v at_o first_o engrave_v in_o the_o deep_a character_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o creator_n the_o write_a law_n be_v only_o a_o transcript_n or_o copy_n of_o that_o original_a but_o even_o this_o as_o it_o be_v no_o less_o authentic_a be_v very_o ancient_a too_o you_o have_v hear_v say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o the_o ancient_n or_o to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v most_o natural_o render_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v that_o be_v this_o precept_n be_v deliver_v to_o their_o father_n at_o mount_n sinai_n under_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o after_o age_n by_o his_o priest_n and_o prophet_n but_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o thorough_o understand_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o jew_n apprehend_v themselves_o clear_a of_o this_o commandment_n if_o they_o do_v not_o kill_v and_o murder_n one_o another_o to_o rectify_v this_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n be_v about_o to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a and_o more_o perfect_a exposition_n of_o the_o law_n than_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o famous_a expositor_n of_o the_o age_n general_o do_v express_o tell_v they_o that_o causeless_a and_o reproachful_a anger_n be_v forbid_v under_o the_o great_a penalty_n of_o this_o commandment_n v._o 22._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o whoseover_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o counsel_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n fire_n viz._n because_o this_o quarrelsome_a and_o provoke_a passion_n of_o anger_n be_v as_o aristotle_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ordinary_a principle_n and_o cause_n of_o murder_n and_o therefore_o very_o sinful_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o our_o saviour_n improvement_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o law_n otherwise_o than_o the_o state_v of_o particular_a case_n may_v lead_v i_o to_o it_o
life_n to_o come_v god_n discharge_v the_o part_n of_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a creator_n as_o he_o will_v do_v that_o of_o a_o righteous_a judge_n by_o call_v every_o man_n to_o a_o account_n only_o for_o the_o talent_n he_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o that_o be_v more_o than_o this_o be_v mere_a grace_n and_o bounty_n to_o which_o we_o have_v no_o plea_n of_o right_n or_o equity_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o wrong_n do_v we_o if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o withhold_v it_o from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o presume_v be_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o if_o we_o right_o consider_v thing_n the_o case_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n may_v not_o perhaps_o appear_v so_o very_o hard_a and_o deplorable_a above_o other_o man_n as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o for_o certain_o the_o disobedient_a jew_n will_v have_v a_o great_a account_n to_o give_v than_o they_o as_o have_v sin_v against_o great_a light_n and_o a_o bad_a christian_a will_v have_v a_o much_o heavy_a charge_n against_o he_o than_o either_o of_o they_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n whereby_o man_n can_v be_v save_v but_o only_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o heathen_n shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o christ_n because_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o his_o die_v for_o sinner_n for_o this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v that_o all_o the_o pious_a jew_n that_o live_v before_o they_o shall_v know_v it_o who_o yet_o we_o doubt_v not_o be_v all_o save_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n however_o it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o judge_v the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n till_o god_n himself_o have_v do_v it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v judge_n both_o of_o we_o and_o they_o 2.16_o rom._n 2.16_o and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n i.e._n suitable_o to_o the_o mild_a and_o gracious_a temper_n of_o it_o and_o since_o the_o heathen_n be_v include_v in_o the_o first_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n make_v to_o all_o mankind_n in_o adam_n gen._n 3.15_o who_o knowsm_n but_o those_o of_o they_o that_o worship_v the_o one_o true_a god_n according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o he_o give_v they_o may_v be_v include_v also_o in_o the_o common_a salvation_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v this_o 2d_o obser_n that_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o some_o person_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n in_o the_o text_n tyre_n and_o sidon_n who_o have_v the_o character_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o heathen_a author_n of_o a_o very_a dissolute_a people_n if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v the_o preach_a and_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v see_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n will_v assure_o have_v yield_v to_o the_o natural_a impression_n of_o they_o and_o embrace_v the_o gospel-condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o and_o the_o same_o observation_n god_n himself_o make_v concern_v the_o temper_n of_o his_o own_o people_n and_o other_o nation_n in_o former_a age_n ezek._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o where_o we_o find_v when_o god_n give_v a_o charge_n to_o ezekiel_n and_o fent_fw-la he_o to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o house_n of_o isael_n he_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n that_o the_o same_o admonition_n will_v certain_o have_v prevail_v with_o some_o other_o people_n but_o he_o must_v not_o expect_v the_o like_a success_n among_o those_o he_o be_v go_v to_o for_o they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impiety_n and_o resolve_v to_o have_v their_o way_n though_o they_o can_v seo_fw-la nothing_o but_o destruction_n before_o they_o thou_o be_v not_o say_v god_n send_v unto_o a_o people_n of_o a_o strange_a speech_n and_o a_o hard_a language_n but_o to_o the_o house_n of_o isrrel_n not_o to_o many_o people_n who_o word_n thou_o can_v not_o understand_v sure_o have_v i_o send_v thou_o to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o thou_o for_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v impudent_a and_o hard-hearted_a now_o what_o be_v plain_o in_o these_o instance_n than_o that_o god_n do_v foresee_v that_o other_o nation_n will_v have_v take_v the_o warning_n and_o embrace_v the_o message_n which_o he_o send_v the_o jew_n in_o divers_a manner_n and_o age_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o at_o last_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o as_o scornful_o reject_v as_o they_o be_v kind_o offer_v and_o propound_v to_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v when_o the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o it_o run_v and_o be_v glorify_v among_o they_o while_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o oppose_v it_o and_o put_v all_o the_o disgrace_n and_o ignominy_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o hasten_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o gentile_a world_n the_o barrenness_n of_o the_o soil_v it_o be_v plant_v in_o through_o the_o wilful_a hardness_n and_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o plentiful_a harvest_n there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o other_o country_n occasion_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n to_o send_v the_o labourer_n abroad_o in_o expectation_n of_o better_a return_v for_o all_o his_o expense_n and_o kindness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a they_o shall_v sit_v still_o when_o they_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v and_o have_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n upon_o their_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n preach_v at_o antioch_n 46._o act._n 13.45_o 46._o and_o the_o jew_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v their_o doctrine_n while_o the_o gentile_n flock_v in_o great_a multitude_n to_o hear_v it_o the_o apostle_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o jew_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o speak_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o and_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o everlasting_a life_n lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o a_o happy_a turn_n it_o be_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o free_a and_o speedy_a passage_n into_o the_o world_n and_o wherever_o it_o come_v turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o he_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o the_o live_n god_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n st._n paul_n telll_v we_o that_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o diminish_n of_o they_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 11.12_o i.e._n the_o poor_a ignorant_a heathen_n that_o be_v hitherto_o destitute_a of_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o save_v knowledge_n be_v mighty_a gainer_n by_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o succeed_v immediate_o to_o the_o same_o rich_a and_o glorious_a privilege_n the_o same_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v forfeit_v but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o jew_n reject_v undeniable_o prove_v that_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v both_o profitable_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o several_a person_n and_o nation_n according_a as_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o use_v they_o but_o why_o do_v i_o insist_v on_o so_o plain_a a_o truth_n when_o every_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o ample_a and_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o grace_n may_v have_v such_o different_a success_n as_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o some_o whilst_o other_o be_v reform_v and_o convert_v by_o they_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v gain_v these_o two_o instruction_n 1._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o man_n by_o mean_n which_o they_o can_v resist_v nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n for_o resist_v the_o same_o kind_a and_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v have_v wrought_v repentance_n in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v be_v not_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n resist_v beside_o christ_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o
and_o our_o heart_n warm_v with_o fervent_a and_o divine_a affection_n to_o converse_v entire_o with_o he_o who_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o have_v free_a access_n to_o his_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n a_o freedom_n to_o ask_v all_o that_o we_o want_v and_o a_o promise_n to_o receive_v all_o that_o we_o ask_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o solemn_a praise_n of_o god_n the_o great_a employment_n of_o heaven_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a delight_n of_o eternity_n to_o hear_v his_o sacred_a oracle_n expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n unfold_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o explain_v the_o motive_n to_o it_o inforce_v the_o sin_n against_o it_o detect_v and_o remove_v and_o the_o concernment_n of_o all_o digest_v into_o plain_a lesson_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n how_o just_o may_v we_o expect_v the_o sweet_a illapse_n and_o cherish_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n when_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o these_o bless_a end_n and_o be_v engage_v in_o these_o holy_a exercise_n especial_o when_o to_o these_o we_o add_v the_o frequent_a receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o institution_n peculiar_o adapt_v to_o coufirmation_n and_o improvement_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o this_o solemnity_n we_o have_v the_o tender_a and_o most_o engage_v representation_n of_o infinite_a obligation_n which_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o sin_n which_o crucify_a he_o to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o become_v his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n beside_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o federal_n rite_n in_o which_o we_o solemn_o renew_v our_o former_a vow_n and_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o the_o sacred_a pledge_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o as_o well_o as_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o his_o service_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o when_o we_o be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o bind_v we_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o such_o a_o solemn_a vow_n and_o profession_n as_o this_o if_o the_o holy_a band_n of_o the_o covenant_n will_v not_o hold_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o do_v it_o now_o if_o we_o frequent_o engage_v in_o these_o duty_n and_o exercise_v the_o grace_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o this_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v turn_v to_o a_o mighty_a account_n every_o good_a act_n will_v strengthen_v the_o habit_n and_o invigorate_v the_o principle_n it_o flow_v from_o and_o we_o shall_v certain_o experience_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o promise_n psal_n 92.13_o 14._o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_n in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a 3._o private_a devotion_n be_v another_o help_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n our_o heart_n be_v of_o that_o temper_n in_o the_o best_a frame_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v in_o so_o sudden_o cool_v and_o so_o apt_a to_o return_v to_o their_o natural_a hardness_n that_o we_o can_v never_o thrive_v long_o in_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n without_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o since_o these_o depend_v upon_o our_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o the_o interval_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v general_o much_o long_a than_o those_o between_o our_o temptation_n it_o concern_v we_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o recruit_v ourselves_o by_o our_o private_a and_o serious_a application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o wear_v encourage_v by_o very_o gracious_a and_o engage_v promise_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o observe_v certain_a and_o state_v time_n of_o retire_v to_o our_o closet_n and_o pray_v to_o our_o father_n in_o secret_n and_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o interruption_n to_o make_v they_o up_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v either_o by_o fall_v into_o some_o pious_a discourse_n or_o by_o short_a petition_n and_o praise_n which_o the_o busy_a hour_n of_o our_o life_n can_v hardly_o unless_o we_o will_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o course_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v enumerate_v the_o breathe_v out_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o holy_a fervour_n and_o supplication_n when_o there_o be_v no_o eye_n or_o ear_n but_o he_o to_o regard_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a token_n of_o our_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v hear_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o want_v grace_n to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n beside_o it_o raise_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n it_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n it_o dispose_v we_o to_o do_v he_o more_o cheerful_a and_o faithful_a service_n it_o enlarge_v our_o capacity_n and_o widen_v our_o soul_n and_o fit_v we_o for_o full_a communication_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o cherish_v all_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o we_o 4._o to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n eye_n be_v continual_o upon_o we_o the_o reverence_n every_o good_a man_n have_v for_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n when_o it_o be_v awaken_v with_o a_o actual_a apprehension_n of_o his_o inspection_n over_o he_o must_v have_v a_o mighty_a power_n over_o his_o spirit_n and_o effectual_o excite_v he_o to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n he_o know_v to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o we_o see_v the_o force_n of_o this_o incentive_a in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o influence_n which_o a_o father_n eye_n or_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a man_n have_v upon_o the_o virtue_n and_o behaviour_n of_o his_o child_n or_o inferior_n the_o sight_n of_o such_o a_o witness_n of_o their_o action_n command_v their_o reverence_n and_o inflame_v their_o ambition_n to_o demean_v themselves_o suitable_o to_o the_o regard_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o presence_n they_o be_v in_o much_o more_o be_v our_o mind_n possess_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n all-discovering_a eye_n that_o he_o be_v wheresoever_o we_o be_v and_o observe_v whatsoever_o we_o do_v shall_v we_o find_v ourselves_o move_v to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o we_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o this_o desire_n will_v quicken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o our_o endeavour_n will_v improve_v our_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o a_o invisible_a object_n and_o especial_o of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v than_o in_o all_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o the_o clear_a sensible_a perception_n and_o this_o be_v apparent_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o perfection_n which_o god_n give_v to_o abraham_n gen._n 17.1_o walk_v before_o i_o and_o be_v thou_o perfect_a 5._o due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o especial_o of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v like_a to_o determine_v the_o main_a course_n of_o our_o life_n before_o we_o actual_o engage_v in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n have_v occasion_v many_o serious_a and_o hopeful_a person_n to_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n which_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o future_a caution_n have_v prove_v a_o mighty_a clog_n and_o hindrance_n to_o their_o progress_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n perhaps_o ever_o after_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o timely_a inspection_n into_o any_o state_n of_o life_n which_o fall_v under_o our_o choice_n may_v prevent_v a_o thousand_o snare_n into_o which_o we_o often_o betray_v ourselves_o by_o our_o rashness_n and_o folly_n we_o see_v many_o cast_n away_o at_o their_o first_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o carry_v more_o sail_n than_o ballast_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o visible_a than_o that_o right_a judgement_n at_o the_o first_o in_o choose_v our_o calling_n and_o contract_v our_o friendship_n and_o alliance_n conduce_v very_o much_o to_o secure_v our_o virtue_n and_o make_v our_o proficiency_n in_o it_o by_o many_o degree_n more_o easy_a and_o considerable_a 6._o it_o will_v likewise_o contribute_v to_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n to_o take_v a_o frequent_a view_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o observe_v and_o bewail_v our_o defect_n and_o fail_n we_o shall_v be_v strong_o
upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
sect_n in_o his_o childhood_n and_o live_v till_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a exact_o according_a to_o they_o as_o he_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n only_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a brood_n and_o issue_n of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n by_o superstition_n i_o mean_v a_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v or_o forbear_v those_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o lead_a error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v more_o duty_n and_o sin_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n have_v make_v their_o tradition_n which_o have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o father_n they_o esteem_v equal_a at_o least_o to_o the_o divine_a commandment_n nay_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o please_v he_o better_o in_o their_o own_o way_n than_o in_o his_o and_o reckon_v they_o advance_v themselves_o above_o other_o by_o what_o they_o do_v over_o and_o above_o their_o duty_n as_o much_o in_o his_o asthey_v do_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o hence_o conformity_n to_o their_o traditional_a rite_n be_v their_o measure_n of_o improvement_n and_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n paul_n character_n of_o himself_o gal._n 1.14_o i_o profit_v in_o the_o jew_n religion_n above_o many_o of_o my_o equal_n in_o my_o own_o nation_n be_v more_o exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n which_o word_n if_o we_o observe_v their_o connexion_n with_o those_o immediate_o before_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v in_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o beyond_o measure_n as_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o he_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o i.e._n his_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o his_o bitter_a and_o furious_a zeal_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o to_o be_v note_v because_o it_o show_v we_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o that_o sect_n that_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o bring_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o cross_n and_o first_o conspire_v the_o ruin_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o matter_n i_o will_v crave_v leave_n to_o propose_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o a_o affectation_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a my_o design_n be_v 1._o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 2._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o felve_n 1._o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v thus_o misguide_v and_o their_o spirit_n inflame_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n against_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n and_o from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o this_o of_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n our_o bless_a lord_n foreseeing_a what_o a_o zealous_a opposition_n his_o church_n and_o doctrine_n will_v assure_o meet_v withal_o after_o his_o decease_n take_v occasion_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o forewarn_a his_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o have_v often_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o must_v look_v for_o troulbe_n and_o persecution_n from_o men._n now_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n draw_v on_o to_o prevent_v the_o damp_n of_o a_o surprisal_n he_o describe_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o show_v they_o what_o hard_a measure_n they_o and_o their_o follower_n must_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n i.e._n excommunicate_a and_o curse_v you_o for_o heretic_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n john_n 16.2_o it_o seem_v to_o kill_v a_o disciple_n for_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n like_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v think_v by_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o perform_v a_o grateful_a service_n or_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o better_a way_n of_o please_v he_o than_o by_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o make_v it_o a_o oblation_n to_o he_o now_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o servig_a god_n and_o such_o as_o man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o if_o they_o have_v not_o deify_v something_o more_o than_o he_o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a god_n into_o a_o direful_a image_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n who_o they_o worship_n instead_o of_o he_o and_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o jew_n be_v primary_o intend_v in_o this_o prophecy_n so_o to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v unanswerable_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o that_o shelter_n themselves_o under_o the_o sacred_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v very_o deep_o concern_v in_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o prophecy_n the_o same_o religious_a zeal_n express_v by_o the_o same_o rage_n rancour_n and_o cruelty_n be_v very_o fresh_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v see_v upon_o they_o 2._o by_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o text._n the_o apostle_n confession_n be_v indeed_o a_o sinular_a thing_n but_o for_o the_o crime_n which_o he_o tax_v himself_o with_o he_o may_v as_o just_o have_v charge_v his_o nation_n with_o they_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n especial_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o it_o be_v strange_o leaven_v with_o this_o sour_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n for_o they_o know_v not_o his_o immense_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n to_o mankind_n nor_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n when_o he_o be_v among_o they_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o law_n but_o so_o they_o presume_v to_o call_v what_o ever_o they_o have_v make_v law_n by_o their_o gloss_n and_o tradition_n and_o direct_v it_o against_o those_o that_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o they_o and_o a_o very_a fierce_a and_o fatal_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o crucify_a the_o lord_n of_o life_n that_o throw_v the_o apostle_n into_o prison_n that_o clear_v the_o synagogue_n of_o they_o and_o their_o disciple_n that_o cramp_v and_o load_v they_o with_o chain_n and_o fetter_n and_o for_o a_o good_a work_n give_v forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o a_o zeal_n that_o suborn_v witness_n and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o man_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a a_o zeal_n that_o list_v man_n into_o conspiracy_n and_o bind_v they_o under_o a_o oath_n to_o kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n a_o outrageous_a zeal_n it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n exceed_o mad_a as_o one_o that_o have_v too_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o v._n 11_o of_o this_o chapter_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o d_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a good_a christian_n who_o roundly_o excommunicate_a all_o other_o church_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o
these_o advantage_n they_o be_v so_o little_a the_o better_a for_o that_o he_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o unparalleled_a infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n represent_v they_o as_o more_o obstinate_a than_o the_o very_a heathen_n about_o they_o more_o averse_a to_o their_o own_o hppiness_n than_o their_o neighbour_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o weak_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o to_o it_o these_o gentile_n have_v no_o prophet_n or_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v they_o no_o miracle_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n no_o promise_n of_o pardon_n or_o eternal_a life_n to_o encourage_v their_o repentance_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a disposition_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o will_v much_o soon_o have_v repent_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o mighty_a work_n than_o the_o galileant_fw-la that_o have_v all_o the_o proper_a mean_n to_o dispose_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o impenitent_a jew_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o threaten_v here_o denounce_v against_o they_o woe_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o have_v repent_v etc._n etc._n though_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n yet_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o interpreter_n about_o it_o viz_o whether_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o miracle_n upon_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n will_v have_v be_v the_o real_a conversion_n of_o those_o city_n or_o whether_o by_o their_o repent_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a external_n or_o counterfeit_n repentance_n that_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v in_o several_a respect_n the_o more_o natural_a sense_n as_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o then_o begin_v to_o upbraid_v the_o city_n where_o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o repent_v not_o i._n e._n true_o and_o hearty_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o current_a usage_n of_o the_o original_a word_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a importance_n of_o it_o beside_o this_o be_v the_o only_a repentance_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o and_o this_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v in_o all_o that_o right_o weigh_v and_o observe_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o want_n of_o any_o repentance_n it_o must_v be_v for_o want_n of_o this_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o he_o upbraid_v they_o with_o the_o repentance_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n his_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o true_a solemn_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n for_o where_o be_v otherwise_o the_o upbraid_v which_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o if_o the_o tyrian_n have_v continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o view_n of_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o will_v have_v do_v just_a as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o show_n of_o repent_v when_o they_o do_v not_o put_v sackcloth_n upon_o their_o loin_n and_o ash_n upon_o their_o head_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_o and_o their_o lust_n be_v as_o rampant_a as_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a christ_n will_v never_o have_v call_v this_o repentance_n which_o be_v all_o over_o hypocrisy_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v any_o reproach_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o hear_v that_o other_o nation_n have_v they_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n will_v have_v prove_v as_o wicked_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o no_o man_n think_v it_o any_o shame_n to_o he_o to_o be_v tell_v that_o other_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o bad_a and_o vicious_a as_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o to_o aggravate_v and_o upbraid_v but_o rather_o to_o stroke_n and_o extenuate_v his_o crime_n by_o show_v the_o commonness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o great_a aptitude_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o fall_v into_o they_o brief_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o man_n of_o galilee_n that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o those_o city_n to_o repent_v of_o their_o lewdness_n and_o idolatry_n and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 2._o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o very_a nation_n begin_v sudden_o after_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o visit_n st._n paul_n make_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n 5.27.3_o act_n 21.3_o 4_o 5.27.3_o shall_v we_o question_v now_o whether_o these_o be_v true_a penitent_n and_o disciple_n or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n own_o preach_v and_o miracle_n may_v not_o have_v wrought_v the_o same_o bless_a effect_n upon_o they_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v or_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v tender_v with_o the_o same_o advantage_n to_o they_o especial_o since_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n than_o which_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o more_o proper_a expression_n to_o signify_v at_o once_o a_o very_a solemn_a and_o serious_a repentance_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v we_o may_v observe_v one_a obser_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o other_o 2d_o obser_n that_o the_o same_o mean_n which_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o some_o man_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o if_o they_o have_v enjoy_v they_o 3d._a obser_n that_o the_o final_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o ministration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v more_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a than_o they_o that_o be_v never_o call_v to_o repentance_n by_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n 1._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o oother_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v 1._o clear_v it_o by_o some_o undeniable_a instance_n and_o 2._o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o equity_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o first_o that_o god_n afford_v better_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o some_o person_n and_o nation_n than_o to_o other_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o that_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o god_n begin_v to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o people_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o give_v they_o better_a mean_n to_o improve_v and_o secure_v his_o favour_n than_o the_o rest_n enjoy_v he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o mere_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o natural_a light_n as_o he_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o prophet_n by_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n he_o write_v down_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o special_a and_o ample_a promise_n when_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n at_o first_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o make_v a_o express_a covenant_n with_o he_o to_o distinguish_v his_o seed_n by_o spiritual_a blessing_n from_o all_o the_o kindred_n of_o the_o earth_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o he_o live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n worship_v the_o god_n which_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o fancy_n have_v make_v abraham_n have_v the_o privilege_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n afar_o off_o 18.19_o gen._n 18.19_o he_o be_v teach_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o teach_v his_o child_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o path_n to_o do_v justice_n and_o judgement_n that_o god_n may_v bring_v upon_o abraham_n the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o he_o and_o according_o he_o do_v so_o he_o give_v
to_o himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v be_v just_o he_o shall_v be_v miserable_a since_o he_o may_v and_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a for_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o free_a and_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o force_v we_o into_o happiness_n against_o our_o choice_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o create_v we_o at_o first_o in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a happiness_n nor_o do_v his_o justice_n require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_o gracious_a to_o all_o man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o same_o advantageous_a circumstance_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o eternal_a life_n his_o give_v better_a mean_n to_o one_o person_n than_o to_o another_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o he_o that_o have_v enough_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o same_o bless_a state_n all_o that_o become_v a_o faithful_a creator_n be_v that_o have_v give_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n he_o shall_v not_o deny_v we_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n without_o which_o though_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o utmost_a to_o please_v he_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o justify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o give_v every_o man_n sufficient_a power_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o will_v take_v a_o account_n of_o he_o for_o no_o more_o than_o he_o real_o give_v he_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o god_n afford_v every_o man_n sufficient_a power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n already_o suggest_v for_o it_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v plant_v a_o eternal_a desire_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o that_o this_o desire_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o frustrate_v this_o desire_n by_o his_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n i_o mean_v by_o deny_v any_o man_n that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o attainment_n of_o it_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v a_o infinite_a and_o undeserved_a unhappiness_n to_o he_o which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n but_o beside_o this_o god_n allow_v every_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o just_a and_o fair_a from_o he_o and_o so_o far_o make_v he_o judge_n in_o his_o own_o case_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v infinite_o clear_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o he_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o common_a notionsof_n man_n concern_v this_o equity_n of_o his_o action_n towards_o they_o and_o give_v they_o warning_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a judgement_n be_v very_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o 2.4_o isa_n 1.18_o jer._n 2.4_o say_v the_o lord_n what_o iniquity_n have_v your_o father_n find_v in_o i_o 18.25_o ezek._n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n whence_o i_o argue_v thus_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o fasten_v any_o thing_n upon_o god_n which_o evident_o contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o charge_v he_o with_o create_v man_n under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o be_v happy_a because_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o natural_a and_o bright_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o thrust_v man_n into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o gain_v a_o opportunity_n to_o inflict_v eternal_a torment_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o next_o and_o if_o this_o be_v fair_a and_o just_a deal_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v heave_v to_o call_v gruel_n and_o unjust_a the_o great_a evil_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o be_v that_o of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o the_o high_a injustice_n be_v to_o inflict_v the_o great_a evil_n upon_o mere_a pleasure_n or_o which_o resolve_v into_o it_o for_o not_o do_v something_o that_o be_v ever_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v and_o then_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o damn_v man_n at_o pleasure_n or_o for_o what_o they_o never_o have_v power_n to_o help_v be_v to_o charge_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n with_o transcendent_a cruelty_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o the_o high_a injustice_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o god_n honour_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v fall_v such_o a_o charge_n as_o this_o rather_o than_o own_o god_n to_o be_v so_o good_a and_o just_a as_o to_o allow_v every_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o do_v well_o and_o be_v happy_a which_o be_v a_o thought_n that_o sit_v easy_a upon_o the_o mind_n be_v every_o way_n square_a and_o suitable_a to_o its_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n whereas_o the_o contrary_a after_o all_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v a_o bold_a and_o staring_n contradiction_n to_o it_o after_o this_o what_o need_v i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v a_o paternal_a affection_n to_o all_o his_o offspring_n that_o he_o have_v give_v every_o man_n a_o law_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n to_o guide_v he_o to_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n that_o he_o show_v to_o every_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o do_v not_o expect_v impossibility_n from_o any_o that_o he_o give_v common_a grace_n to_o all_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o give_v nothing_o in_o vain_a whereas_o all_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o heathen_n and_o wicked_a christian_n will_v be_v utter_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o earnest_n of_o special_a and_o save_v grace_n suppose_v they_o to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o it_o which_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o 2._o god_n will_v take_v a_o account_n of_o man_n only_o for_o such_o mean_n of_o grace_n as_o he_o real_o give_v they_o in_o the_o ay_o of_o judgement_n no_o man_n shall_v answer_v for_o two_o talent_n that_o receive_v but_o one_o the_o heathen_n that_o have_v but_o the_o single_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o towards_o god_n and_o heaven_n shall_v not_o perish_v for_o not_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2.11_o 12._o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n i.e._n god_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o a_o just_a and_o equitable_a rule_n according_a to_o the_o mean_v that_o man_n have_v enjoy_v and_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o know_v and_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o not_o by_o any_o personal_a respect_n which_o too_o often_o warp_v and_o pervert_v the_o judgement_n of_o men._n and_o then_o the_o poor_a heathen_a that_o never_o have_v any_o write_v divine_a law_n to_o direct_v his_o action_n 16._o rom._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o be_v lead_v by_o nature_n to_o do_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n which_o nature_n teach_v he_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n that_o have_v far_o better_a mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o both_o these_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n will_v reckon_v with_o man_n at_o the_o last_o day_n only_o for_o their_o own_o measure_n of_o grace_n be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o he_o for_o so_o much_o as_o he_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o no_o more_o will_v he_o require_v at_o his_o hand_n and_o so_o do_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o can_v be_v injurious_a to_o any_o for_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v equal_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o exceed_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n he_o do_v not_o owe_v the_o world_n a_o redeemer_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o single_a prophet_n or_o messenger_n from_o heaven_n the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a sovereign_a grace_n and_o not_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o debt_n the_o nonpayment_n of_o which_o have_v be_v the_o breach_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o give_v man_n the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o obtain_v his_o favour_n in_o this_o and_o the_o
accept_v of_o a_o short_a repentance_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o when_o the_o gospel_n make_v they_o equal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o we_o undertake_v for_o they_o alike_o in_o our_o baptism_n i'faith_o indeed_o and_o repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o have_v solemn_o engage_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o our_o day_n as_o we_o expect_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n can_v justify_v our_o pretence_n to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o renew_n of_o those_o vow_n at_o our_o death_n which_o our_o life_n have_v be_v a_o continual_a violation_n of_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v 3._o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n can_v never_o be_v try_v and_o therefore_o to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v that_o repentance_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v some_o instance_n we_o hope_v there_o be_v of_o man_n that_o have_v make_v good_a the_o vow_n which_o they_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n but_o alas_o how_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v outlive_v their_o own_o fear_n of_o death_n have_v outlive_v the_o promise_v too_o which_o they_o make_v under_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n recover_v into_o a_o wickede_a life_n than_o ever_o their_o sorrow_n be_v but_o as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o their_o penitent_a tear_n as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o soon_o pass_v away_o and_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v upon_o this_o head_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o device_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o gospel_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o that_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o ruin_v the_o very_a design_n of_o its_o appear_v unto_o man_n to_o debauch_v the_o christian_a world_n and_o to_o make_v salvation_n cheap_a after_o the_o direful_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n than_o the_o vile_a lust_n that_o be_v practise_v in_o it_o and_o if_o this_o pass_n for_o gospel_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o to_o learn_v what_o powerful_a argument_n the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n who_o notwithstanding_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n do_v hardly_o seem_v to_o be_v half_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n to_o close_v entire_o with_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o the_o best_a we_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v that_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n live_v a_o noble_a life_n and_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a state_n than_o he_o that_o drill_v off_o his_o repentance_n and_o think_v it_o time_n enough_o to_o reform_v when_o he_o be_v die_v because_o he_o may_v be_v surprise_v by_o death_n which_o be_v a_o chance_n the_o other_o be_v provide_v against_o but_o sudden_a death_n happen_v so_o very_o seldom_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v so_o little_o understand_v that_o consider_v the_o guise_n of_o this_o world_n the_o hardness_n of_o a_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o violent_a and_o outrageous_a affection_n by_o which_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v hurry_v on_o to_o their_o several_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o insight_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o human_a action_n can_v promise_v any_o competent_a success_n if_o we_o have_v no_o better_a argument_n to_o urge_v than_o these_o and_o indeed_o when_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n be_v go_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v strike_v at_o by_o all_o the_o projector_n of_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n christianity_n must_v be_v a_o very_a precarious_a thing_n a_o matter_n of_o goodwill_n or_o at_o most_o of_o very_o ordinary_a prudence_n have_v lose_v its_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o gospel_n will_v secure_v i_o of_o heaven_n and_o excuse_v i_o for_o not_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n all_o my_o life-long_a it_o plain_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o i_o listen_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n my_o unhappy_a nature_n desire_v and_o while_o i_o find_v myself_o easy_a and_o believe_v myself_o safe_a in_o this_o way_n i_o must_v be_v under_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v recommend_v to_o i_o it_o be_v not_o argue_v that_o will_v reach_v i_o now_o it_o be_v not_o dry_a reason_n that_o will_v work_v upon_o i_o oh_o bless_a jesus_n how_o many_o way_n have_v man_n invent_v to_o shift_v off_o their_o obedience_n to_o thy_o commandment_n but_o how_o can_v i_o think_v that_o thou_o come_v to_o turn_v i_o from_o my_o sin_n if_o part_v sorrowful_o with_o they_o when_o i_o die_v be_v enough_o to_o bring_v i_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n but_o i_o fear_v you_o will_v hardly_o excuse_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o stay_v to_o answer_v a_o question_n or_o two_o in_o behalf_n of_o poor_a die_v penitent_n 1._o first_o then_o may_v not_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n dissolve_v the_o hard_a and_o most_o impenitent_a heart_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o a_o new_a frame_n whenever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o show_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n and_o who_o he_o sanctify_v will_v he_o not_o save_v these_o i_o grant_v be_v undeniable_a truth_n but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v or_o may_v have_v do_v in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o declare_v he_o will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o vary_v from_o this_o rule_n if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v sad_o evident_a that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v the_o most_o desperate_a adventure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v he_o have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v have_v not_o reason_n to_o presume_v upon_o it_o but_o 2._o do_v not_o the_o penitent_a thief_n go_v immediate_o from_o the_o cross_n into_o paradise_n true_o but_o do_v not_o judas_n also_o repent_v and_o restore_v the_o money_n he_o have_v take_v to_o betray_v his_o master_n and_o after_o that_o go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n be_v not_o judas_n a_o profess_a disciple_n and_o the_o crucify_a thief_n a_o stranger_n to_o the_o covevant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o of_o these_o do_v most_o resemble_v the_o case_n of_o delay_v penitent_n they_o be_v i_o grant_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o judas_n his_o sin_n but_o neither_o be_v they_o in_o condition_n of_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o confession_n as_o the_o penitent_a thief_n do_v when_o he_o see_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a case_n one_o of_o which_o may_v serve_v indeed_o to_o balance_v the_o other_o but_o then_o we_o can_v certain_o conclude_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a condition_n from_o either_o 3._o last_o if_o the_o state_n of_o die_v penitent_n be_v thus_o disconsolate_a what_o room_n be_v there_o to_o offer_v any_o advice_n or_o comfort_n to_o they_o i_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o limit_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n or_o to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o we_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a but_o break_v not_o thou_o into_o his_o secret_n he_o have_v probable_o more_o mercy_n in_o store_n than_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v the_o penitent_a thief_n have_v not_o exhaust_v the_o whole_a treasure_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o think_v that_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o good_a government_n of_o pious_a and_o merciful_a prince_n when_o they_o find_v reason_n to_o over-rule_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o own_o just_a and_o righteous_a law_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v some_o comfort_n that_o good_a man_n be_v general_o dispose_v to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o repentance_n at_o any_o time_n be_v signal_n and_o extraordinary_a and_o though_o all_o this_o do_v not_o mount_v to_o a_o sure_a ground_n of_o hope_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o to_o
any_o gratitude_n in_o we_o any_o ingenious_a sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a debt_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o will_v strong_o engage_v we_o to_o make_v the_o best_a return_v and_o acknowledgement_n we_o be_v able_a know_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o we_o be_v but_o vnprositable_a servant_n and_o then_o the_o danger_n of_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o our_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o of_o drive_v away_o his_o grieve_v spirit_n from_o we_o and_o so_o cloud_v and_o shorten_v our_o day_n of_o grace_n how_o shall_v this_o quicken_v our_o diligence_n and_o inflame_v our_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o acceptable_a manner_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v this_o 5._o the_o strong_a we_o grow_v in_o grace_n the_o better_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n without_o which_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o diligence_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v throw_v away_o a_o constant_a proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o best_a security_n against_o apostasy_n while_o we_o go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_v away_o all_o the_o danger_n be_v while_o we_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n and_o be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v we_o be_v continual_o get_v ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o the_o more_o we_o keep_v before_o they_o the_o less_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v surprise_v and_o overtake_v by_o they_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o our_o christian_a course_n so_o far_o as_o we_o advance_v towards_o the_o latter_a we_o leave_v the_o former_a behind_o we_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v at_o so_o much_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o apostasy_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o perseverance_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o get_v as_o forward_o in_o religion_n as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o rest_n in_o any_o mean_a attainment_n as_o if_o we_o think_v ourselves_o at_o any_o time_n good_a enough_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o crown_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v begin_v our_o race_n we_o know_v not_o what_o trial_n we_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o or_o what_o degree_n of_o fortitude_n and_o patience_n we_o shall_v need_v to_o support_v and_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o be_v well_o prepare_v before_o hand_n and_o it_o therefore_o become_v we_o to_o be_v constant_o train_n and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n and_o daily_o reinforcing_a our_o resolution_n to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o obstruct_v our_o passage_n to_o glory_n and_o happiness_n if_o we_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n we_o shall_v very_o hardly_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o fall_v away_o we_o shall_v loose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o former_a labour_n and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v far_o worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n i_o know_v there_o be_v those_o that_o take_v sanctuary_n at_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o fall_v from_o grace_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o will_v only_o remind_v those_o who_o be_v too_o flush_n and_o confident_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o may_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o that_o for_o this_o plain_a reason_n that_o many_o that_o have_v take_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n among_o those_o that_o be_v true_o so_o have_v at_o last_o yield_v to_o the_o charm_n of_o this_o tempt_v world_n and_o neglect_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n have_v outlive_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a estate_n and_o the_o fair_a opinion_n of_o the_o most_o candid_a and_o charitable_a person_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v be_v extreme_o cautious_a of_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o dash_v against_o the_o rock_n which_o many_o that_o have_v have_v the_o steerage_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o seem_v to_o set_v out_o with_o all_o advantage_n for_o heaven_n have_v fatal_o strike_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o that_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n as_o that_o of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o good_a man_n may_v grieve_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o resistance_n be_v a_o new_a provocation_n to_o he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o that_o the_o often_o he_o be_v repulse_v the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o his_o forsake_v those_o that_o withstand_v his_o bless_a motition_n and_o whether_o this_o may_v or_o may_v not_o proceed_v to_o a_o utter_a dereliction_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o be_v cautious_a of_o it_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a end_n of_o some_o very_a hopeful_a beginner_n who_o if_o once_o they_o be_v not_o real_o good_a be_v deceive_v in_o themselves_o nay_o be_v so_o extreme_o like_o those_o that_o be_v good_a that_o they_o deceive_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o a_o sensible_a and_o constant_a improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o piety_n to_o grow_v steadfast_a and_o vnmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v our_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 6._o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n will_v daily_o lessen_v and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o increase_v the_o far_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o god_n commandment_n appear_v harsh_a and_o grievous_a be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o use_v to_o obey_v it_o for_o use_v and_o diligence_n make_v any_o thing_n easy_a and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n delightful_a and_o hence_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o seldomer_n we_o do_v any_o good_a the_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o it_o again_o and_o the_o more_o faint_o we_o set_v about_o it_o the_o less_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o now_o let_v we_o but_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o take_v care_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o we_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v that_o we_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o please_v god_n and_o ourselves_o a_o good_a man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o do_v good_a and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o shall_v for_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o that_o deal_v in_o it_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o wiseman_n a_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o when_o he_o pray_v 14.14_o pro._n 14.14_o or_o meditate_v on_o heavenly_a thing_n with_o due_a attention_n and_o devotion_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o while_n and_o never_o enjoy_v himself_o more_o than_o when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n well_o which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o at_o last_o do_v it_o but_o with_o half_a a_o consent_n be_v fain_o to_o struggle_v with_o himself_o before_o he_o proceed_v so_o far_o and_o so_o lose_v all_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o give_v free_o and_o cheerful_o have_v no_o trouble_n in_o himself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v high_o please_v with_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o find_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o thus_o can_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a practice_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o gain_v this_o conclusion_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v easie_n and_o pleasant_n if_o it_o be_v but_o do_v as_o it_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o we_o improve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o discharge_v our_o duty_n the_o fast_o we_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o make_v our_o progress_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v no_o romantic_a fancy_n
ourselves_o and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a obligation_n to_o the_o full_a to_o be_v tender_a of_o our_o own_o life_n as_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v murder_n to_o kill_v our_o neighbour_n it_o must_v be_v at_o least_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n to_o kill_v ourselves_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o inhumanity_n and_o vice_n and_o transcend_v the_o most_o cruel_a and_o cry_v sin_n for_o 1._o to_o kill_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a murder_n that_o can_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o deep_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n be_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o mind_n teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v the_o destruction_n of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v to_o preserve_v our_o own_o life_n and_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o unnatural_a murder_n as_o the_o put_n of_o ourselves_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a union_n in_o the_o world_n so_o dear_a and_o intimate_v as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n nor_o any_o that_o have_v great_a interest_n depend_v upon_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o and_o the_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n than_o the_o wilful_a destruction_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o be_v most_o near_o concern_v to_o preserve_v and_o enjoy_v it_o 2._o it_o be_v of_o any_o sin_n the_o most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o save_a condition_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o remedy_n for_o all_o other_o sin_n but_o this_o self-murder_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o that_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o that_o desperate_a nature_n that_o it_o leave_v a_o man_n no_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o other_o sin_n and_o may_v live_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o but_o he_o that_o murder_v himself_o be_v fure_z to_o die_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o in_o the_o reek_n and_o gild_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n without_o allow_v himself_o time_n to_o ask_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o purge_v his_o conscience_n from_o so_o deep_a and_o indelible_a a_o stain_n as_o this_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o we_o can_v not_o he_o that_o destroy_v his_o own_o life_n can_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o gospel-covenant_n because_o he_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v repent_v of_o it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v have_v more_o mercy_n for_o sinner_n than_o he_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o which_o may_v be_v just_a enough_o to_o keep_v our_o hope_n alive_a at_o the_o death_n of_o such_o person_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a presumption_n in_o expectation_n of_o unrevealed_a grace_n to_o venture_v upon_o a_o sin_n which_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n that_o come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o little_a to_o secure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o these_o be_v great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o self-murder_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v for_o it_o will_v prove_v no_o better_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o a_o high_a discontent_n at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n no_o man_n offer_v to_o make_v away_o himself_o that_o think_v himself_o well_o in_o this_o world_n or_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v he_o as_o come_v from_o the_o just_a and_o overrule_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o for_o man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n in_o a_o pet_n and_o to_o grow_v so_o utter_o weary_a of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o live_v a_o few_o day_n long_a or_o wait_v for_o god_n permission_n to_o depart_v in_o peace_n be_v a_o very_a high_a reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o if_o he_o have_v thrust_v they_o into_o a_o world_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o live_v in_o as_o if_o hey_n know_v better_a when_o and_o how_o to_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n than_o he_o do_v as_o if_o god_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o their_o suffering_n or_o have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o discretion_n to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o discharge_v themselves_o from_o his_o service_n when_o they_o please_v or_o have_v not_o provide_v a_o better_a world_n to_o requite_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a recompense_n for_o their_o patience_n under_o the_o heavy_a affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n this_o be_v so_o false_a and_o insolent_a a_o charge_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best-designed_n action_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o can_v excuse_v so_o bloody_a and_o unnatural_a a_o one_o as_o self-murder_n be_v i_o shall_v close_v all_o with_o a_o caution_n or_o two_o concern_v this_o desperate_a &_o unnatural_a sin_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o that_o have_v travel_v into_o foreign_a country_n that_o self-murder_n be_v far_o more_o common_a in_o this_o than_o in_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n about_o we_o 1._o first_o then_o let_v we_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v occasion_v many_o and_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o fling_v away_o themselves_o into_o the_o dreadful_a abyss_n of_o eternity_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o i_o know_v of_o from_o the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v no_o goodwill_n to_o any_o particular_a man_n from_o eternity_n and_o much_o less_o to_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o destruction_n with_o the_o iron_n chain_n of_o a_o irrespective_a decree_n or_o that_o christ_n die_v to_o save_v but_o very_o few_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o methinks_v the_o effect_n which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a doctrine_n have_v have_v upon_o poor_a melancholy_a soul_n shall_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o recom_v they_o to_o any_o serious_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o narrow_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v or_o lay_v the_o damnation_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o thing_n but_o their_o own_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o repentance_n 2._o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a of_o all_o the_o method_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o sin_n such_o as_o pierce_v our_o heart_n with_o worldly_a care_n poison_v our_o health_n and_o surfeit_v our_o body_n with_o excess_n and_o die_v the_o martyr_n of_o intemperance_n or_o lust_n how_o many_o owe_v their_o death_n to_o the_o revel_n of_o a_o night_n drink_v away_o their_o reason_n and_o drown_v themselves_o in_o river_n of_o wine_n game_n high_a and_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o money_n or_o engage_v their_o estate_n or_o honour_n sell_v their_o life_n to_o redeem_v they_o these_o man_n do_v as_o certain_o kill_v themselves_o and_o very_o often_o as_o sudden_o too_o as_o he_o that_o strangle_v himself_o or_o sheath_n the_o fatal_a poniard_n in_o his_o sob_a and_z despairin_fw-mi breast_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n dyes._n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o life_n he_o have_v lead_v or_o of_o the_o everlasting_a state_n he_o be_v launch_v into_o that_o man_n that_o be_v not_o fond_a of_o destruction_n and_o in_o love_n wih_o misery_n will_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o soul_n upon_o such_o hazard_n as_o these_o be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n than_o this_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v not_o be_v prodigal_a of_o it_o but_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o at_o one_o cast_v or_o to_o stake_v it_o against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o debauch_n when_o all_o eternity_n depend_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o astonish_a instance_n of_o the_o madness_n of_o folly_n oh_o that_o mean_v be_v wise_a 32.9_o deut._n 32.9_o that_o they_o understand_v this_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n that_o in_o kindness_n to_o their_o soul_n which_o must_v live_v forever_o they_o will_v frequent_o entertain_v themselves_o with_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o not_o suffer_v their_o lust_n and_o