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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n great_a know_v speak_v 4,061 5 4.0748 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62629 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions By John Tillotson, D.D. Dean of Canterbury, preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincolns-Inn, and one of His Majesties chaplains in ordinary. The second volume. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1678 (1678) Wing T1260BA; ESTC R222222 128,450 338

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seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o transgression_n so_o iniquity_n shall_v not_o he_o your_o ruin_n a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n matth_n xii_o 31_o 32._o wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o pharisee_n against_o that_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o particular_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n which_o work_v of_o he_o though_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o obstinate_o and_o malicious_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o declare_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n which_o he_o call_v blaspheme_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n above_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unpardonable_a wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n for_o the_o explain_n of_o these_o word_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o unpardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o will_v inquire_v into_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n second_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v consist_v three_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v peculiar_o unpardonable_a and_o four_o upon_o what_o account_n it_o be_v so_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o enquiry_n be_v because_o the_o text_n plain_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o it_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o discern_v where_o it_o lie_v for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o blasphemy_n of_o the_o pharisee_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o speak_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o to_o say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o it_o be_v a_o blaspheme_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o power_n he_o wrought_v these_o miracle_n yet_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o blaspheme_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n nor_o do_v come_v from_o god_n but_o be_v a_o magician_n and_o impostor_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o difficulty_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v as_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v do_v that_o by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v any_o man_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o particular_o design_v by_o it_o that_o seem_v very_o hard_a when_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o gospel_n call_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o especial_o when_o st._n luke_n recite_v these_o word_n do_v immediate_o before_o give_v he_o this_o very_a title_n to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n luke_n 12.8_o 9_o 10_o also_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n also_o confess_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n shall_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o it_o follow_v and_o whosoever_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o so_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o very_a same_o person_n that_o have_v this_o title_n give_v he_o in_o the_o forego_n word_n viz._n our_o bless_a saviour_n so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o by_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v here_o mean_v speak_v against_o christ_n and_o by_o speak_v against_o he_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v all_o those_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n which_o they_o cast_v upon_o our_o saviour_n person_n without_o reflect_v upon_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o he_o testify_v by_o his_o miracle_n as_o their_o reproach_v he_o with_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n with_o the_o place_n of_o it_o as_o they_o suppose_v out_o of_o galilee_n arise_v no_o prophet_n their_o reflect_v upon_o his_o life_n say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n with_o many_o other_o calumny_n which_o they_o malicious_o cast_v upon_o he_o but_o by_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v their_o blaspheme_n and_o reproach_v that_o divine_a power_n whereby_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n which_o though_o it_o do_v at_o last_o likewise_o reflect_v upon_o our_o saviour_n person_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o immediate_a reflection_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o blaspheme_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o way_n of_o distinction_n or_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o calumny_n which_o they_o use_v against_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v proper_a blasphemy_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o person_n but_o not_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o as_o this_o be_v this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v we_o in_o the_o ii_o second_o place_n inquire_v wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v consist_v and_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o our_o saviour_n description_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n have_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o mistake_v it_o some_o have_v make_v it_o to_o be_v final_a impenitency_n because_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o why_o that_o rather_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v bad_a shall_v be_v call_v a_o blaspheme_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n other_o have_v place_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o a_o wilful_a and_o malicious_a opposition_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o include_v in_o the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o or_o a_o concomitant_a of_o it_o yet_o be_v there_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o it_o other_o will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o man_n know_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n indeed_o if_o ever_o any_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o other_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o a_o renounce_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v which_o make_v francis_n spira_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n but_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o of_o these_o be_v the_o sin_n our_o saviour_n here_o describe_v as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v plain_o to_o show_v by_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v of_o it_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v this_o sin_n and_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o it_o at_o the_o 22_o ver_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o saviour_n one_o possess_v with_o a_o devil_n blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o he_o heal_v he_o upon_o this_o the_o people_n be_v amaze_v and_o say_v be_v not_o this_o the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o pharisee_n hear_v this_o with_o great_a bitterness_n and_o contempt_n say_v this_o fellow_n do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n upon_o on_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o
person_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o melancholy_n than_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o trouble_n some_o think_v that_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o conviction_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v aknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o a_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n other_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o those_o they_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v general_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o melancholy_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o black_a thought_n be_v no_o way_n consent_v to_o they_o but_o they_o rise_v in_o their_o mind_n perfect_o against_o their_o will_n and_o without_o any_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n that_o i_o hope_v yea_o and_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o no_o more_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o the_o wild_a and_o idle_a rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o fever_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a disease_n shall_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o these_o person_n have_v reason_n enough_o for_o comfort_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v their_o present_a distemper_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o degree_n and_o approach_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o unpardonable_a than_o all_o approach_n to_o it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a such_o as_o be_v profane_a scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n abuse_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perverse_a infidelity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o credible_a history_n though_o we_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a malicious_a oppose_a of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o he_o that_o oppose_v the_o truth_n have_v no_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v furious_o and_o heady_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o these_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o any_o that_o can_v easy_o be_v instance_a in_o and_o though_o god_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n have_v not_o declare_v they_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o be_v great_a provocation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v long_o continue_v in_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v ready_a then_o to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propound_v to_o thou_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v in_o other_o matter_n where_o thou_o have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o interest_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o thy_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v secret_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v we_o many_o time_n gentle_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o after_o many_o repulse_n will_v at_o last_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n into_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n a_o sermon_n of_o charity_n and_o alm_n act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a when_o almighty_a god_n design_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o pattern_n after_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o have_v likewise_o set_v before_o we_o a_o live_a pattern_n and_o a_o familiar_a example_n to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o go_v before_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n such_o be_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o man_n that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v only_o give_v we_o a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o have_v send_v a_o great_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o declare_v and_o interpret_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o fulfil_v that_o law_n himself_o the_o observation_n whereof_o he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o bare_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o very_a dead_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o live_a example_n which_o show_v we_o the_o possibility_n and_o practicableness_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o religion_n indeed_o do_v always_o consist_v in_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o resemblance_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v but_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o now_o with_o much_o great_a ease_n and_o advantage_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o how_o man_n may_v become_v like_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v so_o long_o and_o familiar_o with_o mankind_n that_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n he_o may_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o all_o that_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o nothing_o like_a the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o in_o be_v and_o do_v good_a so_o be_v he_o in_o nothing_o a_o fit_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n than_o in_o that_o excellent_a character_n give_v of_o he_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o which_o word_n two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o our_o saviour_n great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o do_v good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o employ_v himself_o in_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n this_o refer_v more_o especial_o to_o his_o heal_v the_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n god_n anoint_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n intimate_v to_o we_o by_o this_o instance_n of_o his_o 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have_v travel_v a_o good_a while_n in_o foulways_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v troublesome_a to_o they_o to_o be_v dash_v and_o bespatter_v 4._o after_o this_o it_o be_v possible_a man_n may_v come_v to_o approve_v their_o vice_n for_o if_o man_n judgement_n do_v not_o command_v their_o will_n and_o restrain_v their_o lust_n it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o will_n will_v put_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n come_v to_o boast_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o glory_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o they_o be_v half_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v generous_a and_o commendable_a quality_n thus_o much_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o some_o man_n have_v get_v so_o perfect_a a_o habit_n of_o some_o sin_n as_o not_o to_o know_v and_o take_v notice_n many_o time_n when_o they_o commit_v they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o swear_v which_o some_o man_n have_v so_o 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we_o to_o a_o vigorous_a and_o speedy_a resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v engage_v too_o far_o already_o in_o a_o bad_a course_n and_o that_o every_o day_n our_o retreat_n will_v grow_v more_o dangerous_a and_o difficult_a that_o by_o our_o delay_n we_o make_v work_v for_o a_o sad_a and_o long_a repentance_n than_o that_o which_o we_o do_v now_o so_o studious_o decline_v let_v we_o consider_v likewise_o that_o our_o life_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o case_n that_o except_o we_o repent_v and_o turn_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o that_o the_o evil_a day_n may_v overtake_v we_o while_o we_o be_v deliberate_v whether_o we_o shall_v avoid_v it_o or_o not_o that_o vice_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v mortify_v by_o age_n that_o by_o every_o day_n continuance_n in_o it_o we_o increase_v the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o so_o much_o strength_n as_o we_o add_v to_o our_o disease_n we_o certain_o take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o this_o be_v a_o double_a weaken_n of_o 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can_v never_o afford_v to_o give_v thou_o one_o good_a day_n of_o my_o life_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v live_v with_o thou_o and_o enjoy_v thou_o for_o ever_o who_o can_v never_o endure_v to_o think_v upon_o thou_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o can_v never_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v my_o sin_n out_o of_o love_n to_o thou_o but_o now_o i_o repent_v of_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o thou_o i_o be_o conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o will_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o thy_o sake_n but_o yet_o i_o hope_v thy_o goodness_n be_v such_o that_o thou_o will_v forgive_v all_o the_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o my_o life_n and_o accept_v of_o this_o force_a submission_n which_o i_o now_o make_v to_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o do_v not_o at_o last_o frustrate_v and_o disappoint_v i_o in_o this_o design_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v of_o sin_v while_o i_o live_v and_o get_v to_o heaven_n when_o i_o die_v sure_o no_o man_n can_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v thus_o to_o god_n and_o 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he_o to_o but_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o man_n in_o other_o circumstance_n that_o be_v well_o and_o in_o health_n we_o dare_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n encourage_v they_o to_o venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o such_o a_o uncertainty_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o best_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a remedy_n especial_o when_o man_n have_v design_o contrive_v to_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o service_n of_o their_o best_a day_n and_o to_o put_v he_o off_o with_o a_o few_o unprofitable_a sigh_n and_o tear_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n i_o desire_v to_o have_v as_o large_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o any_o man_n but_o withal_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o of_o any_o one_o in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n that_o have_v any_o worthy_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n can_v imagine_v he_o to_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o forgive_v man_n upon_o the_o last_o word_n and_o intimation_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o fondness_n for_o offender_n as_o will_v reflect_v upon_o the_o prudence_n of_o any_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n upon_o earth_n god_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o die_v and_o that_o i_o may_v never_o be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o venture_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o excellent_a say_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n eccles_n 5.6_o 7.16.11_o 12.18.21_o 22_o say_v not_o
weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n which_o be_v so_o transparent_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v honest_o use_v it_o and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a odd_a understanding_n that_o can_v be_v cheat_v by_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v a_o casual_a and_o contingent_a argument_n and_o sometime_o it_o conclude_v right_a and_o often_o wrong_v and_o therefore_o no_o prudent_a man_n can_v be_v move_v by_o it_o except_o only_o in_o one_o case_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o determine_v he_o which_o sure_o can_v never_o happen_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v no_o man_n be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o as_o not_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n on_o both_o side_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o confidence_n and_o charity_n of_o both_o party_n together_o with_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o move_v a_o conscientious_a and_o a_o prudent_a man_n and_o if_o upon_o enquiry_n there_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o clear_a advantage_n on_o either_o side_n than_o this_o argument_n be_v needless_a and_o come_v too_o late_o because_o the_o work_n be_v already_o do_v without_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o we_o declare_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v ought_v to_o deter_v any_o man_n much_o more_o from_o that_o religion_n than_o the_o acknowledge_a possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o it_o aught_o to_o encourage_v any_o man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o never_o do_v any_o christian_a church_n build_v so_o much_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v save_v in_o it_o must_v be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o though_o purgatory_n be_v not_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n very_o well_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n of_o building_n for_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o ignis_fw-la purgatorius_fw-la of_o a_o fire_n to_o try_v their_o work_n what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n and_o i_o desire_v always_o to_o have_v it_o as_o to_o hope_n that_o a_o great_a many_o among_o they_o who_o live_v pious_o and_o have_v be_v almost_o inevitable_o detain_v in_o that_o church_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n and_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n will_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n find_v mercy_n with_o god_n and_o though_o their_o work_n suffer_v loss_n and_o be_v burn_v yet_o they_o themselves_o may_v escape_v as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n or_o apostatise_v from_o the_o truth_n i_o think_v their_o condition_n so_o far_o from_o be_v safe_a that_o there_o must_v be_v extraordinary_a favourable_a circumstance_n in_o their_o case_n to_o give_v a_o man_n hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o restless_a importunity_n and_o attempt_n of_o our_o adversary_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n have_v engage_v i_o to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n which_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o have_v employ_v in_o another_o way_n many_o of_o you_o can_v be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o have_v constant_o make_v it_o my_o business_n in_o this_o great_a presence_n and_o assembly_n to_o plead_v against_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v endeavour_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o serious_a practice_n of_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o do_v assure_v you_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o any_o party_n or_o denomination_n of_o christian_n whatsoever_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n provide_v we_o entertain_v nothing_o that_o be_v destructive_a of_o it_o together_o with_o a_o good_a life_n will_v certain_o save_v a_o man_n and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v have_v reasonable_a hope_n of_o salvation_n no_o not_o in_o a_o infallible_a church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v be_v according_a to_o my_o opportunity_n not_o a_o negligent_a observer_n of_o the_o genius_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o profession_n in_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o best_a constitute_v church_n this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a the_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v excellent_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n sober_o religious_a secure_v man_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n from_o the_o wild_a freak_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o on_o the_o other_o from_o the_o gross_a folly_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o church_n have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n above_o several_a profession_n that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o acknowledge_v a_o due_a and_o just_a subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a authority_n and_o have_v always_o be_v untainted_a in_o its_o loyalty_n and_o now_o shall_v every_o trifle_a consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o relinquish_v such_o a_o church_n there_o be_v no_o great_a disparagement_n to_o a_o man_n understanding_n no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o ungenerous_a mind_n than_o rash_o to_o change_v one_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o great_a concernment_n of_o all_o other_o and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o little_a argument_n no_o nor_o a_o great_a noise_n about_o infallibility_n nothing_o but_o very_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o shall_v sway_v a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n but_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a who_o make_v a_o change_n of_o such_o concernment_n upon_o the_o insinuation_n of_o one_o side_n only_o without_o ever_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o church_n they_o be_v baptize_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o before_o they_o leave_v it_o they_o that_o can_v yield_v thus_o easy_o to_o the_o impression_n of_o every_o one_o that_o have_v a_o design_n and_o interest_n to_o make_v proselyte_n may_v at_o this_o rate_n of_o discretion_n change_v their_o religion_n twice_o a_o day_n and_o instead_o of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n they_o may_v have_v a_o morning_n and_o a_o evening_n religion_n therefore_o for_o god_n sake_n and_o for_o our_o own_o soul_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o reputation_n let_v we_o consider_v and_o show_v ourselves_o man_n let_v we_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n let_v we_o not_o run_v ourselves_o into_o danger_n when_o we_o may_v be_v safe_a let_v we_o stick_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o article_n of_o our_o common_a belief_n and_o build_v upon_o they_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n i_o mean_v the_o virtue_n and_o action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v this_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o hay_n and_o stubble_n if_o we_o will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o cast_v about_o for_o a_o religion_n which_o may_v furnish_v we_o with_o easy_a and_o indirect_a way_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o he_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n in_o lent_n march_v 20_o the_o 1673·_a psal_n cxix_o 156_o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n contain_v the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n and_o
defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n this_o day_n this_o hour_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n as_o lot_z do_v out_o of_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n overtake_v we_o he_o that_o can_v promise_v himself_o the_o next_o moment_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o present_a opportunity_n while_o we_o be_v linger_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v therefore_o make_v haste_n sinner_n and_o escape_v for_o thy_o life_n lest_o evil_a overtake_v thou_o 6._o last_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o make_v this_o change_n god_n who_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n at_o first_o and_o after_o we_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o by_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v we_o if_o we_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o for_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o we_o may_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o we_o may_v have_v that_o assistance_n for_o ask_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n for_o that_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o god_n part_n to_o hinder_v this_o change_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o he_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o good_a resolution_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o most_o certain_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v plain_o as_o he_o say_v and_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o with_o any_o private_a reserve_n or_o nice_a distinction_n between_o his_o secret_a and_o reveal_v will_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o decree_v one_o thing_n and_o declare_v the_o contrary_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o that_o if_o a_o sinner_n entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o do_v but_o once_o move_v towards_o he_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o receive_v he_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o when_o he_o be_v return_v home_o and_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o what_o haste_n do_v his_o father_n make_v to_o meet_v he_o he_o see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n on_o god_n part_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o on_o we_o one_o will_v think_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o great_a offender_n as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o business_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o and_o will_v we_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o choice_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o have_v but_o patience_n to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v our_o thought_n and_o deliberation_n to_o some_o issue_n the_o conclusion_n must_v natural_o be_v the_o quit_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a course_n in_o which_o we_o have_v live_v for_o sin_n and_o consideration_n can_v not_o long_o dwell_v together_o do_v but_o man_n consider_v what_o sin_n be_v they_o will_v have_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o such_o strong_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o miserable_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o change_n be_v perfect_o make_v at_o once_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n and_o consequent_o be_v at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o far_o any_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o one_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o person_n be_v by_o a_o mighty_a conviction_n and_o resolution_n and_o by_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n almost_o perfect_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o once_o and_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o usual_a and_o settle_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n evil_a habit_n be_v master_v and_o subdue_v by_o degree_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o conflict_n and_o many_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rout_v they_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o 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and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
to_o which_o we_o ought_v all_o glad_o to_o yield_v and_o render_v up_o ourselves_o for_o great_a be_v truth_n and_o mighty_a above_o all_o thing_n she_o be_v faithful_a and_o impartial_a in_o her_o counsel_n and_o though_o she_o be_v not_o always_o welcome_a yet_o it_o be_v always_o wise_a to_o hearken_v to_o she_o for_o in_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n she_o let_v man_n know_v their_o condition_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o with_o she_o be_v no_o accept_n of_o person_n and_o in_o her_o judgement_n there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o excellent_a advice_n of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n 10._o make_v it_o no_o long_o a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a man_n but_o immediate_o set_v about_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o become_v such_o a_o one_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n in_o lent_n march_v 30_o the_o 1677._o luke_n xv._n 7_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n after_o many_o attempt_n make_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o man_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o despondence_n and_o at_o last_o quite_o to_o despair_v of_o do_v good_a upon_o they_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n and_o how_o long_o his_o spirit_n strive_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o we_o who_o be_v sinner_n ourselves_o think_v much_o to_o bear_v with_o sinner_n and_o patient_o to_o contend_v with_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a preacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o give_v over_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n nor_o despair_n of_o their_o recovery_n this_o methinks_v shall_v make_v we_o who_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n unwearied_a in_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o they_o have_v do_v several_a time_n before_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n he_o treat_v they_o very_o kind_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o they_o at_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v and_o murmur_v and_o this_o unreasonable_a murmur_a of_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o three_o parable_n in_o this_o chapter_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v at_o once_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o give_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n to_o the_o repentance_n of_o these_o great_a sinner_n he_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n by_o let_v they_o plain_o see_v that_o he_o be_v about_o the_o best_a work_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o the_o heavenly_a inhabitant_n instead_o of_o a_o severe_a reproof_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n he_o offer_v that_o calm_o to_o their_o consideration_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n to_o blame_v for_o this_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o he_o with_o sinner_n have_v no_o other_o design_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a company_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a physician_n and_o therefore_o his_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n lie_v among_o his_o patient_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o terrify_v these_o sinner_n who_o seem_v to_o come_v with_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o he_o gentle_o insinuate_v the_o most_o win_a argument_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n by_o show_v how_o ready_a god_n be_v after_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o repent_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v great_a joy_n to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o all_o that_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a host_n that_o attend_v upon_o he_o from_o which_o method_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o treat_v so_o great_a sinner_n so_o gentle_o i_o can_v but_o make_v this_o observation_n for_o my_o own_o use_n as_o well_o as_o for_o other_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o give_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v to_o repentance_n and_o though_o man_n have_v be_v never_o so_o bad_a yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o this_o one_o good_a quality_n leave_v in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v patient_a to_o be_v instruct_v and_o content_a to_o hear_v good_a counsel_n we_o shall_v use_v they_o kind_o and_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v they_o by_o the_o fair_a mean_n not_o so_o much_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o have_v be_v bad_a as_o encourage_v they_o to_o become_v better_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n utter_v three_o parable_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o lose_a sheep_n of_o find_v a_o lose_a piece_n of_o money_n of_o the_o return_n of_o a_o prodigal_a son_n to_o his_o father_n and_o though_o they_o all_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o scope_n and_o design_n yet_o our_o saviour_n use_v this_o variety_n not_o only_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o several_a capacity_n in_o a_o more_o acceptable_a manner_n one_o similitude_n happen_v to_o hit_v one_o person_n and_o another_o another_o but_o likewise_o to_o inculcate_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n the_o more_o upon_o his_o hearer_n and_o to_o fix_v it_o more_o deep_o in_o their_o mind_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v the_o moral_a or_o application_n of_o the_o first_o parable_n concern_v a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o hundred_o sheep_n and_o have_v lose_v one_o leave_v the_o ninety_o and_o nine_o to_o go_v to_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o have_v find_v it_o with_o great_a joy_n bring_v it_o home_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o joy_n god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o take_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o proper_a both_o to_o silence_v the_o uncharitable_a murmur_a of_o the_o pharisee_n against_o our_o saviour_n for_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o repent_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v at_o that_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o pleasure_n to_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n than_o this_o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a to_o receive_v the_o return_a sinner_n but_o that_o the_o news_n of_o his_o repentance_n be_v entertain_v in_o heaven_n with_o so_o much_o joy_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n add_v to_o their_o happiness_n this_o will_v be_v a_o new_a accession_n to_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o require_v a_o very_a careful_a explication_n 1._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 2._o who_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n 3._o with_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n there_o be_v something_o of_o difficulty_n in_o each_o of_o these_o which_o deserve_v our_o heedful_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n i._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o as_o indeed_o this_o whole_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o but_o as_o speak_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n so_o far_o as_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o happiness_n as_o it_o refer_v to_o god_n it_o seem_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o suppose_v he_o real_o capable_a
and_o the_o cause_n of_o sudden_a joy_n and_o transport_v another_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o goodness_n may_v in_o itself_o be_v more_o valuable_a and_o yet_o repentance_n after_o a_o great_a fall_n and_o long_a wander_n may_v be_v much_o more_o move_a and_o surprise_v for_o where_o thing_n be_v constant_a and_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n they_o be_v not_o apt_a in_o their_o nature_n to_o give_v any_o new_a and_o sudden_a occasion_n of_o joy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n where_o the_o father_n tell_v his_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o joyful_a reception_n and_o welcome_n of_o his_o prodigal_a brother_n that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o constant_a duty_n and_o obedience_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o acceptable_a and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o other_o son_n after_o he_o have_v give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o he_o and_o look_v upon_o his_o case_n as_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a surprise_n and_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o expectation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v merry_a and_o be_v glad_a for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v his_o elder_a son_n continuance_n in_o his_o duty_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v always_o have_v but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o prodigal_a son_n be_v the_o retrieve_v of_o what_o he_o have_v give_v up_o for_o lose_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n represent_v god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n do_v conceive_v such_o a_o joy_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o earthly_a parent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v upon_o the_o return_n of_o a_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a son_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o duty_n have_v thus_o as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v explain_v the_o several_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o deduce_v some_o inference_n from_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o first_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n here_o below_o because_o they_o be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o angel_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v what_o be_v more_o general_o say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n with_o what_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v now_o whether_o the_o angel_n come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n here_o below_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o in_o their_o continual_a intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bring_v to_o their_o fellow-servant_n in_o heaven_n the_o joyful_a news_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n upon_o earth_n or_o whether_o god_n be_v please_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n extreme_o welcome_a and_o delightful_a to_o good_a spirit_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a to_o inquire_v so_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v however_o it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o universal_a knowledge_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o affair_n as_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n and_o warrant_v to_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o yea_o or_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o no_o though_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o invocation_n for_o they_o may_v very_o well_o know_v some_o thing_n concern_v we_o wherein_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n be_v likewise_o concern_v and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o affair_n this_o one_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_o they_o know_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o no_o more_o and_o there_o be_v neither_o equal_a reason_n for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o our_o other_o concernment_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o revelation_n in_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2._o second_o if_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n so_o shall_v we_o too_o and_o not_o fret_v and_o murmur_v as_o the_o pharisee_n here_o do_v this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a man_n to_o regret_n and_o envy_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n delight_v in_o destroy_a soul_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o no_o doubt_n he_o be_v in_o great_a rage_n and_o gnash_v out_o of_o very_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n and_o the_o prey_n which_o he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o his_o jaw_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o bad_a man_n they_o do_v persecute_v those_o that_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o wicked_a way_n and_o refuse_v any_o further_a to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o this_o be_v no_o where_o more_o visible_a than_o among_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n how_o full_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n be_v they_o against_o those_o who_o out_o of_o pure_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n come_v over_o to_o we_o how_o do_v they_o persecute_v they_o with_o slander_n and_o reproach_n and_o with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o many_o time_n they_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o do_v they_o a_o real_a mischief_n even_o where_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o themselves_o to_o attempt_v it_o as_o if_o they_o envy_v they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o be_v save_v i_o know_v it_o be_v too_o natural_a to_o those_o of_o all_o communion_n to_o be_v eager_a and_o fierce_a against_o those_o that_o desert_n they_o and_o yet_o suppose_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n certain_o on_o their_o side_n which_o they_o can_v all_o have_v i_o see_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o temper_n and_o carriage_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o cast_v away_o my_o patience_n and_o my_o charity_n because_o another_o man_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o where_o among_o mankind_n to_o have_v observe_v a_o more_o implacable_a malice_n a_o more_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a ill-will_n than_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v constant_o express_v towards_o those_o that_o forsake_v they_o nay_o though_o they_o give_v never_o so_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a a_o account_n of_o their_o change_n and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o old_a friend_n with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o their_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o run_v so_o high_a that_o one_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o will_v soon_o forgive_v a_o man_n the_o great_a sin_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n than_o this_o one_o crime_n of_o leave_v their_o church_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a 3._o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v mighty_o inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o quicken_v our_o industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n for_o if_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o soul_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o good_a spirit_n what_o pain_n shall_v not_o we_o take_v in_o so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a a_o age_n as_o this_o of_o we_o where_o impenitent_a sinner_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o just_a be_v almost_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a decency_n of_o all_o his_o parable_n put_v the_o case_n very_o
unpardonable_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o can_v he_o have_v express_v the_o matter_n in_o high_a full_a word_n dr._n hammond_n mollify_v the_o word_n another_o way_n that_o this_o sin_n shall_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n because_o he_o plain_o intend_v to_o difference_n this_o from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n our_o saviour_n must_v mean_v that_o all_o other_o sin_n will_v be_v forgive_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v not_o true_a for_o there_o be_v many_o other_o sin_n beside_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n there_o be_v wilful_a and_o heinous_a sin_n such_o as_o wilful_a murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o like_a gross_a sin_n which_o all_o divine_n hold_v shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n so_o that_o this_o interpretation_n do_v not_o sufficient_o difference_n this_o sin_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o do_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o these_o word_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v understand_v absolute_o that_o the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n shall_v never_o have_v it_o forgive_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v so_o harsh_a when_o we_o have_v consider_v in_o the_o iu_o four_o place_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v above_o all_o other_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o by_o this_o sin_n man_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n what_o can_v god_n be_v imagine_v to_o do_v more_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n or_o message_n that_o come_v from_o he_o than_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v man_n have_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v such_o evidence_n what_o can_v god_n do_v more_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n if_o when_o man_n see_v plain_a miracle_n wrought_v they_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o do_v they_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o when_o man_n see_v the_o devil_n cast_v out_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n conspire_v against_o himself_o this_o be_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o convince_v such_o perverse_a person_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o such_o person_n must_v continue_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v out_o and_o prevent_v all_o remedy_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o perverse_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o truth_n must_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n unavoidable_o continue_v in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v do_v for_o his_o conviction_n more_o than_o be_v already_o do_v if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o person_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n to_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o great_a testimony_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o miracle_n and_o if_o when_o god_n enable_v that_o person_n to_o work_v these_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o man_n will_v obstinate_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o defeat_v all_o the_o imaginable_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o conviction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o that_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a which_o resist_v the_o last_o and_o utmost_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v fit_a to_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o the_o way_n to_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n to_o such_o a_o one_o he_o do_v by_o this_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n render_v himself_o incapable_a of_o be_v satisfy_v and_o convince_v concern_v any_o divine_a revelation_n second_o because_o this_o sin_n be_v of_o that_o high_a nature_n that_o god_n be_v therefore_o just_o provoke_v to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a resolve_v so_o to_o do_v without_o which_o grace_n they_o will_v continue_v impenitent_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o will_v can_v work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v and_o repent_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o mean_v that_o when_o person_n be_v come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n god_n will_v as_o just_o he_o may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o his_o spirit_n will_v not_o strive_v with_o they_o to_o overcome_v their_o obstinacy_n but_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a and_o malicious_a mind_n which_o will_v still_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o further_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o final_o sink_v they_o in_o perdition_n so_o that_o be_v desert_v by_o god_n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o necessary_a help_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n just_o withdraw_v from_o they_o continue_v final_o impenitent_a they_o become_v incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o this_o to_o those_o who_o grant_v as_o i_o think_v all_o man_n do_v that_o god_n may_v be_v so_o provoke_v by_o man_n as_o just_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n and_o sure_o if_o any_o provocation_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a obstinate_o and_o malicious_o to_o oppose_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v here_o charge_v with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o inquire_v into_o from_o these_o word_n namely_o the_o difference_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v so_o namely_o because_o man_n by_o this_o sin_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n and_o because_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o provocation_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n god_n may_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o withdraw_v that_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n without_o which_o their_o sin_n remain_v for_o ever_o unpardonable_a all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v to_o these_o two_o purpose_n first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n second_o to_o caution_n other_o against_o the_o approach_n to_o it_o 1._o first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a
the_o most_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a the_o most_o happy_a and_o glorious_a work_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o a_o large_a extent_n and_o of_o a_o universal_a influence_n and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o those_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o one_o another_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v pity_v that_o so_o good_a a_o thing_n shall_v be_v confine_v within_o narrow_a bound_n and_o limit_n it_o reach_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o to_o their_o body_n and_o be_v conversant_a in_o all_o those_o way_n and_o kind_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o promote_v his_o present_a and_o his_o future_a happiness_n what_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o we_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o aught_o to_o do_v i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n second_o the_o procure_n of_o their_o temporal_a good_a and_o contribute_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o present_a life_n 1._o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v their_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o good_a instruction_n and_o by_o good_a example_n first_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o under_o instruction_n i_o comprehend_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exciting_a they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o instruct_v their_o ignorance_n and_o remove_v their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o rectify_v their_o mistake_v by_o persuasion_n and_o by_o reproof_n and_o by_o make_v lasting_a provision_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o these_o ends._n by_o instruct_v man_n ignorance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n owe_v to_o another_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o care_n and_o charge_n our_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o near_a relation_n those_o over_o who_o we_o have_v a_o special_a authority_n and_o a_o more_o immediate_a influence_n this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v his_o great_a work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o public_a teach_n and_o by_o private_a conversation_n and_o by_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o common_a occurrence_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o every_o object_n that_o present_v itself_o to_o he_o to_o instil_v good_a counsel_n into_o man_n and_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o though_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n great_a employment_n and_o be_v they_o more_o particular_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o yet_o every_o man_n have_v private_a opportunity_n of_o instruct_v other_o by_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o by_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o help_v of_o knowledge_n such_o as_o be_v book_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n with_o which_o they_o that_o be_v rich_a may_v furnish_v those_o who_o be_v unable_a to_o provide_v they_o for_o themselves_o and_o then_o by_o removing_z mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o truth_n and_o rectify_v their_o mistake_v this_o our_o saviour_n find_v very_o difficult_a the_o generality_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v be_v strong_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n by_o false_a principle_n which_o they_o have_v take_v in_o by_o education_n and_o be_v train_v up_o to_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o he_o use_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o meekness_n in_o instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o and_o exercise_v abundance_n of_o patience_n in_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n and_o their_o dulness_n and_o flowness_n of_o capacity_n to_o receive_v the_o truth_n and_o this_o be_v great_a charity_n to_o consider_v the_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v root_v in_o education_n and_o which_o man_n be_v confirm_v in_o by_o the_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v their_o teacher_n and_o great_a allowance_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o man_n in_o this_o case_n and_o time_n to_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o to_o consider_v better_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o error_n think_v he_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o go_v violent_o to_o rend_v their_o opinion_n from_o they_o they_o will_v but_o hold_v they_o so_o much_o the_o fast_o but_o if_o we_o have_v patience_n to_o unrip_v they_o by_o degree_n they_o will_v at_o last_o fall_n in_o piece_n of_o themselves_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o way_n be_v open_a for_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n administer_v in_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a manner_n by_o encourage_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n of_o obey_v his_o law_n and_o the_o dreadful_a and_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o break_v of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v argument_n fit_a to_o work_v upon_o mankind_n because_o there_o be_v something_o within_o we_o that_o consent_v to_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o god_n law_n so_o that_o whenever_o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n how_o backward_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o a_o contrary_a course_n yet_o we_o have_v this_o certain_a advantage_n that_o we_o have_v their_o conscience_n and_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o mind_n on_o our_o side_n bearing_z witness_n that_o what_o we_o counsel_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v for_o their_o good_a and_o if_o need_v be_v we_o must_v add_v reproof_n to_o counsel_n this_o our_o saviour_n do_v with_o great_a freedom_n and_o sometime_o with_o sharpness_n and_o severity_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o but_o because_o of_o his_o great_a authority_n be_v a_o teacher_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n and_o of_o his_o intimate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o be_v not_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o discharge_v this_o duty_n which_o if_o any_o other_o require_v great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v good_a the_o only_a end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o it_o for_o many_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v reprove_v who_o yet_o every_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o reprove_v and_o in_o that_o case_n we_o must_v get_v it_o do_v by_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a and_o great_a regard_n must_v be_v have_v to_o the_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o do_v it_o so_o as_o it_o may_v most_o probable_o have_v its_o effect_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o way_n of_o instruction_n more_o and_o that_o be_v by_o make_v lasting_a provision_n for_o that_o purpose_n as_o by_o sound_v school_n of_o learning_n especial_o to_o teach_v the_o poor_a to_o read_v which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n by_o building_n of_o church_n and_o endow_v they_o by_o buy_v or_o give_v in_o impropriation_n or_o the_o like_a these_o be_v large_a and_o last_a way_n of_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o which_o will_v continue_v when_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abel_n that_o be_v dead_a he_o yet_o speak_v and_o this_o our_o saviour_n virtual_o do_v by_o appoint_v his_o apostle_n after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o order_v a_o constant_a succession_n of_o teacher_n in_o his_o church_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n together_o with_o a_o honourable_a maintenance_n for_o they_o this_o we_o can_v do_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o do_v who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o we_o may_v be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o design_n in_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v which_o i_o humble_o commend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o great_a estate_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o effect_v such_o great_a work_n of_o charity_n second_o another_o way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o good_a example_n and_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n for_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n have_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n will_v suffer_v for_o good_a example_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v a_o secret_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o those_o with_o who_o we_o
converse_v to_o form_v they_o into_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o live_a rule_n that_o teach_v man_n without_o trouble_n and_o let_v they_o see_v their_o fault_n without_o open_a reproof_n and_o upbraid_v beside_o that_o it_o add_v great_a weight_n to_o a_o man_n counsel_n and_o persuasion_n when_o we_o see_v that_o he_o advise_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o do_v nor_o exact_v any_o thing_n from_o other_o from_o which_o he_o himself_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v as_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o insignificant_a than_o good_a counsel_n from_o a_o bad_a man_n one_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v his_o own_o precept_n nor_o follow_v the_o advice_n which_o he_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o give_v to_o other_o these_o be_v the_o several_a way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n wherein_o we_o who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n aught_o in_o imitation_n of_o his_o example_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o several_a capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o noble_a charity_n and_o the_o great_a kindness_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a sense_n to_o give_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o set_v the_o prisoner_n at_o liberty_n to_o rescue_v man_n out_o of_o the_o sad_a slavery_n and_o captivity_n and_o to_o save_v soul_n from_o death_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o last_a and_o durable_a benefit_n because_o it_o be_v to_o do_v man_n good_a to_o all_o eternity_n 2._o the_o other_o way_n of_o be_v beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v by_o procure_v their_o temporal_a good_a and_o contribute_v to_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o present_a life_n and_o this_o in_o subordination_n to_o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o this_o world_n he_o go_v about_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n and_o rescue_v the_o body_n of_o man_n from_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o we_o can_v be_v beneficial_a to_o man_n in_o that_o miraculous_a manner_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v so_o in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n we_o may_v comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o vindicate_v the_o oppress_v and_o do_v a_o great_a many_o act_n of_o charity_n which_o our_o saviour_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o poverty_n can_v not_o do_v without_o a_o miracle_n we_o may_v supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o minister_v to_o they_o such_o comfort_n and_o remedy_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o we_o may_v take_v a_o child_n that_o be_v poor_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o advantage_n of_o education_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o without_o any_o great_a expense_n put_v he_o into_o a_o way_n wherein_o by_o his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n he_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o considerable_a fortune_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v able_a afterward_o to_o relieve_v hundred_o of_o other_o man_n glory_n in_o raise_v great_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n and_o find_v a_o secret_a pleasure_n to_o see_v set_v of_o their_o own_o plant_n to_o grow_v up_o and_o flourish_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a work_n to_o build_v up_o a_o man_n and_o to_o see_v a_o youth_n of_o our_o own_o plant_n from_o the_o small_a beginning_n and_o advantage_n we_o have_v give_v he_o to_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o considerable_a fortune_n to_o take_v root_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o shoot_v up_o to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o spread_v his_o branch_n so_o wide_o that_o we_o who_o first_o plant_v he_o may_v ourselves_o find_v comfort_n and_o shelter_v under_o his_o shadow_n we_o may_v many_o time_n with_o a_o small_a liberality_n shore_n up_o a_o family_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v and_o struggle_v under_o such_o necessity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o support_v itself_o and_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o great_a as_o sometime_o our_o estate_n be_v we_o may_v do_v great_a and_o public_a work_n of_o a_o general_a and_o last_a advantage_n and_o for_o which_o many_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v call_v we_o bless_v and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o low_a condition_n may_v do_v great_a good_a to_o other_o by_o their_o prayer_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o the_o intercession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o all_o good_a man_n be_v be_v not_o vain_a wish_n but_o many_o time_n effectual_a to_o procure_v that_o good_a for_o other_o which_o their_o own_o endeavour_n can_v never_o have_v effect_v and_o bring_v about_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v to_o do_v good_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n our_o saviour_n diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o this_o work_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o life_n he_o travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o to_o seek_v out_o opportunity_n of_o be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n and_o this_o will_v full_o appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n first_o how_o unwearied_a our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v in_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o his_o only_a business_n and_o spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o it_o he_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o give_v he_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o beseech_v he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o go_v himself_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o to_o seek_v out_o object_n to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n upon_o he_o go_v to_o those_o who_o can_v not_o and_o to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v write_v of_o he_o he_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v he_o be_v content_v to_o spend_v whole_a day_n in_o this_o work_n to_o live_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v almost_o perpetual_o oppress_v with_o company_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n be_v move_v at_o the_o rudeness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o press_v upon_o he_o he_o rebuke_v their_o impatience_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o do_v good_a make_v nothing_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v it_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o deny_v himself_o in_o the_o chief_a comfort_n and_o convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o he_o may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o he_o neglect_v the_o ordinary_a refreshment_n of_o nature_n his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o sleep_v that_o he_o may_v attend_v this_o work_n he_o be_v at_o every_o body_n be_v beck_n and_o disposal_n to_o do_v they_o good_a when_o he_o be_v do_v cure_n in_o one_o place_n he_o be_v send_v for_o to_o another_o and_o he_o either_o go_v or_o send_v heal_v to_o they_o and_o do_v by_o his_o word_n at_o a_o distance_n what_o he_o can_v not_o come_v in_o person_n to_o do_v nay_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o deny_v himself_o in_o one_o of_o the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n his_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n he_o be_v content_v to_o do_v good_a though_o he_o be_v ill_o think_v of_o and_o ill_o speak_v of_o for_o it_o he_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o he_o be_v account_v profane_a for_o so_o do_v he_o know_v how_o scandalous_a it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o decline_v so_o good_a a_o work_n for_o all_o the_o ill_a word_n they_o give_v he_o for_o it_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o malicious_a opposition_n and_o sinister_a construction_n that_o his_o good_a deed_n meet_v withal_o never_o do_v so_o much_o goodness_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o enmity_n endure_v so_o many_o affront_n and_o so_o much_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n this_o great_a benefactor_n of_o mankind_n be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o public_a enemy_n while_o he_o be_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o meek_a manner_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o stone_n he_o for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n go_v abroad_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n yet_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n they_o conspire_v against_o he_o and_o seek_v to_o
at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o