and_o call_v to_o repentance_n that_o where_o sin_n have_v abound_v grave_a shall_v much_o more_o abound_v five_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v let_v he_o consider_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o and_o thereupon_o return_v we_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n which_o put_v sinner_n on_o forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n be_v a_o sensible_a apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o be_v have_v there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n without_o it_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o repent_v and_o return_v if_o there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n with_o god_n six_o beside_o the_o general_n encouragement_n of_o find_v mercy_n with_o god_n here_o be_v the_o special_a kind_n of_o mercy_n which_o the_o sinner_n needs_o and_o that_o be_v pardon_n i_o may_v here_o observe_v that_o pardon_v mercy_n to_o return_v sinner_n be_v mercy_n indeed_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o suitable_a and_o most_o welcome_a seven_o that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o show_v mercy_n to_o return_v sinner_n but_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v they_o he_o will_v multiply_v pardon_n i._n first_o that_o if_o ever_o sinner_n find_v mercy_n with_o god_n they_o must_v forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o any_o man_n life_n be_v very_o fit_o call_v his_o way_n that_o which_o be_v his_o ordinary_a practice_n his_o daily_a walk_n according_o we_o read_v of_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o the_o path_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o way_n of_o evil_a man_n this_o be_v often_o call_v our_o own_o way_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v call_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o god_n way_n because_o he_o direct_v and_o approve_v it_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o reward_v we_o for_o so_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a their_o course_n and_o way_n be_v different_a a_o good_a man_n may_v make_v a_o false_a step_n he_o may_v stumble_v or_o step_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o a_o particular_a instance_n but_o he_o do_v not_o work_v iniquity_n do_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a his_o course_n and_o conversation_n for_o the_o main_a of_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v not_o for_o one_o or_o two_o particular_a action_n good_a or_o bad_a that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o be_v denominate_v a_o good_a or_o wicked_a man_n but_o from_o his_o ordinary_a course_n of_o life_n if_o that_o be_v wicked_a he_o must_v forsake_v it_o or_o never_o find_v mercy_n with_o god_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v hearty_o and_o unfeigned_o speedy_o and_o without_o delay_n impartial_o and_o universal_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o persevere_v and_o never_o again_o return_v to_o folly_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o converse_n with_o god_n nor_o communion_n with_o he_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n then_o come_v and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o isa_n i._o 16_o 17._o till_o this_o be_v resolve_v upon_o and_o begin_v you_o be_v impenitent_a and_o so_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o certain_o god_n will_v lnto_o dishonour_v his_o perfection_n contradict_v his_o word_n and_o prostitute_v his_o grace_n to_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a while_o they_o continue_v such_o without_o desire_v resolve_v and_o endeavour_v to_o forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n wherever_o christ_n be_v a_o saviour_n to_o give_v remission_n of_o sin_n he_o do_v also_o give_v they_o repentance_n act_v v._o 31._o ii_o second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o one_o who_o expect_v to_o find_v mercy_n with_o god_n to_o reform_v his_o practice_n and_o forsake_v his_o evil_a way_n but_o he_o must_v be_v inward_o sanctify_v his_o heat_n renew_v his_o very_a thought_n change_v let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n etc._n etc._n his_o thought_n especial_o his_o false_a unjust_a unrighteous_a thought_n of_o god_n whereof_o sinner_n have_v very_o many_o here_o the_o change_n must_v be_v because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o principal_a seat_n of_o sin_n or_o grace_n of_o sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v in_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o sanctification_n or_o carnality_n do_v principal_o discover_v itself_o till_o the_o fountain_n be_v cleanse_v the_o stream_n will_v be_v pollute_v the_o unsanctify_v heart_n be_v the_o source_n of_o evil_a thought_n word_n and_o action_n wash_v thy_o heart_n o_o jerusalem_n how_o long_o shall_v vain_a thought_n lodge_v in_o thou_o as_o a_o man_n think_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o be_v he_o prov._n xxiii_o 7._o the_o thought_n of_o the_o wicked_a or_o wicked_a thought_n they_o be_v abomination_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n prov._n xv._o 26._o and_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o beyond_o all_o the_o philosophy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v our_o thought_n into_o obedience_n to_o christ_n while_o any_o wickedness_n be_v indulge_v and_o allow_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o thought_n no_o outward_a reformation_n as_o to_o our_o behaviour_n before_o the_o world_n no_o abstinence_n from_o gross_a pollution_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o life_n will_v denominate_v we_o true_o penitent_a or_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o find_v mercy_n with_o god_n while_o we_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o our_o heart_n while_o the_o heart_n go_v after_o covetousness_n filthiness_n or_o any_o allow_a lust_n uunless_a the_o thought_n be_v change_v as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a course_n unless_o the_o heart_n be_v sanctify_v as_o well_o as_o the_o conversation_n reform_v there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n you_o know_v the_o woe_n which_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v against_o the_o pharise_n on_o this_o account_n mat._n xxiii_o 25._o who_o he_o characterise_v as_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o within_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n and_o excess_n that_o like_v white_v sepulcher_n they_o appear_v beautiful_a outward_a but_o be_v within_o full_a of_o dead_a man_n bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n iii_o three_o observe_v further_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o turn_v from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o if_o you_o will_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n you_o must_v return_v unto_o the_o lord_n to_o clear_v this_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v depart_v and_o go_v off_o from_o god_n by_o sin_n both_o as_o he_o be_v our_o chief_a good_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n we_o have_v abandon_v and_o forsake_v he_o as_o our_o portion_n and_o felicity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o ruler_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o we_o return_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o value_v his_o favour_n as_o our_o very_a life_n place_v all_o our_o happiness_n in_o his_o love_n and_o likeness_n observe_v his_o order_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o design_v his_o honour_n and_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o glorify_v he_o and_o be_v entire_o devote_v to_o he_o as_o our_o ultimate_n end_n without_o resolve_v on_o this_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o expect_v mercy_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o we_o may_v hope_v for_o forgiveness_n of_o the_o great_a man_n may_v break_v off_o a_o course_n of_o notorious_a open_a wickedness_n upon_o various_a and_o different_a motive_n and_o then_o take_v up_o with_o a_o negative_a religion_n without_o return_v to_o god_n they_o may_v satisfy_v themselves_o that_o now_o they_o do_v commit_v the_o like_a crime_n as_o former_o they_o may_v think_v it_o enough_o that_o they_o be_v not_o as_o bad_a as_o other_o be_v or_o as_o once_o they_o be_v themselves_o but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o love_n to_o god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o if_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o their_o end_n if_o they_o do_v not_o eye_n his_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v not_o chief_o conconcern_v to_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v he_o as_o the_o portion_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o make_v he_o lord_n of_o all_o to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n and_o to_o dispose_v and_o order_v their_o condition_n by_o his_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a providence_n such_o a_o turn_n to_o the_o lord_n must_v be_v join_v with_o forsake_v of_o sin_n iu._n four_o let_v the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a forsake_v the_o evil_a of_o his_o heart_n and_o way_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v mercy_n i_o observe_v that_o
of_o your_o past_a life_n and_o seal_v to_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o all_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n you_o need_v not_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v it_o for_z as_o high_a as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v god_n thought_n of_o mercy_n above_o we_o and_o his_o way_n above_o we_o the_o five_o sermon_n isaiah_n lv._o 8_o 9_o for_o my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v my_o way_n high_a than_o your_o way_n and_o my_o thought_n than_o your_o thought_n the_o disparity_n between_o the_o thought_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o we_o here_o mention_v have_v special_a reference_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o pardon_v the_o worst_a of_o sinner_n who_o forsake_v their_o evil_a way_n and_o return_v to_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n but_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o design_v to_o consider_v these_o word_n in_o a_o large_a and_o more_o general_a sense_n and_o show_v that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v not_o as_o we_o but_o as_o far_o above_o they_o as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o way_n of_o god_n we_o may_v either_o understand_v first_o those_o he_o will_v direct_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o do._n or_o second_o his_o way_n and_o work_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o read_v of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o of_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a the_o doctrine_n he_o have_v reveal_v and_o observe_v the_o order_n and_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n by_o the_o way_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v his_o work_n of_o providence_n according_a to_o his_o word_n in_o both_o these_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o word_n as_o to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v and_o in_o the_o work_v of_o his_o providence_n what_o he_o do_v with_o we_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n far_o above_o we_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o we_o as_o to_o either_o both_o may_v here_o be_v very_o well_o comprehend_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o his_o word_n as_o to_o faith_n worship_n and_o practice_n and_o also_o his_o providence_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n according_a to_o scripture_n revelation_n our_o way_n be_v not_o as_o he_o as_o to_o either_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n between_o they_o in_o this_o sense_n his_o way_n be_v very_o unlike_a to_o we_o and_o transcendent_o above_o they_o both_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o providence_n i._n first_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v god_n way_n not_o like_o we_o but_o vast_o different_a 1._o they_o be_v different_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o '_o they_o all_o his_o way_n and_o work_n be_v perfect_a do_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o when_o moses_n publish_v the_o name_n of_o god_n he_o begin_v with_o this_o deut._n xxxi_o 4._o he_o be_v a_o rock_n his_o work_n be_v perfect_a all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o infinite_a unerring_a council_n but_o what_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n what_o defect_n and_o folly_n do_v we_o discover_v in_o our_o way_n all_o his_o way_n be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a psal_n cxlv_o 17._o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o work_n but_o what_o impurity_n and_o obliquity_n be_v there_o in_o we_o all_o his_o way_n be_v just_a and_o equal_a he_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a in_o any_o one_o particular_a what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o we_o but_o in_o the_o strict_a justice_n be_v due_a whereas_o how_o unequal_a be_v our_o carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o one_o another_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o they_o connect_v one_o with_o another_o his_o word_n be_v constant_a and_o abide_v steady_a and_o consistent_a not_o yea_o and_o nay_o 2_o cor._n i_o 19_o 20._o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v but_o we_o be_v mutable_a and_o often_o cross_a and_o contradict_v ourselves_o in_o our_o way_n and_o the_o best_a man_n do_v too_o often_o discover_v this_o inconstancy_n in_o principle_n and_o practice_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o further_a difference_n between_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o we_o in_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n use_v and_o take_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_v to_o effect_v a_o end_n his_o way_n be_v to_o make_v weak_a thing_n confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o thing_n base_a and_o despise_a and_o which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v 1_o cor._n i._n 27._o we_o can_v do_v so_o god_n will_v not_o use_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v it_o please_v god_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v and_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o instrument_n he_o employ_v and_o the_o method_n he_o use_v to_o give_v success_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v plain_o evidence_n this_o and_o that_o instance_n may_v serve_v instead_o of_o many_o other_o be_v it_o not_o a_o unlikely_a attempt_n for_o a_o few_o mean_a and_o obscure_a person_n such_o as_o publican_n and_o fisherman_n and_o tent-maker_n without_o the_o improvement_n of_o education_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o learning_n eloquence_n experience_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o authority_n or_o any_o considerable_a interest_n and_o reputation_n to_o require_v all_o mankind_n to_o believe_v in_o one_o jesus_n who_o they_o own_o be_v crucify_a that_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o be_v lord_n and_o king_n and_o must_v be_v receive_v and_o obey_v as_o the_o christ_n of_o god_n to_o tell_v all_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o establish_a right_n and_o religion_n of_o their_o several_a country_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o their_o wicked_a custom_n and_o course_n forsake_v and_o this_o new_a religion_n of_o jesus_n be_v embrace_v that_o require_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n they_o must_v need_v account_n very_o hard_o consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o lust_n of_o men._n can_v they_o hope_v that_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n school_n and_o university_n will_v easy_o submit_v to_o this_o change_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n by_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o thirty_o year_n this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n even_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v mat._n xxiv_o 14._o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_v come_v this_o success_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n rev._n fourteen_o 6._o and_o this_o be_v do_v without_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o against_o all_o opposition_n imaginable_a their_o message_n be_v entertain_v their_o doctrine_n credit_v and_o christ_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n many_o thousand_o be_v convert_v present_o and_o many_o more_o afterward_o though_o the_o messenger_n employ_v can_v not_o be_v sure_a of_o success_n any_o further_a than_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o power_n to_o accompany_v they_o but_o they_o may_v be_v almost_o sure_a of_o endure_a torment_n and_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v in_o it_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o succeed_v such_o weak_a instrument_n to_o such_o excellent_a purpose_n in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n we_o find_v that_o by_o weak_a thing_n he_o confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o by_o foolish_a
wise_a and_o most_o know_a man_n come_v of_o the_o infinite_a knowledge_n of_o god_n though_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o be_v how_o little_a do_v we_o know_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n how_o far_o above_o our_o apprehension_n be_v the_o divine_a eternity_n how_o all_o succession_n of_o time_n be_v ever_o present_a to_o he_o and_o subject_n to_o his_o view_n his_o self_n existence_n immensity_n omnipresence_n and_o prescience_n of_o the_o most_o contingent_a event_n etc._n etc._n how_o far_o above_o we_o and_o since_o we_o have_v not_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o subject_a we_o must_v hearken_v to_o what_o god_n himself_o say_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n who_o know_v it_o best_o and_o we_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o receive_v and_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_a if_o we_o find_v it_o there_o let_v the_o doctrine_n be_v never_o 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such_o a_o load_n of_o gild_n and_o so_o many_o heinous_a crime_n to_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o sense_n we_o find_v the_o expression_n of_o stand_v use_v rom._n fourteen_o 4._o to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v that_o be_v shall_v either_o be_v acquit_v or_o condemn_v of_o god_n it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o psal_n cxliii_o 2._o enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n o_o lord_n for_o in_o thy_o sight_n no_o flesh_n live_a shall_v be_v justify_v consider_v a_o little_a with_o what_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n do_v david_n use_v such_o language_n he_o seem_v to_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o view_n of_o his_o heinous_a sin_n as_o ready_a to_o despair_n if_o not_o relieve_v by_o the_o hope_n that_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o god_n lord_n who_o can_v stand_v that_o be_v how_o just_o may_v i_o be_v condemn_v if_o i_o be_o try_v at_o thy_o bar_n according_a to_o strict_a justice_n i_o must_v be_v cast_v i_o can_v answer_v thou_o for_o one_o 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let_v we_o put_v sackcloth_n on_o our_o loin_n and_o rope_n about_o our_o neck_n and_o go_v to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n peradventure_o he_o will_v save_v thy_o life_n this_o gracious_a method_n god_n use_v towards_o israel_n jer._n iii_o 12._o go_v and_o proclaim_v these_o word_n towards_o the_o north_n say_v return_v o_o backslide_n israel_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o cause_v my_o anger_n to_o fall_v upon_o you_o for_o i_o be_o merciful_a say_v the_o lord_n and_o will_v not_o keep_v anger_n for_o ever_o only_o acknowledge_v thy_o iniquity_n that_o thou_o have_v transgress_v against_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o be_v let_v they_o not_o cherish_v any_o such_o hard_a thought_n of_o i_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n let_v they_o not_o despair_v of_o my_o mercy_n as_o if_o i_o will_v not_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o return_v this_o give_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o convince_v sinner_n that_o here_o be_v a_o plank_a to_o save_v they_o from_o shipwreck_n a_o remedy_n against_o despair_n here_o be_v a_o ground_n for_o they_o to_o return_v to_o god_n with_o hope_n here_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o seek_v mercy_n that_o god_n have_v proclaim_v his_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o abundant_o to_o pardon_v and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n will_v never_o have_v be_v preach_v if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o forgiveness_n the_o fall_a angel_n have_v no_o mercy_n offer_v be_v never_o call_v to_o repent_v for_o let_v there_o be_v never_o so_o deep_a conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o god_n without_o believe_v that_o mercy_n may_v be_v have_v all_o will_v end_v in_o death_n and_o desperation_n repentance_n will_v never_o be_v command_v as_o a_o duty_n nor_o urge_v upon_o sinner_n as_o a_o duty_n it_o can_v not_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o truth_n that_o if_o the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n etc._n etc._n but_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o sinner_n begin_v to_o have_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n many_o of_o their_o scruple_n be_v remove_v many_o of_o their_o objection_n answer_v and_o they_o be_v now_o encourage_v to_o seek_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o use_v to_o conclude_v therefore_o let_v the_o vile_a and_o worst_a of_o sinner_n receive_v these_o glad_a tiding_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o not_o abuse_v they_o do_v despise_v this_o message_n do_v neglect_v it_o but_o consider_v how_o much_o you_o need_v this_o mercy_n and_o go_v home_o and_o earnest_o beg_v it_o endeavour_v to_o welcome_v it_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o plead_v it_o and_o urge_v it_o for_o christ_n sake_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v free-mercy_n and_o stir_v up_o your_o soul_n to_o hope_v in_o it_o as_o know_v that_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n may_v i_o not_o therefore_o say_v that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n for_o who_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o you_o to_o who_o this_o doctrine_n be_v preach_v who_o will_v yet_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o mercy_n for_o you_o since_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o evil_a way_n and_o thought_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o in_o that_o case_n most_o firm_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o that_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v the_o second_o sermon_n isaiah_n lv._o 7._o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v it_o be_v of_o the_o six_o observation_n from_o these_o word_n that_o i_o will_v now_o speak_v without_o so_o much_o as_o repeat_v the_o other_o five_o viz._n that_o pardon_v mercy_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v mercy_n indeed_o the_o most_o valuable_a and_o seasonable_a mercy_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v by_o several_a consideration_n and_o then_o apply_v it_o first_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o guilty_a sinner_n who_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n consider_v the_o perplexity_n of_o one_o that_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v under_o a_o spirit_n of_o conviction_n his_o bitter_a complaint_n and_o loud_o cry_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v nor_o how_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o burden_n he_o apprehend_v his_o danger_n from_o unpardoned_a sin_n and_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o this_o forgiveness_n he_o be_v wound_v and_o nothing_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o pardon_v mercy_n can_v heal_v he_o i_o have_v great_o sin_v say_v david_n and_o his_o heart_n smite_v he_o 2_o sam._n xxiv_o 10._o and_o now_o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n take_v away_o the_o iniquity_n of_o thy_o servant_n nothing_o else_o can_v give_v he_o ease_n and_o quiet_v from_o a_o accuse_v trouble_v conscience_n the_o inhabitant_n shall_v not_o say_v i_o be_o sick_a the_o people_n that_o dwell_v therein_o shall_v be_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n isa_n xxxiii_o 24._o the_o mere_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n without_o forgiveness_n will_v not_o answer_v the_o exigence_n of_o his_o case_n though_o he_o be_v yet_o out_o of_o hell_n he_o know_v not_o how_o long_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v there_o have_v a_o miserable_a portion_n it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o unpardoned_a sin_n that_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o dri_v up_o his_o marrow_n
in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o a_o wretched_a criminal_a against_o the_o lord_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o mercy_n o_o how_o unlike_a be_v god_n thought_n to_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n consider_v what_o our_o thought_n be_v to_o those_o who_o have_v injure_v and_o offend_v we_o ii_o second_o consider_v yourselves_o under_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o how_o different_a god_n thought_n and_o you_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n also_o first_o we_o present_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v all_o from_o anger_n and_o wrath_n whereas_o god_n say_v who_o he_o love_v he_o chasten_v and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o that_o we_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o son_n and_o not_o as_o bastard_n heb._n xii_o 5_o 6._o psal_n cxix_o 75._o second_o we_o be_v pettish_a and_o froward_a peevish_a and_o perverse_a under_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n while_o god_n thought_n be_v thought_n of_o peace_n towards_o we_o when_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o covetousness_n i_o be_v wroth_a because_o he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o do_v good_a with_o what_o i_o lend_v he_o say_v god_n concern_v ephraim_n and_o i_o sote_v he_o he_o go_v on_o froward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n nevertheless_o i_o have_v see_v his_o way_n i_o will_v heal_v he_o i_o will_v lead_v he_o and_o restore_v comfort_n to_o he_o isa_n lvii_o 17_o 18._o three_o we_o often_o under_o affliction_n take_v every_o hide_v of_o god_n face_n for_o a_o utter_a rejection_n of_o we_o whereas_o god_n have_v no_o such_o thought_n he_o have_v we_o still_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o bear_v we_o on_o his_o heart_n have_v our_o name_n grave_v on_o the_o palm_n of_o his_o hand_n love_v we_o still_o though_o he_o rebuke_v we_o and_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o seasonable_a comfort_n and_o deliverance_n jer._n xxxi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n i_o have_v hear_v he_o bemoan_v himself_o say_v god_n thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n be_v he_o my_o dear_a son_n or_o rather_o be_v he_o not_o so_o be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n be_v he_o not_o so_o still_o to_o i_o for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v turn_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n four_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o affliciton_n as_o it_o other_o continuance_n of_o the_o rod._n we_o be_v often_o ready_a to_o sink_v and_o be_v dispirited_a and_o overwhelm_v in_o a_o time_n of_o darkness_n as_o if_o it_o will_v never_o be_v light_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v up_o all_o for_o lose_v and_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v go_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v be_v merciful_a no_o more_o say_v our_o bone_n be_v dry_v up_o our_o hope_n be_v lose_v we_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o our_o part_n ezek._n xxxvii_o 11._o whereas_o god_n thought_n be_v otherwise_o he_o will_v make_v those_o dry_a bone_n live_v and_o fetch_v they_o out_o of_o the_o grave_a of_o affliction_n his_o thought_n be_v thought_n of_o peace_n to_o give_v we_o a_o desire_a end_n jer._n xxix_o 11._o how_o many_o have_v think_v and_o say_v in_o their_o despair_n that_o god_n mercy_n be_v go_v for_o ever_o concern_v who_o he_o have_v manifest_v that_o his_o thought_n be_v not_o as_o they_o five_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o as_o we_o as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o in_o our_o affliction_n we_o think_v he_o intend_v not_o to_o refine_v but_o ruin_n not_o to_o purify_v but_o destroy_v whereas_o in_o faithfulness_n he_o afflict_v where_o he_o know_v we_o need_v it_o to_o purge_v away_o our_o dross_n and_o take_v away_o our_o tin_n and_o to_o produce_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n by_o this_o shall_v the_o iniquity_n of_o jacob_n be_v purge_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o to_o take_v away_o sin_n isa_n xxvii_o 9_o do_v but_o wait_v a_o little_a and_o you_o will_v see_v how_o you_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o your_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o how_o his_o thought_n have_v be_v unlike_a to_o you_o ii_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o only_o different_a from_o we_o but_o transcendent_o above_o they_o as_o far_o and_o as_o high_a as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n first_o as_o to_o the_o kind_a and_o nature_n of_o they_o first_o his_o thought_n of_o grace_n and_o kindness_n be_v of_o a_o unsearchable_a depth_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o way_n of_o mercy_n as_o well_o as_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o our_o find_v out_o rom._n xi_o 33._o there_o be_v a_o depth_n in_o they_o beyond_o the_o line_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o measure_n psal_n xcii_o 5._o o_o lord_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o thy_o thought_n be_v very_o deep_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o sinner_n by_o the_o gospel_n we_o read_v of_o the_o deep_a thign_n of_o god_n such_o as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v in_o it_o other_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v 1_o cor._n xi_o 1_o such_o depth_n that_o amaze_v the_o very_a angel_n to_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n i._n 12._o second_o god_n thought_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n be_v absolute_a sovereign_a and_o independent_a it_o be_v all_o after_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o from_o the_o mere_a good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n this_o be_v the_o source_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n three_o god_n thought_n of_o mercy_n be_v faithful_a and_o effectual_a all_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o mercy_n shall_v be_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promive_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o love_n shall_v have_v their_o effect_n o_o lord_n i_o will_v exalt_v thou_o for_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n isa_n xxv_o 1._o all_o his_o way_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n he_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n for_o ever_o psal_n lxxxix_o 28_o 29._o though_o he_o visit_v their_o iniquity_n with_o the_o rod_n yet_o his_o love_a kindness_n will_v he_o not_o take_v from_o they_o nor_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v therefore_o four_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o god_n thought_n be_v unchangeable_a but_o we_o be_v variable_a the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v or_o repent_v he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v nor_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v 1_o sam._n xv._o 29._o the_o medicator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o sinner_n five_o his_o thought_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o infinite_o righteous_a we_o shall_v never_o full_o understand_v the_o infinite_a righteousness_n of_o god_n thought_n and_o way_n till_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n he_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o counsel_n and_o in_o all_o his_o work_n all_o his_o way_n be_v equal_a righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n will_v carry_v on_o his_o thought_n of_o mercy_n and_o perfect_a his_o grace_n and_o make_v it_o thrive_v and_o grow_v to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v upright_o and_o there_o be_v no_o vnrighteousness_n in_o he_o psal_n xcii_o last_o second_o god_n thought_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v transcendent_o above_o we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o dispense_n his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o sinner_n be_v that_o which_o pass_v knowledge_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o when_o this_o love_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o peace_n result_v from_o it_o which_o be_v better_o feel_v than_o express_v something_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o speak_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o word_n for_o we_o have_v no_o line_n to_o measure_v it_o by_o no_o scale_n in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o weigh_v it_o in_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o compare_v it_o unto_o but_o fall_v unspeakable_o short_a no_o kindness_n no_o love_n no_o charity_n or_o affection_n of_o one_o creature_n to_o another_o by_o which_o we_o can_v set_v it_o forth_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a among_o man_n be_v as_o much_o below_o this_o as_o earth_n be_v
thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v they_o confound_v the_o wise_a there_o be_v instance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n but_o it_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o the_o success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o he_o defeat_v the_o devil_n design_n and_o overturn_v his_o empire_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v by_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o he_o have_v seduce_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o flesh_n suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o he_o wrest_v the_o victory_n out_o of_o satan_n hand_n by_o humble_v himself_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o so_o by_o die_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n death_n there_o be_v other_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v as_o where_o god_n strengthen_v the_o spoil_v against_o the_o strong_a he_o bring_v down_o those_o that_o dwell_v on_o high_a the_o lofty_a city_n he_o lay_v it_o low_a he_o lay_v it_o low_a even_o to_o the_o ground_n he_o bring_v it_o even_o to_o the_o dust_n the_o foot_n shall_v tread_v it_o down_o even_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o step_v of_o the_o needy_a isa_n 26.6_o 7._o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n shall_v dash_v in_o piece_n great_a mountaius_fw-la all_o the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o we_o in_o that_o he_o often_o prefer_v the_o young_a before_o the_o elder_a and_o give_v they_o the_o precedency_n and_o principal_a blessing_n abel_n be_v prefer_v before_o cain_n and_o his_o offer_v accept_v abraham_n the_o young_a choose_v to_o be_v god_n favourite_n before_o his_o elder_a brethren_n jacob_n before_o esau_n and_o he_o prefer_v ephraim_n before_o manasseh_n the_o elder_a son_n of_o joseph_n so_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n of_o noah_n child_n shem_n be_v prefer_v and_o call_v the_o brother_n of_o japhet_n the_o elder_a gen._n 10.21_o and_o david_n the_o young_a son_n of_o jesse_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v king_n and_o the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n to_o manifest_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n be_v not_o esau_n jacob_n brother_n yet_o jacob_n have_v i_o love_v 3._o his_o way_n and_o we_o differ_v also_o in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v never_o frustrate_v or_o disappoint_v in_o his_o work_n as_o to_o what_o he_o design_n he_o bring_v the_o counsel_n of_o man_n to_o nought_o and_o the_o device_n of_o the_o people_n to_o none_o effect_v but_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v psalm_n xxxiii_o 10_o 11._o he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v stand_v he_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n say_v to_o jerusalem_n be_v thou_o inhabit_v and_o to_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n you_o shall_v be_v build_v that_o say_v to_o the_o deep_a be_v dry_a and_o i_o will_v dry_v up_o thy_o river_n he_o say_v of_o cyrus_n he_o be_v my_o shepherd_n and_o shall_v perform_v all_o my_o pleasure_n even_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v build_v and_o to_o the_o temple_n thy_o foundation_n shall_v be_v lay_v isa_n xliv_o latter_a end_n our_o way_n be_v not_o like_o he_o he_o will_v always_o overcome_v when_o he_o judge_v he_o will_v fulfil_v all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o accomplish_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n which_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v ii_o second_o god_n way_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o we_o but_o do_v transcendent_o exceed_v they_o be_v infinite_o above_o they_o as_o high_a as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v a_o unsearchable_a depth_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v call_v to_o adore_v but_o can_v comprehend_v we_o may_v cry_v out_o with_o the_o aopstle_n o_o the_o depth_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n xi_o his_o judgement_n be_v a_o great_a depth_n psal_n xxxvi_o 7._o he_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v his_o wisdom_n be_v unscarchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o job_n v._n 9_o chap._n ix_o 10._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o divine_a revelation_n and_o providence_n that_o transcend_v our_o reach_n if_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o but_o must_v have_v a_o particular_a reason_n for_o all_o that_o god_n speak_v and_o do_v before_o we_o will_v believe_v it_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v his_o wisdom_n finite_a like_o we_o or_o we_o infinite_a like_v he_o on_o this_o account_n the_o great_a master_n of_o philosophy_n in_o former_a age_n be_v the_o worst_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o apostle_n naked_o represent_v their_o doctrine_n without_o that_o wisdom_n or_o demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n which_o they_o use_v and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n to_o they_o it_o be_v the_o not_o own_v god_n way_n to_o be_v above_o we_o but_o make_v our_o reason_n the_o supreme_a judge_n concern_v doctrine_n supernatural_o reveal_v which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o the_o many_o error_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o abound_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n whereas_o we_o may_v as_o well_o measure_v the_o justice_n or_o injustice_n of_o the_o providential_a work_v of_o god_n by_o our_o will_n and_o choice_n whether_o what_o he_o do_v be_v just_a and_o good_a or_o not_o because_o it_o be_v what_o we_o like_v or_o do_v not_o like_a as_o by_o our_o finite_a mind_n comprehend_v whether_o that_o can_v be_v true_a which_o in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v as_o a_o true_a doctrine_n we_o can_v no_o more_o conceive_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o some_o event_n of_o providence_n than_o his_o veracity_n in_o some_o truth_n reveal_v more_o particular_o first_o as_o to_o scripture_n revelation_n what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o god_n way_n and_o thought_n be_v above_o we_o and_o what_o be_v therein_o assert_v we_o must_v receive_v and_o credit_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n though_o the_o doctrine_n there_o lay_v down_o may_v be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v it_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n because_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o acquiesce_v therein_o because_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n we_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v be_v from_o god_n and_o so_o infallible_o true_a if_o we_o will_v own_v our_o baptism_n and_o take_v christ_n for_o our_o teacher_n we_o must_v receive_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a doctrine_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o common_a notion_n of_o thing_n in_o other_o case_n i_o grant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o instance_n carry_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o be_v more_o oppose_v as_o incredible_a and_o vnintelligible_a than_o other_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n as_o we_o affirm_v and_o make_v a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n god_n way_n be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o will_v do_v much_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o its_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a why_o shall_v any_o thing_n he_o be_v please_v to_o say_v seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o where_o he_o have_v interpose_v by_o his_o definitive_a sentence_n our_o reason_n must_v submit_v and_o have_v no_o right_a to_o debate_v the_o matter_n but_o aught_o to_o approve_v what_o 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as_o when_o he_o declare_v that_o which_o by_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o know_v be_v so_o if_o we_o own_o a_o divine_a revelation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o unless_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v receive_v its_o force_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o supernatural_a truth_n where_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n fail_v what!_o though_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v so_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n say_v the_o less_o credible_a upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v say_v his_o authority_n have_v strength_n sufficient_a to_o secure_v my_o faith_n against_o all_o such_o objection_n as_o arise_v only_o from_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o principle_n to_o judge_n by_o or_o 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and_o manner_n of_o subsistance_n and_o by_o peculiar_a idiom_n and_o relation_n these_o notion_n may_v puzzle_v our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v but_o shall_v not_o stagger_v our_o faith_n to_o believe_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consider_v what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o reject_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o being_n true_a shall_v we_o compare_v our_o darkness_n with_o his_o incomprehensible_a light_n or_o equal_a our_o understanding_n with_o his_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v for_o truth_n unless_o we_o can_v reconcile_v it_o with_o our_o maxim_n what_o room_n be_v there_o leave_v for_o faith_n at_o this_o rate_n what_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o divine_a testimony_n if_o we_o believe_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a in_o god_n word_n except_o we_o can_v fathom_n it_o and_o will_v otherwise_o believe_v without_o his_o testimony_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n both_o as_o to_o the_o finite_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o manifold_a experience_n we_o have_v of_o it_o every_o day_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n what_o be_v well_o know_v in_o many_o civilise_v country_n as_o some_o have_v observe_v to_o illustrate_v this_o may_v appear_v very_o strange_a to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n the_o fabric_n of_o a_o watch_n or_o the_o mutual_a communication_n of_o thought_n by_o write_v will_v it_o may_v be_v be_v as_o unconceivable_a to_o a_o barbarous_a indian_a as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v to_o we_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o his_o conception_n of_o it_o and_o how_o short_a do_v the_o
and_o watchful_a against_o temptation_n and_o raise_v their_o esteem_n and_o value_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o constant_a intercession_n in_o heaven_n god_n hereby_o assist_v we_o to_o keep_v conscience_n tender_a excite_v our_o diligence_n after_o further_a degree_n of_o mortification_n quicken_v we_o to_o press_v on_o by_o growth_n in_o grace_n towards_o perfection_n etc._n etc._n moreover_o his_o way_n be_v above_o we_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o subject_n he_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o to_o the_o season_n and_o time_n of_o their_o change_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n by_o which_o it_o be_v accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o wind_n blow_n be_v it_o list_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o ministry_n oftentimes_o of_o weak_a minister_n work_v powerful_o and_o save_o in_o who_o he_o will_v both_o to_o will_v and_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n one_o be_v awaken_v convince_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n by_o a_o sermon_n another_o in_o the_o same_o seat_n under_o the_o same_o sermon_n feel_v nothing_o sometime_o by_o a_o soft_a still_o voice_n at_o other_o time_n by_o thunder_n sometime_o the_o most_o unlikely_a be_v take_v and_o effectual_o call_v when_o other_o be_v leave_v and_o this_o after_o many_o year_n delay_n and_o discouragement_n and_o no_o hopeful_a prospect_n but_o the_o contrary_a some_o out_o of_o wicked_a family_n convert_v other_o after_o strict_a and_o religious_a education_n become_v and_o continue_v most_o vile_a and_o profligate_v what_o different_a success_n have_v the_o gospel_n in_o some_o place_n at_o some_o time_n and_o to_o some_o person_n and_o at_o different_a time_n in_o the_o same_o place_n though_o the_o same_o message_n and_o the_o same_o preacher_n sometime_o on_o the_o weak_a and_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o more_o learned_a sometime_o on_o elder_a person_n and_o often_o on_o younger_n who_o have_v discover_v much_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n betimes_o with_o less_o advantage_n of_o education_n than_o other_o and_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n some_o malefactor_n under_o a_o sentence_n of_o death_n it_o be_v hope_v have_v be_v true_o penitent_a and_o accept_v as_o well_o as_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n some_o by_o their_o own_o affliction_n some_o by_o the_o warn_n of_o other_o man_n example_n and_o byother_n mean_v as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o plain_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n the_o ordinary_a mean_n his_o way_n also_o be_v above_o we_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n in_o make_v some_o example_n which_o be_v not_o great_a sinner_n than_o other_o as_o our_o lord_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o luke_n xiii_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v job_n ten_o child_n upon_o the_o intercession_n and_o prayer_n of_o their_o righteous_a father_n though_o we_o do_v read_v that_o they_o be_v wicked_a when_o he_o will_v have_v spare_v many_o thousand_o that_o be_v wicked_a in_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n of_o the_o plain_a if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o ten_o righteous_a person_n among_o they_o his_o way_n be_v above_o we_o in_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n and_o use_v wicked_a instrument_n to_o accomplish_v other_o end_n and_o purpose_n than_o they_o design_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o god_n way_n in_o save_v and_o deliver_v his_o people_n in_o extraordinary_a danger_n tarry_v till_o their_o enemy_n be_v at_o the_o very_a height_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o when_o there_o be_v least_o prospect_n or_o appearance_n which_o way_n deliverance_n shall_v come_v then_o to_o interpose_v by_o seasonable_a salvation_n application_n use_v i._n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o we_o so_o often_o mistake_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o as_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n if_o they_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o beyond_o our_o reach_n that_o we_o can_v see_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o his_o way_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o connection_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o part_n with_o the_o other_o or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a his_o way_n be_v in_o the_o whirlwind_n the_o cloud_n be_v the_o dust_n of_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v he_o hide_v himself_o that_o we_o can_v see_v he_o job_n xxxiii_o 7_o 8_o 9_o nah._n i._n 3._o as_o to_o his_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n i_o have_v large_o show_v in_o the_o forego_n sermon_n that_o he_o be_v more_o gracious_a than_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v he_o do_v and_o will_v do_v more_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o ask_v or_o think_v eph._n iii_o 20._o we_o think_v it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v never_o receive_v we_o after_o such_o and_o such_o transgression_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v we_o think_v he_o will_v never_o pardon_v we_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v forgive_v we_o say_v in_o our_o despair_n that_o he_o be_v go_v and_o will_v never_o return_v and_o yet_o the_o light_n break_v out_o again_o and_o we_o have_v find_v it_o to_o our_o comfort_n second_o be_v his_o way_n so_o much_o above_o we_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o work_n believe_v his_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n we_o glorify_v god_n by_o credit_v his_o word_n trust_v his_o practice_n and_o follow_v his_o counsel_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n though_o the_o doctrine_n be_v very_o mysterious_a the_o providence_n very_o dark_a the_o duty_n very_o difficult_a and_o what_o be_v promise_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o to_o sense_n unlikely_a the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o grace_n the_o high_a veneration_n shall_v we_o have_v for_o he_o and_o abase_v ourselves_o before_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n if_o we_o speak_v of_o strength_n he_o be_v strong_a if_o of_o goodness_n he_o be_v love_n if_o of_o wisdom_n he_o be_v wise_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a then_o to_o object_v against_o this_o providence_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o every_o event_n we_o may_v object_v ourselves_o into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n if_o we_o will_v not_o adore_v his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n his_o judgement_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a psal_n xxxvi_o 6._o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o pretend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o when_o he_o himself_o have_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v unsearchable_a we_o shall_v rather_o admire_v god_n and_o confess_v our_o own_o ignorance_n when_o the_o great_a apostle_n himself_o declare_v that_o god_n way_n be_v pass_v our_o find_v out_o rom._n xi_o 33._o we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o all_o he_o do_v be_v agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n as_o long_o as_o we_o own_v he_o to_o be_v god_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o those_o 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