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so_o manifest_a be_v the_o advantage_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o a_o christian_n be_v proper_a business_n lie_v so_o possible_a so_o certain_a that_o all_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v effectual_o improve_v by_o their_o endeavour_n so_o unalterable_a that_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o come_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o 17._o that_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n ii_o second_o my_o next_o argument_n against_o indulge_v nice_a and_o curious_a speculation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v take_v from_o the_o vnprofitableness_n of_o they_o our_o lord_n have_v he_o so_o please_v can_v have_v inform_v st._n peter_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o this_o belove_a disciple_n but_o he_o reprove_v his_o inquire_n into_o it_o because_o no_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o such_o information_n for_o so_o 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any_o other_o science_n such_o particular_o as_o learned_a man_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o this_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a a_o discovery_n that_o something_o else_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n beside_o the_o real_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o such_o people_n cavil_v at_o religion_n not_o because_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o because_o they_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o and_o apprehend_v it_o for_o their_o ease_n and_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v true_a 3._o last_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbid_v myself_o address_v to_o you_o the_o member_n of_o our_o establish_a church_n in_o particular_a most_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v the_o privilege_n you_o enjoy_v and_o to_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o they_o you_o have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n lock_v up_o from_o you_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nor_o be_v prohibit_v to_o use_v it_o 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chapter_n be_v employ_v in_o urge_v the_o advantage_n these_o ephesian_n have_v receive_v by_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o improvement_n it_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o 10._o they_o verse_n 8_o 9_o 10._o to_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o do_v so_o to_o shake_v hand_n with_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o four_o follow_v particular_n i._o i_o will_v show_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v under_o this_o detestable_a title_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v press_v the_o reason_n for_o avoid_v those_o 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especial_o in_o view_n and_o the_o only_a one_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o at_o present_a be_v this._n that_o this_o example_n when_o right_o understand_v and_o equal_o weigh_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n be_v no_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o any_o man_n defer_v his_o reformation_n one_o single_a hour_n much_o less_o than_o for_o depend_v upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n to_o procure_v he_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n fetch_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n which_o if_o man_n will_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o attend_v to_o serious_o and_o impartial_o can_v not_o one_o will_v think_v but_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o set_v about_o a_o work_n which_o even_o they_o that_o excuse_n themselves_o from_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n confess_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o when_o they_o be_v press_v to_o begin_v it_o speedy_o when_o we_o who_o office_n and_o duty_n oblige_v we_o to_o call_v upon_o and_o vehement_o importune_v they_o to_o 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truth_n of_o it_o to_o man_n yet_o god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n need_v no_o such_o testimony_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o repentance_n will_v consist_v in_o a_o renew_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o action_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o a_o part_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o a_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n where_o death_n then_o cut_v off_o all_o opportunity_n of_o give_v such_o proof_n we_o can_v upon_o these_o term_n conclude_v a_o man_n have_v not_o repent_v from_o his_o not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o this_o proof_n of_o his_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o do_v not_o assert_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v just_a as_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o i_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o i_o say_v i_o be_o content_a for_o the_o present_a to_o have_v they_o think_v so_o as_o desire_v to_o put_v the_o fair_a and_o most_o favourable_a state_n of_o the_o case_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o sinner_n who_o will_v condescend_v to_o reason_n at_o all_o upon_o this_o example_n can_v pretend_v to_o carry_v it_o far_o in_o favour_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n than_o i_o have_v now_o do_v and_o yet_o after_o come_v down_o thus_o to_o the_o sinner_n own_o term_n i_o hope_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o even_o this_o example_n thus_o interpret_v be_v very_o far_o from_o bear_v any_o man_n out_o in_o defer_v his_o repentance_n to_o his_o last_o nay_o to_o the_o very_a next_o day_n now_o every_o one_o know_v that_o in_o argue_v from_o precedent_n the_o strength_n of_o what_o we_o urge_v depend_v altogether_o upon_o the_o resemblance_n of_o the_o case_n we_o argue_v for_o to_o that_o other_o which_o we_o argue_v from_o so_o far_o as_o these_o two_o agree_v the_o reason_v be_v good_a but_o where_o they_o differ_v there_o can_v be_v no_o consequence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o disagreement_n between_o they_o though_o but_o in_o one_o material_a circumstance_n the_o former_a case_n can_v be_v admit_v for_o a_o sufficient_a rule_n or_o warrant_n to_o the_o latter_a since_o therefore_o the_o argument_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o be_v entire_o precedent_n and_o example_n and_o all_o i_o design_n be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o false_a support_v which_o man_n loath_a to_o break_v with_o their_o sin_n till_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o no_o long_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o from_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n they_o ought_v certain_o to_o give_v up_o all_o those_o encouragement_n for_o treacherous_a and_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o can_v show_v these_o three_o thing_n i_o first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n in_o case_n of_o this_o thief_n to_o which_o that_o of_o no_o other_o man_n can_v ever_o
conspicuous_a never_o triumph_v so_o glorious_o over_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o when_o it_o revive_v wretched_a offender_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o grievous_a miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n be_v often_o so_o order_v as_o to_o turn_v to_o their_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o awaken_v their_o care_n they_o make_v they_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o danger_n and_o more_o vigilant_a to_o prevent_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o their_o own_o experience_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o upon_o what_o slippery_a ground_n they_o stand_v they_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o their_o brethren_n more_o gentle_a and_o spare_v in_o their_o censure_n more_o ready_a to_o forgive_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o more_o diligent_a to_o contribute_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o rescue_v and_o restore_v such_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n when_o they_o reflect_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overtake_v and_o how_o prone_a all_o even_o the_o best_a man_n be_v to_o offend_v and_o they_o kindle_v in_o such_o penitent_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a zeal_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n by_o a_o strict_a holiness_n and_o bright_a virtue_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o temptation_n or_o be_v secure_v from_o sin_v when_o we_o be_v tempt_v when_o the_o consequence_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o manage_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o destroy_v or_o impair_v the_o piety_n of_o private_a man_n but_z with_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o to_o become_v instrument_n of_o great_a good_a more_o effectual_a to_o our_o own_o salvation_n more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o if_o good_a man_n have_v never_o be_v tempt_v or_o never_o fall_v at_o all_o 2._o second_o as_o st._n peter_n fall_n confute_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o man_n who_o once_o have_v true_a grace_n can_v lose_v it_o so_o st._n peter_n rise_n again_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o have_v have_v the_o unhappiness_n to_o lose_v grace_n may_v be_v restore_v and_o recover_v it_o again_o and_o this_o overthrow_v the_o novatian_a heresy_n which_o consist_v in_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n to_o be_v have_v for_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n and_o against_o which_o the_o sixteenth_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v direct_o level_v a_o error_n in_o all_o appearance_n chief_o owe_v to_o the_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o two_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o have_v create_v great_a perplexity_n to_o ignorant_a and_o unwary_a soul_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o heb._n vi._n 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v 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 unto_o repentance_n the_o other_o heb._n x._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n now_o for_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o passage_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n often_o express_v that_o by_o impossible_a which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a or_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a strength_n only_o but_o not_o so_o to_o nature_n assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n explain_v himself_o concern_v rich_a 26._o rich_a matth._n xix_o 26._o man_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o say_v that_o though_o this_o be_v impossible_a with_o regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n of_o such_o person_n and_o any_o power_n of_o their_o own_o to_o resist_v and_o vanquish_v they_o yet_o 27._o yet_o luke_n xviii_o 27._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o may_v by_o the_o prevail_a influencce_n of_o his_o grace_n wean_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o dispose_v they_o to_o accept_v such_o term_n of_o salvation_n as_o of_o themselves_o they_o will_v never_o incline_v or_o submit_v to_o and_o thus_o though_o man_n who_o reject_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o wilful_a sin_n can_v renew_v themselves_o yet_o god_n can_v give_v they_o the_o heart_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n and_o renovation_n 2._o second_o the_o apostle_n address_v himself_o to_o jew_n speak_v with_o allusion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o though_o it_o allow_v of_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o involuntary_a sin_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n yet_o do_v not_o make_v the_o like_a provision_n for_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a and_o presumptuous_a offence_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o strict_o take_v as_o if_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n have_v make_v no_o provision_n for_o even_o such_o neither_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o argument_n 39_o argument_n act._n xiii_o 38_o 39_o whereby_o the_o same_o apostle_n prove_v the_o excellence_n of_o we_o above_o the_o levitical_a institution_n be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o that_o through_o this_o man_n jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o therefore_o man_n may_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v justify_v from_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o if_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n man_n may_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v from_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n even_o wilful_a sin_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pardon_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v i_o say_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n effectual_o we_o must_v observe_v 3._o three_o that_o those_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v mean_v not_o of_o every_o sort_n of_o wilful_a offender_n but_o of_o such_o as_o revolt_v and_o fly_v off_o entire_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o title_n 29._o title_n heb._n x._o 27_o 29._o of_o adversary_n and_o such_o as_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o trample_v he_o under_o foot_n count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o apostasy_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o only_a remedy_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v say_v st._n paul_n but_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n nor_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o benefit_n from_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o esteem_v common_a and_o no_o sacrifice_n at_o all_o but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o throw_v off_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o may_v see_v their_o folly_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o saviour_n atonement_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o too_o long_o have_v quench_v and_o resist_v though_o they_o have_v not_o formal_o disavow_v and_o do_v public_a despite_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v formal_a and_o open_a adversary_n to_o it_o between_o a_o conversation_n unbecoming_a the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n that_o profess_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o one_o of_o these_o and_o declare_v it_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n need_v not_o must_v not_o be_v so_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n a_o case_n so_o very_o distant_a from_o the_o former_a thus_o much_o however_o must_v be_v
as_o ever_o we_o have_v do_v former_o to_o that_o of_o our_o lust_n by_o stem_v the_o torrent_n of_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o promote_v goodness_n in_o the_o world_n particular_o by_o be_v eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o vice_n we_o former_o indulge_v and_o by_o our_o active_a indefatigable_a charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brethren_n give_v testimony_n how_o just_a a_o value_n we_o set_v upon_o the_o deliverance_n of_o our_o own_o in_o our_o mighty_a care_n to_o rescue_v they_o thus_o far_o st._n peter_n example_n lead_v we_o but_o even_o when_o we_o have_v follow_v it_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v not_o suppose_v that_o our_o pardon_n and_o good_a acceptance_n be_v due_a to_o any_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o good_a work_n or_o that_o our_o deep_a sorrow_n can_v proper_o speak_v have_v in_o it_o any_o thing_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o as_o 32._o as_o luke_n xxii_o 32._o st._n peter_n faith_n do_v therefore_o not_o fail_v because_o christ_n pray_v that_o it_o may_v not_o so_o our_o restoration_n and_o the_o essicacy_n of_o our_o repentance_n be_v entire_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a saviour_n he_o only_o can_v take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n between_o offend_a god_n and_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v god_n most_o easy_a of_o access_n and_o be_v suffer_v to_o draw_v so_o near_o as_o even_o to_o be_v mystical_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o feed_v by_o he_o let_v we_o not_o forget_v to_o beg_v that_o the_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v remove_v not_o in_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o manifold_a and_o great_a mercy_n humble_o beseech_v he_o that_o for_o his_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n he_o will_v forgive_v we_o all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v ever_o hereafter_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n through_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o sermon_n vii_o the_o certainty_n and_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n st._n john_n iii_o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o we_o read_v of_o nicodemus_n adventure_v to_o visit_n jesus_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o conviction_n his_o miracle_n have_v wrought_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o beholder_n that_o they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v plain_a somewhat_o more_o than_o mere_a curiosity_n draw_v he_o to_o this_o conference_n desire_v he_o have_v though_o as_o yet_o but_o imperfect_a of_o better_a instruction_n but_o such_o as_o they_o be_v our_o saviour_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o gratify_v they_o in_o enter_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o kingdom_n which_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o come_v a_o teacher_n whether_o nicodemus_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o and_o admit_v they_o into_o this_o kingdom_n we_o know_v not_o or_o whether_o christ_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n fall_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o point_n the_o most_o improve_n the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v first_o understand_v and_o most_o pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o steal_v this_o visit_n nor_o be_v it_o material_a for_o st._n john_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a consequence_n be_v that_o he_o make_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o see_v that_o kingdom_n v._n 3_o and_o this_o deserve_v the_o great_a attention_n because_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v the_o impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o absurd_a to_o propose_v it_o of_o go_v through_o the_o course_n of_o a_o natural_a birth_n the_o second_o time_n v._n 4._o from_o that_o wild_a misconstruction_n our_o lord_n deliver_v himself_o and_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n that_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o wash_v of_o baptism_n outward_o and_o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v effect_v v._n 5._o that_o can_v it_o be_v compass_v in_o that_o gross_a way_n nicodemus_n misapprehend_v yet_o that_o will_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n no_o advantage_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n for_o since_o in_o all_o production_n the_o thing_n bear_v receive_v the_o nature_n and_o resemblance_n of_o that_o whence_o it_o be_v be_v be_v derive_v flesh_n can_v only_o produce_v flesh_n but_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o god_n require_v consist_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o new_a spirit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o vital_a principle_n shall_v be_v a_o spirit_n v._n 6._o and_o however_o he_o may_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o this_o because_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o bodily_a sense_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o fact_n a_o very_a familiar_a instance_n whereof_o he_o allege_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v thus_o introduce_v by_o the_o seven_o verse_n marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n plain_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o similitude_n and_o the_o application_n and_o my_o discourse_n upon_o they_o shall_v according_o distribute_v itself_o into_o these_o two_o head_n first_o from_o the_o similitude_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o general_a conclusion_n which_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o lord_n argument_n with_o nicodemus_n second_o from_o the_o application_n i_o shall_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o property_n of_o the_o wind_n mention_v here_o will_v give_v we_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v working_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n i._o i_o begin_v with_o some_o general_n conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o similitude_n itself_o such_o as_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o lord_n argument_n with_o nicodemus_n and_o these_o conclusion_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o first_o a_o man_n may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o assure_v himself_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o be_v without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v indeed_o one_o and_o a_o very_a satisfactory_a way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o many_o and_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v come_v at_o this_o way_n may_v be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o extremity_n of_o a_o obstinate_a singularity_n to_o deny_v they_o for_o as_o thing_n have_v cause_n so_o have_v they_o likewise_o effect_n and_o property_n and_o other_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o conscience_n if_o any_o of_o these_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o exi_n for_o we_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o sure_a that_o what_o have_v no_o be_v of_o its_o own_n can_v have_v property_n and_o 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which_o that_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o 1._o and_o first_o from_o that_o expression_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v we_o may_v i_o think_v fair_o infer_v the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o he_o give_v it_o liberal_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o it_o be_v what_o no_o merit_n of_o we_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o give_v in_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n have_v labour_v much_o chapter_n much_o rom._n xi_o iv_o ix_o chapter_n show_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o work_n and_o of_o debt_n that_o abraham_n the_o father_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o faithful_a receive_v the_o call_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o among_o idolater_n and_o can_v have_v no_o work_n to_o boast_v of_o that_o when_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v both_o conclude_v under_o sin_n god_n choose_v the_o gentile_n as_o he_o do_v jacob_n before_o esau_n free_o while_o yet_o in_o the_o womb_n not_o that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o have_v any_o wrong_n do_v he_o or_o be_v use_v worse_a than_o he_o deserve_v but_o the_o other_o find_v great_a favour_n and_o be_v use_v better_a than_o he_o deserve_v and_o so_o the_o choose_a aught_o to_o be_v thankful_a and_o rejoice_v but_o the_o reject_v can_v not_o complain_v nor_o have_v he_o any_o thing_n to_o accuse_v god_n of_o thus_o it_o be_v also_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n god_n give_v we_o his_o prevent_a grace_n free_o he_o impart_v the_o light_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a blessing_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o educate_v in_o those_o happy_a region_n which_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o pure_a lustre_n of_o it_o when_o we_o believe_v this_o gospel_n it_o be_v his_o grace_n that_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o when_o that_o faith_n exert_v itself_o in_o work_n of_o obedience_n this_o also_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n when_o we_o improve_v to_o high_a excellency_n and_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a life_n this_o be_v again_o from_o the_o more_o abundant_a communication_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n have_v engage_v to_o give_v a_o increase_n of_o talent_n to_o they_o who_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o 29._o the_o matth._n xxv_o 29._o talent_n they_o already_o have_v he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o our_o 13._o our_o luke_n xi_o 13._o heavenly_a father_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o grant_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o but_o still_o it_o be_v by_o the_o aid_n and_o influence_n of_o that_o very_a spirit_n that_o we_o ask_v the_o talent_n we_o have_v not_o and_o that_o we_o improve_v those_o we_o have_v so_o that_o this_o do_v but_o enhance_v god_n mercy_n and_o bounty_n so_o much_o the_o more_o which_o first_o enable_v we_o to_o act_v and_o then_o reward_v we_o for_o act_v for_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o crown_n and_o complete_a his_o own_o work_n rather_o than_o our_o desert_n since_o what_o we_o do_v acquire_v a_o title_n to_o his_o promise_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v what_o we_o can_v not_o do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o impart_v to_o we_o the_o power_n of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v indeed_o another_o sense_n of_o this_o expression_n fix_v upon_o by_o a_o cajetan_n a_o cajetan_n interpreter_n of_o note_n which_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n blow_v upon_o man_n mind_n in_o so_o gentle_a a_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o take_v away_o the_o listing_n of_o they_o but_o leave_v the_o will_v the_o same_o exercise_n of_o its_o freedom_n though_o in_o conjunction_n with_o and_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o grace_n but_o this_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o though_o it_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o text_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o other_o passage_n thou_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v by_o which_o i_o conceive_v we_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o 2._o second_o 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faculty_n and_o the_o method_n by_o which_o he_o proceed_v in_o other_o case_n for_o do_v not_o this_o change_n begin_v with_o a_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o consequent_a hereunto_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n ground_n upon_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n displease_v to_o god_n destructive_a to_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o render_v both_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n and_o that_o eternity_n of_o misery_n which_o the_o present_a fleet_a pleasure_n of_o wickedness_n be_v a_o very_a poor_a and_o silly_a exchange_n for_o again_o will_v not_o his_o advance_n in_o virtue_n be_v find_v to_o owe_v itself_o to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o beauty_n the_o reasonableness_n the_o advantage_n of_o holiness_n the_o allure_a reward_n it_o propose_v the_o happiness_n it_o secure_v in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o how_o then_o do_v these_o argument_n prevail_v at_o last_o be_v it_o not_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n by_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n by_o degree_n by_o the_o common_a method_n of_o read_v or_o hear_v and_o weigh_v god_n word_n by_o vanquish_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n by_o discuss_v and_o display_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n by_o faithful_a and_o honest_a application_n by_o exciting_a good_a desire_n strengthen_v those_o desire_n with_o holy_a resolution_n and_o make_v good_a these_o resolution_n by_o diligent_a endeavour_n and_o steadfast_a perseverance_n but_o still_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o this._n it_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v these_o consideration_n into_o our_o heart_n at_o first_o he_o that_o fasten_v they_o upon_o we_o when_o they_o be_v there_o he_o that_o add_v new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o desire_n and_o intention_n and_o give_v efficacy_n and_o success_n to_o our_o otherwise_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a attempt_n he_o convince_v our_o judgement_n kindle_v good_a inclination_n persuade_v allure_v threaten_v deterr_v terrify_v reproach_n comfort_n commend_n and_o perform_v all_o other_o office_n necessary_a to_o piety_n but_o these_o he_o perform_v in_o we_o and_o with_o we_o and_o by_o we_o from_o he_o as_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o our_o daily_a prayer_n all_o holy_a desire_n all_o good_a counsel_n and_o all_o just_a work_n proceed_v but_o they_o proceed_v from_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o still_o to_o be_v our_o desire_n our_o counsel_n and_o our_o work_n we_o know_v we_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n exceept_v the_o father_n draw_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o as_o many_o as_o come_v be_v draw_v but_o then_o they_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n invite_v and_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n by_o the_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o admonition_n and_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o their_o rational_a nature_n and_o faculty_n in_o a_o way_n that_o require_v their_o own_o cooperation_n and_o consent_n and_o the_o more_o man_n work_v the_o more_o god_n will_v work_v with_o they_o in_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n act_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o assistant_n against_o our_o infirmity_n but_o not_o as_o a_o undertaker_n of_o the_o work_n or_o a_o bearer_n of_o the_o whole_a burden_n and_o all_o he_o do_v be_v by_o infusion_n so_o gentle_a so_o sweet_a so_o secret_a so_o tender_a as_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o if_o scripture_n have_v not_o declare_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o be_v from_o god_n we_o can_v not_o many_o time_n distinguish_v between_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o those_o of_o our_o own_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v both_o reason_n
of_o it_o imperceptible_a then_o every_o admonition_n from_o the_o pulpit_n every_o wholesome_a law_n every_o advice_n from_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o parent_n every_o good_a book_n every_o pious_a example_n every_o motion_n and_o intention_n to_o do_v well_o every_o conviction_n or_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o blow_v of_o this_o wind_n a_o call_v or_o impulse_n from_o above_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o these_o thing_n so_o often_o he_o resist_v god_n and_o quench_v his_o spirit_n within_o himself_o three_o this_o show_v we_o what_o course_n man_n shall_v take_v in_o order_n to_o get_v or_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o since_o god_n work_v by_o and_o with_o his_o ordinance_n our_o business_n must_v be_v to_o use_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n diligent_o to_o seek_v he_o there_o to_o put_v to_o the_o shoulder_n and_o do_v our_o part_n resolute_o and_o manful_o and_o then_o not_o doubt_v his_o assistance_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o will_v forward_o and_o strengthen_v our_o good_a intention_n and_o since_o he_o create_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o finish_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v but_o will_v perform_v and_o continue_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o that_o day_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o merit_n will_v most_o assure_o crown_v we_o and_o our_o labour_n with_o everlasting_a glory_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o the_o condition_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o second_o birth_n st._n john_n i._n 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o evangelist_n after_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n with_o great_a exactness_n declare_v the_o eternal_a divinity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a person_n testify_v of_o by_o the_o baptist_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o word_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o have_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n he_o mention_n here_o with_o what_o different_a success_n he_o do_v it_o some_o that_o be_v more_o peculiar_o oblige_v and_o most_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o from_o who_o a_o honourable_a reception_n may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v give_v he_o no_o respect_n no_o entertainment_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o perverse_a jew_n who_o god_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o and_o single_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o 11_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o proper_a possession_n christ_n be_v refuse_v there_o be_v a_o indignity_n like_o that_o of_o a_o man_n be_v drive_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o demesne_n or_o dwellinghouse_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o the_o loss_n however_o be_v not_o he_o but_o they_o in_o deny_v he_o they_o deny_v their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a so_o evident_a that_o st._n john_n think_v no_o other_o expression_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o punishment_n be_v needful_a than_o only_o to_o describe_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o who_o behave_v themselves_o more_o kind_o and_o dutiful_o to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o due_a improvement_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n first_o the_o person_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o benefit_n by_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n second_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o so_o do_v to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sonship_n be_v confer_v they_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n four_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o privilege_n he_o give_v it_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o i._o the_o first_o thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v who_o those_o person_n be_v to_o who_o the_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n belong_v or_o what_o that_o condition_n be_v which_o must_v qualify_v man_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o the_o text_n have_v express_v in_o those_o word_n who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n now_o these_o be_v term_n explanatory_a of_o one_o another_o and_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v therefore_o say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v he_o because_o they_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o reject_v his_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n so_o faith_n in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o obedience_n to_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o receive_v he_o and_o these_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a give_v he_o the_o hear_n and_o forbear_v all_o public_a and_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o his_o word_n but_o in_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n expect_v salvation_n from_o that_o name_n and_o no_o other_o and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n all_z that_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o render_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v effectual_a in_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v manifest_a to_o any_o man_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o close_o for_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o those_o capacity_n which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o we_o in_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n imply_v a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o message_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o from_o heaven_n to_o own_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o priest_n be_v to_o rely_v upon_o his_o most_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n to_o confess_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o atonement_n and_o to_o detest_v and_o forsake_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a but_o withal_o so_o severe_a and_o 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within_o the_o compass_n and_o be_v include_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o place_n as_o he_o do_v here_o particular_o that_o by_o believe_a man_n acquire_v the_o privilege_n of_o become_a son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n say_v positive_o in_o another_o as_o in_o the_o three_o of_o this_o gospel_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n we_o find_v he_o do_v that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o belief_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o evidence_v by_o a_o solemn_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n
ourselves_o all_o that_o protection_n and_o tender_a care_n all_o that_o compassion_n and_o kind_n concern_v all_o that_o indulgence_n and_o favourable_a allowance_n for_o our_o fail_n all_o that_o ready_a relief_n in_o our_o necessity_n all_o that_o ample_a provision_n for_o our_o prosperity_n and_o well_o be_v which_o nature_n inspire_v affectionate_a father_n with_o and_o give_v dutiful_a child_n a_o right_a to_o expect_v how_o much_o this_o be_v i_o pretend_v not_o to_o describe_v for_o word_n can_v do_v it_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o parent_n for_o parent_n only_o know_v and_o what_o they_o know_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v much_o easy_o feel_v than_o express_v but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o when_o the_o best_a good-natured_a man_n have_v summon_v all_o the_o soft_a resentment_n together_o that_o either_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n or_o the_o most_o win_a endearment_n of_o a_o child_n can_v engage_v he_o to_o this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v derive_v down_o upon_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o god_n who_o love_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a ground_v upon_o better_a and_o more_o substantial_a motive_n who_o as_o he_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o same_o spring_n of_o passion_n with_o mortal_a man_n so_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o their_o inconstancy_n and_o picque_n and_o unaccountable_a disgust_n his_o affection_n be_v steady_a and_o permanent_a he_o always_o love_v when_o we_o deserve_v it_o and_o always_o pity_v and_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v reconcile_v when_o we_o do_v not_o of_o god_n who_o power_n be_v as_o immense_a as_o his_o love_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o spend_v itself_o in_o sad_a complaint_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n and_o unprofitable_a wish_n as_o that_o of_o earthly_a parent_n often_o do_v who_o see_v with_o ache_a and_o with_o bleed_a heart_n their_o child_n want_n and_o even_o die_v under_o those_o misery_n they_o can_v help_v but_o this_o father_n understand_v all_o our_o occasion_n can_v supply_v all_o our_o necessity_n can_v redress_v all_o our_o wrong_n remove_v all_o our_o misfortune_n and_o be_v not_o more_o willing_a than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o assist_v we_o of_o god_n i_o say_v who_o provision_n be_v not_o like_o what_o we_o be_v so_o immoderate_o solicitous_a to_o procure_v for_o our_o child_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o prey_n of_o usurp_a greatness_n or_o treacherous_a falsehood_n or_o crafty_a forgery_n the_o booty_n of_o invasion_n and_o violence_n and_o theft_n the_o sport_n of_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o wind_n and_o every_o element_n nay_o even_o the_o food_n of_o rust_n and_o moth_n or_o if_o spare_v by_o all_o these_o yet_o at_o the_o best_a such_o as_o must_v waste_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n but_o a_o inheritance_n large_a and_o eternal_a as_o the_o bounteous_a giver_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o casualty_n and_o oulast_v even_o time_n itself_o of_o god_n last_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o lord_n one_o who_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o dignity_n infinite_o above_o what_o any_o earthly_a prince_n or_o potentate_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o place_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o without_o the_o melancholy_a ceremony_n of_o death_n and_o succession_n give_v to_o each_o son_n a_o crown_n a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n incorruptible_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o for_o ever_o these_o be_v but_o faint_a and_o feeble_a representation_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n that_o accrue_v to_o we_o by_o be_v thus_o relate_v but_o who_o can_v hear_v even_o these_o without_o break_v out_o again_o into_o st._n john_n rapturous_a reflection_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o but_o i_o observe_v second_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o the_o evangelist_n express_v himself_n as_o it_o speak_v the_o greatness_n so_o do_v it_o also_o imply_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gift_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o privilege_n seem_v to_o carry_v something_o of_o indulgence_n and_o grace_n in_o it_o something_o which_o though_o grant_v upon_o good_a consideration_n yet_o can_v not_o in_o strict_a right_n have_v be_v challenge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v in_o no_o condition_n of_o merit_v this_o mighty_a favour_n much_o otherwise_o indeed_o their_o circumstance_n be_v poor_a and_o low_a and_o miserable_a for_o what_o can_v possible_o be_v more_o so_o than_o man_n corrupt_v by_o sin_n a_o most_o lose_v most_o pollute_a object_n the_o servant_n the_o slave_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n bewilder_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n captivate_v and_o bind_v up_o in_o chain_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o past_o the_o extent_n of_o any_o natural_a power_n to_o enlighten_v or_o to_o release_v he_o omnipotence_n only_o can_v do_v it_o nay_o even_o omnipotence_n without_o love_n have_v not_o do_v it_o to_o perfection_n but_o by_o a_o happy_a conjunction_n of_o these_o two_o we_o be_v set_v free_a set_v free_a the_o noble_a way_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o fear_n remain_v but_o be_v so_o make_v the_o servant_n as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o attain_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o such_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a but_o adopt_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o by_o nature_n and_o who_o in_o wonderful_a condescension_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v we_o brethren_n my_o former_a particular_a take_v notice_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o make_v good_a this_o adoption_n but_o these_o be_v appoint_v only_o as_o instrument_n as_o sign_n and_o seal_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o pass_v as_o record_v and_o testify_v the_o act_n and_o insure_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o we_o as_o the_o write_n of_o indenture_n do_v not_o convey_v a_o estate_n for_o the_o person_n be_v seal_v and_o deliver_v do_v that_o but_o be_v only_o call_v a_o deed_n because_o it_o testify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o party_n and_o as_o such_o testimony_n secure_v the_o possession_n to_o he_o for_o who_o use_n it_o be_v do_v so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o receive_v with_o faith_n and_o all_o necessary_a qualification_n be_v only_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o derive_v this_o sonship_n upon_o we_o seal_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o god_n do_v there_o but_o still_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sacrament_n but_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o sacrament_n that_o make_v we_o child_n there_o be_v no_o such_o merit_n in_o the_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o partake_v of_o they_o no_o such_o inherent_a power_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o form_n the_o word_n or_o the_o element_n as_o can_v by_o any_o efficacy_n of_o their_o own_o work_n this_o mighty_a change_n all_o be_v the_o act_n the_o free_a gift_n the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o the_o most_o high_a exalt_v these_o thing_n into_o effect_n mysterious_a and_o above_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o as_o the_o water_n though_o of_o all_o element_n most_o fruitful_a have_v produce_v nothing_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o brood_a upon_o it_o so_o in_o the_o second_o birth_n it_o be_v that_o spirit_n alone_o that_o sanctify_v water_n to_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o god_n but_o though_o such_o similitude_n as_o these_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o give_v we_o some_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o direct_o under_o sense_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v this_o shall_v hold_v in_o every_o circumstance_n for_o between_o this_o and_o common_a birth_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n as_o st._n john_n plain_o declare_v and_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o three_o particular_a to_o observe_v which_o take_v notice_n iii_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sonship_n be_v confer_v from_o those_o word_n of_o my_o text_n who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o seem_v in_o short_a to_o be_v thus_o much_o that_o we_o be_v not_o conceive_v of_o this_o as_o of_o usual_a and_o natural_a birth_n as_o if_o it_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o material_a principle_n or_o promote_v by_o sensual_a inclination_n but_o all_o here_o be_v spiritual_a and_o sublime_a it_o be_v god_n that_o beget_v we_o of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v ch._n i._n v._n 18._o or_o if_o you_o please_v to_o take_v these_o expression_n as_o some_o have_v do_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a
with_o regard_n to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o expiation_n he_o tell_v the_o hebrew_n 9_o hebrew_n heb._n ii_o 9_o that_o jesus_n be_v make_v a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n shall_v taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n the_o design_n be_v not_o less_o universal_a because_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o so_o for_o st._n peter_n 1._o peter_n 2_o pet._n two_o 1._o upbraid_v the_o man_n who_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n with_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o and_o so_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o destruction_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n enlarge_n most_o admirable_o to_o show_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o convert_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o occasion_n of_o bring_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n may_v be_v also_o a_o occasion_n of_o soften_a the_o jew_n by_o work_v they_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o that_o happiness_n and_o obedience_n which_o those_o despise_a nation_n have_v so_o surprise_o outstrip_v they_o in_o some_o person_n indeed_o there_o be_v who_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n and_o pretend_v that_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o stand_v out_o shall_v ever_o have_v come_v in_o that_o he_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o hearken_v to_o or_o comply_v with_o his_o call_n but_o i_o add_v notwithstanding_o four_o that_o god_n be_v very_o serious_a in_o these_o invitation_n and_o that_o the_o parable_n give_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v so_o it_o be_v true_a among_o man_n many_o thing_n be_v do_v mere_o out_o of_o ceremony_n and_o form_n many_o proffer_v make_v in_o hope_n of_o be_v refuse_v many_o civility_n show_v where_o nothing_o less_o be_v intend_v and_o what_o the_o world_n call_v complaisance_n and_o good_a breed_n be_v frequent_o not_o so_o much_o the_o language_n as_o the_o disguise_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o real_a friendship_n or_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o formality_n or_o flattery_n or_o dissimulation_n or_o fear_v but_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o to_o suppose_v almighty_a god_n guilty_a of_o such_o mean_a art_n be_v to_o think_v most_o unworthy_o and_o most_o inconsistent_o of_o he_o with_o he_o be_v no_o deceivableness_n no_o deceit_n a_o thing_n so_o vile_a and_o confess_o base_a that_o they_o who_o practice_n it_o most_o be_v always_o ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o and_o therefore_o use_v their_o utmost_a industry_n to_o mask_v it_o well_o though_o few_o in_o comparison_n be_v sincere_a yet_o every_o man_n be_v ambitious_a and_o labour_n to_o be_v think_v sincere_a and_o what_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o sinful_a mortal_n detest_v be_v sure_a a_o character_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a be_v again_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o indirect_a or_o double_a deal_v or_o false_a and_o flatter_a pretence_n so_o be_v there_o no_o imaginable_a reason_n from_o without_o that_o shall_v incline_v he_o to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o he_o can_v contract_v a_o obligation_n from_o his_o own_o creature_n nor_o can_v he_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o their_o displeasure_n what_o then_o shall_v move_v he_o to_o profess_v kindness_n where_o none_o be_v due_a what_o where_o he_o can_v suffer_v by_o withhold_a it_o what_o indeed_o but_o his_o own_o infinite_a and_o essential_a goodness_n can_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n gain_v any_o advantage_n by_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o affection_n and_o court_v the_o good_a opinion_n of_o poor_a worm_n who_o can_v never_o profit_v he_o by_o the_o best_a of_o their_o pollute_a and_o imperfect_a service_n he_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o any_o return_v our_o gratitude_n can_v make_v nor_o be_v his_o happiness_n defective_a without_o they_o and_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o be_v our_o state_n independent_a upon_o the_o favour_n or_o friendship_n of_o one_o another_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o flatterer_n or_o dissembler_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o this_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o design_n his_o invitation_n shall_v be_v accept_v why_o do_v he_o ever_o make_v they_o at_o all_o but_o at_o least_o when_o man_n refuse_v they_o why_o do_v he_o not_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n a_o compliment_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o be_v easy_o drop_v and_o when_o man_n be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v deny_v they_o be_v usual_o content_a to_o spare_v the_o trouble_n of_o press_v but_o be_v this_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o method_n use_v here_o for_o bring_v in_o guest_n to_o the_o marriage_n if_o the_o first_o bid_v will_v bear_v so_o vile_a a_o interpretation_n yet_o sure_a the_o importunity_n of_o a_o second_o and_o three_o call_v will_n by_o no_o mean_n endure_v it_o and_o yet_o lest_o of_o all_o will_v that_o indignation_n for_o be_v so_o unworthy_o reject_v the_o new_a commission_n issue_v out_o to_o his_o servant_n the_o mighty_a care_n of_o pick_v up_o other_o guest_n and_o the_o severe_a revenge_n upon_o those_o who_o receive_v his_o gracious_a offer_n with_o disdain_n in_o all_o appearance_n the_o do_v what_o god_n all_o along_o intend_a man_n shall_v do_v nay_o what_o he_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o do_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v breed_v so_o irreconcilable_a a_o quarrel_n we_o acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v a_o vast_a and_o dark_a depth_n and_o think_v it_o very_o unbecoming_a poor_a feeble_a mortal_n too_o busy_o to_o intrude_v into_o or_o peremptory_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v they_o but_o there_o be_v some_o plain_a principle_n so_o obvious_a that_o all_o contend_a party_n can_v but_o agree_v in_o they_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n can_v but_o do_v right_a be_v a_o truth_n universal_o confess_v and_o though_o justice_n in_o god_n may_v proceed_v upon_o measure_n not_o understand_v by_o we_o and_o be_v perfect_a above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v yet_o since_o just_a and_o unjust_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a and_o unalterable_a thing_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o esteem_v just_a and_o good_a among_o men._n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v excuse_v if_o they_o think_v that_o all_o the_o caution_n and_o jealousy_n due_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o who_o out_o of_o honest_a zeal_n perhaps_o have_v set_v up_o a_o secret_a will_n in_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o seem_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o the_o know_a will_n of_o his_o precept_n and_o revelation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v that_o any_o shall_v hear_v and_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n and_o enjoin_v this_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o have_v in_o most_o solemn_a manner_n declare_v this_o to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v another_o will_n to_o we_o unknown_a which_o control_v and_o overrule_v all_o this_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o word_n though_o they_o will_v never_o so_o fain_o and_o then_o punish_v and_o damn_v they_o eternal_o for_o not_o do_v so_o let_v they_o who_o maintain_v this_o doctrine_n tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v deliver_v it_o from_o such_o reflection_n upon_o the_o honour_n the_o justice_n the_o goodness_n the_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o may_v be_v allow_v so_o to_o speak_v the_o sincerity_n and_o common_a honesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o reverence_n to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o name_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v for_o unaffected_a mistake_v and_o difference_n in_o opinion_n but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o just_a matter_n of_o blame_n to_o dissent_v from_o those_o doctrine_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o even_o they_o that_o advance_v they_o profess_v to_o abhor_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o show_v we_o how_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v for_o so_o far_o as_o yet_o appear_v if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v also_o vain_a and_o therefore_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o obstruct_v man_n honest_a endeavour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o outward_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o in_o their_o full_a power_n and_o that_o his_o decree_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v very_o well_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o covenant_n his_o exhortation_n his_o promise_n his_o threaten_n his_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a expostulation_n his_o lay_v
the_o sinner_n ruin_n at_o his_o own_o door_n so_o frequent_o and_o so_o manifest_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v it_o not_o thus_o what_o wretched_a uncertainty_n be_v christian_n abandon_v to_o what_o terrible_a anxiety_n and_o discouragement_n must_v they_o labour_v under_o in_o their_o great_a concern_v so_o great_a that_o the_o best_a good_a man_n can_v never_o tell_v what_o he_o have_v to_o trust_v 10_o and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o true_o be_v affirm_v that_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o to_o who_o revelation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v come_v be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a some_o other_o conclusion_n there_o be_v very_o proper_a upon_o this_o occasion_n but_o those_o i_o must_v be_v satisfy_v with_o refer_v to_o my_o next_o discourse_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n x._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_n call_v and_o election_n state_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n feast_n st._n matth._n xxii_o 14._o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v my_o design_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o call_v and_o election_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o the_o obtain_v that_o salvation_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o tender_v to_o they_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n already_o by_o a_o former_a discourse_n 1._o by_o explain_v the_o parable_n of_o which_o my_o text_n be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o show_v who_o be_v the_o call_v and_o who_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o former_a class_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v all_o to_o who_o the_o invitation_n of_o this_o king_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v come_v whether_o they_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n upon_o such_o invitation_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o receive_v or_o reject_v christ_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o all_o who_o come_v whether_o with_o or_o without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n who_o do_v receive_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n though_o they_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v many_o but_o by_o the_o choose_a those_o only_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o thankful_o and_o dutiful_o embrace_v the_o proffer_v of_o salvation_n and_o by_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n be_v admit_v as_o worthy_a partaker_n of_o this_o divine_a feast_n and_o these_o it_o seem_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o number_n so_o call_v as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v but_o few_o but_o now_o in_o regard_n that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o right_a understanding_n and_o receive_v due_a encouragement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n it_o must_v needs_o import_v we_o high_o to_o know_v whence_o this_o so_o great_a disparity_n proceed_v and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o where_o such_o mean_n be_v plentful_o offer_v they_o become_v so_o seldom_o effectual_a i_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v receive_v information_n from_o this_o parable_n whether_o such_o miscarriage_n and_o disappointment_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n own_o self_n whether_o he_o never_o intend_v that_o all_o who_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v choose_v notwithstanding_o their_o most_o assiduous_a endeavour_n so_o to_o be_v or_o whether_o every_o one_o so_o call_v may_v also_o have_v be_v choose_v if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v want_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o that_o call_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v both_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o and_o of_o those_o other_o who_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o be_v not_o save_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o do_v so_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o eleven_o verse_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n i.e._n they_o who_o come_v not_o in_o when_o bid_v to_o the_o marriage_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n who_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o unsincere_a and_o wicked_a christian_n i_o be_o still_o engage_v in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o head_n and_o for_o our_o form_v a_o judgement_n of_o that_o case_n more_o distinct_o do_v promise_n to_o set_v before_o you_o both_o what_o this_o parable_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o king_n invite_v his_o guest_n and_o what_o hindrance_n it_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o those_o guest_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o not_o comply_v with_o so_o gracious_a a_o invitation_n on_o the_o king_n part_n i_o show_v you_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o parable_n plain_o speak_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o large_a and_o magnificent_a preparation_n for_o entertain_v the_o guest_n ii_o the_o desire_n he_o express_v and_o the_o repeat_v endeavour_n he_o use_v that_o the_o person_n invite_v shall_v partake_v of_o they_o from_o these_o passage_n explain_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o matter_n manifest_o intend_v by_o this_o parable_n i_o draw_v some_o inference_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v upon_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o marvellous_a grace_n 2._o that_o the_o mercy_n figure_v here_o by_o the_o king_n be_v make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n 3._o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v universal_a or_o as_o our_o church_n in_o her_o excellent_a catechism_n most_o true_o express_v it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n redeem_v all_o mankind_n 4._o that_o in_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v man_n for_o render_v this_o universal_a redemption_n effectual_a to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a almighty_a god_n be_v very_o serious_a and_o sincere_a and_o do_v not_o by_o any_o fatal_a necessity_n decree_v by_o his_o secret_a will_n render_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o revealed_z will._n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o some_o other_o conclusion_n for_o which_o the_o passage_n before_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a just_a foundation_n for_o instance_n 5._o five_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o hence_o that_o common_o speak_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n by_o which_o god_n call_v man_n be_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o other_o ordinary_a and_o state_v mean_n of_o grace_n the_o servant_n of_o this_o king_n answer_v to_o god_n minister_n regular_o send_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n who_o establish_a order_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o publish_v their_o message_n diligent_o to_o make_v the_o will_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o their_o master_n know_v to_o all_o people_n to_o proclaim_v the_o tiding_n and_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v encourage_v promise_n threaten_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o by_o all_o prudent_a and_o possible_a care_n to_o urge_v and_o prevail_v upon_o their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v or_o obstinate_o refuse_v their_o own_o mercy_n so_o that_o our_o respective_a congregation_n be_v to_o know_v they_o meet_v with_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o their_o lawful_a successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o those_o word_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 16._o understand_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v me._n and_o whatever_o wild_a dream_n some_o people_n may_v have_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a inward_a call_n eton._n see_v chrysost_n tom._n 5._o pag._n 291._o ed._n eton._n such_o i_o mean_v as_o pretend_v to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n or_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n or_o the_o like_a upon_o the_o notion_n of_o wait_v for_o some_o powerful_a distinct_a and_o express_v call_v and_o not_o think_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o the_o unanswerable_a conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v sufficient_a motive_n for_o go_v about_o they_o these_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v vain_a pretence_n the_o delusion_n of_o melancholy_a or_o sloth_n and_o dangerous_a suggestion_n of_o
holy_a live_n and_o make_v heaven_n their_o first_o and_o great_a care_n these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o fill_v the_o house_n and_o partake_v of_o that_o supper_n and_o this_o signification_n be_v equal_o proper_a and_o more_o pertinent_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o condition_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v my_o own_o and_o your_o attention_n upon_o it_o by_o consider_v these_o two_o general_a head_n first_o the_o justice_n of_o those_o man_n lose_a heaven_n and_o happiness_n who_o for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n refuse_v the_o proffer_n of_o it_o make_v to_o they_o second_o the_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o do_v accept_v and_o profit_n under_o they_o for_o upon_o these_o two_o point_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o passage_n turn_v and_o they_o together_o make_v up_o the_o moral_a of_o this_o figurative_a representation_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v first_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o debar_v those_o man_n any_o access_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n hereafter_o who_o refuse_v the_o proffer_n of_o it_o make_v to_o they_o here_o for_o that_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o twenty_o four_o verse_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n this_o though_o last_o in_o order_n of_o the_o text_n yet_o because_o depend_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o the_o parable_n i_o choose_v to_o begin_v with_o and_o for_o the_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o these_o two_o thing_n shall_v be_v attend_v to_o 1._o the_o character_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o refuser_n and_o then_o 2._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o excuse_n they_o make_v for_o themselves_o i._o the_o character_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o who_o absent_v be_v easy_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o excuse_n make_v to_o soften_v their_o refusal_n three_o whereof_o be_v positive_o allege_v here_o as_o send_v back_o by_o three_o person_n respective_o the_o first_o say_v 20._o say_v v._o 18_o 19_o 20._o i_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o go_v and_o see_v it_o the_o second_o be_v i_o have_v buy_v five_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prove_v they_o and_o the_o three_o i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o will_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o denomination_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o absent_v seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o immoderate_a pursuit_n of_o business_n and_o riches_n for_o the_o wealth_n of_o those_o eastern_a country_n consist_v partly_o in_o land_n and_o partly_o in_o cattle_n avarice_n be_v the_o distemper_n common_a to_o they_o both_o the_o three_o be_v more_o proper_o reduce_v to_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o fondness_n of_o sensual_a delight_n which_o carry_v some_o 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of_o god_n and_o good_a manner_n and_o such_o as_o by_o long_a shameless_a vice_n have_v wear_v out_o all_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o such_o as_o indulge_v those_o care_n and_o those_o pleasure_n only_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v lawful_a and_o allowable_a he_o set_v before_o we_o not_o the_o vile_a oppressor_n the_o impious_a perjure_a or_o the_o actor_n of_o violence_n and_o rapine_n of_o forgery_n or_o fraud_n but_o man_n intent_n upon_o their_o own_o affair_n pattern_n of_o provident_a and_o honest_a industry_n so_o far_o as_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v concern_v have_v he_o do_v otherwise_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o no_o degree_n of_o anxiety_n have_v be_v criminal_a so_o long_o as_o our_o hand_n be_v clean_o of_o injustice_n and_o deceit_n as_o we_o be_v cautious_a not_o to_o heap_v pollute_a treasure_n nor_o give_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o be_v foul_a and_o dishonest_a in_o our_o deal_n or_o have_v he_o instance_a in_o adulterer_n in_o lewd_a and_o impudent_a sensuality_n that_o prostitute_n man_n soul_n their_o body_n their_o tongue_n to_o filthiness_n and_o lust_n we_o may_v imagine_v none_o can_v be_v to_o blame_v in_o give_v scope_n to_o loose_a desire_n and_o fleshly_a satisfaction_n and_o that_o no_o bound_n no_o law_n restrain_v our_o pleasure_n where_o modesty_n and_o decency_n be_v observe_v where_o no_o man_n property_n have_v be_v invade_v no_o injure_a bed_n or_o violate_a honour_n can_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n but_o now_o by_o produce_v honest_a purchase_n and_o honourable_a marriage_n he_o plain_o teach_v we_o that_o even_o the_o most_o innocent_a profit_n and_o pleasure_n may_v cease_v to_o be_v innocent_a in_o our_o manner_n of_o use_v they_o as_o if_o they_o engross_v our_o heart_n and_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o better_a thought_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o intrude_v upon_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n vitiate_v our_o affection_n and_o in_o a_o word_n grow_v to_o excess_n or_o prove_v unseasonable_a for_o how_o reasonable_a soever_o these_o allegation_n appear_v to_o those_o who_o make_v they_o here_o and_o do_v no_o doubt_n still_o to_o million_o more_o that_o urge_v they_o daily_o yet_o you_o see_v they_o find_v no_o favour_n with_o almighty_a god_n these_o man_n of_o honest_a business_n and_o innocent_a delight_n be_v notwithstanding_o declare_v to_o be_v unworthy_a and_o all_o their_o avocation_n suppose_v they_o both_o real_a and_o important_a can_v not_o nor_o ever_o will_v acquit_v the_o person_n or_o bear_v out_o their_o refusal_n to_o attend_v upon_o high_a duty_n these_o be_v the_o bidden_n the_o ungrateful_a wretch_n who_o christ_n reject_v with_o anger_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o argument_n ii_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o excuse_n make_v for_o not_o comply_v with_o this_o invitation_n and_o this_o appear_v much_o more_o from_o the_o thing_n design_v by_o the_o parable_n than_o it_o do_v by_o any_o express_a word_n in_o the_o parable_n itself_o there_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o gather_v that_o there_o be_v reason_n good_a why_o the_o guest_n shall_v have_v prefer_v this_o feast_n before_o their_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o delight_v but_o in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n goodness_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o and_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o life_n the_o obligation_n and_o necessity_n of_o make_v these_o our_o first_o care_n approve_v itself_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n as_o will_v soon_o appear_v whether_o the_o person_n invite_v the_o feast_n itself_o or_o the_o cause_n that_o detain_v man_n from_o attend_v it_o be_v regard_v 1._o the_o person_n invite_v we_o be_v god_n and_o this_o alone_a be_v cause_n sufficient_a why_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o humane_a conversation_n we_o may_v make_v great_a distinction_n and_o proportion_n our_o respect_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n or_o the_o friendship_n of_o those_o that_o ask_v our_o company_n with_o they_o who_o birth_n or_o fortune_n make_v our_o equal_n we_o can_v be_v bold_a and_o use_v those_o liberty_n which_o good_a breed_n will_v forbid_v to_o they_o above_o we_o and_o if_o a_o mighty_a prince_n or_o kind_a benefactor_n a_o patron_n and_o a_o friend_n require_v our_o presence_n all_o our_o affair_n must_v be_v dispense_v with_o all_o business_n and_o diversion_n lay_v aside_o to_o testify_v our_o gratitude_n and_o honour_n and_o nothing_o wait_v on_o but_o he._n shall_v we_o not_o then_o obey_v the_o gracious_a offer_n when_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o call_v we_o he_o be_v our_o best_a our_o only_a friend_n from_o he_o we_o derive_v all_o our_o comfort_n all_o our_o hope_n nay_o even_o our_o very_a self_n he_o command_v all_o
public_a employment_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o lead_v and_o to_o warn_v other_o by_o become_v a_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o his_o generation_n and_o inspire_v his_o charge_n by_o a_o pious_a example_n and_o even_o in_o the_o most_o private_a station_n as_o temptation_n and_o trial_n assault_v a_o man_n so_o there_o be_v more_o press_a want_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o great_a steadiness_n and_o abundance_n still_o the_o thick_a those_o dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v shoot_v against_o we_o and_o the_o more_o furious_a and_o fiery_a they_o be_v which_o this_o faith_n alone_o can_v quench_v the_o wisdom_n of_o governor_n do_v not_o think_v the_o same_o preparation_n necessary_a in_o time_n of_o peace_n as_o when_o actual_o in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n but_o provide_v against_o surprise_v and_o be_v content_a to_o defer_v the_o arm_v or_o draw_v out_o their_o force_n till_o action_n call_v for_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o be_v assure_v that_o upon_o great_a emergency_n god_n strength_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a at_o hand_n and_o make_v perfect_a in_o our_o weakness_n provide_v we_o be_v diligent_a and_o honest_a that_o be_v if_o we_o use_v the_o strength_n we_o have_v and_o do_v not_o indulge_v nor_o industrious_o contribute_v to_o our_o own_o weakness_n let_v it_o be_v allow_v then_o that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o deceive_v in_o these_o apprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o his_o faith_n do_v not_o make_v any_o considerable_a advance_n yet_o if_o his_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o call_v for_o any_o extraordinary_a addition_n the_o case_n be_v still_o well_o enough_o for_o as_o no_o man_n have_v need_n to_o call_v his_o health_n in_o question_n who_o feel_v no_o indisposition_n of_o body_n though_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v himself_o to_o grow_v every_o day_n strong_a so_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o preservative_n from_o lapse_n and_o error_n and_o secure_v we_o against_o spiritual_a sickness_n and_o death_n if_o we_o do_v not_o languish_v and_o become_v manifest_o cold_a and_o feeble_a in_o god_n service_n nor_o find_v our_o soul_n infect_v with_o sin_n and_o lust_n this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o our_o spiritual_a health_n be_v good_a and_o though_o a_o great_a degree_n and_o high_a perfection_n may_v be_v desirable_a perhaps_o yet_o still_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o shall_v we_o perish_v for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o beside_o where_o all_o these_o blessing_n depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a bounty_n and_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o master_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o with_o reflection_n upon_o what_o we_o have_v not_o but_o rejoice_v and_o be_v thankful_a for_o what_o we_o have_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o favour_n that_o he_o snatch_v we_o from_o ruin_n and_o allow_v we_o any_o place_n at_o all_o in_o his_o presence_n and_o will_v much_o better_o become_v we_o to_o sit_v down_o please_v and_o take_v the_o low_a room_n than_o to_o discontent_n ourselves_o and_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o what_o we_o enjoy_v by_o repine_v that_o we_o be_v not_o take_v to_o sit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o a_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n 2._o but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n do_v very_o often_o increase_v and_o we_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n perceive_v it_o not_o what_o our_o church_n in_o one_o of_o her_o article_n teach_v we_o to_o confess_v be_v most_o certain_a xii_o act_v xii_o that_o good_a work_n do_v natural_o flow_v from_o faith_n so_o that_o by_o they_o a_o true_a faith_n may_v be_v know_v as_o evident_o as_o a_o tree_n by_o its_o fruit._n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v this_o that_o what_o we_o call_v faith_n if_o it_o produce_v no_o good_a deed_n be_v no_o better_a than_o dead_a and_o none_o at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o just_a consequence_n from_o hence_o that_o no_o faith_n be_v lively_a and_o true_a which_o be_v not_o perpetual_o exert_v itself_o in_o new_a instance_n any_o more_o than_o that_o the_o tree_n be_v dead_a which_o be_v not_o always_o green_a and_o always_o bear_v for_o our_o soul_n have_v in_o some_o sense_n their_o winter_n too_o and_o the_o season_n of_o sprout_v again_o into_o verdancy_n and_o fruitfulness_n if_o therefore_o either_o want_n of_o opportunity_n to_o show_v itself_o keep_v it_o hide_v or_o the_o storm_n of_o affliction_n suppress_v and_o put_v it_o back_o for_o a_o while_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v or_o despair_v of_o its_o life_n but_o may_v conclude_v that_o as_o the_o corn_n lie_v cover_v and_o yet_o gather_v strength_n when_o under_o ground_n so_o this_o faith_n may_v grow_v and_o flourish_v and_o fit_v itself_o for_o great_a and_o glorious_a undertake_n even_o when_o we_o have_v no_o visible_a sign_n nor_o sensible_a proof_n of_o its_o do_v so_o and_o such_o indeed_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o habit_n whatsoever_o who_o excellency_n consist_v not_o in_o perpetual_a action_n but_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o masterly_a disposition_n to_o act_v as_o become_v they_o so_o often_o only_o as_o proper_a occasion_n be_v offer_v to_o exercise_v they_o nay_o far_o yet_o i_o add_v that_o though_o some_o thing_n shall_v appear_v to_o we_o which_o look_v very_o suspicious_a and_o seem_v to_o argue_v great_a decay_n at_o least_o if_o not_o absolute_a deadness_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o the_o be_v sometime_o indispose_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o feel_v our_o zeal_n less_o warm_a and_o vigorous_a than_o former_o yet_o be_v not_o these_o symptom_n of_o so_o fatal_a consequence_n that_o we_o shall_v conclude_v against_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o at_o all_o despair_n of_o our_o spiritual_a health_n and_o safety_n from_o they_o be_v the_o soul_n indeed_o single_a by_o itself_o and_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o exert_v its_o own_o power_n without_o any_o let_n or_o contradiction_n than_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v steady_a and_o uniform_a in_o all_o its_o operation_n but_o here_o the_o wise-man_n observation_n take_v place_n that_o 〈◊〉_d that_o wisd_v ix_o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n weigh_v down_o the_o mind_n that_o muse_v upon_o many_o thing_n or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v proper_o enough_o be_v render_v the_o mind_n encumber_a with_o many_o care_n and_o this_o in_o truth_n be_v our_o case_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o necessity_n and_o detain_v by_o all_o the_o clog_n and_o hindrance_n of_o a_o body_n expose_v to_o all_o the_o trouble_v of_o supply_v its_o want_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n to_o all_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o all_o the_o anxiety_n of_o the_o world_n subject_n to_o all_o its_o disorder_n and_o infirmity_n force_v to_o act_n by_o as_o well_o as_o with_o it_o and_o so_o liable_a to_o be_v obstruct_v and_o divert_v by_o its_o passion_n and_o pleasure_n its_o pain_n and_o its_o disease_n this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n not_o only_a why_o one_o man_n differ_v so_o vast_o from_o another_o but_o why_o the_o same_o man_n differ_v sometime_o so_o strange_o from_o himself_o that_o he_o scarce_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o same_o and_o since_o the_o very_a same_o affection_n be_v the_o spring_n of_o our_o action_n and_o resentment_n in_o religious_a matter_n which_o be_v in_o all_o other_o affair_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o as_o those_o spring_n be_v different_o set_v and_o we_o different_o move_v by_o they_o the_o alteration_n we_o feel_v in_o point_n of_o duty_n and_o devotion_n as_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n so_o they_o will_v vary_v in_o like_a proportion_n as_o in_o our_o common_a and_o worldly_a concern_v so_o that_o as_o we_o have_v differ_v constitution_n give_v we_o at_o first_o or_o as_o any_o accident_n afterward_o change_v those_o we_o have_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o seem_v strange_a much_o less_o to_o create_v we_o any_o great_a trouble_n or_o disquiet_v if_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o disposition_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n shall_v happen_v to_o vary_v according_o the_o cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a will_v not_o find_v all_o those_o sprightly_a emotion_n of_o heart_n as_o the_o sanguine_a and_o airy_a man_n nor_o will_v this_o man_n again_o feel_v the_o same_o depth_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o sad_a remorse_n nor_o the_o like_a complacency_n in_o the_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n of_o a_o penitent_a state_n with_o one_o of_o a_o black_a and_o more_o heavy_a blood_n thus_o fear_v and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o steadfast_a affiance_n in_o he_o and_o charity_n and_o kindness_n to_o one_o another_o though_o they_o be_v general_a duty_n such_o as_o all_o be_v
which_o be_v wont_a to_o rise_v from_o the_o fail_n we_o feel_v or_o fancy_v in_o ourselves_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v imagine_v always_o to_o attend_v piety_n and_o true_a faith_n shall_v be_v consider_v god_n will_v in_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n xiii_o the_o case_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n the_o scruple_n about_o it_o consider_v st._n mark_v ix_o 24._o latter_a part_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n i_o have_v already_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n such_o and_o so_o general_a that_o all_o people_n will_v find_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o they_o which_o be_v my_o first_n head_n my_o second_o propose_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o many_o well-meaning_a person_n upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v frequent_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o their_o have_a no_o true_a faith_n be_v real_o not_o so_o now_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o proceed_v from_o a_o sight_n or_o a_o imagination_n of_o some_o fail_n in_o man_n own_o self_n and_o other_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easiness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v suppose_v constant_o to_o attend_v true_a piety_n and_o faith_n the_o former_a of_o these_o kind_n have_v be_v already_o consider_v particular_o and_o the_o latter_a come_v now_o under_o our_o examination_n viz._n those_o dissatisfaction_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o piety_n which_o god_n accept_v be_v always_o suppose_v to_o produce_v now_o of_o these_o i_o common_o meet_v with_o two_o which_o seem_v most_o to_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n and_o they_o be_v first_o man_n doubt_v of_o their_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o second_o the_o want_n of_o those_o inward_a joy_n and_o that_o present_a constant_a peace_n of_o heart_n which_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o cheer_v our_o spirit_n with_o and_o to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v you_o that_o for_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n as_o that_o phrase_n be_v common_o use_v be_v not_o any_o argument_n that_o they_o want_v true_a faith_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o ever_o have_v be_v think_v one_o if_o a_o sort_n of_o vain_a man_n have_v not_o lead_v their_o follower_n away_o with_o a_o strange_a delude_a imagination_n that_o it_o be_v one_o necessary_a part_n and_o character_n of_o a_o true_a belief_n in_o christ_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a election_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o miscarry_v so_o that_o not_o to_o rest_v asselve_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v as_o they_o represent_v the_o matter_n a_o distrust_n of_o christ_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o promise_n since_o his_o gift_n and_o his_o call_n be_v without_o repentance_n and_o who_o he_o once_o love_v he_o love_v they_o unto_o the_o end_n now_o when_o people_n be_v tell_v in_o so_o very_o confident_a and_o peremptory_a term_n that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o question_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o no_o such_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o a_o humble_a sight_n of_o their_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n they_o can_v rest_v in_o all_o that_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n but_o find_v some_o little_a misgiving_n and_o fear_n mix_v with_o their_o hope_n we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o lie_v under_o sad_a anxiety_n and_o dissatisfaction_n so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v themselves_o want_v in_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o such_o be_v not_o this_o positive_a assurance_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v nor_o in_o truth_n can_v it_o be_v as_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o in_o few_o word_n and_o by_o so_o do_v most_o offectual_o to_o put_v and_o end_v to_o all_o those_o scruple_n and_o disquiet_n that_o be_v owe_v mere_o to_o this_o false_a presumption_n of_o its_o be_v so_o and_z that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n without_o it_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n to_o save_v mankind_n from_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a destruction_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v most_o certain_o by_o his_o merit_n have_v their_o obedience_n accept_v and_o their_o soul_n make_v eternal_o happy_a this_o indeed_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o necessary_a belief_n and_o to_o question_v this_o be_v to_o distrust_v and_o dishonour_n god_n it_o be_v to_o contradict_v his_o word_n and_o to_o blaspheme_v his_o truth_n but_o for_o you_o or_o i_o in_o particular_a to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o happy_a number_n this_o can_v never_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o positive_a duty_n nor_o have_v the_o gospel_n enjoin_v it_o any_o far_a than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o find_v ourselves_o within_o those_o general_n term_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o mankind_n at_o large_a and_o you_o will_v i_o think_v agree_v that_o even_o in_o very_o good_a man_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v this_o shall_v amount_v to_o a_o positive_a assurance_n when_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o follow_a argument_n as_o first_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o conceive_v to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n with_o fear_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n plain_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o proper_a and_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o christian_n obedience_n for_o however_o that_o may_v have_v be_v run_v down_o as_o a_o spirit_n contrary_n to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n 10._o creature_n ps_n cxi_o 10._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n place_n the_o 13._o the_o phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o beginning_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o it_o be_v that_o the_o new_a attribute_n the_o very_a finish_n and_o excellence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o very_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n a_o foundation_n for_o it_o for_o so_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o corinthian_n 2_o ep._n chap._n vii_o v._o 1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v not_o to_o novice_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o make_v their_o first_o feeble_a essay_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o and_o then_o pass_v on_o to_o some_o noble_a motive_n but_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v complete_v their_o duty_n and_o become_v perfect_a by_o that_o a_o virtue_n so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o gospel-mercy_n that_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o fear_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o gracious_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o same_o apostle_n command_v his_o philippian_n 13._o philippian_n phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v in_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n justice_n constant_o upon_o their_o mind_n a_o constant_a dread_a of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o from_o thence_o a_o anxious_a care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o these_o philippian_n have_v who_o be_v according_o encourage_v to_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n grace_n whereby_o he_o work_v in_o man_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o may_v we_o say_v as_o some_o fond_o do_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v cool_v by_o such_o a_o principle_n since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v recommend_v the_o high_a act_n of_o love_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o less_o than_o suffer_a martyrdom_n itself_o and_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n from_o the_o same_o motive_n thus_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o do_v to_o his_o beloved_a one_o luke_n xii_o 4._o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o