and_o without_o delay_n and_o because_o they_o be_v many_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a without_o be_v very_o curious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o they_o for_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n of_o persuasion_n it_o matter_n not_o how_o inartificial_o they_o be_v range_v and_o dispose_v 1._o consider_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n and_o which_o must_v be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a mind_n than_o irresolution_n to_o be_v undermine_v where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a to_o be_v always_o about_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v must_v be_v do_v victuros_fw-la agimus_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vivimus_fw-la unquam_fw-la we_o be_v always_o intend_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o can_v never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o set_v about_o it_o this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v off_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v from_o one_o day_n and_o night_n to_o another_o till_o he_o have_v starve_v and_o destroy_v himself_o it_o seldom_o fall_v under_o any_o man_n deliberation_n whether_o he_o shall_v live_v or_o not_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v and_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deliberate_v about_o it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deliberate_v whether_o we_o shall_v live_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o sober_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o consult_v whether_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o not_o nature_n have_v determine_v this_o for_o we_o and_o we_o need_v not_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o delay_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o 2._o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a work_n and_o ask_v so_o much_o time_n that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o to_o begin_v with_o repentance_n which_o be_v common_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o business_n of_o a_o sudden_a thought_n and_o resolution_n but_o of_o execution_n and_o action_n it_o be_v the_o abandon_v of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o we_o can_v leave_v till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n master_v our_o lust_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v our_o master_n like_o pharaoh_n they_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o bondage_n and_o not_o let_v we_o go_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v off_o at_o once_o as_o they_o have_v be_v long_o in_o contract_n so_o without_o a_o miracle_n it_o will_v require_v a_o competent_a time_n to_o subdue_v they_o and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o for_o they_o be_v conquer_v just_a by_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grow_v up_o and_o get_v strength_n in_o we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v several_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n and_o often_o to_o be_v repeat_v many_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v long_o practise_v and_o exercise_v before_o the_o contrary_a vice_n will_v be_v subdue_v and_o before_o we_o arrive_v to_o a_o confirm_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o goodness_n such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o our_o good_a condion_fw-la towards_o god_n we_o have_v many_o lust_n to_o mortify_v many_o passion_n to_o govern_v and_o bring_v into_o order_n much_o good_a to_o do_v to_o make_v what_o amends_o and_o reparation_n we_o can_v for_o the_o much_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o learn_v and_o many_o to_o unlearn_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_o prompt_v by_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o remain_a power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o perhaps_o we_o have_v satisfaction_n and_o restitution_n to_o make_v for_o the_o many_o injury_n we_o have_v do_v to_o other_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v a_o body_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v off_o which_o cling_v close_o to_o we_o and_o be_v hard_o to_o part_v with_o we_o have_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o improve_v our_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o have_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n our_o light_n be_v so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v we_o think_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o require_v no_o time_n that_o we_o may_v delay_v and_o put_v off_o to_o the_o last_o and_o yet_o do_v all_o this_o work_n well_o enough_o do_v we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o a_o wound_a spirit_n do_v we_o think_v that_o when_o the_o day_n have_v be_v idle_o spend_v and_o squander_v away_o by_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o work_v when_o the_o night_n and_o darkness_n come_v when_o our_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o our_o memory_n frail_a and_o our_o will_n crooked_a and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v obstinate_o bend_v the_o wrong_a way_n what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n can_v we_o then_o perform_v to_o god_n when_o our_o candle_n be_v just_o sink_v into_o the_o socket_n how_o shall_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n alas_o the_o long_a life_n be_v no_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o in_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o good_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n to_o train_v up_o ourselves_o for_o eternity_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 3._o consider_v what_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n we_o run_v by_o these_o delay_n every_o delay_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o venture_v the_o main_a chance_n it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v time_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v time_n whether_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o god_n indeed_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v pardon_n to_o repentance_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v life_n and_o leisure_n the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v acceptance_n to_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n for_o sin_n without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o favour_n who_o only_o give_v he_o good_a word_n and_o be_v at_o last_o content_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o he_o as_o to_o promise_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o no_o long_o many_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o sickness_n as_o to_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v mighty_o trouble_v for_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o to_o make_v solemn_a promise_n and_o profession_n of_o become_v better_a and_o yet_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n all_o have_v vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o their_o righteousness_n have_v be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o pass_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o those_o person_n who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o and_o go_v as_o far_o as_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o
that_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a intention_n of_o our_o be_v be_v most_o natural_a for_o whatever_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a now_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o every_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o religion_n teach_v we_o be_v thing_n reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o what_o god_n when_o he_o make_v we_o intend_v we_o shall_v do_v and_o a_o man_n be_v then_o please_v with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n when_o he_o do_v what_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v then_o offend_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o go_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n by_o neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o than_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o and_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o be_v uneasy_a and_o put_v he_o into_o disorder_n as_o when_o a_o man_n eat_v or_o drink_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unwholesome_a it_o offend_v his_o stomach_n and_o put_v his_o body_n into_o a_o unnatural_a and_o a_o restless_a state_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o rest_n and_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o nature_n intend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o be_v violent_o force_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o quiet_a till_o it_o recover_v it_o again_o now_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n design_v it_o as_o god_n make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o health_n when_o we_o be_v what_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o as_o we_o find_v a_o unexpressible_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n when_o our_o body_n be_v in_o its_o perfect_a state_n of_o health_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a every_o distemper_n cause_v pain_n and_o uneasiness_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n when_o religion_n govern_v all_o our_o inclination_n and_o action_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o all_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o when_o we_o be_v otherwise_o and_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a practice_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n so_o long_o as_o we_o act_v unreasonable_o and_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o necessary_o create_v trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o ourselves_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v at_o ease_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o sick_a and_o disease_a condition_n till_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v wrought_v out_o our_o spirit_n will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o fermentation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n he_o may_v use_v what_o art_n of_o diversion_n he_o will_v and_o change_v from_o one_o place_n and_o posture_n to_o another_o but_o still_o he_o be_v restless_a because_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o give_v he_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a such_o man_n may_v dissemble_v their_o condition_n and_o put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o appearance_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o contentment_n but_o god_n who_o see_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n know_v it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a 2._o another_o ground_n of_o peace_n which_o the_o religious_a man_n have_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v god_n his_o friend_n now_o friendship_n be_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n both_o it_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o that_o be_v a_o double_a pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a the_o pleasure_n of_o love_a god_n or_o of_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o now_o whoever_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n may_v rest_v perfect_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v no_o displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n shall_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o hate_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o favour_n we_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o may_v say_v with_o david_n return_v then_o unto_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a what_o can_v reasonable_o trouble_v or_o discontent_n that_o man_n who_o have_v make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a friend_n and_o can_v be_v the_o sore_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o by_o be_v religious_a we_o do_v most_o effectual_o consult_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o this_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o live_v pious_o and_o virtuous_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o so_o do_v maintain_v the_o present_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o religion_n give_v a_o man_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o all_o pleasure_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o present_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n also_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a good_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o last_a good_a it_o will_v support_v a_o man_n under_o a_o great_a many_o present_a evil_n if_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o last_o we_o may_v content_o bear_v a_o great_a many_o affliction_n for_o its_o sake_n for_o though_o all_o suffering_n be_v grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o escape_v great_a danger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o mighty_a good_a though_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o get_v thither_o it_o will_v be_v a_o new_a and_o a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o we_o to_o remember_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n whereby_o we_o be_v save_v and_o make_v happy_a so_o that_o all_o these_o put_v together_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o very_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o act_v reasonable_o though_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v but_o likewise_o please_v he_o who_o favour_n be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o who_o frown_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o death_n when_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o direct_o promote_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n do_v most_o effectual_o serve_v our_o own_o interest_n what_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o minister_v more_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n three_o the_o reflection_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v afterward_o yield_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o what_o can_v commend_v religion_n more_o to_o we_o than_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n give_v we_o so_o much_o contentment_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o whatever_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o look_a back_n upon_o it_o no_o man_n ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o with_o regret_n for_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o have_v live_v sober_o or_o righteous_o or_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o conscience_n
defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o his_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n this_o day_n this_o hour_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n as_o lot_z do_v out_o of_o sodom_n lest_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n overtake_v we_o he_o that_o can_v promise_v himself_o the_o next_o moment_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o present_a opportunity_n while_o we_o be_v linger_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v consume_v therefore_o make_v haste_n sinner_n and_o escape_v for_o thy_o life_n lest_o evil_a overtake_v thou_o 6._o last_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o make_v this_o change_n god_n who_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n at_o first_o and_o after_o we_o have_v make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o again_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o by_o the_o redemption_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v either_o of_o ourselves_o or_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v we_o if_o we_o hearty_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o for_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o which_o we_o may_v do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o another_o if_o we_o may_v have_v that_o assistance_n for_o ask_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v it_o be_v not_o absolute_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n for_o that_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o god_n part_n to_o hinder_v this_o change_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o he_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v our_o good_a resolution_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o most_o certain_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v plain_o as_o he_o say_v and_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o with_o any_o private_a reserve_n or_o nice_a distinction_n between_o his_o secret_a and_o reveal_v will_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o decree_v one_o thing_n and_o declare_v the_o contrary_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o that_o if_o a_o sinner_n entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o do_v but_o once_o move_v towards_o he_o how_o ready_a be_v he_o to_o receive_v he_o this_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a manner_n describe_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o when_o he_o be_v return_v home_o and_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o what_o haste_n do_v his_o father_n make_v to_o meet_v he_o he_o see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n on_o god_n part_n why_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o on_o we_o one_o will_v think_v all_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n whether_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o such_o great_a offender_n as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o the_o business_n do_v not_o stick_v there_o and_o will_v we_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o choice_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o have_v but_o patience_n to_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v our_o thought_n and_o deliberation_n to_o some_o issue_n the_o conclusion_n must_v natural_o be_v the_o quit_n of_o that_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a course_n in_o which_o we_o have_v live_v for_o sin_n and_o consideration_n can_v not_o long_o dwell_v together_o do_v but_o man_n consider_v what_o sin_n be_v they_o will_v have_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o such_o strong_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o miserable_a issue_n and_o event_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o change_n be_v perfect_o make_v at_o once_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o holiness_n be_v not_o like_o two_o way_n that_o be_v just_o part_v by_o a_o line_n so_o as_o a_o man_n may_v step_v out_o of_o the_o one_o full_a into_o the_o other_o but_o they_o be_v like_o two_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o two_o very_a distant_a place_n and_o consequent_o be_v at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o far_o any_o man_n have_v travel_v in_o the_o one_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o require_v time_n and_o pain_n to_o pass_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o it_o sometime_o so_o happen_v that_o some_o person_n be_v by_o a_o mighty_a conviction_n and_o resolution_n and_o by_o a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n almost_o perfect_o reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n at_o once_o and_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n as_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v strong_a and_o violent_a so_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o usual_a and_o settle_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n evil_a habit_n be_v master_v and_o subdue_v by_o degree_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o conflict_n and_o many_o time_n after_o they_o be_v rout_v they_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n again_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o considerable_a degree_n of_o strength_n and_o maturity_n and_o before_o a_o man_n come_v to_o that_o confirm_a state_n of_o goodness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v conquer_v and_o mortify_v his_o lust_n but_o yet_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v we_o for_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v serious_o begin_v this_o change_n we_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n and_o all_o our_o endeavour_n will_v have_v the_o acceptance_n of_o good_a beginning_n and_o god_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o help_v we_o and_o if_o we_o pursue_v our_o advantage_n we_o shall_v every_o day_n gain_v ground_n and_o the_o work_n will_v grow_v easy_a upon_o our_o hand_n and_o we_o who_o move_v at_o first_o with_o so_o much_o slowness_n and_o difficulty_n shall_v after_o a_o while_n be_v enable_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o course_n here_o prescribe_v and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o and_o now_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o take_v this_o course_n i_o shall_v offer_v two_o or_o three_o argument_n 1._o that_o consideration_n be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n this_o argument_n god_n himself_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n isa_n 46.8_o remember_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n bring_v it_o again_o to_o mind_n o_o you_o transgressor_n to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o call_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o man_n it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n and_o infelicity_n of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o they_o general_o live_v without_o think_v and_o be_v act_v by_o their_o present_a
he_o have_v it_o and_o according_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o with_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v the_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o he_o job_n and_o david_n hezekiah_n and_o nehemiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a st._n paul_n for_o himself_o and_o timothy_n make_v this_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o sincerity_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o passage_n in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o can_v be_v collect_v that_o any_o good_a man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v modesty_n but_o impudence_n in_o any_o man_n to_o declare_v that_o he_o suspect_v himself_o of_o hypocrisy_n good_a man_n have_v always_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o bear_v to_o have_v his_o integrity_n question_v it_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o a_o generous_a speech_n of_o he_o till_o i_o die_v i_o will_v not_o remove_v my_o integrity_n from_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o this_o be_v become_v a_o very_a common_a doubt_n among_o religious_a people_n and_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unreasonable_o cherish_v in_o it_o as_o to_o have_v it_o make_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o himself_o it_o be_v indeed_o say_v in_o scripture_n jer._n 17.9_o that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o be_v true_a concern_v our_o future_a intention_n and_o action_n no_o man_n know_v how_o his_o mind_n may_v change_v hereafter_o little_o do_v hazael_n think_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text._n for_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o chapter_n plain_o make_v use_v of_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o take_v off_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o trust_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n and_o in_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o they_o of_o foreign_a assistance_n from_o egypt_n because_o man_n may_v pretend_v fair_a and_o yet_o deceive_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a and_o none_o but_o god_n know_v whether_o man_n inward_a intention_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o outward_a profession_n for_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v be_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n here_o intend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fraud_n and_o deceit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o bad_a man_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rely_v upon_o their_o promise_n and_o profession_n but_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n but_o now_o because_o god_n alone_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o intention_n towards_o one_o another_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n either_o impossible_a or_o very_a difficult_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o own_o present_a intention_n and_o action_n to_o make_v any_o such_o conclusion_n be_v to_o condemn_v the_o generation_n of_o god_n child_n those_o holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n job_n and_o david_n and_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o do_v so_o frequent_o appeal_v to_o god_n concern_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o sure_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v from_o the_o very_a foundation_n destroy_v a_o imagination_n which_o be_v not_o only_o untrue_a in_o itself_o but_o have_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o many_o good_a man_n iii_o let_v we_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o so_o many_o person_n be_v at_o so_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o will_v distinct_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n second_o the_o causeless_a doubt_n and_o jealousy_n of_o man_n real_o good_a concern_v their_o bad_a condition_n and_o three_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v in_o other_o as_o for_o the_o trouble_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o bad_a and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o know_a vice_n these_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n if_o they_o be_v trouble_v about_o their_o condition_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o doubtful_a of_o it_o it_o be_v less_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o person_n in_o this_o condition_n there_o be_v only_a counsel_n to_o be_v give_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o become_v better_o but_o no_o comfort_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o till_o first_o they_o have_v follow_v that_o counsel_n for_o till_o they_o reform_v if_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n they_o think_v just_a as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n and_o no_o body_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o otherwise_o first_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o false_a hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n real_o bad_a concern_v their_o good_a condition_n i_o do_v not_o now_o mean_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n but_o such_o as_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a to_o man_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o hard_a opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o other_o but_o the_o most_o grievous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n use_v all_o manner_n of_o shift_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n as_o be_v the_o ill_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o condition_n some_o therefore_o rely_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o their_o be_v baptize_v into_o it_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o exemption_n from_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o solemn_a obligation_n to_o it_o do_v thou_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n thou_o of_o all_o man_n be_v inexcusable_a if_o thou_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n other_o trust_v to_o their_o external_a devotion_n they_o frequent_v the_o church_n and_o serve_v god_n constant_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n spoil_v all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o devotion_n he_o that_o turn_v away_o his_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o law_n that_o be_v from_o obey_v it_o even_o his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v a_o abomination_n other_o who_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v very_o bad_a depend_v very_o much_o upon_o their_o repentance_n especial_o if_o they_o set_v solemn_a time_n apart_o for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n will_v put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o good_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o repentance_n be_v sincere_a but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o real_a change_n and_o reformation_n in_o our_o life_n for_o we_o have_v not_o repent_v to_o purpose_n if_o we_o return_v again_o to_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v well_o thou_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a of_o thy_o miscarriage_n but_o thou_o be_v never_o safe_a till_o thou_o have_v forsake_v thy_o sin_n thy_o estate_n and_o condition_n towards_o god_n be_v not_o change_v till_o thou_o have_v real_o alter_v thyself_o and_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n other_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n justice_n and_o liberality_n and_o charity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o
to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o search_v out_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n there_o need_v no_o anxious_a enquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o we_o daily_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o grow_v in_o goodness_n and_o take_v care_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o certain_o take_v the_o best_a course_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o comfortable_a and_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n this_o one_o mark_n of_o do_v righteousness_n be_v that_o into_o which_o all_o other_o sign_n and_o character_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n give_v of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v final_o resolve_v and_o this_o answer_v all_o those_o various_a phrase_n which_o some_o man_n will_v make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_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 from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n 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 though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n
at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o