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the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o man_n who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o who_o conscience_n acquit_v he_o who_o innocence_n support_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o danger_n who_o piety_n and_o virtue_n cheer_v his_o soul_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o most_o excellent_a comfort_n who_o present_a condition_n be_v full_a of_o hope_n and_o who_o future_a prospect_n be_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a how_o will_v such_o a_o christian_a as_o this_o triumph_n over_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o despise_v the_o blandishment_n of_o a_o vain_a uncertain_a sinful_a world_n even_o death_n its_o self_n the_o last_o and_o great_a of_o terror_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o amaze_v he_o but_o rather_o he_o will_v welcome_v it_o with_o a_o cheerful_a mind_n and_o with_o st._n paul_n desire_v to_o depart_v 23_o and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n whilst_o able_a with_o he_o to_o cry_v out_o 7_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n but_o o_o wretched_a sinner_n who_o by_o thy_o unreasonable_a delay_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a concernment_n both_o to_o thy_o present_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n not_o only_o expose_v thyself_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o deprive_v thyself_o of_o the_o only_a true_a and_o real_a felicity_n of_o this_o man_n indeed_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a do_n and_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o seem_a satisfaction_n in_o their_o way_n of_o wickedness_n but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o must_v die_v and_o come_v to_o judgement_n will_v ever_o and_o anon_o come_v in_o and_o embitter_v all_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o piety_n that_o alone_o be_v the_o way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o her_o path_n the_o path_n of_o peace_n 17_o but_o i_o must_v not_o pursue_v these_o reflection_n any_o far_o i_o will_v therefore_o conclude_v this_o whole_a argument_n with_o those_o excellent_a word_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n v._n xviii_o 7_o make_v no_o long_a tarry_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n 20._o before_o judgement_n examine_v thyself_o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n thou_o shall_v find_v mercy_n 21._o humble_a thyself_o before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sin_n show_v repentance_n 22._o let_v nothing_o hinder_v thou_o to_o pay_v thy_o vow_n in_o due_a time_n and_o defer_v not_o until_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v a_o exhortation_n to_o mutual_a charity_n and_o union_n among_o protestant_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o hampton-court_n may_v 21._o 1689._o rome_n xv._n 5_o 6_o 7._o now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v likeminded_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v part_n of_o that_o affectionate_a application_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v of_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a charity_n 1_o in_o that_o great_a instance_n of_o condescension_n to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o weak_a brethren_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v this_o there_o be_v in_o those_o first_o time_n many_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o though_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n yet_o still_o continue_v zealous_a for_o the_o law_n 20_o and_o not_o only_o careful_o observe_v themselves_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o but_o will_v also_o by_o any_o mean_n impose_v upon_o all_o other_o also_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o and_o how_o earnest_a they_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n and_o how_o much_o they_o hate_v the_o gentile_a convert_v upon_o who_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o lay_v any_o such_o burden_n etc._n many_o passage_n both_o in_o the_o act_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n epistle_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v but_o as_o in_o all_o other_o difference_n it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o the_o whole_a heat_n of_o the_o controversy_n rest_v only_o on_o one_o side_n so_o here_o though_o the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v both_o the_o first_o beginner_n of_o this_o dispute_n and_o the_o more_o zealous_a pursuer_n of_o it_o yet_o
serious_o to_o consider_v before_o we_o venture_v upon_o such_o a_o procrastination_n or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o defer_v our_o repentance_n at_o all_o not_o only_o how_o very_a little_a security_n we_o have_v of_o our_o life_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o general_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n but_o whether_o this_o very_a thing_n of_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o such_o a_o season_n may_v not_o be_v a_o particular_a mean_n to_o call_v down_o some_o speedy_a judgement_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o that_o time_n we_o design_v for_o this_o work_n but._n 2_o dly_z shall_v nothing_o of_o this_o happen_v unto_o we_o yet_o still_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o defer_v our_o repent_v though_o never_o so_o little_a see_v such_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o perform_v it_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o long_a life_n will_v find_v it_o scarce_o enough_o to_o discharge_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o as_o a_o work_n that_o may_v be_v do_v well_o enough_o hereafter_o in_o his_o decline_a year_n perhaps_o in_o his_o last_o sickness_n may_v possible_o do_v somewhat_o which_o he_o may_v call_v repent_v but_o which_o it_o be_v very_o great_a odds_o shall_v have_v little_a in_o it_o more_o than_o the_o name_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o general_n argument_n i_o propose_v to_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o defer_v our_o duty_n viz._n two_o dly_z from_o the_o nature_n and_o difficulty_n of_o repentance_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o i_o the_o rather_o choose_v to_o insist_v upon_o on_o this_o occasion_n because_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o repentance_n that_o chief_o encourage_v so_o many_o to_o a_o delay_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o be_v man_n hearty_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o thing_n to_o repent_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o it_o require_v so_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o can_v present_o be_v know_v even_o by_o our_o own_o self_n whether_o it_o be_v perform_v as_o it_o ought_v or_o no_o insomuch_o that_o shall_v we_o allow_v he_o who_o have_v put_v off_o his_o duty_n for_o the_o present_a to_o discharge_v it_o true_o at_o the_o last_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o they_o will_v never_o venture_v to_o defer_v it_o to_o such_o a_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o miracle_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o miscarry_v in_o it_o now_o repentance_n if_o take_v in_o that_o proper_a notion_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n 11_o a_o eschew_v of_o evil_a and_o a_o do_v good_n it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n or_o a_o desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o live_v better_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o in_o a_o real_a conversion_n by_o consequence_n to_o fulfil_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n and_o desire_n and_o resolve_v to_o amend_v but_o we_o must_v true_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o change_n of_o life_n in_o which_o the_o true_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n consist_v and_o whatsoever_o come_v short_a of_o this_o when_o we_o have_v opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n nor_o will_v ever_o be_v accept_v of_o by_o god_n as_o such_o and_o when_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v either_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o discharge_v it_o or_o how_o much_o time_n as_o well_o as_o labour_v it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o accomplish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a while_n that_o will_v suffice_v to_o overcome_v those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o a_o long_a practice_n have_v render_v almost_o natural_a to_o we_o to_o conquer_v our_o passion_n and_o bring_v our_o most_o extravagant_a lust_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_v by_o the_o difficulty_n we_o find_v but_o of_o begin_v this_o work_n how_o much_o more_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n let_v we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o every_o habit_n and_o that_o of_o sin_n above_o all_o other_o the_o long_a it_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o more_o it_o root_v itself_o in_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o the_o great_a time_n and_o pain_n it_o will_v require_v to_o remove_v it_o so_o that_o than_o our_o task_n will_v increase_v every_o day_n upon_o our_o hand_n and_o the_o long_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o less_o time_n remain_v to_o fulfil_v it_o in_o but_o we_o shall_v still_o have_v the_o more_o to_o do_v to_o discharge_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o therefore_o we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n suppose_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o at_o the_o last_o if_o we_o can_v indeed_o secure_o presume_v that_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v a_o work_n fit_a for_o our_o decline_a year_n that_o when_o our_o memory_n be_v decay_v and_o our_o thought_n move_v slow_a when_o our_o reason_n begin_v to_o fail_v we_o and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o age_n and_o our_o sin_n to_o surround_v we_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o look_v back_o into_o all_o the_o remote_a passage_n of_o our_o life_n pass_v and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o raise_v up_o our_o resentment_n to_o a_o true_a and_o real_a contrition_n for_o they_o and_o so_o to_o change_v our_o very_a nature_n as_o from_o old_a habitual_a sinner_n to_o become_v upon_o the_o sudden_a new_a creature_n from_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n the_o child_n of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o if_o we_o please_v put_v off_o our_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o act_n and_o resolve_v that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o then_o to_o begin_v to_o live_v when_o we_o be_v just_a now_o about_o to_o die_v but_o if_o we_o can_v without_o the_o utmost_a unreasonableness_n imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o if_o such_o a_o change_n as_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o as_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o repentance_n do_v imply_v be_v a_o work_n that_o will_v require_v our_o best_a strength_n and_o labour_n to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o without_o some_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v too_o much_o even_o for_o that_o it_o must_v then_o remain_v that_o though_o we_o be_v the_o master_n of_o our_o own_o time_n yet_o we_o can_v not_o without_o a_o very_a great_a danger_n put_v our_o salvation_n upon_o such_o a_o hazard_n as_o this_o in_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v allow_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attain_v unto_o it_o yet_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v all_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o come_v short_a of_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o consideration_n which_o i_o propose_v and_o which_o will_v still_o more_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o delay_v our_o repentance_n viz._n iii_o dly_a from_o the_o method_n by_o which_o god_n usual_o proceed_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v set_v out_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o all_o habit_n in_o general_a that_o the_o long_o any_o one_o go_v on_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n the_o more_o unwilling_a he_o will_v be_v and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n especial_o every_o little_a delay_n add_v a_o new_a strength_n to_o our_o passion_n and_o those_o lust_n which_o at_o first_o might_n 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and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n he_o cry_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v in_o which_o parable_n our_o bless_a saviour_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o different_a success_n which_o his_o gospel_n then_o do_v and_o will_v ever_o after_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o according_a to_o the_o different_a disposition_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discouragement_n we_o labour_v under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o consider_v how_o very_a little_a benefit_n for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o our_o endeavour_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o declare_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n that_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v 11_o either_o by_o the_o goodness_n or_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n yet_o scarce_o a_o four_o part_n bring_v any_o fruit_n at_o all_o to_o perfection_n 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which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o or_o exhortation_n to_o fulfil_v it_o or_o else_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o baseness_n of_o those_o â—_z that_o most_o usual_o draw_v man_n aside_o from_o it_o now_o all_o these_o natural_o imply_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o part_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o to_o do_v somewhat_o in_o pursuance_n of_o these_o instruction_n either_o to_o fulfil_v this_o duty_n or_o to_o fly_v those_o sin_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o to_o watch_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o they_o be_v forewarn_v will_v otherwise_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v they_o from_o it_o and_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o do_v this_o they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o what_o our_o saviour_n once_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o preach_v will_v be_v find_v as_o true_a now_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o 22_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o in_o discourse_n of_o this_o kind_a as_o in_o other_o ordinary_a address_n that_o be_v sometime_o make_v to_o we_o which_o if_o they_o do_v but_o afford_v we_o some_o agreeable_a entertainment_n for_o the_o present_a we_o have_v our_o desire_n and_o though_o we_o afterward_o never_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o any_o far_a thought_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o run_v no_o great_a hazard_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v sustain_v any_o loss_n by_o our_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o when_o we_o tell_v you_o your_o duty_n and_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o doctrine_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o we_o speak_v as_o the_o commissioner_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o the_o word_n which_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o his_o that_o 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their_o progress_n in_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o compliment_n and_o good_a breed_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o yet_o rather_o than_o be_v think_v rude_a and_o precise_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v disturb_v company_n or_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o singular_a they_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v and_o so_o disobey_v god_n for_o fear_v of_o disoblige_a man_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o very_o often_o occur_v in_o the_o method_n of_o our_o present_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v now_o then_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o the_o contest_v here_o be_v and_o what_o the_o issue_n most_o certain_o will_v be_v god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o party_n concern_v and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o duty_n towards_o he_o or_o your_o civility_n towards_o the_o other_o aught_o to_o preponderate_v whether_o you_o shall_v go_v to_o 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christian_n labour_n under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o either_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v a_o satisfaction_n or_o indulge_v a_o close_a and_o melancholy_a disposition_n so_o long_o till_o they_o be_v at_o last_o incapable_a of_o any_o live_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n whole_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o can_v find_v any_o peace_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o now_o though_o such_o trouble_n as_o these_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o be_v prevent_v before_o they_o arrive_v than_o remove_v after_o yet_o there_o be_v way_n to_o encounter_v even_o this_o device_n too_o of_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o render_v it_o of_o no_o force_n to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n to_o which_o end_n 1_o st_z if_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n of_o this_o kind_n arise_v in_o your_o mind_n examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o they_o whether_o your_o life_n have_v be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v you_o just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v yourselves_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v your_o soul_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o you_o can_v discover_v to_o support_v such_o fear_n then_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n threat_n and_o promise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o will_v never_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o another_o world_n but_o for_o live_v in_o a_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n in_o this._n that_o our_o duty_n be_v clear_a and_o express_v and_o that_o conscience_n when_o sincere_o examine_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o we_o do_v true_o fulfil_v it_o or_o no._n and_o therefore_o that_o as_o st._n john_n say_v beloved_n 21_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 shall_v the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o shall_v you_o find_v yourselves_o in_o never_o so_o dangerous_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n by_o god_n assistance_n to_o deliver_v yourselves_o out_o of_o it_o and_o then_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v 130.4_o so_o that_o be_v your_o state_n at_o the_o present_a never_o so_o dangerous_a yet_o if_o you_o will_v even_o now_o lie_v hold_v upon_o his_o mercy_n if_o you_o will_v yet_o repent_v and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n 19_o and_o confess_v your_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v you_o your_o sin_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n but_o now_o 2_o dly_a if_o your_o case_n be_v dubious_a and_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o reflection_n be_v able_a to_o give_v you_o that_o satisfaction_n you_o desire_v yet_o shall_v not_o this_o move_v you_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o tempter_n but_o rather_o shall_v engage_v you_o to_o set_v yourselves_o the_o more_o diligent_o to_o this_o work_n to_o call_v in_o some_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o your_o assistance_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o sincere_a open_n of_o your_o state_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o your_o fear_n and_o scruple_n your_o doubt_n and_o your_o apprehension_n you_o ought_v then_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o possess_v your_o soul_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o these_o terror_n be_v only_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o discourage_v you_o in_o your_o duty_n not_o any_o real_a cause_n for_o doubt_n or_o despair_v and_o yet_o 3_o dly_a tho'_o neither_o by_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o mean_v you_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a total_o to_o overcome_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v you_o ever_o the_o less_o careful_a of_o go_v on_o still_o in_o a_o serious_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o ought_v to_o make_v you_o the_o more_o zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o all_o his_o life_n in_o such_o perplexity_n if_o yet_o he_o fulfil_v that_o obedience_n and_o practice_n that_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v may_v nevertheless_o be_v save_v at_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o ground_n neglect_v this_o though_o he_o go_v on_o never_o so_o secure_o and_o comfortable_o in_o his_o evil_a way_n shall_v certain_o fall_v into_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o end_n and_o since_o such_o fear_n as_o these_o arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v so_o well_o nor_o serve_v god_n so_o sincere_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o best_a mean_n when_o all_o be_v do_v to_o remove_v they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o outlive_v even_o our_o own_o apprehension_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n so_o true_o and_o hearty_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o reward_n for_o it_o at_o his_o hand_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o this_o case_n 4_o thly_a and_o it_o be_v this_o be_v not_o discourage_v nor_o think_v your_o faith_n imperfect_a or_o your_o religion_n vain_a because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o still_o attend_v with_o some_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n about_o your_o future_a state_n st._n paul_n not_o only_o allow_v this_o but_o exhort_v we_o with_o his_o philipian_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 12_o to_o be_v without_o all_o concern_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n be_v to_o be_v stupid_a and_o insensible_a rather_o than_o religious_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o christ_n in_o judgement_n we_o shall_v be_v sentence_v not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o opinion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o all_o these_o support_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a redeemer_n who_o will_v pity_v and_o pardon_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v or_o to_o conceive_v but_o 4_o thly_a and_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o last_o device_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n in_o these_o day_n especial_o have_v endeavour_v to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n be_v by_o turn_v that_o zeal_n into_o strife_n and_o dispute_n about_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v employ_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o be_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o all_o our_o zeal_n be_v both_o in_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n what_o other_o account_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v back_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v
or_o else_o so_o desperate_a and_o impossible_a on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o their_o own_o care_n or_o concern_v about_o it_o nor_o any_o reason_n for_o they_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o that_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v ever_o attain_v no_o negligence_n of_o their_o own_o can_v do_v they_o any_o hurt_n if_o they_o must_v not_o no_o care_n or_o endeavour_n can_v do_v they_o good_a 4._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o yet_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o fear_v have_v lead_v many_o into_o a_o neglect_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n upon_o god_n mercy_n either_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v they_o time_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o though_o they_o go_v on_o for_o the_o present_a in_o their_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o will_v at_o least_o make_v a_o very_a favourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o impenitence_n this_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o wicked_a man_n do_v as_o greedy_o catch_v at_o as_o their_o 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and_o that_o so_o extraordinary_a in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n that_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v make_v a_o precedent_n by_o we_o for_o the_o like_v hope_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o even_o of_o he_o too_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o ever_o he_o defer_v his_o repentance_n or_o put_v it_o off_o purposely_o to_o that_o as_o the_o most_o convenient_a season_n and_o for_o those_o who_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o yet_o be_v receive_v i_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o come_v in_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o three_o hour_n because_o they_o think_v it_o be_v too_o soon_o and_o their_o laziness_n prompt_v they_o to_o decline_v their_o work_n till_o the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n be_v pass_v in_o short_a he_o that_o delay_v his_o repentance_n upon_o this_o prospect_n that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o hereafter_o as_o 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you_o to_o go_v along_o with_o i_o in_o these_o follow_a reflection_n first_o that_o though_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v there_o must_v be_v the_o public_a mark_n of_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n in_o our_o public_a repentance_n yet_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n stop_v in_o these_o nor_o think_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o forgiveness_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o jew_n heretofore_o and_o be_v too_o much_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o misguide_a christian_n now_o their_o indignation_n against_o their_o sin_n and_o against_o themselves_o for_o have_v commit_v they_o be_v spend_v especial_o in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o sorrow_n they_o rend_v their_o clothes_n 31_o and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n they_o weep_v 27_o and_o fast_v and_o go_v soft_o and_o then_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v do_v their_o business_n though_o it_o may_v be_v their_o soul_n be_v not_o yet_o humble_v nor_o their_o heart_n 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proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o least_o 3._o but_o be_v this_o therefore_o that_o repentance_n for_o which_o he_o spare_v they_o no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v among_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n that_o tie_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sheathe_v his_o sword_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o 2._o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o a_o second_o remark_n for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n that_o not_o only_o these_o outward_a mark_n of_o penitence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v to_o these_o add_v a_o true_a and_o real_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v even_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o purchase_v our_o forgiveness_n now_o by_o true_a sorrow_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o little_a imperfect_a sorrow_n which_o look_v rather_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o our_o condition_n than_o to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o offence_n and_o bewail_v our_o transgression_n more_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n of_o those_o judgement_n that_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o than_o out_o of_o any_o real_a regret_n that_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n for_o however_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n out_o of_o their_o great_a tenderness_n to_o sinner_n have_v declare_v such_o a_o sorrow_n as_o this_o if_o accompany_v with_o confession_n to_o be_v sufficient_a 4._o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o therefore_o have_v resolve_v that_o true_a etc._n contrition_n or_o a_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n commit_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o commission_n of_o mortal_a sin_n but_o that_o attrition_n be_v sufficient_a though_o a_o man_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o needless_a in_o this_o place_n to_o obviate_v any_o such_o gross_a error_n however_o otherwise_o of_o very_o great_a danger_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n never_o so_o sincere_a and_o our_o resolution_n thereupon_o no_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o never_o so_o firm_a and_o well_o ground_v yet_o if_o instead_o of_o make_v good_a these_o resolution_n we_o shall_v stop_v here_o we_o be_v but_o half_a penitent_n see_v we_o yet_o want_v that_o change_n of_o life_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o complete_a the_o nature_n and_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o repentance_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o available_a to_o our_o forgiveness_n 3._o in_o short_a three_o if_o we_o will_v true_o discharge_v that_o repentance_n to_o which_o we_o be_v here_o call_v we_o must_v do_v it_o not_o by_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n or_o by_o resolve_v against_o they_o but_o by_o a_o effectual_a forsake_v of_o they_o i._n e._n as_o our_o text_n speak_v by_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v implore_v his_o favour_n and_o commend_v we_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o niniveh_n when_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n than_o he_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o nay_o but_o it_o be_v not_o any_o turn_n unto_o god_n that_o will_v suffice_v neither_o we_o must_v turn_v mercer_n
the_o morning_n and_o our_o righteousness_n as_o the_o noonday_n god_n shall_v come_v and_o shall_v not_o keep_v silence_n 3._o he_o shall_v save_v we_o from_o our_o enemy_n and_o put_v they_o to_o shame_v that_o hate_n we_o 7_o he_o shall_v arise_v 1_o and_o all_o our_o adversary_n shall_v be_v scatter_v they_o also_o that_o hate_v we_o shall_v flee_v before_o we_o 2._o like_a as_o the_o smoke_n vanish_v so_o shall_v we_o drive_v they_o away_o 16_o terror_n and_o dread_n shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o thus_o shall_v all_o our_o mourn_a be_v turn_v into_o laughter_n and_o our_o heaviness_n into_o joy_n and_o we_o shall_v yet_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o rest_n from_o all_o our_o enemy_n round_o about_o we_o salvation_n and_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o praise_v and_o thanksgiving_n be_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o mercers-chapel_n january_n 8._o 1687_o 8._o judas_n iii._o belove_a when_o i_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o common_a salvation_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o and_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n judas_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o to_o the_o same_o person_n to_o who_o st._n peter_n have_v not_o long_o before_o address_v his_o second_o who_o thought_n he_o pursue_v and_o who_o very_a word_n he_o seem_v in_o some_o place_n to_o have_v transcribe_v and_o the_o subject_a and_o design_n of_o both_o we_o have_v here_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n viz._n to_o exhort_v the_o christian_n disperse_v abroad_o among_o the_o jew_n neither_o to_o sink_v under_o those_o persecution_n that_o be_v bring_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o faith_n nor_o to_o suffer_v that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v so_o full_o and_o pure_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o error_n of_o those_o pernicious_a heretic_n who_o even_o already_o begin_v to_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o great_a be_v the_o danger_n of_o these_o christian_n and_o great_a the_o concern_v of_o our_o apostle_n for_o they_o to_o persevere_v constant_o in_o the_o faith_n at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o severe_a trial_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o affright_v they_o from_o it_o and_o to_o preserve_v it_o in_o its_o purity_n when_o so_o many_o subtle_a heretic_n make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o st._n judas_n think_v it_o not_o only_o become_v that_o character_n our_o bless_a lord_n have_v honour_v he_o with_o in_o his_o church_n to_o write_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o necessary_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o strive_v with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v very_o well_o render_v it_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o due_a prosecution_n of_o which_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o context_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o ii_o how_o they_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o iii_o the_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v at_o that_o time_n more_o especial_o so_o to_o do_v iv._o by_o what_o mean_v he_o advise_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v secure_v their_o faith_n in_o those_o dangerous_a time_n i._o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o now_o this_o the_o character_n here_o give_v of_o it_o in_o our_o text_n will_v clear_o show_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v once_o for_o all_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o which_o therefore_o both_o they_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n in_o the_o church_n be_v both_o faithful_o to_o retain_v and_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o here_o then_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n we_o be_v to_o profess_v be_v and_o where_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n or_o party_n it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o or_o that_o country_n or_o century_n let_v man_n and_o time_n make_v what_o change_n and_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o it_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o not_o for_o any_o invention_n or_o addition_n of_o man_n that_o have_v since_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o whither_o you_o be_v to_o go_v for_o this_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o provide_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o assist_v and_o direct_v those_o holy_a man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o live_v to_o send_v it_o down_o in_o write_v to_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o both_o whither_o we_o be_v to_o go_v for_o it_o and_o indeed_o where_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v alone_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o and_o however_o interest_n have_v make_v some_o of_o late_a the_o better_a to_o defend_v their_o error_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o usurp_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o some_o other_o direction_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o 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be_v the_o mean_n of_o its_o conveyance_n what_o they_o will_n this_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o ii_o how_o we_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o this_o faith_n and_o here_o if_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o contention_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o original_a expression_n be_v very_o emphatical_a and_o imply_v a_o great_a vigour_n and_o earnestness_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o teach_v we_o with_o what_o zeal_n we_o ought_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v endeavour_v either_o to_o affright_v or_o to_o seduce_v we_o from_o it_o indeed_o whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o great_a value_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o what_o our_o concern_n be_v in_o the_o preserve_n of_o it_o will_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o earnest_a in_o our_o contend_v for_o it_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n so_o worthy_a and_o desirable_a that_o a_o generous_a spirit_n will_v think_v he_o can_v never_o prize_v it_o enough_o we_o see_v the_o great_a man_n have_v make_v it_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o pursue_v it_o even_o in_o the_o small_a instance_n and_o have_v think_v their_o labour_n worthy_o reward_v if_o with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o danger_n and_o loss_n too_o they_o have_v but_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o at_o the_o last_o much_o more_o certain_o ought_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o discover_v and_o which_o have_v he_o not_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o