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
the_o world_n for_o his_o sport_n and_o pastime_n nor_o set_v on_o one_o part_n of_o his_o creation_n to_o bait_v another_o for_o his_o own_o diversion_n he_o do_v not_o like_o some_o of_o the_o cruel_a roman_a emperor_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v man_n with_o danger_n and_o to_o see_v they_o play_v bloody_a prize_n before_o he_o nay_o he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v severe_a out_o of_o humour_n and_o passion_n as_o our_o earthly_a parent_n many_o time_n do_v indeed_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o still_o to_o pity_v our_o person_n and_o when_o his_o providence_n make_v use_v of_o any_o sharp_a and_o cut_a instrument_n it_o be_v with_o this_o merciful_a design_n to_o let_v out_o our_o corruption_n if_o he_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v refine_v and_o purify_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o real_a objection_n against_o his_o goodness_n but_o rather_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n 2._o they_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 3._o they_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a first_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n i_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n we_o take_v wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o judge_v those_o to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n which_o afflict_v our_o body_n wound_v our_o reputation_n and_o impoverish_v our_o estate_n for_o those_o certain_o be_v far_o the_o great_a which_o affect_v our_o noble_a part_n which_o vitiate_v our_o understanding_n and_o deprave_v our_o will_n and_o wound_n and_o defile_v our_o soul_n what_o corrupt_a humour_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n their_o disease_n and_o their_o death_n now_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o administer_v to_o we_o whatever_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o sick_a that_o be_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o no_o fault_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o if_o he_o recover_v we_o though_o it_o be_v by_o very_o bitter_a and_o unpleasing_a mean_n all_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o be_v short_a of_o death_n be_v proper_o medicinal_a and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o kindly_a operation_n upon_o we_o they_o will_v work_v a_o cure_n and_o how_o grievous_a and_o distasteful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o present_a they_o will_v prove_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o issue_n upon_o this_o account_n david_n reckon_v affliction_n among_o the_o happy_a blessing_n of_o his_o life_n psal_n 119.72_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n ver_fw-la 67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o learn_v thy_o precept_n so_o that_o though_o all_o affliction_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o because_o they_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o disease_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o cure_n they_o be_v a_o sensible_a argument_n and_o conviction_n to_o we_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v common_o such_o fool_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o like_o child_n will_v be_v play_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o it_o till_o it_o cut_v and_o wound_v we_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o evil_a it_o be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o god_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o thus_o elihu_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o affliction_n upon_o sinner_n job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o fetter_n and_o hold_v in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o god_n show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v he_o open_v also_o their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o command_v that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o iniquity_n god_n do_v but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o mercy_n but_o his_o judgement_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o commandng_a voice_n when_o he_o hold_v man_n in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n in_o our_o prosperity_n we_o be_v many_o time_n incapable_a of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n but_o when_o we_o be_v under_o god_n correct_v hand_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v withal_o second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n i_o mean_v far_a punishment_n in_o send_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n god_n usual_o proceed_v with_o they_o by_o degree_n first_o he_o le_fw-fr we_o fly_v several_a single_a shot_n at_o they_o and_o if_o upon_o these_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n and_o come_v in_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o broadside_n and_o volley_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o be_v that_o temporal_a judgement_n may_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o opportunity_n of_o prevent_v the_o miserable_a and_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n for_o all_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o final_a leave_v man_n a_o space_n of_o repentance_n have_v in_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o reprieve_n which_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o timely_a return_n to_o god_n may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o pardon_n beside_o that_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n do_v usual_o dispose_v man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o repentance_n they_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o these_o if_o temporal_a evil_n be_v so_o grievous_a how_o insupportable_a then_o will_v be_v the_o extreme_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n if_o in_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n we_o sometime_o meet_v with_o such_o severity_n what_o may_v we_o not_o look_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n if_o these_o drop_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n fill_v they_o with_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o affliction_n how_o deplorable_o miserable_a will_v those_o wretch_n be_v upon_o who_o the_o storm_n of_o his_o fury_n shall_v fall_v who_o will_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a earnest_n of_o those_o woeful_a wage_n which_o sinner_n shall_v receive_v in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n three_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a our_o condition_n many_o time_n be_v such_o as_o to_o require_v this_o severe_a way_n of_o proceed_v because_o no_o other_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v or_o can_v take_v with_o we_o will_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o we_o put_v he_o upon_o these_o extremity_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n together_o do_v prompt_a and_o direct_v he_o to_o these_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a way_n may_v be_v we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o into_o that_o dangerous_a state_n and_o the_o malignity_n of_o our_o distemper_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v without_o violent_a physic_n and_o that_o can_v be_v administer_v to_o we_o without_o make_v we_o deadly_a sick_a so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v many_o time_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o wise_a method_n which_o the_o great_a physician_n of_o the_o world_n use_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o school_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n may_v learn_v righteousness_n they_o be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v man_n that_o good_a which_o many_o time_n nothing_o else_o will_v and_o to_o work_v that_o bless_a effect_n upon_o we_o which_o neither_o the_o wise_a
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 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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
to_o which_o we_o ought_v all_o glad_o to_o yield_v and_o render_v up_o ourselves_o for_o great_a be_v truth_n and_o mighty_a above_o all_o thing_n she_o be_v faithful_a and_o impartial_a in_o her_o counsel_n and_o though_o she_o be_v not_o always_o welcome_a yet_o it_o be_v always_o wise_a to_o hearken_v to_o she_o for_o in_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n she_o let_v man_n know_v their_o condition_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o with_o she_o be_v no_o accept_n of_o person_n and_o in_o her_o judgement_n there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o excellent_a advice_n of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n 10._o make_v it_o no_o long_o a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a man_n but_o immediate_o set_v about_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o become_v such_o a_o one_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n in_o lent_n march_v 30_o the_o 1677._o luke_n xv._n 7_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n after_o many_o attempt_n make_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o man_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o despondence_n and_o at_o last_o quite_o to_o despair_v of_o do_v good_a upon_o they_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n and_o how_o long_o his_o spirit_n strive_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o we_o who_o be_v sinner_n ourselves_o think_v much_o to_o bear_v with_o sinner_n and_o patient_o to_o contend_v with_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a preacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o give_v over_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n nor_o despair_n of_o their_o recovery_n this_o methinks_v shall_v make_v we_o who_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n unwearied_a in_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o they_o have_v do_v several_a time_n before_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n he_o treat_v they_o very_o kind_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o they_o at_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v and_o murmur_v and_o this_o unreasonable_a murmur_a of_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o three_o parable_n in_o this_o chapter_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v at_o once_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o give_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n to_o the_o repentance_n of_o these_o great_a sinner_n he_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n by_o let_v they_o plain_o see_v that_o he_o be_v about_o the_o best_a work_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o the_o heavenly_a inhabitant_n instead_o of_o a_o severe_a reproof_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n he_o offer_v that_o calm_o to_o their_o consideration_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n to_o blame_v for_o this_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o he_o with_o sinner_n have_v no_o other_o design_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a company_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a physician_n and_o therefore_o his_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n lie_v among_o his_o patient_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o terrify_v these_o sinner_n who_o seem_v to_o come_v with_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o he_o gentle_o insinuate_v the_o most_o win_a argument_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n by_o show_v how_o ready_a god_n be_v after_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o repent_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v great_a joy_n to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o all_o that_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a host_n that_o attend_v upon_o he_o from_o which_o method_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o treat_v so_o great_a sinner_n so_o gentle_o i_o can_v but_o make_v this_o observation_n for_o my_o own_o use_n as_o well_o as_o for_o other_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o give_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v to_o repentance_n and_o though_o man_n have_v be_v never_o so_o bad_a yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o this_o one_o good_a quality_n leave_v in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v patient_a to_o be_v instruct_v and_o content_a to_o hear_v good_a counsel_n we_o shall_v use_v they_o kind_o and_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v they_o by_o the_o fair_a mean_n not_o so_o much_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o have_v be_v bad_a as_o encourage_v they_o to_o become_v better_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n utter_v three_o parable_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o lose_a sheep_n of_o find_v a_o lose_a piece_n of_o money_n of_o the_o return_n of_o a_o prodigal_a son_n to_o his_o father_n and_o though_o they_o all_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o scope_n and_o design_n yet_o our_o saviour_n use_v this_o variety_n not_o only_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o several_a capacity_n in_o a_o more_o acceptable_a manner_n one_o similitude_n happen_v to_o hit_v one_o person_n and_o another_o another_o but_o likewise_o to_o inculcate_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n the_o more_o upon_o his_o hearer_n and_o to_o fix_v it_o more_o deep_o in_o their_o mind_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v the_o moral_a or_o application_n of_o the_o first_o parable_n concern_v a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o hundred_o sheep_n and_o have_v lose_v one_o leave_v the_o ninety_o and_o nine_o to_o go_v to_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o have_v find_v it_o with_o great_a joy_n bring_v it_o home_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o joy_n god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o take_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o proper_a both_o to_o silence_v the_o uncharitable_a murmur_a of_o the_o pharisee_n against_o our_o saviour_n for_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o repent_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v at_o that_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o pleasure_n to_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n than_o this_o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a to_o receive_v the_o return_a sinner_n but_o that_o the_o news_n of_o his_o repentance_n be_v entertain_v in_o heaven_n with_o so_o much_o joy_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n add_v to_o their_o happiness_n this_o will_v be_v a_o new_a accession_n to_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o require_v a_o very_a careful_a explication_n 1._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 2._o who_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n 3._o with_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n there_o be_v something_o of_o difficulty_n in_o each_o of_o these_o which_o deserve_v our_o heedful_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n i._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o as_o indeed_o this_o whole_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o but_o as_o speak_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n so_o far_o as_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o happiness_n as_o it_o refer_v to_o god_n it_o seem_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o suppose_v he_o real_o capable_a
unpardonable_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o can_v he_o have_v express_v the_o matter_n in_o high_a full_a word_n dr._n hammond_n mollify_v the_o word_n another_o way_n that_o this_o sin_n shall_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n because_o he_o plain_o intend_v to_o difference_n this_o from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n our_o saviour_n must_v mean_v that_o all_o other_o sin_n will_v be_v forgive_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v not_o true_a for_o there_o be_v many_o other_o sin_n beside_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n there_o be_v wilful_a and_o heinous_a sin_n such_o as_o wilful_a murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o like_a gross_a sin_n which_o all_o divine_n hold_v shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n so_o that_o this_o interpretation_n do_v not_o sufficient_o difference_n this_o sin_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o do_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o these_o word_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v understand_v absolute_o that_o the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n shall_v never_o have_v it_o forgive_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v so_o harsh_a when_o we_o have_v consider_v in_o the_o iu_o four_o place_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v above_o all_o other_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o by_o this_o sin_n man_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n what_o can_v god_n be_v imagine_v to_o do_v more_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n or_o message_n that_o come_v from_o he_o than_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v man_n have_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v such_o evidence_n what_o can_v god_n do_v more_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n if_o when_o man_n see_v plain_a miracle_n wrought_v they_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o do_v they_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o when_o man_n see_v the_o devil_n cast_v out_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n conspire_v against_o himself_o this_o be_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o convince_v such_o perverse_a person_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o such_o person_n must_v continue_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v out_o and_o prevent_v all_o remedy_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o perverse_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o truth_n must_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n unavoidable_o continue_v in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v do_v for_o his_o conviction_n more_o than_o be_v already_o do_v if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o person_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n to_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o great_a testimony_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o miracle_n and_o if_o when_o god_n enable_v that_o person_n to_o work_v these_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o man_n will_v obstinate_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o defeat_v all_o the_o imaginable_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o conviction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o that_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a which_o resist_v the_o last_o and_o utmost_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v fit_a to_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o the_o way_n to_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n to_o such_o a_o one_o he_o do_v by_o this_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n render_v himself_o incapable_a of_o be_v satisfy_v and_o convince_v concern_v any_o divine_a revelation_n second_o because_o this_o sin_n be_v of_o that_o high_a nature_n that_o god_n be_v therefore_o just_o provoke_v to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a resolve_v so_o to_o do_v without_o which_o grace_n they_o will_v continue_v impenitent_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o will_v can_v work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v and_o repent_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o mean_v that_o when_o person_n be_v come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n god_n will_v as_o just_o he_o may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o his_o spirit_n will_v not_o strive_v with_o they_o to_o overcome_v their_o obstinacy_n but_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a and_o malicious_a mind_n which_o will_v still_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o further_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o final_o sink_v they_o in_o perdition_n so_o that_o be_v desert_v by_o god_n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o necessary_a help_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n just_o withdraw_v from_o they_o continue_v final_o impenitent_a they_o become_v incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o this_o to_o those_o who_o grant_v as_o i_o think_v all_o man_n do_v that_o god_n may_v be_v so_o provoke_v by_o man_n as_o just_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n and_o sure_o if_o any_o provocation_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a obstinate_o and_o malicious_o to_o oppose_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v here_o charge_v with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o inquire_v into_o from_o these_o word_n namely_o the_o difference_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v so_o namely_o because_o man_n by_o this_o sin_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n and_o because_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o provocation_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n god_n may_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o withdraw_v that_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n without_o which_o their_o sin_n remain_v for_o ever_o unpardonable_a all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v to_o these_o two_o purpose_n first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n second_o to_o caution_n other_o against_o the_o approach_n to_o it_o 1._o first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a
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