and_o design_v to_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v by_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n upon_o promise_n make_v by_o surety_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o and_o that_o infant_n be_v right_o so_o admit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n beside_o the_o almost_o general_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o shall_v use_v but_o this_o one_o argument_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v infant_n to_o be_v mar._n 10._o 14_o and_o 15._o be_v certain_o qualify_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o member_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n the_o qualification_n which_o fit_a man_n for_o both_o be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n now_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o repentance_n yet_o they_o have_v 59_o innocence_n which_o be_v better_o than_o repentance_n and_o which_o make_v they_o that_o they_o need_v it_o not_o for_o if_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n be_v yet_o by_o their_o repentance_n qualify_v for_o baptism_n how_o much_o more_o be_v infant_n who_o have_v never_o sin_v fit_v for_o it_o by_o their_o innocence_n and_o though_o infant_n have_v not_o and_o can_v have_v actual_a faith_n yet_o they_o be_v 14._o sanctify_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o believe_a parent_n they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o sense_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v ready_a without_o prejudice_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o 3._o infant_n therefore_o be_v right_o admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o privilege_n appropriate_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o because_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o promise_v make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptize_v of_o certain_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v as_o one_o on_o god_n part_n of_o certain_a grace_n and_o privilege_n to_o be_v confer_v and_o because_o infant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v any_o promise_n immediate_o by_o themselves_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v certain_a surety_n who_o shall_v promise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o child_n what_o itself_o shall_v afterward_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v i._n e._n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o see_v it_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n 1_o that_o therefore_o which_o the_o surety_n undertake_v for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mind_v in_o convenient_a time_n to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n of_o its_o be_v hearty_a in_o this_o belief_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o renew_a engagement_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o this_o practice_n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n our_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n etc._n etc._n they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v instruct_v to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v teach_v to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o they_o promise_v that_o it_o shall_v in_o fit_a season_n be_v bring_v to_o declare_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n its_o firmness_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o command_n 2._o this_o be_v what_o the_o godfathers_n or_o godmothers_n promise_n for_o a_o child_n at_o its_o baptism_n this_o they_o promise_v solemn_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n to_o undertake_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o promise_n solemn_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o matter_n serious_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o duty_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o any_o promise_n of_o more_o solemn_a obligation_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o duty_n more_o general_o and_o more_o shameful_o neglect_v nor_o any_o promise_n more_o light_o regard_v 3._o if_o a_o man_n be_v make_v guardian_n to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o his_o education_n how_o just_o do_v we_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o have_v he_o instruct_v in_o all_o that_o necessary_a knowledge_n on_o which_o depend_v the_o management_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v zealous_a to_o have_v he_o further_o endue_v with_o all_o those_o useful_a accomplishment_n which_o may_v become_v his_o quality_n and_o recommend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n but_o above_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v spare_v no_o pain_n to_o secure_v to_o he_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o fortune_n and_o do_v we_o not_o look_v upon_o that_o man_n as_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o unfaithful_a of_o man_n who_o have_v such_o a_o charge_n commit_v unto_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n yet_o how_o much_o a_o great_a trust_n do_v he_o betray_v who_o have_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o child_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n by_o god_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v whole_o to_o have_v it_o teach_v those_o necessary_a truth_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o which_o consist_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n who_o take_v no_o care_n at_o all_o to_o secure_v to_o it_o that_o portion_n which_o god_n have_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o who_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a babe_n perhaps_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o instruction_n begin_v to_o be_v overrun_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o in_o time_n must_v drown_v it_o in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n do_v yet_o show_v no_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o it_o what_o great_a uncharitableness_n can_v a_o man_n possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o towards_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n or_o what_o great_a mockery_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n be_v not_o whole_o commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o those_o who_o be_v its_o surety_n in_o baptism_n but_o first_o and_o principal_o to_o the_o parent_n themselves_o but_o undoubted_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v assistant_n and_o if_o the_o parent_n either_o through_o wickedness_n neglect_v to_o instruct_v it_o or_o by_o death_n be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o the_o surety_n must_v look_v upon_o this_o care_n as_o chief_o devolve_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n 4._o in_o what_o station_n soever_o god_n appoint_v any_o man_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o brother_n either_o to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a or_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a if_o he_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o his_o brother_n perish_v through_o his_o default_n the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o perish_v will_v be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n ezek_n 3â—_n 8._o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a o_o wicked_a man_n thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n be_v commit_v particular_o to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o person_n if_o through_o his_o neglect_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o perish_v shall_v its_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o his_o hand_n with_o what_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n shall_v we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n hear_v those_o who_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o our_o charge_n accuse_v we_o for_o have_v
to_o exhort_v those_o who_o be_v in_o any_o capacity_n entrust_v with_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n that_o they_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o love_n god_n and_o religion_n with_o their_o first_o love_n to_o improve_v in_o they_o those_o natural_a principle_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n honesty_n and_o thankfulness_n simplicity_n and_o obedience_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o very_a creation_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o resist_v the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o first_o insinuation_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o sin_n as_o of_o death_n to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v they_o full_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o in_o their_o baptism_n they_o engage_v to_o perform_v and_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o qualify_v to_o bring_v they_o with_o understanding_n and_o resolution_n with_o desire_n and_o zeal_n to_o receive_v at_o confirmation_n the_o consummation_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n and_o a_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o glory_n and_o immortality_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o end_n 8._o my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n of_o dispute_n but_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a and_o practical_a direction_n by_o which_o one_o that_o design_n to_o be_v confirm_v who_o i_o always_o suppose_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n or_o one_o that_o be_v already_o confirm_v and_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o lead_v a_o religious_a life_n may_v attain_v to_o that_o primitive_a holiness_n and_o that_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n which_o become_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n 1._o first_o then_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n or_o to_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o religion_n with_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o attain_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o design_n of_o a_o true_o religious_a life_n if_o we_o do_v real_o and_o firm_o believe_v the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v indeed_o convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n persuade_v that_o there_o will_v certain_o come_v a_o day_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a this_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o will_v assure_o overcome_v the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o belief_n which_o will_v certain_o baffle_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n this_o will_v make_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v mean_a and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n insipid_a in_o a_o word_n this_o will_v inspire_v man_n with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a zeal_n as_o will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ease_n and_o contentment_n but_o with_o a_o mighty_a pleasure_n sacrifice_v all_o earthly_a enjoyment_n to_o the_o do_v the_o great_a good_a here_o and_o obtain_v the_o great_a happiness_n hereafter_o but_o if_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o more_o for_o form_n and_o custom_n than_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v persevere_v in_o well-doing_n with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n the_o solicitation_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n will_v certain_o prevail_v over_o we_o and_o seduce_v we_o into_o sin_n nothing_o but_o a_o firm_a faith_n ground_v upon_o a_o impartial_a view_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o he_o that_o begin_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n immovable_a as_o a_o rock_n will_v be_v able_a to_o surmount_v all_o difficulty_n with_o bravery_n and_o constancy_n and_o will_v attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n with_o triumph_n and_o joy_n 2._o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o wicked_a and_o licentious_a or_o at_o least_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v as_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o do_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n they_o in_o course_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n without_o have_v ever_o consider_v what_o christianity_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o action_n for_o do_v man_n indeed_o as_o firm_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o character_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o world_n oblige_v they_o to_o pretend_v they_o do_v it_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o strange_a to_o find_v a_o man_n who_o action_n shall_v give_v his_o word_n the_o lie_n and_o his_o life_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o his_o profession_n as_o to_o hear_v one_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n or_o no_o while_o he_o be_v actual_o torment_v in_o the_o flame_n thereof_o for_o though_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v in_o good_a measure_n the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n will_v have_v when_o a_o temporal_a prince_n declare_v that_o whoever_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o such_o or_o such_o crime_n shall_v certain_o undergo_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a punishment_n such_o a_o declaration_n have_v general_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o subject_n concern_v as_o if_o they_o see_v the_o punishment_n already_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o the_o criminal_n when_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n declare_v to_o mankind_n his_o will_n which_o be_v their_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n by_o such_o threat_n and_o promise_n as_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v if_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o those_o of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n in_o other_o case_n general_o have_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a either_o that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o these_o threat_n and_o promise_n be_v indeed_o the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n or_o else_o that_o they_o imagine_v that_o though_o he_o now_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o seem_v so_o severe_o to_o exact_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o contempt_n of_o they_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n how_o come_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v lose_v that_o efficacy_n in_o reform_v the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n for_o which_o it_o be_v once_o so_o eminent_a even_o among_o its_o enemy_n themselves_o if_o we_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o same_o gospel_n and_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v how_o come_v that_o religion_n not_o to_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o action_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o they_o can_v we_o hear_v man_n daily_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o god_n with_o impious_a and_o horrid_a oath_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o will_v avenge_v himself_o on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o can_v we_o see_v man_n cheat_v and_o cozen_v destroy_v and_o prey_n upon_o one_o another_o without_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o appearance_n of_o remorse_n and_o yet_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o severity_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o see_v man_n dally_v with_o eternity_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o empty_a and_o momentany_a gratification_n
than_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v mistake_v in_o judge_v too_o loose_o of_o they_o the_o content_n essay_n the_o first_o of_o baptism_n chap._n i._o of_o baptism_n in_o general_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o baptism_n chap._n iii_o in_o what_o manner_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v baptise_a to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n chap._n iu._n what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n after_o baptism_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o godfathers_n and_o godmothers_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o consideration_n chap._n iii_o of_o right_a notion_n concern_v religion_n in_o general_n chap._n iu._n a_o digression_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o that_o to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n viii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o confirmamation_n of_o perseverance_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n chap._n ix_o of_o innocence_n and_o a_o early_a piety_n chap._n x._o of_o make_v religion_n the_o principal_a business_n of_o our_o life_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n xii_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o be_v particular_o careful_a to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o be_v most_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tempt_v chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o chap._n iu._n that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v great_a and_o of_o penance_n chap._n v._o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n and_o of_o the_o one_o repentance_n of_o the_o ancient_n errata_fw-la page_n 3._o line_n 2._o r._n convert_v p._n 4._o l._n 23._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 27._o r._n pervigiliis_fw-la p._n 44._o l._n 7._o r._n wilful_a p._n 48._o l._n 17._o r._n the_o minister_n p._n 72._o l._n 5._o r._n a_o matter_n p._n 151._o l._n 6._o r._n magnificas_fw-la p._n 162._o l._n 29._o r._n integrity_n p._n 176._o l._n 8._o r._n subtract_v p._n 199._o l._n 22._o r._n intemperance_n p._n 201._o l._n 16._o r._n thing_n p._n 216._o l._n 32._o r._n poenitentiam_fw-la l._n 35._o filium_fw-la p._n 230._o l._n 29._o r._n medician_n l._n 31._o r._n fletibus_fw-la p._n 238._o l._n 26._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d essay_n the_o first_o of_o baptism_n chap._n i._o of_o baptism_n in_o general_n 1._o baptsm_n be_v the_o rite_n whereby_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v solemn_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o first_o original_n of_o baptise_v with_o water_n be_v how_o evangel_n the_o jew_n use_v to_o baptise_v their_o proselyte_n and_o the_o baptism_n heathen_n those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v initiate_v to_o any_o sacred_a function_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v sufficient_a it_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v institute_v this_o sacrament_n as_o a_o rite_n whereby_o convert_v at_o their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n do_v solemn_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o profession_n they_o then_o enter_v into_o and_o whereby_o they_o be_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o society_n into_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v 2._o this_o baptism_n be_v either_o 1._o of_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n or_o 2._o of_o infant_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_n consist_v of_o those_o who_o have_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o jewish_a or_o from_o the_o gentile_a religion_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o these_o be_v consequent_o baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n after_o they_o be_v come_v to_o ripe_a year_n afterward_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o whole_a country_n and_o nation_n the_o church_n consist_v chief_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o educate_v from_o the_o begin_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v general_o even_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n in_o their_o infancy_n 3._o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o person_n of_o ripe_a year_n we_o must_v observe_v 1._o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o beforehand_o in_o order_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o baptism_n 2._o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v baptize_v to_o what_o privilege_n they_o be_v admit_v and_o to_o what_o duty_n they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o baptism_n and_o 3._o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o after_o their_o baptism_n chap._n ii_o what_o be_v require_v of_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o baptism_n 1._o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o person_n covert_v to_o christianity_n be_v what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o beforehand_o in_o order_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o this_o most_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n now_o that_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o this_o solemnity_n and_o to_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v faith_n and_o repentance_n i._n e._n a_o declaration_n of_o their_o firm_a 〈◊〉_d belief_n of_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o their_o martyr_n resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o belief_n 2._o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o those_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o the_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n pour_v down_o upon_o man_n so_o effectual_a as_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o instant_n a_o single_a declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v account_v sufficient_a to_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v baptism_n immediate_o for_o thus_o we_o find_v st._n philip_n baptise_v the_o eunuch_n immediate_o upon_o his_o profess_v his_o belief_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8._o 38._o and_o st._n paul_n baptise_v the_o jailor_n immediate_o upon_o his_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o prison_n door_n open_v with_o a_o earthquake_n act._n 16._o 33._o 3._o but_o afterward_o when_o these_o mighty_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n grow_v less_o common_a and_o man_n begin_v to_o be_v convince_v more_o gradual_o by_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a in_o most_o church_n for_o man_n upon_o their_o conversion_n to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n but_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o both_o before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n if_o they_o have_v former_o be_v great_a sinner_n they_o be_v to_o evidence_n their_o repentance_n by_o baptism_n prayer_n and_o watch_n and_o fast_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o real_a change_n of_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n that_o they_o have_v actual_o renounce_v all_o the_o rite_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o former_a profession_n and_o will_v for_o the_o future_a conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o purge_v their_o conscience_n from_o every_o evil_a work_n that_o their_o baptism_n may_v be_v not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n 21._o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n 4._o they_o who_o be_v willing_a thus_o to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o sincere_a desire_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v catechise_v in_o all_o those_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v
be_v through_o carelessness_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v astonish_v and_o cut_v to_o the_o heart_n to_o hear_v they_o curse_v we_o and_o say_v have_v those_o who_o shall_v have_v instruct_v we_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o willing_a to_o have_v learn_v it_o we_o have_v never_o come_v into_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o how_o will_v it_o double_v the_o torment_n even_o of_o hell_n itself_o to_o have_v the_o punishment_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o sin_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v undo_v by_o our_o neglect_n inflict_v upon_o we_o 5._o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o slight_a and_o trivial_a matter_n to_o be_v surety_n for_o child_n in_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o bare_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o their_o name_n at_o the_o font_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v afterward_o to_o perform_v conscientious_o what_o we_o there_o solemn_o promise_v for_o they_o before_o god_n and_o his_o church_n as_o a_o duty_n wherein_o their_o soul_n and_o our_o own_o and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v high_o concern_v tertullian_n think_v it_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o use_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o baptismo_fw-la the_o surety_n be_v there_o oblige_v to_o promise_n what_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o perform_v and_o what_o if_o they_o do_v live_v they_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v the_o baptize_v person_n to_o take_v upon_o himself_o he_o never_o once_o think_v that_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n may_v be_v wilful_o betray_v or_o so_o solemn_a a_o promise_n careless_o neglect_v which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o this_o great_a charge_n without_o ever_o design_v to_o think_v more_o of_o it_o 6._o let_v those_o man_n consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o promise_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n what_o they_o never_o design_v to_o think_v upon_o after_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o answer_v ready_o for_o a_o child_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o great_a distance_n they_o have_v no_o probability_n of_o ever_o see_v more_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o when_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o a_o child_n deliver_v it_o immediate_o to_o its_o parent_n as_o if_o they_o be_v by_o that_o mockery_n release_v from_o their_o promise_n and_o god_n delude_v as_o easy_o as_o man_n last_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o testify_v their_o love_n to_o a_o child_n who_o they_o have_v be_v surety_n for_o by_o some_o little_a and_o trifle_a mark_n of_o kindness_n while_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n most_o inhumane_o and_o unchristian_o cruel_a to_o it_o by_o neglect_v that_o one_o great_a kindness_n which_o they_o have_v promise_v and_o vow_v to_o do_v for_o it_o 7._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o notorious_a neglect_n of_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o shameless_a wickedness_n of_o our_o present_a age._n for_o while_o parent_n and_o surety_n be_v careless_a to_o instruct_v child_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n vicious_a inclination_n prevail_v upon_o they_o and_o insensible_o grow_v into_o vicious_a habit_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o happiness_n annex_v to_o it_o whereas_o be_v surety_n according_a to_o their_o solemn_a promise_n make_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n conscientious_o careful_a to_o see_v that_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v undertake_v be_v timely_a and_o diligent_o instruct_v religion_n will_v have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o innocent_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n child_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n though_o different_o according_a to_o their_o different_a temper_n be_v early_o wrought_v upon_o to_o admire_v the_o beauty_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n to_o thirst_v after_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o confirmation_n with_o a_o deep_a sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o profess_v the_o reality_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o renew_v their_o promise_n of_o obedience_n and_o with_o a_o full_a resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o profession_n and_o those_o renew_a promise_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o second_o of_o confirmation_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o nature_n design_n and_o use_v of_o confirmation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n at_o which_o every_o man_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a begin_v to_o be_v so_o and_o from_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n may_v true_o be_v date_v be_v evident_a but_o of_o what_o use_v the_o know_v and_o fix_v this_o period_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n may_v be_v be_v general_o very_o little_o consider_v for_o whilst_o some_o have_v groundless_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o every_o good_a man_n conversion_n after_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o fall_v away_o into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n and_o whilst_o other_o have_v weak_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a time_n of_o conversion_n after_o which_o though_o a_o man_n do_v fall_v into_o great_a wickedness_n yet_o he_o can_v fall_v final_o from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n most_o other_o have_v think_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o inquire_v at_o all_o into_o the_o exact_a time_n when_o the_o religious_a life_n begin_v or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fix_v and_o determine_v it_o since_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o by_o a_o sudden_a conversion_n but_o by_o a_o gradual_a progress_n but_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o man_n general_o become_v religious_a not_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n yet_o may_v a_o man_n nevertheless_o certain_o fix_v to_o himself_o the_o period_n from_o whence_o to_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o his_o religious_a life_n for_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v only_o from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o constant_a sincere_a endeavour_n to_o obey_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o accompany_v with_o many_o frailty_n inadvertency_n and_o surprise_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o holiness_n he_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n but_o if_o his_o progress_n have_v be_v from_o a_o course_n of_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n to_o a_o victory_n or_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o temptation_n he_o must_v reckon_v his_o religious_a life_n from_o no_o long_o a_o time_n notwithstanding_o any_o pious_a interval_n and_o struggle_n which_o he_o may_v have_v have_v with_o his_o habitual_a temptation_n than_o from_o that_o period_n since_o which_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v into_o any_o know_a and_o gross_a sin_n and_o the_o use_v of_o a_o man_n fix_v within_o himself_o such_o a_o period_n will_v be_v that_o more_o assure_v and_o settle_a peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a view_n of_o a_o well_o examine_v course_n of_o past_a holiness_n that_o effectual_a bar_n against_o fall_v into_o the_o act_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o will_v be_v put_v by_o a_o man_n consider_v that_o by_o such_o a_o act_n he_o must_v lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o past_a virtue_n and_o be_v force_v to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n again_o from_o a_o new_a period_n and_o above_o all_o that_o mighty_a dread_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o circle_n of_o sin_v and_o repent_v repent_v and_o sin_v into_o which_o man_n will_v be_v rouse_v by_o be_v bring_v to_o understand_v clear_o that_o such_o a_o course_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o this_o period_n from_o which_o i_o suppose_v a_o christian_n to_o begin_v his_o religious_a life_n must_v be_v either_o baptism_n confirmation_n or_o repentance_n in_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o christianity_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o begin_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o strict_a piety_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o
equal_o oblige_v to_o be_v religious_a at_o least_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o powerful_o enforce_v to_o the_o influence_a the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o one_o who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o by_o one_o who_o show_v sufficient_a credential_n of_o his_o have_v be_v himself_o there_o shall_v assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n 10._o though_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o laborious_a a_o work_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n for_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n to_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o because_o in_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v more_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o and_o more_o strong_o affect_v by_o testimony_n than_o by_o argument_n and_o because_o some_o thing_n necessary_a in_o our_o present_a corrupt_a state_n such_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o a_o sinner_n may_v appease_v god_n after_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o can_v certain_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o may_v supply_v these_o defect_n and_o this_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o principal_a lawgiver_n among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n or_o at_o least_o his_o instruction_n for_o make_v those_o law_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o plato_n in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n before-cited_n acknowledge_v so_o plain_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o even_o to_o question_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o be_v better_o that_o man_n shall_v forbear_v sacrifice_v whole_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v have_v it_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n be_v also_o evident_a for_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n to_o reveal_v to_o his_o creature_n more_o full_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o become_v like_o himself_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwise_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o declare_v what_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v accept_v for_o sin_n and_o upon_o what_o condition_n he_o will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v particular_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o needs_o further_o be_v say_v about_o it_o 11._o now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o particular_a revelation_n actual_o make_v by_o god_n that_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v indeed_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peculiar_a motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n thing_n true_a and_o in_o reality_n establish_v by_o god_n of_o this_o we_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o give_v or_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o expect_v to_o represent_v the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n more_o evident_o and_o strong_o than_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n design_v to_o be_v enforce_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o alwise_a god_n and_o to_o expect_v other_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o understanding_n men._n the_o design_n then_o of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a by_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o be_v to_o make_v happiness_n not_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n nature_n but_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o motive_n of_o religion_n ought_v of_o necessity_n to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v abundant_o encourage_v all_o wise_a man_n to_o cleave_v inseparable_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o leave_v room_n for_o man_n desperate_o wicked_a and_o incorrigible_a to_o avoid_v be_v force_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o purchase_v at_o the_o rate_n of_o be_v religious_a the_o reward_n of_o everlasting_a life_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a misery_n threaten_v to_o disobedience_n be_v motive_n in_o themselves_o infinite_o and_o irresistable_o strong_a for_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n open_o expose_v to_o view_v and_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o a_o man_n choose_v or_o refuse_v his_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n in_o actual_a view_n of_o these_o two_o different_a state_n not_o to_o choose_v his_o duty_n and_o refuse_v the_o contrary_a as_o for_o a_o heavy_a body_n not_o to_o fall_v downward_o to_o the_o ground_n though_o therefore_o the_o infinite_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n have_v indeed_o propose_v to_o we_o these_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o man_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n may_v choose_v their_o life_n and_o become_v happy_a in_o consequence_n of_o their_o become_a religious_a yet_o have_v he_o so_o propose_v they_o invisible_a at_o present_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n that_o good_a man_n may_v have_v some_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n by_o choose_v their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o happiness_n and_o that_o man_n obstinate_o impenitent_a may_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n without_o choose_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o that_o happiness_n be_v annex_v again_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reveal_v institution_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o that_o except_v the_o agreeableness_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o reason_n the_o chief_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n depend_v upon_o the_o credible_a testimony_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o evidence_n of_o which_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a aught_o to_o be_v account_v sufficient_a in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o to_o require_v great_a proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a 12._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o be_v indeed_o a_o revelation_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v from_o god_n may_v be_v satisfactory_o evidence_v to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n by_o these_o consideration_n that_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o man_n that_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o enforce_v those_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o most_o answerable_a to_o the_o natural_a expectation_n of_o man_n that_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o it_o enjoin_v these_o duty_n and_o urge_v these_o motive_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o consonant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v moreover_o to_o be_v teach_v and_o confirm_v of_o god_n by_o the_o most_o credible_a and_o convince_a testimony_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n 13._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n and_o well-being_n of_o men._n this_o be_v a_o proof_n which_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o wise_a man_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v be_v from_o god_n for_o that_o
institution_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v no_o other_o duty_n than_o what_o be_v perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n and_o manifest_o perfective_a of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n have_v already_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o can_v possible_o but_o come_v from_o he_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o law_n be_v also_o unchangeable_a whoever_o therefore_o preach_v and_o institutes_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o lead_v man_n to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o life_n of_o god_n may_v without_o any_o other_o testimonial_n be_v admit_v as_o a_o preacher_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o stand_v on_o such_o a_o foundation_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_o recommend_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o wise_a men._n now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o a_o institution_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o its_o great_a adversary_n have_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n fear_v and_o adoration_n which_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o god_n be_v so_o manifest_o incumbent_a upon_o we_o on_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellent_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n that_o no_o man_n who_o consider_v can_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o obligation_n which_o our_o religion_n lay_v upon_o he_o to_o practice_v these_o duty_n without_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n and_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o duty_n of_o justice_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n command_v we_o to_o exercise_v towards_o man_n be_v so_o apparent_o reasonable_a and_o so_o direct_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o even_o those_o man_n who_o have_v break_v through_o all_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o virtue_n have_v yet_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n and_o the_o well-being_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o duty_n shall_v be_v enforce_v by_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n the_o duty_n of_o sobriety_n temperance_n and_o contentment_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v we_o to_o practice_v in_o ourselves_o be_v so_o undeniable_o agreeable_a to_o the_o inward_a constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o it_o that_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o all_o true_a philosophy_n be_v to_o recommend_v and_o set_v off_o these_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n though_o as_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o confess_v it_o never_o be_v able_a to_o work_v man_n up_o to_o that_o pitch_n of_o cheerful_a and_o generous_a obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o these_o duty_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o primitive_a and_o pure_a state_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v do_v and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v now_o believe_v and_o practise_v as_o it_o then_o be_v it_o must_v still_o do_v last_o even_o those_o positive_a and_o external_a observance_n such_o as_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o mean_n and_o assistance_n to_o keep_v man_n steadfast_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o great_a and_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o free_a from_o all_o appearance_n of_o superstition_n and_o vanity_n and_o so_o wise_o fit_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o institution_n 14._o again_o the_o principal_a motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o discovery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n therein_o to_o be_v dispense_v be_v thing_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reason_n to_o the_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o expectation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v their_o truth_n and_o reality_n confirm_v by_o no_o other_o argument_n or_o external_a proof_n yet_o be_v they_o sufficient_a to_o influence_n the_o practice_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v survive_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o corruptible_a body_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o have_v always_o be_v think_v demonstrable_a from_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n capable_a of_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o consequent_o of_o give_v account_n of_o his_o action_n and_o be_v judge_v for_o they_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o therefore_o in_o a_o future_a state_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n of_o retribution_n wherein_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v of_o god_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n have_v be_v collect_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o considerate_a part_n of_o man_n among_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n have_v indeed_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o most_o of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o a_o thing_n utter_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v no_o express_a revelation_n of_o that_o matter_n do_v yet_o believe_v it_o upon_o a_o constant_a tradition_n as_o appear_v from_o all_o their_o write_n and_o particular_o from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o book_n of_o job_n which_o according_a to_o the_o seventy_o run_v thus_o so_o job_n die_v be_v old_a and_o full_a of_o day_n ult_n but_o it_o be_v write_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o with_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o 15._o further_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n with_o which_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enlarge_v and_o enforce_v be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o most_o wise_o perfective_a of_o it_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v those_o duty_n which_o nature_n hint_n at_o only_a in_o general_n explain_v full_o and_o large_o and_o urge_v in_o particular_a and_o inculcate_v upon_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o live_v of_o holy_a person_n propose_v as_o pattern_n for_o man_n imitation_n what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v those_o great_a motive_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o nature_n only_o obscure_o point_v at_o describe_v to_o we_o most_o plain_o affectionate_o and_o lively_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o to_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o atone_v for_o sin_n which_o nature_n discover_v only_o the_o want_n of_o plain_o declare_v and_o exhibit_v to_o we_o what_o can_v be_v more_o perfective_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n as_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o fine_a what_o can_v more_o effectual_o perfect_v the_o religion_n of_o nature_n than_o the_o gatber_v the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n into_o one_o body_n the_o unite_n they_o by_o certain_a positive_a rite_n in_o one_o common_a communion_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o improvement_n and_o the_o establish_v a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n who_o business_n may_v be_v to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n by_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o by_o admonish_v the_o wicked_a 16._o last_o beside_o all_o these_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n god_n have_v moreover_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o most_o undeniable_a external_a evidence_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thing_n not_o only_o most_o probable_a and_o most_o credible_a in_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v moreover_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o by_o most_o clear_a testimony_n which_o be_v a_o proof_n suit_v to_o all_o capacity_n and_o have_v most_o strong_o urge_v upon_o man_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o exhortation_n of_o one_o who_o by_o
duty_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o with_o a_o partial_a obedience_n and_o while_o they_o satisfy_v their_o own_o mind_n with_o some_o loose_a and_o general_a consideration_n that_o their_o life_n be_v religious_a in_o the_o main_a that_o they_o have_v a_o general_a esteem_n for_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o hate_v profaneness_n and_o profess_a irreligion_n they_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o some_o great_a sin_n or_o in_o the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o some_o important_a duty_n 2._o my_o design_n be_v not_o in_o this_o short_a essay_n to_o make_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a deduction_n of_o all_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n this_o have_v already_o be_v full_o and_o excellent_o do_v 2._o by_o some_o of_o our_o own_o writer_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o the_o chief_a particular_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o some_o brief_a head_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o remember_v and_o carry_v constant_o in_o mind_n as_o perpetual_a memorial_n of_o what_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o must_v remember_v ourselves_o to_o be_v absolute_o and_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 3._o first_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o devout_a towards_o god_n with_o the_o profound_a veneration_n of_o mind_n possible_a and_o to_o seek_v all_o opportunity_n of_o express_v that_o devotion_n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v faith_n in_o god_n trust_v and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o submission_n and_o resignedness_n to_o his_o will_n fear_v and_o love_n of_o he_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n prayer_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o and_o a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n witchcraft_n and_o consult_v with_o such_o as_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v skill_n in_o any_o evil_a art_n perjury_n and_o vain_a swear_v unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n want_v of_o zeal_n for_o his_o honour_n unthankfulness_n and_o neglect_v of_o prayer_n carelessness_n in_o religion_n and_o neglect_v to_o attend_v upon_o the_o public_a worship_n 4._o second_o that_o we_o ought_v constant_o to_o endeavour_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o men._n by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v honour_n and_o reverence_n fidelity_n and_o obedience_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v our_o superior_n goodness_n and_o kindness_n affability_n and_o courteousness_n justice_n and_o honesty_n gentleness_n and_o candour_n meekness_n and_o peaceableness_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v all_o possible_a kindness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o equal_n pity_v and_o succour_n mercifulness_n and_o compassion_n alm_n and_o beneficence_n instruction_n and_o assistance_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o help_n and_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o be_v our_o inferior_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n traiterousness_n and_o speak_v evil_a of_o dignity_n murder_n and_o steal_v extortion_n and_o fraud_n perfidiousness_n and_o lie_v oppression_n and_o over_o reach_v calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n sourness_n and_o unkindness_n anger_n and_o passion_n peevishness_n and_o ill-nature_n sullenness_n and_o moroseness_n discord_n and_o unpeaceableness_n cruelty_n and_o uncharitableness_n pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o unconcernedness_n at_o the_o want_v and_o misery_n of_o other_o 5._o three_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v temperate_a and_o abstemious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o temporal_a enjoyment_n as_o soldier_n of_o christ_n and_o candidate_n for_o heaven_n as_o those_o who_o look_v for_o their_o portion_n not_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o by_o this_o rule_n be_v command_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n chastity_n and_o purity_n contentment_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n patience_n and_o watchfulness_n mortification_n and_o self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o humility_n and_o by_o it_o be_v forbid_v gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o fornication_n uncleanness_n and_o lasciviousness_n voluptuousness_n and_o sensuality_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n idleness_n and_o softness_n impatience_n and_o discontent_n 6._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o every_o one_o who_o will_v in_o earnest_n dedicate_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o serious_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n must_v resolve_v to_o perform_v whoever_o will_v bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o christ_n must_v first_o consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o impious_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o suffer_v all_o thing_n rather_o than_o be_v compel_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o his_o god_n he_o must_v consider_v whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o dear_a interest_n to_o conquer_v his_o most_o natural_a passion_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o must_v ask_v himself_o whether_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o temperance_n and_o purity_n he_o can_v be_v able_a to_o mortify_v his_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o as_o a_o resolute_a follower_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemn_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n for_o unless_o he_o can_v peremptory_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v all_o this_o his_o profession_n of_o religion_n will_v certain_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o he_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o of_o you_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o haply_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v it_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v who_o do_v not_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o perform_v his_o duty_n whatever_o it_o may_v cost_v he_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 28_o etc._n etc._n chap._n vi_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v at_o confirmation_n of_o solemn_o renew_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n 1._o when_o a_o person_n be_v thus_o arrive_v to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n when_o he_o understand_v distinct_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v come_v to_o a_o settle_a resolution_n of_o conduct_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o become_v true_o meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v right_o prepare_v to_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n of_o his_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ._n which_o the_o church_n have_v wise_o ordain_v shall_v be_v do_v public_o at_o confirmation_n where_o by_o ratify_v with_o our_o own_o mouth_n the_o vow_n make_v in_o our_o name_n by_o our_o surety_n we_o solemn_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o all_o the_o privilege_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o same_o baptismal_a covenant_n entitle_v we_o to_o receive_v 2._o first_o therefore_o at_o receive_v confirmation_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o yourself_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o baptismal_a covenant_n oblige_v you_o to_o observe_v consider_v that_o you_o now_o confirm_v &_o ratify_v all_o that_o your_o surety_n promise_v and_o vow_v for_o you_o at_o your_o baptism_n consider_v that_o you_o now_o engage_v in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o never_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v or_o afraid_a to_o own_v yourself_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o you_o now_o engage_v to_o obey_v from_o henceforward_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o be_v
particular_o and_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o avoid_v and_o overcome_v many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n 7._o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o a_o man_n arrive_v near_a to_o this_o perfect_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o will_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o settle_a joy_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n one_o who_o life_n be_v void_a of_o great_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n but_o otherwise_o not_o strict_a and_o diligent_a will_v be_v free_a indeed_o from_o the_o terror_n and_o amazement_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o because_o he_o have_v take_v no_o great_a pain_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n considerable_a for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n his_o mind_n will_v yet_o be_v disturb_v with_o many_o scrupulous_a doubt_n and_o uncertain_a fear_n but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v true_o diligent_a to_o improve_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a and_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n then_o be_v it_o that_o he_o attain_v to_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o assurance_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v compare_v to_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o 36._o some_o have_v find_v upon_o the_o careful_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o one_o past_a day_n action_n have_v be_v very_o great_a but_o that_o complete_a assurance_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o strictness_n and_o in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o pleasure_n infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n be_v indeed_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o a_o rejoice_v beforehand_o in_o christ_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o a_o 8._o one_o as_o have_v arrive_v to_o this_o pitch_n live_v in_o peace_n and_o die_v with_o assurance_n and_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v be_v present_v fault_n less_o before_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n with_o 24._o exceed_v joy_n the_o end_n essay_n the_o three_o of_o repentance_n chap._n i._o of_o repentance_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n be_v obedience_n or_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o time_n from_o which_o this_o holy_a life_n be_v to_o begin_v be_v either_o baptism_n or_o confirmation_n that_o be_v the_o time_n when_o those_o who_o be_v either_o at_o ripe_a year_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v from_o their_o infancy_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o from_o this_o period_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o persevere_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a and_o sincere_a though_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o gospel_n plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v at_o all_o promise_v to_o so_o small_a a_o service_n as_o the_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o weak_a sinful_a degenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v the_o purchase_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o christ._n have_v god_n therefore_o to_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v once_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o 6._o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v allow_v no_o more_o remission_n for_o wilful_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n but_o accept_v those_o only_a who_o have_v once_o wash_v their_o garment_n 14._o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n shall_v from_o thenceforward_o keep_v themselves_o in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a yet_o have_v his_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o great_a than_o sinful_a man_n can_v have_v deserve_v or_o expect_v but_o such_o be_v the_o earnestness_n of_o god_n desire_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o such_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n make_v know_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o even_o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v already_o admit_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o easy_a and_o most_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o have_v be_v endue_v with_o the_o earnest_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v notwithstanding_o relapse_n after_o all_o this_o into_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n even_o to_o these_o i_o say_v he_o have_v yet_o further_o grant_v that_o if_o by_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n they_o shall_v again_o unfeigned_o renew_v their_o obedience_n and_o from_o that_o period_n persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v yet_o attain_v to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n or_o as_o man_n escape_v upon_o a_o plank_n after_o shipwreck_n 2._o by_o repentance_n therefore_o i_o will_v all_o along_o in_o this_o essay_n be_v understand_v to_o mean_v not_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v indeed_o continual_o bind_v to_o repent_v in_o general_n of_o all_o those_o slip_v and_o infirmity_n those_o defect_n and_o surprise_v which_o by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v most_o ready_o pardon_v for_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o new_a period_n or_o beginning_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o a_o necessary_a and_o continue_a part_n of_o that_o imperfect_a obedience_n which_o man_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v and_o which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v always_o accept_v instead_o of_o perfect_a innocence_n but_o by_o repentance_n i_o here_o understand_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n a_o turn_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o wilful_a and_o deadly_a sin_n have_v leave_v their_o first_o estate_n and_o forfeit_v their_o title_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n be_v to_o begin_v anew_o their_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o recover_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v perplex_v with_o vain_a scruple_n and_o unreasonable_a fear_n this_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o plain_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o but_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n of_o blasphemy_n perjury_n open_a profaneness_n or_o contempt_n of_o religion_n of_o murder_n sedition_n theft_n manifest_a and_o design_a injustice_n hatred_n fraud_n wrong_v or_o oppression_n of_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n or_o habitual_a drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o sin_n either_o malicious_o wilful_a or_o notorious_o habitual_a chap._n ii_o that_o god_n allow_v repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v novatian_n a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o upon_o a_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n contend_v that_o there_o be_v 59_o no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n allow_v to_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n shall_v fall_v into_o any_o of_o these_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n they_o teach_v that_o in_o baptism_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whatsoever_o be_v forgive_v man_n absolute_o and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o if_o after_o that_o great_a remission_n they_o sin_v again_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o they_o can_v no_o more_o obtain_v any_o further_a pardon_n than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n that_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n can_v be_v repeat_v and_o that_o therefore_o however_o they_o shall_v sincere_o repent_v yet_o there_o now_o remain_v nothing_o 27._o more_o for_o they_o but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o that_o god_n do_v admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n to_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o practice_n
three_o practical_a essay_n viz._n on_o baptism_n confirmation_n repentance_n contain_v instruction_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n with_o earnest_a exhortation_n especial_o to_o young_a person_n draw_v from_o the_o considerarion_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o samuel_n clark_n m._n a._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n and_o fellow_n of_o cain_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o james_n knapton_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n bishop_n of_o norwich_n my_o lord_n as_o the_o many_o undeserved_a favour_n with_o which_o your_o lordship_n have_v already_o be_v please_v to_o honour_v i_o oblige_v i_o not_o to_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n of_o testify_v public_o the_o grateful_a sense_n which_o i_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v of_o your_o lordship_n kindness_n so_o they_o encourage_v i_o to_o presume_v further_o upon_o your_o lordship_n candour_n in_o publish_v these_o short_a discourse_n under_o the_o patronage_n of_o your_o lordship_n name_n the_o singular_a zeal_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v show_v in_o make_v frequent_a confirmation_n give_v we_o reason_n to_o hope_v that_o if_o the_o direction_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v former_o give_v for_o the_o prepare_v person_n to_o be_v confirm_v be_v as_o strict_o observe_v as_o the_o regular_a and_o pious_a use_n of_o that_o excellent_a institution_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o most_o probable_a mean_n of_o promote_a true_a religion_n and_o holiness_n that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v place_v your_o lordship_n may_v become_v exemplary_o eminent_a for_o the_o restore_a of_o primitive_a piety_n and_o order_n to_o which_o state_n that_o it_o may_v effectual_o arrive_v and_o that_o your_o lordship_n may_v long_o see_v it_o continue_v therein_o and_o that_o these_o short_a discourse_n may_v contribute_v their_o mite_n towards_o the_o promote_a so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o design_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o dutiful_a chaplain_n and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n s._n clarke_n the_o preface_n st_n chrysostom_n observe_v concern_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n that_o though_o their_o opinion_n be_v never_o so_o wide_o different_a both_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o from_o each_o other_o yet_o every_o one_o pretend_a that_o his_o particular_a opinion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o found_v in_o it_o and_o that_o all_o different_a opinion_n be_v discountenance_v by_o it_o and_o may_v be_v confute_v out_o of_o it_o he_o observe_v also_o further_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o their_o confidence_n be_v because_o every_o one_o pick_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n all_o those_o passage_n which_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o favour_v his_o particular_a opinion_n without_o at_o all_o regard_v their_o cohaerence_n and_o connexion_n or_o the_o occasion_n and_o design_n of_o their_o be_v write_v thus_o from_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o a_o man_n and_o in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o so_o deny_v his_o divinity_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a from_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o god_n and_o in_o his_o state_n of_o exaltation_n do_v as_o weak_o take_v occasion_n to_o deny_v his_o humanity_n assert_v that_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o divine_a i_o wish_v the_o same_o observation_n may_v not_o too_o true_o be_v make_v of_o most_o of_o the_o late_a dispute_n which_o have_v arisen_a among_o christian_n in_o our_o day_n for_o thus_o i_o believe_v if_o we_o search_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o many_o of_o those_o man_n assertion_n who_o love_n to_o aggravate_v the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o natural_a misery_n of_o mankind_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o apply_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o whole_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v evident_o and_o express_o speak_v of_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v so_o magnify_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n as_o to_o diminish_v and_o detract_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v because_o they_o apply_v those_o text_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n which_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o the_o most_o perfect_a christian_n again_o the_o foundation_n of_o those_o man_n opinion_n who_o have_v extol_v some_o one_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o or_o as_o a_o equivalent_a for_o all_o other_o duty_n be_v their_o have_v interpret_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v some_o one_o particular_a virtue_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v think_v no_o moral_a virtue_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o believer_n be_v because_o they_o have_v apply_v those_o text_n to_o the_o most_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a performance_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o thus_o to_o come_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n have_v attribute_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n conversion_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o uncertain_a grace_n of_o god_n as_o have_v give_v man_n occasion_n to_o sit_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o this_o extraordinary_a grace_n shall_v be_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o be_v because_o they_o have_v fix_v that_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o a_o uncertain_a period_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v constant_o annex_v to_o his_o ordinance_n and_o which_o he_o certain_o bestow_v upon_o man_n at_o their_o baptism_n or_o at_o their_o solemn_a take_n upon_o themselves_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o other_o have_v make_v repentance_n so_o short_a and_o so_o easy_a a_o business_n be_v because_o they_o have_v too_o large_o apply_v those_o great_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o circular_a and_o repeat_v repentence_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n confine_v to_o the_o great_a repentance_n or_o conversion_n of_o unbeliever_n my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a essay_n be_v to_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o set_v this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a matter_n in_o its_o true_a light_n from_o the_o analogy_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o show_v that_o at_o baptism_n god_n always_o bestow_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v man_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o to_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n this_o grace_n be_v seal_v and_o assure_v at_o confirmation_n that_o from_o henceforward_o man_n be_v bind_v with_o that_o assistance_n to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o their_o know_a duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v except_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n any_o extraordinary_a much_o less_o irresistible_a grace_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n that_o if_o after_o this_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a wickedness_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o proportionable_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n and_o that_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o such_o repentance_n be_v accept_v to_o comfort_v and_o encourage_v all_o true_a penitent_n so_o it_o have_v sufficient_o show_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o the_o extreme_a danger_n of_o it_o when_o late_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o delay_v it_o when_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o necessity_n and_o from_o add_v to_o their_o sin_n when_o they_o hope_v to_o have_v they_o forgive_v there_o be_v nothing_o with_o which_o the_o devil_n more_o effectual_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o with_o false_a notion_n of_o repentance_n and_o if_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v too_o severe_a in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o more_o in_o our_o day_n not_o severe_a enough_o at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o vast_a concern_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o will_v be_v much_o more_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o utmost_a strictness_n of_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o so_o mighty_a a_o stake_n depend_v
so_o appropriate_v but_o apply_v promiscuous_o to_o all_o christian_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o title_n of_o the_o apostle_n letter_n in_o which_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n be_v call_v elect_a sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a and_o most_o evident_o from_o st._n john_n who_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1._o whosoever_o say_v he_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n i._n e._n every_o christian_a there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o in_o those_o time_n who_o be_v not_o indeed_o what_o he_o profess_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o elect_a person_n and_o as_o christian_n who_o then_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o their_o profession_n be_v style_v regenerate_v sanctify_a and_o the_o like_a so_o they_o who_o continue_v to_o live_v thus_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n be_v say_v to_o persevere_v and_o of_o such_o only_a be_v it_o say_v that_o they_o persevere_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o after_o their_o baptism_n lapse_v into_o any_o notorious_a transgression_n for_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o lapse_v they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o he_o shall_v repeat_v his_o crime_n no_o more_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o baptismal_a remission_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o 23._o a_o long_a course_n of_o mortification_n prayer_n tear_n and_o good_a work_n to_o endeavour_v to_o wash_v out_o the_o stain_n and_o gild_n nay_o and_o even_o this_o course_n also_o they_o allow_v of_o but_o 4._o once_o not_o that_o true_a repentance_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n but_o as_o a_o ambrose_n ancient_a writer_n express_v it_o that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a remain_a remedy_n may_v not_o by_o be_v make_v too_o easy_a grow_v contemptible_a and_o ineflectual_a 6._o and_o now_o let_v we_o think_v upon_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n who_o i_o do_v not_o say_v after_o baptism_n and_o the_o solemn_a take_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o frequent_a purpose_n and_o promise_v of_o reformation_n after_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n nay_o perhaps_o after_o confirm_v all_o these_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v yet_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o defer_v our_o repentance_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v accept_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n we_o still_o continue_v under_o the_o weak_a excuse_n of_o infirmity_n and_o inadvertency_n to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n do_v our_o baptismal_a vow_n lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o or_o have_v god_n establish_v a_o covenant_n with_o we_o upon_o slight_a term_n and_o entail_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o upon_o easy_a condition_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a christian_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v st._n john_n he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a 1_o john_n 3._o 7._o it_o be_v true_a the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o we_o live_v in_o christian_a nation_n and_o under_o christian_a government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o pagan_n to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v baptize_v after_o their_o repentance_n and_o with_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n there_o be_v very_o few_o so_o happy_a as_o not_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o habit_n of_o any_o sin_n before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n and_o complete_a conviction_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o etc._n in_o this_o case_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o can_v but_o require_v some_o time_n perfect_o to_o overcome_v a_o vicious_a disposition_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n but_o may_v we_o therefore_o spend_v our_o whole_a life_n in_o little_a and_o weak_a struggle_n against_o sin_n without_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o pitch_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v ancient_o think_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v a_o man_n for_o baptism_n may_v we_o therefore_o be_v excuse_v from_o ever_o become_v perfect_a christian_n because_o we_o be_v all_o along_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v never_o convert_v by_o any_o sudden_a conviction_n when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n that_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o great_a and_o know_v sin_n and_o set_v his_o mind_n to_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o through_o the_o viciousness_n of_o his_o inclination_n or_o the_o force_n of_o evil_a habit_n he_o frequent_o relapse_n and_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o again_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n indeed_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v hope_n that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o may_v at_o length_n prevail_v and_o overcome_v his_o temptation_n but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o overcome_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a nor_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o he_o be_v perfect_o get_v above_o all_o the_o temptation_n to_o know_v sin_n and_o assure_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o any_o more_o to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v and_o he_o must_v resolve_v to_o arrive_v at_o it_o timely_a that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n so_o wicked_a who_o do_v not_o design_n to_o repent_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o he_o die_v and_o our_o saviour_n have_v indeed_o in_o his_o gospel_n make_v the_o same_o promise_n to_o repentance_n that_o he_o have_v to_o innocence_n and_o continue_a obedience_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o by_o a_o fatal_a error_n the_o repentance_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v such_o large_a promise_n be_v not_o the_o late_a repentance_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o the_o timely_a repentance_n of_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a at_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o baptism_n itself_o indeed_o if_o a_o christian_a by_o a_o unhappy_a education_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o sin_n and_o habituate_v to_o wickedness_n whenever_o he_o come_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o state_n that_o a_o heathen_a convert_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o both_o but_o when_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n do_v notwitstanding_n that_o continue_v wilful_o all_o his_o life_n in_o sin_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o assure_v he_o that_o god_n and_o angel_n will_v rejoice_v at_o his_o conversion_n if_o when_o he_o grow_v old_a he_o leave_v off_o sin_v because_o he_o can_v sin_v no_o more_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o such_o a_o repentance_n shall_v be_v accept_v at_o all_o we_o must_v therefore_o so_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n as_o to_o attain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o our_o saviour_n will_v accept_v and_o tryph._n he_o that_o after_o such_o a_o repentance_n live_v constant_o virtuous_a shall_v certain_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o renew_a obedience_n how_o far_o soever_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v possible_o extend_v itself_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n that_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v accept_v chap._n v._o of_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n 1._o as_o those_o who_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v be_v convert_v from_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n be_v baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n upon_o their_o public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o their_o repentance_n so_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n
deserve_o eminent_a seem_v to_o be_v that_o great_a rigour_n with_o which_o they_o insist_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o enter_v into_o this_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o those_o who_o have_v be_v educate_v from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o period_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n ought_v to_o be_v date_v be_v confirmation_n the_o time_n from_o their_o baptism_n be_v only_o their_o preparation_n or_o time_n of_o instruction_n but_o then_o for_o those_o who_o have_v neglect_v this_o great_a and_o solemn_a opportunity_n or_o have_v since_o fall_v into_o any_o great_a and_o wliful_a sin_n the_o only_a remain_a time_n from_o whence_o their_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v reckon_v be_v repentance_n i._n e._n the_o time_n since_o which_o they_o have_v so_o perfect_o have_v the_o conquest_n over_o all_o their_o temptation_n as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v seduce_v by_o they_o any_o more_o into_o any_o gross_a or_o wilful_a sin_n of_o baptism_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a essay_n of_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v treat_v in_o this_o of_o repentance_n in_o the_o next_o 3._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n those_o who_o upon_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o their_o admission_n complete_v or_o perfect_v afterward_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n when_o the_o samaritan_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n only_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o yet_o fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o 73._o two_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o then_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 8._o 17._o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n stle_n to_o perfect_a or_o complete_a baptism_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o two_o thing_n be_v therefore_o lay_v down_o together_o among_o the_o principle_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o be_v according_o practise_v joint_o by_o the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n this_o custom_n say_v 73._o st._n cyprian_n be_v also_o descend_v to_o we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v with_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o baptismo_fw-la tertullian_n after_o baptism_n the_o hand_n be_v impose_v by_o blessing_n call_v down_o and_o invite_v the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o that_o most_o holy_a spirit_n willing_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o body_n that_o be_v cleanse_v and_o bless_a 4._o but_o of_o this_o confirmation_n of_o person_n baptize_v at_o ripe_a year_n which_o be_v ancient_o administer_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o many_o not_o without_o reason_n look_v upon_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptism_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o speak_v now_o more_o large_o that_o which_o i_o be_o at_o this_o time_n more_o especial_o to_o consider_v be_v that_o confirmation_n as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n be_v at_o year_n of_o discretion_n perfect_v or_o make_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o confirm_v such_o person_n be_v plain_o this_o baptism_n be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o well_o certain_a condition_n promise_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n baptise_a as_o certain_a privilege_n assure_v to_o be_v confer_v on_o god_n part_n and_o infant_n though_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o privilege_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o promise_v or_o perform_v any_o condition_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o certain_a surety_n who_o engage_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o these_o baptize_v infant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o continue_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v appropriate_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n they_o must_v be_v willing_a also_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o god_n have_v indispensable_o require_v of_o all_o those_o member_n that_o they_o may_v enter_v therefore_o into_o these_o obligation_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o great_a solemnity_n and_o choice_n it_o have_v most_o wise_o be_v institute_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v of_o age_n to_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v in_o their_o name_n at_o their_o baptism_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v a_o public_a declaration_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n of_o their_o take_n free_o upon_o themselves_o that_o vow_n and_o of_o their_o resolution_n to_o live_v from_o thenceforward_o conformable_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o most_o solemn_a purpose_n of_o obedience_n they_o shall_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n have_v the_o great_a privilege_n of_o baptism_n seal_v anew_o and_o secure_v to_o they_o 5._o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o solemn_o and_o effectual_o so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o last_a effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o baptism_n have_v ancient_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n person_n convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o before_o baptism_n admit_v as_o complete_a member_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v esteem_v only_o as_o candidate_n desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o those_o who_o have_v now_o be_v only_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v before_o confirmation_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o by_o themselves_o too_o as_o no_o other_o than_o catechuman_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n before_o he_o be_v confirm_v and_o that_o no_o one_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o confirmation_n before_o he_o have_v attain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o resolution_n to_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o as_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v certain_a solemn_a time_n appoint_v for_o baptism_n as_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n at_o which_o those_o who_o be_v before_o prepare_v by_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o catechise_v be_v admit_v with_o great_a solemnity_n into_o the_o complete_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o there_o be_v now_o such_o solemn_a season_n appoint_v against_o which_o minister_n of_o particular_a parish_n shall_v for_o some_o time_n beforehand_o diligent_o instruct_v and_o prepare_v those_o who_o be_v of_o age_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v confirm_v and_o above_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o whole_a process_n may_v be_v perform_v with_o so_o much_o reverence_n and_o solemnity_n that_o all_o the_o person_n confirm_v may_v understand_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o come_v now_o to_o have_v all_o the_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n seal_v and_o assure_v to_o they_o that_o they_o now_o receive_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o effectual_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o they_o now_o solemn_o undertake_v for_o themselves_o before_o god_n and_o the_o church_n what_o their_o surety_n promise_v for_o they_o before_o at_o baptism_n to_o live_v from_o henceforward_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o constant_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n 6._o be_v this_o excellent_a institution_n thus_o solemn_o and_o religious_o observe_v exceed_v great_a will_v be_v the_o effect_n which_o we_o may_v just_o hope_v to_o see_v produce_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n have_v upon_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o indue_a they_o with_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n work_v miracle_n and_o the_o like_a and_o though_o these_o mighty_a
be_v enemy_n of_o god_n and_o hater_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o a_o righteous_a and_o good_a god_n have_v any_o regard_n to_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v dispense_v impartial_o to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n 8._o thus_o as_o certain_a as_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n so_o certain_a may_v we_o be_v of_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n yet_o by_o experience_n it_o have_v be_v find_v that_o these_o consideration_n however_o in_o themselves_o strong_a and_o conclude_a have_v notwithstanding_o be_v insufficient_a so_o to_o convince_v man_n judgement_n and_o overrule_a their_o passion_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o constant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o amaze_a instance_n of_o this_o they_o quick_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o impure_a spirit_n and_o be_v thereupon_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n 19_o they_o be_v by_o degree_n entangle_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a practice_n till_o their_o very_a mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v and_o 15._o so_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o run_v into_o all_o excess_n of_o riot_n that_o even_o their_o most_o sacred_a and_o religious_a performance_n become_v at_o length_n the_o very_o extreme_a abomination_n and_o though_o there_o always_o be_v among_o they_o some_o philosopher_n who_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n yet_o they_o never_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v together_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n who_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o even_o that_o happiness_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n they_o be_v so_o little_o settle_v in_o their_o apprehension_n about_o that_o st._n austin_n somewhere_o out_o of_o varro_n reckon_v up_o no_o less_o than_o 280_o opinion_n concern_v the_o chief_a good_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v this_o happiness_n namely_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o morality_n they_o agree_v indeed_o pretty_a well_o in_o but_o their_o understanding_n they_o complain_v be_v so_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a their_o will_n so_o bias_v and_o incline_v to_o evil_a their_o passion_n so_o outrageous_a and_o rebel_a against_o reason_n that_o those_o rule_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o hardly_o practicable_a in_o a_o word_n they_o confess_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v strange_o corrupt_v and_o they_o complain_v of_o this_o corruption_n as_o a_o disease_n whereof_o they_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o can_v not_o find_v out_o a_o sufficient_a remedy_n so_o that_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o dispute_n rather_o than_o practice_n and_o not_o so_o much_o urge_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n as_o propose_v to_o the_o admiration_n of_o those_o who_o think_v they_o scarce_o possible_a to_o be_v effectual_o attain_v to_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n last_o the_o method_n by_o which_o those_o who_o have_v err_v from_o the_o right_a way_n and_o have_v offend_v god_n may_v yet_o again_o restore_v themselves_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n absolute_o ignorant_a of_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercifulness_n of_o god_n they_o do_v indeed_o reasonable_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v show_v himself_o placable_a to_o sinner_n and_o may_v be_v some_o way_n reconcile_v but_o what_o propitiation_n he_o will_v accept_v and_o in_o what_o manner_n this_o reconciliation_n must_v be_v make_v here_o nature_n stop_v and_o expect_v with_o impatience_n the_o aid_n of_o some_o particular_a revelation_n that_o god_n will_v receive_v return_v sinner_n and_o accept_v of_o repentance_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n they_o can_v certain_o know_v to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a and_o only_a mean_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o nature_n suggest_v yet_o whether_o this_o will_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a or_o whether_o he_o require_v something_o further_a before_o he_o will_v restore_v man_n to_o the_o privilege_n they_o have_v forfeit_v they_o can_v be_v satisfactory_o assure_v there_o arise_v therefore_o from_o nature_n no_o sufficient_a comfort_n to_o sinner_n but_o a_o endless_a and_o anxious_a solicitude_n about_o the_o mean_n of_o appease_v the_o deity_n hence_o those_o diverse_a way_n 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withdraw_a and_o separate_n himself_o from_o the_o gentile_n for_o fear_v of_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n ch._n 2._o ver._n 12._o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o the_o like_a passage_n do_v so_o evident_o refer_v to_o that_o controversy_n whether_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o christian_a or_o no_o that_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o any_o one_o ever_o attempt_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o any_o other_o sense_n 4._o and_o that_o those_o other_o part_n also_o of_o these_o epistle_n which_o have_v by_o some_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v understand_v whole_o to_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o controversy_n appear_v sufficient_o from_o the_o apostle_n way_n of_o argue_v for_o according_a to_o any_o other_o interpretation_n the_o term_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o be_v improper_a and_o his_o reason_n be_v hard_a intricate_a and_o not_o conclude_v as_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o the_o 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of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o christian_a religion_n faith_n and_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o law_n thus_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n ch_z 3._o ver_fw-la 28._o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v it_o clear_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o obedience_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o man_n without_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o ver_fw-la 31._o do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n that_o be_v do_v we_o then_o as_o some_o man_n object_n by_o our_o preach_v up_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o that_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o jew_n no_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o by_o introduce_v christianity_n we_o 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be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n in_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o that_o people_n to_o fit_v they_o by_o degree_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o ch_z 2._o ver_fw-la 15._o the_o apostle_n have_v rebuke_v st._n peter_n open_o for_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o the_o gentile_n at_o antioch_n add_v we_o who_o be_v jew_n by_o nature_n and_o not_o sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o justify_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n even_o we_o have_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v if_o we_o ourselves_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v convince_v that_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o able_a to_o 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of_o abraham_n be_v not_o mean_v strict_o those_o who_o descend_v from_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n shall_v be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o gentile_n also_o which_o believe_v have_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n even_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v those_o of_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o gentile_n as_o jew_n who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o abraham_n shall_v be_v justify_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n and_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n insist_o upon_o in_o the_o 9th_o 10_o and_o 11_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o four_o to_o the_o galatian_n 13._o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o in_o these_o two_o epistle_n to_o prove_v against_o the_o judaize_v christian_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o retain_v the_o jewish_a religion_n together_o with_o the_o christian._n and_o from_o the_o largeness_n clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o these_o argument_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o question_n be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o epistle_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v most_o strong_o and_o large_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n or_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o shall_v make_v a_o thing_n the_o profess_a subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o yet_o prove_v it_o by_o such_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a argument_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o cunning_a of_o man_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v either_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o with_o themselves_o 14._o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o so_o understand_v any_o passage_n in_o these_o epistle_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o magnify_v one_o christian_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v set_v forth_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a thus_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n we_o must_v not_o interpret_v it_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a for_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o most_o express_o explain_v it_o gal._n 5._o 6_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v it_o matter_n not_o whether_o a_o man_n observe_v the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n or_o no_o if_o he_o maintain_v but_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o christian._n but_o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o apostle_n every_o where_o urge_v their_o necessity_n and_o particular_o the_o five_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o most_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o be_v fruitful_a therein_o 15._o from_o which_o it_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n james_n when_o the_o one_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o work_n and_o the_o other_o say_v that_o faith_n without_o work_n can_v justify_v for_o the_o one_o speak_v profess_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v avail_v to_o justify_v a_o man_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o it_o can_v do_v so_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o st._n james_n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n be_v accept_v without_o circumcision_n and_o without_o observe_v the_o external_a rite_n of_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v by_o work_n say_v st._n james_n that_o abraham_n our_o father_n be_v justify_v that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o real_a 1._o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v now_o require_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v make_v available_a to_o justification_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o great_a apostle_n than_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n without_o obey_v the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o without_o obey_v the_o christian._n 16._o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n concern_v faith_n and_o work_n deliver_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o galatian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n concern_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n namely_o that_o the_o essence_n and_o end_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o do_v more_o clear_o and_o more_o strong_o confirm_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o particular_a 1._o three_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o understand_v in_o general_n wherein_o true_a religion_n consist_v and_o to_o have_v right_a notion_n concern_v its_o obligation_n in_o general_a but_o we_o must_v also_o consider_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o view_v they_o distinct_o under_o some_o proper_a head_n many_o there_o be_v who_o have_v right_a and_o true_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n who_o understand_v well_o enough_o and_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v accept_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v holiness_n of_o life_n and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n who_o yet_o 60_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o slight_a general_a and_o superficial_a knowledge_n and_o never_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o meditate_v serious_o on_o the_o several_a particular_a branch_n of_o their_o
endure_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o they_o if_o all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o wickedness_n all_o these_o specious_a pretence_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v we_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o have_v neglect_v our_o great_a salvation_n 4._o think_v not_o therefore_o that_o the_o corruption_n of_o your_o nature_n be_v great_a than_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n now_o afford_v you_o for_o so_o you_o may_v sit_v still_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n in_o a_o vain_a expectation_n of_o be_v convert_v by_o some_o sudden_a and_o all-powerful_a grace_n of_o god_n till_o you_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n but_o know_v that_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o his_o name_n and_o who_o profess_v and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n god_n do_v give_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o you_o be_v from_o henceforward_o indispensable_o bind_v to_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o 12_o fear_n and_o tremble_a think_v not_o that_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o that_o strength_n wherewith_o god_n now_o endue_v you_o for_o so_o you_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o but_o know_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o they_o have_v 12._o no_o more_o power_n over_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o overcome_v they_o also_o and_o to_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o rom._n 8._o 37._o think_v not_o that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v hard_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v for_o ibid._n so_o you_o will_v certain_o not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o but_o know_v that_o through_o christ_n who_o now_o strengthen_v you_o you_o may_v make_v they_o ibid._n easy_a and_o light_n and_o pleasant_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v from_o henceforward_o indispensable_o oblige_v to_o keep_v they_o 5._o these_o be_v the_o qualification_n with_o which_o a_o person_n ought_v to_o come_v to_o confirmation_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v it_o with_o advantage_n and_o profit_n i_o shall_v now_o give_v some_o brief_a direction_n how_o one_o that_o have_v thus_o solemn_o enter_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n may_v continue_v to_o live_v worthy_a of_o that_o holy_a profession_n chap._n viii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o confirmation_n of_o perseverance_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n 1._o and_o first_o persuade_v yourself_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o persevere_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n from_o this_o period_n the_o primitive_a christian_n think_v themselves_o absolute_o oblige_v to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o their_o death_n and_o if_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o same_o baptismal_a vow_n if_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v also_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o to_o have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n think_v not_o that_o the_o make_v a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o you_o unless_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o your_o life_n be_v suitable_a to_o and_o worthy_a of_o that_o profession_n think_v not_o that_o your_o present_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n will_v stand_v you_o in_o any_o stead_n unless_o it_o work_v in_o you_o such_o a_o last_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o will_v afterward_o when_o temptation_n and_o trial_n shall_v succeed_v preserve_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o your_o duty_n 2._o the_o christian_a life_n be_v a_o spiritual_a warfare_n wherein_o we_o must_v fight_v against_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o reward_n be_v promise_v not_o to_o he_o that_o shall_v fight_v but_o to_o he_o that_o shall_v overcome_v we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o shall_v embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o receive_v his_o word_n even_o with_o joy_n but_o because_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n they_o will_v fall_v away_o it_o shall_v profit_v they_o nothing_o to_o have_v once_o be_v believer_n this_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o however_o painful_o we_o have_v labour_v yet_o if_o we_o leave_v off_o before_o our_o work_n be_v do_v we_o must_v lose_v our_o reward_n they_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n say_v the_o apostle_n run_v 24._o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o rûn_n but_o they_o that_o continue_v to_o run_v without_o faint_v to_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v obtain_v the_o crown_n man_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o imagination_n that_o some_o warm_a fit_n of_o devotion_n the_o do_v now_o and_o then_o a_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o abstain_v from_o sin_n for_o some_o time_n when_o perhaps_o the_o temptation_n be_v less_o violent_a than_o ordinary_a will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o run_v the_o christian_a race_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v himself_o with_o vain_a imagination_n this_o be_v indeed_o run_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o obtain_v this_o be_v indeed_o fight_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o conquer_v but_o to_o be_v overcome_v it_o be_v not_o the_o struggle_n with_o sin_n or_o the_o interrupt_n a_o wicked_a life_n by_o some_o short_a live_v repentance_n that_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o we_o must_v overcome_v and_o we_o must_v evidence_n our_o victory_n by_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n or_o our_o labour_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v in_o vain_a 3._o many_o there_o be_v who_o upon_o 109._o some_o affect_a discourse_n or_o some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o some_o occasional_a warmth_n of_o devotion_n do_v please_v themselves_o with_o good_a resolution_n do_v admire_v the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n and_o with_o a_o transport_v glimpse_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o holiness_n do_v imagine_v themselves_o almost_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o fit_a be_v over_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n return_v upon_o they_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a and_o all_o their_o pious_a interval_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o make_v their_o misery_n so_o much_o the_o more_o lamentable_a and_o deplorable_a by_o how_o much_o they_o have_v come_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o have_v be_v almost_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o make_v themselves_o happy_a what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o they_o who_o have_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o 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 shall_v for_o want_n of_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o allurement_n of_o some_o trifle_a pleasure_n or_o for_o want_n of_o resolution_n to_o encounter_v some_o short_a and_o temporal_a hardship_n forfeit_v all_o their_o glorious_a hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o lose_v the_o crown_n of_o immortality_n yet_o that_o they_o must_v do_v so_o if_o their_o love_n wax_v cold_a and_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o any_o temptation_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o most_o express_o assure_v we_o 4._o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 24._o 13._o but_o if_o any_o one_o draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o heb._n 10._o 38._o for_o no_o man_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o kingdom_n god_n luke_n 9_o 62._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n not_o every_o one_o that_o embrace_v his_o religion_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o nay_o not_o every_o one_o that_o receive_v his_o word_n with_o gladness_n and_o obey_v it_o for_o a_o time_n even_o with_o sincerity_n but_o he_o that_o with_o a_o unwearied_a constancy_n maintain_v his_o resolution_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o temptation_n preserve_v his_o integrity_n to_o the_o end_n he_o only_o have_v a_o certain_a title_n to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 7._o assure_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n not_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v begin_v to_o do_v well_o or_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v by_o fit_n and_o at_o certain_a time_n do_v some_o work_n of_o righteousness_n but_o to_o those_o only_a who_o shall_v persevere_v in_o a_o
service_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v by_o confirmation_n assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o body_n be_v 2._o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o if_o they_o keep_v here_o in_o temperance_n and_o purity_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n they_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v with_o they_o in_o glory_n but_o 5._o if_o they_o abuse_v they_o by_o any_o intimperance_n or_o defile_v they_o with_o any_o lust_n they_o drive_v away_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o shall_v forfeit_v their_o life_n again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o age_n or_o temper_v or_o company_n or_o business_n place_n they_o beyond_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n and_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o those_o temptation_n with_o which_o other_o be_v hurry_v away_o continual_o must_v not_o esteem_v of_o themselves_o by_o their_o not_o run_v into_o those_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o which_o perhaps_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o temptation_n but_o must_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v exact_o just_a in_o the_o business_n they_o be_v employ_v in_o whether_o they_o be_v true_o useful_a and_o charitable_a according_a to_o their_o ability_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v sincere_o careful_a to_o resist_v those_o temptation_n to_o which_o their_o particular_a circumstance_n whatever_o they_o be_v do_v more_o especial_o expose_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a trial_n of_o every_o man_n sincerity_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a rule_n by_o which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o state_n chap._n xiii_o of_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o of_o perfection_n 1._o last_o strive_v continual_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n so_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o house_n of_o clay_n encompass_v perpetual_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v all_o offend_v indeed_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yet_o unless_o we_o strive_v and_o press_v forward_o towards_o perfection_n we_o shall_v never_o make_v any_o tolerable_a progress_n he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o zeal_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o desire_v just_a to_o keep_v within_o the_o border_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o find_v when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o those_o who_o be_v lukewarm_a and_o neither_o cold_a nor_o hot_a be_v but_o 17._o wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o shall_v have_v no_o portion_n among_o they_o that_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n which_o be_v the_o righteousness_n and_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o who_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o true_o zealous_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n will_v with_o st._n paul_n never_o think_v he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a enough_o but_o forget_v those_o ihing_n which_o be_v behind_o 1â—_n and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o will_v always_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o good_a and_o holy_a enough_o but_o get_v continual_o a_o more_o complete_a victory_n over_o his_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n will_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n in_o the_o improvement_n 7_o of_o virtue_n here_o till_o he_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o glory_n hereafter_o 2._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v once_o attain_v a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o frame_v hearty_a resolution_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o begin_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o resolution_n that_o you_o be_v present_o in_o a_o perfect_a and_o confirm_a state_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v frequent_o 16._o review_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o particular_n of_o your_o duty_n you_o must_v frequent_o renew_v and_o strengthen_v your_o good_a resolution_n and_o you_o must_v always_o be_v correct_v and_o amend_v your_o practice_n till_o that_o which_o be_v well_o resolve_v upon_o and_o brave_o begin_v arrive_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o diligent_a and_o perpetual_a improvement_n to_o a_o confirm_a habit_n and_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n 3._o think_v not_o when_o you_o have_v perform_v your_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o obedience_n and_o the_o vulgar_o repute_a bound_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o when_o you_o be_v 60._o by_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o you_o be_v now_o arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v now_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o good_a and_o creditable_a will_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a christian_n have_v be_v think_v if_o not_o scandalous_a yet_o at_o best_a very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a he_o that_o will_v be_v perfect_a must_v be_v 23._o above_o all_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n and_o must_v not_o limit_v his_o purity_n of_o mind_n his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o do_v good_a to_o any_o degree_n or_o rule_n but_o must_v exalt_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o hope_n of_o happiness_n 4._o further_o think_v not_o when_o upon_o a_o loose_a and_o general_a view_n of_o your_o life_n your_o conscience_n do_v not_o accuse_v you_o of_o any_o scandalous_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o therefore_o you_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o sin_n with_o which_o man_n easy_o impose_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n much_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o coldness_n of_o devotion_n many_o omission_n of_o duty_n and_o neglect_v of_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a many_o fault_n of_o surprise_n and_o indecency_n of_o passion_n much_o sensuality_n and_o overfond_a love_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n many_o excess_n and_o small_a degree_n of_o intemperance_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o overcome_v without_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o strict_a particular_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o our_o action_n and_o make_v repeat_v resolution_n and_o use_v constant_a unwearied_a endeavour_n to_o correct_v whatever_o upon_o such_o strict_a search_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v amiss_o 5._o many_o there_o have_v be_v and_o some_o even_o among_o aurea_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v every_o night_n strict_o examine_v into_o the_o action_n of_o the_o past_a day_n that_o if_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o can_v reprove_v themselves_o they_o may_v resolve_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o that_o particular_a for_o the_o future_a and_o if_o they_o find_v they_o have_v in_o all_o point_v perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v confirm_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o to_o continue_v to_o perform_v it_o other_o have_v do_v this_o yet_o more_o frequent_o and_o habitual_o never_o go_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a thought_n how_o they_o may_v best_o act_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n or_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o never_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o short_a reflection_n whether_o they_o have_v act_v so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o great_a ends._n 6._o these_o indeed_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n by_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o such_o as_o must_v be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o each_o one_o prudence_n or_o zeal_n only_o in_o general_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o frequent_o a_o man_n examine_v the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o strict_o he_o observe_v his_o small_a failures_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o correct_v they_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v his_o religion_n be_v uniform_a and_o his_o obedience_n perfect_a he_o that_o use_v himself_o often_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o recollect_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v perform_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o know_v indeed_o and_o understand_v in_o general_a but_o 95._o through_o habitual_a careless_a and_o inconsiderateness_n omit_v and_o he_o that_o often_o search_v strict_o into_o the_o small_a error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o pray_v against_o they_o and_o resolve_v
to_o the_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o 59_o holy_a word_n and_o church_n of_o god_n always_o admit_v of_o true_a repentance_n that_o 24._o he_o that_o have_v fall_v may_v yet_o recover_v and_o escape_v if_o he_o repent_v true_o of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o for_o the_o future_a amend_v his_o life_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n that_o 2._o god_n not_o only_o give_v full_a remission_n of_o sin_n in_o baptism_n but_o allow_v also_o to_o those_o who_o shall_v afterward_o sin_v a_o further_a place_n of_o repentance_n that_o to_o etc._n every_o one_o who_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o repent_v god_n ready_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o pardon_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n return_v again_o into_o a_o mind_n purify_v from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n that_o 8._o all_o man_n who_o repent_v even_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o have_v find_v any_o more_o pardon_n shall_v be_v save_v because_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a compassion_n will_v be_v patient_a towards_o man_n and_o keep_v the_o invitation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v by_o his_o son_n that_o servandus_fw-la god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n in_o the_o condition_n he_o find_v he_o and_o that_o therefore_o as_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o have_v be_v former_o righteous_a if_o he_o at_o last_o grow_v wicked_a so_o one_o who_o have_v former_o live_v wicked_o may_v afterward_o by_o repentance_n and_o renew_a obedience_n blot_v out_o his_o past_a transgression_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o crown_n of_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n 6._o thus_o that_o god_n admit_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o then_o to_o make_v this_o repentance_n such_o as_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o effectual_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n there_o be_v several_a considerable_a circumstance_n require_v and_o these_o i_o think_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v early_o second_o that_o it_o must_v be_v great_a and_o three_o that_o it_o must_v be_v constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o its_o effect_n chap._n iii_o that_o true_a repentance_n must_v be_v early_o 1._o first_o that_o repentance_n may_v be_v true_a and_o available_a to_o obtain_v pardon_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v early_o that_o be_v the_o sinner_n must_v forsake_v his_o vice_n so_o timely_a as_o to_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o to_o live_v in_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o his_o repentance_n be_v hearty_a or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n 2._o first_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o security_n that_o a_o late_a repentance_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o at_o the_o amaze_a approach_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v extreme_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v live_v wicked_o he_o may_v strong_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o resolve_v if_o he_o be_v to_o live_v over_o again_o that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v mere_o the_o passion_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o entire_a change_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o effectual_a reformation_n of_o life_n but_o the_o passion_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n be_v such_o as_o accurse_a spirit_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o torment_v with_o in_o vain_a and_o such_o as_o a_o die_a penitent_n can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o this_o late_a repentance_n will_v exceed_v many_o upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n have_v make_v all_o the_o holy_a vow_n and_o pious_a resolution_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v nay_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o wicked_a man_n who_o when_o he_o think_v he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v do_v not_o desire_n and_o design_n to_o amend_v yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o these_o who_o if_o they_o recover_v do_v ever_o make_v good_a those_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o no_o late_a penitent_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o will_v not_o be_v his_o own_o case_n when_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v in_o time_n convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n and_o resolve_n and_o endeavour_n in_o earnest_a to_o reform_v while_o he_o have_v life_n and_o health_n and_o strength_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o seldom_o do_v he_o at_o the_o first_o trial_n work_v himself_o up_o to_o such_o a_o effectual_a and_o prevail_a resolution_n against_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o change_v his_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o deliver_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o bondage_n of_o corruption_n into_o the_o 2d_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n usual_o he_o proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o after_o many_o relapse_n and_o renew_a resolution_n arrive_v at_o last_o to_o a_o settle_a and_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v a_o late_a penitent_n who_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o contrary_a disadvantage_n ever_o be_v secure_a that_o his_o repentance_n will_v be_v sincere_a and_o his_o resolution_n effectual_a enough_o to_o translate_v he_o at_o one_o effort_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3._o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ancient_n never_o admit_v any_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n who_o begin_v not_o their_o repentance_n before_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n those_o say_v 52._o st._n cyprian_n who_o will_v not_o in_o time_n repent_v and_o by_o public_a lamentation_n testify_v their_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n we_o utter_o reject_v from_o all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n if_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v to_o entreat_v because_o then_o it_o be_v not_o true_a repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o approach_a death_n that_o drive_v they_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o no_o one_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n in_o death_n who_o never_o consider_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v to_o die_v 4._o but_o second_o suppose_v a_o late_a repentance_n to_o be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a yet_o have_v we_o no_o positive_a and_o absolute_a promise_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accept_v the_o plain_a and_o express_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n establish_v by_o christ_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel_n and_o merciful_a sense_n allow_v for_o humane_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o baptism_n or_o of_o our_o come_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n until_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o least_o that_o can_v possible_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o reward_n promise_v upon_o this_o condition_n be_v such_o a_o repentance_n as_o produce_v the_o actual_a obedience_n of_o at_o least_o some_o proportianable_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n 5._o to_o say_v that_o the_o original_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n be_v such_o that_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o live_v wicked_o all_o his_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o his_o lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o the_o utmost_a provide_v he_o do_v but_o leave_v off_o and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n at_o the_o last_o be_v real_o to_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n how_o prevail_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n how_o deceitful_a the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o how_o powerful_a the_o assault_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o seldom_o sudden_a death_n happen_v and_o how_o little_a the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n be_v understand_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n to_o find_v argument_n sufficient_o strong_a to_o move_v man_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o reform_v immediate_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o danger_n but_o in_o sudden_a death_n and_o no_o great_a malignity_n in_o sin_n than_o what_o may_v be_v cure_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o short_a repentance_n at_o last_o most_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o be_v wicked_a at_o present_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o opportunity_n of_o grow_v better_a afterward_o though_o therefore_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v reserve_v of_o mercy_n which_o in_o event_n he_o may_v exercise_v towards_o man_n in_o their_o last_o extremity_n yet_o original_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o gospel_n covenant_n give_v no_o assurance_n of_o comfort_n but_o either_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o persevere_v holiness_n
or_o to_o a_o repentance_n evidence_v by_o actual_o renew_v obedience_n 6._o at_o baptism_n indeed_o or_o when_o ever_o we_o first_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n all_o past_a sin_n be_v so_o entire_o forgive_v and_o wash_v away_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o repentance_n though_o it_o have_v no_o time_n to_o evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v without_o all_o controversy_n available_a to_o salvation_n but_o when_o man_n who_o have_v by_o baptism_n covenant_v solemn_o with_o god_n for_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o confirm_v that_o covenant_n by_o other_o repeat_v promise_n and_o resolution_n shall_v yet_o wilful_o live_v in_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o express_a threaten_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o earnest_a exhortation_n and_o warning_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o perpetual_a 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