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final_o be_v fit_a for_o heaven_n ripe_a for_o immortality_n we_o shall_v be_v translate_v from_o these_o excellent_a but_o yet_o still_o imperfect_a joy_n here_o to_o those_o absolute_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o do_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n vouchsafe_v we_o may_v all_o arrive_v through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n of_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n april_n 26._o 1688._o 2_o cor._n ii_o 11_o for_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n among_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a institution_n which_o either_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n direct_v or_o we_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 5_o and_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n exhort_v you_o to_o there_o be_v none_o after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n either_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o understand_v or_o will_v man_n serious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o we_o than_o how_o to_o arm_v and_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o those_o device_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o continual_o endeavour_n to_o seduce_v we_o there_o be_v few_o so_o ignorant_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o be_v able_a at_o least_o to_o trace_v out_o his_o most_o ordinary_a temptation_n and_o to_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o usual_o expose_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o though_o he_o have_v his_o crooked_a and_o by-path_n too_o device_n both_o more_o subtle_o lay_v and_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v discern_v yet_o a_o little_a more_o vigilancy_n and_o care_n
you_o to_o go_v along_o with_o i_o in_o these_o follow_a reflection_n first_o that_o though_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v there_o must_v be_v the_o public_a mark_n of_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n in_o our_o public_a repentance_n yet_o we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n stop_v in_o these_o nor_o think_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o forgiveness_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o jew_n heretofore_o and_o be_v too_o much_o the_o folly_n of_o some_o misguide_a christian_n now_o their_o indignation_n against_o their_o sin_n and_o against_o themselves_o for_o have_v commit_v they_o be_v spend_v especial_o in_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o sorrow_n they_o rend_v their_o clothes_n 31_o and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n they_o weep_v 27_o and_o fast_v and_o go_v soft_o and_o then_o they_o suppose_v they_o have_v do_v their_o business_n though_o it_o may_v be_v their_o soul_n be_v not_o yet_o humble_v nor_o their_o heart_n 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proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o least_o 3._o but_o be_v this_o therefore_o that_o repentance_n for_o which_o he_o spare_v they_o no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v among_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n that_o tie_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sheathe_v his_o sword_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o 2._o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o a_o second_o remark_n for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n that_o not_o only_o these_o outward_a mark_n of_o penitence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v to_o these_o add_v a_o true_a and_o real_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v even_o this_o 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we_o will_v true_o discharge_v that_o repentance_n to_o which_o we_o be_v here_o call_v we_o must_v do_v it_o not_o by_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n or_o by_o resolve_v against_o they_o but_o by_o a_o effectual_a forsake_v of_o they_o i._n e._n as_o our_o text_n speak_v by_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v implore_v his_o favour_n and_o commend_v we_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o niniveh_n when_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n than_o he_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o nay_o but_o it_o be_v not_o any_o turn_n unto_o god_n that_o will_v suffice_v neither_o we_o must_v turn_v mercer_n
produce_v a_o 4_o the_o and_o which_o be_v the_o last_o cause_n i_o shall_v now_o mention_v of_o that_o incogitancy_n i_o be_o here_o complain_v of_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o procrastinate_v this_o great_a affair_n they_o resolve_v they_o will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o consider_v but_o never_o hearty_o and_o effectual_o do_v so_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a and_o yet_o i_o fear_v a_o very_a general_a fault_n and_o such_o as_o perhaps_o have_v ruin_v more_o soul_n than_o any_o one_o thing_n again_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n total_o to_o silence_n conscience_n and_o stifle_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n but_o our_o unhappiness_n be_v that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o either_o content_v ourselves_o with_o some_o very_a slight_a and_o superficial_a consideration_n of_o it_o or_o else_o we_o put_v off_o our_o conscience_n as_o felix_n do_v st._n paul_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n thus_o some_o refer_v these_o kind_n of_o thought_n to_o old_a age_n and_o never_o come_v to_o it_o but_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a before_o they_o have_v make_v any_o just_a provision_n for_o it_o other_o it_o may_v be_v set_v it_o a_o short_a date_n but_o then_o still_o some_o business_n or_o hindrance_n interpose_n and_o then_o another_o time_n be_v fix_v and_o that_o too_o be_v disappoint_v and_o thus_o our_o life_n run_v on_o but_o the_o great_a work_n of_o consider_v be_v still_o to_o come_v it_o may_v be_v at_o length_n god_n grace_n be_v withdraw_v and_o conscience_n grow_v weary_a of_o be_v any_o long_a importunate_a when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o thus_o when_o we_o think_v to_o have_v consider_v we_o find_v neither_o will_n nor_o strength_n nor_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v how_o much_o the_o more_o earnest_o may_v i_o beg_v leave_n to_o exhort_v you_o this_o day_n no_o long_o to_o defer_v so_o great_a and_o to_o be_v sure_a so_o necessary_a a_o work_n as_o this_o and_o to_o that_o end_n that_o you_o will_v pass_v on_o with_o i_o to_o the_o three_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o iii_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o consideration_n the_o sum_n whereof_o in_o general_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o resolution_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v to_o these_o two_o inquiry_n 1_o sy_n how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n 2_o dly_a when_o or_o at_o what_o time_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o 1_o sy_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o how_o we_o be_v to_o practise_v this_o consideration_n i_o reply_v that_o we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n both_o into_o ourselves_o and_o into_o our_o religion_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o strict_a examination_n what_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n be_v and_o what_o our_o own_o performance_n have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o consideration_n our_o duty_n towards_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o show_v how_o necessary_a this_o be_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o we_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v no_o one_o how_o negligent_a soever_o he_o may_v have_v be_v in_o his_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o his_o obligation_n to_o it_o i_o will_v rather_o complain_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o necessary_a that_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v so_o easy_a too_o to_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n there_o shall_v nevertheless_o so_o many_o continue_v in_o as_o utter_v a_o ignorance_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o too_o be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o encourage_v a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o esteem_v a_o ungrounded_a assent_n to_o be_v the_o best_a faith_n and_o ignorance_n indeed_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o have_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o consideration_n to_o fix_v their_o thought_n whole_o upon_o some_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o the_o rest_n thus_o many_o run_v away_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o never_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v to_o entitle_v they_o to_o those_o promise_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a look_v whole_o on_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o command_n and_o as_o if_o that_o have_v give_v they_o a_o final_a release_n from_o all_o endeavour_n to_o fulfil_v they_o they_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v able_a to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v or_o no._n some_z when_o they_o read_v the_o great_a and_o no_o doubt_n very_o just_a eulogy_n of_o faith_n in_o st._n paul_n stop_v there_o and_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o either_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o much_o less_o to_o go_v on_o to_o st._n james_n and_o there_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n too_o they_o sit_v down_o content_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a faith_n they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o pure_a reform_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o else_o of_o a_o unerrable_a infallible_a catholic_n church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o all_o be_v secure_a as_o if_o the_o espouse_v such_o or_o such_o a_o interest_n or_o party_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a mark_n of_o election_n and_o all_o that_o god_n require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n many_o be_v the_o mistake_v of_o this_o kind_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o all_o which_o i_o will_v only_o offer_v this_o one_o plain_a rule_n for_o their_o direction_n that_o whosoever_o will_v consider_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v must_v do_v it_o universal_o he_o must_v leave_v no_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n unexamined_a be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o whatsoever_o consideration_n do_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o lessen_v practice_n nay_o rather_o do_v not_o very_o much_o serve_v to_o help_v and_o promote_v it_o be_v false_a and_o imperfect_a and_o if_o he_o stop_v there_o will_v certain_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v he_o in_o the_o end_n 2._o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o consideration_n ourselves_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v on_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o must_v chief_o terminate_v viz._n 1._o what_o our_o state_n be_v with_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a 2._o how_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v it_o will_v require_v some_o long_a time_n than_o i_o may_v presume_v to_o allow_v to_o this_o discourse_n but_o bare_o to_o enumerate_v the_o several_a rule_n and_o caution_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o do_n of_o this_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n with_o what_o exactness_n and_o particularity_n in_o a_o word_n with_o what_o piety_n and_o sincerity_n we_o must_v proceed_v in_o all_o this_o and_o search_v into_o the_o real_a ground_n we_o have_v either_o to_o hope_n or_o fear_n and_o according_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n whether_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o that_o piety_n which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o practise_v or_o by_o our_o repentance_n for_o those_o sin_n we_o have_v unhappy_o commit_v this_o be_v a_o work_n which_o i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o a_o casuist_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o a_o confessor_n rather_o than_o a_o preacher_n general_n rule_v seldom_o come_v up_o to_o particular_a man_n condition_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o exact_a discourse_n to_o give_v any_o satisfaction_n comparable_a to_o those_o direction_n which_o our_o church_n therefore_o exhort_v we_o to_o seek_v by_o a_o free_a open_n of_o our_o condition_n to_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v our_o guide_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o they_o therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v all_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o want_n of_o far_a instruction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o address_v themselves_o for_o such_o advice_n as_o neither_o the_o nature_n nor_o limit_n of_o this_o discourse_n permit_v i_o to_o offer_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n propose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n 2_o dly_a when_o or_o at_o what_o time_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o if_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o last_o sort_n of_o consideration_n i_o just_o now_o mention_v that_o of_o our_o action_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o must_v be_v perpetual_a because_o it_o have_v so_o necessary_a a_o influence_n upon_o all_o moral_a action_n the_o same_o prudence_n which_o direct_v every_o wise_a man_n before_o he_o act_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v go_v
about_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o ought_v certain_o yet_o much_o more_o to_o carry_v every_o good_a christian_n to_o this_o far_a necessary_a reflection_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o whosoever_o venture_v upon_o any_o action_n without_o this_o he_o may_v by_o accident_n not_o do_v ill_a but_o it_o be_v his_o good_a fortune_n not_o his_o praise_n that_o he_o do_v not_o and_o be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a yet_o for_o want_v of_o do_v it_o with_o that_o design_n and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o he_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v ever_o impute_v that_o to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o design_n or_o perform_v with_o that_o intent_n as_o to_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o consideration_n that_o of_o our_o state_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o how_o we_o have_v live_v according_a thereunto_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o very_o prudent_a it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o not_o to_o defer_v it_o for_o since_o our_o life_n be_v but_o a_o puff_n of_o breath_n every_o day_n in_o our_o nostril_n and_o which_o we_o can_v at_o no_o time_n say_v shall_v be_v our_o own_o the_o next_o moment_n sure_o it_o will_v very_o much_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o defer_v consider_v how_o we_o be_v provide_v for_o another_o world_n see_v we_o have_v so_o very_o little_a hope_n or_o security_n in_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o a_o duty_n that_o can_v be_v discharge_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a among_o we_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n will_v find_v that_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o very_a great_a one_o now_o there_o be_v no_o time_n no_o place_n for_o repentance_n but_o only_o in_o this_o present_a life_n and_o shall_v we_o suffer_v our_o incogitancy_n so_o far_o to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o as_o to_o neglect_v it_o here_o we_o shall_v in_o vain_a lament_v our_o sin_n and_o our_o folly_n to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o one_o among_o we_o that_o have_v hitherto_o omit_v so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o consideration_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o he_o let_v he_o no_o long_o defer_v it_o nay_o but_o rather_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a david_n 4._o let_v he_o not_o go_v back_o unto_o his_o house_n nor_o climb_v up_o into_o his_o bed_n let_v he_o not_o suffer_v his_o eye_n to_o sleep_v nor_o his_o eyelid_n to_o slumber_n till_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o set_v about_o it_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n very_o much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v any_o day_n to_o slip_v without_o this_o consideration_n there_o be_v i_o believe_v but_o seldom_o a_o day_n pass_v in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o something_o that_o may_v just_o call_v for_o a_o particular_a repentance_n to_o obtain_v our_o forgiveness_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v if_o he_o lie_v down_o to_o sleep_v ere_o he_o have_v do_v this_o whether_o he_o shall_v ever_o rise_v up_o to_o perform_v it_o afterward_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v the_o great_a instance_n of_o all_o of_o our_o inconsideration_n and_o instead_o of_o repass_v in_o this_o manner_n every_o day_n upon_o our_o action_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v many_o who_o go_v on_o whole_a week_n and_o month_n and_o year_n without_o ever_o think_v at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o practise_v this_o duty_n by_o the_o same_o proportion_n which_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a casuist_n have_v prescribe_v for_o that_o other_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n some_o of_o which_o have_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v only_o upon_o sunday_n and_o holiday_n other_o not_o above_o once_o a_o year_n some_o once_o in_o five_o year_n other_o at_o any_o one_o time_n in_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o last_o other_o never_o at_o all_o either_o live_v or_o die_v but_o tho'_o there_o be_v then_o no_o time_n so_o proper_a as_o the_o present_a for_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o can_v without_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v defer_v the_o least_o moment_n yet_o some_o season_n there_o be_v which_o seem_v more_o especial_o to_o invite_v we_o to_o it_o thus_o 1_o st_z if_o old_a age_n be_v creep_v upon_o we_o or_o any_o sickness_n or_o danger_n threaten_v we_o with_o a_o speedy_a appearance_n before_o god_n tribunal_n this_o aught_o certain_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o admonish_v we_o of_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o present_a life_n to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o immediate_a provide_v for_o the_o next_o 2._o tho'_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o just_a upon_o we_o yet_o if_o we_o see_v his_o arm_n lift_v up_o to_o strike_v if_o we_o have_v some_o just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v any_o evil_n or_o affliction_n likely_a to_o come_v upon_o we_o much_o more_o if_o our_o country_n and_o our_o church_n be_v in_o danger_n for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o her_o child_n and_o people_n within_o she_o this_o also_o may_v be_v another_o time_n that_o seem_v on_o purpose_n mark_v out_o to_o call_v we_o to_o consideration_n to_o think_v upon_o our_o way_n and_o how_o to_o prevent_v both_o our_o own_o and_o the_o public_a desolation_n but_o now_o 3_o dly_a if_o these_o evil_n be_v not_o mere_o apprehend_v but_o be_v actual_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o already_o have_v begin_v to_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v yet_o more_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o ought_v yet_o more_o strong_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o such_o a_o consideration_n in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n natural_o become_v religious_a god_n himself_o can_v say_v of_o the_o rebellious_a israelite_n 15_o that_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v he_o early_o and_o the_o prophet_n observe_v of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a that_o when_o god_n judgement_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n 9_o than_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n will_v learn_v righteousness_n i_o will_v only_o add_v 4_o thly_a and_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o approach_a season_n that_o as_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n have_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o season_n proper_a for_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n so_o certain_o we_o can_v better_o prepare_v for_o it_o than_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o great_a preliminary_n duty_n of_o consideration_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o discharge_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o however_o the_o godly_a primitive_a discipline_n of_o public_a confession_n and_o penance_n have_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v of_o late_o lay_v aside_o among_o we_o yet_o ought_v we_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o nay_o rather_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o examine_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o call_v our_o way_n to_o remembrance_n and_o by_o our_o private_a diligence_n make_v some_o supply_n of_o what_o seem_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o church_n ash-wednesday_n as_o want_v to_o our_o public_a discipline_n and_o to_o the_o end_n i_o may_v the_o better_o enforce_v this_o practice_n which_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n seem_v so_o very_o proper_a for_o we_o i_o will_v now_o final_o close_a all_o iv_o thly_a with_o some_o motive_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o it_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o consideration_n that_o be_v real_o the_o last_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v that_o till_o it_o be_v remove_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o sure_a than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o nothing_o more_o need_v be_v say_v to_o engage_v any_o sober_a man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o i_o must_v now_o go_v yet_o far_o for_o to_o complete_a our_o obligation_n to_o so_o necessary_a a_o practice_n inconsideration_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v charge_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n but_o the_o corrupter_n of_o our_o good_a too_o it_o spoil_v our_o very_a virtue_n insomueh_o that_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o unthinking_a man_n to_o fulfil_v every_o command_n and_o not_o deviate_v in_o the_o least_o degree_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n all_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a his_o inconsideration_n alone_o will_v ruin_v he_o and_o his_o virtue_n themselves_o lose_v by_o it_o not_o only_o their_o praise_n but_o their_o very_a nature_n
their_o progress_n in_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o compliment_n and_o good_a breed_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o yet_o rather_o than_o be_v think_v rude_a and_o precise_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v disturb_v company_n or_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o singular_a they_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v and_o so_o disobey_v god_n for_o fear_v of_o disoblige_a man_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o very_o often_o occur_v in_o the_o method_n of_o our_o present_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v now_o then_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o the_o contest_v here_o be_v and_o what_o the_o issue_n most_o certain_o will_v be_v god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o party_n concern_v and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o duty_n towards_o he_o or_o your_o civility_n towards_o the_o other_o aught_o to_o preponderate_v whether_o you_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o few_o singular_a out-of-fashion_n christian_n or_o for_o company_n sake_n take_v the_o broad_a road_n though_o you_o know_v that_o it_o lead_v to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o now_o when_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o plain_a methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o despise_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o this_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o their_o salvation_n be_v a_o concern_v of_o too_o great_a importance_n to_o be_v submit_v to_o these_o formality_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o push_v the_o compliment_n a_o great_a deal_n too_o far_o to_o be_v damn_v rather_o than_o be_v think_v ill_o breed_v but_o 3_o dly_a a_o three_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n oftentimes_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n progress_n in_o religion_n be_v by_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o groundless_a fear_n and_o scruple_n as_o to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n to_o think_v what_o discouragement_n many_o christian_n labour_n under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o either_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v a_o satisfaction_n or_o indulge_v a_o close_a and_o melancholy_a disposition_n so_o long_o till_o they_o be_v at_o last_o incapable_a of_o any_o live_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n whole_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o can_v find_v any_o peace_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o now_o though_o such_o trouble_n as_o these_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o be_v prevent_v before_o they_o arrive_v than_o remove_v after_o yet_o there_o be_v way_n to_o encounter_v even_o this_o device_n too_o of_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o render_v it_o of_o no_o force_n to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n to_o which_o end_n 1_o st_z if_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n of_o this_o kind_n arise_v in_o your_o mind_n examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o they_o whether_o your_o life_n have_v be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v you_o just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v yourselves_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v your_o soul_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o you_o can_v discover_v to_o support_v such_o fear_n then_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n threat_n and_o promise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o will_v never_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o another_o world_n but_o for_o live_v in_o a_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n in_o this._n that_o our_o duty_n be_v clear_a and_o express_v and_o that_o conscience_n when_o sincere_o examine_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o we_o do_v true_o fulfil_v it_o or_o no._n and_o therefore_o that_o as_o st._n john_n say_v beloved_n 21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o shall_v the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o shall_v you_o find_v yourselves_o in_o never_o so_o dangerous_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n by_o god_n assistance_n to_o deliver_v yourselves_o out_o of_o it_o and_o then_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v 130.4_o so_o that_o be_v your_o state_n at_o the_o present_a never_o so_o dangerous_a yet_o if_o you_o will_v even_o now_o lie_v hold_v upon_o his_o mercy_n if_o you_o will_v yet_o repent_v and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n 19_o and_o confess_v your_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v you_o your_o sin_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n but_o now_o 2_o dly_a if_o your_o case_n be_v dubious_a and_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o reflection_n be_v able_a to_o give_v you_o that_o satisfaction_n you_o desire_v yet_o shall_v not_o this_o move_v you_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o tempter_n but_o rather_o shall_v engage_v you_o to_o set_v yourselves_o the_o more_o diligent_o to_o this_o work_n to_o call_v in_o some_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o your_o assistance_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o sincere_a open_n of_o your_o state_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o your_o fear_n and_o scruple_n your_o doubt_n and_o your_o apprehension_n you_o ought_v then_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o possess_v your_o soul_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o these_o terror_n be_v only_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o discourage_v you_o in_o your_o duty_n not_o any_o real_a cause_n for_o doubt_n or_o despair_v and_o yet_o 3_o dly_a tho'_o neither_o by_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o mean_v you_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a total_o to_o overcome_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v you_o ever_o the_o less_o careful_a of_o go_v on_o still_o in_o a_o serious_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o ought_v to_o make_v you_o the_o more_o zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o all_o his_o life_n in_o such_o perplexity_n if_o yet_o he_o fulfil_v that_o obedience_n and_o practice_n that_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v may_v nevertheless_o be_v save_v at_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o ground_n neglect_v this_o though_o he_o go_v on_o never_o so_o secure_o and_o comfortable_o in_o his_o evil_a way_n shall_v certain_o fall_v into_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o end_n and_o since_o such_o fear_n as_o these_o arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v so_o well_o nor_o serve_v god_n so_o sincere_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o best_a mean_n when_o all_o be_v do_v to_o remove_v they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o outlive_v even_o our_o own_o apprehension_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n so_o true_o and_o hearty_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o reward_n for_o it_o at_o his_o hand_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o this_o case_n 4_o thly_a and_o it_o be_v this_o be_v not_o discourage_v nor_o think_v your_o faith_n imperfect_a or_o your_o religion_n vain_a because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o still_o attend_v with_o some_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n about_o your_o future_a state_n st._n paul_n not_o only_o allow_v this_o but_o exhort_v we_o with_o his_o philipian_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 12_o to_o be_v without_o all_o concern_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n be_v to_o be_v stupid_a and_o insensible_a rather_o than_o religious_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o christ_n in_o judgement_n we_o shall_v be_v sentence_v not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o opinion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o all_o these_o support_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a redeemer_n who_o will_v pity_v and_o pardon_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v or_o to_o conceive_v but_o 4_o thly_a and_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o last_o device_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n in_o these_o day_n especial_o have_v endeavour_v to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n be_v by_o turn_v that_o zeal_n into_o strife_n and_o dispute_n about_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v employ_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o be_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o all_o our_o zeal_n be_v both_o in_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n what_o other_o account_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v back_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v
temper_n or_o our_o circumstance_n lay_v we_o the_o most_o open_a and_o this_o will_v present_o both_o show_v we_o our_o danger_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o it_o but_o tho'_o to_o enter_v therefore_o upon_o all_o the_o particular_a device_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o lead_v man_n into_o sin_n be_v a_o work_n as_o needless_a as_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_a yet_o some_o general_a remark_n there_o be_v which_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o make_v in_o order_n to_o our_o security_n and_o 1_o sy_n it_o be_v common_o the_o first_o step_n which_o the_o devil_n take_v towards_o the_o lead_a man_n into_o sin_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o carelessness_n and_o indifference_n in_o their_o duty_n while_o man_n be_v warm_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n zealous_a of_o god_n honour_n and_o sincere_a in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o what_o make_v for_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o enemy_n can_v get_v but_o very_o little_a advantage_n of_o we_o but_o if_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o live_v only_o in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o regard_v not_o the_o power_n of_o it_o if_o we_o be_v negligent_a and_o unconcern_v for_o religion_n and_o take_v but_o little_a notice_n of_o what_o it_o require_v of_o we_o we_o be_v then_o ready_a for_o the_o tempter_n to_o make_v his_o assault_n upon_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o deceive_v that_o man_n into_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n who_o be_v already_o but_o very_o little_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n nor_o take_v any_o great_a care_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z another_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n often_o get_v a_o advantage_n of_o we_o not_o only_o to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n but_o even_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o great_a violation_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o custom_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v before_o observe_v what_o slave_n we_o be_v the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o to_o these_o thing_n they_o corrupt_v our_o practice_n and_o debauch_v our_o very_a reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o we_o may_v at_o this_o day_n find_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o mankind_n become_v the_o praise_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o gentleman_n which_o be_v we_o to_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v see_v to_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o then_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o fatal_o dangerous_a that_o must_v be_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o sin_n which_o be_v able_a so_o far_o to_o deceive_v our_o very_a conscience_n as_o not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o carry_v any_o guilt_n or_o shame_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v such_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n oftentimes_o draw_v man_n into_o sin_n i_o will_v add_v only_o two_o more_o whereby_o when_o once_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o viz._n 1_o sy_n a_o unreasonable_a hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o 2_o dly_a a_o vain_a dependence_n on_o their_o own_o future_a repentance_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o sin_n on_o now_o in_o prospect_n of_o amendment_n hereafter_o and_o then_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v favour_n and_o mercy_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o sinner_n in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n have_v do_v before_o they_o but_o o_o god_n what_o a_o desperate_a reliance_n be_v this_o whereon_o to_o venture_v all_o the_o hope_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n for_o tell_v i_o o_o sinner_n whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o thus_o projecte_v a_o future_a amendment_n after_o thou_o have_v take_v thy_o fill_n of_o pleasure_n and_o be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o pursue_v thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o debauchery_n what_o security_n have_v thou_o that_o that_o god_n who_o thou_o so_o despise_v shall_v continue_v thy_o life_n to_o thou_o and_o give_v thou_o any_o such_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v can_v thou_o command_v the_o sun_n that_o it_o shall_v stand_v still_o and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o thy_o day_n that_o thou_o may_v the_o more_o free_o follow_v thy_o revel_n and_o thy_o delight_n or_o can_v thou_o hope_v when_o thou_o lie_v down_o on_o thy_o last_o bed_n with_o hezekiah_n to_o add_v a_o new_a series_n of_o year_n to_o thy_o expire_a breath_n by_o then_o lift_v up_o thy_o profane_a heart_n and_o thy_o deceitful_a voice_n to_o that_o god_n who_o thou_o have_v so_o long_o continue_v to_o offend_v nay_o but_o can_v thou_o do_v this_o and_o so_o arrive_v to_o the_o time_n thou_o have_v assign_v for_o this_o work_n be_v thou_o sure_o thou_o shall_v then_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o fulfil_v it_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o any_o opportunity_n for_o repentance_n though_o we_o shall_v have_v otherwise_o leisure_n enough_o for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o it_o and_o sure_a if_o any_o such_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v that_o season_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v lay_v out_o for_o their_o return_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o go_v on_o for_o the_o present_a in_o their_o evil_a do_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o that_o man_n shall_v expect_v grace_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o who_o all_o his_o life_n long_o have_v neglect_v and_o despise_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o now_o say_v how_o unfit_a a_o time_n that_o of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n be_v for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n when_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n be_v feeble_a and_o impotent_a when_o the_o memory_n be_v decay_v the_o reason_n fail_v and_o our_o affection_n be_v dull_a our_o zeal_n be_v cold_a and_o all_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o the_o horror_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o infirmity_n under_o which_o the_o body_n labour_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n and_o even_o madness_n of_o such_o a_o procrastination_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o while_o they_o have_v yet_o the_o time_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o mercy_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o shall_v hereafter_o neither_o have_v grace_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o implore_v vii_o but_o i_o must_v not_o pursue_v these_o thing_n any_o further_o nor_o shall_v i_o make_v any_o application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v but_o without_o more_o enlargement_n will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o church_n o_o god_n epiph._n who_o know_v we_o to_o be_v set_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a danger_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v always_o stand_v upright_o grant_v to_o we_o such_o strength_n and_o protection_n as_o may_v support_v we_o in_o all_o danger_n and_o carry_v we_o through_o all_o temptation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o prince_z and_o princess_z of_o denmark_z august_n 5_o the_o 1688._o 2_o pet._n iii_o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n these_o word_n be_v not_o only_o the_o close_a of_o this_o epistle_n but_o also_o the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n before_o have_v write_v in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o design_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o this_o address_n to_o the_o christian_n disperse_v abroad_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o now_o under_o great_a temptation_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o to_o abandon_v that_o faith_n that_o have_v once_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o iii._o be_v to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o constant_a continuance_n in_o their_o profession_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o whether_o by_o the_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o some_o or_o by_o the_o open_a violence_n of_o other_o to_o be_v either_o total_o frighten_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n or_o to_o be_v mislead_v into_o any_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o certain_a false_a teacher_n that_o be_v creep_v in_o among_o they_o 1._o and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o he_o foresee_v that_o their_o wicked_a industry_n will_v be_v likely_a to_o prove_v
but_o too_o fatal_o successful_a for_o many_o say_v he_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2._o by_o reason_n of_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o foretell_v the_o near_a approach_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v so_o often_o denounce_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o which_o those_o comply_a christian_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v involve_v and_o by_o both_o these_o consideration_n he_o final_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o stir_v they_o up_o both_o to_o a_o care_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o a_o constancy_n in_o their_o profession_n you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o 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mean_v or_o that_o i_o will_v now_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v a_o plea_n for_o obstinacy_n rather_o than_o constancy_n while_o by_o such_o a_o rule_n it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o remain_v a_o jew_n a_o heathen_a a_o heathen_a for_o a_o papist_n or_o socinian_n to_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n papist_n or_o socinian_n no_o less_o than_o for_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o it_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o true_a steadfastness_n be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v upon_o rational_a and_o good_a ground_n evident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o religion_n then_o to_o resolve_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o it_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o base_a unworthy_a motive_n to_o draw_v he_o aside_o from_o it_o our_o religion_n must_v first_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v true_a steadfastness_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o give_v such_o necessary_a direction_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o must_v distinct_o consider_v it_o in_o both_o its_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_a between_o the_o two_o extreme_n of_o a_o blind_a obstinacy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a instability_n on_o the_o other_o and_o by_o either_o of_o which_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o will_v become_v equal_o destroy_v first_o then_o he_o that_o will_v be_v true_o steadfast_a in_o his_o religion_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v not_o mistake_v obstinacy_n for_o steadfastness_n this_o be_v a_o error_n so_o much_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v remark_v on_o this_o occasion_n in_o that_o a_o daily_a experience_n sad_o show_v we_o at_o once_o both_o the_o danger_n and_o easiness_n of_o such_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n in_o some_o man_n that_o they_o make_v it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o have_v any_o doubt_n though_o never_o so_o reasonable_a of_o any_o the_o least_o doctrine_n they_o have_v once_o be_v teach_v to_o profess_v and_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o immorality_n so_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a of_o salvation_n which_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n will_v not_o soon_o overpass_v than_o such_o a_o scruple_n insomuch_o that_o by_o the_o express_a order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n solemn_a reception_n into_o their_o communion_n etc._n the_o very_a condition_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o proselytism_n with_o they_o not_o only_o to_o abjure_v for_o the_o present_a all_o those_o tenet_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v heretical_a but_o also_o to_o imprecate_v upon_o their_o head_n all_o the_o misery_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o ever_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o by_o any_o occasion_n or_o argument_n 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may_v justify_v we_o before_o god_n and_o man_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o pertinacious_a firmness_n we_o may_v please_v to_o observe_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1_o sy_n let_v our_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o knowledge_n i._n e._n let_v we_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o to_o which_o we_o do_v adhere_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o obstinacy_n for_o our_o adhere_n to_o it_o he_o who_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n upon_o trust_n that_o receive_v all_o the_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n by_o wholesale_n believe_v as_o his_o church_n believe_v but_o it_o may_v be_v know_v not_o either_o what_o that_o be_v or_o wherefore_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o credulous_a disciple_n as_o this_o may_v be_v blind_o
or_o else_o so_o desperate_a and_o impossible_a on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o their_o own_o care_n or_o concern_v about_o it_o nor_o any_o reason_n for_o they_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o that_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v ever_o attain_v no_o negligence_n of_o their_o own_o can_v do_v they_o any_o hurt_n if_o they_o must_v not_o no_o care_n or_o endeavour_n can_v do_v they_o good_a 4._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o yet_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o fear_v have_v lead_v many_o into_o a_o neglect_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n upon_o god_n mercy_n either_o that_o he_o will_v afford_v they_o time_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o though_o they_o go_v on_o for_o the_o present_a in_o their_o sin_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o will_v at_o least_o make_v a_o very_a favourable_a allowance_n for_o their_o impenitence_n this_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o wicked_a man_n do_v as_o greedy_o catch_v at_o as_o their_o deplorable_a state_n render_v they_o great_o in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o lessen_v any_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o sinner_n who_o myself_o stand_v so_o much_o in_o need_n of_o it_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v 4_o many_o be_v the_o way_n and_o gracious_a and_o excellent_a the_o method_n whereby_o he_o call_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o we_o accept_v the_o invitation_n we_o need_v not_o question_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v most_o certain_o receive_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o the_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v not_o make_v very_o great_a allowance_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o forgive_v we_o though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o long_a and_o grievous_o sin_v against_o he_o if_o we_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o but_o whether_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n which_o he_o 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at_o all_o desire_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o that_o will_v put_v it_o in_o practice_n must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o the_o set_n out_o and_o few_o there_o be_v who_o have_v constancy_n enough_o to_o go_v through_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o we_o find_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n so_o little_a care_n to_o set_v about_o a_o work_n that_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o discourage_a to_o the_o most_o resolute_a undertaker_n of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v this_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o meet_v these_o trouble_n as_o late_o as_o ever_o they_o can_v when_o their_o year_n run_v deep_a and_o their_o lust_n fail_v they_o and_o they_o can_v no_o long_o pursue_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n than_o they_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o think_v of_o the_o other_o and_o they_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o hope_v as_o well_o to_o be_v accept_v then_o as_o other_o who_o in_o like_a manner_n have_v come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n 6_o and_o yet_o receive_v as_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o those_o that_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n 12._o but_o this_o be_v indeed_o as_o unreasonable_a a_o ground_n for_o any_o one_o to_o delay_v his_o repentance_n as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n for_o 1_o sy_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o set_v about_o their_o duty_n immediate_o because_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n which_o they_o apprehend_v in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v how_o they_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o troublesome_a and_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v see_v they_o have_v never_o yet_o try_v it_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v so_o this_o only_a i_o will_v know_v will_v it_o become_v ever_o the_o more_o easy_a for_o their_o defer_v of_o it_o nay_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v that_o the_o long_o it_o be_v defer_v the_o hard_a it_o will_v prove_v to_o we_o and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o yet_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o time_n or_o other_o to_o repent_v and_o so_o dangerous_a to_o die_v ere_o we_o have_v do_v it_o certain_o the_o more_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o soon_o we_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o it_o whilst_o we_o may_v have_v yet_o the_o time_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o then_o 2_o dly_z for_o that_o poor_a presumption_n that_o other_o have_v do_v this_o and_o yet_o be_v save_v at_o the_o last_o and_o why_o therefore_o may_v not_o we_o be_v so_o too_o though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o none_o who_o have_v put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o their_o repentance_n to_o the_o last_o have_v ever_o go_v to_o heaven_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v i_o fear_v that_o but_o few_o have_v do_v so_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o than_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o die_a penitent_n and_o that_o so_o extraordinary_a in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n that_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v make_v a_o precedent_n by_o we_o for_o the_o like_v hope_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o even_o of_o he_o too_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o ever_o he_o defer_v his_o repentance_n or_o put_v it_o off_o purposely_o to_o that_o as_o the_o most_o convenient_a season_n and_o for_o those_o who_o come_v in_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o yet_o be_v receive_v i_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o they_o come_v in_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o three_o hour_n because_o they_o think_v it_o be_v too_o soon_o and_o their_o laziness_n prompt_v they_o to_o decline_v their_o work_n till_o the_o heat_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o day_n be_v pass_v in_o short_a he_o that_o delay_v his_o repentance_n upon_o this_o prospect_n that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o now_o ought_v first_o to_o have_v very_o well_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n be_v he_o sure_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o that_o time_n which_o he_o so_o wary_o allot_v to_o this_o great_a work_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o than_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o live_v in_o danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n all_o the_o while_o he_o neglect_v to_o enter_v on_o a_o state_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o hazard_v his_o everlasting_a happiness_n than_o to_o put_v himself_o upon_o a_o work_n that_o yet_o must_v be_v do_v or_o he_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o miserable_a 2_o dly_z be_v he_o certain_a that_o though_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o that_o time_n yet_o that_o then_o god_n will_v give_v he_o grace_n to_o repent_v that_o his_o aversion_n to_o his_o duty_n shall_v not_o be_v great_a then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o his_o unwillingness_n increase_v the_o more_o the_o old_a he_o grow_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o impenitence_n what_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n lust_n may_v be_v i_o can_v tell_v but_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v any_o thought_n at_o all_o of_o their_o future_a state_n and_o do_v indeed_o believe_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v such_o danger_n as_o these_o can_v choose_v but_o amaze_v they_o and_o their_o disquiet_n at_o the_o apprehension_n that_o by_o thus_o defer_v their_o repentance_n they_o may_v possible_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o ever_o infinite_o outweigh_v whatever_o pleasure_n they_o can_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n propose_v to_o themselves_o by_o go_v on_o a_o little_a long_o in_o their_o wickedness_n but_o i_o must_v not_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o 4_o thly_a
be_v i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o who_o not_o only_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n but_o project_n and_o contrive_v for_o the_o continue_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o put_v off_o the_o time_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o a_o work_n that_o may_v be_v well_o enough_o do_v hereafter_o do_v in_o effect_n despise_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n that_o grace_n which_o shall_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o most_o dare_a presumption_n in_o any_o sinner_n to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o provocation_n god_n will_v yet_o attend_v his_o leisure_n and_o continue_v to_o afford_v he_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o his_o salvation_n at_o the_o last_o though_o he_o have_v so_o often_o wilful_o and_o design_o reject_v all_o the_o offer_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sufficient_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o who_o god_n do_v not_o call_v most_o true_o and_o sincere_o to_o salvation_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o offer_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o duty_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o perfect_a his_o repentance_n but_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v without_o some_o concern_v think_v what_o a_o unworthy_a use_n we_o have_v the_o most_o of_o we_o make_v of_o it_o and_o how_o just_o we_o have_v deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v at_o last_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o no_o long_o in_o vain_a attend_v our_o amendment_n and_o o_o that_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o reflect_v upon_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o no_o long_o go_v on_o to_o expose_v our_o immortal_a soul_n to_o such_o desperate_a hazard_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o consideration_n we_o do_v every_o day_n that_o we_o neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n be_v it_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v not_o already_o make_v the_o fatal_a monument_n of_o abuse_a mercy_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n hell_n and_o may_v if_o we_o please_v by_o our_o speedy_a repentance_n still_o prevent_v those_o judgement_n which_o our_o former_a impenitence_n have_v but_o too_o just_o deserve_v 16_o let_v we_o begin_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o see_v and_o to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o our_o peace_n bâ—fore_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n 13_o let_v we_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 1_o let_v we_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o let_v we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n before_o darkness_n come_v and_o our_o foot_n stumble_v upon_o the_o dark_a mountain_n i_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n lv._o vers._n 6_o 7._o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o unto_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o man_n delay_v their_o repentance_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n act_v xxiv_o 25_o felix_n tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o among_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o to_o continue_v it_o not_o only_o against_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o after_o many_o admonition_n in_o vain_a send_v we_o by_o his_o merciful_a providence_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n there_o be_v i_o believe_v but_o few_o if_o any_o in_o the_o world_n so_o lose_v to_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n who_o have_v not_o some_o time_n or_o other_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o invite_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o man_n will_v nevertheless_o continue_v still_o incorrigible_a and_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o reclaim_v they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o be_v at_o last_o give_v up_o to_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o reserve_v as_o monument_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o glorious_a appear_v i_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v on_o any_o enquiry_n what_o the_o cause_n shall_v be_v why_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repent_v and_o the_o deplorable_a state_n in_o which_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v if_o we_o do_v not_o some_o time_n or_o other_o effectual_o set_v about_o it_o shall_v yet_o still_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v so_o very_o unwilling_a to_o repent_v but_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o fatal_a delusion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o cheat_v themselves_o withal_o that_o with_o felix_n here_o in_o my_o text_n they_o put_v off_o this_o business_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o by_o their_o unseasonable_a procrastination_n in_o a_o affair_n that_o of_o all_o other_o ought_v the_o least_o to_o be_v defer_v too_o often_o die_v without_o ever_o perform_v it_o at_o all_o i_o will_v make_v it_o my_o endeavour_n so_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o delay_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o convince_v you_o not_o so_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repent_v some_o time_n or_o other_o which_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v without_o my_o speak_v you_o be_v all_o of_o you_o already_o resolve_v to_o do_v as_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v we_o have_v immediate_o to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o do_v that_o present_o which_o we_o must_v some_o time_n or_o other_o do_v and_o can_v never_o do_v so_o well_o as_o now_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n two_o dly_z of_o the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o will_v arise_v to_o we_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v due_o perform_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a of_o these_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n now_o that_o in_o one_o word_n be_v this_o that_o whilst_o we_o go_v on_o continual_o to_o put_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o like_o felix_n in_o the_o text_n think_v it_o still_o too_o soon_o to_o set_v present_o about_o it_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o never_o do_v it_o at_o all_o and_o like_o felix_n too_o often_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o impenitence_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o die_v without_o ever_o repent_v the_o same_o be_v the_o danger_n which_o we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v 1_o st_z from_o the_o great_a shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o present_a state_n 2_o dly_z from_o the_o nature_n and_o difficulty_n of_o repentance_n and_o 3_o dly_z from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o 1_o sy_n that_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o present_a state_n aught_o to_o convince_v we_o how_o great_a a_o danger_n we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o entertain_v you_o with_o any_o common-place-argument_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o many_o casualty_n to_o which_o our_o life_n here_o be_v perpetual_o expose_v and_o against_o which_o we_o can_v never_o say_v we_o be_v secure_a for_o the_o next_o moment_n how_o many_o person_n have_v be_v strike_v with_o sudden_a death_n what_o accident_n have_v befall_v other_o to_o render_v they_o whole_o unfit_a for_o their_o duty_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v have_v a_o long_a warning_n of_o their_o approach_v end_n yet_o either_o by_o the_o intolerable_a sharpness_n of_o their_o pain_n or_o its_o influence_n upon_o their_o understand_a faculty_n so_o as_o many_o time_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o render_v they_o utter_o uncapable_a either_o to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o life_n
way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o multiply_v passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o delay_v our_o repentance_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o overpass_a the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o to_o warrant_v that_o great_a conclusion_n which_o i_o think_v be_v general_o receive_v by_o most_o christian_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v to_o every_o wicked_a man_n a_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n be_v accomplish_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o any_o space_n for_o repentance_n nor_o any_o far_a assistance_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o will_v i_o only_o desire_v that_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v serious_o be_v consider_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o 1_o sy_n whether_o he_o who_o be_v invite_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o cheek_n of_o conscience_n within_o and_o the_o importunate_a call_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o to_o repentance_n nevertheless_o neglect_v all_o these_o admonition_n and_o with_o felix_n still_o put_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o some_o more_o convenient_a season_n do_v not_o thereby_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n 30_o and_o despise_v his_o grace_n and_o affront_v his_o goodness_n who_o thus_o gracious_o offer_v and_o continue_v to_o he_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z whether_o by_o so_o do_v he_o do_v not_o provoke_v god_n in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o nor_o to_o expose_v his_o mercy_n to_o contempt_n by_o suffer_v his_o holy_a spirit_n still_o to_o strive_v with_o such_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o then_o by_o consequence_n 3_o dly_a and_o last_o whether_o every_o such_o person_n may_v not_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v that_o by_o delay_v his_o repentance_n and_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o still_o future_a opportunity_n he_o shall_v at_o last_o provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o he_o and_o see_v when_o he_o have_v the_o opportunity_n give_v he_o and_o be_v invite_v to_o repent_v he_o despise_v the_o offer_n and_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v god_n may_v not_o hereafter_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o a_o harden_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n 5_o and_o take_v away_o that_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o he_o have_v so_o unworthy_o abuse_v and_o thereby_o deserve_v to_o have_v no_o long_o continue_v to_o he_o to_o conclude_v 30._o if_o in_o that_o famous_a parable_n of_o the_o talent_n there_o be_v any_o application_n yet_o remain_v to_o be_v make_v of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o talon_n take_v from_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o a_o terrible_a sentence_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n pronounce_v against_o he_o for_o his_o neglect_n or_o in_o that_o other_o of_o the_o figtree_n 6_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prune_v and_o dig_v and_o then_o try_v another_o year_n and_o if_o still_o it_o continue_v to_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n then_o to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n continue_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o improve_v not_o those_o ability_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o by_o a_o severe_a but_o most_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v deprive_v of_o they_o and_o have_v his_o neglect_n punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n grace_n here_o and_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n hereafter_o and_o this_o than_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o present_a out_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o perform_v it_o hereafter_o but_o now_o if_o the_o question_n be_v what_o a_o man_n who_o have_v unhappy_o do_v this_o shall_v do_v i_o reply_v 1_o sy_n let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n hasten_v his_o repentance_n all_o he_o can_v and_o the_o long_o he_o have_v defer_v it_o already_o the_o more_o careful_a and_o resolute_a let_v he_o be_v not_o to_o put_v it_o off_o one_o moment_n long_o 2_o dly_z let_v he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o religious_a performance_n let_v his_o sorrow_n be_v the_o more_o pungent_a his_o confession_n the_o more_o humble_a his_o prayer_n the_o more_o fervent_a but_o especial_o his_o resolution_n and_o his_o endeavour_n the_o more_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o long_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o they_o that_o so_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a vigour_n of_o his_o present_a endeavour_n he_o may_v make_v some_o kind_n of_o reparation_n for_o the_o slowness_n he_o have_v be_v hitherto_o guilty_a of_o in_o set_v about_o his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o upon_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o of_o the_o withdraw_a god_n grace_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o in_o a_o desperate_a estate_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o now_o to_o think_v of_o repent_v at_o all_o but_o this_o be_v a_o question_n which_o every_o man_n will_v best_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o that_o he_o who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n now_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o fulfil_v it_o hereafter_o may_v just_o fear_v the_o withdraw_n of_o god_n grace_n from_o he_o i_o have_v full_o show_v but_o that_o god_n do_v absolute_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o every_o such_o person_n i_o do_v not_o say_v and_o whether_o or_o no_o he_o have_v withdraw_v it_o from_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o will_v present_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o state_n in_o which_o he_o find_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o his_o lust_n and_o his_o passion_n lead_v he_o captive_a at_o their_o pleasure_n if_o he_o have_v no_o affection_n or_o desire_v remain_v after_o piety_n in_o his_o soul_n if_o he_o care_v not_o for_o god_n nor_o his_o duty_n nor_o can_v yet_o persuade_v himself_o either_o to_o think_v of_o another_o world_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o it_o these_o indeed_o be_v though_o i_o will_v not_o say_v certain_a sign_n of_o a_o desperate_a condition_n yet_o such_o as_o may_v give_v we_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_v whether_o he_o be_v not_o come_v into_o that_o state_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n and_o in_o which_o god_n will_v no_o long_o give_v he_o any_o assistance_n to_o return_v into_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o even_o now_o begin_v to_o come_v again_o to_o himself_o and_o wish_n and_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n if_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o obstinacy_n he_o be_v at_o last_o willing_a to_o amend_v and_o return_v unto_o god_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o his_o condition_n may_v be_v bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a god_n have_v not_o yet_o give_v he_o up_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n but_o still_o continue_v to_o he_o the_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o again_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v yet_o hope_v for_o a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o bring_v he_o by_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n but_o here_o still_o there_o will_v one_o difficulty_n more_o arise_v and_o it_o be_v this_o how_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v true_o penitent_a and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o may_v depend_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o pardon_n notwithstanding_o his_o former_a impenitence_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o st_z if_o the_o person_n who_o thus_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o continue_v yet_o long_a in_o this_o world_n he_o may_v then_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o of_o the_o consequent_a security_n of_o his_o condition_n by_o the_o same_o experience_n that_o all_o other_o be_v viz._n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o a_o