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 at_o all_o break_a with_o any_o true_a contrition_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o among_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n at_o this_o day_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v some_o of_o their_o great_a casuist_n a_o external_a worship_n be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o true_a inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o may_v repent_v without_o contrition_n may_v fast_o with_o a_o full_a meal_n nay_o and_o if_o the_o pope_n please_v 1565._o may_v obtain_v a_o plenary_a remission_n of_o his_o sin_n se_fw-la ancho_fw-la non_fw-la fosse_fw-la confesso_fw-la ne_fw-la contrito_fw-la though_o he_o have_v neither_o confess_v they_o to_o any_o priest_n nor_o find_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n any_o manner_n of_o contrition_n for_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v how_o many_o ult_n new_a way_n of_o salvation_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o have_v find_v out_o by_o wear_v leathern_a girdle_n about_o their_o loin_n or_o scapulary_n over_o their_o shoulder_n by_o list_v themselves_o into_o such_o or_o such_o certain_a fraternity_n by_o dress_v of_o altar_n and_o go_v on_o pilgrimage_n by_o holy_a water_n and_o agnus_n dei_n and_o all_o which_o and_o infinite_a more_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n if_o as_o our_o late_a master_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v not_o authorize_v by_o their_o church_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v public_o recommend_v by_o their_o great_a man_n and_o general_o practise_v too_o without_o any_o censure_n or_o contradiction_n among_o they_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o and_o whatever_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o like_a kind_n man_n may_v please_v either_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o or_o to_o delude_v other_o withal_o without_o a_o true_a contrition_n and_o a_o serious_a reformation_n they_o be_v all_o but_o vanity_n they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o piety_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n but_o they_o avail_v nothing_o to_o our_o forgiveness_n with_o god_n i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v of_o what_o use_v some_o of_o these_o external_n performance_n may_v be_v to_o assist_v our_o repentance_n and_o render_v our_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o more_o solemn_a and_o so_o in_o some_o case_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o more_o please_v to_o god_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o 8_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n where_o it_o be_v discreet_o order_v do_v profit_v a_o little_a though_o it_o be_v not_o like_a godliness_n profitable_a for_o all_o thing_n but_o then_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o folly_n so_o much_o magnify_v and_o recommend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a imposition_n to_o cheat_v the_o silly_a and_o superstitious_a multitude_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o best_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v neither_o in_o themselves_o meritorious_a much_o less_o satisfactory_a for_o sin_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o to_o be_v nor_o otherwise_o of_o any_o value_n at_o all_o with_o god_n than_o as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o that_o true_a repentance_n which_o alone_o can_v either_o incline_v his_o mercy_n or_o obtain_v our_o forgiveness_n if_o we_o will_v therefore_o make_v our_o solemn_a 3._o humiliation_n this_o day_n acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o available_a to_o our_o self_n our_o country_n and_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v take_v the_o method_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o our_o text_n we_o must_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o then_o our_o fast_n and_o our_o weep_n and_o our_o mourning_n shall_v indeed_o be_v please_v unto_o he_o we_o must_v rend_v our_o heart_n and_o not_o i._n e._n rather_o than_o our_o garment_n must_v humble_v our_o soul_n first_o and_o then_o the_o violence_n we_o do_v our_o body_n will_v be_v consider_v by_o he_o when_o jonah_n denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o niniveh_n we_o read_v in_o his_o 3_o d._n chapter_n that_o the_o people_n of_o niniveh_n believe_v and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o least_o 3._o but_o be_v this_o therefore_o that_o repentance_n for_o which_o he_o spare_v they_o no_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v among_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n that_o tie_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o sheathe_v his_o sword_n ver_fw-la 10._o and_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o 2._o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o a_o second_o remark_n for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n that_o not_o only_o these_o outward_a mark_n of_o penitence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v to_o these_o add_v a_o true_a and_o real_a sorrow_n of_o heart_n for_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v even_o this_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o purchase_v our_o forgiveness_n now_o by_o true_a sorrow_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o little_a imperfect_a sorrow_n which_o look_v rather_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o our_o condition_n than_o to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o offence_n and_o bewail_v our_o transgression_n more_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n of_o those_o judgement_n that_o may_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o than_o out_o of_o any_o real_a regret_n that_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n for_o however_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n out_o of_o their_o great_a tenderness_n to_o sinner_n have_v declare_v such_o a_o sorrow_n as_o this_o if_o accompany_v with_o confession_n to_o be_v sufficient_a 4._o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o therefore_o have_v resolve_v that_o true_a etc._n contrition_n or_o a_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n commit_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o commission_n of_o mortal_a sin_n but_o that_o attrition_n be_v sufficient_a though_o a_o man_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o needless_a in_o this_o place_n to_o obviate_v any_o such_o gross_a error_n however_o otherwise_o of_o very_o great_a danger_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n never_o so_o sincere_a and_o our_o resolution_n thereupon_o no_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o never_o so_o firm_a and_o well_o ground_v yet_o if_o instead_o of_o make_v good_a these_o resolution_n we_o shall_v stop_v here_o we_o be_v but_o half_a penitent_n see_v we_o yet_o want_v that_o change_n of_o life_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o complete_a the_o nature_n and_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o repentance_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o available_a to_o our_o forgiveness_n 3._o in_o short_a three_o if_o we_o will_v true_o discharge_v that_o repentance_n to_o which_o we_o be_v here_o call_v we_o must_v do_v it_o not_o by_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n or_o by_o resolve_v against_o they_o but_o by_o a_o effectual_a forsake_v of_o they_o i._n e._n as_o our_o text_n speak_v by_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o alone_o can_v implore_v his_o favour_n and_o commend_v we_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o before_o observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o niniveh_n when_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n than_o he_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o nay_o but_o it_o be_v not_o any_o turn_n unto_o god_n that_o will_v suffice_v neither_o we_o must_v turn_v mercer_n
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
too_o will_v become_v at_o most_o but_o mere_a indifferent_a action_n neither_o worthy_a in_o themselves_o nor_o deserve_v of_o any_o reward_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o god_n almighty_a who_o have_v give_v we_o our_o understanding_n and_o our_o will_n on_o purpose_n for_o his_o service_n require_v the_o concurrence_n of_o they_o in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o be_v intend_v for_o that_o purpose_n his_o service_n must_v be_v reasonable_a or_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o do_v by_o chance_n where_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o design_v he_o look_v upon_o it_o that_o neither_o be_v it_o advance_v and_o that_o good_a which_o be_v do_v without_o consider_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a natural_a action_n deserve_v as_o little_a praise_n as_o a_o plant_n for_o grow_v or_o a_o stone_n for_o fall_v down_o to_o its_o centre_n and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o see_v one_o of_o these_o promote_v to_o heaven_n for_o so_o do_v as_o the_o unthinking_a man_n be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o it_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o can_v do_v but_o 2_o dly_a this_o incogitancy_n do_v not_o only_o render_v we_o thus_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n but_o it_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n too_o it_o do_v not_o only_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o piety_n but_o even_o to_o common_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n he_o that_o never_o consider_v in_o any_o thing_n all_o the_o world_n will_v say_v be_v a_o fool_n and_o sure_o i_o may_v well_o add_v that_o he_o who_o consider_v only_o in_o little_a thing_n and_o never_o think_v in_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n be_v not_o so_o wise_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o desire_v salvation_n and_o yet_o never_o reflect_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o one_o or_o how_o we_o be_v to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o other_o this_o be_v certain_o such_o a_o combination_n of_o folly_n and_o impiety_n that_o be_v not_o sin_n as_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v to_o religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o and_o now_o when_o so_o many_o engagement_n concur_v to_o recommend_v this_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n without_o it_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o be_o methinks_v unwilling_a so_o far_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o very_a many_o and_o those_o not_o altogether_o without_o just_a ground_n too_o as_o to_o desire_v you_o to_o think_v whether_o our_o circumstance_n at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v well_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o literal_a import_n of_o our_o text_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o consider_v our_o latter_a end_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v the_o final_a end_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o do_v not_o by_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n reverse_v that_o judgement_n which_o god_n seem_v ready_a to_o pronounce_v against_o we_o for_o our_o incogitancy_n i_o will_v rather_o close_v all_o with_o a_o more_o excellent_a engagement_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v make_v this_o a_o duty_n as_o please_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o apt_a to_o incite_v our_o practice_n as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o for_o certain_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n after_o all_o the_o frightful_a idea_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a but_o one_o of_o the_o most_o please_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n let_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o pious_a soul_n who_o by_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o exercise_n have_v their_o conversation_n already_o in_o heaven_n be_v elevate_v above_o the_o little_a passion_n and_o interest_n that_o engage_v the_o busy_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o so_o much_o labour_n and_o vanity_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o it_o free_a and_o quiet_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o disturbance_n still_o the_o same_o in_o every_o estate_n who_o love_v nothing_o but_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n fear_v nothing_o but_o to_o sin_n against_o he_o nor_o desire_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o to_o be_v with_o he_o who_o wellgrounded_n hope_v already_o secure_v they_o of_o their_o future_a reward_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o full_o justify_v they_o that_o neither_o death_n nor_o hell_n its_o self_n not_o any_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n or_o any_o terror_n of_o the_o other_o be_v able_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o calm_a that_o be_v within_o they_o o_o happy_a state_n the_o bless_a effect_n of_o a_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n where_o be_v the_o sinner_n that_o can_v pretend_v to_o say_v he_o have_v ever_o find_v in_o any_o of_o his_o way_n of_o wickedness_n a_o pleasure_n comparable_a to_o that_o peace_n and_o joy_n which_o such_o a_o christian_a meet_v with_o even_o in_o the_o present_a course_n of_o his_o life_n let_v the_o miser_n boast_v his_o riches_n the_o ambitious_a man_n his_o honour_n let_v the_o voluptuary_n wallow_v in_o his_o sensual_a and_o beastly_a satisfaction_n but_o o_o lord_n what_o vanity_n be_v all_o these_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o solid_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o can_v reflect_v free_o upon_o its_o action_n can_v search_v into_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o its_o life_n with_o joy_n and_o assurance_n and_o delight_n to_o compare_v its_o duty_n and_o its_o practice_n and_o see_v how_o glorious_o the_o one_o illustrate_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o other_o who_o will_v not_o pursue_v the_o happiness_n of_o such_o a_o state_n though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n to_o follow_v after_o certain_o if_o pleasure_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o pursuit_n it_o be_v the_o good_a christian_n that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v be_v the_o only_a wise_a man_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o most_o delightful_a practice_n of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n only_o let_v we_o consider_v serious_o and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v let_v we_o once_o in_o our_o life_n be_v persuade_v hearty_o to_o experiment_n a_o duty_n which_o we_o have_v be_v so_o often_o tell_v shall_v be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o they_o let_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v convince_v and_o do_v our_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n so_o much_o justice_n as_o to_o give_v these_o thing_n a_o fair_a and_o a_o equal_a hear_n so_o shall_v all_o those_o blessing_n i_o have_v now_o be_v speak_v of_o descend_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v exchange_v only_o not_o lose_v or_o lessen_v our_o enjoyment_n whatsoever_o pleasure_n or_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v heretofore_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o infinite_o surmount_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n till_o 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
the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o those_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o those_o common_a and_o obvious_a method_n which_o every_o one_o know_v though_o few_o be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o prevent_v they_o such_o as_o carelessness_n and_o indifference_n in_o the_o concern_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o which_o upon_o this_o account_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1_o tim._n vi_o 10_o and_o st._n james_n plain_o tell_v we_o be_v enmity_n with_o god_n james_n four_o 4_o the_o device_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v be_v such_o as_o have_v more_o of_o subtlety_n and_o contrivance_n in_o they_o and_o which_o by_o a_o show_n of_o somewhat_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a seduce_v man_n many_o time_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o alone_o real_o and_o true_o be_v so_o now_o four_o thing_n especial_o there_o be_v by_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o discourage_v and_o hinder_v weak_a mind_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n viz_o 1_o sy_n by_o throw_v prejudices_fw-la in_o their_o way_n against_o it_o 2_o dly_z by_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n false_a principle_n whereby_o to_o corrupt_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z by_o fill_v they_o with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o piety_n 4_o thly_a by_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a strife_n and_o dispute_n about_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1_o sy_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o hinder_v man_n piety_n by_o throw_v of_o false_a prejudices_fw-la in_o their_o way_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o a_o frightful_a thing_n many_o look_n upon_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v and_o how_o difficult_a and_o sometime_o even_o impossible_a they_o think_v it_o to_o fulfil_v that_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o they_o regard_v he_o as_o a_o hard_a and_o severe_a taskmaster_n that_o lay_v intolerable_a burden_n upon_o his_o servant_n and_o have_v prepare_v eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o least_o defailure_n under_o they_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o those_o strict_a command_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o forgive_a and_o love_a enemy_n of_o despise_v any_o loss_n shame_n or_o other_o difficulty_n they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v expose_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o they_o look_v upon_o christianity_n to_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o melancholy_a fear_n and_o amaze_a danger_n that_o allow_v of_o no_o pleasure_n suffer_v not_o the_o least_o appetite_n to_o be_v gratify_v but_o deny_v even_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o reasonable_a enjoyment_n nor_o promise_v any_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n but_o upon_o the_o severe_a condition_n of_o be_v despise_v and_o miserable_a in_o this_o and_o now_o when_o such_o be_v man_n apprehension_n of_o christianity_n what_o wonder_v if_o we_o see_v so_o few_o care_n to_o enter_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n who_o have_v not_o thus_o deal_v with_o we_o 14_o straight_o indeed_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o impassable_a from_o the_o very_a first_o enter_v it_o dilate_v its_o self_n and_o in_o a_o little_a while_n become_v no_o less_o pleasant_a but_o much_o more_o secure_a than_o that_o high_a road_n which_o so_o many_o prefer_v before_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o four_o disagreeable_a state_n man_n common_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o only_a state_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o real_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n godliness_n be_v its_o own_o reward_n even_o in_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o it_o 8_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v but_o serious_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v upon_o how_o good_a ground_n the_o wise_a man_n once_o pronounce_v concern_v it_o 17_o that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n as_o for_o that_o frightful_a idea_n which_o so_o many_o entertain_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v whole_o found_v on_o their_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o for_o 1_o st_z it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o christianity_n deny_v we_o any_o of_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v even_o desire_v to_o indulge_v it_o allow_v whatever_o be_v true_o fit_v for_o we_o and_o restrain_v only_o those_o brutish_a excess_n which_o even_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a morality_n forbid_v we_o to_o pursue_v nor_o 2_o dly_a do_v man_n any_o more_o true_o represent_v god_n than_o they_o do_v his_o religion_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o who_o require_v great_a thing_n of_o we_o but_o they_o forget_v that_o he_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n do_v also_o promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o our_o own_o endeavour_n he_o will_v give_v we_o grace_n and_o strength_n and_o ability_n to_o fulfil_v they_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o most_o severe_a and_o just_a judge_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v as_o infinite_a as_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o pardon_v those_o sin_n we_o unwilling_o commit_v as_o to_o punish_v those_o offence_n which_o our_o malice_n and_o our_o negligence_n expose_v we_o to_o that_o for_o this_o he_o have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v himself_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o a_o gospel_n of_o repentance_n see_v we_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o it_o by_o any_o way_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n so_o that_o now_o then_o let_v a_o christian_a be_v but_o upright_a and_o sincere_a let_v he_o but_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o service_n and_o strive_v and_o labour_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v it_o if_o he_o sin_v let_v he_o repent_v of_o it_o let_v he_o confess_v his_o wickedness_n and_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o humble_o implore_v god_n mercy_n to_o forgive_v he_o and_o then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a soever_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v certain_o find_v not_o only_a pardon_n but_o acceptance_n too_o with_o his_o bless_a saviour_n for_o ever_o and_o then_o 3_o dly_z for_o what_o concern_v those_o severe_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la be_v common_o raise_v against_o it_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n infinite_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o by_o a_o divine_a assistance_n far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a to_o we_o nay_o when_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v not_o require_v either_o of_o all_o christian_n or_o at_o all_o time_n how_o few_o be_v there_o for_o instance_n now_o a_o day_n that_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o severe_a precept_n of_o all_o which_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o viz_o 24_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n these_o be_v the_o trial_n only_o of_o some_o singular_a person_n and_o at_o some_o certain_a season_n and_o whenever_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o call_v any_o good_a man_n to_o they_o he_o never_o fail_v upon_o their_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o strength_n and_o grace_n proportionable_a to_o bear_v they_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v only_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o their_o duty_n and_o by_o the_o false_a apprehension_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n now_o to_o precipitate_v they_o into_o real_a and_o eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o but_o 2_o dly_a a_o second_o way_n whereby_o he_o hinder_v man_n progress_n in_o piety_n be_v by_o instil_v such_o principle_n into_o they_o as_o
and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n he_o cry_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v in_o which_o parable_n our_o bless_a saviour_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o different_a success_n which_o his_o gospel_n then_o do_v and_o will_v ever_o after_o be_v likely_a to_o meet_v with_o according_a to_o the_o different_a disposition_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v one_o of_o the_o great_a discouragement_n we_o labour_v under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o consider_v how_o very_a little_a benefit_n for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o our_o endeavour_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o declare_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n that_o after_o all_o we_o can_v do_v 11_o either_o by_o the_o goodness_n or_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n yet_o scarce_o a_o four_o part_n bring_v any_o fruit_n at_o all_o to_o perfection_n 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our_o saviour_n here_o conclude_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o which_o word_n that_o i_o may_v pursue_v the_o same_o method_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v in_o his_o parable_n i_o will_v i._o show_v you_o what_o sort_n of_o hearer_n they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v in_o vain_a speak_v who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o benefit_v themselves_o by_o our_o preach_v and_o ii_o will_v offer_v some_o rule_n for_o the_o dispose_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o it_o i._o i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o hearer_n they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v in_o vain_a speak_v who_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o benefit_v themselves_o by_o our_o preach_v in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v infinite_a shall_v i_o insist_v particular_o on_o all_o those_o indisposition_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o render_v a_o man_n a_o unprofitable_a hearer_n of_o divine_a truth_n i_o will_v reduce_v this_o first_o sort_n of_o auditor_n to_o as_o few_o general_n as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n that_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o undertake_n require_v 1._o and_o the_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v the_o careless_a hearer_n it_o be_v the_o misfortune_n of_o too_o many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 5_o that_o in_o st._n paul_n character_n they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o they_o come_v to_o our_o assembly_n and_o hear_v our_o discourse_n and_o for_o the_o time_n be_v very_o much_o affect_v with_o they_o but_o they_o go_v away_o and_o present_o they_o forget_v what_o they_o hear_v their_o holy_a affection_n be_v scatter_v as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n they_o grow_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a as_o they_o be_v before_o nor_o much_o concern_v themselves_o with_o any_o far_a thought_n of_o religion_n till_o the_o next_o sunday_n come_v and_o another_o sermon_n again_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o preach_v be_v only_o to_o make_v the_o service_n a_o little_a the_o more_o solemn_a to_o entertain_v they_o a_o hour_n extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v but_o sit_v out_o that_o with_o any_o tolerable_a attention_n they_o have_v then_o discharge_v their_o duty_n they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o such_o auditor_n as_o these_o i_o will_v only_o beg_v leave_n to_o remonstrate_v how_o unreasonable_a such_o a_o negligence_n as_o this_o be_v and_o of_o what_o a_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o will_v most_o certain_o prove_v to_o they_o in_o the_o end_n our_o discourse_n in_o these_o place_n all_o of_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a shall_v be_v and_o i_o believe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v either_o explication_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o or_o exhortation_n to_o fulfil_v it_o or_o else_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o baseness_n of_o those_o â—_z that_o most_o usual_o draw_v man_n aside_o from_o it_o now_o all_o these_o natural_o imply_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o part_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o to_o do_v somewhat_o in_o pursuance_n of_o these_o instruction_n either_o to_o fulfil_v this_o duty_n or_o to_o fly_v those_o sin_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o or_o to_o watch_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o they_o be_v forewarn_v will_v otherwise_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v they_o from_o it_o and_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o do_v this_o they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a than_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o what_o our_o saviour_n once_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o his_o preach_v will_v be_v find_v as_o true_a now_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o 22_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o in_o discourse_n of_o this_o kind_a as_o in_o other_o ordinary_a address_n that_o be_v sometime_o make_v to_o we_o which_o if_o they_o do_v but_o afford_v we_o some_o agreeable_a entertainment_n for_o the_o present_a we_o have_v our_o desire_n and_o though_o we_o afterward_o never_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o any_o far_a thought_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o run_v no_o great_a hazard_n nor_o it_o may_v be_v sustain_v any_o loss_n by_o our_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o when_o we_o tell_v you_o your_o duty_n and_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o doctrine_n by_o which_o you_o be_v to_o be_v save_v the_o case_n be_v much_o otherwise_o we_o speak_v as_o the_o commissioner_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n we_o beseech_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o the_o word_n which_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o his_o that_o 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practice_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o of_o these_o four_o thing_n i_o sy_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o inconsideration_n two_o dly_z i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o iii_o dly_a i_o will_v offer_v some_o general_n rule_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o consideration_n and_o iv_o thly_a and_o last_o will_v close_v all_o with_o some_o motive_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n in_o so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o instance_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i._o of_o the_o danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o inconsideration_n it_o have_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o most_o casuist_n in_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n to_o expose_v the_o mischief_n and_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o particular_a temptation_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a occasion_n of_o it_o hence_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o man_n so_o little_o instruct_v in_o morality_n that_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o run_v into_o a_o invective_n against_o the_o interest_n and_o pleasure_n the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o good_a christian_a must_v resolve_v either_o to_o abandon_v they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a or_o at_o least_o to_o quit_v all_o undue_a esteem_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o they_o but_o the_o great_a and_o catholic_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o evil_n inconsideration_n this_o be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o light_o touch_v upon_o by_o they_o so_o far_o be_v man_n from_o expose_v the_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v few_o who_o have_v yet_o learn_v to_o place_v it_o in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o temptation_n or_o that_o think_v themselves_o at_o all_o concern_v to_o provide_v against_o it_o very_o necessary_a therefore_o it_o be_v before_o i_o proceed_v to_o those_o particular_a proposal_n i_o be_o hereafter_o to_o 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be_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o 1_o sy_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o inconsideration_n expose_v we_o to_o every_o temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lay_v in_o our_o way_n be_v very_o often_o the_o cause_n that_o we_o be_v tempt_v at_o all_o but_o always_o the_o reason_n that_o we_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v how_o many_o sin_n man_n fall_v into_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o frequent_a excuse_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o topick_n do_v not_o too_o full_o show_v how_o great_a a_o cause_n this_o be_v of_o our_o offend_n there_o be_v hardly_o a_o more_o general_a plea_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o every_o sinner_n than_o that_o he_o mean_v no_o harm_n in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o either_o he_o do_v not_o know_v or_o he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a but_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o must_v resolve_v to_o lay_v aside_o this_o excuse_n altogether_o and_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v as_o false_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n frivolous_a or_o we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o this_o want_n of_o consideration_n expose_v man_n to_o infinite_a temptation_n by_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o unwarrantable_a ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o may_v have_v know_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v consider_v but_o they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o ignorant_a that_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o danger_n he_o who_o know_v his_o duty_n the_o best_a be_v yet_o oftentimes_o no_o less_o surprise_v by_o his_o incogitancy_n than_o he_o who_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a of_o it_o the_o devil_n who_o know_v our_o weak_a time_n and_o constant_o watch_v his_o advantage_n never_o fail_v then_o especial_o to_o assault_v we_o when_o he_o see_v we_o be_v least_o upon_o our_o guard_n and_o by_o consequence_n lest_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v he_o and_o if_o by_o a_o diligent_a care_n 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instance_n of_o this_o defect_n i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o and_o never_o have_v consider_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o his_o religion_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o can_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o what_o i_o now_o say_v be_v there_o any_o among_o we_o that_o have_v but_o once_o serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n almighty_n how_o excellent_a his_o goodness_n be_v how_o terrible_a his_o justice_n with_o what_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n he_o prosecute_v sin_n and_o sinner_n for_o its_o sake_n that_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o can_v be_v resist_v omniscient_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o he_o be_v present_a with_o we_o see_v our_o most_o retire_a action_n and_o will_v one_o day_n bring_v they_o all_o to_o light_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o the_o day_n when_o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n be_v there_o any_o one_o here_o that_o have_v but_o serious_o consider_v all_o this_o let_v he_o then_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o devil_n to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n whilst_o he_o have_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o present_a to_o his_o mind_n to_o oppose_v to_o his_o temptation_n but_o christianity_n carry_v we_o yet_o far_o it_o show_v we_o a_o god_n incarnate_a a_o god_n make_v man_n on_o purpose_n for_o our_o salvation_n he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n 11_o and_o purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n it_o represent_v to_o we_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n seal_v with_o his_o own_o most_o precious_a blood_n and_o into_o which_o we_o have_v every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v solemn_o initiate_v that_o be_v solemn_o swear_v at_o our_o baptism_n and_o the_o condition_n whereof_o on_o our_o part_n we_o know_v be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v forsake_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 and_o instead_o of_o serve_v these_o shall_v obedient_o keep_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v how_o often_o we_o have_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o of_o we_o renew_v this_o covenant_n whether_o in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o holy_a table_n or_o on_o other_o occasion_n that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o put_v up_o our_o vow_n to_o heaven_n nor_o need_v i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v to_o such_o a_o practice_n alone_o as_o that_o require_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o blessing_n of_o eternal_a glory_n but_o sure_o i_o be_o whosoever_o will_v but_o due_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o this_o
will_v serve_v to_o discover_v even_o these_o also_o 5_o and_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o most_o hide_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o though_o there_o be_v then_o nothing_o more_o obvious_a to_o a_o sincere_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n than_o to_o find_v out_o these_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o devil_n yet_o alas_o a_o sad_a experience_n show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n seem_v more_o to_o betray_v either_o their_o ignorance_n or_o their_o inadvertency_n whilst_o they_o suffer_v every_o the_o most_o ordinary_a temptation_n to_o overcome_v they_o and_o scarce_o a_o assault_n so_o weak_a can_v be_v make_v upon_o they_o but_o what_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v its_o effect_n and_o find_v they_o altogether_o unprepared_a to_o resist_v it_o to_o correct_v if_o it_o may_v be_v this_o careless_a and_o supine_n temper_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o dangerous_a to_o our_o own_o soul_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n to_o lay_v before_o you_o some_o of_o those_o method_n whereby_o the_o devil_n be_v most_o wont_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o sin_n that_o so_o know_v our_o danger_n we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o arm_v our_o soul_n against_o it_o lest_o satan_n shall_v get_v a_o advantage_n of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n be_v this_o st._n paul_n have_v in_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o command_v they_o to_o pronounce_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n upon_o a_o certain_a incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o who_o have_v marry_v his_o father_n wife_n have_v since_o receive_v a_o account_n of_o a_o very_a good_a effect_n that_o this_o infliction_n have_v wrought_v upon_o the_o offend_a person_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o great_a sense_n both_o of_o the_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o of_o the_o scandal_n which_o thereby_o he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o his_o second_o epistle_n command_v they_o to_o take_v off_o the_o censure_n under_o which_o he_o lay_v and_o to_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o lest_o be_v swallow_v up_o of_o overmuch_a sorrow_n he_o shall_v be_v drive_v to_o despair_v and_o so_o the_o devil_n get_v a_o advantage_n against_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o a_o single_a brother_n but_o yet_o much_o more_o by_o turn_v that_o discipline_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n be_v i_o not_o resolve_v against_o enter_v on_o any_o point_n of_o controversy_n in_o this_o place_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o want_v a_o very_a fair_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o 6._o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a endeavour_n of_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n to_o establish_v on_o this_o procedure_n of_o st._n paul_n with_o this_o corinthian_a their_o new_a and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n of_o humane_a satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o grant_v indulgence_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o they_o but_o i_o desire_v now_o to_o have_v no_o other_o enemy_n but_o that_o of_o my_o text_n to_o encounter_v and_o the_o half_a of_o who_o device_n will_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o for_o our_o present_a consideration_n without_o expose_v the_o artifices_fw-la of_o any_o other_o how_o busy_a soever_o they_o too_o may_v be_v to_o get_v a_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o remark_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o subject_a before_o we_o that_o all_o which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v conclude_v from_o st._n paul_n process_n with_o this_o corinthian_a be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o ready_o allow_v of_o viz._n the_o exercise_n of_o public_a discipline_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o open_a and_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o who_o the_o church_n have_v certain_o power_n both_o for_o their_o sin_n to_o separate_v from_o her_o society_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v this_o incestuous_a man_n and_o upon_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o release_v the_o censure_n and_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o communion_n as_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o order_v they_o to_o do_v this_o penitent_a corinthian_a but_o now_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o argue_v from_o this_o place_n their_o satisfaction_n and_o indulgence_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n than_o what_o canonical_a penance_n and_o the_o relaxation_n of_o they_o will_v amount_v to_o they_o suppose_v that_o after_o man_n sin_n by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n be_v forgive_v to_o they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o more_o gild_n remain_v nor_o by_o consequence_n any_o more_o obligation_n to_o a_o eternal_a punishment_n due_a to_o it_o there_o continue_v nevertheless_o a_o obligation_n to_o temporal_a punishment_n to_o be_v undergo_v as_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a satisfaction_n for_o sin_n either_o here_o or_o in_o purgatory_n and_o that_o this_o the_o pope_n have_v power_n to_o dispense_v with_o by_o apply_v to_o they_o the_o satisfaction_n not_o only_o of_o christ_n but_o of_o all_o his_o saint_n who_o have_v live_v severe_a life_n and_o suffer_v a_o great_a temporal_a punishment_n than_o be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n have_v leave_v a_o stock_n in_o bank_n to_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o other_o and_o the_o remission_n of_o these_o temporal_a pain_n by_o such_o a_o application_n this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o proper_o call_v a_o indulgence_n and_o now_o then_o we_o may_v beg_v leave_n to_o ask_v in_o what_o part_n of_o this_o history_n do_v they_o find_v any_o ground_n for_o all_o this_o do_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n command_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o impose_v a_o penance_n on_o this_o incestuous_a man_n to_o satisfy_v for_o his_o sin_n no_o but_o he_o command_v they_o to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o his_o offence_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n by_o his_o uncleanness_n or_o here_o in_o this_o chapter_n do_v he_o send_v he_o any_o kind_a bull_n with_o a_o plenary_a indulgence_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v to_o set_v he_o free_a of_o what_o temporal_a pain_n may_v yet_o be_v due_a for_o his_o offence_n and_o to_o acquit_v he_o of_o any_o further_a trouble_n now_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o purgatory_n hereafter_o not_o so_o neither_o but_o he_o order_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v off_o the_o censure_n under_o which_o he_o lay_v and_o to_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o confirm_v their_o love_n towards_o he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o over_o much_o grief_n and_o so_o satan_n get_v a_o advantage_n against_o he_o in_o short_a that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a discipline_n both_o in_o the_o excommunicate_v of_o this_o incestuous_a corinthian_a and_o in_o the_o receive_v of_o he_o again_o into_o communion_n this_o we_o ready_o confess_v but_o for_o the_o new-invention_n of_o humane_a satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o apply_v one_o man_n merit_n to_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o another_o man_n offence_n and_o all_o this_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v now_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n either_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v be_v i_o mind_v to_o enter_v on_o such_o a_o debate_n but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v i_o to_o have_v remark_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o present_a place_n from_o these_o abuse_n as_o for_o those_o device_n which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v viz._n by_o what_o mean_n and_o motive_n it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n after_o all_o our_o caution_n and_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_a nevertheless_o still_o continue_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n many_o there_o be_v and_o i_o can_v pretend_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o comprehend_v more_o than_o a_o very_a small_a proportion_n of_o they_o i_o will_v take_v up_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o useful_a to_o be_v remark_v under_o these_o two_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o those_o device_n whereby_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n two_o dly_z of_o those_o device_n whereby_o he_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n i_o begin_v with_o
be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o here_o have_v i_o the_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o they_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o rank_n in_o the_o very_a first_o front_n those_o atheistical_a conclusion_n which_o the_o brisk_a disputer_n of_o our_o age_n so_o much_o abound_v with_o who_o not_o content_a with_o the_o psalmist_n fool_n 1_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n dare_v open_o dispute_v against_o his_o be_v and_o with_o their_o mouth_n deny_v that_o god_n who_o yet_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o acknowledge_v nay_o who_o their_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o which_o every_o the_o least_o accident_n throw_v they_o even_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o for_o all_o their_o gallantry_n they_o can_v disbelieve_v or_o because_o this_o be_v the_o presumption_n only_o of_o a_o few_o desperate_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v leave_n rather_o to_o argue_v a_o little_a with_o some_o of_o our_o more_o refine_a sceptic_n the_o great_a assertor_n of_o human_a reason_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n who_o allow_v of_o a_o god_n nevertheless_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o wickedness_n by_o their_o ungrounded_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n whilst_o they_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o either_o of_o those_o attribute_n for_o he_o to_o punish_v a_o temporal_a and_o transient_a sin_n with_o everlasting_a torment_n though_o commit_v against_o a_o infinite_a god_n and_o against_o the_o plain_a term_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o we_o do_v well_o and_o of_o everlasting_a punishment_n if_o we_o do_v ill_a enter_v into_o by_o we_o at_o our_o baptism_n and_o at_o confirmation_n make_v our_o own_o act_n by_o our_o own_o express_a consent_n to_o it_o or_o last_o because_o such_o too_o there_o be_v among_o we_o i_o will_v reason_v with_o those_o who_o argue_v against_o the_o malignity_n even_o of_o sin_n itâ—_n self_n and_o will_v by_o their_o dispute_n turn_v the_o great_a vice_n into_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a action_n whilst_o from_o the_o strong_a inclination_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o to_o evil_a they_o conclude_v that_o certain_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o very_o great_a a_o fault_n to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o that_o nature_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o and_o that_o doubtless_o our_o passion_n be_v never_o design_v to_o be_v mere_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o we_o as_o yet_o they_o conclude_v they_o must_v be_v unless_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o free_o to_o indulge_v they_o as_o they_o unreasonable_o contend_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o all_o these_o and_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n how_o destructive_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v of_o true_a piety_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o man_n not_o yet_o beginning_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o by_o consequence_n such_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o suppose_v be_v needless_a to_o be_v obviate_v in_o this_o assembly_n those_o i_o will_v now_o remark_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n principle_n upon_o which_o even_o good_a christian_n do_v sometime_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o wickedness_n or_o at_o least_o neglect_n to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o exactness_n of_o christian_a practice_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o such_o i_o esteem_v first_o of_o all_o that_o popular_a mistake_n by_o which_o many_o person_n too_o easy_o delude_v themselves_o of_o a_o good_a mind_n a_o desire_n and_o a_o intention_n to_o live_v well_o and_o which_o they_o hope_v shall_v atone_v for_o all_o their_o miscarriage_n which_o notwithstanding_o their_o good_a intention_n they_o still_o continue_v to_o commit_v this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o i_o fear_n deceive_v very_o many_o in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a sinner_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o and_o they_o desire_v to_o live_v better_o but_o alas_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v they_o be_v weak_a and_o impotent_a as_o other_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o temptation_n every_o day_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o either_o do_v or_o can_v withstand_v they_o all_o and_o indeed_o where_o the_o intention_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o make_v man_n careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o duty_n if_o they_o sin_v only_o by_o surprise_n or_o incogitancy_n and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o repent_v they_o true_o and_o watch_v themselves_o more_o diligent_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o here_o their_o good_a intention_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n almighty_a but_o otherwise_o to_o think_v that_o a_o weak_a desire_n and_o a_o vain_a resolution_n and_o a_o transient_a sorrow_n the_o usual_a piety_n of_o those_o who_o rely_v upon_o this_o excuse_n shall_v find_v favour_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n this_o be_v that_o device_n which_o the_o devil_n i_o fear_v deceive_v many_o withal_o but_o for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n or_o colour_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o and_o from_o this_o proceed_v another_o mistake_n and_o that_o not_o at_o all_o less_o dangerous_a than_o the_o forego_n which_o be_v to_o reckon_v all_o those_o sin_n which_o after_o such_o a_o good_a intention_n they_o commit_v to_o be_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o which_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n now_o and_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o thus_o if_o when_o they_o commit_v a_o sin_n their_o conscience_n check_v they_o and_o they_o parley_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o strive_v a_o little_a and_o then_o yield_v and_o then_o they_o be_v sorry_a and_o make_v some_o transient_a ineffectual_a resolution_n of_o do_v better_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o which_o all_o vanish_v at_o the_o very_a next_o trial_n this_o they_o call_v infirmity_n and_o so_o god_n know_v it_o be_v but_o such_o a_o infirmity_n as_o will_n by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n they_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a sin_n when_o we_o be_v either_o surprise_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o or_o otherwise_o hurry_v on_o by_o some_o sudden_a fear_n or_o other_o the_o like_o powerful_a passion_n or_o overbear_a temptation_n before_o we_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v or_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o but_o otherwise_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v know_v and_o the_o will_v free_v and_o there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n and_o yet_o we_o agree_v to_o it_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o here_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o commission_n or_o the_o easiness_n of_o fall_v may_v serve_v to_o aggravate_v indeed_o but_o sure_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n extenuate_v and_o much_o less_o excuse_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o i_o may_v to_o these_o add_v 3_o dly_a those_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o i_o be_o persuade_v have_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o man_n neglect_n of_o true_a piety_n viz._n of_o be_v save_v by_o other_o performance_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n mass_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o absolve_v sin_n and_o of_o a_o imperfect_a ineffectual_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n sufficient_a to_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o obtain_v their_o end_n though_o the_o person_n be_v not_o otherwise_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o they_o and_o in_o which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v contrition_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o hindrance_n than_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o one_o add_v plain_o 26._o that_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n above_o those_o of_o the_o law_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o love_a god_n and_o be_v true_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n i_o need_v not_o after_o this_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o extravagance_n of_o their_o late_a private_a casuist_n remark_v and_o censure_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o not_o long_o since_o by_o the_o pope_n himself_o yet_o still_o continue_v notwithstanding_o both_o to_o be_v but_o too_o much_o applaud_v by_o very_o great_a number_n among_o they_o but_o these_o be_v principle_n against_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o prepare_v any_o one_o of_o our_o communion_n i_o will_v instead_o of_o all_o these_o mention_v only_o one_o principle_n more_o 4_o thly_a by_o which_o man_n often_o hinder_v
their_o progress_n in_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o compliment_n and_o good_a breed_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o yet_o rather_o than_o be_v think_v rude_a and_o precise_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v disturb_v company_n or_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o singular_a they_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v and_o so_o disobey_v god_n for_o fear_v of_o disoblige_a man_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o very_o often_o occur_v in_o the_o method_n of_o our_o present_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v now_o then_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o the_o contest_v here_o be_v and_o what_o the_o issue_n most_o certain_o will_v be_v god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o party_n concern_v and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o duty_n towards_o he_o or_o your_o civility_n towards_o the_o other_o aught_o to_o preponderate_v whether_o you_o shall_v go_v to_o 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christian_n labour_n under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o either_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v a_o satisfaction_n or_o indulge_v a_o close_a and_o melancholy_a disposition_n so_o long_o till_o they_o be_v at_o last_o incapable_a of_o any_o live_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n whole_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o can_v find_v any_o peace_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o now_o though_o such_o trouble_n as_o these_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o be_v prevent_v before_o they_o arrive_v than_o remove_v after_o yet_o there_o be_v way_n to_o encounter_v even_o this_o device_n too_o of_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o render_v it_o of_o no_o force_n to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n to_o which_o end_n 1_o st_z if_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n of_o this_o kind_n arise_v in_o your_o mind_n examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o they_o whether_o your_o life_n have_v be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v you_o just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v yourselves_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v your_o soul_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o you_o can_v discover_v to_o support_v such_o fear_n then_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n threat_n and_o promise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o will_v never_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o another_o world_n but_o for_o live_v in_o a_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n in_o this._n that_o our_o duty_n be_v clear_a and_o express_v and_o that_o conscience_n when_o sincere_o examine_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o we_o do_v true_o fulfil_v it_o or_o no._n and_o therefore_o that_o as_o st._n john_n say_v beloved_n 21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o shall_v the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o shall_v you_o find_v yourselves_o in_o 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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
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 be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n such_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n will_v engage_v i_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o to_o exhort_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o two_o duty_n than_o which_o i_o know_v none_o more_o proper_a for_o our_o serious_a consideration_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n and_o from_o both_o which_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o seducer_n on_o every_o hand_n to_o turn_v we_o aside_o i_o shall_v pursue_v both_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n i._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n here_o exhort_v we_o ii_o by_o what_o motive_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o i_o will_v now_o crave_v leave_n to_o exhort_v you_o to_o such_o a_o steadfastness_n iii_o how_o high_o both_o necessary_a in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v but_o especial_o how_o advantageous_a to_o this_o great_a end_n that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_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 and_o first_o i._n what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n exhort_v we_o and_o which_o i_o be_o from_o thence_o to_o recommend_v to_o you_o for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o firmness_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a and_o rational_a steadfastness_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o exceed_v by_o a_o perverse_a unwarrantable_a resolution_n not_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o motive_n though_o never_o so_o reasonable_a to_o change_v his_o opinion_n as_o by_o a_o unfixed_a and_o irresolute_a temper_n abandon_v himself_o to_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o turn_v he_o aside_o from_o it_o constancy_n in_o religion_n 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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 whatsoever_o to_o be_v hereafter_o better_o instruct_v this_o be_v in_o good_a truth_n to_o make_v a_o faction_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o combination_n rather_o than_o a_o constancy_n and_o what_o wretched_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o unfortunate_a delude_a man_n that_o have_v once_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o engage_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o no_o rational_a motive_n no_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a be_v almost_o able_a to_o work_v upon_o they_o the_o sad_a vow_n they_o have_v make_v recur_v continual_o upon_o their_o mind_n they_o have_v swear_v to_o continue_v where_o they_o be_v go_v at_o all_o adventure_n and_o therefore_o they_o now_o as_o obstinate_o resolve_v never_o to_o return_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o once_o weak_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o to_o avoid_v such_o a_o unhappy_a obstinacy_n as_o this_o and_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o religion_n upon_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o 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
this_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o man_n do_v not_o indeed_o care_v so_o open_o to_o profess_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o their_o action_n oftentimes_o do_v but_o too_o plain_o point_v out_o to_o we_o and_o i_o wish_v that_o even_o this_o be_v all_o and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o very_a principle_n seem_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o such_o a_o opinion_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o fatal_o ruinous_a to_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o 1_o sy_n not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n now_o to_o those_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o laugh_v at_o all_o our_o discourse_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o all_o our_o action_n before_o a_o divine_a tribunal_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o speak_v loud_o to_o they_o this_o great_a truth_n and_o make_v they_o with_o felix_n still_o fear_v what_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o a_o more_o refine_a sort_n of_o disputant_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a reward_n for_o those_o that_o do_v well_o yet_o extinguish_v ibid._n in_o great_a measure_n all_o the_o flame_n of_o hell-fire_n and_o allow_v of_o little_a or_o no_o danger_n for_o those_o that_o do_v ill_a they_o suppose_v that_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v happen_v to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v overtake_v in_o their_o sin_n be_v but_o to_o lose_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o annihilate_v the_o only_a danger_n that_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o attend_v the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o yet_o still_o methinks_v since_o they_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o enjoyment_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n there_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o those_o who_o at_o that_o day_n shall_v be_v find_v worthy_a of_o it_o even_o this_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v themselves_o a_o share_n in_o so_o much_o happiness_n and_o however_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n threaten_v sinner_n with_o shall_v be_v only_o a_o eternal_a annihilation_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o same_o scripture_n speak_v very_o dreadful_a thing_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v etc._n but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n have_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o ever_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n which_o neither_o any_o tongue_n can_v express_v nor_o any_o thought_n conceive_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n that_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o favour_v this_o apprehension_n indeed_o that_o can_v without_o violence_n be_v detort_v to_o any_o other_o signification_n it_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n not_o to_o be_v too_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o whether_o they_o believe_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v eternal_a or_o no_o yet_o certain_o to_o live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o make_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o 2._o but_o second_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v who_o by_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o christianity_n have_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o lessen_v their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v have_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o casuist_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v a_o point_n common_o dispute_v among_o these_o man_n what_o the_o precise_a time_n be_v in_o which_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v there_o have_v be_v some_o of_o they_o indeed_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o repent_v on_o all_o the_o great_a scotus_n festival_n of_o the_o church_n other_o 2._o think_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o a_o man_n do_v it_o against_o easter_n but_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o external_a and_o ritual_a repentance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v in_o confess_v and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o that_o for_o the_o true_a inward_a repentance_n below_o the_o precise_a time_n in_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v contrite_a for_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o imminent_a article_n of_o a_o natural_a or_o violent_a death_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o they_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o even_o for_o a_o man_n to_o resolve_v to_o defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n be_v but_o a_o 2._o venial_a sin_n nay_o and_o other_o think_v anno._n no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a in_o express_a term_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o present_a repentance_n but_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o for_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o the_o time_n that_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n even_o than_o they_o find_v out_o so_o many_o other_o artifices_fw-la to_o elude_v the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o it_o that_o they_o who_o do_v all_o which_o they_o require_v of_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n true_o repent_v what_o else_o can_v we_o make_v of_o the_o allow_v practice_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o imperfect_a contrition_n for_o they_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o absolution_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n make_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o duty_n to_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o little_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n 781._o and_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o shall_v make_v good_a such_o their_o resolution_n and_o that_o too_o though_o they_o have_v neither_o any_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n etc._n nor_o otherwise_o hate_v their_o sin_n than_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o many_o other_o device_n these_o man_n have_v find_v out_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n by_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a by_o consecrate_a garment_n and_o privilege_v fraternity_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o compla_v of_o to_o make_v man_n careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o piety_n that_o god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o of_o that_o repentance_n which_o alone_o can_v obtain_v a_o effectual_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o these_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o who_o by_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v but_o too_o much_o encourage_v to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n other_o there_o be_v 3_o dly_z and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o near_o concern_v to_o we_o than_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n who_o principle_n seem_v without_o great_a care_n but_o too_o natural_o to_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o neglect_n such_o be_v the_o great_a assertor_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n alone_o without_o work_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o man_n absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o will_n and_o its_o incapacity_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o our_o future_a state_n without_o that_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o if_o man_n have_v than_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v well_o and_o without_o it_o can_v but_o do_v ill_a and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v indifferent_o to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v but_o to_o such_o only_a as_o he_o intend_v thereby_o to_o bring_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n first_o and_o then_o to_o salvation_n now_o not_o to_o dispute_v with_o any_o one_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o point_n when_o wise_o and_o sober_o state_v according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n be_v apt_a to_o mislead_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v not_o very_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o to_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o their_o justification_n be_v either_o so_o secure_a and_o settle_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n
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 afford_v we_o of_o repent_v if_o with_o felix_n in_o the_o text_n we_o still_o put_v off_o our_o conscience_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o at_o last_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n without_o ever_o repent_v of_o they_o god_n will_v not_o then_o turn_v his_o mercy_n into_o judgement_n and_o whether_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o make_v all_o the_o haste_n we_o can_v to_o repent_v lest_o perhaps_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o but_o 3_o dly_a a_o three_o cause_n of_o man_n delay_v their_o repentance_n be_v that_o though_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o repent_v some_o time_n or_o other_o yet_o they_o think_v this_o may_v be_v do_v hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o this_o be_v what_o most_o of_o we_o be_v but_o too_o apt_a to_o flatter_v ourselves_o withal_o repentance_n be_v god_n know_v a_o melancholy_a duty_n it_o call_v we_o to_o another_o kind_n of_o life_n than_o that_o we_o have_v be_v use_v to_o or_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v 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 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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 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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 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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
but_o what_o now_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o be_v they_o utter_o destroy_v according_a to_o this_o prophecy_n nay_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a god_n be_v yet_o entreat_v for_o they_o and_o spare_v they_o so_o we_o read_v ver_fw-la 10._o the_o city_n believe_v and_o fear_v god_n 10._o and_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 jonah_n 3_o and_o what_o must_v the_o consequence_n of_o all_o these_o reflection_n be_v but_o to_o engage_v we_o not_o to_o despise_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o thus_o gracious_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n but_o to_o conclude_v with_o holy_a david_n psal._n cxxx_o 3_o if_o thou_o lord_n shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o o_o god_n who_o may_v abide_v it_o but_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o thou_o therefore_o shall_v thou_o be_v fear_v and_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v of_o gods_n mercy_n in_o general_n will_v yet_o more_o hold_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o character_n wherein_o be_v set_v out_o to_o we_o in_o particular_a second_o his_o great_a unwillingness_n to_o pronounce_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o against_o sinner_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o recall_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil._n and_o because_o i_o will_v now_o be_v i_o able_a speak_v not_o so_o much_o to_o your_o reason_n as_o to_o your_o sense_n and_o experience_n to_o your_o conscience_n and_o affection_n i_o will_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o no_o more_o lead_v you_o back_o to_o the_o israelite_n in_o this_o prophecy_n to_o pastime_n and_o unknown_a country_n but_o will_v rather_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v your_o own_o time_n your_o own_o country_n and_o if_o you_o will_v allow_v i_o free_o to_o add_v it_o your_o own_o soul_n which_o of_o all_o these_o will_v not_o afford_v i_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o 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