encourage_v die_v sinner_n to_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v put_v their_o last_o minute_n to_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o from_o the_o very_a centre_n and_o bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n their_o damnation_n be_v irreversible_o seal_v if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n without_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o we_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o remind_v they_o that_o there_o be_v some_o monument_n of_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n some_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v triumph_v over_o the_o utmost_a spite_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a offender_n and_o that_o the_o great_a their_o contrition_n be_v the_o meet_a object_n they_o be_v of_o his_o infinite_a 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deathbed_n as_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o we_o can_v i_o mean_v by_o do_v our_o great_a work_n beforehand_o and_o leave_v ourselves_o nothing_o to_o do_v there_o but_o to_o die_v this_o be_v the_o way_n when_o we_o be_v tire_v out_o with_o the_o care_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o toilsome_a life_n to_o find_v the_o sweet_a repose_n upon_o they_o to_o die_v in_o peace_n and_o to_o finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o then_o our_o rest_n will_v be_v glorious_a i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 8._o cal._n 6.7_o 8._o for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o he_o that_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n v._o the_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n heb._n 12.13_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o passage_n in_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o christian_a jew_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v begin_v to_o falter_v in_o the_o brofession_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o revolt_a to_o their_o old_a religion_n hereupon_o the_o apostle_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o their_o change_n endeavour_n to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o and_o whereas_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_a persecution_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n that_o stagger_v the_o hebrew_n christian_n he_o show_v they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a do_v use_v to_o raise_v they_o above_o any_o such_o discouragement_n and_o then_o propose_v the_o 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to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o 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often_o see_v the_o trial_n of_o in_o other_o with_o that_o ill_a success_n that_o of_o all_o thing_n methinks_v we_o shall_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v avoid_v if_o we_o do_v as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o we_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v gull_v with_o the_o flattery_n of_o this_o present_a world_n into_o a_o fond_a expectation_n of_o a_o long_a and_o happy_a continuance_n here_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o season_v our_o mind_n with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v apply_v they_o to_o the_o
be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o respect_n more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_v offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v two_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o these_o word_n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n make_v of_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n to_o he_o 2._o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o abraham_n faith_n over_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o discouragement_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n will_v sure_o afford_v we_o very_o useful_a reflection_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n put_v abraham_n upon_o for_o the_o discovery_n 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dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
of_o his_o person_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o possession_n of_o they_o hear_v the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v from_o he_o but_o certain_o neither_o chorazin_n nor_o bethsaida_n nor_o jerusalem_n itself_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o four_o gospel_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o jew_n indeed_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v but_o beside_o that_o we_o have_v invincible_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n too_o good_a and_o too_o know_v to_o deceive_v we_o insert_v into_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o declare_a enemy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o do-doctrine_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o the_o gospel_n have_v since_o receive_v as_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n as_o it_o do_v by_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v see_v in_o galilee_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n by_o its_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o its_o thrive_n under_o the_o hot_a persecution_n and_o plant_v itself_o in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o those_o that_o command_v the_o force_n that_o be_v employ_v against_o it_o in_o short_a by_o the_o gradual_a fulfil_v of_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o reprobation_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o come_v of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o strange_a figure_n and_o havoc_n which_o he_o shall_v make_v in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v since_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o and_o our_o father_n have_v see_v they_o and_o in_o these_o respect_v we_o have_v apparent_o as_o much_o advantage_n of_o the_o city_n in_o the_o text_n as_o they_o have_v of_o we_o in_o point_n of_o miracle_n now_o since_o we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o impenitent_a jew_n have_v if_o we_o resist_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o persist_v in_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o it_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o they_o shall_v fall_v with_o its_o full_a weight_n and_o terror_n upon_o we_o p1_n 1._o for_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o threaten_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o more_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o more_o punishment_n he_o deserve_v and_o who_o shall_v tell_v we_o what_o punishment_n we_o deserve_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o be_v our_o natural_a lawgiver_n and_o our_o rightful_a judge_n 2._o god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n accond_v to_o his_o deed_n rom._n 2.6_o and_o then_o he_o will_v certain_o punish_v a_o wicked_a christian_a not_o only_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o common_a with_o wicked_a jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o never_o receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o also_o for_o the_o abuse_n of_o gospel-grace_n the_o violation_n of_o his_o sacred_a vow_n and_o promise_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improve_n himself_o in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o declaration_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v he_o understand_v in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n i.e._n so_o as_o to_o leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o this_o veru_a aâ—â—_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o do_v not_o repent_v will_v only_o inflame_v our_o account_n and_o make_v our_o condemnation_n the_o more_o just_a and_o terrible_a 3._o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n or_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o frustuate_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o most_o extraordinary_a kindness_n that_o ever_o be_v show_v to_o man_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o the_o sore_a damnation_n we_o can_v never_o hope_v for_o better_a mean_n of_o get_v to_o heaven_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o unless_o god_n have_v a_o dear_a son_n and_o a_o more_o prevail_a mediator_n than_o the_o belove_a and_o holy_a jesus_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o our_o refusal_n therefore_o of_o such_o a_o favour_n in_o the_o true_a construction_n of_o it_o 13.46_o act._n 13.46_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n shall_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o but_o more_o than_o this_o we_o apparent_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a severity_n he_o have_v threaten_v to_o use_v with_o the_o most_o insolent_a and_o incorrigible_a offender_n that_o servant_n say_v our_o saviour_n that_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neithet_n do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o thus_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v mark_v out_o for_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o intolerable_a destruction_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v justen_n when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o great_a condescension_n to_o man_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n than_o that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o his_o mercy_n shall_v fall_v under_o his_o high_a displeasure_n and_o feel_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o his_o mighty_a indignation_n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a 3._o heb._n 2.2_o 3._o and_o every_o transgression_n receive_v a_o just_a reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n as_o be_v tender_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o now_o the_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o admonition_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o as_o to_o the_o public_a and_o our_o own_o concern_v and_o to_o hasten_v our_o escape_n out_o of_o it_o 1._o let_v we_o then_o reflect_v upon_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o great_a impenitency_n and_o abuse_v of_o those_o excellent_a mean_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v long_o enjoy_v through_o god_n transcendent_a goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o be_v for_o people_n more_o high_o favour_v by_o divine_a providence_n be_v ever_o any_o church_n adorn_v with_o more_o burn_a and_o shm_v light_n in_o one_o age_n than_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n be_v we_o can_v plead_v that_o we_o have_v want_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o have_v want_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o hear_a ear_n and_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o many_o have_v snuff_v at_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o kick_v at_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n while_o other_o have_v for_o many_o year_n sit_v content_o under_o they_o this_o if_o we_o add_v to_o it_o the_o badnese_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o the_o debauchery_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a consideration_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v in_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v clean_o forget_v that_o the_o gospel_n come_v into_o this_o island_n to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n be_v and_o must_v be_v in_o this_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o society_n in_o the_o next_o and_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o near_o the_o day_n of_o our_o particular_a judgement_n may_v be_v but_o sure_o it_o hasten_v as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v to_o make_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o any_o method_n of_o grace_n or_o any_o revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o bereave_v a_o sinful_a nation_n at_o once_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o better_a and_o since_o the_o gospel_n have_v already_o take_v leave_n of_o some_o church_n that_o hourisht_v in_o their_o time_n as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v at_o this_o day_n how_o
repent_v time_n enough_o to_o be_v save_v at_o his_o last_o hour_n for_o if_o he_o may_v do_v so_o we_o can_v never_o convince_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o take_v his_o liberty_n the_o mean_a while_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n of_o repent_v in_o haste_n he_o may_v be_v as_o wild_a and_o frolic_a as_o he_o please_v gratify_v every_o sensual_a desire_n and_o dance_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o a_o comical_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n provide_v he_o take_v care_n when_o he_o be_v glut_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_v to_o repent_v once_o for_o all_o and_o to_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o when_o he_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o temptation_n to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v this_o the_o true_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o one_o ill_a man_n shall_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o it_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o understand_v it_o he_o will_v be_v perfect_o reconcile_v to_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o kind_a farewell_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o wicked_a christian_a what_o ever_o he_o think_v of_o this_o opinion_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o hearty_o wish_v it_o be_v true_a and_o will_v not_o glad_o see_v it_o confirm_v by_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n suspect_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sound_v at_o bottom_n because_o it_o take_v so_o universal_o with_o bad_a man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o foundation_n this_o opinion_n have_v in_o scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o cite_v for_o it_o concern_v the_o labourer_n that_o go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o yet_o receive_v as_o good_a wage_n as_o they_o that_o go_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o because_o i_o desire_v to_o speak_v as_o home_n and_o as_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o require_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o parable_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a after_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o obstinate_a violation_n of_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n will_v secure_v he_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o task_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v endless_a and_o unprofitable_a unless_o we_o agree_v upon_o proper_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v easy_o think_v of_o better_a in_o expound_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o first_o to_o be_v strict_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o gospel_n at_o variance_n with_o itself_o or_o make_v one_o parable_n clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o another_o and_o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o explain_v they_o or_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o two_o or_o more_o different_a sense_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n take_v to_o utter_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o more_o plain_a and_o lightsome_a scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o by_o these_o rule_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v 1._o that_o this_o parable_n of_o the_o labourer_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n it_o be_v certain_o another_o and_o a_o very_a different_a thing_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o calling_z of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o repentance_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o this_o or_o that_o time_n of_o their_o life_n if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o than_o i_o think_v it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o encouragement_n from_o the_o text_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o it_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n one_a prop._n that_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n be_v mean_v god_n call_v man_n into_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o reward_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o service_n the_o church_n we_o know_v be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o god_n be_v call_v sometime_o the_o lord_n sometime_o the_o husbandman_n or_o dresser_n of_o it_o thus_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n say_v god_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o it_o and_o that_o this_o vineyard_n be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v express_o say_v vers_fw-la 7._o for_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n his_o pleasant_a plant._n and_o in_o this_o style_n our_o saviour_n express_v himself_o john_n 15.1_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n and_o my_o father_n be_v the_o husbandman_n and_o consequent_o his_o church_n be_v the_o vineyard_n for_o since_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v accustom_v to_o his_o discourse_n upon_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v upon_o the_o hearer_n if_o he_o have_v not_o use_v it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o the_o prophet_n do_v and_o then_o if_o the_o vineyard_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n his_o hire_v labourer_n into_o it_o will_v very_o natural_o signify_v his_o call_a man_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o covenant_v with_o they_o to_o reward_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o by_o consequence_n 2d_o prop._n the_o several_a hour_n of_o hire_v labourer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n do_v import_v the_o several_a general_n call_v by_o the_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o invite_v man_n into_o his_o church_n and_o service_n in_o different_a age_n according_a to_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o call_v the_o jew_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n his_o friend_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o agree_v with_o they_o for_o their_o service_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o at_o mount_n sinai_n the_o mean_a while_n and_o many_o age_n after_o this_o the_o gentile_n stand_v idle_a and_o then_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o the_o day_n be_v far_o spend_v he_o call_v they_o to_o work_v in_o his_o vineyard_n upon_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beside_o these_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v another_o solemn_a and_o general_a call_v of_o the_o jew_n who_o leave_v the_o vineyard_n when_o the_o gentile_n enter_v into_o it_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o unbelief_n and_o this_o by_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v from_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o close_a of_o the_o day_n or_o the_o eleven_o hour_n in_o the_o parable_n i.e._n to_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n 3d._n prop._n the_o time_n of_o god_n call_v man_n into_o the_o church_n be_v it_o early_o or_o late_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o reward_n they_o shall_v final_o receive_v for_o their_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a service_n to_o he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o labourer_n that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n receive_v equal_a wage_n with_o those_o that_o be_v long_o before_o they_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o master_n business_n while_o they_o be_v wretched_o idle_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o he_o and_o hence_o how_o ready_o do_v this_o truth_n offer_v itself_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o every_o candid_a and_o judicious_a inquirer_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o come_v late_o into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o
can_v be_v return_v to_o those_o that_o shall_v object_n against_o the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o either_o our_o sactification_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n he_o real_o design_v or_o if_o it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v take_v effectual_a care_n consider_v our_o natural_a averseness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fierce_a and_o rampant_a inclination_n to_o vice_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o it_o to_o disappoint_v himself_o of_o his_o end_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o all_o the_o gain_n and_o delight_n of_o sin_n and_o himself_o the_o honour_n only_o of_o pardon_v our_o ungodly_a and_o malicious_a life_n that_o we_o may_v dabble_v and_o bemire_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o world_n and_o wash_v off_o all_o with_o a_o few_o penitential_a tear_n when_o we_o die_v that_o we_o may_v be_v extreme_o wicked_a with_o good_a management_n to_o the_o last_o and_o though_o we_o never_o glorify_v god_n in_o our_o life_n be_v sure_a to_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n from_o he_o at_o our_o death_n 2._o that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o such_o encouragement_n be_v certain_a because_o it_o express_o require_v holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o future_a happiness_n as_o it_o design_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v excellent_a man_n holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n so_o it_o exclude_v they_o out_o of_o heaven_n who_o frustrate_v its_o design_n by_o wicked_a and_o unworthy_a practice_n and_o expose_v its_o bless_a author_n to_o open_a shame_n 12.14_o meb_n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n i._n e._n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 19.17_o mat._n 19.17_o if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n say_v our_o saviour_n keep_v the_o commandment_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 8.13_o rom._n 8.13_o for_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v 9_o rom._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteusness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a these_o and_o many_o other_o text_n which_o we_o must_v own_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o shade_n or_o dimness_n of_o a_o parable_n in_o they_o do_v undeniable_o prove_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o fit_a and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n to_o man_n that_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a and_o be_v past_o live_v a_o godly_a life_n be_v plain_o to_o expound_v the_o gospel_n into_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o for_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v die_v be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v holy_o only_o because_o he_o be_v sad_o trouble_v for_o a_o very_a sinful_a life_n or_o have_v he_o keep_v the_o commandment_n that_o have_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a violation_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o own_o covenant_n to_o keep_v they_o and_o only_o promise_v over_o again_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o can_v we_o can_v he_o a_o mortifiect_a man_n that_o after_o he_o have_v gorge_v himself_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_v away_o the_o power_n of_o lust_n resolve_v yet_o to_o be_v very_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a upon_o his_o deathbed_n or_o can_v we_o say_v that_o he_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n by_o his_o patience_n and_o constancy_n in_o welldoing_a who_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o natural_a be_v to_o begin_v the_o whole_a christian_a life_n and_o have_v always_o be_v a_o perfect_a stranger_n to_o the_o conversation_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o please_v god_n have_v live_v sober_o and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o man_n need_v not_o doubt_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o offence_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o they_o because_o their_o repentance_n be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o actual_a holiness_n and_o where_o holiness_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o case_n be_v vast_o different_a in_o those_o that_o have_v leave_v themselves_o no_o time_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o be_v force_v to_o spend_v that_o little_a they_o have_v leave_v in_o fruitless_a vow_n and_o wish_n because_o these_o man_n have_v neglect_v the_o main_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o their_o life_n i_o mean_v the_o glorification_n of_o god_n by_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o they_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o their_o happiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v though_o those_o pang_n of_o sorrow_n and_o devotion_n which_o man_n that_o have_v live_v wretched_a and_o profligate_v life_n discover_v on_o their_o deathbed_n can_v be_v call_v a_o holy_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v good_a sign_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v they_o not_o sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 8._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o true_a penitent_n and_o believer_n in_o christ_n shall_v final_o perish_v but_o then_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o gospel_n will_v allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a save_a faith_n or_o repentance_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o rigteousness_n after_o a_o fair_a season_n and_o opportunity_n for_o they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v but_o fair_a the_o gospel_n shall_v speak_v for_o itself_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n 8._o mat._n 3.7_o 8._o and_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n 3.9_o luk._n 3.9_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n 16.2_o mat._n 16.2_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n 2.14_o jam._n 2.14_o my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n if_o a_o fruitless_a faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v profit_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v save_v we_o 17._o verse_n 17._o if_o faith_n without_o work_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v dead_a how_o sad_a be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n who_o faith_n be_v dead_a before_o he_o and_o who_o time_n of_o work_v be_v over_o though_o he_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n if_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v without_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o true_a repentance_n it_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a sign_n of_o it_o and_o if_o christ_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n how_o sorrowful_a be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wear_v out_o his_o whole_a life_n in_o sin_n and_o hardly_o leave_v himself_o the_o least_o remnant_n of_o time_n to_o amend_v it_o 2._o no_o man_n can_v plead_v any_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o he_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v by_o baptism_n that_o we_o be_v make_v party_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o include_v all_o the_o promise_v god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o his_o son_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o our_o expectation_n from_o he_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v condition_n on_o our_o part_n and_o we_o vow_v obedience_n to_o christi_n command_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n we_o bar_v our_o title_n to_o the_o promise_n which_o depend_v upon_o they_o we_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o by_o our_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n for_o where_o a_o promise_n be_v make_v upon_o more_o condition_n than_o one_o the_o keep_n of_o all_o but_o one_o will_v not_o enable_v we_o to_o claim_v the_o promise_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n will_v abate_v we_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n style_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o he_o will_v
holiness_n through_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a man_n no_o man_n ever_o deny_v and_o that_o the_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a degree_n be_v attain_v by_o a_o more_o frequent_a sincere_a and_o diligent_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n all_o divine_n be_v agree_v the_o part_n therefore_o which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o his_o spiritual_a growth_n be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n for_o his_o grow_a better_a i.e._n more_o perfect_a in_o every_o grace_n and_o more_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o because_o some_o grace_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n upon_o the_o sanctification_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n than_o other_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n chief_o consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o constant_a and_o vigorous_a exercise_n of_o those_o radical_a grace_n by_o which_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n be_v convey_v into_o all_o the_o branch_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o of_o these_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a root_n all_o other_o grace_n be_v feed_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o and_o enable_v to_o bring_v forth_o their_o proper_a fruit_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n which_o be_v both_o the_o noble_a and_o the_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n be_v because_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v all_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a property_n in_o he_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o fear_v he_o be_v because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v powerful_a and_o just_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a and_o we_o therefore_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n because_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o these_o grace_n so_o have_v they_o a_o radical_a virtue_n of_o their_o own_o a_o power_n i_o mean_v of_o diffuse_v holiness_n into_o all_o part_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o christirn_n life_n hence_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n say_v s._n john_n that_o have_v the_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a to_o grow_v therefore_o in_o these_o grace_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o grow_v in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o then_o second_o our_o spiritual_a growth_n consist_v 2._o in_o be_v more_o frequent_o and_o carnest_o employ_v in_o the_o several_a duty_n of_o christian_a practice_n in_o worship_v god_n with_o more_o life_n zeal_n and_o constancy_n in_o do_v good_a with_o more_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o bear_v affliction_n with_o more_o evenness_n and_o patience_n in_o great_a industry_n justice_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o temporal_a calling_n in_o get_v a_o more_o absolute_a sway_n over_o our_o passion_n and_o reduce_v our_o affection_n to_o farthly_a thing_n to_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o moderate_a temper_n in_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o have_v any_o apparent_a temptation_n in_o they_o in_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o the_o insult_n of_o inordinate_a anger_n and_o the_o sudden_a start_n of_o any_o sinful_a inclination_n in_o prune_v off_o the_o undecency_n of_o our_o external_n behaviour_n in_o abate_v the_o freedom_n of_o our_o tongue_n and_o use_v better_o care_n to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n herein_o lie_v our_o proficiency_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o our_o endeavour_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v strict_o necessary_a if_o we_o aim_v as_o we_o ought_v at_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o our_o great_a example_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o here_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o draw_v the_o first_o lineament_n of_o it_o must_v give_v it_o the_o more_o lively_a and_o finish_v stroke_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfection_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o use_n especial_o of_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n at_o first_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v as_o well_o of_o the_o regenerate_v as_o of_o those_o that_o remain_v in_o a_o natural_a state_n 1._o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o mean_n s._n peter_n seem_v to_o recommend_v in_o the_o context_n 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 imply_v that_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n of_o grow_v in_o other_o grace_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o that_o parallel_n exhortation_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o word_n deliver_v without_o any_o deceit_n be_v the_o most_o natural_a food_n for_o the_o new_a creature_n for_o promote_a the_o growth_n of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o every_o way_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2.1_o 2_o tim._n 2.1_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a draught_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o they_o we_o behold_v all_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o god_n sacred_a will_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o eternity_n here_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o kind_a invitation_n to_o the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o saviour_n with_o the_o most_o admirable_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o most_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o the_o strong_a inducement_n to_o a_o perfect_a imitation_n of_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v here_o unveil_v and_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v open_a to_o our_o view_n that_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n 3.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o frequent_a converse_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o observe_v the_o tenor_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o attain_v to_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o to_o a_o firm_a and_o rule_v judgement_n and_o be_v thereby_o exempt_v from_o error_n and_o doubtfulness_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o impediment_n to_o our_o thrive_a in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o shall_v be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conviction_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v be_v always_o quick_a and_o urgent_a upon_o our_o mind_n we_o shall_v feel_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o misery_n press_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o we_o shall_v thence_o be_v furnish_v with_o a_o present_a answer_n to_o all_o temptation_n to_o gratify_v any_o sinful_a lust_n or_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n so_o that_o by_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o daily_a study_n and_o meditation_n we_o shall_v neither_o wander_v for_o want_v of_o light_n nor_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n through_o any_o mistrust_n of_o our_o way_n nor_o can_v we_o easy_o fail_v of_o make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o it_o be_v quicken_v upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o a_o present_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o encourage_v with_o a_o prospect_n of_o our_o reward_n 2._o regular_n and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o service_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o we_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n and_o have_v our_o thought_n sequester_v from_o the_o world_n
excite_v to_o amend_v they_o and_o this_o will_v make_v we_o more_o humble_a more_o sensible_a of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o more_o importunate_a with_o he_o for_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o like_a miscarriage_n for_o the_o future_a this_o will_v send_v we_o to_o his_o mercy-seat_n cover_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o will_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o former_o enjoy_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o favour_n through_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o this_o will_v fire_v our_o heart_n with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o the_o dishonour_n we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n the_o waste_n we_o have_v make_v of_o our_o inward_a peace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n we_o have_v lose_v of_o do_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n for_o ourselves_o of_o establish_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o insure_v our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o great_a care_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v a_o steady_a and_o universal_a principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n 7._o last_o serious_a and_o frequent_a contemplation_n upon_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n will_v sure_o cast_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a frame_n refine_v our_o conversation_n and_o improve_v our_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a a_o exact_a idea_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o it_o but_o do_v we_o often_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o believe_v of_o that_o glorious_a place_n we_o shall_v certain_o feel_v ourselves_o inspire_v with_o noble_a thought_n and_o brisk_a resolution_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o sant_a up_o and_o down_o after_o earthly_a vanity_n nor_o give_v way_n to_o every_o petty_a discouragement_n and_o mean_a temptation_n and_o so_o make_v our_o journey_n more_o heavy_a and_o tedious_a than_o we_o need_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o come_v too_o soon_o to_o our_o happiness_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v above_o be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v with_o they_o will_v darken_v all_o these_o inferior_a beauty_n which_o captivate_v our_o soul_n the_o smile_n of_o pleasure_n the_o shine_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lustre_n of_o honour_n do_v we_o six_o our_o mind_n where_o true_a joy_n and_o felicity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o gloss_n of_o worldly_a excellency_n will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v as_o lesser_a light_n lose_v their_o brightness_n at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o great_a there_o will_v be_v little_a danger_n of_o loiter_v in_o the_o way_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n if_o we_o will_v but_o keep_v our_o eye_n upon_o those_o happy_a region_n above_o and_o consider_v what_o mighty_a joy_n be_v there_o what_o massy_a crown_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n even_o in_o those_o very_a duty_n which_o now_o go_v off_o so_o heavy_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v cut_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o soar_v above_o all_o temptation_n from_o this_o low_a world_n if_o the_o other_o be_v always_o in_o our_o view_n and_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v raise_v our_o spirit_n and_o elevate_v our_o soul_n till_o we_o shall_v even_o touch_v and_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o languish_a state_n of_o grace_n to_o recover_v into_o a_o healthful_a and_o thrive_a temper_n be_v to_o strengthen_v their_o appetite_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o by_o this_o they_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o loathe_v the_o husk_n and_o trash_n of_o this_o world_n and_o retrieve_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n they_o have_v lose_v by_o their_o eagerness_n after_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v be_v to_o warn_v you_o of_o the_o great_a hindrance_n and_o obstruction_n to_o your_o spiritual_a growth_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o remissness_n in_o any_o of_o the_o former_a duty_n will_v defeat_v the_o design_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o every_o neglect_n and_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o end_n of_o grow_v better_o beside_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o remind_v you_o of_o these_o three_o impediment_n 1._o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n some_o think_v they_o be_v reprobate_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o never_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o think_v of_o grow_v in_o it_o other_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v absolute_o elect_v and_o the_o same_o person_n be_v common_o of_o opinion_n that_o every_o degree_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o use_v mean_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_o against_o themselves_o when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o immediate_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o i_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o manifest_o tend_v to_o check_v and_o stifle_v their_o endeavour_n after_o grace_n and_o holiness_n though_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o some_o very_a serious_a person_n through_o their_o happy_a ignorance_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n 2.12_o phil._n 2.12_o i_o can_v see_v why_o we_o shall_v work_v out_o our_o salvation_n as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o absolute_a decree_n shall_v fail_v and_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v immediate_o produce_v their_o effect_n for_o if_o they_o do_v so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o immediate_a cause_n that_o work_v its_o effect_n by_o mean_n i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o work_v it_o immediate_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o render_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o increase_v holiness_n in_o we_o utter_o vain_a and_o ineffectual_a 2._o want_v of_o vigilancy_n over_o the_o fault_n and_o weakness_n of_o our_o natural_a temper_n when_o man_n first_o turn_v their_o thought_n to_o religion_n and_o their_o eye_n inward_o they_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o their_o more_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n and_o extreme_o cautious_a of_o any_o temptation_n to_o they_o but_o be_v seldom_o very_o watchful_a over_o the_o lesser_a fault_n and_o error_n which_o be_v deep_o root_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o grow_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n with_o they_o these_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o overlook_v and_o indulge_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o right_n of_o protection_n from_o they_o till_o they_o suffer_v they_o to_o shade_n and_o overtop_v their_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o so_o clear_a a_o disposition_n but_o he_o have_v some_o flaw_n and_o infirmity_n with_o his_o excellent_a temper_n and_o some_o nature_n be_v so_o very_o bad_a that_o without_o a_o mighty_a care_n to_o manage_v and_o improve_v they_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a will_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o ripeness_n or_o perfection_n in_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v the_o want_n of_o this_o care_n be_v the_o manifest_a reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n otherwise_o virtuous_a and_o good_a who_o be_v often_o transport_v into_o great_a disorder_n and_o indecence_n by_o a_o unguarded_a humour_n or_o unhappy_a disposition_n which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o and_o without_o long_a care_n and_o watchsulness_n be_v like_a to_o send_v they_o halt_v to_o their_o grave_n 3._o spiritual_a pride_n i_o mean_v pride_n of_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o over_o ween_a conceit_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attainment_n in_o holiness_n this_o alone_a be_v enough_o to_o blast_v the_o most_o hopeful_a beginning_n in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v root_n of_o every_o new_a sect_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o selfwill_a schism_n error_n envy_n and_o animosity_n and_o i_o be_v go_v to_o say_v whatever_o obstruct_v
but_o to_o treat_v of_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o world_n have_v have_v time_n and_o it_o seem_v have_v be_v no_o ill_a husband_n of_o it_o to_o wear_v off_o some_o of_o the_o very_o deep_a impression_n of_o this_o ancient_a commandment_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v indeed_o run_v the_o people_n into_o many_o gross_a mistake_n and_o conceal_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n from_o they_o by_o their_o false_a and_o frigid_a interpretation_n of_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o god_n but_o to_o do_v they_o right_o they_o be_v much_o better_a expounder_n of_o this_o law_n than_o many_o of_o our_o modern_a christian_n who_o with_o pen_n of_o steel_n and_o in_o letter_n of_o blood_n be_v ready_a to_o justify_v that_o kill_v for_o honour_n be_v no_o murder_n and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o prudence_n than_o of_o cruelty_n and_o disobedience_n when_o we_o be_v oppress_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n to_o find_v the_o short_a way_n we_o can_v into_o the_o next_o and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o own_o life_n when_o they_o be_v less_o desirable_a than_o death_n itself_o these_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o man_n of_o very_o different_a complexion_n the_o former_a be_v general_o man_n of_o flame_n and_o spirit_n of_o a_o hot_a sanguine_a temper_n which_o be_v seldom_o reckon_v the_o best_a friend_n to_o a_o solid_a judgement_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o a_o melancholy_a constitution_n and_o while_o their_o understanding_n be_v cloud_v with_o that_o dark_a humour_n must_v needs_o stand_v but_o in_o a_o ill_a light_n to_o discern_v the_o truth_n but_o what_o ever_o their_o judgement_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v clean_o forget_v the_o primary_n and_o most_o obvious_a meaning_n of_o what_o be_v say_v of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v which_o precept_n be_v express_v in_o very_a few_o word_n will_v require_v the_o large_a explication_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v undoubted_o lawful_a insome_a case_n to_o kill_v and_o these_o must_v be_v know_v before_o we_o can_v certain_o determine_v wherein_o thenature_n of_o the_o heinous_a sin_n of_o murder_n consist_v which_o all_o man_n agree_v to_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o law_n for_o these_o reason_n in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v be_v this_o law_n 2._o what_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n or_o the_o kill_v here_o forbid_v be_v 3._o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n consist_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v 4._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o to_o kill_v a_o rival_n in_o a_o quarrel_n of_o honour_n or_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o our_o life_n 1._o in_o what_o case_n it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o forbid_v in_o this_o law_n life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n sacred_a to_o be_v preserve_v for_o his_o use_n and_o not_o dispose_v of_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o pleasure_n 2.7_o gen._n 2.7_o it_o be_v he_o that_o breathe_v into_o man_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o may_v resume_v it_o when_o and_o by_o what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o that_o there_o be_v crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n both_o the_o scripture_n and_o natural_a reason_n do_v assure_v we_o yea_o such_o crime_n their_o be_v as_o be_v they_o not_o sometime_o punish_v with_o death_n will_v sudden_o dash_v all_o human_a society_n in_o piece_n and_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o such_o confusion_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o live_n among_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v reasoanble_o presume_v that_o kill_v be_v not_o prohibit_v in_o all_o case_n for_o instance_n when_o a_o magistrate_n put_v a_o offender_n to_o death_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o it_o in_o a_o regular_a course_n of_o justice_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n he_o have_v his_o authority_n from_o god_n the_o spreme_a judge_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n he_o act_v as_o his_o minister_n by_o express_a commission_n from_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v innocent_a of_o all_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n and_o hence_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o magistrate_n a_o terror_n to_o evil_a worker_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o because_o he_o bear_v not_o the_o sword_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n nor_n have_v god_n only_o give_v a_o general_n commission_n to_o seize_v the_o forfeit_v life_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a offender_n but_o in_o some_o case_n as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o murderer_n himself_o he_o particular_o command_v the_o use_v of_o this_o severity_n as_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o of_o equity_n and_o justice_n gen._n 9.6_o for_o who_o so_o shede_v man_n blood_n by_o man_n shall_v his_o blood_n be_v shed_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n kill_v in_o the_o war_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o the_o war_n necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o public_a be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o law_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o set_v up_o king_n and_o government_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o common_a safety_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o draw_v the_o sword_n of_o war_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o preserve_v it_o the_o sword_n of_o prince_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o protection_n of_o their_o subject_n from_o oppression_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o and_o the_o advantage_n for_o a_o better_a life_n which_o the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n have_v enrich_v they_o with_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n never_o go_v about_o to_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n or_o state_n from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sharp_a and_o last_o remedy_n in_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n nor_o be_v the_o gospel_n ever_o accuse_v for_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o throne_n upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v no_o tribunal_n upon_o earth_n high_a enough_o to_o decide_v the_o quarrel_n between_o independent_a government_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o strong_a presumption_n when_o all_o amicable_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n fail_v that_o god_n approve_v of_o the_o injure_a party_n appeal_n to_o he_o in_o the_o field_n of_o war_n as_o the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o guardian_n of_o right_n and_o innocence_n and_o by_o consequence_n a_o soldier_n that_o serve_v in_o a_o lawful_a war_n be_v not_o forbid_v to_o kill_v the_o enemy_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n he_o be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o minister_n of_o divine_a justice_n be_v invest_v with_o authority_n from_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v these_o be_v public_a case_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v manifest_o derive_v immediate_o to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o by_o he_o to_o inferior_a magistrate_n and_o dispenser_n of_o justice_n beside_o which_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o when_o a_o private_a person_n be_v desperate_o assault_v and_o in_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o his_o own_o life_n take_v away_o the_o invader_n he_o have_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o law_n every_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o defend_v the_o life_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o against_o he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v by_o unjust_a or_o illegal_a violence_n to_o wrest_v it_o from_o he_o this_o also_o as_o well_o as_o life_n itself_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v it_o for_o his_o service_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o murderer_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o fly_v to_o the_o protection_n protection_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o escape_v with_o our_o life_n with_o out_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o he_o that_o assail_v we_o if_o he_o perish_v in_o his_o wicked_a enterprise_n his_o blood_n will_v not_o be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v better_a for_o the_o public_a to_o lose_v a_o bad_a than_o a_o good_a and_o useful_a member_n and_o when_o the_o case_n be_v such_o
malice_n assist_v with_o rage_n and_o violence_n can_v do_v he_o life_n beside_o the_o the_o natural_a sweetness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n it_o also_o give_v we_o a_o bless_a opportunity_n and_o the_o only_a one_o we_o can_v have_v of_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v a_o inconceivable_a damage_n to_o be_v wrongful_o deprive_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o benefit_n and_o hurry_v out_o of_o so_o dear_a a_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v strip_v naked_a to_o our_o very_a be_v and_o essence_n and_o turn_v out_o perhaps_o in_o a_o moment_n into_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n this_o loss_n can_v never_o be_v repair_v or_o so_o much_o as_o compute_v unless_o we_o can_v count_v the_o year_n of_o eternity_n or_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o man_n and_o be_v sure_o that_o heaven_n stand_v always_o open_a as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o 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man_n make_v they_o shy_a and_o distrustful_a of_o one_o another_o society_n beside_o all_o this_o murder_v many_o time_n prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o worthy_a and_o useful_a family_n by_o take_v off_o the_o head_n or_o lop_n some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o more_o hopeful_a and_o flourish_a branch_n all_o which_o injury_n do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o security_n 5._o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o rice_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o sin_n they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a vice_n which_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v humane_a nature_n the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v covetousness_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o the_o counterpart_n of_o idolatry_n lust_n the_o mother_n of_o shame_n excessive_a pride_n and_o envy_n which_o rest_v not_o 16._o pro._n 4_o 16._o unless_o it_o cause_v some_o to_o fall_v a_o cruel_a desperate_n malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n ferment_v with_o hellish_a rage_n and_o fury_n such_o be_v the_o vice_n which_o prompt_v and_o irritate_fw-la man_n to_o this_o savage_a and_o unnatural_a wickedness_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v all_o kindness_n meekness_n and_o charity_n nothing_o more_o unlike_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o gracious_a design_n in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n his_o pacific_a doctrine_n and_o example_n to_o it_o and_o his_o most_o charitable_a and_o oblige_a manner_n of_o leave_v it_o this_o be_v a_o true_a indictment_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a and_o most_o heinous_a crime_n a_o action_n entire_o and_o extreme_o evil_a with_o out_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o good_a circumstance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o christian_a therefore_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v guity_n of_o it_o be_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o fatal_a instrument_n of_o this_o horrid_a fact_n to_o renounce_v all_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o he_o who_o for_o our_o sake_n suffer_v upon_o it_o and_o now_o because_o the_o great_a enemy_n and_o deceiver_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n 44._o joh._n 8_o 44._o have_v find_v out_o way_n to_o palliate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o scarlet_a crime_n and_o betray_v man_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o in_o some_o case_n 4._o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n more_o large_o consider_v these_o two_o viz._n the_o kill_v of_o another_o in_o a_o quarrel_n of_o honour_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o own_o life_n when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o they_o 1._o kill_v another_o upon_o a_o challenge_n or_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o satiate_v our_o revenge_n or_o to_o punish_v the_o affront_v and_o injury_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o we_o i_o can_v serious_o think_v that_o any_o man_n while_o he_o be_v himself_o i_o mean_v while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o cool_a dictate_v of_o it_o do_v real_o approve_v of_o this_o as_o a_o lawful_a and_o worthy_a action_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o incredible_a that_o a_o profess_a christian_a that_o be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v shall_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o kill_v the_o man_n that_o affront_v he_o for_o unless_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o easy_o as_o we_o do_v the_o name_n of_o they_o a_o voluntary_a take_n away_o the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o a_o private_a hand_n without_o authority_n from_o god_n or_o his_o minister_n of_o justice_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o murder_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v so_o when_o we_o have_v dress_v it_o up_o with_o all_o the_o modish_a name_n and_o flourish_n as_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o kill_v a_o adversary_n in_o a_o duel_n for_o a_o scurvy_a word_n or_o a_o rude_a action_n will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o deep_a stain_n of_o honour_n and_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a injustice_n to_o our_o neighbour_n if_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n be_v so_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o can_v be_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o it_o be_v still_o a_o private_a revenge_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o god_n have_v empale_v and_o reserve_v to_o his_o own_o use_n and_o disposal_n forbid_v all_o person_n but_o those_o that_o rule_n in_o his_o stead_n or_o may_v just_o presume_v upon_o his_o or_o their_o commission_n in_o any_o case_n to_o touch_v or_o invade_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v it_o in_o revenge_n of_o honour_n be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o this_o law_n since_o neither_o god_n nor_o the_o magistrate_n that_o bear_v his_o authority_n have_v make_v either_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n the_o dispenser_n of_o their_o justice_n but_o reserve_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o own_o tribunal_n so_o that_o here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o who_o give_v the_o affront_n of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v or_o who_o send_v the_o challenge_n but_o the_o proper_a question_n be_v who_o give_v thou_o power_n over_o thy_o brother_n life_n who_o prescribe_v his_o heartblood_n as_o the_o only_a salve_n for_o thy_o honour_n and_o who_o be_v the_o lawful_a judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o the_o wrong_n thou_o sustain_v by_o he_o and_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n i_o may_v almost_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n to_o determine_v what_o the_o verdict_n will_v be_v for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o revenge_n himself_o in_o any_o kind_n be_v uti_fw-la jure_fw-la alieno_fw-la to_o usurp_v another_o man_n right_a which_o be_v always_o unjust_a and_o then_o for_o one_o in_o his_o station_n to_o invade_v the_o most_o sacred_a prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o subject_n must_v have_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o injury_n and_o injustice_n in_o it_o that_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v beside_o to_o come_v to_o the_o plea_n of_o honour_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v infinite_o too_o precious_a a_o thing_n to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o little_a affront_v and_o very_o little_a god_n know_v they_o be_v many_o time_n for_o which_o man_n challenge_v one_o another_o to_o fight_n and_o dye_n it_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o evil_a which_o any_o man_n suffer_v by_o another_o in_o his_o good_a name_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n or_o indeed_o of_o common_a justice_n and_o equity_n to_o insist_v upon_o a_o satisfaction_n as_o every_o one_o that_o engage_v in_o a_o duel_n do_v so_o