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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n death_n great_a son_n 3,271 5 4.9791 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61626 Sermons preached on several occasions to which a discourse is annexed concerning the true reason of the sufferings of Christ : wherein Crellius his answer to Grotius is considered / by Edward Stillingfleet ...; Sermons. Selections Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1673 (1673) Wing S5666; ESTC R14142 389,972 404

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procure_v it_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n to_o pardon_v but_o not_o mere_o as_o it_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n may_v be_v say_v to_o purge_v we_o from_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o consideration_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o pardon_v and_o so_o as_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v or_o the_o price_n pay_v may_v be_v ●aid_v to_o declare_v or_o manifest_v the_o intention_n of_o a_o person_n to_o release_v or_o deliver_v a_o captive_n so_o god_n acceptance_n of_o what_o christ_n do_v suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n b_o may_v be_v say_v to_o declare_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v we_o upon_o his_o account_n but_o then_o this_o declaration_n do_v not_o belong_v proper_o to_o the_o act_n of_o christ_n in_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o act_n of_o god_n in_o accept_v and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n know_v than_o god_n acceptance_n be_v know_v which_o be_v not_o by_o the_o suffering_n but_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ._n and_o therefore_o the_o declare_v god_n will_v and_o decree_n to_o pardon_v do_v proper_o belong_v to_o that_o and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v all_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v mean_v by_o purge_v of_o sin_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v be_v very_o incongruous_o apply_v to_o that_o but_o most_o proper_o to_o his_o resurrection_n but_o c_o these_o phrase_n be_v never_o attribute_v to_o that_o which_o most_o proper_o may_v be_v say_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v peculiar_o attribute_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o can_v be_v say_v proper_o to_o do_v it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o these_o expression_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o which_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v their_o proper_a sense_n viz._n that_o expiation_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o socinus_n and_o crellius_n have_v another_o subterfuge_n for_o therein_o lie_v their_o great_a art_n in_o seek_v rather_o by_o any_o it_o mean_n to_o escape_v their_o enemy_n than_o to_o overcome_v they_o d_o for_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v against_o they_o they_o seldom_o and_o but_o very_o weak_o assault_v but_o show_v all_o their_o subtlety_n in_o avoid_v by_o all_o imaginable_a art_n the_o force_n of_o what_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o and_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a in_o attribute_v such_o great_a effect_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n when_o no_o other_o answer_n will_v serve_v turn_n than_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v 527._o take_v metonymical_o for_o all_o the_o consequent_n of_o his_o death_n viz._n his_o resurrection_n exaltation_n and_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n but_o how_o be_v it_o e_o possible_a to_o convince_v those_o who_o by_o death_n can_v understand_v life_n by_o suffering_n can_v mean_v glory_n and_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o far_o from_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o these_o bold_a interpretation_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o consideration_n 1._o because_o the_o effect_n a_o of_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o distinct_a from_o his_o resurrection_n viz._n our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n rom._n 5._o 10._o for_o if_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n much_o more_o be_v reconcile_v we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o life_n to_o which_o crellius_n answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o death_n of_o 112._o christ_n alone_o or_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v distinct_a from_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o only_o that_o our_o reconciliation_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n intervening_a but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n b_o discourse_n than_o that_o he_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o 6._o the_o ungodly_a for_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v but_o god_n command_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o 9_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o much_o more_o than_o be_v now_o justify_v by_o his_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v through_o he_o upon_o which_o those_o word_n follow_v for_o if_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n 10._o the_o reconciliation_n here_o mention_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v mention_v before_o c_o but_o there_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v as_o a_o bare_a condition_n intervening_a in_o order_n to_o something_o far_o but_o as_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o love_n both_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n of_o christ_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o sinner_n in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o blood_n but_o where_o be_v it_o that_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o other_o influence_n on_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o as_o a_o bare_a condition_n intervening_a in_o order_n to_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o he_o shall_v expiate_v sin_n what_o make_v he_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n if_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v d_o depend_v upon_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o no_o otherwise_o upon_o that_o than_o mere_o as_o a_o preparation_n for_o it_o what_o peculiar_a emphasis_n be_v there_o in_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o ungodly_a unless_o his_o death_n have_v a_o particular_a relation_n to_o the_o expiation_n of_o their_o sin_n why_o be_v man_n say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o not_o much_o rather_o by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v only_o consider_v as_o antecedent_n to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o will_v have_v be_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o advantage_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v the_o death_n e_o in_o this_o sense_n but_o the_o life_n and_o glory_n of_o christ._n but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o what_o crellius_n will_v have_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o proper_a force_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n distinct_a from_o his_o life_n but_o that_o two_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o each_o other_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o one_o of_o which_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v intervene_v but_o it_o shall_v not_o intervene_v for_o the_o other_o viz._n it_o do_v intervene_v for_o our_o reconciliation_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o for_o our_o life_n for_o do_v not_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n equal_o intervene_v for_o our_o life_n as_o for_o our_o reconciliation_n be_v not_o our_o eternal_a deliverance_n the_o great_a thing_n design_v by_o christ_n and_o our_o reconciliation_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n what_o opposition_n then_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n to_o intervene_v in_o order_n to_o the_o one_o than_o in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o but_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n shall_v not_o intervene_v anymore_o what_o b_o need_v that_o when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o that_o christ_n die_v only_o for_o this_o end_n before_o that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n to_o bestow_v eternal_a life_n on_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o but_o the_o main_a force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n lie_v in_o the_o comparison_n between_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v respect_n to_o we_o as_o enemy_n in_o order_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n to_o we_o consider_v as_o reconcile_v so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v so_o much_o kindness_n for_o enemy_n to_o die_v for_o their_o reconciliation_n we_o may_v much_o more_o presume_v that_o he_o now_o live_v in_o heaven_n will_v accomplish_v the_o end_n of_o that_o reconciliation_n in_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n c_o of_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o by_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o he_o
a_o expiatory_a answer_v sacrifice_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o a_o answer_n to_o be_v make_v to_o two_o objection_n which_o be_v common_o insist_v on_o by_o our_o adversary_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v before_o he_o send_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v not_o die_v to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n assert_v by_o we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n both_o which_o 〈◊〉_d admit_v of_o a_o easy_a solution_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v that_o we_o assert_v nothing_o inconsistent_a b_o with_o that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v discover_v in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n hate_v mankind_n so_o much_o on_o the_o account_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o admit_v of_o any_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n with_o they_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n love_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n but_o we_o adore_v and_o magnify_v the_o infiniteness_n and_o unexpressible_a greatness_n of_o his_o love_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o former_a kindness_n and_o mercy_n of_o heaven_n he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n that_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v c_o to_o he_o and_o herein_o be_v the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n and_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o his_o death_n and_o therefore_o sure_o not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o favour_n or_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n then_o but_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v our_o adversary_n mean_v when_o they_o say_v god_n be_v reconcile_v when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o die_v to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o either_o they_o mean_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o be_v reconcile_v upon_o the_o send_v his_o son_n or_o that_o he_o be_v actual_o reconcile_v when_o he_o send_v he_o if_o he_o d_o only_o decree_v to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o christ_n die_v to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o we_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o decree_n if_o they_o mean_v he_o be_v actual_o reconcile_v then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o christ_n to_o die_v to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o we_o but_o withal_o actual_a reconciliation_n imply_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v actual_o pardon_v before_o christ_n come_v there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o come_n at_o all_o and_o sin_n will_v have_v be_v pardon_v before_o commit_v if_o they_o be_v not_o pardon_v notwithstanding_o that_o love_n of_o god_n than_o it_o can_v imply_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v if_o therefore_o the_o e_o not_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v consistent_a with_o that_o love_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n then_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o be_v yet_o capable_a of_o be_v reconcile_v by_o his_o death_n so_o that_o our_o adversary_n be_v bind_v to_o reconcile_v that_o love_n of_o god_n with_o not_o present_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o be_v a_o to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o end_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v assert_v by_o we_o to_o the_o other_o objection_n concern_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o satisfaction_n freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o satisfaction_n i_o answer_v either_o god_n grace_n be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o exclude_v all_o condition_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v so_o free_a as_o to_o exclude_v all_o condition_n than_o the_o high_a antinomianism_n be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n for_o that_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o condition_n at_o all_o if_o our_o adversary_n say_v that_o the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n be_v consistent_a with_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n why_o b_o shall_v it_o not_o admit_v of_o condition_n on_o god_n part_n especial_o when_o the_o condition_n require_v tend_v so_o high_o to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o hatred_n against_o sin_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o stead_n as_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o our_o sin_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o sin_n the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o injury_n man_n do_v to_o themselves_o by_o it_o now_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o respect_v the_o injury_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o it_o and_o that_o be_v free_a when_o the_o penalty_n be_v whole_o forgive_v c_o as_o we_o assert_v it_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o shall_v not_o god_n be_v free_a to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n to_o the_o world_n while_o he_o be_v the_o justifier_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v shall_v man_n in_o case_n of_o defamation_n be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o though_o they_o free_o forgive_v the_o author_n of_o the_o slander_n by_o our_o adversary_n own_o doctrine_n and_o must_v it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o god_n grace_n to_o admit_v of_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n that_o the_o world_n may_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o easy_a thing_n to_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o sin_n commit_v against_o god_n but_o that_o as_o often_o as_o they_o consider_v the_o bitter_a suffering_n of_o christ_n d_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a argument_n to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o god_n free_o to_o pardon_v sin_n than_o it_o be_v ever_o presume_v to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o all_o suppose_a sacrifice_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o atonement_n and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n nay_o we_o find_v that_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o case_n of_o abimel●ch_n appoint_v abraham_n to_o pray_v 7._o for_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o pardon_n and_o will_v any_o one_o say_v this_o e_o be_v a_o derogation_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o his_o pardon_n or_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o job_n friend_n because_o job_n be_v appoint_v to_o sacrifice_n f●r_v they_o or_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o israelite_n because_o god_n out_o 7._o of_o kindness_n to_o they_o direct_v they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o appoint_v the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o it_o but_o although_o god_n appoint_v a_o our_o highpriest_n for_o we_o and_o out_o of_o his_o great_a love_n send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o what_o be_v give_v he_o but_o what_o he_o free_o undergo_v himself_o he_o give_v we_o christ_n but_o christ_n offer_v up_o himself_o a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o sir_n i_o have_v now_o give_v you_o a_o large_a account_n of_o what_o i_o then_o more_o brief_o discourse_v of_o concern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o hearty_o wish_v you_o a_o right_a understanding_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o request_v from_o you_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v b_o i_o be_o sir_n y_z etc._n etc._n e._n s._n c_o d_o e_o jan._n 6._o 166●_n finis_fw-la serm._n i._n a_o b_o c_o d_o e_o a_o b_o c_o d_o d_o lam._n 2._o 1._o e_o a_o b_o c_o d_o e_o a_o b_o c_o d_o e_o a_o a_o luk._n 17._o 28_o 29._o b_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr beil_fw-fr jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 14._o c_o d_o e_o a_o b_o c_o d_o d_o judas_n 7._o e_o a_o a_o tacit._n a●_n 15._o b_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d xiphil_n in_o epit._n dion_n in_o tito_n p._n 227._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d herodian_a in_o commod_n hist._n l._n 1._o p._n 22._o v._n xiphil_n ad_fw-la fin_n commodi_fw-la c_o c_o niceph._n l._n 15._o c._n 21._o 21._o e●●gr_n l._n 2._o cap_n 13._o 13._o ba●●●_n tom._n 5._o a._n 465._o 1._o d_o e_o a_o b_o c_o d_o e_o a_o b_o c_o d_o e_o a_o b_o b_o hieron_n in_o loc_n c_o d_o d_o gildas_n
rule_n of_o religion_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v ourselves_o to_o whatever_o have_v get_v retainer_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o custom_n we_o may_v know_v where_o we_o begin_v but_o we_o can_v where_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o end_n for_o every_o fresh_a assault_n make_v the_o breach_n wide_o at_o which_o more_o enemy_n may_v come_v in_o still_o so_o that_o when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o their_o power_n we_o be_v content_v for_o our_o own_o ease_n to_o call_v they_o friend_n which_o be_v the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o too_o easy_a yield_n at_o first_o till_o at_o last_o the_o great_a slavery_n to_o sin_n b_o be_v account_v but_o good_a humour_n and_o a_o gentile_a compliance_n with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v persuade_v either_o through_o fear_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n to_o disuse_n that_o strict_a eye_n which_o they_o have_v before_o to_o their_o action_n it_o ofttimes_o fall_v out_o with_o they_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o soldier_n in_o the_o appiano_n roman_a history_n who_o blind_v his_o eye_n so_o long_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v use_v it_o again_o he_o can_v not_o and_o when_o custom_n have_v by_o degree_n take_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n from_o their_o conscience_n they_o grow_v as_o hard_o as_o b_o herodotus_n tell_v 77._o we_o the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_n be_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o c_o sun_n that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o enter_v they_o if_o man_n will_v with_o nabuchadnezzar_n herd_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n no_o wonder_n if_o their_o reason_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v as_o savage_a as_o the_o company_n they_o keep_v so_o powerful_a a_o thing_n be_v custom_n to_o debauch_v mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o do_v the_o great_a vice_n by_o degree_n obtain_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o be_v retainer_n to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n through_o the_o power_n of_o self-flattery_n and_o man_n ignorance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a action_n make_v to_o be_v of_o so_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o sense_n that_o the_o most_o d_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o it_o do_v find_v rather_o than_o make_v friend_n enough_o to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o they_o but_o such_o a_o protection_n it_o be_v which_o be_v neither_o allow_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n nor_o will_v ever_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n from_o the_o arrest_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n will_v make_v no_o defalcation_n at_o all_o for_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n or_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n e_o 3._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o command_n or_o rather_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o when_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a plea_n will_v effect_v their_o design_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o more_o than_o pretend_v common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n their_o conscience_n still_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o rebuke_v a_o they_o sharp_o for_o their_o sin_n then_o in_o a_o mighty_a rage_n and_o fury_n they_o charge_v god_n himself_o with_o tyranny_n in_o lay_v impossible_a law_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o either_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o command_n or_o the_o promise_n which_o accompany_v it_o or_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o this_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n require_v of_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v judge_v impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o 12._o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o b_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o intemperance_n not_o to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o pay_v that_o reverence_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n to_o god_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o yet_o that_o have_v be_v judge_v by_o stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o most_o exact_a measure_n of_o humane_a conversation_n be_v it_o to_o maintain_v a_o universal_a kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o man_n that_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o require_v it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a farewell_n all_o good_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o suppose_v c_o few_o will_v own_v this_o charge_n lest_o they_o be_v suspect_v be_v it_o to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n moderate_a in_o our_o desire_n circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n content_v in_o all_o condition_n yet_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o those_o have_v pretend_v to_o who_o never_o own_a christianity_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o never_o think_v they_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a compassionate_a to_o those_o in_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n as_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v forgive_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o we_o but_o will_v say_v they_o do_v d_o all_o these_o thing_n already_o and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o impossible_a the_o like_a answer_n i_o may_v give_v to_o all_o the_o other_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o as_o to_o these_o too_o if_o we_o charge_v man_n with_o they_o they_o either_o deny_v their_o commit_v they_o and_o then_o say_v they_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n or_o if_o they_o confess_v it_o they_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o future_a but_o in_o neither_o respect_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o think_v the_o command_n impossible_a thus_o we_o see_v their_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v they_o when_o they_o charge_v god_n with_o lay_v impossible_a law_n on_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o inquire_v e_o further_o then_o into_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o it_o may_v be_v never_o concern_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o nay_o if_o we_o yield_v they_o more_o than_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o inquire_v after_o though_o they_o ought_v a_o to_o do_v it_o viz._n that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n they_o can_v never_o do_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o unlimited_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o know_v the_o weakness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o he_o give_v these_o command_n to_o man_n he_o make_v a_o large_a and_o free_a offer_n of_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n as_o to_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o and_o can_v man_n then_o say_v the_o command_n be_v impossible_a when_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n b_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o we_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o have_v sweeten_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o will_v not_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o reward_n make_v we_o swallow_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a hardship_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v it_o have_v he_o not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o oblige_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o require_v by_o the_o infinite_a discovery_n of_o his_o own_o love_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o then_o be_v want_v but_o only_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o serious_a obedience_n of_o they_o to_o make_v his_o command_n not_o only_o not_o impossible_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o but_o our_o grand_a fault_n be_v we_o make_v impossibility_n c_o ourselves_o where_o we_o find_v none_o and_o then_o we_o complain_v of_o they_o we_o be_v first_o resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v the_o command_n and_o then_o nothing_o more_o easy_a
god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n here_o the_o jew_n may_v find_v his_o messiah_n come_v and_o the_o promise_v fulfil_v which_o relate_v to_o he_o here_o the_o greek_a may_v find_v his_o long_a and_o vain_o look_v for_o certainty_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o it_o here_o the_o roman_a may_v see_v a_o religion_n serviceable_a to_o another_o world_n and_o this_o together_o here_o be_v precept_n d_o more_o holy_a promise_v more_o certain_a reward_v more_o desirable_a than_o ever_o the_o wit_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n can_v have_v attain_v to_o here_o be_v institution_n far_o more_o pious_a useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o mankind_n than_o the_o most_o admire_a law_n of_o the_o famous_a legislator_n of_o greece_n or_o rome_n here_o be_v no_o popular_a design_n carry_v on_o no_o vice_n indulge_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n which_o solon_n lycurgus_n and_o plato_n be_v charge_v with_o here_o be_v no_o make_v religion_n a_o mere_a trick_n of_o state_n and_o a_o thing_n only_o useful_a for_o govern_v the_o people_n which_o numa_n and_o the_o great_a man_n at_o rome_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o here_o be_v no_o wrap_v e_o up_o religion_n in_o strange_a figure_n and_o mysterious_a nonsense_n which_o the_o egyptian_n be_v so_o much_o give_v to_o here_o be_v no_o inhumanity_n and_o cruelty_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n offer_v no_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n allow_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a mystery_n no_o worship_v of_o such_o for_o god_n who_o have_v not_o be_v fit_a to_o live_v if_o they_o a_o have_v be_v man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n so_o common_o practise_v in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o worship_n be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o become_v that_o god_n who_o we_o profess_v to_o serve_v pure_a and_o holy_a grave_a and_o serious_a solemn_a and_o devout_a without_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n 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sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a c_o now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v man_n the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o effect_v the_o design_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o 1._o for_o repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n can_v there_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repent_v than_o for_o god_n to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n but_o without_o that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v their_o folly_n and_o therefore_o to_o repent_v be_v to_o grow_v wise_a that_o he_o require_v no_o more_o from_o man_n d_o but_o what_o every_o considerative_a man_n know_v be_v fit_v to_o be_v do_v whenever_o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a ingratitude_n or_o disingenuity_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o to_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o god_n when_o he_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n to_o each_o other_o that_o every_o step_n of_o his_o humiliation_n every_o part_n of_o the_o tragedy_n of_o his_o life_n every_o wound_n at_o his_o death_n every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v which_o he_o utter_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v design_v by_o he_o as_o the_o most_o prevail_a rhetoric_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v happy_a that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o unaccountable_a folly_n than_o by_o e_o impenitency_n to_o lose_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o certain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o every_o wise_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o that_o to_o continue_v in_o sin_n with_o the_o hope_n to_o repent_v be_v to_o stab_v a_o man_n self_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o cure_n that_o the_o soon_o man_n do_v it_o the_o soon_o they_o will_v find_v their_o mind_n at_o a_o ease_n and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n they_o enjoy_v in_o forsake_v their_o sin_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o manly_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v in_o commit_v they_o but_o if_o none_o of_o these_o argument_n will_v prevail_v with_o they_o perish_v they_o must_v and_o that_o avoidable_a insupportable_o and_o irrecoverable_o and_o if_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v 2._o for_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o christ_n do_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o mere_o that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o what_o be_v past_a 12._o by_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n but_o b_o that_o we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o what_o he_o do_v expect_v he_o have_v give_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o perform_v by_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o precept_n the_o excellency_n of_o his_o own_o example_n the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o proposition_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n whereby_o he_o take_v off_o all_o the_o objection_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v against_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n because_o his_o law_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o pray_fw-mi tense_n of_o impossibility_n by_o his_o own_o example_n the_o pretence_n of_o infirmity_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o unnecessariness_n c_o of_o so_o great_a care_n of_o our_o action_n by_o make_v eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o then_o reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v how_o admirable_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v intend_v for_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o good_a be_v design_v by_o it_o and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o great_a contriver_n and_o manager_n of_o it_o and_o let_v not_o 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but_o too_o much_o will_v unfit_a they_o for_o great_a business_n but_o do_v man_n believe_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a or_o not_o when_o they_o say_v thus_o if_o they_o be_v true_a why_o need_v they_o a_o fear_v their_o uncertainty_n if_o they_o be_v certain_a what_o pain_n and_o care_n can_v be_v too_o great_a about_o they_o since_o a_o little_a will_v never_o serve_v to_o obtain_v they_o let_v but_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o you_o never_o need_v fear_v the_o want_n of_o a_o recompense_n for_o all_o your_o labour_n but_o suppose_v you_o say_v if_o you_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o certainty_n you_o will_v look_v more_o after_o they_o what_o hinder_v you_o from_o be_v so_o convince_v be_v it_o not_o a_o bad_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v you_o unwilling_a to_o inquire_v into_o they_o examine_v thing_n with_o a_o mind_n as_o free_a as_o you_o will_v 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he_o declare_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o delight_v in_o their_o ruin_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o have_v make_v such_o large_a offer_n and_o use_v so_o many_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a but_o if_o man_n resolve_v to_o despise_v his_o offer_n and_o slight_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n shall_v not_o god_n be_v just_a without_o be_v think_v to_o be_v cruel_a and_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o none_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v beyond_o the_o just_a desert_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o punishment_n as_o the_o c_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o word_n before_o the_o text_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o proportionable_a to_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o angel_n how_o shall_v we_o think_v to_o escape_v who_o neglect_n a_o more_o excellent_a mean_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o if_o god_n do_v not_o hate_v sin_n and_o 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