of_o sin_n you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o i_o where_o then_o be_v sinner_n straighten_a oh_o they_o be_v straighten_a in_o their_o own_o bowel_n they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o consider_v their_o way_n to_o humble_v their_o soul_n for_o their_o sin_n to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n thus_o be_v they_o straighten_a in_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n 2._o second_o to_o this_o suggestion_n doubtless_o we_o be_v to_o oppose_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o multitude_n and_o abundance_n of_o divine_a mercy_n psal_n 134._o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o say_v holy_a david_n they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand._n so_o isaiah_n 55._o v._o 6_o 7._o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o unto_o his_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v thus_o you_o often_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n tender_a mercy_n in_o god_n psal_n 5._o 7._o i_o will_v come_v into_o thy_o house_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n so_o psal_n 51._o 1._o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n so_o psal_n 69._o 13._o mercy_n in_o god_n be_v but_o one_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n look_v upon_o one_o in_o misery_n and_o help_v and_o relieve_v he_o what_o do_v we_o read_v of_o a_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n certain_o it_o either_o signify_v god_n multiply_v act_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v several_a branch_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o same_o root_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n or_o else_o the_o term_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o goodness_n in_o god_n proportionated_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o what_o end_n do_v we_o read_v of_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o relieve_v we_o groan_v under_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 3._o again_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o god_n to_o pardon_v multitude_n of_o sin_n as_o few_o yea_o he_o never_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o any_o one_o soul_n but_o he_o pardon_v a_o multitude_n god_n must_v vail_v his_o justice_n and_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o vindicative_a justice_n to_o pardon_v one_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o one_o sin_n but_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o infiniteness_n in_o it_o or_o rather_o contract_v a_o infinite_a gild_n for_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v against_o a_o infinite_a god_n against_o infinite_a justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v remit_v it_o and_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o a_o infinite_a remission_n as_o easy_o extend_v to_o a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o a_o few_o so_o that_o as_o that_o good_a prince_n say_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o recognition_n of_o his_o power_n it_o be_v easy_a with_o thou_o to_o save_v by_o many_o as_o by_o few_o so_o we_o may_v say_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a with_o god_n to_o save_v from_o many_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o many_o many_o thousand_o of_o sin_n as_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o few_o especial_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v put_v in_o consider_v there_o be_v also_o a_o infiniteness_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o redemption_n price_n that_o be_v pay_v if_o indeed_o that_o have_v be_v scant_o something_o may_v have_v be_v colourable_o object_v but_o that_o be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o god_n the_o person_n that_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n be_v god-man_n a_o infinite_a person_n his_o blood_n be_v of_o infinite_a virtue_n as_o to_o satisfaction_n indeed_o the_o papist_n strain_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o far_o to_o say_v that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o christ_n blood_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ransom_n a_o world_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a monkish_a hyberbole_n for_o there_o must_v be_v a_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o life_n so_o much_o of_o his_o blood_n shed_v as_o shall_v have_v determine_v his_o life_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o nuda_fw-la sufficientia_fw-la we_o be_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o sufficientia_fw-la ordinata_fw-la how_o far_o christ_n ordain_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o bare_a and_o naked_a sufficiency_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o who_o will_v acknowledge_v a_o infiniteness_n in_o christ_n person_n nor_o yet_o shall_v the_o papist_n from_o hence_n augment_v their_o church_n treasury_n to_o the_o value_n of_o a_o farthing_n christ_n never_o leave_v the_o redundancy_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n to_o humane_a disposal_n the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o to_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v by_o it_o have_v any_o benefit_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v of_o from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n even_o from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lâ—mb_n be_v first_o slay_v in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n let_v they_o look_v to_o answer_v the_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n who_o maintain_v universal_a redemption_n in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o but_o i_o add_v far_o under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n never_o pardon_v sin_n to_o any_o soul_n but_o he_o pardon_v a_o multitude_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o a_o parity_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n sin_n either_o as_o to_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n but_o i_o say_v god_n never_o pardon_v any_o but_o multitude_n of_o sin_n the_o righteous_a fall_v seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n sin_n be_v in_o every_o soul_n and_o it_o may_v say_v our_o name_n be_v legion_n for_o we_o be_v many_o if_o multitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v pardon_v no_o sinner_n can_v be_v pardon_v 2._o temptation_n but_o then_o say_v the_o tempter_n or_o the_o tempt_a soul_n if_o you_o will_v ah_o but_o my_o sin_n have_v receive_v very_o high_a and_o great_a aggravation_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o light_n against_o love_n i_o know_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v what_o i_o do_v i_o be_v warn_v by_o minister_n check_v by_o my_o own_o conscience_n otherwise_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o have_v mercy_n above_o thousand_o of_o other_o i_o sin_v against_o all_o etc._n etc._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a sad_a circumstance_n a_o load_n of_o this_o nature_n do_v often_o lie_v very_o heavy_a upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o a_o guilt_n of_o this_o nature_n require_v a_o further_a and_o deep_a humiliation_n confession_n contrition_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o sin_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pardon_n yea_o or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o forgiveness_n from_o a_o gracious_a god_n all_o this_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o thou_o to_o despair_n and_o cast_v away_o hope_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v 2._o if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o pardon_n it_o must_v be_v so_o determine_v in_o scripture_n now_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n have_v no_o where_o determine_v that_o no_o person_n that_o have_v sin_v against_o his_o light_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o prejudice_n and_o discouragement_n as_o to_o a_o act_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v no_o where_n in_o his_o word_n reveal_v 3._o three_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n pardon_v but_o have_v sin_v against_o his_o light_n and_o against_o love_n so_o that_o the_o question_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v about_o the_o thing_n but_o about_o the_o degree_n not_o whether_o one_o who_o have_v sin_v against_o light_n and_o love_n can_v be_v pardon_v but_o whether_o one_o who_o have_v sin_v against_o so_o much_o light_n and_o so_o much_o love_n can_v be_v forgive_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o thou_o to_o assign_v sinning_n against_o such_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o love_n as_o none_o ever_o sin_v against_o and_o be_v save_v there_o be_v in_o scripture_n great_a instance_n of_o pardon_v sinner_n who_o yet_o sin_v against_o great_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o love_n too_o take_v but_o the_o instance_n of_o david_n and_o peter_n david_n be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o light_n he_o be_v you_o know_v one_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n he_o be_v a_o man_n much_o belove_v of_o god_n he_o be_v style_v the_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n god_n mind_v he_o of_o how_o much_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o take_v he_o from_o the_o sheepfold_n and_o make_v he_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o judah_n give_v his_o master_n crown_n house_n and_o wife_n yea_o and_o
i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o book_n open_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o portion_n of_o scripture_n fit_a to_o be_v read_v or_o any_o sermon_n fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o person_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o such_o book_n such_o sermon_n such_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o most_o express_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n most_o lively_o express_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n together_o with_o such_o as_o contain_v or_o explain_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o support_n and_o strength_n and_o help_v under_o and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a pressure_n of_o affliction_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o one_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n concur_v which_o be_v always_o requisite_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v what_o it_o read_v and_o hear_v a_o soul_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o such_o a_o undertake_n from_o the_o rational_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o it_o to_o get_v out_o of_o its_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o far_o near_a and_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o relief_n for_o it_o if_o it_o can_v but_o exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n from_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v it_o and_o who_o have_v promise_v and_o be_v faithful_a which_o two_o point_n be_v of_o very_o great_a import_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v against_o this_o fiery_a dart_n and_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o soul_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o shall_v ever_o listen_v to_o this_o temptation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o reason_n let_v therefore_o every_o soul_n under_o this_o temptation_n make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unbelief_n or_o faint_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o roar_a lion_n thus_o seek_v about_o to_o devour_v soul_n the_o more_o root_v a_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternity_n both_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o damn_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o more_o remote_a and_o difficult_a it_o will_v be_v as_o to_o listen_v to_o any_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n chap._n xi_o further_a direction_n for_o soul_n thus_o tempt_v the_o avoid_n of_o solitude_n the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o freeness_n of_o it_o the_o sureness_n of_o it_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n 3._o dir._n avoid_v solitude_n and_o solitary_a place_n i_o mention_v this_o before_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v prevailing_n of_o melancholy_n but_o let_v i_o a_o little_a far_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o argument_n indeed_o excess_n of_o solitude_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o great_a freedom_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n though_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o soul_n health_n and_o freedom_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o some_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n i_o observe_v elijah_n be_v alone_a when_o he_o pray_v god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o discontent_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o jonah_n ch_n 4._o 5_o 8._o be_v in_o a_o booth_n alone_o out_o of_o the_o city_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v alone_a when_o matth._n 4._o 6._o the_o tempter_n say_v unto_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o of_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v eminent_o true_a that_o solomon_n say_v ecc._n 4._o 11._o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o when_o he_o fall_v for_o he_o have_v none_o other_o to_o help_v he_o up_o these_o act_n be_v commit_v usual_o by_o person_n that_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v therefore_o high_o advisable_v to_o person_n under_o these_o impression_n to_o avoid_v give_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o and_o about_o person_n under_o these_o temptation_n to_o be_v watchful_a as_o to_o this_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o discern_v the_o impression_n be_v most_o strong_a upon_o they_o but_o have_v touch_v upon_o this_o before_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o it_o now_o 4._o dir._n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v what_o motive_n shall_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o their_o life_n but_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o so_o eminent_a evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v now_o these_o evil_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o external_n affliction_n and_o cross_n or_o such_o as_o be_v internal_o horror_n of_o mind_n terror_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o motive_n be_v a_o freedom_n from_o evil_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o advise_v before_o what_o i_o judge_v proper_a viz._n the_o consideration_n whether_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o life_n in_o that_o manner_n will_v indeed_o free_v we_o or_o rather_o make_v our_o condition_n much_o worse_o and_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o procure_v ourselves_o such_o a_o immunity_n but_o now_o suppose_v the_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n viz._n the_o horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o look_v as_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o which_o external_n misery_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o a_o just_a understanding_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o the_o misery_n of_o impenitent_a and_o unpardoned_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o suppose_v the_o motive_n to_o be_v horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n upon_o our_o reflection_n upon_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o soul_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n and_o whet_v upon_o our_o heart_n such_o portion_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n as_o be_v most_o full_o expressive_a of_o it_o true_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n run_v into_o such_o a_o arrear_n with_o god_n justice_n no_o soul_n so_o guilty_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gracious_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v from_o eternity_n contract_v with_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o redeemer_n part_v in_o which_o covenant_n be_v also_o fulfil_v by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a soul_n fulfil_v his_o part_n in_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o it_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o although_o its_o past_a sin_n can_v be_v make_v never_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v no_o more_o condemn_v the_o soul_n then_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v they_o shall_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o not_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v reckon_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v its_o righteousness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n know_v and_o believe_v this_o and_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o gracious_a covenant_n shall_v ever_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o its_o life_n from_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n by_o its_o reflection_n upon_o its_o guilt_n of_o sin_n though_o a_o ignorant_a person_n that_o know_v not_o this_o or_o a_o unbelieving_a soul_n which_o though_o it_o may_v have_v receive_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v believe_v it_o may_v from_o this_o motive_n
not_o accuse_v those_o of_o act_v by_o the_o devil_n but_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n from_o hence_o he_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n as_o they_o malicious_o charge_v he_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o otherwise_o convince_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n contrary_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n now_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v though_o all_o other_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v yet_o for_o you_o know_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v as_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o persecute_v i_o and_o to_o repraoch_n i_o and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o to_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v by_o i_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o pharise_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n eternal_a god_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o it_o and_o that_o from_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n and_o several_a other_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o to_o do_v notwithstanding_o yea_o against_o this_o conviction_n malicious_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o deny_v these_o mighty_a operation_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o say_v they_o be_v from_o beelzebub_n the_o master_n devil_n from_o hence_o will_v appear_v though_o not_o distinct_o what_o the_o specifical_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yea_o what_o sin_v border_n upon_o it_o and_o come_v near_a to_o it_o 1._o all_o sin_v against_o light_n and_o conviction_n 2._o apostasy_n from_o a_o former_a profession_n and_o own_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o malicious_a pursue_v and_o persecute_v of_o such_o as_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v righteous_a person_n 4._o a_o ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n what_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o reproach_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v these_o thing_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o must_v be_v ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o true_o if_o person_n have_v be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o they_o and_o have_v have_v some_o savour_n of_o they_o if_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o profession_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o disow_v what_o themselves_o former_o own_v but_o to_o hate_v those_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o persecute_v such_o as_o still_o profess_v they_o and_o adhere_v to_o they_o and_o charge_v those_o impression_n and_o operation_n which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n so_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n to_o be_v commit_v sure_o these_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n can_v possible_o free_v they_o from_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o a_o timely_a repentance_n remember_v their_o first_o profess_a love_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n which_o whosoever_o can_v do_v or_o shall_v obtain_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o do_v undoubted_o have_v not_o sin_v beyond_o pardon_n for_o he_o that_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o these_o sin_n come_v near_a this_o gild_n and_o where_o any_o soul_n have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o this_o degree_n guilty_a the_o devil_n have_v a_o very_a fair_a advantage_n against_o he_o to_o move_v he_o to_o despair_n upon_o a_o suggestion_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a writ_n shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v nor_o will_v he_o find_v any_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o snare_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o tempter_n press_v hard_o upon_o he_o with_o a_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n until_o he_o can_v say_v i_o have_v indeed_o do_v this_o but_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o to_o remember_v from_o whence_o i_o fall_v and_o to_o do_v my_o first_o work_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o as_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o recover_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v find_v impossible_a to_o a_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n so_o will_v the_o former_a also_o be_v find_v o_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v of_o any_o continuance_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o any_o sinning_n against_o light_n and_o conviction_n or_o against_o former_a profession_n and_o especial_o of_o any_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o you_o either_o have_v former_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v or_o which_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o three_o let_v i_o again_o commend_v to_o you_o a_o acquaintance_n a_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o salvation_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o despair_v soul_n have_v ordinary_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o stick_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n remember_v that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n bâ—t_v under_o grace_n in_o some_o sense_n not_o only_o true_a believer_n but_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o to_o which_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n through_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n not_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n so_o as_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o personal_a perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o under_o a_o gracious_a dispensation_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 17._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o righteousness_n wherein_o a_o man_n must_v stand_v just_a and_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v not_o his_o own_o righteousness_n make_v up_o of_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n contain_v in_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o god_n reckon_v unto_o every_o soul_n that_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n mind_v and_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v reckon_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o come_v to_o own_o receive_v and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n exhibit_v and_o tender_v unto_o it_o the_o soul_n well_o possess_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o gospel_n justification_n though_o it_o may_v see_v frequent_a cause_n for_o heart-sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n as_o well_o for_o its_o former_a as_o for_o its_o renew_v sin_n yet_o can_v easy_o see_v the_o umbrage_n of_o any_o ground_n to_o despair_n and_o cast_v away_o its_o hope_n as_o to_o divine_a mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n or_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n 4._o four_o if_o you_o will_v avoid_v temptation_n to_o despair_n take_v heed_n of_o presume_v you_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o those_o who_o hope_n be_v most_o quick_o up_o find_v they_o also_o soon_a down_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v person_n that_o usual_o have_v not_o great_a depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o build_v their_o hope_n upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a bottom_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o little_a rivulet_n who_o channel_n be_v but_o a_o small_a continent_n and_o which_o want_n depth_n every_o good_a shower_n of_o rain_n raise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o overflow_v the_o bank_n but_o then_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o rain_n
as_o he_o tell_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o against_o all_o this_o he_o sin_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o bathsheba_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n it_o be_v true_a this_o cost_n he_o many_o tear_n many_o prayer_n yet_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n peter_n be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a light_n and_o have_v be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o great_a love_n christ_n have_v say_v to_o he_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n yet_o this_o peter_n curse_v and_o swear_v and_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o after_o this_o when_o he_o have_v go_v out_o and_o weep_v better_o christ_n remember_v he_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o believe_v peter_n be_v in_o heaven_n thou_o can_v not_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v sin_v against_o great_a light_n or_o great_a love_n than_o these_o two_o eminent_a saint_n in_o glory_n sin_v against_o to_o have_v sin_v out_o our_o light_n indeed_o that_o be_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o we_o have_v no_o more_o check_n no_o more_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v past_o feel_v that_o be_v sad_a but_o by_o thy_o trouble_n and_o complain_v it_o appear_v that_o be_v not_o thy_o case_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o many_o have_v sin_v against_o light_n much_o light_n and_o against_o much_o love_n too_o who_o god_n have_v from_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o mercy_n forgive_v and_o rereceive_v up_o to_o glory_n 3._o temptation_n but_o will_v such_o a_o soul_n say_v it_o be_v true_a have_v i_o in_o time_n turn_v unto_o god_n there_o may_v have_v be_v hope_n but_o alas_o time_n be_v past_a time_n be_v pass_v with_o i_o have_v i_o turn_v to_o god_n in_o my_o youth_n but_o i_o be_o in_o the_o decline_a part_n of_o my_o life_n god_n have_v say_v his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n the_o figtree_n be_v curse_v after_o three_o year_n in_o vain_a expect_a fruit._n god_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v look_v for_o fruit_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o have_v find_v none_o i_o have_v sin_v wilful_o after_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v now_o i_o fear_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n of_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10._o 26_o 27._o to_o which_o i_o say_v 1._o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n and_o i_o desire_v that_o such_o complaint_n as_o these_o when_o we_o hear_v they_o may_v be_v sanctify_v to_o all_o that_o have_v time_n before_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o misspend_v it_o and_o trifle_v it_o away_o but_o where_o this_o counsel_n be_v too_o late_o the_o question_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o soul_n despair_v 2._o the_o sadness_n second_o of_o this_o case_n be_v aggravate_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o temptation_n it_o be_v general_o hold_v by_o divine_n that_o as_o country_n and_o nation_n have_v their_o period_n of_o grace_n so_o particular_a person_n have_v their_o day_n of_o grace_n too_o and_o period_n beyond_o which_o god_n spirit_n shall_v not_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o text_n heb._n 10._o that_o there_o be_v a_o wilful_a sin_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o which_o there_o will_v remain_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o what_o that_o degree_n of_o wilful_a sin_v be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v circumstance_v that_o be_v another_o question_n but_o to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o temptation_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o scrious_o consider_v whether_o the_o freeness_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v due_o think_v of_o by_o thou_o who_o objecte_v thus_o against_o thyself_o take_v heed_n thou_o have_v not_o some_o thought_n within_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v recompense_v god_n by_o thy_o future_a holiness_n for_o thy_o past_a provocation_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o discourage_v thy_o hope_v in_o god_n and_o look_v up_o unto_o he_o for_o mercy_n be_v not_o a_o prospect_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o make_v this_o recompense_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o attend_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n which_o run_v thus_o i_o will_v blot_v out_o thy_o transgression_n for_o my_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o we_o have_v redemption_n even_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o any_o soul_n sin_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n the_o glorify_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n not_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n though_o that_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o be_v not_o god_n great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o extend_v compassion_n to_o who_o he_o will_v extend_v compassion_n the_o consideration_n upon_o which_o god_n do_v it_o be_v the_o price_n pay_v and_o satisfaction_n give_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n it_o be_v not_o for_o our_o sake_n nor_o for_o our_o future_a work_n sake_n but_o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o for_o his_o dear_a sâ—n's_n sake_n that_o he_o grant_v unto_o any_o pardon_v and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n now_o although_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o life_n yet_o to_o come_v in_o probability_n will_v not_o be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o time_n of_o life_n which_o be_v past_a and_o spend_v in_o sin_v and_o dishonour_v god_n yet_o why_o may_v not_o the_o great_a god_n glorify_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o thou_o why_o may_v he_o not_o exalt_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n in_o wash_v thy_o soul_n 2._o second_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v time_n and_o season_n which_o be_v in_o god_n power_n only_o it_o be_v true_a god_n seem_v to_o have_v reveal_v that_o every_o soul_n have_v a_o set_a time_n beyond_o which_o be_v will_v show_v it_o no_o favour_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n but_o may_v be_v sometime_o before_o our_o die_a day_n but_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v rashness_n for_o any_o soul_n to_o conclude_v my_o time_n be_v past_a where_o have_v we_o any_o direction_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o fix_v any_o such_o time_n or_o to_o conclude_v it_o as_o to_o any_o period_n of_o time_n we_o know_v the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n call_v to_o some_o to_o come_v and_o work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n at_o the_o 11_o hour_n and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v tell_v in_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o shall_v that_o night_n be_v with_o christ_n in_o paradise_n secret_n thing_n belong_v unto_o god_n reveal_v thing_n only_o to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o certain_a rule_n to_o determine_v the_o time_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o determine_v it_o ourselves_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o what_o his_o word_n command_v we_o as_o our_o certain_a duty_n 3._o three_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heart_n find_v in_o we_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n humble_v for_o they_o and_o to_o turn_v from_o they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n tender_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a our_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o past_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n be_v make_v unto_o such_o so_o that_o no_o soul_n have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o he_o in_o god_n but_o that_o soul_n that_o labour_v under_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o find_v in_o itself_o a_o resolution_n yet_o to_o go_v on_o in_o its_o sinful_a course_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v observe_v in_o that_o dreadful_a text_n heb._n 6._o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v renew_v again_o by_o repentance_n if_o they_o can_v repent_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v pardon_v or_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o
be_v pardon_v i_o may_v be_v save_v but_o i_o have_v not_o repent_v i_o do_v not_o repent_v my_o heart_n be_v hard_a than_o the_o nether_a millstone_n i_o weep_v and_o howl_v indeed_o for_o my_o plague_n i_o see_v i_o be_o a_o poor_a undo_v creature_n that_o make_v i_o complain_v and_o wring_v my_o hand_n but_o i_o see_v nothing_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o my_o sin_n i_o shed_v not_o a_o tear_n upon_o that_o account_n nor_o can_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o both_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o natural_o no_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o act_v 11._o 18._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 25._o and_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2._o 8._o phil._n 1._o 29._o the_o question_n be_v not_o therefore_o take_v repentance_n in_o a_o full_a and_o proper_a sense_n whether_o thou_o can_v repent_v or_o believe_v but_o whether_o god_n have_v wrought_v or_o will_v yet_o work_v in_o thou_o a_o power_n true_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o how_o do_v thou_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o do_v that_o for_o thou_o can_v not_o conclude_v suppose_v god_n have_v not_o do_v it_o yet_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o before_o thy_o die_a hour_n 2._o possible_o thou_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o thy_o determine_n that_o god_n have_v not_o do_v it_o from_o a_o mistake_n concern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o repentance_n a_o sense_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v but_o the_o outwork_n of_o it_o true_a repentance_n lie_v in_o the_o soul_n displicence_n to_o sin_n and_o hatred_n of_o it_o and_o readiness_n to_o take_v a_o revenge_n upon_o itself_o for_o it_o and_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n under_o such_o horror_n as_o these_o may_v not_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o sin_n or_o hatred_n of_o it_o but_o even_o blaspheme_n god_n because_o of_o its_o horror_n terror_n and_o affrightment_n but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o instance_n of_o soul_n be_v very_o rare_a that_o be_v under_o great_a terror_n and_o affrightment_n for_o sin_n so_o aâ—_n to_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n love_n delight_n in_o such_o sin_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o desire_v but_o occasion_n to_o commit_v they_o i_o will_v ask_v thou_o serious_o under_o these_o terror_n for_o some_o sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v do_v thou_o not_o from_o thy_o heart_n wish_v thou_o have_v not_o commit_v they_o can_v thou_o not_o even_o tear_v thy_o flesh_n that_o ever_o thou_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o betray_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o thy_o deprave_a heart_n will_v thou_o now_o do_v the_o like_a again_o what_o do_v this_o speak_v but_o repentance_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o under_o thy_o present_a circumstance_n indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v and_o yet_o a_o soul_n recover_v out_o of_o these_o sad_a circumstance_n may_v again_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o its_o vomit_n and_o the_o swine_n to_o the_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n again_o but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o at_o present_a thou_o can_v conclude_v to_o hinder_v thy_o soul_n hope_v and_o confidence_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o freegrace_n of_o god_n 3._o but_o admit_v thou_o can_v not_o satisfy_v thyself_o that_o thou_o have_v repent_v or_o believe_v yet_o may_v not_o god_n yet_o give_v thou_o a_o heart_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v what_o hinder_v or_o if_o he_o may_v what_o hinder_v thy_o hope_n in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n nay_o if_o thou_o do_v what_o in_o thou_o lie_v i_o dare_v assure_v thou_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o evince_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o propose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n consider_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o any_o soul_n to_o despair_n the_o issue_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o a_o soul_n thus_o sin_v transgress_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n in_o this_o act_v not_o according_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o any_o just_a conclusion_n draw_v from_o gospel_n promise_v or_o principle_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2._o a_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v offer_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n reflection_n be_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o despair_n presumption_n be_v a_o sin_n but_o yet_o despair_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o far_o great_a sin_n to_o evidence_n which_o i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o impli_v 2._o what_o must_v accompany_v it_o 3._o what_o better_a consequent_n it_o have_v 1._o it_o impli_v and_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o denial_n either_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o three_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n 1._o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n psal_n 78._o 41._o they_o say_v can_v god_n bring_v we_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o can_v god_n give_v we_o meat_n in_o the_o wilderness_n thou_o say_v can_v god_n pardon_v such_o a_o sinner_n as_o i_o have_v be_v can_v god_n give_v repentance_n can_v god_n give_v i_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o limit_v the_o almighty_a the_o unbelieving_a noble_a man_n of_o who_o you_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o king_n when_o the_o prophet_n foretold_v that_o food_n shall_v by_o the_o next_o day_n be_v at_o so_o cheap_a a_o rate_n say_v if_o god_n will_v make_v window_n in_o heaven_n the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v the_o prophet_n tell_v he_o it_o shall_v be_v he_o shall_v see_v it_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o the_o chapter_n tell_v you_o he_o see_v it_o verify_v he_o see_v it_o the_o next_o day_n but_o he_o be_v tread_v to_o death_n by_o the_o multitude_n sarah_n laugh_v it_o be_v a_o laughter_n of_o unbelief_n when_o the_o angel_n tell_v she_o she_o shall_v have_v a_o son_n god_n punish_v it_o gentle_o in_o she_o but_o more_o severe_o in_o zachary_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o barren_a wife_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n he_o be_v strike_v dumb_a what_o do_v thou_o do_v less_o than_o question_v the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o god_n can_v forgive_v sin_n why_o may_v thou_o not_o hope_v if_o he_o can_v even_o in_o the_o last_o hour_n give_v repentance_n unto_o life_n why_o shall_v a_o live_a man_n not_o hope_v ah_o but_o say_v this_o soul_n no_o no_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n can_v do_v it_o but_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o 2._o second_o be_v not_o this_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n god_n have_v exalt_v his_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o name_n when_o god_n proclaim_v his_o name_n to_o moses_n exo._n 34._o you_o shall_v find_v there_o 8_o or_o 9_o expression_n all_o but_o one_o which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a signify_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o have_v make_v a_o very_a learned_a interpreter_n v._o de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr ad_fw-la loc._n doubt_v whether_o we_o have_v true_o translate_v that_o phrase_n god_n triumph_v more_o in_o this_o than_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o name_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v exalt_v in_o his_o arttribute_n of_o mercy_n he_o have_v exalt_v it_o above_o all_o his_o name_n now_o this_o be_v that_o artribute_n the_o glory_n of_o which_o despair_n rob_v god_n of_o presumption_n deni_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o judgement_n which_o indeed_o he_o style_v his_o work_n but_o his_o strange_a work_n as_o that_o which_o flow_v not_o from_o himself_o but_o be_v as_o it_o be_v force_v from_o he_o by_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n in_o the_o creature_n mercy_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a work_n of_o god_n flow_v mere_o from_o himself_o without_o any_o cause_n in_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v that_o the_o honour_n of_o which_o despair_n deni_v unto_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v free_v from_o a_o question_v the_o power_n of_o god_n also_o for_o although_o as_o thou_o pretend_v thou_o do_v not_o universal_o question_v the_o prerogative_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o forgive_v sin_n yet_o thou_o deny_v his_o power_n to_o forgive_v thy_o sin_n yea_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o who_o be_v in_o the_o like_a circumstance_n of_o sin_v with_o thou_o for_o unless_o thou_o can_v charge_v
be_v induce_v to_o a_o yield_n to_o this_o temptation_n yet_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n admit_v a_o soul_n sure_a of_o its_o damnation_n and_o that_o its_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a as_o they_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v it_o shall_v in_o reason_n rather_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o a_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o all_o mean_v imaginable_a to_o lengthen_v out_o its_o day_n to_o the_o year_n of_o methâ—sâ—lah_n then_o to_o cut_v off_o a_o inch_n of_o that_o time_n which_o god_n will_v allow_v he_o for_o what_o reason_n can_v prompt_v any_o man_n to_o think_v the_o horror_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o pain_n that_o be_v suffer_v by_o damn_a soul_n or_o what_o reason_n will_v guide_v any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v torment_v before_o his_o time_n how_o earnest_n do_v we_o find_v condemn_v malefactor_n sometime_o though_o out_o of_o all_o hope_n to_o be_v pardon_v but_o to_o be_v reprieve_v for_o a_o time_n but_o i_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o any_o one_o poor_a soul_n to_o advantage_v this_o temptation_n there_o be_v no_o soul_n that_o can_v in_o judgement_n say_v though_o sometime_o they_o say_v so_o in_o their_o fit_n and_o passion_n i_o know_v i_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o â—ise_v for_o satan_n in_o this_o temptation_n but_o person_n ignorance_n or_o unbelief_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n o_o therefore_o let_v all_o soul_n but_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o tempt_v study_v this_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v covenant_v for_o for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n for_o power_n and_o strength_n against_o sin_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n for_o strength_n against_o temptation_n every_o spiritual_a promise_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o those_o various_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a evil_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v any_o present_a sense_n or_o any_o fear_n as_o to_o time_n to_o come_v for_o which_o god_n have_v not_o in_o one_o promise_n or_o a_o other_o provide_v we_o a_o antidote_n be_v it_o the_o guilt_n oâ—_n sin_n already_o commit_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v it_o be_v it_o the_o fear_n of_o guilt_n not_o yet_o contract_v god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o love_n you_o free_o he_o have_v say_v sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o mortal_a body_n so_o as_o thoâ—_n haste_v no_o reason_n to_o destroy_v thyself_o either_o because_o thou_o have_v sin_v or_o becauseâ—_n thou_o fear_v thou_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n to_o a_o irremissible_a degree_n be_v thou_o afraid_a that_o temptation_n shall_v prevail_v against_o theeâ—_n he_o have_v assure_v thou_o that_o christ_n waâ—_n therefore_o tempt_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a tâ—_n succour_v the_o tempt_v that_o with_o the_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o happy_a issue_n that_o he_o will_v bruise_v satan_n under_o thy_o foot_n short_o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o spiritual_a encumbrance_n as_o to_o which_o there_o be_v not_o some_o provision_n make_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o declare_v in_o some_o gospel_n promise_n 2._o consider_v again_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v call_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n grace_n signify_v free_a love_n i_o will_v say_v god_n heal_v your_o backslide_n and_o love_v you_o free_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v pay_v for_o thy_o pardon_n all_o that_o be_v be_v finish_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v exact_v be_v already_o pay_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o thy_o gild_n a_o hatred_n of_o thy_o former_a way_n a_o resolution_n join_v with_o a_o endeavour_n to_o forsake_v they_o with_o a_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o thy_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n oh_o this_o this_o be_v that_o which_o can_v a_o soul_n under_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n believe_v these_o temptation_n will_v certain_o abate_v we_o in_o distress_n of_o conscience_n stick_v too_o much_o in_o a_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o let_v i_o here_o give_v you_o the_o copy_n of_o a_o short_a letter_n write_v by_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o god_n luther_n to_o a_o hermit_n v._o luther_n ep._n t._n 1._o i_o say_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o thy_o soul_n do_v whether_o at_o last_o be_v weary_a of_o its_o own_o righteousness_n it_o have_v learned_a to_o breathe_v after_o and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o our_o age_n a_o temptation_n of_o presumption_n too_o much_o prevail_v and_o particular_o in_o they_o who_o by_o all_o mean_n study_v to_o approve_v themselves_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n plentiful_o and_o free_o give_v unto_o we_o by_o and_o through_o christ_n they_o so_o long_o study_v to_o work_v well_o until_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o confidence_n of_o stand_v before_o god_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o by_o their_o own_o merit_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a you_o and_o i_o have_v both_o be_v once_o of_o that_o opinion_n or_o rather_o in_o that_o error_n but_o now_o i_o set_v myself_o against_o it_o but_o have_v not_o yet_o conquer_v myself_o as_o to_o it_o therefore_o my_o dear_a brother_n learn_v christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v learn_v to_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o and_o despair_v of_o yourself_o to_o say_v to_o he_o lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v my_o righteousness_n i_o be_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v take_v upon_o thou_o what_o be_v i_o and_o give_v unto_o i_o what_o be_v thou_o thou_o have_v take_v what_o thou_o be_v not_o and_o give_v unto_o i_o what_o i_o be_v not_o take_v heed_n say_v he_o of_o aim_v at_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o purity_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o thyself_o no_o sinner_n for_o christ_n dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o none_o but_o sinner_n he_o therefore_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n when_o he_o dwell_v in_o his_o saint_n that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o sinner_n o_o meditate_v of_o his_o love_n and_o you_o will_v feel_v his_o most_o sweet_a consolation_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o die_v if_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o tranquillity_n of_o conscience_n by_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o torment_v of_o ourselves_o you_o will_v never_o therefore_o find_v peace_n but_o by_o despair_v of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o work_n and_o a_o fiducial_a dependence_n on_o he_o you_o will_v further_o learn_v by_o this_o that_o as_o he_o take_v thy_o nature_n and_o make_v thy_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v his_o so_o he_o have_v make_v his_o righteousness_n thou_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n either_o of_o this_o nature_n or_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v discover_v the_o value_n of_o those_o physician_n who_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n to_o relieve_v afflict_a conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o unrighteousness_n then_o by_o press_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n reckon_v to_o the_o believe_a soul_n for_o righteousness_n and_o certain_o god_n absolution_n or_o acquittance_n of_o a_o soul_n from_o its_o debt_n to_o divine_a justice_n by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reckon_v account_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o impute_v to_o it_o as_o if_o perform_v by_o it_o be_v of_o no_o more_o difficult_a conception_n whatever_o some_o pretend_v in_o the_o case_n than_o a_o creditor_n discharge_v and_o give_v acquittance_n to_o a_o debtor_n upon_o his_o friend_n or_o surety_n payment_n of_o the_o debt_n upon_o which_o the_o principal_a be_v discharge_v as_o if_o he_o have_v personal_o pay_v it_o believe_v it_o other_o notion_n may_v afford_v matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o a_o calm_a time_n but_o nothing_o but_o the_o notion_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n reckon_v to_o we_o will_v serve_v we_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n let_v we_o therefore_o rather_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n or_o with_o the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n than_o to_o part_v with_o this_o great_a truth_n let_v some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n some_o in_o horse_n let_v some_o trust_n in_o the_o work_v of_o other_o some_o in_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o his_o name_n be_v the_o lord_n our_o righteousness_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v under_o great_a horror_n and_o
terror_n of_o conscience_n because_o of_o its_o guiltiness_n its_o former_a guilt_n of_o sin_n let_v the_o sin_n be_v what_o and_o of_o what_o nature_n it_o will_n oh_o let_v it_o remember_v that_o christ_n be_v give_v for_o a_o covenant_n for_o the_o people_n he_o be_v by_o his_o father_n call_v in_o righteousness_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v hold_v and_o he_o be_v keep_v and_o give_v for_o a_o covenant_n of_o the_o people_n for_o a_o light_n of_o the_o gentle_n to_o open_v the_o blind_a eye_n to_o to_o bring_v the_o prisoner_n from_o the_o prison_n and_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o prison_n house_n isaiah_n 42._o 6_o 7._o let_v he_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v to_o say_v isaiah_n 45._o 24._o sure_o in_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v righteousness_n and_o strength_n that_o if_o he_o have_v never_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o now_o so_o lie_v upon_o and_o load_v his_o conscience_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o have_v stand_v before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o work_n and_o in_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n but_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v because_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o our_o flesh_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v do_v send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o for_o sin_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o rom._n 8._o 3._o and_o let_v he_o consider_v that_o be_v he_o must_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n and_o stand_v before_o god_n as_o find_v in_o he_o not_o have_v his_o own_o righteousness_n though_o his_o nakedness_n have_v be_v more_o than_o the_o nakedness_n of_o some_o other_o man_n yet_o that_o long_o white_a robe_n be_v large_a enough_o to_o cover_v it_o for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n his_o merit_n be_v of_o vast_a and_o infinite_a virtue_n as_o the_o schoolman_n say_v of_o god_n essence_n that_o it_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o a_o infinite_a space_n beyond_o both_o so_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n have_v expiate_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o have_v a_o infinite_a virtue_n beyond_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o conclude_v its_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v or_o its_o horror_n of_o conscience_n for_o they_o never_o cease_v those_o cease_v of_o course_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o pardon_n or_o a_o good_a hope_n through_o grace_n it_o be_v but_o a_o relic_n of_o popery_n that_o torture_v man_n conscience_n past_o cure_n i_o mean_v a_o opinion_n lurk_v in_o we_o that_o we_o must_v ourselves_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o price_n pay_v and_o satisfaction_n give_v by_o christ_n pardon_n do_v not_o proceed_v free_o for_o all_o sin_n and_o all_o blasphemy_n to_o a_o soul_n seek_v for_o it_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n true_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o and_o a_o true_a adherence_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 3._o again_o study_v the_o sureness_n of_o this_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o salt_n as_o well_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o peace_n god_n covenant_n with_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v soon_o cease_v it_o contain_v the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n it_o can_v fail_v god_n can_v suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v he_o can_v alter_v the_o thing_n that_o have_v go_v out_o of_o his_o li_n the_o failure_n of_o covenant_n among_o man_n be_v root_v in_o their_o variableness_n and_o mutability_n their_o want_n of_o foresight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n etc._n etc._n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v as_o to_o this_o covenant_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o change_v not_o his_o name_n be_v i_o be_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o certain_a prospect_n and_o foresight_n of_o all_o that_o can_v happen_v 4._o final_o meditate_v of_o it_o as_o a_o well_o order_v covenant_n it_o be_v true_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v its_o condition_n to_o be_v fulfil_v on_o our_o part_n such_o as_o be_v the_o take_a hold_n of_o it_o mention_v be_v 56._o 6._o which_o can_v be_v without_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o the_o wicked_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o his_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n isaiah_n 55._o 6_o 7._o and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v another_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v but_o as_o to_o those_o it_o be_v in_o this_o well_o order_v that_o there_o be_v branch_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n have_v promise_v 1._o to_o work_v those_o condition_n in_o we_o that_o be_v we_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o common_a grace_n which_o he_o deni_v to_o none_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o special_a habit_n which_o he_o will_v please_v to_o work_v in_o we_o not_o to_o be_v want_v in_o those_o further_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v the_o promise_a end_n of_o our_o hope_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 2._o that_o that_o those_o fail_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o through_o humane_a infirmity_n though_o they_o may_v cause_v we_o sorrow_n in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o frustrate_v the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n he_o will_v yet_o heal_v our_o backslide_n and_o love_n we_o free_o now_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v thus_o right_o understand_v and_o apprehend_v i_o will_v fain_o understand_v what_o room_n can_v possible_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o sinner_n for_o satan_n to_o fasten_v this_o fiery_a dart_n with_o any_o effect_n upon_o the_o soul_n i_o will_v suppose_v a_o soul_n under_o the_o great_a terror_n imaginable_a for_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n why_o shall_v he_o destroy_v himself_o if_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n concern_v such_o sinner_n if_o all_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n whereby_o a_o man_n shall_v blaspheme_n may_v be_v forgive_v he_o be_v god_n a_o righteous_a god_n that_o love_v righteousness_n and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a why_o yet_o shall_v he_o do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v provide_v the_o soul_n a_o righteousness_n whereby_o it_o may_v stand_v righteous_a before_o god_n acquit_v form_n all_o manner_n of_o gild_n and_o out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n what_o if_o it_o have_v former_o be_v without_o righteousness_n and_o be_v yet_o without_o strength_n or_o ability_n to_o any_o act_n of_o righteousness_n if_o the_o righteousness_n wherein_o it_o must_v stand_v before_o god_n be_v not_o any_o personal_a righteousness_n of_o its_o own_o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n reckon_v to_o it_o for_o righteousness_n be_v it_o torment_v through_o fear_n of_o future_a sinning_n the_o prevailing_n of_o temptation_n or_o its_o own_o corruption_n yet_o why_o shall_v the_o poor_a creature_n run_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o fright_n when_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v so_o well_o order_v as_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o sufficient_a provision_n make_v for_o it_o both_o for_o assistance_n against_o the_o prevailing_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o ruin_v the_o soul_n to_o eternity_n and_o as_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o gild_n which_o every_o soul_n through_o ignorance_n infirmity_n pure_a or_o mix_v run_v into_o for_o the_o healing_n of_o its_o backslide_n what_o be_v here_o leave_v for_o a_o sinful_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o apply_v itself_o unto_o god_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o consider_v its_o way_n and_o what_o in_o it_o lie_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o its_o sin_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n mercy_n take_v heed_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o sin_v no_o more_o presumptuous_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a study_v to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o daily_o to_o renew_v its_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o it_o discern_v its_o sin_n be_v renew_v every_o day_n to_o what_o purpose_n do_v a_o soul_n under_o such_o gracious_a and_o hopeful_a circumstance_n think_v of_o destroy_v itself_o and_o assert_v its_o own_o eternal_a condemnation_n or_o at_o least_o make_v its_o salvation_n very_o uncertain_a which_o it_o shall_v rather_o design_v to_o make_v sure_a by_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n so_o that_o i_o say_v admit_v horror_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o argument_n satan_n make_v use_v of_o to_o enforce_v this_o temptation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a for_o a_o soul_n exercise_v under_o the_o temptation_n than_o to_o study_v understand_v