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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
mercy_n forgive_v lord_n sin_n 11,546 5 5.1796 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51916 Sermons preach'd on several occasions by John March ..., the last of which was preach'd the twenty seventh of November, 1692, being the Sunday before he died ; with a preface by Dr. John Scot ; to which is added, A sermon preach'd at the assizes, in New-Castle upon Tine, in the reign of the late King James. March, John, 1640-1692.; Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1699 (1699) Wing M583; ESTC R18158 123,796 330

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text_n for_o it_o seem_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o save_v he_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o own_v he_o for_o a_o mediator_n hence_o we_o find_v he_o make_v solemn_a and_o earnest_a address_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n lord_n say_v he_o remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v namely_o his_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n his_o humble_a confession_n of_o they_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o his_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a faith_n i_o say_v one_o will_v think_v these_o circumstance_n so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o extraordinary_a that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n how_o short_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o yet_o by_o way_n of_o overplus_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o concern_v it_o this_o day_n say_v our_o 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he_o persecute_v as_o a_o martyr_n and_o can_v now_o the_o clinic_n of_o the_o age_n show_v we_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a repentance_n be_v christ_n now_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o pain_n and_o ignominy_n that_o he_o be_v then_o do_v not_o all_o our_o creed_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o will_v it_o be_v any_o such_o heroic_a act_n of_o faith_n now_o to_o seek_v unto_o such_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a saviour_n sure_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n the_o thief_n have_v no_o inducement_n to_o fly_v to_o christ_n for_o succour_n and_o these_o have_v none_o to_o fly_v to_o but_o their_o saviour_n there_o be_v therefore_o but_o little_a solid_a comfort_n for_o such_o penitent_n in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o text._n 5_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n will_v yet_o further_o be_v find_v extraordinary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a time_n but_o a_o time_n when_o god_n be_v show_v a_o public_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n god_n at_o this_o time_n be_v give_v his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v seem_v proper_a and_o well_o become_v so_o solemn_a a_o time_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o this_o infinite_a mercy_n it_o may_v possible_o deserve_v your_o serious_a observation_n that_o god_n almighty_n do_v always_o something_o extraordinary_a to_o grace_v the_o several_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediatorship_n we_o know_v at_o his_o nativity_n a_o glorious_a star_n shine_v in_o the_o air_n
before_o thou_o be_v sick_a and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o sin_n show_v repentance_n let_v nothing_o hinder_v to_o pay_v thy_o vow_n in_o due_a time_n and_o defer_v not_o till_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o luke_n xxiv_o 43._o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n we_o may_v easy_o learn_v from_o the_o context_n we_o find_v ver._n 33._o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v crucify_a betwixt_o two_o theives_n or_o malefactor_n though_o he_o be_v without_o sin_n yet_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o appear_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n tell_v we_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n chap._n 53._o 12._o now_o one_o of_o these_o malefactor_n begin_v to_o rail_v on_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n save_v thyself_o and_o we_o vers_fw-la 39_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o desperate_a wickedness_n to_o insult_v over_o such_o as_o be_v in_o misery_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o defy_v almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o protector_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o use_n to_o avenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o malefactor_n rebuke_n he_o ver_fw-la 40._o saying_n do_v not_o thou_o fear_v god_n especial_o since_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n such_o as_o be_v in_o prosperity_n do_v ordinary_o forget_v god_n but_o in_o time_n of_o adversity_n most_o man_n will_v consider_v when_o they_o be_v approach_v towards_o the_o gate_n of_o death_n they_o be_v then_o general_o serious_a the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a state_n usual_o strike_v a_o awe_n into_o their_o soul_n but_o this_o thief_n be_v so_o desperate_o wicked_a that_o even_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o death_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n he_o despise_v god_n and_o revile_v our_o saviour_n but_o the_o other_o thief_n give_v ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o rebuke_v his_o fellow_n thief_n and_o endeavour_n his_o conversion_n but_o he_o also_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n and_o patient_o submit_v to_o the_o punishment_n as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o evil_a deed_n ver_fw-la 41._o if_o such_o scandalous_a person_n that_o be_v among_o we_o will_v when_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n thus_o take_v shame_n to_o themselves_o by_o a_o free_a confession_n of_o their_o fault_n if_o they_o will_v send_v for_o such_o person_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o debauch_v either_o by_o their_o example_n or_o counsel_n and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o bitterness_n they_o then_o find_v in_o it_o they_o will_v give_v the_o world_n much_o better_a demonstration_n of_o their_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o much_o sure_a ground_n to_o hope_v their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o as_o this_o poor_a thief_n give_v such_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n so_o he_o give_v also_o very_o good_a proof_n of_o a_o true_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n in_o christ_n for_o ver_fw-la 42._o he_o say_v unto_o christ_n jesus_n lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n you_o see_v he_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v more_o than_o christ_n own_o disciple_n do_v nay_o far_o he_o own_v christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o when_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n even_o when_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v mock_v and_o persecute_v he_o yea_o when_o his_o own_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o st._n peter_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a have_v deny_v he_o thrice_o nay_o far_o yet_o how_o wonderful_a be_v his_o humility_n he_o only_o desire_v that_o christ_n will_v remember_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n he_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o ask_v that_o he_o may_v sit_v on_o christ_n right_a hand_n or_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v remember_v he_o a_o true_a penitent_a humble_a soul_n will_v think_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o mercy_n great_a enough_o or_o too_o great_a for_o he_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o note_v all_o this_o because_o too_o many_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o example_n of_o this_o poor_a thief_n they_o think_v they_o may_v live_v as_o they_o list_v and_o yet_o be_v save_v if_o they_o repent_v on_o a_o sickbed_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n but_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o that_o god_n do_v give_v such_o presumptuous_a sinner_n so_o much_o grace_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o sickness_n how_o seldom_o do_v they_o give_v such_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o their_o faith_n humility_n and_o sincere_a repentance_n now_o what_o answer_n do_v christ_n return_v to_o this_o honest_a thief_n the_o text_n will_v give_v you_o a_o fair_a account_n of_o this_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v a_o fair_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v from_o this_o wretched_a body_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o order_n that_o they_o lie_v and_o first_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o pious_a soul_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n to_o day_n say_v christ._n second_o they_o do_v far_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o happiness_n they_o shall_v be_v with_o christ_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o paradise_n to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n first_o these_o word_n assure_v we_o that_o pious_a soul_n be_v immediate_o admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o happiness_n upon_o their_o depature_n from_o the_o body_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o call_v psychoparruychites_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n sleep_v all_o the_o while_n till_o the_o general_n resurrection_n and_o consequent_o be_v neither_o in_o a_o state_n of_o joy_n nor_o misery_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v reunite_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n and_o send_v with_o it_o either_o to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n admit_v to_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o christ_n do_v here_o promise_v this_o honest_a thief_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v that_o very_a day_n with_o he_o in_o paradise_n paradise_n be_v a_o place_n of_o joy_n and_o bliss_n and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n now_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n be_v the_o thief_n to_o be_v that_o very_a day_n so_o act._n 7._o 56._o st._n stephen_n see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n he_o know_v the_o heaven_n be_v open_v for_o he_o and_o that_o christ_n stand_v there_o ready_a to_o receive_v he_o into_o glory_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v ver_fw-la 59_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n so_o again_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 8._o we_o be_v confident_a i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n it_o seem_v the_o pious_a soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n it_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n again_o revel_v 14._o 13._o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o you_o see_v here_o the_o godly_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bless_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o die_v and_o not_o only_o to_o rest_v but_o also_o to_o receive_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o good_a work_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o text_n more_o which_o you_o will_v find_v phil._n 1._o 21_o 22._o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o say_v st._n paul_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v i_o can_v tell_v whether_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v long_o or_o
and_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o wicked_a design_n though_o he_o can_v strike_v the_o sinner_n with_o a_o thunderbolt_n into_o hell_n before_o he_o accomplish_v his_o mischievous_a enterprise_n yet_o have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n as_o i_o say_v before_o he_o allow_v he_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o his_o nature_n ratio_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la absque_fw-la libertate_fw-la arbitrii_fw-la say_v damascen_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n to_o act_v but_o though_o god_n do_v permit_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n free_o to_o devise_v and_o accomplish_v its_o way_n yet_o still_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o rule_v and_o direct_v his_o step_n indeed_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o be_v far_o from_o design_v any_o good_a but_o yet_o god_n make_v their_o black_a design_n subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o glory_n they_o do_v at_o best_a but_o resemble_v those_o monstrous_a people_n in_o pliny_n who_o foot_n stand_v contrary_a to_o their_o face_n or_o if_o you_o please_v to_o take_v a_o more_o familiar_a comparison_n like_o waterman_n they_o be_v make_v by_o providence_n to_o row_v one_o way_n whilst_o they_o look_v another_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o know_a observation_n of_o st._n austin_n bone_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la sineret_fw-la fieri_fw-la mala_fw-la nisi_fw-la omnipotens_fw-la ex_fw-la malis_fw-la bona_fw-la elicere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la god_n who_o be_v good_a say_v he_o will_v never_o permit_v sin_n but_o that_o be_v omnipotent_a he_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v good_a out_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n the_o rod_n of_o moses_n whilst_o it_o lay_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o ugly_a dreadful_a and_o poisonous_a serpent_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o moses_n a_o instrument_n of_o great_a and_o glorious_a wonder_n such_o be_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n and_o work_v great_a and_o glorious_a end_n out_o of_o the_o most_o black_a device_n and_o machination_n of_o sinful_a men._n some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n one_a god_n do_v often_o take_v occasion_n from_o sin_n to_o glorify_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n it_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o skull_n of_o adam_n be_v find_v on_o mount_n calvary_n the_o very_a place_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n and_o there_o be_v not_o less_o comfort_n in_o st._n jeroms_n note_n on_o mat._n 1._o namely_o that_o no_o holy_a woman_n but_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n as_o thamar_n raab_n and_o bathsheba_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o all_o this_o to_o denote_v thus_o much_o unto_o we_o that_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n which_o bring_v our_o saviour_n into_o the_o world_n and_o give_v god_n a_o opportunity_n to_o magnify_v his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o sinner_n so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o the_o rant_a language_n of_o st._n gregory_n o_o felix_fw-la culpa_fw-la quae_fw-la talem_fw-la meruit_fw-la redemptorem_fw-la o_o happy_a sin_n happy_a sure_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o have_v through_o god_n good_a providence_n obtain_v so_o great_a and_o so_o glorious_a a_o redeemer_n the_o whole_a say_v our_o saviour_n need_v not_o the_o physician_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o misery_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o mercy_n have_v there_o be_v no_o bitterness_n in_o the_o water_n of_o marah_n moses_n have_v not_o need_v sweet_a wood_n to_o have_v throw_v into_o they_o so_o have_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o have_v not_o need_v the_o tear_n of_o repentance_n and_o consequent_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o wood_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o sweeten_v these_o bitter_a water_n two_o as_o god_n have_v thus_o take_v occasion_n from_o sin_n to_o commend_v his_o free_a grace_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n to_o the_o world_n so_o he_o have_v also_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o glorify_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n if_o bold_a sinner_n shall_v dare_v to_o run_v upon_o the_o boss_n of_o his_o buckler_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n if_o neither_o the_o threat_n of_o his_o law_n can_v drive_v they_o to_o obedience_n nor_o yet_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n invite_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n there_o remain_v then_o nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o devour_v these_o adversary_n hence_o solomon_n tell_v we_o ver_fw-la 4_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a have_v he_o make_v for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n though_o he_o may_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o employ_v they_o as_o rod_n for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o other_o yet_o at_o the_o last_o he_o cast_v these_o rod_n into_o the_o fire_n and_o magnify_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n upon_o they_o when_o once_o they_o be_v ripe_a for_o destruction_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o first_o haleluia_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o psalm_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o god_n enemy_n and_o the_o first_o haleluia_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v where_o the_o overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n be_v foretell_v in_o the_o revelation_n shall_v god_n suffer_v sinner_n still_o to_o go_v unpunished_a it_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o holiness_n and_o cast_v a_o stain_n upon_o his_o justice_n man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v god_n a_o patron_n of_o wickedness_n and_o will_v be_v very_o much_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ungodliness_n god_n therefore_o to_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n and_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n be_v please_v very_o frequent_o in_o this_o world_n to_o send_v signal_n judgement_n upon_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thus_o when_o proud_a pharaoh_n have_v a_o long_a time_n withstand_v all_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o wrought_v his_o heart_n at_o last_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o hardness_n god_n do_v then_o resolve_v to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o his_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o that_o he_o may_v leave_v some_o signal_n monument_n of_o his_o wrath_n to_o succeed_a generation_n orosius_n a_o ancient_a author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o print_n and_o footstep_n of_o their_o chariot_n be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o shore_n and_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n we_o may_v do_v well_o also_o to_o remember_v that_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v rain_v from_o heaven_n on_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n brochardus_fw-la and_o other_o sacred_a geographer_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o very_a land_n do_v still_o mourn_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o such_o dismal_a cloud_n of_o smoak_n continual_o ascend_v from_o it_o as_o make_v it_o represent_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o very_a mouth_n and_o entrance_n of_o hell_n nay_o far_o yet_o that_o god_n may_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n as_o some_o have_v compute_v this_o one_o single_a judgement_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n above_o twenty_o time_n god_n providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o these_o wicked_a sodomite_n may_v be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o end_n to_o which_o god_n providence_n direct_a sin_n namely_o the_o glorify_v of_o his_o justice_n three_o god_n providence_n do_v far_a make_v use_n of_o sin_n to_o humble_v his_o own_o people_n when_o david_n have_v murder_v his_o loyal_a subject_n vriah_n and_o commit_v folly_n with_o his_o wife_n god_n do_v afterward_o make_v use_n of_o these_o sin_n to_o keep_v his_o servant_n humble_a to_o this_o end_n we_o find_v shimei_n one_o a_o kin_n to_o vriah_n send_v by_o a_o secret_a impulse_n of_o providence_n first_o to_o curse_n david_n as_o a_o bloody_a man_n and_o so_o to_o remind_v he_o of_o the_o murder_n and_o then_o to_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o adultery_n by_o cast_v stone_n at_o he_o a_o punishment_n under_o the_o law_n appoint_v to_o the_o adulterer_n now_o what_o influence_n this_o piece_n of_o providence_n have_v upon_o david_n we_o learn_v from_o 2_o sam._n 16._o 9_o 10._o where_o when_o the_o son_n of_o zerviah_n will_v have_v slay_v shimei_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n david_n return_v a_o negative_a answer_n in_o these_o passionate_a word_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o you_o you_o son_n of_o zerviah_n and_o then_o see_v his_o humility_n in_o the_o next_o word_n let_v he_o curse_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n he_o know_v god_n by_o this_o piece_n of_o providence_n have_v a_o design_n to_o call_v
punishment_n he_o tell_v christian_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n that_o the_o jew_n for_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v to_o receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v the_o much_o great_a salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n fair_o intimate_v that_o christian_n as_o they_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n than_o other_o so_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o will_v bind_v they_o over_o to_o proportionable_o great_a punishment_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o menochus_n that_o joshua_n when_o he_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o achan_n play_v the_o herald_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o pedigree_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v jos._n 7._o 1._o that_o achan_n be_v the_o son_n of_o carmi_n the_o son_n of_o zabdi_n the_o son_n of_o zerah_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n have_v achan_n be_v a_o poor_a ignorant_a heathen_a his_o sin_n even_o in_o these_o low_a circumstance_n will_v have_v kindle_v the_o wrath_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v pull_v down_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o he_o but_o achan_n that_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o that_o no_o mean_a jew_n but_o of_o the_o royal_a tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o descend_v from_o such_o noble_a progenitor_n as_o carmi_n zabdi_n and_o zerah_n all_o honourable_a person_n for_o he_o to_o commit_v a_o trespass_n of_o this_o nature_n his_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n load_v his_o sin_n with_o the_o heavy_a aggravation_n and_o render_v he_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o double_a punishment_n to_o wit_n that_o of_o lapidation_n and_o the_o other_o of_o burn_v which_o be_v both_o inflict_v on_o he_o as_o we_o read_v jos._n 7._o 25._o it_o seem_v god_n proceed_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o distributive_a justice_n he_o proportion_v his_o punishment_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n such_o as_o have_v enjoy_v lesser_a privilege_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n the_o poor_a gentile_n still_o find_v a_o cool_a place_n in_o hell_n than_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o jew_n than_o the_o christian_n hear_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 2._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n as_o st._n austin_n speak_v the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o moses_n deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o discover_v and_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o do_v ingeminate_v or_o double_a their_o guilt_n the_o poor_a gentile_n who_o want_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n will_v have_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n only_o to_o answer_v for_o but_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v find_v himself_o condemn_v both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o his_o gild_n will_v be_v double_a and_o his_o punishment_n so_o much_o the_o great_a hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o in_o that_o same_o rom._n 2._o 9_o that_o god_n will_v render_v tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a it_o seem_v the_o jew_n shall_v have_v the_o precedence_n of_o the_o gentile_a in_o hell_n a_o curse_a kind_n of_o precedence_n and_o such_o as_o i_o fancy_n few_o will_v be_v very_o ambitious_a of_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o jew_n shall_v in_o hell_n be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n than_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o disobedient_a christian_a will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v enjoy_v great_a advantage_n than_o the_o jew_n and_o must_v expect_v great_a punishment_n he_o have_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o answer_v for_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v double_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o gentile_a the_o christian_n gild_n will_v be_v treble_a and_o render_v he_o worthy_a of_o much_o sore_a punishment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o apostle_n chap._n 10._o of_o this_o epistle_n vers._n 28_o 29._o if_o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_n punishment_n will_v be_v great_a than_o the_o jew_n even_o as_o great_a as_o the_o salvation_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o in_o a_o word_n so_o great_a that_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o these_o most_o astonish_a expression_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o torment_n in_o hell_n so_o the_o great_a of_o they_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o such_o sinner_n as_o do_v neglect_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o you_o will_v more_o easy_o believe_v this_o dreadful_a doctrine_n when_o i_o have_v give_v you_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o 1._o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v this_o great_a salvation_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o publish_v by_o christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o do_v mighty_o aggravate_v the_o disobedience_n of_o christian_n god_n he_o send_v his_o messenger_n his_o prophet_n yea_o sometime_o his_o angel_n to_o publish_v and_o deliver_v the_o law_n unto_o the_o jew_n but_o he_o have_v send_v his_o own_o eternal_a son_n to_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o sure_o such_o a_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o astonish_a mercy_n and_o condescension_n can_v but_o load_v the_o sin_n of_o christian_n with_o the_o most_o dreadful_a aggravation_n hear_v what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v john_n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n the_o same_o argument_n be_v here_o urge_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v he_o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n as_o much_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v the_o gospel_n which_o we_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v christ_n gospel_n the_o very_a same_o that_o he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n first_o preach_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n sure_a then_o you_o will_v reverence_v this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n sure_a you_o can_v but_o think_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o obey_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n he_o may_v command_v your_o obedience_n and_o as_o he_o be_v your_o saviour_n who_o die_v for_o you_o he_o do_v most_o deserve_v it_o you_o can_v therefore_o offend_v against_o this_o gospel_n but_o you_o must_v affront_v the_o high_a instance_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n and_o what_o punishment_n can_v be_v great_a enough_o to_o punish_v such_o ingratitude_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o devil_n themselves_o who_o be_v now_o howl_v amid_o everlasting_a burn_n they_o never_o sin_v against_o such_o stupendous_a mercy_n as_o christian_n do_v of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o another_o reason_n why_o christian_n must_v expect_v the_o severe_a punishment_n if_o they_o neglect_v this_o great_a salvation_n be_v because_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v great_a and_o clear_a than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n isaiah_n prophesy_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n 11._o 9_o say_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v then_o be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n st._n peter_n 2_o epist._n 1._o 19_o compare_v the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n to_o a_o dim_a light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n allude_v as_o it_o be_v think_v to_o those_o candle_n which_o be_v always_o shine_v in_o the_o temple_n because_o it_o be_v a_o dark_a place_n as_o have_v but_o very_o small_a window_n to_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o compare_v to_o the_o day_n intimate_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v as_o far_o exceed_v the_o light_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v that_o of_o a_o candle_n we_o know_v the_o veil_n be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o religion_n be_v then_o wrap_v up_o in_o obscure_a type_n and_o shadow_n but_o the_o shadow_n be_v now_o vanish_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v rise_v and_o christ_n have_v
the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n sermon_n and_o sacrament_n other_o judgement_n may_v the_o better_o be_v dispense_v with_o famine_n be_v another_o very_a sore_a judgement_n when_o this_o rage_n god_n be_v say_v to_o march_v through_o the_o land_n in_o indignation_n hab._n 3_o 12._o and_o we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o direful_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o famine_n we_o read_v in_o our_o chronicle_n that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o a_o dreadful_a famine_n in_o this_o island_n that_o when_o malefactor_n be_v lead_v out_o of_o prison_n towards_o the_o place_n of_o exeeution_n the_o poor_a hungry_a people_n will_v present_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n eat_v they_o up_o and_o we_o will_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o when_o we_o read_v ezek._n 5_o 10._o of_o father_n eat_v up_o their_o son_n and_o son_n their_o father_n and_o which_o be_v stanger_n and_o more_o unnatural_a yet_o we_o find_v lamen_n 4_o 10._o tender_a compassionate_a woman_n force_v by_o the_o extremity_n of_o hunger_n to_o seethe_v their_o own_o child_n these_o be_v horrid_a instance_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o a_o devourer_n as_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o devour_v himself_o as_o you_o may_v read_v isai._n 9_o 20._o where_o every_o man_n be_v bring_v in_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n thus_o great_a and_o heavy_a a_o judgement_n be_v famine_n yea_o by_o some_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a heaven_n can_v inflict_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v inferior_a to_o this_o of_o the_o text_n when_o god_n in_o wrath_n remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n when_o he_o take_v his_o gospel_n away_o from_o we_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n no_o less_o than_o this_o be_v assert_v amos_n 8._o 11_o 12._o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n that_o i_o will_v send_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n not_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n not_o a_o thirst_n of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o shall_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o north_n even_o to_o the_o east_n shall_v they_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o thus_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o sore_a judgement_n than_o the_o famine_n of_o bread_n and_o well_o indeed_o it_o may_v since_o the_o one_o destroy_v only_o the_o body_n the_o other_o destroy_v the_o soul_n if_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v away_o worse_o than_o egyptian_a darkness_n will_v ensue_v such_o as_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o fall_v and_o that_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o general_n and_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v our_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n for_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o its_o chief_a honour_n and_o make_v they_o become_v lo-ammi_a or_o no_o people_n it_o deprive_v they_o also_o of_o god_n special_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n unto_o their_o enemy_n and_o last_o it_o surpass_v the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n be_v far_o more_o tolerable_a than_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n these_o consideration_n if_o any_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o value_v god_n ordinance_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o former_o we_o have_v and_o excite_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n as_o this_o and_o to_o help_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o better_a i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n four_o brief_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o bring_v such_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n and_o one_a sin_n be_v the_o general_n cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o text_n itself_o where_o christ_n bid_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o she_o have_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n nothing_o but_o our_o iniquity_n can_v separate_v betwixt_o our_o god_n and_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o will_v be_v our_o ruin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o continue_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o backslide_n and_o disobedient_a people_n but_o will_v take_v it_o away_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v better_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o 2_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o messenger_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o 2_o chron._n 36._o 15_o 16._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n send_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o his_o messenger_n rise_v up_o betimes_o and_o send_v because_o he_o have_v compassion_n on_o his_o people_n and_o on_o his_o dwell_a place_n but_o they_o mock_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v his_o word_n and_o misuse_v his_o prophet_n until_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o amos_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n threaten_v they_o with_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n he_o assign_v this_o among_o other_o reason_n ver_fw-la 5._o namely_o because_o they_o profane_v his_o sabbath_n and_o despise_v his_o ordinance_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o nation_n undervalue_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n and_o carry_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o people_n more_o worthy_a of_o it_o 3_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v another_o grand_a cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n historian_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v it_o which_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n to_o overflow_v the_o eastern_a church_n and_o let_v mahumetanism_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v this_o which_o bring_v that_o deluge_n of_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n upon_o the_o west_n and_o indeed_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 3._o 16._o that_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o will_v be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o four_o general_n and_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n sin_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a the_o contempt_n of_o god_n messenger_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o those_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o rage_n in_o a_o nation_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v now_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o debauchery_n rage_v in_o the_o land_n such_o gross_a profanation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n contempt_n of_o his_o messenger_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o withal_o so_o many_o dangerous_a schism_n and_o faction_n among_o we_o as_o may_v just_o cause_v we_o to_o dread_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o the_o text._n but_o i_o will_v not_o foretell_v your_o danger_n but_o exhort_v you_o to_o prevent_v it_o and_o that_o by_o repentance_n as_o the_o text_n direct_v which_o five_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o general_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o heavy_a judgement_n now_o this_o can_v better_o be_v learn_v than_o from_o that_o advice_n christ_n give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o place_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n repentance_n therefore_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v take_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n god_n also_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v he_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 3._o 12._o return_v o_o back_o slide_v israel_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o cause_v my_o anger_n to_o fall_v upon_o you_o for_o i_o be_o merciful_a what_o a_o gracious_a motive_n be_v here_o urge_v what_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n will_v not_o in_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n shall_v we_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n if_o he_o shall_v take_v away_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n from_o we_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o
advantage_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n indeed_o our_o sin_n call_v aloud_o for_o such_o heavy_a judgement_n our_o superior_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n have_v acknowledge_v for_o we_o that_o profane_a swear_v perjury_n drunkenness_n and_o a_o violation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n have_v sad_o make_v this_o land_n to_o mourn_v and_o may_v we_o not_o add_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n a_o misuse_n of_o his_o messenger_n a_o slight_n of_o his_o ordinance_n beside_o those_o faction_n and_o schism_n which_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o may_v not_o god_n just_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n oh_o than_o it_o be_v time_n that_o we_o shall_v all_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n with_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n that_o our_o iniquity_n may_v not_o be_v our_o ruin_n but_o every_o kind_n of_o repentance_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o lactantius_n translate_v mutationes_fw-la mentis_fw-la in_o melius_fw-la that_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o worse_a to_o better_o not_o a_o change_n of_o the_o look_v or_o hang_v down_o the_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n for_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi or_o a_o hypocrite_n it_o be_v not_o a_o change_n of_o our_o apparel_n or_o a_o put_n on_o of_o sackcloth_n for_o such_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o a_o wicked_a ahab_n but_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o text_n denote_v a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o as_o the_o prophet_n joel_n describe_v it_o a_o turn_n unto_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n chap._n 2._o 12._o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o this_o will_v make_v we_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o pay_v a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n it_o will_v make_v we_o reform_v our_o life_n honour_n god_n gospel_n value_v his_o ordinance_n and_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o encourage_v those_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o be_v among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o repentance_n christ_n recommend_v and_o if_o it_o be_v careful_o practise_v by_o we_o we_o may_v prevent_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o the_o text_n and_o procure_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o which_o god_n almighty_a grant_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o 2_o pet._n three_o 28._o but_o grow_v in_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o famous_a dispute_n among_o papist_n and_o protestant_n where_o st._n peter_n be_v when_o he_o write_v this_o and_o his_o former_a epistle_n the_o papist_n will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v at_o rome_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o establish_v their_o papal_a monarchy_n and_o derive_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o that_o great_a apostle_n but_o st._n peter_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 13._o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o babylon_n elect_v together_o with_o you_o salute_v you_o indeed_o st._n john_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n take_v babylon_n in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n for_o rome_n which_o well_o become_v his_o prophetic_a and_o mystical_a style_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o st._n peter_n who_o in_o these_o epistle_n write_v no_o prophecy_n but_o only_o plain_a instruction_n for_o the_o disperse_a jew_n shall_v take_v babylon_n in_o any_o other_o than_o a_o literal_a sense_n namely_o for_o that_o ancient_n and_o famous_a city_n which_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o chaldea_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n to_o induce_v this_o belief_n as_o first_o st._n paul_n who_o about_o this_o time_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o st._n peter_n be_v then_o at_o rome_n notwithstanding_o he_o send_v commendation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n second_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n that_o the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n commit_v to_o st._n peter_n as_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o st._n paul_n this_o st._n jerom_n call_v principale_a mandatum_fw-la the_o main_a of_o their_o commission_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o st._n peter_n chief_a employment_n must_v be_v where_o the_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n be_v now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o babylon_n in_o chaldea_n be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o jew_n reside_v in_o great_a number_n after_o their_o captivity_n three_o st._n peter_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o jew_n scatter_v throughout_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n which_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o babylon_n four_o st._n peter_n write_v to_o these_o disperse_a jew_n rehearse_v several_a nation_n where_o they_o reside_v as_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n but_o leave_v out_o chaldea_n where_o they_o reside_v in_o great_a number_n which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v not_o chaldea_n be_v the_o place_n from_o whence_o he_o write_v these_o epistle_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o from_o act_n 18._o 2._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o claudius_n caesar_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n so_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v st._n peter_n will_v not_o keep_v his_o residence_n there_o where_o he_o want_v his_o flock_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o rational_a to_o believe_v he_o reside_v at_o babylon_n where_o vast_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n reside_v also_o i_o have_v premise_v thus_o much_o to_o prove_v that_o st._n peter_n write_v these_o two_o epistle_n from_o babylon_n in_o chaldea_n because_o it_o will_v follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o papist_n have_v not_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o found_v their_o belief_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v at_o rome_n though_o on_o it_o depend_v their_o whole_a papal_a monarchy_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a text_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o you_o see_v how_o little_a it_o make_v for_o their_o purpose_n so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o human_a testimony_n to_o build_v this_o great_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v derive_v from_o papias_n a_o weak_a credulous_a person_n as_o eusebius_n style_v he_o by_o this_o time_n you_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n understand_v the_o place_n from_o which_o and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o st._n peter_n write_v and_o be_v short_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o to_o put_v off_o his_o earthly_a tabernacle_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o instruction_n he_o bequeath_v to_o the_o jew_n all_o which_o he_o conclude_v with_o the_o most_o important_a word_n of_o the_o text_n grow_v in_o grace_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o first_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v the_o duty_n itself_o grow_v in_o grace_n second_o we_o will_v inquire_v what_o be_v that_o degree_n or_o stature_n of_o grace_n a_o christian_n must_v grow_v to_o before_o he_o can_v assure_v himself_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o whether_o any_o far_a growth_n in_o grace_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n four_o what_o reason_n and_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o first_o namely_o to_o consider_v the_o duty_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n a_o christian_n life_n must_v be_v a_o continual_a progress_n in_o holiness_n he_o must_v not_o with_o hercules_n erect_v his_o pillar_n and_o write_v a_o non_fw-la ultra_fw-la upon_o they_o say_v hitherto_o will_v i_o go_v and_o no_o far_o for_o true_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o grow_a and_o multiply_a nature_n so_o that_o the_o good_a christian_a must_v not_o be_v content_a with_o his_o present_a attainment_n but_o with_o st._n paul_n he_o must_v always_o be_v press_v forward_o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o character_n solomon_n give_v of_o the_o just_a man_n prov._n 4_o 18._o the_o path_n of_o the_o justice_n be_v as_o the_o shine_v light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n he_o be_v not_o like_o josuahs_n sun_n that_o stand_v still_o in_o the_o firmament_n much_o less_o like_a hezekiah_n which_o go_v ten_o degree_n backward_o but_o he_o be_v like_o david_n sun_n which_o come_v forth_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o rejoice_v as_o a_o giant_n to_o run_v his_o race_n now_o this_o growth_n in_o grace_n denote_v at_o least_o these_o two_o blessing_n first_o the_o get_v