as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o we_o be_v to_o be_v easy_a to_o grant_v forgiveness_n to_o other_o and_o without_o this_o as_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o we_o so_o we_o ourselves_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n utter_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o it_o will_v almost_o transport_v a_o christian_n to_o read_v that_o admirable_a passage_n of_o the_o great_a heathen_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n m._n aurelius_n antoninus_n can_v the_o god_n 7._o say_v he_o that_o be_v immortal_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bear_v without_o impatience_n with_o such_o and_o so_o many_o sinner_n as_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o likewise_o take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o they_o that_o they_o want_v nothing_o and_o do_v thou_o so_o grievous_o take_v on_o as_o one_o that_o can_v bear_v with_o they_o no_o long_o thou_o that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n yea_o thou_o that_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sinner_n thyself_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o those_o weighty_a and_o pungent_a say_n of_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o syrach_n he_o that_o revenge_v shall_v find_v vengeance_n from_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o he_o will_v certain_o retain_v his_o sin_n forgive_v thy_o neighbour_n that_o have_v hurt_v thou_o so_o shall_v thy_o sin_n also_o be_v forgive_v when_o thou_o pray_v one_o man_n bear_v hatred_n against_o another_o and_o do_v he_o seek_v pardon_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o show_v no_o mercy_n to_o a_o man_n like_o himself_o and_o do_v he_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n enable_n we_o o_o lord_n by_o thy_o grace_n to_o practice_v this_o excellent_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o then_o forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n adoration_n and_o obedience_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o hampton-court_n april_n the_o 14_o the_o 1689._o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o one_o thing_n needful_a luke_n x._o 42_o but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a in_o the_o account_n of_o wise_a man_n one_o of_o the_o first_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o human_a action_n be_v this_o to_o regard_v every_o thing_n more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o other_o thing_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o great_a end_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o our_o b._n saviour_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a that_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o ought_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v regard_v by_o we_o and_o what_o that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o all_o to_o know_v that_o we_o may_v mind_n and_o pursue_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v and_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v brief_o this_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v into_o a_o certain_a village_n where_o he_o be_v entertain_v at_o the_o house_n of_o two_o devout_a sister_n the_o elder_a who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o management_n of_o the_o family_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o make_v entertainment_n for_o such_o a_o guest_n the_o other_o sit_v at_o our_o saviour_n foot_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o preach_v the_o elder_a find_v herself_o not_o able_a to_o do_v all_o the_o business_n alone_o desire_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v command_v her_o sister_n to_o come_v and_o help_v she_o upon_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v she_o this_o gentle_a reprehension_n martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o what_o that_o be_v he_o declare_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o that_o be_v she_o have_v choose_v to_o take_v care_n of_o her_o salvation_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o altogether_o blame_v martha_n for_o her_o respectful_a care_n of_o he_o but_o cmmend_v her_o sister_n for_o her_o great_a care_n of_o her_o soul_n which_o make_v she_o either_o whole_o to_o forget_v or_o unwilling_a to_o mind_v other_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o high_o approve_v her_o wise_a choice_n in_o prefer_v a_o attentive_a regard_n to_o his_o doctrine_n even_o before_o that_o which_o may_v be_v think_v a_o necessary_a civility_n to_o his_o person_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v be_v this_o that_o the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o that_o which_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o regard_n this_o observation_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o then_o by_o way_n of_o application_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o mind_v this_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o serious_a and_o weighty_a argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v second_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o take_v this_o care_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v and_o so_o as_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v i_o may_v understand_v and_o be_v sufficient_o direct_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o five_o follow_v particular_n in_o which_o i_o think_v the_o main_a business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o due_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v first_o in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n second_o in_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o in_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o all_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o they_o three_o in_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n four_o in_o avoid_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v pernicious_a to_o our_o salvation_n and_o whereby_o man_n do_v often_o hazard_v their_o soul_n five_o in_o the_o even_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n i._o the_o due_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o good_a practice_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v true_o religious_a without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 11.6_o for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o now_o these_o two_o expression_n of_o please_a god_n and_o seek_v he_o be_v plain_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v religion_n or_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n which_o do_v antecedent_o suppose_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o
vouchsafe_v to_o we_o because_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o this_o we_o find_v record_v as_o a_o heavy_a charge_n upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n 35._o that_o they_o remember_v not_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o their_o enemy_n on_o every_o side_n neither_o show_v they_o kindness_n to_o the_o house_n of_o jerubbaal_n namely_o gideon_n who_o have_v be_v their_o deliverer_n according_a to_o all_o the_o goodness_n which_o he_o have_v show_v to_o israel_n god_n we_o see_v take_v it_o very_o ill_a at_o our_o hand_n when_o we_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o deliverance_n but_o much_o more_o when_o we_o be_v unthankful_a to_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o how_o severe_o do_v nathan_n the_o prophet_n reproach_n david_n upon_o this_o account_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n here_o reckon_v up_o his_o manifold_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n and_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n upon_o this_o account_n and_o he_o be_v very_o angry_a likewise_o with_o solomon_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n 11.9_o because_o he_o have_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v appear_v to_o he_o twice_o however_o we_o may_v slight_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n he_o keep_v a_o punctual_a and_o strict_a account_n of_o they_o it_o be_v particular_o note_v as_o a_o great_a blot_n upon_o hezekiah_n 32.25_o that_o he_o return_v not_o again_o according_a to_o the_o benefit_n do_v unto_o he_o god_n take_v very_o severe_a notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a and_o unworthy_a return_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o for_o his_o goodness_n ingratitude_n to_o god_n be_v so_o unnatural_a and_o monstrous_a that_o we_o find_v he_o appeal_n against_o we_o for_o it_o to_o the_o inanimate_a creature_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n but_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o and_o upbraid_v they_o with_o the_o brute_n creature_n as_o be_v more_o grateful_a to_o man_n than_o man_n be_v to_o god_n the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n 3._o and_o the_o ass_n her_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v and_o in_o the_o same_o prophet_n there_o be_v the_o like_a complaint_n let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a 26.10_o yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n in_o the_o land_n of_o uprightness_n will_v he_o deal_v unjust_o and_o will_v not_o behold_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n lord_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v but_o the_o shall_v see_v and_o be_v ashamed_a they_o that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n providence_n shall_v feel_v the_o stroke_n of_o his_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o world_n of_o a_o intractable_a disposition_n than_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n not_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o benefit_n not_o to_o be_v tame_v by_o gentle_a usage_n nay_o god_n expect_v that_o his_o mercy_n shall_v lay_v so_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o that_o even_o a_o miracle_n shall_v not_o tempt_v we_o to_o be_v unthankful_a 2._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n say_v moses_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n and_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n 5._o because_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o turn_v you_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o deliver_v you_o out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o bondage_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n yet_o after_o gteat_fw-la mercy_n and_o judgement_n to_o return_v to_o the_o same_o sin_n because_o this_o can_v hardly_o be_v without_o our_o sin_v against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o we_o be_v convince_v how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a the_o sin_n be_v which_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o and_o have_v be_v so_o sore_o punish_v for_o before_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o very_a perverse_a and_o incorrigible_a temper_n and_o that_o which_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n so_o above_o measure_n sinful_a that_o after_o so_o many_o signal_n deliverance_n and_o so_o many_o terrible_a judgement_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n of_o murmur_v ten_o time_n murmur_v against_o god_n the_o author_n and_o against_o moses_n the_o glorious_a instrument_n of_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o two_o great_a type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o of_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a oppression_n and_o tyranny_n hear_v with_o what_o resentment_n god_n speak_v of_o the_o ill_a return_n which_o they_o make_v to_o he_o for_o that_o great_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n 14.32_o because_o all_o these_o man_n which_o have_v see_v my_o glory_n and_o my_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v tempt_v i_o now_o these_o ten_o time_n and_o have_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n sure_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o land_n which_o i_o swear_v to_o their_o father_n and_o after_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o wrought_v great_a deliverance_n for_o they_o several_a time_n how_o do_v he_o upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o proneness_n to_o fall_v again_o into_o the_o same_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n 14._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o i_o deliver_v you_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o from_o the_o amorites_n from_o the_o child_n of_o ammon_n and_o from_o the_o philistine_n the_o zidonian_o also_o and_o the_o amalekite_n and_o maonite_n do_v oppress_v you_o and_o you_o cry_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o deliver_v you_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n yet_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v other_o god_n wherefore_o i_o will_v deliver_v you_o no_o more_o go_v and_o cry_v unto_o the_o god_n which_o you_o have_v choose_v let_v they_o deliver_v you_o in_o the_o time_n of_o your_o tribulation_n this_o incense_a god_n so_o high_o against_o they_o that_o they_o still_o relapse_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n after_o so_o many_o affliction_n and_o so_o many_o deliverance_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n well_o may_v the_o prophet_n say_v thy_o own_o wickedness_n shall_v correct_v thou_o 2.19_o and_o thy_o sin_n shall_v reprove_v thou_o know_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n that_o thou_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a but_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o wickedness_n for_o which_o we_o have_v be_v so_o severe_o correct_v be_v a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n after_o great_a judgement_n and_o great_a deliverance_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o part_n namely_o that_o this_o be_v a_o fatal_a presage_n of_o ruin_n to_o a_o people_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n and_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v and_o so_o god_n threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o text_n which_o i_o cite_v before_o wherefore_o i_o will_v deliver_v you_o no_o more_o 10.13_o wherefore_o that_o be_v because_o they_o will_v neither_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o affliction_n wherewith_o god_n have_v exercise_v they_o nor_o by_o the_o many_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o they_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o a_o people_n that_o continue_v impenitent_a both_o under_o the_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n 1._o because_o this_o do_v ripen_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o god_n to_o put_v in_o his_o sickle_n when_o a_o people_n be_v ripe_a for_o ruin_n when_o the_o
bless_a saviour_n who_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n better_o than_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v our_o great_a reluctancy_n and_o backwardness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v urge_v it_o upon_o we_o by_o such_o forcible_a and_o almost_o violent_a argument_n that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o tenderness_n for_o ourselves_o we_o can_v refuse_v obedience_n to_o it_o for_o he_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v will_v appease_v god_n towards_o we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o ourselves_o be_v implacable_a to_o man_n verse_n 23_o d._n of_o this_o chapter_n if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o go_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n to_o recommend_v this_o duty_n effectual_o to_o we_o he_o give_v it_o a_o preference_n to_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n first_o go_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n till_o this_o duty_n be_v discharge_v god_n will_v accept_v of_o no_o service_n no_o sacrifice_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o therefore_o our_o liturgy_n do_v with_o great_a reason_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o our_o worthy_a receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o our_o neighbour_n because_o this_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o of_o eternal_a obligation_n without_o which_o no_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n especial_o since_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o which_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o from_o god_n if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o forgive_v one_o another_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n say_v st._n james_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n and_o in_o that_o excellent_a form_n of_o prayer_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v give_v we_o he_o have_v teach_v we_o so_o to_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o expect_v it_o from_o he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forgive_v one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o practise_v this_o duty_n as_o hard_o as_o we_o think_v it_o be_v every_o time_n that_o we_o put_v up_o this_o petition_n to_o god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o we_o send_v up_o a_o terrible_a imprecation_n against_o ourselves_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n beg_v of_o god_n not_o to_o forgive_v we_o and_o therefore_o to_o imprint_v this_o matter_n the_o deep_a upon_o our_o mind_n our_o bless_a saviour_n immediate_o after_o the_o recital_n of_o this_o prayer_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o add_v a_o very_a remarkable_a enforcement_n of_o this_o petition_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o if_o say_v he_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n 15._o your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o in_o his_o gospel_n represent_v to_o we_o both_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a parable_n deliver_v by_o he_o to_o this_o purpose_n 18.23_o concern_v a_o wicked_a servant_n who_o when_o his_o lord_n have_v but_o just_a before_o forgive_v he_o a_o vast_a debt_n of_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n take_v his_o poor_a fellow-servant_n by_o the_o throat_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o humble_a submission_n and_o earnest_a entreaty_n to_o be_v favourable_a to_o he_o hale_v he_o to_o prison_n for_o a_o trifle_a debt_n of_o a_o hundred_o penny_n and_o the_o application_n which_o he_o make_v of_o this_o parable_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v very_o terrible_a and_o such_o as_o ought_v never_o to_o go_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n so_o likewise_o 35._o say_v he_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v also_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v every_o one_o his_o brother_n his_o trespass_n one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v at_o first_o view_n that_o this_o parable_n be_v over_o do_v and_o want_v something_o of_o a_o due_a decorum_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o merciful_o and_o generous_o deal_v withal_o as_o upon_o his_o humble_a request_n to_o have_v so_o huge_a a_o debt_n so_o free_o forgive_v shall_v whilst_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o much_o mercy_n be_v fresh_a upon_o he_o even_o the_o very_a next_o moment_n handle_v his_o fellow_n servant_n who_o have_v make_v the_o same_o humble_a submission_n and_o request_n to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v do_v to_o his_o lord_n with_o so_o much_o roughness_n and_o cruelty_n for_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o sum._n this_o i_o say_v will_v hardly_o seem_v credible_a do_v we_o not_o see_v in_o experience_n how_o very_a unreasonable_a and_o unmerciful_a some_o man_n be_v and_o with_o what_o confidence_n they_o can_v ask_v and_o expect_v great_a mercy_n from_o god_n when_o they_o will_v show_v none_o to_o men._n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o injury_n which_o be_v do_v to_o we_o be_v the_o reason_n common_o plead_v by_o we_o why_o we_o can_v forgive_v they_o but_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n why_o thou_o can_v not_o forgive_v thy_o brother_n lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o bethink_v thyself_o how_o many_o more_o and_o much_o great_a offence_n thou_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o against_o god_n look_v up_o to_o that_o just_a and_o powerful_a be_v that_o be_v above_o and_o consider_v well_o whether_o thou_o do_v not_o both_o expect_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o more_o mercy_n and_o favour_n from_o he_o than_o thou_o can_v find_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o show_v to_o thy_o offend_a brother_n we_o have_v all_o certain_o great_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o as_o we_o use_v one_o another_o god_n will_v likewise_o deal_v with_o we_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o how_o little_a be_v this_o duty_n practise_v among_o christian_n and_o how_o hardly_o be_v the_o best_a of_o we_o bring_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o forgive_v they_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n from_o god_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o how_o strange_o inconsistent_a be_v our_o practice_n and_o our_o hope_n and_o what_o a_o wide_a distance_n be_v there_o between_o our_o expectation_n from_o god_n and_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n how_o very_o partial_a and_o unequal_a be_v we_o to_o hope_v so_o easy_o to_o be_v forgive_v and_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o forgive_v will_v we_o have_v god_n for_o christ_n sake_n to_o forgive_v we_o those_o numberless_a and_o monstrous_a provocation_n which_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o against_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o for_o his_o sake_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o ourselves_o be_v forgive_v be_v willing_a to_o forgive_v one_o another_o we_o think_v it_o hard_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v great_a injury_n and_o often_o repeat_v and_o yet_o woe_n be_v to_o we_o all_o and_o most_o miserable_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o all_o eternity_n if_o god_n do_v not_o all_o this_o to_o we_o which_o we_o think_v to_o be_v so_o very_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o do_v to_o one_o another_o i_o have_v sometime_o wonder_v how_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o despair_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n to_o they_o especial_o consider_v what_o clear_a and_o express_v declaration_n god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n but_o the_o wonder_n will_v be_v very_o much_o abate_v when_o we_o shall_v consider_v with_o how_o much_o difficulty_n man_n be_v bring_v to_o remit_v great_a injury_n and_o how_o hardly_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o refrain_v from_o fly_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v give_v we_o any_o considerable_a provocation_n so_o that_o when_o man_n look_v into_o themselves_o and_o shall_v careful_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n towards_o those_o against_o who_o they_o have_v be_v just_o exasperate_v they_o will_v see_v but_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o forgiveness_n be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n but_o our_o comfort_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n
our_o great_a trespass_n our_o evil_a deed_n bring_v all_o other_o evil_n upon_o we_o 2._o that_o great_a sin_n have_v usual_o a_o proportionable_a punishment_n after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o there_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o punishment_n for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n there_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o when_o i_o say_v that_o great_a sin_n have_v a_o proportionable_a punishment_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o god_n do_v usual_o observe_v a_o proportion_n in_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o although_o no_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v proportionable_a to_o sin_n yet_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n of_o one_o sin_n hold_v a_o proportion_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o and_o consequent_o lesser_a and_o great_a sin_n have_v proportionable_o a_o lesser_a and_o great_a punishment_n 3._o that_o all_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n inflict_v in_o this_o life_n do_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o demerit_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o see_v thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v in_o the_o hebrew_n it_n be_v and_o have_v keep_v down_o our_o iniquity_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o rise_v up_o against_o we_o the_o lxx_o express_v it_o very_o emphatical_o thou_o have_v ease_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n that_o be_v thou_o have_v not_o let_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o they_o fall_v upon_o we_o be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o restraint_n which_o god_n put_v upon_o his_o anger_n and_o the_o merciful_a mitigation_n of_o it_o the_o sinner_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o but_o must_v sink_v under_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o the_o jew_n though_o it_o be_v a_o long_a captivity_n be_v beneath_o the_o desert_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o ezra_n perhaps_o may_v intend_v to_o insinuate_v so_o much_o that_o all_o temporal_a punishment_n though_o never_o so_o severe_a be_v always_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v 4._o that_o god_n many_o time_n work_v very_o great_a deliverance_n for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o unworthy_a of_o they_o and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o a_o deliverance_n as_o this_o notwithstanding_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a trespass_n 5._o that_o we_o be_v but_o too_o apt_a even_o after_o great_a judgement_n and_o after_o great_a mercy_n to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a sin_n shall_v we_o again_o break_v thy_o commandment_n ezra_n insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v this_o especial_o consider_v the_o strange_a temper_n of_o that_o people_n who_o when_o god_n multiply_v his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v against_o he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v cast_v they_o several_a time_n into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n though_o they_o be_v melt_v for_o the_o present_a yet_o they_o be_v many_o time_n but_o the_o hard_a for_o it_o afterward_o 6._o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o particular_a sin_n which_o have_v bring_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o so_o ezra_n do_v here_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n and_o for_o our_o great_a trespass_n and_o shall_v we_o again_o join_v in_o affinity_n with_o the_o people_n of_o these_o abomination_n second_o here_o be_v a_o sentence_n and_o determination_n in_o the_o case_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o thou_o have_v consume_v we_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v which_o question_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v imply_v a_o strong_a and_o peremptory_a affirmative_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o such_o a_o provocation_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o till_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o from_o whence_o the_o observation_n contain_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o text_n will_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o sad_a presage_n of_o ruin_n to_o a_o people_n after_o great_a judgement_n and_o great_a deliverance_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o hear_v how_o passionate_o ezra_n express_v himself_o in_o this_o case_n verse_n 6._o i_o be_o ashamed_a o_o my_o god_n and_o blush_v to_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o thou_o my_o god_n why_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o great_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n he_o tell_v we_o verse_n 9_o for_o we_o be_v bondman_n yet_o our_o god_n have_v not_o forsake_v we_o in_o our_o bondage_n but_o have_v extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o we_o to_o give_v we_o a_o revive_n to_o set_v up_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o desolation_n thereof_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o wall_n in_o judah_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v to_o restore_v to_o they_o the_o free_a and_o safe_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n here_o be_v great_a mercy_n and_o a_o mighty_a deliverance_n indeed_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o they_o present_o relapse_v into_o a_o very_a great_a sin_n verse_n 10._o and_o now_o o_o our_o god_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v after_o this_o for_o we_o have_v forsake_v thy_o commandment_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o observation_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a heavy_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fatal_a presage_n of_o ruin_n to_o a_o people_n first_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n after_o great_a judgement_n and_o after_o signal_n mercy_n and_o deliverance_n to_o return_v to_o sin_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o here_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v distinct_o speak_v to_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n to_o return_v to_o it_o after_o great_a judgement_n 2._o to_o do_v this_o after_o great_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n 3._o after_o both_o to_o return_v to_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n after_o great_a judgement_n have_v be_v upon_o we_o to_o return_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n because_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a obstinacy_n in_o evil_n the_o long_a pharaoh_n resist_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o more_o be_v his_o wicked_a heart_n harden_v till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v at_o a_o monstrous_a degree_n of_o hardness_n have_v be_v as_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o harden_v under_o ten_o plague_n and_o we_o find_v that_o after_o god_n have_v threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n with_o several_a judgement_n he_o tell_v they_o 26.13_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v by_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o will_v punish_v they_o seven_o time_n more_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o just_a god_n will_v in_o such_o a_o case_n punish_v seven_o time_n more_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o sin_n be_v seven_o time_n great_a what_o sad_a complaint_n do_v the_o prophet_n make_v of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n grow_v worse_o for_o judgement_n 1.4_o ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n child_n that_o have_v be_v corrupter_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n he_o can_v hardly_o find_v word_n enough_o to_o express_v how_o great_a sinner_n they_o be_v and_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v smite_v any_o more_o 5._o they_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o they_o be_v but_o the_o worse_a for_o judgement_n this_o render_v they_o a_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n 9.13_o and_o again_o the_o people_n turn_v not_o to_o he_o that_o smite_v they_o neither_o do_v they_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n therefore_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o and_o the_o same_o prophet_n further_o complain_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v 26.11_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a brand_n set_v upon_o king_n ahaz_n because_o affliction_n make_v he_o worse_o 28.22_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahaz_n that_o be_v that_o grievous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o render_v he_o so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n he_o sin_v yet_o more_o against_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v that_o king_n ahaz_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v provoke_v the_o lord_n above_o all_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v before_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o sore_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v commit_v after_o great_a mercy_n and_o deliverance_n
place_n to_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o resolution_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o likewise_o a_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n aright_o that_o he_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o duty_n conscience_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o our_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n only_o be_v but_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o director_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o because_o conscience_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a large_a and_o various_a signification_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v very_o brief_o to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o now_o in_o common_a speech_n concern_v conscience_n every_o man_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o court_n and_o tribunal_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n where_o he_o try_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o action_n and_o conscience_n under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o sustain_v all_o part_n in_o this_o trial_n the_o court_n be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o bar_n at_o which_o the_o sinner_n stand_v implead_v be_v call_v the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n also_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o it_o be_v the_o record_n and_o register_n of_o our_o crime_n in_o which_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n for_o or_o against_o we_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o judge_n which_o declare_v the_o law_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n and_o according_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o by_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v we_o thus_o according_a to_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n conscience_n sustain_v all_o imaginable_a part_n in_o this_o spiritual_a court_n it_o be_v the_o court_n and_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o bar_n the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v and_o register_n and_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a consider_v conscience_n in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o famous_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v according_o direct_a and_o govern_v our_o action_n so_o that_o in_o short_a conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n that_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferency_n of_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v our_o duty_n what_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v sinful_a what_o thing_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o be_v indifferent_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o five_o the_o place_n to_o give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o never_o in_o any_o case_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o that_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o proper_o offend_v the_o conscience_n and_o render_v we_o guilty_a guilt_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o trouble_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o though_o perhaps_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o always_o well_o ground_v yet_o the_o guilt_n be_v the_o same_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v because_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o accuse_v or_o absolve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n second_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v concern_v our_o duty_n or_o if_o we_o do_v that_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v not_o be_v gross_o wilful_a and_o faulty_a and_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o because_o general_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v it_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n 2_o lie_v and_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n man_n may_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o do_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v well_o 16.2_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v they_o to_o death_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n nay_o the_o jew_n murder_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o through_o ignorance_n and_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n father_n forgive_v they_o 23.34_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o jew_n with_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n 3.17_o he_o present_o add_v i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o mitigation_n of_o that_o great_a crime_n say_v have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o concern_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o 26.9_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o act_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o a_o murderer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a of_o sinner_n so_o that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o 2_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o where_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v not_o gross_o wilful_a there_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o a_o general_a repentance_n but_o where_o it_o be_v gross_o wilful_a great_a sin_n commit_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o and_o a_o error_n which_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o ordinary_a human_a care_n and_o due_a government_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n wilful_a as_o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a prejudice_n from_o great_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o contempt_n of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n or_o from_o a_o visible_a bias_n of_o self-interest_n or_o when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o furious_a passion_n and_o zeal_n prompt_v man_n to_o cruel_a and_o horrible_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o humanity_n a_o error_n proceed_v from_o such_o cause_n and_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v wilful_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o whatever_o evil_n be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o equal_o faulty_a with_o a_o direct_a and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n do_v indeed_o make_v the_o person_n so_o mistake_v more_o capable_a of_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o murderer_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n paul_n likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o this_o account_n 1.13_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o
unbelief_n that_o be_v through_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o obtain_v this_o mercy_n without_o a_o particular_a conviction_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a christ_n though_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o yet_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o deep_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o after_o he_o have_v say_v 3.19_o i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n he_o immediate_o add_v repent_v you_o therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o so_o that_o it_o high_o concern_v man_n to_o consider_v what_o opinion_n they_o embrace_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o a_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n and_o a_o heady_a passion_n without_o a_o due_a and_o calm_a examination_n of_o thing_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o pride_n or_o humour_n or_o partiality_n or_o interest_n or_o by_o a_o furious_a and_o extravagant_a zeal_n because_o proportionable_o to_o the_o voluntariness_n of_o our_o error_n will_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o that_o error_n indeed_o where_o our_o error_n be_v involuntary_a and_o moral_o invincible_a god_n will_v consider_v it_o and_o make_v allowance_n for_o it_o but_o where_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o occasion_v by_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_n for_o whatever_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o false_a persuasion_n we_o do_v it_o at_o our_o utmost_a peril_n and_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n a_o three_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v equal_a and_o impartial_a and_o do_v not_o lay_v all_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n when_o there_o be_v perhaps_o as_o much_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v as_o tractable_a and_o easy_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n of_o our_o doubt_n in_o one_o kind_n as_o in_o another_o and_o be_v equal_o content_v to_o have_v they_o overrule_v in_o case_n that_o be_v equal_a i_o mean_v where_o our_o passion_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o concern_v as_o well_o as_o where_o they_o be_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v this_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o our_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o aim_v mere_o at_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o have_v some_o other_o interest_n and_o design_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a thing_n when_o man_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n bear_v all_o on_o one_o side_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v on_o that_o side_n which_o be_v against_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a in_o this_o case_n i_o think_v that_o a_o mere_a doubt_n and_o much_o more_o a_o scruple_n may_v nay_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n by_o the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o case_n to_o go_v against_o the_o clear_a persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o when_o there_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o in_o that_o case_n very_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v suffer_v a_o mere_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o any_o of_o those_o weighty_a consideration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o the_o four_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v accompany_v with_o turbulent_a passion_n and_o a_o furious_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o such_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o st._n james_n 1.20_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o fierce_a passion_n of_o man_n be_v no_o proper_a instrument_n to_o promote_v religion_n and_o to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v transport_v with_o a_o wild_a zeal_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o his_o fury_n it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n none_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o judge_v amiss_o as_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n nubila_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la both_o haec_fw-la ubi_fw-la regnant_a and_o if_o man_n will_v careful_o observe_v themselves_o they_o may_v almost_o certain_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o reason_n and_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v easy_a to_o itself_o and_o please_v with_o its_o own_o do_n but_o when_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o discontent_n be_v a_o weight_n upon_o his_o judgement_n and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v down_o his_o conscience_n to_o a_o compliance_n no_o wonder_n if_o this_o put_v a_o man_n mind_n into_o a_o very_a unnatural_a and_o uneasy_a state_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o broad_a sign_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o rage_n and_o be_v confident_a because_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o settle_v upon_o clear_a reason_n but_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v over_o his_o conscience_n to_o his_o interest_n or_o to_o his_o humour_n and_o discontent_n and_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o blind_v by_o his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v right_a yet_o methinks_v he_o shall_v feel_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n by_o his_o be_v so_o very_o hot_a and_o impatient_a be_v thou_o sure_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o right_a thou_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v please_v what_o cause_n then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o be_v angry_a have_v a_o man_n reason_n on_o his_o side_n what_o will_v he_o have_v more_o why_o then_o do_v he_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n which_o as_o it_o give_v no_o strength_n to_o a_o bad_a argument_n so_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o grace_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o good_a one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o perpetual_a mistake_n of_o this_o furious_a kind_n of_o zeal_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o a_o lamentable_a example_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o more_o particular_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n from_o a_o false_a and_o erroneous_a persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n describe_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o do_n whilst_o he_o be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n i_o persecute_v 22.4_o say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o in_o another_o chapter_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n here_o be_v his_o erroneous_a conscience_n let_v we_o next_o see_v what_o be_v the_o unhappy_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 10_o 11_o which_o thing_n say_v he_o i_o also_o do_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n when_o conscience_n transport_v man_n with_o such_o a_o furious_a zeal_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v hardly_o ever_o in_o the_o right_a or_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o transport_v by_o their_o ungracious_a way_n of_o maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o their_o ill_a management_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n have_v find_v out_o a_o cunning_a way_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n five_o all_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o modesty_n and_o humility_n and_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n willing_a to_o learn_v and_o
a_o instant_n and_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o no_o create_a power_n can_v put_v any_o difficulty_n in_o his_o way_n much_o less_o make_v any_o effectual_a resistance_n because_o omnipotency_n can_v check_v and_o countermand_v and_o bear_v down_o before_o it_o all_o other_o power_n so_o that_o if_o god_n be_v on_o our_o side_n who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o we_o may_v safe_o commit_v our_o soul_n into_o his_o hand_n for_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o he_o can_v give_v we_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o evil_a for_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o glorious_a power_n though_o all_o creature_n shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n and_o live_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n for_o our_o supply_n and_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n though_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n though_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n though_o the_o flock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o will_v i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n second_o as_o god_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a good_a so_o he_o be_v perfect_a goodness_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o communicate_v happiness_n to_o we_o and_o to_o employ_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n for_o our_o good_a he_o make_v we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o be_v so_o but_o ourselves_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o by_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n for_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o 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this_o by_o the_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v miserable_o bruise_v and_o maim_v by_o their_o fall_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o happiness_n by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o suffer_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o our_o stead_n and_o thereby_o to_o become_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o have_v likewise_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o as_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o god_n be_v also_o a_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a good_n notwithstanding_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n we_o may_v be_v miserable_a if_o god_n be_v 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can_v make_v we_o happy_a four_o god_n be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o none_o can_v deprive_v we_o of_o and_o take_v away_o from_o we_o if_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o not_o liable_a to_o any_o decay_n yet_o they_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a because_o we_o may_v be_v cheat_v of_o they_o by_o fraud_n or_o rob_v of_o they_o by_o violence_n but_o god_n can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o nothing_o but_o our_o sin_n can_v part_v god_n and_o we_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o 8.35_o say_v the_o apostle_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n we_o may_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o our_o worldly_a comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n by_o the_o violence_n of_o man_n but_o none_o of_o all_o these_o can_v separate_v we_o from_o god_n i_o be_o persuade_v 39_o as_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o with_o great_a triumph_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o 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