of_o christ_n mediation_n god_n will_v have_v to_o depend_v whole_o on_o repentance_n as_o be_v employ_v in_o these_o word_n act_n 5._o 31._o he_o christ_n have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n without_o repentance_n and_o there_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n without_o christ_n so_o be_v there_o no_o save_v christ_n without_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n repentance_n as_o we_o read_v act_v 17._o 20._o the_o time_n of_o former_a ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n to_o repent_v every_o where_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v hear_v what_o success_n st._n peter_n preach_n have_v among_o the_o gentile_n make_v it_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n and_o glorification_n of_o almighty_a god_n as_o it_o be_v write_v act_v 11._o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n 7._o but_o far_o let_v we_o see_v more_o particular_o the_o dignity_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o which_o all_o the_o principal_a attribute_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v engage_v as_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v most_o formidable_a to_o a_o guilty_a and_o conscious_a soul_n his_o justice_n for_o when_o by_o forego_v illumination_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n dwell_v in_o it_o and_o the_o strong_a opposition_n which_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o enmity_n and_o the_o fearful_a reward_n due_a to_o it_o who_o can_v but_o tremble_v to_o find_v himself_o bring_v under_o the_o plague_n due_a to_o it_o but_o withal_o consider_v the_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o almighty_a god_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o sinner_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o that_o he_o will_v infallible_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o promise_n declare_v he_o the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v change_v into_o the_o sweet_a water_n of_o life_n to_o the_o despond_v sinner_n for_o if_o god_n have_v only_o say_v as_o he_o do_v exodus_fw-la 34._o 6_o 7._o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n have_v not_o be_v so_o wonderful_a for_o it_o be_v imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o believer_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o good_a to_o all_o even_o to_o sinner_n that_o repent_v almost_o every_o chapter_n in_o mahomet_n koran_n proclaim_v that_o aloud_o and_o this_o be_v most_o pleasant_a to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o sinner_n deject_v for_o his_o error_n but_o much_o more_o be_v that_o refresh_v the_o languish_a soul_n to_o hear_v that_o justice_n itself_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o a_o sinner_n by_o virtue_n of_o repentance_n as_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o 1_o epist_n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n however_o therefore_o scholastical_a doubt_n and_o disputation_n may_v be_v raise_v about_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n out_o of_o his_o justice_n may_v be_v say_v to_o save_v a_o man_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v after_o such_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n that_o so_o it_o be_v and_o that_o this_o come_v thus_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n have_v so_o great_a regard_n and_o esteem_v for_o his_o own_o gift_n repentance_n that_o where_o ever_o he_o find_v that_o he_o have_v oblige_v his_o honour_n his_o truth_n or_o faithfulness_n to_o his_o word_n and_o justice_n itself_o to_o acquitt_v that_o sinner_n and_o cleanse_v he_o from_o his_o pollution_n not_o unlike_a to_o the_o gift_n of_o some_o great_a prince_n or_o person_n to_o some_o inferior_a one_o who_o in_o token_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o he_o and_o firmness_n in_o all_o great_a calamity_n and_o distress_n endanger_v his_o life_n deliver_v to_o he_o a_o ring_n or_o other_o privy_a token_n well_o know_v to_o he_o advise_v that_o if_o ever_o he_o be_v call_v in_o question_n for_o his_o life_n or_o like_v to_o be_v oppress_v by_o his_o enemy_n he_o will_v send_v he_o that_o or_o show_v it_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o come_v speedy_o to_o his_o deliverance_n and_o safety_n so_o please_v it_o almighty_a god_n to_o grant_v to_o his_o friend_n in_o christ_n this_o excellent_a gift_n of_o repentance_n which_o he_o behold_v be_v so_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o dangerous_a condition_n of_o the_o miserable_a sinner_n that_o in_o honour_n and_o justice_n he_o hold_v himself_o bind_v to_o secure_v he_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o mischief_n which_o his_o enemy_n long_o and_o strain_v hard_a to_o bring_v upon_o he_o 8._o and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n concern_v very_o much_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o as_o there_o be_v guilt_n danger_n and_o damnation_n in_o sin_n so_o be_v there_o likewise_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n and_o face_n at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o foul_a error_n and_o odious_a spot_n as_o accompany_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o same_o pierce_v into_o the_o very_a soul_n by_o its_o stain_n and_o infest_v the_o conscience_n with_o intolerable_a pain_n at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o shameful_a condition_n what_o will_v a_o ingenuous_a penitent_n give_v yea_o rather_o what_o will_v he_o not_o give_v that_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v so_o great_a a_o god_n and_o so_o good_a a_o father_n with_o what_o shame_n the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v do_v he_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v questionable_a in_o some_o true_o repent_v and_o generous_a soul_n whether_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o that_o foul_a state_n it_o find_v itself_o in_o by_o sin_n be_v not_o altogether_o as_o intolerable_a as_o the_o foresee_a punishment_n of_o hell_n itself_o in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o when_o all_o other_o hope_n of_o be_v restore_v to_o its_o pristine_a integrity_n and_o purity_n so_o infinite_o desirable_a to_o a_o true_a convert_n fail_v relief_n and_o remedy_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n which_o and_o none_o but_o which_o can_v cause_v the_o leprous_a and_o filthy_a part_n of_o naaman_n to_o return_v to_o the_o soundness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o a_o infant_n and_o can_v as_o easy_o renew_v the_o deface_v and_o defile_v soul_n so_o that_o when_o one_o day_n it_o shall_v appear_v naked_a at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o sharp-sighted_a angel_n and_o man_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o least_o blot_n or_o blemish_n in_o the_o same_o and_o why_o because_o as_o by_o a_o second_o regeneration_n after_o baptism_n repentance_n renew_v the_o soul_n by_o god_n powerful_a grace_n to_o a_o new_a habit_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o second_o baptism_n 9_o furthermore_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o every_o good_a christian_n practice_n than_o repentance_n which_o god_n honour_v above_o many_o splendid_a grace_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o which_o man_n more_o thorough_o see_v into_o the_o divine_a study_n and_o art_n of_o converse_v with_o god_n judge_v to_o be_v inferior_a to_o none_o in_o dignity_n and_o above_o all_o in_o necessity_n how_o do_v we_o read_v of_o david_n repentance_n and_o peter_n restore_v they_o entire_o to_o god_n favour_n so_o that_o former_a sin_n which_o be_v great_a obstruct_v not_o their_o ascent_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god._n for_o do_v not_o the_o incomparable_a parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n luke_n the_o 15_o of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o lose_a groat_n of_o the_o lose_a son_n prove_v the_o certainty_n to_o we_o all_o which_o declare_v unto_o we_o this_o miserable_a state_n of_o sinner_n flee_v from_o god_n and_o unreduce_v and_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n upon_o their_o return_n by_o repentance_n and_o the_o joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n upon_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o goodness_n as_o upon_o a_o victory_n win_v over_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o soul_n win_v to_o god._n 10._o and_o if_o we_o compare_v repentance_n with_o other_o christian_a virtue_n adorn_v the_o soul_n we_o shall_v
of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o grace_n to_o strive_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o same_o which_o have_v competent_o attain_v unto_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n of_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v we_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v 4._o but_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o preposterous_a faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o fancy_n themselves_o into_o the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v laboursome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v man_n into_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o perhaps_o perdition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v we_o so_o much_o where_o he_o say_v luke_n 17._o 7._o which_o of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n every_o prudent_a and_o pious_a christian_a must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o put_v not_o such_o a_o fallacy_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o infer_v to_o himself_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n upon_o some_o particular_a branch_n thereof_o find_v in_o he_o crowd_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n into_o one_o and_o that_o rather_o a_o preparation_n unto_o true_a religious_a life_n than_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o tend_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n for_o be_v well_o initiate_v in_o those_o necessary_a principle_n and_o help_n of_o devotion_n there_o so_o to_o stop_v or_o in_o they_o to_o improve_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v neglect_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o faith_n itself_o whereof_o no_o small_a part_n be_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o repent_v hearty_o and_o thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
he_o will_v acquitt_v and_o absolve_v we_o but_o god_n undoubted_o do_v remit_v offence_n to_o some_o man_n repentance_n which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v to_o another_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n heinous_o offend_v god_n and_o have_v knowledge_n opportunity_n mean_n and_o special_a motive_n to_o exercise_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o shall_v speak_v light_o of_o that_o way_n and_o with_o presumption_n rather_o than_o faith_n secure_o lay_v all_o the_o duty_n on_o some_o inward_a trouble_n of_o mind_n i_o may_v just_o fear_v such_o a_o man_n repentance_n will_v fail_v he_o and_o frustrate_v his_o expectation_n though_o in_o some_o case_n and_o of_o some_o person_n it_o may_v be_v accept_v no_o great_a evil_n sure_o to_o god_n grace_n and_o man_n wellgrounded_n faith_n be_v there_o than_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o what_o god_n can_v do_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o so_o therein_o to_o rest_n as_o wilful_o to_o forbear_v what_o they_o themselves_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v what_o in_o they_o ordinary_o lie_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o stand_v right_o in_o the_o court_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n neither_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o such_o outward_a work_n wrought_v nor_o too_o confident_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o freeness_n and_o amplitude_n of_o god_n favour_n unqualify_v whole_o for_o the_o same_o 5._o two_o eminent_a example_n ancient_a story_n afford_v we_o for_o the_o better_a regulate_v our_o belief_n and_o action_n in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o be_v of_o father_n paeman_n in_o the_o apothegm_n of_o the_o father_n to_o who_o one_o come_v and_o confess_v a_o great_a sin_n whereinto_o he_o have_v late_o fall_v humble_v himself_o before_o he_o assure_v he_o that_o for_o so_o do_v he_o will_v do_v penance_n for_o three_o year_n no_o say_v the_o old_a father_n it_o be_v too_o much_o a_o year_n then_o say_v the_o other_o it_o be_v too_o much_o say_v he_o forty_o day_n say_v the_o offender_n it_o be_v too_o much_o i_o tell_v you_o say_v paeman_n three_o day_n penance_n not_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n again_o the_o sin_n be_v fornication_n may_v suffice_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o resolution_n be_v sound_a and_o good_a because_o of_o a_o fervent_a and_o strong_a determination_n of_o take_v upon_o himself_o a_o more_o difficult_a task_n and_o heavy_a burden_n through_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o wickedness_n which_o god_n principal_o regard_v but_o shall_v any_o man_n set_v such_o like_a sin_n at_o so_o low_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o contemn_v much_o outward_a trouble_n and_o say_v within_o himself_o that_o true_a repentance_n be_v to_o be_v sorry_a at_o large_a and_o not_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o sin_n again_o i_o doubt_v whether_o such_o selfe-absolution_n upon_o such_o easy_a term_n will_v be_v accept_v by_o god._n for_o those_o who_o probable_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o such_o scandalous_a sin_n but_o devote_a themselves_o more_o entire_o and_o intimate_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n have_v judge_v their_o whole_a life_n not_o too_o much_o to_o win_v god_n favour_n by_o repentance_n and_o that_o of_o the_o severe_a sort_n for_o gregory_n nyssen_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n ephrem_n the_o syrian_a write_v of_o he_o that_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o other_o man_n to_o use_v respiration_n and_o motion_n so_o become_v it_o customary_a to_o he_o to_o weep_v so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o day_n or_o any_o night_n or_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o day_n or_o night_n or_o very_o short_a time_n in_o which_o he_o do_v not_o shed_v tear_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v never_o to_o resolve_v against_o weep_v for_o our_o sin_n or_o have_v confidence_n in_o god_n mercy_n where_o the_o grace_n of_o true_a repentance_n be_v find_v and_o true_a fruit_n though_o not_o so_o high_a and_o heroical_a as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v be_v not_o want_v nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n or_o our_o duty_n than_o limit_v he_o or_o it_o where_o he_o have_v not_o circumscribe_v himself_o to_o say_v within_o a_o man_n self_n god_n will_v not_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o unless_o i_o true_o repent_v be_v the_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o put_v into_o a_o man_n mouth_n and_o must_v be_v hold_v immutable_o and_o inviolable_o because_o he_o have_v so_o often_o say_v it_o and_o have_v limit_v his_o pardon_n to_o that_o condition_n but_o to_o say_v to_o do_v thus_o much_o in_o repentance_n or_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o only_a be_v sufficient_a without_o far_a trouble_v flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o say_v positive_o god_n will_v not_o pardon_v my_o offence_n unless_o my_o true_a repentance_n be_v attend_v with_o and_o demonstrate_v by_o such_o or_o such_o outward_a exercise_n be_v to_o determine_v what_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v and_o to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o obtain_v mercy_n upon_o uncommanded_a service_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o some_o of_o late_a day_n to_o speak_v it_o be_v leave_v therefore_o by_o god_n obscure_a as_o to_o the_o visible_a part_n of_o repentance_n what_o god_n will_v accept_v and_o what_o he_o will_v not_o for_o reconciliation_n but_o to_o condemn_v outward_a severity_n as_o too_o many_o do_v upon_o a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v save_v we_o without_o they_o may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v turn_v god_n face_n from_o approve_v our_o presumed-on_a repentance_n inward_a for_o there_o be_v so_o many_o instance_n of_o great_a sinner_n great_o humble_v outward_o as_o well_o as_o inward_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o observe_v the_o confidence_n the_o modern_a divinity_n of_o some_o have_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o a_o prodigal_a faith_n to_o make_v up_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a reckon_n between_o god_n and_o they_o add_v taunt_n and_o reproach_n to_o they_o who_o surpass_v they_o in_o sensible_a exercise_n and_o concomitant_n of_o inward_a sorrow_n he_o therefore_o be_v in_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o have_v his_o soul_n cleanse_v from_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o score_n wipe_v out_o between_o god_n and_o himself_o who_o shall_v bear_v such_o a_o venerable_a opinion_n towards_o repentance_n such_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n such_o a_o equal_a opinion_n between_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o that_o by_o abundance_n of_o penance_n impose_v on_o himself_o or_o by_o other_o who_o judgement_n he_o may_v follow_v better_o than_o his_o own_o in_o such_o case_n he_o can_v merit_v proper_o god_n favour_n nor_o keep_v up_o a_o faithful_a and_o humble_a spirit_n towards_o god_n in_o sincere_a repentance_n not_o so_o fair_o qualify_v must_v despair_v of_o remission_n for_o undoubted_o the_o contrition_n of_o the_o heart_n shall_v much_o preponderate_v the_o bodily_a exercise_n weigh_v together_o in_o god_n balance_n but_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o because_o that_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v do_v that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o latter_a undo_v and_o that_o upon_o several_a account_n not_o so_o well_o consist_v with_o our_o present_a design_n 6._o but_o yet_o in_o general_a to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o complexe_n duty_n of_o repentance_n thus_o assert_v i_o shall_v offer_v to_o the_o devout_a mind_n these_o few_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o repentance_n as_o first_o that_o repentance_n be_v the_o great_a good_a god_n can_v bestow_v upon_o the_o lapse_v sinner_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o his_o singular_a love_n to_o mankind_n have_v appear_v more_o conspicuous_o in_o prevent_v his_o fall_n by_o a_o powerful_a hand_n than_o by_o give_v he_o repentance_n to_o lift_v he_o up_o again_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o have_v persevere_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n at_o first_o receive_v of_o god_n and_o seem_v more_o easy_a to_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v difficult_a to_o he_o to_o have_v preserve_v man_n so_o than_o to_o have_v restore_v he_o so_o that_o of_o that_o great_a evil_n of_o man_n apostasy_n from_o god_n this_o great_a good_a ensue_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o mercy_n in_o give_v repentance_n unto_o man_n and_o by_o such_o a_o abject_a thing_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v so_o glorious_a effect_n as_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n the_o very_a joy_n and_o applause_n of_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n in_o heaven_n nay_o though_o christ_n as_o a_o mediator_n and_o redeemer_n be_v the_o pure_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o man_n yet_o the_o influence_n and_o effect_n
our_o former_a sin_n be_v to_o act_v contrary_a unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v in_o youth_n ill_o squander_v the_o temporary_a good_n god_n have_v lend_v to_o we_o for_o a_o season_n not_o to_o be_v tenacious_a of_o they_o in_o age_n but_o to_o employ_v they_o as_o free_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o promote_a piety_n exile_v by_o costly_a lust_n and_o not_o be_v like_o that_o unjust_a old_a usurer_n and_o oppressor_n of_o who_o henry_n of_o huntingdon_n speak_v who_o be_v exhort_v towards_o his_o death_n to_o give_v alm_n plentiful_o towards_o the_o expiation_n of_o his_o wicked_a covetousness_n refuse_v say_v no_o i_o will_v leave_v my_o son_n all_o i_o have_v get_v and_o let_v he_o if_o he_o please_v give_v alm_n out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o my_o soul_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n luke_n 12._o for_o 15._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v as_o if_o one_o word_n suffice_v not_o to_o obviate_v such_o a_o pestilent_a disease_n of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v take_v we_o heed_n of_o it_o for_o the_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o itself_o and_o beware_v of_o it_o for_o the_o viperous_a brood_n of_o sin_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o and_o nourish_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o obduration_n of_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o man_n be_v unsensible_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o worship_n thankfulness_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o all_o good_a work_n the_o end_n of_o his_o bounty_n to_o man_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o a_o hard_a heart_n and_o barren_a womb_n towards_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o brother_n crave_v some_o little_a of_o his_o abundance_n yea_o cruel_a be_v the_o covetous_a to_o his_o own_o flesh_n deny_v what_o may_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o same_o and_o no_o better_a to_o his_o mind_n torment_v it_o with_o restless_a and_o endless_a care_n to_o add_v to_o the_o unprofitable_a heap_n and_o bring_v about_o that_o design_n which_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o he_o tell_v other_o first_o he_o desire_v but_o a_o honest_a livelihood_n but_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o he_o proceed_v and_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v willing_o leave_v a_o competent_a subsistence_n to_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o have_v gain_v that_o point_n also_o than_o he_o be_v no_o less_o solicitous_a about_o that_o competency_n never_o know_v when_o he_o have_v it_o though_o he_o have_v it_o but_o will_v make_v his_o posterity_n rich_a too_o and_o gentleman_n and_o esquire_n and_o knight_n and_o noble_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o not_o then_o shall_v he_o sleep_v sweet_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o for_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o solicitude_n but_o if_o do_v no_o good_a or_o do_v no_o evil_a but_o to_o himself_o be_v the_o evil_a in_o which_o the_o covetous_a man_n be_v only_o guilty_a it_o be_v a_o laudable_a sin_n if_o any_o may_v be_v say_v so_o to_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o wicked_a prank_n it_o play_v upon_o other_o what_o choler_n and_o wrath_n rage_v not_o at_o a_o trivial_a loss_n which_o a_o liberal_a soul_n will_v not_o be_v move_v at_o or_o stir_v break_v but_o a_o earthen_a vessel_n of_o two_o penny_n you_o almost_o break_v his_o heart_n and_o if_o he_o break_v your_o head_n it_o be_v less_o than_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o violence_n fraud_n cheat_n treachery_n to_o god_n and_o his_o country_n for_o lucre_n pervert_v justice_n by_o bribery_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o confound_a religion_n by_o simony_n and_o sacrilege_n which_o he_o laugh_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o he_o can_v stand_v the_o trial_n of_o such_o iniquity_n or_o bold_o ask_v what_o be_v sacrilege_n what_o be_v simony_n baffle_v all_o receive_v knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n thereof_o by_o his_o acute_a and_o singular_a scepticism_n trample_v on_o reason_n and_o justice_n and_o religion_n all_o at_o once_o add_v hereunto_o lie_v perjury_n stealing_n rapine_n and_o a_o benefit_n raise_v to_o himself_o by_o depopulation_n of_o parish_n reduce_v the_o well-inhabited_n place_v to_o one_o or_o two_o great_a farm_n take_v up_o a_o strange_a paradox_n for_o his_o defence_n that_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o never_o the_o few_o people_n because_o nature_n will_v work_v in_o a_o unknown_a manner_n and_o land._n how_o manifest_o have_v experience_n teach_v we_o what_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n denounce_v against_o such_o engrosser_n chap._n 2._o 9_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o covet_v a_o evil_a covetousness_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v set_v his_o nest_n on_o high_a etc._n etc._n for_o in_o truth_n i_o have_v by_o i_o many_o instance_n of_o curse_n upon_o person_n and_o family_n who_o by_o such_o ill_a way_n of_o advance_v themselves_o have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v utter_o ruin_v but_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v this_o discourse_n with_o they_o so_o as_o that_o be_v happen_v to_o they_o which_o the_o psalmist_n have_v psalm_n 75._o 5._o according_a to_o the_o auncient_a translation_n the_o proud_a be_v rob_v they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o all_o the_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v mighty_a have_v find_v nothing_o great_a matter_n they_o grasp_v at_o in_o their_o projecting_n but_o in_o the_o conclusion_n they_o be_v force_v to_o let_v go_v what_o before_o they_o hold_v and_o nothing_o remain_v but_o above_o all_o this_o man_n shall_v serious_o consider_v there_o be_v more_o guilt_n in_o this_o sin_n than_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n especial_o have_v in_o it_o the_o pearl_n of_o covetousness_n and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o if_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v believe_v than_o idolatry_n coloss_n 3._o 5._o mammon_n be_v erect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o prefer_v before_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n which_o be_v the_o character_n of_o antichrist_n 6._o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o evil_n may_v more_o than_o sufficient_o dissuade_v the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o earthly_a riches_n which_o make_v we_o poor_a towards_o god_n but_o do_v not_o christ_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o as_o we_o have_v it_o act_n 20._o it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v not_o obscure_a because_o it_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n liberal_o yea_o psal_n 145._o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n and_o believe_v we_o solomon_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n rather_o than_o rely_v on_o our_o own_o wit_n natural_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a not_o unlike_a to_o those_o breast_n which_o abound_v by_o be_v draw_v but_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o empty_a by_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v to_o afford_v to_o other_o by_o god_n and_o nature_n appointment_n 7._o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o or_o two_o main_a objection_n which_o the_o covetous_a be_v wont_a to_o allege_v for_o his_o tenaciousnesse_n and_o against_o bounty_n and_o charity_n especial_o towards_o public_a good._n charity_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v much_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o evil_a end_n which_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v plain_o know_v be_v not_o the_o real_a reason_n of_o such_o person_n illiberality_n but_o the_o love_n of_o money_n but_o be_v it_o so_o charitable_a deed_n be_v pervert_v to_o ill_a use_n such_o benefaction_n make_v with_o pious_a intention_n shall_v never_o be_v wrest_v by_o any_o abuse_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o his_o reward_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o a_o hundred_o fold_n beside_o to_o who_o can_v the_o subtle_a worldling_n give_v or_o leave_v his_o estate_n so_o secure_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v abuse_v he_o himself_o abuse_v it_o and_o himself_o many_o time_n in_o get_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o which_o as_o dung_n aught_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o make_v the_o soil_n fruitful_a and_o do_v not_o riches_n leave_v to_o the_o dear_a heir_n of_o our_o body_n suffer_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o they_o than_o good_a do_v they_o not_o abuse_v they_o in_o riot_v luxury_n and_o whoredom_n and_o drunkenness_n who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o the_o covetous_a person_n shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o so_o much_o mercy_n as_o to_o bring_v the_o abuse_n and_o mischief_n of_o wealth_n home_o to_o his_o own_o family_n rather_o than_o the_o church_n or_o state_n shall_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o his_o freeness_n but_o so_o experience_n often_o teach_v we_o to_o fall_v out_o whereas_o by_o spare_v somewhat_o out_o of_o that_o we_o enjoy_v to_o god_n service_n the_o remainder_n be_v sanctify_v and_o by_o god_n blessing_n become_v