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saviour_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o speak_v very_o much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o suitable_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a passion_n and_o the_o usual_a occasion_n of_o move_v they_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v exceed_o affect_v with_o the_o obtain_n of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o hope_v for_o and_o much_o more_o with_o the_o regain_n of_o what_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o lose_v and_o desperate_a whatever_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_o move_v at_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o good_a which_o we_o have_v long_o possess_v as_o at_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o after_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o go_v from_o we_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o judicious_a value_n and_o esteem_v of_o a_o settle_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n be_v one_o thing_n
unpardonable_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o can_v he_o have_v express_v the_o matter_n in_o high_a full_a word_n dr._n hammond_n mollify_v the_o word_n another_o way_n that_o this_o sin_n shall_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o it_o without_o which_o it_o will_v never_o be_v pardon_v but_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n because_o he_o plain_o intend_v to_o difference_n this_o from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n our_o saviour_n must_v mean_v that_o all_o other_o sin_n will_v be_v forgive_v upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n which_o be_v not_o true_a for_o there_o be_v many_o other_o sin_n beside_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n there_o be_v wilful_a and_o heinous_a sin_n such_o as_o wilful_a murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o blasphemy_n that_o only_o except_v which_o be_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o like_a gross_a sin_n which_o all_o divine_n hold_v shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v but_o upon_o a_o particular_a repentance_n so_o that_o this_o interpretation_n do_v not_o sufficient_o difference_n this_o sin_n from_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o do_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o these_o word_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v understand_v absolute_o that_o the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n shall_v never_o have_v it_o forgive_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v this_o will_v not_o seem_v so_o harsh_a when_o we_o have_v consider_v in_o the_o iu_o four_o place_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o sin_n be_v above_o all_o other_o incapable_a of_o pardon_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o by_o this_o sin_n man_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n what_o can_v god_n be_v imagine_v to_o do_v more_o to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n or_o message_n that_o come_v from_o he_o than_o to_o work_v miracle_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v man_n have_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o if_o man_n will_v resist_v such_o evidence_n what_o can_v god_n do_v more_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n if_o when_o man_n see_v plain_a miracle_n wrought_v they_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o do_v they_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o when_o man_n see_v the_o devil_n cast_v out_o they_o will_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n conspire_v against_o himself_o this_o be_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o convince_v such_o perverse_a person_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o such_o person_n must_v continue_v in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n shut_v out_o and_o prevent_v all_o remedy_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o perverse_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v the_o truth_n must_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n unavoidable_o continue_v in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v do_v for_o his_o conviction_n more_o than_o be_v already_o do_v if_o god_n shall_v send_v a_o person_n immediate_o from_o heaven_n to_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n he_o can_v give_v he_o no_o great_a testimony_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o miracle_n and_o if_o when_o god_n enable_v that_o person_n to_o work_v these_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o man_n will_v obstinate_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o defeat_v all_o the_o imaginable_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o conviction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o that_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a which_o resist_v the_o last_o and_o utmost_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v fit_a to_o use_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o the_o way_n to_o pardon_v and_o salvation_n to_o such_o a_o one_o he_o do_v by_o this_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n render_v himself_o incapable_a of_o be_v satisfy_v and_o convince_v concern_v any_o divine_a revelation_n second_o because_o this_o sin_n be_v of_o that_o high_a nature_n that_o god_n be_v therefore_o just_o provoke_v to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a resolve_v so_o to_o do_v without_o which_o grace_n they_o will_v continue_v impenitent_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o will_v can_v work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n as_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v and_o repent_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n here_o say_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o mean_v that_o when_o person_n be_v come_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n god_n will_v as_o just_o he_o may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o his_o spirit_n will_v not_o strive_v with_o they_o to_o overcome_v their_o obstinacy_n but_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o own_o perverse_a and_o malicious_a mind_n which_o will_v still_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o further_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o final_o sink_v they_o in_o perdition_n so_o that_o be_v desert_v by_o god_n and_o for_o want_v of_o the_o necessary_a help_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n just_o withdraw_v from_o they_o continue_v final_o impenitent_a they_o become_v incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o unreasonable_a in_o this_o to_o those_o who_o grant_v as_o i_o think_v all_o man_n do_v that_o god_n may_v be_v so_o provoke_v by_o man_n as_o just_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o in_o this_o life_n that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n and_o sure_o if_o any_o provocation_n be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o great_a obstinate_o and_o malicious_o to_o oppose_v the_o utmost_a evidence_n that_o god_n ever_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v here_o charge_v with_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v notorious_o guilty_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o inquire_v into_o from_o these_o word_n namely_o the_o difference_n between_o speak_v against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n or_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o what_o sense_n this_o sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v so_o namely_o because_o man_n by_o this_o sin_n resist_v their_o last_o remedy_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a and_o utmost_a mean_n of_o their_o conviction_n and_o because_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o upon_o a_o provocation_n of_o this_o high_a nature_n god_n may_v and_o be_v resolve_v to_o withdraw_v that_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o repentance_n without_o which_o their_o sin_n remain_v for_o ever_o unpardonable_a all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v this_o discourse_n some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o it_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v to_o these_o two_o purpose_n first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o sin_n second_o to_o caution_n other_o against_o the_o approach_n to_o it_o 1._o first_o to_o comfort_v some_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o despair_v upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o mercy_n and_o
counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o god_n word_n nor_o his_o mild_a and_o gentle_a deal_n with_o we_o can_v usual_o attain_v thus_o we_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n luk._n 15._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n make_v use_v of_o hunger_n and_o extreme_a necessity_n to_o bring_v home_o the_o prodigal_n and_o by_o he_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o temper_n of_o most_o sinner_n for_o till_o we_o have_v spend_v that_o stock_n of_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o till_o we_o come_v to_o be_v pinch_v with_o want_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o entertain_v thought_n of_o return_v to_o our_o father_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o sinner_n which_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o so_o headstrong_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v by_o mild_a and_o soft_a mean_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a many_o senseless_a and_o outrageous_a sinner_n who_o be_v mad_o and_o furious_o bend_v upon_o their_o own_o ruin_n now_o to_o treat_v these_o fair_o with_o the_o allurement_n of_o kindness_n and_o the_o gentle_a art_n of_o persuasion_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n the_o only_a way_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v rigour_n and_o severity_n when_o sinner_n be_v thus_o beside_o themselves_o some_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o cruelty_n be_v perhaps_o the_o great_a mercy_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o they_o nothing_o so_o proper_a for_o such_o person_n as_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o a_o spare_a diet_n and_o severe_a usage_n a_o rod_n for_o the_o back_n of_o fool_n as_o the_o wiseman_n speak_v thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o merciful_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v judgement_n upon_o a_o people_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o ruin_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o god_n judgement_n viz._n because_o the_o people_n be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o they_o 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 because_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 and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o when_o incorrigibleness_n under_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v a_o provocation_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n a_o sign_n of_o a_o most_o deprave_a and_o incorrigible_a temper_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a obstinacy_n in_o evil_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n brand_v ahaz_n as_o a_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a sort_n of_o sinner_n 2_o chron._n 28.22_o because_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 the_o long_a pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n resist_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o more_o still_o they_o be_v harden_v and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v plague_v levit._fw-la 26.23_o after_o god_n have_v there_o threaten_v his_o people_n with_o several_a sore_a judgement_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o tell_v they_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 and_o after_o that_o seven_o time_n more_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o just_a god_n will_v punish_v seven_o time_n more_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o sin_n after_o judgement_n be_v seven_o time_n great_a so_o likewise_o deut._n 28_o after_o a_o long_a and_o dreadful_a catalogue_n of_o curse_n there_o denounce_v against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o case_n of_o their_o disobedience_n god_n at_o last_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o foreign_a enemy_n that_o shall_v distress_v they_o in_o their_o gate_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o all_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n for_o they_o in_o store_n v_o 58_o and_o 59_o if_o thou_o will_v not_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v fear_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n than_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v thy_o plague_n wonderful_a if_o we_o be_v of_o so_o strange_a and_o monstrous_a a_o disposition_n as_o to_o grow_v worse_o under_o judgement_n god_n will_v deal_v with_o we_o after_o a_o unusual_a and_o prodigious_a manner_n he_o will_v make_v our_o plague_n wonderful_a this_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a every_o where_o make_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o israel_n isa_n 1.4_o 5_o ah_o sinful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquity_n and_o after_o a_o great_a many_o other_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o what_o heinous_a sinner_n they_o be_v he_o sum_v up_o all_o in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reform_v by_o the_o several_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o correction_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v strike_v any_o more_o they_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o so_o likewise_o hos_fw-la 7.9_o 10_o ephraim_n though_o bring_v very_o low_a be_v represent_v as_o of_o the_o same_o refractory_a temper_n stranger_n have_v devour_v his_o strength_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o do_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o seek_v he_o for_o all_o this_o i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o methinks_v it_o bear_v but_o too_o near_o a_o resemblance_n with_o our_o own_o condition_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o we_o and_o our_o carriage_n under_o they_o amos_n 4._o where_o god_n upbraid_v his_o people_n several_a time_n with_o this_o as_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o all_o those_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o they_o i_o have_v send_v among_o you_o say_v he_o famine_n and_o then_o pestilence_n and_o then_o the_o sword_n and_o last_o of_o all_o a_o terrible_a fire_n which_o have_v almost_o utter_o consume_v they_o vers_n 11._o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o i_o overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o you_o be_v as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o and_o because_o all_o these_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v effectual_a to_o reclaim_v they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o punish_v and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v they_o to_o expect_v it_o and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o vers_n 12._o therefore_o thus_o will_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o israel_n and_o because_o i_o will_v do_v this_o unto_o thou_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n when_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o punish_v a_o people_n and_o they_o be_v not_o amend_v by_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o proceed_v and_o not_o to_o give_v over_o by_o every_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v we_o offend_v god_n but_o if_o he_o smite_v we_o and_o we_o stand_v out_o against_o he_o then_o do_v we_o contend_v with_o he_o and_o strive_v for_o mastery_n and_o when_o the_o sinner_n be_v upon_o these_o stubborn_a and_o insolent_a term_n then_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n a_o bitter_a sarcasme_n as_o if_o man_n can_v be_v a_o match_n for_o god_n and_o a_o poor_a weak_a creature_n in_o any_o wise_a able_a to_o encounter_v he_o to_o who_o power_n belong_v there_o be_v a_o severe_a expression_n concern_v god_n deal_v with_o such_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n psal_n 18.26_o with_o the_o froward_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o froward_a or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v more_o proper_o and_o convenient_o be_v render_v with_o the_o froward_a thou_o will_v wrestle_v god_n will_v not_o be_v outbrave_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o continue_v impeninent_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v go_v on_o to_o punish_v but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v our_o own_o case_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n so_o very_o bad_a that_o we_o may_v almost_o be_v afraid_a to_o consider_v it_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n like_o a_o prudent_a and_o indulgent_a father_n have_v use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o this_o nation_n to_o reclaim_v we_o he_o have_v invite_v we_o to_o he_o by_o many_o blessing_n but_o we_o will_v not_o come_v sanderson_n so_o that_o to_o borrow_v a_o apt_a illustration_n from_o a_o great_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v force_v he_o
be_v tender_v to_o such_o person_n serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v their_o scorn_n or_o their_o passion_n and_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a case_n that_o be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o his_o amendment_n into_o the_o occasion_n of_o new_a and_o great_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o render_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n much_o more_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a be_v that_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o for_o every_o degree_n of_o sin_n cause_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o assistance_n to_o retire_v far_o from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o devil_n that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o work_v effectual_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n do_v according_a as_o man_n improve_v in_o wickedness_n get_v a_o great_a and_o a_o more_o establish_a dominion_n over_o they_o for_o as_o they_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o evil_a course_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v rescue_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v turn_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o far_a man_n advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o the_o far_o they_o depart_v from_o god_n from_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o care_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o providence_n and_o they_o give_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o neglect_v his_o advantage_n upon_o they_o great_a opportunity_n every_o day_n to_o gain_v the_o firm_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o pass_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o the_o sinner_n become_v harden_v in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v insensible_o slide_v into_o that_o state_n in_o which_o without_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v like_a for_o ever_o to_o continue_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n after_o it_o 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by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n man_n may_v in_o a_o sort_n predestine_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o choose_v wickedness_n so_o long_o till_o it_o almost_o become_v necessary_a and_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o under_o all_o imaginable_a disadvantage_n of_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o their_o own_o recovery_n be_v bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o hold_v in_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n nay_o like_a samson_n not_o only_o bind_v by_o those_o lust_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v but_o likewise_o rob_v of_o all_o their_o strength_n whereby_o they_o shall_v break_v loose_a from_o those_o bond_n god_n grant_v that_o none_o of_o we_o may_v ever_o have_v the_o woeful_a experience_n of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o horrible_o afraid_a it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o a_o sinner_n may_v arrive_v to_o that_o confirm_a state_n of_o impiety_n as_o almost_o total_o to_o lose_v his_o liberty_n to_o do_v better_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n in_o vice_n as_o to_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o bad_a man_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o the_o historian_n extravagant_o say_v cato_n be_v virtuous_a patere_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n it_o be_v the_o scripture_n comparison_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o goodness_n that_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a he_o that_o be_v thus_o deep_o engage_v and_o entangle_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n will_v scarce_o ever_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o resolution_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v force_v violent_o out_o of_o it_o by_o some_o severe_a affliction_n by_o a_o sharp_a sickness_n or_o by_o a_o terrible_a calamity_n or_o by_o the_o present_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n nor_o will_v these_o be_v effectual_a neither_o to_o change_v such_o a_o person_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o provocation_n he_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v or_o hope_v god_n shall_v ever_o bestow_v upon_o he_o wretched_a man_n that_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o this_o miserable_a state_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v but_o just_a a_o possibility_n leave_v of_o thy_o be_v rescue_v that_o have_v neglect_v thy_o disease_n so_o long_o till_o it_o be_v almost_o too_o late_o to_o apply_v remedy_n that_o have_v provoke_v god_n so_o far_o and_o sin_v to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n that_o thou_o have_v reason_n almost_o to_o despair_n both_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o thy_o repentance_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n for_o thy_o pardon_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o discourage_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n from_o 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through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v lest_o you_o be_v harden_v by_o degree_n and_o be_v final_o ruin_v and_o sure_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o rescue_v his_o brother_n from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n it_o be_v every_o one_o place_n and_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v those_o who_o he_o see_v ready_a to_o perish_v much_o more_o do_v it_o concern_v those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o work_n i_o mean_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n who_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v and_o warn_v every_o man_n day_n and_o night_n who_o be_v set_v as_o watchman_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o blood_n in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o miscarry_v through_o our_o neglect_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o we_o declare_v to_o other_o if_o we_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dreadful_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o safety_n if_o we_o have_v any_o pity_n for_o perish_a soul_n we_o can_v but_o be_v very_o importunate_a with_o sinner_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o to_o consider_v their_o danger_n and_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o serious_o of_o the_o miserable_a event_n and_o issue_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n we_o can_v but_o be_v earnest_n with_o they_o to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o repentance_n before_o darkness_n come_v and_o their_o foot_n stumble_v upon_o the_o dark_a mountain_n when_o we_o be_v convince_v more_o full_o than_o we_o can_v desire_v that_o misery_n and_o destruction_n be_v in_o their_o way_n when_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o evil_a day_n haste_v towards_o they_o apace_o and_o destruction_n
determine_v for_o though_o a_o man_n endeavour_v never_o so_o much_o to_o settle_v himself_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n and_o to_o persuade_v his_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v in_o another_o life_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o a_o steady_a and_o unshaken_a persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o however_o he_o may_v please_v himself_o with_o witty_a reason_n against_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o smart_a repartee_n to_o their_o argument_n and_o bold_a and_o pleasant_a raillery_n about_o these_o matter_n yet_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o man_n ever_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o for_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o reason_n himself_o out_o of_o religion_n his_o conscience_n ever_o and_o anon_o recoil_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o natural_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n rise_v up_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n be_v confute_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o strong_a suspicion_n which_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n get_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a because_o all_o this_o be_v a_o endeavour_n against_o nature_n and_o those_o vigorous_a instinct_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o whenever_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a and_o not_o violent_o hurry_v away_o by_o passion_n nor_o blind_v by_o prejudice_n they_o do_v of_o themselves_o return_v to_o their_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o when_o the_o atheist_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n and_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n and_o despair_n of_o enjoy_v any_o long_o those_o pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o have_v all_o this_o while_n rebel_v against_o religion_n his_o courage_n present_o sink_v and_o all_o his_o argument_n fail_v he_o and_o his_o case_n be_v now_o too_o serious_a to_o admit_v of_o jest_v and_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o doubt_v of_o all_o that_o which_o he_o assert_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o set_v so_o good_a a_o face_n upon_o before_o and_o can_v find_v no_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n but_o in_o retreat_v from_o his_o former_a principle_n nor_o no_o hope_n of_o consolation_n for_o himself_o but_o in_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v deny_v and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n who_o he_o have_v affront_v this_o be_v always_o the_o case_n of_o these_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o extremity_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o infinite_a check_n and_o rebuke_n which_o their_o own_o mind_n give_v they_o upon_o other_o occasion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o these_o man_n have_v any_o tolerable_a enjoyment_n of_o themselves_o but_o be_v force_v to_o run_v away_o from_o themselves_o into_o company_n and_o to_o stupify_v themselves_o by_o intemperance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o fearful_a twitch_n and_o gripe_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n whereas_o he_o who_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o therein_o follow_v his_o own_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o the_o general_a voice_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o know_o and_o wilful_o live_v contrary_a to_o these_o principle_n have_v no_o anxiety_n in_o his_o mind_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o persuade_v they_o be_v true_a and_o that_o he_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o think_v so_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v otherwise_o which_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o suspect_v yet_o he_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v take_v the_o wise_a course_n and_o have_v consult_v his_o own_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a security_n infinite_o better_o than_o the_o atheist_n have_v do_v in_o case_n he_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v a_o fatal_a mistake_n to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n if_o there_o be_v one_o but_o a_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v no_o future_a bad_a consequence_n depend_v upon_o it_o nor_o indeed_o any_o great_a present_a inconvenience_n religion_n only_o restrain_v a_o man_n from_o do_v some_o thing_n from_o most_o of_o which_o it_o be_v good_a he_o shall_v be_v restrain_v however_o so_o that_o at_o the_o worst_a the_o religious_a man_n be_v only_o mistake_v but_o the_o atheist_n be_v miserable_a if_o he_o be_v mistake_v miserable_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n and_o past_o all_o remedy_n 2._o another_o and_o indeed_o a_o principal_a cause_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v gild_n now_o gild_n be_v a_o consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o the_o very_a thought_n that_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v apt_a to_o lie_v very_o cross_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o cause_v great_a anguish_n and_o confusion_n beside_o that_o gild_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o fear_n which_o natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o a_o secret_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o his_o sin_n will_v bring_v upon_o he_o and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n that_o hang_v over_o he_o from_o god_n and_o will_v overtake_v he_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o and_o though_o the_o sinner_n while_o he_o be_v in_o full_a health_n and_o prosperity_n may_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o divert_v and_o shake_v off_o these_o fear_n yet_o they_o frequent_o return_v upon_o he_o and_o upon_o every_o little_a noise_n of_o danger_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o calamity_n that_o come_v near_o he_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v present_o jealous_a that_o it_o be_v make_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v particular_o level_v against_o he_o for_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a power_n above_o he_o to_o who_o indignation_n he_o be_v continual_o liable_a and_o therefore_o he_o be_v always_o in_o fear_n of_o he_o and_o how_o long_o soever_o he_o may_v have_v escape_v punishment_n in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v but_o dread_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o other_o and_o these_o thought_n be_v a_o continual_a disturbance_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o laughter_n make_v his_o heart_n heavy_a and_o the_o long_o he_o continue_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n the_o more_o he_o multiply_v the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o his_o fear_n but_o now_o religion_n free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o this_o torment_n either_o by_o prevent_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o direct_v to_o the_o cure_n either_o by_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n or_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o in_o case_n we_o have_v contract_v it_o it_o preserve_v we_o from_o guilt_n by_o keep_v we_o innocent_a and_o in_o case_n we_o have_v offend_v it_o clear_v we_o of_o it_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o recover_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o secure_v we_o against_o all_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n from_o the_o divine_a justice_n though_o not_o absolute_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o all_o the_o condemnation_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n mind_n be_v settle_v in_o perfect_a peace_n religion_n free_v he_o from_o those_o torment_a fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o he_o can_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n rid_v himself_o of_o whereas_o the_o sinner_n be_v always_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o trouble_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o continual_a discontent_n to_o himself_o second_o as_o religion_n remove_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v so_o it_o minister_n to_o we_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n whoever_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n lay_v these_o three_o great_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o himself_o 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o in_o be_v religious_a he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a 2._o that_o he_o secure_v himself_o against_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o danger_n by_o make_v god_n his_o friend_n 3._o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o do_v in_o all_o respect_v most_o effectual_o consult_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n 1._o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a pleasure_n to_o be_v justify_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v satisfy_v
to_o it_o but_o they_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o be_v in_o a_o better_a temper_n and_o disposition_n and_o then_o they_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o call_v this_o a_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o great_a cheat_n and_o delusion_n that_o any_o man_n can_v put_v upon_o himself_o for_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v this_o which_o thou_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a but_o to_o put_v it_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o real_o intend_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n than_o when_o notwithstanding_o he_o ought_v upon_o all_o account_n and_o may_v in_o all_o respect_v better_a do_v it_o at_o present_a than_o hereafter_o yet_o he_o still_o put_v it_o off_o whatever_o thou_o pretend_v this_o be_v a_o mere_a shift_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o a_o present_a trouble_n it_o be_v like_o give_v good_a word_n and_o make_v fair_a promise_n to_o a_o clamorous_a and_o importunate_a creditor_n and_o appoint_v he_o to_o come_v another_o day_n when_o the_o man_n know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o pay_v he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v less_o able_a to_o discharge_v the_o debt_n then_o than_o he_o be_v at_o present_a whatever_o reason_n thou_o have_v against_o reform_v thy_o life_n now_o will_v still_o remain_v and_o be_v in_o as_o full_a force_n hereafter_o nay_o probable_o strong_a than_o they_o be_v at_o present_a thou_o be_v unwilling_a now_o and_o so_o thou_o will_v be_v hereafter_o and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n much_o more_o unwilling_a so_o that_o this_o reason_n will_v every_o day_n improve_v upon_o thy_o hand_n and_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strength_n by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o present_a time_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v present_a why_o when_o hereafter_o come_v to_o be_v present_a the_o reason_n will_v be_v just_o the_o same_o so_o that_o thy_o present_a unwillingness_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n the_o other_o way_n because_o thou_o be_v unwilling_a now_o and_o like_a to_o be_v so_o nay_o more_o so_o hereafter_o if_o thou_o intenden_a to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o thou_o shall_v set_v about_o it_o immediate_o and_o without_o delay_n 2._o another_o reason_n which_o man_n pretend_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o this_o work_n be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v some_o bitterness_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o it_o proportionable_o to_o the_o growth_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o our_o great_a or_o less_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n so_o that_o we_o must_v make_v account_n of_o a_o sharp_a conflict_n of_o some_o pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o some_o pang_n and_o throw_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o for_o when_o nature_n have_v be_v long_o bend_v another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v reduce_v and_o bring_v back_o to_o its_o first_o strenghtness_n without_o pain_n and_o violence_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o how_o difficult_a and_o painful_a soever_o this_o work_n be_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o that_o shall_v over-rule_v all_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n and_o trouble_n we_o must_v one_o time_n or_o other_o endure_v far_o great_a than_o those_o which_o we_o now_o seek_v to_o avoid_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o we_o imagine_v but_o our_o fear_n of_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o trouble_n will_v prove_v if_o we_o be_v but_o once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o serious_o engage_v in_o it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fear_n of_o child_n to_o go_v into_o the_o cold_a water_n a_o faint_a trial_n increase_v their_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o but_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v plunge_v into_o it_o the_o trouble_n be_v over_o and_o then_o they_o wonder_v why_o they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a the_o main_a difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n be_v in_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o present_o grow_v tolerable_a and_o soon_o after_o easy_a and_o after_o that_o by_o degree_n so_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a that_o the_o man_n will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n return_v to_o his_o former_a evil_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n we_o shall_v consider_v likewise_o what_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v our_o long_a continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o have_v make_v we_o so_o loath_a to_o leave_v it_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o sin_v that_o render_v it_o so_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o man_n to_o do_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o guilt_n heighten_v and_o inflame_v by_o many_o and_o repeat_v provocation_n that_o do_v so_o gall_v our_o conscience_n and_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o so_o much_o terror_n it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v go_v so_o far_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n that_o our_o retreat_n be_v become_v so_o difficult_a and_o because_o we_o have_v delay_v this_o work_n so_o long_o that_o we_o be_v now_o so_o unwilling_a to_o go_v about_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o long_o we_o delay_v it_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o change_n will_v increase_v daily_o upon_o we_o and_o all_o these_o consideration_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o more_o delay_n that_o they_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a because_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a now_o therefore_o do_v not_o make_v it_o more_o so_o and_o because_o your_o delay_n have_v increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o will_v do_v more_o and_o more_o therefore_o delay_v no_o long_o 3._o another_o pretend_a encouragement_n to_o these_o delay_n be_v the_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n he_o common_o bear_v long_o with_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n man_n have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o give_v this_o for_o a_o reason_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o man_n heart_n so_o solomon_n tell_v we_o eccles_n 8.11_o because_o sentence_n against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o there_o be_v few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v see_v several_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n to_o sinner_n and_o have_v know_v several_a person_n surprise_v by_o a_o sudden_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o cut_v off_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o sin_n without_o have_v the_o least_o respite_n give_v they_o without_o time_n or_o liberty_n so_o much_o as_o to_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o to_o consider_v either_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o whither_o they_o be_v go_v and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o sinner_n and_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v thy_o case_n because_o thou_o do_v so_o bold_o presume_v upon_o the_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o and_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v spare_v yet_o awhile_o long_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o disingenuous_a than_o to_o resolve_v to_o be_v evil_a because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o because_o he_o suffer_v so_o long_o to_o sin_v so_o much_o the_o long_o and_o because_o he_o afford_v thou_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n therefore_o to_o delay_v it_o and_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o last_o the_o proper_a design_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o he_o never_o intend_v his_o patience_n for_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o a_o opportunity_n and_o a_o argument_n to_o break_v they_o off_o by_o repentance_n these_o be_v the_o pretend_a reason_n and_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o you_o see_v how_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a they_o be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o ii_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o far_a consideration_n to_o engage_v man_n effectual_o to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n speedy_o
to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o search_v out_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n there_o need_v no_o anxious_a enquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o we_o daily_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o grow_v in_o goodness_n and_o take_v care_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o certain_o take_v the_o best_a course_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o comfortable_a and_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n this_o one_o mark_n of_o do_v righteousness_n be_v that_o into_o which_o all_o other_o sign_n and_o character_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n give_v of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v final_o resolve_v and_o this_o answer_v all_o those_o various_a phrase_n which_o some_o man_n will_v make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n
take_v away_o his_o life_n whatever_o he_o say_v or_o do_v though_o never_o so_o innocent_a never_o so_o excellent_a have_v some_o bad_a interpretation_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o great_a and_o shine_a virtue_n of_o his_o life_n be_v turn_v into_o crime_n and_o matter_n of_o accusation_n for_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n he_o be_v call_v a_o magician_n for_o his_o endeavour_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o vice_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o his_o free_a and_o oblige_a conversation_n a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n all_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o do_v to_o man_n and_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o so_o liberal_o shed_v among_o the_o people_n be_v construe_v to_o be_v a_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o popularity_n and_o do_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o king_n enough_o to_o have_v discourage_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o have_v put_v a_o damp_n upon_o the_o most_o 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be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v and_o when_o he_o be_v approach_v towards_o the_o hard_a and_o most_o unpleasant_a part_n of_o his_o service_n but_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o i_o mean_v his_o death_n and_o suffering_n he_o be_v not_o at_o ease_n in_o his_o mind_n till_o it_o be_v do_v how_o be_o i_o straighten_a say_v he_o till_o it_o be_v accomplish_v and_o just_o before_o his_o suffer_v with_o what_o joy_n and_o triumph_n do_v he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thou_o upon_o earth_n and_o have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o to_o do_v what_o a_o bless_a pattern_n be_v here_o of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o do_v good_a how_o fair_a and_o lovely_a a_o copy_n for_o christian_n to_o write_v after_o and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v set_v it_o before_o you_o it_o will_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o these_o two_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o our_o defect_n and_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n i._o to_o show_v we_o our_o defect_n how_o do_v this_o bless_a example_n upbraid_v those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o who_o instead_o of_o go_v about_o do_v good_a be_v perpetual_o intent_n upon_o do_v mischief_n who_o be_v wise_a and_o active_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o inclination_n no_o understanding_n and_o those_o likewise_o who_o though_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o bad_a yet_o whole_o neglect_v this_o bless_a work_n of_o do_v good_a they_o think_v it_o very_o fair_a to_o do_v no_o evil_n to_o hurt_v and_o injure_v no_o man_n but_o if_o preacher_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o require_v more_o and_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o estate_n and_o to_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a till_o they_o have_v almost_o impoverish_v themselves_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o this_o importunity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_a neither_o we_o desire_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o to_o be_v charitable_a according_a to_o our_o power_n be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o both_o he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v no_o sin_n but_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o upon_o this_o nice_a point_n it_o be_v that_o the_o young_a rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o saviour_n part_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n from_o his_o youth_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v he_o have_v be_v very_o careful_a of_o the_o negative_a part_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o part_v with_o his_o estate_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a this_o he_o think_v too_o hard_a a_o condition_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o forsake_v our_o saviour_n and_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v often_o and_o serious_o think_v upon_o that_o our_o saviour_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n represent_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n acquit_v and_o condemn_v man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v or_o neglect_v to_o do_v in_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n for_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothing_n the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a or_o for_o neglect_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o plain_o and_o effectual_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v good_a in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o do_v not_o altogether_o neglect_v the_o do_n of_o this_o work_n who_o yet_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o hinder_v themselves_o from_o do_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v employ_v about_o other_o duty_n and_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o private_a and_o public_a with_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v sermon_n and_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o do_v of_o good_a and_o charitable_a office_n to_o other_o or_o if_o they_o have_v they_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v his_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n and_o accept_v of_o their_o piety_n and_o devotion_n instead_o of_o all_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o these_o two_o part_n of_o religion_n come_v in_o competition_n devotion_n be_v to_o give_v way_n to_o charity_n mercy_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n prayer_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v to_o dispose_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o make_v we_o more_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o pretence_n of_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n to_o neglect_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o because_o we_o be_v always_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v good_a to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v for_o ever_o excuse_v from_o do_v any_o other_o be_v take_v up_o in_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n and_o spend_v all_o their_o zeal_n and_o heat_n about_o some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v excuse_v from_o those_o mean_a kind_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o imagine_v in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a way_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o king_n in_o his_o war_n use_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o tax_n and_o office_n but_o do_v those_o man_n consider_v upon_o what_o kind_n of_o duty_n more_o especial_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n lay_v the_o great_a weight_n and_o stress_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a and_o peaceable_a that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v blessedness_n that_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a work_n these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a thing_n of_o religion_n which_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v do_v they_o consider_v that_o a_o right_a faith_n be_v whole_o in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v of_o no_o value_n any_o far_a
at_o last_o upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a felicity_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o only_a good_a use_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o a_o prosperous_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n eccl._n 3.12_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a in_o they_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v and_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n and_o a_o great_a and_o a_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v three_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o imitate_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o great_a glory_n and_o that_o be_v his_o goodness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o live_v in_o the_o world_n go_v about_o do_v good_a it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o great_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o a_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n more_o especial_o be_v the_o great_a pattern_n which_o our_o religion_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o because_o that_o very_a goodness_n which_o it_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o ourselves_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o do_v in_o the_o world_n this_o shall_v mighty_o endear_v the_o example_n to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o forward_o to_o imitate_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v for_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o be_v this_o considerable_a difference_n between_o our_o saviour_n charity_n to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o other_o he_o do_v all_o pure_o for_o our_o sake_n and_o for_o our_o benefit_n whereas_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a good_n do_v to_o ourselves_o they_o indeed_o be_v behold_v to_o we_o for_o the_o kindness_n we_o do_v they_o and_o we_o to_o they_o for_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o every_o ignorant_a person_n that_o come_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o we_o every_o sinner_n who_o we_o reclaim_v every_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a man_n who_o we_o relieve_v be_v a_o happy_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o principle_n the_o best_a and_o the_o happy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v govern_v his_o life_n and_o action_n esteem_v it_o a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v four_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o god_n himself_o the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o half_a of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o to_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o very_o like_a unto_o it_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o obligation_n for_o this_o commandment_n we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o second_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o our_o righteousness_n extend_v not_o to_o god_n we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n but_o our_o charity_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n he_o require_v of_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n he_o put_v upon_o charity_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o reject_v all_o other_o profession_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v five_o this_o be_v that_o which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v then_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a estate_n they_o have_v get_v and_o the_o great_a place_n they_o have_v be_v advance_v to_o because_o they_o be_v leave_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n in_o the_o other_o world_n riches_n profit_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n even_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n with_o what_o contentment_n do_v a_o good_a man_n than_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o life_n and_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v he_o look_v over_o into_o the_o other_o world_n where_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o himself_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o for_o though_o our_o estate_n will_v not_o follow_v we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n our_o good_a work_n will_v though_o we_o can_v carry_v our_o riches_n along_o with_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n into_o everlasting_a habitation_n in_o short_a work_v of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n will_v comfort_v we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o plead_v for_o we_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o consideration_n i_o shall_v offer_v to_o you_o which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o do_v good_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o if_o we_o believe_v god_n himself_o he_o have_v make_v more_o particular_a and_o encourage_v promise_n to_o this_o grace_n and_o virtue_n than_o to_o any_o other_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n be_v many_o and_o great_a it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o derive_v a_o last_a blessing_n upon_o our_o estate_n act_n of_o charity_n be_v the_o best_a deed_n of_o settlement_n we_o gain_v the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v to_o come_v upon_o we_o for_o god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o destitute_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o cry_n charity_n be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o in_o time_n of_o evil_a and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o special_a promise_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v from_o want_v those_o that_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o but_o likewise_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v way_n for_o its_o own_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n he_o that_o be_v charitable_a to_o other_o provide_v a_o supply_n and_o retreat_n for_o himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n for_o he_o provoke_v mankind_n by_o his_o example_n to_o like_o tenderness_n towards_o he_o and_o prudent_o bespeak_v the_o commiseration_n of_o other_o against_o it_o come_v to_o be_v his_o turn_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n make_v a_o man_n more_o and_o sure_a friend_n than_o charity_n and_o bounty_n and_o such_o as_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o danger_n for_o a_o good_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v it_o be_v excellent_a counsel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n lay_v up_o thy_o treasure_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o it_o shall_v bring_v thou_o more_o profit_n than_o gold_n shut_v up_o thy_o alm_n in_o thy_o store-house_n and_o it_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o from_o all_o affliction_n it_o shall_v fight_v for_o thou_o against_o thy_o enemy_n better_o than_o a_o mighty_a shield_n and_o strong_a spear_n it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v that_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v upon_o other_o by_o their_o charity_n have_v in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o extremity_n do_v they_o more_o kindness_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o estate_n can_v do_v for_o they_o and_o their_o alm_n have_v literal_o deliver_v they_o from_o death_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n where_o the_o return_n of_o do_v good_a will_v be_v vast_o great_a beyond_o what_o we_o can_v now_o expect_v or_o imagine_v for_o god_n take_v all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o a_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o he_o have_v estate_n and_o treasure_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o great_a obligation_n we_o can_v lay_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n for_o our_o security_n that_o what_o we_o scatter_v and_o sow_v in_o this_o kind_n will_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o expense_n in_o do_v good_a for_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v recompense_v and_o crown_v with_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n finis_fw-la bishop_n sanderson_n juven_n vell._n patere_fw-la seneca_n seneca_n tully_n tully_n aristides_n antonin_n lib._n 10._o
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 26_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a