any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n we_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o embrace_v and_o practise_v it_o to_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o by_o obey_v they_o we_o may_v have_v procure_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n many_o duty_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o relation_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o will_v not_o have_v cease_v to_o oblige_v we_o although_o no_o revelation_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o we_o or_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reinforce_v these_o duty_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v entail_v any_o reward_n on_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o as_o be_v part_n of_o our_o duty_n antecedent_o to_o any_o such_o revelation_n if_o he_o have_v require_v of_o we_o more_o than_o be_v natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n even_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a duty_n he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v it_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n as_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v it_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o mankind_n to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o existence_n and_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o to_o these_o he_o have_v add_v threat_n and_o punishment_n he_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v abundant_o secure_v mankind_n from_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o command_n since_o none_o but_o the_o most_o stupid_a and_o brutal_a person_n will_v for_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o few_o not_o only_o irrational_a but_o trifle_a vanity_n incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a be_v and_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o vengeance_n or_o if_o to_o action_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n action_n have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o they_o beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o difficulty_n he_o have_v adjoin_v a_o promise_n of_o infinite_a reward_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v omit_v they_o without_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n when_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o may_v procure_v so_o vast_a a_o reward_n the_o sole_a hope_n of_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o force_v our_o inclination_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o nature_n but_o when_o to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o creation_n and_o preservation_n he_o have_v add_v the_o revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o adapt_v those_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n when_o he_o have_v urge_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o reveal_v truth_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o punishment_n on_o the_o other_o and_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proceed_v to_o heap_v new_a favour_n on_o we_o entreat_v we_o as_o a_o friend_n bear_v with_o we_o as_o a_o father_n and_o by_o prodigy_n of_o mercy_n lead_v we_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o must_v profess_v ourselves_o astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o so_o stupendous_a a_o goodness_n and_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o unable_a to_o celebrate_v as_o we_o ought_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o when_o he_o may_v have_v satisfy_v both_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o require_v of_o we_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n without_o any_o reward_n or_o proportion_v his_o reward_n to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o service_n or_o propose_v both_o reward_n and_o duty_n without_o add_v continue_a act_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n yet_o contribute_v all_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o nature_n the_o fountain_n of_o they_o who_o when_o it_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n to_o appeal_v even_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o do_v sometime_o in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a o_o house_n of_o israel_n choose_v rather_o to_o conquer_v we_o by_o kindness_n and_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o goodness_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o understand_v that_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v matth._n xix_o 17._o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n as_o his_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o exercise_v act_n of_o beneficence_n love_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o goodness_n as_o psalm_n lxxiii_o 1._o true_o god_n be_v good_a unto_o israel_n even_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o again_o psalm_n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o his_o goodness_n be_v apt_o express_v by_o the_o tenderness_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o former_a attribute_n indeed_o represent_v god_n to_o mankind_n as_o a_o fit_a object_n of_o worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o incit_v brave_a and_o generous_a soul_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n that_o so_o they_o may_v attain_v a_o near_a similitude_n and_o conformity_n to_o their_o creator_n the_o imitation_n of_o who_o be_v their_o ùtmost_a perfection_n but_o the_o latter_a chief_o create_v in_o we_o that_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o efficacious_a principle_n of_o all_o religious_a action_n by_o represent_v to_o we_o his_o infinite_a affection_n to_o mankind_n his_o benefactive_a nature_n and_o proneness_n to_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n which_o even_o although_o we_o forget_v our_o duty_n and_o neglect_v our_o interest_n can_v but_o excite_v a_o lively_a senfe_fw-mi of_o gratitude_n in_o we_o and_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o beneficence_n and_o indulgence_n of_o god_n be_v design_v in_o the_o text_n by_o the_o term_n goodness_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n in_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a whereby_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n upon_o sinner_n but_o withhold_v his_o anger_n and_o patient_o await_v their_o repentance_n whereby_o he_o do_v not_o present_o revenge_v the_o injury_n and_o affront_v do_v to_o his_o law_n and_o person_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o compassionate_v our_o nature_n and_o at_o all_o time_n reserve_v mercy_n for_o penitent_a sinner_n a_o attribute_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v render_v god_n more_o amiable_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o or_o more_o effectual_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v not_o the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n no_o less_o infinite_a than_o his_o goodness_n yet_o do_v many_o in_o that_o age_n and_o as_o i_o fear_v more_o in_o our_o time_n make_v a_o contrary_a use_n of_o this_o goodness_n by_o thence_o take_v encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o see_v not_o vengeance_n to_o be_v speedy_o execute_v and_o experience_n in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o apostle_n complain_v of_o these_o man_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o from_o these_o attribute_n infer_v a_o contrary_a conclusion_n to_o what_o they_o have_v form_v namely_o that_o this_o aught_o rather_o to_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n by_o enforce_v all_o other_o argument_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n of_o gratitude_n which_o be_v violate_v in_o a_o most_o enormous_a manner_n by_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o a_o contrary_a intent_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n in_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v and_o improve_v the_o apostle_n argument_n by_o consider_v it_o as_o well_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o influence_n which_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o all_o our_o action_n in_o general_a as_o in_o dispose_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o repentance_n in_o particular_a in_o discourse_v of_o the_o first_o head_n i_o will_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n i._o that_o gratitude_n or_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a benefit_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n
nature_n and_o religion_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o than_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o chief_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n will_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o may_v become_v the_o client_n but_o by_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n last_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o if_o despise_v it_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n for_o repentance_n beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o a_o wait_n nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v abuse_v for_o we_o must_v not_o ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o unlimited_a exercise_n of_o mercy_n as_o may_v destroy_v his_o justice_n and_o include_v the_o high_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v offence_n commit_v against_o plain_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o repentance_n afford_v to_o they_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o enormous_a sin_n will_v favour_v of_o a_o childish_a fondness_n debase_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v he_o irrational_a destroy_v his_o nature_n how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n v._o 7_o 9_o shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o mercy_n as_o a_o refuge_n to_o mankind_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n passion_n and_o inadvertency_n not_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o profane_v and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n he_o wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o turn_v he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n psal._n vii_o 13._o and_o then_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o his_o anger_n himself_o tell_v we_o deut._n xxxii_o 40_o 41._o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o if_o i_o wheâ—…_n my_o glitter_a sword_n and_o my_o hand_n take_v hold_v of_o judgement_n i_o will_v render_v vengeaâ—…te_a to_o my_o enemy_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o hatâ—…_n i_o let_v we_o therefore_o perfect_a our_o repentance_n while_o a_o space_n be_v yet_o open_a for_o we_o before_o mercy_n return_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o we_o that_o so_o we_o also_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o not_o fall_v into_o their_o condemnation_n who_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o they_o wâ—…oso_n be_v wise_a will_v pâ—…nder_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o six_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 30._o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n i._n 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therewith_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o lose_a mankind_n which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v be_v so_o signal_n a_o benefit_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v but_o administer_v matter_n of_o admiration_n to_o we_o to_o see_v it_o reject_v deride_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n to_o rescue_v man_n from_o that_o fatal_a ignorance_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v shall_v be_v treat_v with_o scorn_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o be_v account_v folly_n that_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o derision_n and_o be_v receive_v not_o with_o thankfulness_n as_o it_o deserve_v but_o with_o scofts_n and_o contumely_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v with_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o their_o will_n corrupt_v with_o passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n it_o have_v be_v equal_o difficult_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o when_o once_o discover_v such_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o unhappy_a fall_n and_o such_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n but_o then_o whereas_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o induce_v man_n to_o seek_v remedy_n for_o they_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v flatter_v themselves_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o but_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o system_n of_o religion_n either_o from_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n or_o some_o precedent_n mistake_v revelation_n and_o be_v prepossessed_n with_o notion_n derive_v from_o thence_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o doctrine_n different_a from_o they_o they_o false_o imagine_v their_o own_o conception_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o thereby_o treat_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n especial_o be_v propose_v with_o that_o unaffected_a simplicity_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v so_o much_o stranger_n as_o believe_v every_o opinion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o divine_a by_o how_o much_o more_o it_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o place_v beyond_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o men._n whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v more_o humane_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o exclude_v not_o the_o most_o illiterate_a from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n devoid_a of_o subtlety_n and_o unuseful_a nicety_n and_o resemble_v the_o nakedness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o paradise_n withal_o teach_v such_o mystery_n as_o may_v direct_o contribute_v to_o destroy_v the_o pride_n of_o such_o man_n not_o only_o by_o oppose_v their_o opinion_n but_o also_o teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a therein_o humble_v himself_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o humane_a state_n live_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_n the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n a_o mystery_n which_o at_o once_o entire_o ruin_v both_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o the_o world_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n its_o want_n of_o all_o those_o external_a pompous_a argument_n of_o subtlety_n and_o mistake_a learning_n which_o recommend_v other_o system_n together_o with_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_v false_a opinion_n of_o man_n have_v induce_v some_o christian_n at_o corinth_n who_o live_v among_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o other_o to_o refine_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o mysterious_a and_o subtle_a nicety_n and_o so_o hinder_v many_o from_o become_v christian_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n argue_v against_o all_o these_o man_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o verse_n oppose_v to_o these_o new_a refiner_n of_o christianity_n his_o own_o example_n who_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o without_o any_o affect_a show_n of_o eloquence_n with_o a_o simplicity_n become_v the_o majesty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o fail_v of_o its_o design_n as_o it_o will_v most_o certain_o do_v if_o propose_v according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o those_o man_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o difficult_a and_o elaborate_a contemplation_n for_o hereby_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o it_o be_v indifferent_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o and_o it_o will_v want_v that_o powerful_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v propose_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n it_o notwithstanding_o surmount_v the_o pompous_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n and_o synagogue_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o way_n very_o different_a
this_o prejudice_n that_o man_n form_v rule_n from_o like_a case_n of_o this_o world_n fond_o imagine_v that_o man_n have_v escape_v all_o possibility_n of_o punishment_n when_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o body_n as_o the_o tyrant_n say_v of_o his_o adversary_n who_o have_v kill_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v escape_v his_o hand_n in_o that_o case_n man_n see_v not_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o and_o then_o those_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o consult_v the_o report_n of_o sense_n alone_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o little_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v perish_v that_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n since_o by_o that_o alone_a it_o be_v that_o man_n even_o in_o this_o life_n be_v sensible_a of_o either_o that_o after_o death_n it_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n subject_a to_o his_o dominion_n and_o responsible_a for_o all_o its_o action_n do_v in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o probation_n allow_v to_o it_o all_o this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o parable_n follow_v in_o this_o chapter_n which_o our_o lord_n purposely_o deliver_v in_o confirmation_n of_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o text._n there_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o possessor_n of_o a_o vineyard_n wherein_o be_v a_o unfruitful_a vine_n the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o man_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o dresser_n of_o that_o vineyard_n who_o perceive_v the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o vine_n present_o cry_v out_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o cumber_v the_o ground_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v root_v up_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o owner_n of_o the_o vineyard_n on_o the_o contrary_n command_v it_o shall_v be_v let_v alone_o for_o some_o while_n long_o that_o it_o may_v full_o appear_v if_o perhaps_o it_o will_v ever_o bear_v fruit_n during_o which_o he_o will_v the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n to_o dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o to_o promote_v the_o fertility_n of_o it_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a and_o if_o after_o all_o it_o continue_v unfruitful_a then_o give_v sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v cut_v down_o during_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n god_n execute_v not_o his_o final_a sentence_n upon_o man_n he_o do_v not_o immediate_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o tormenter_n upon_o the_o first_o act_n of_o disobedience_n for_o then_o alas_o who_o can_v be_v save_v but_o with_o a_o admirable_a patience_n await_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o life_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o place_n of_o repentance_n leave_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n promote_v it_o by_o the_o solicitation_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o admonition_n of_o his_o pastor_n by_o all_o imaginable_a method_n which_o may_v incline_v the_o will_n of_o man_n without_o put_v any_o force_n upon_o it_o if_o then_o in_o this_o life_n we_o find_v not_o the_o just_a recompense_n of_o our_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o pass_v unregarded_a by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n or_o that_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o favour_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o method_n of_o his_o most_o prudent_a government_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o it_o by_o which_o he_o have_v determine_v this_o world_n to_o be_v the_o stage_n of_o action_n for_o mankind_n and_o the_o next_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n yet_o may_v not_o this_o forbearance_n of_o god_n encourage_v man_n to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o be_v to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o thereby_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n our_o lord_n throughout_o all_o his_o gospel_n warn_v man_n concern_v the_o suddenness_n and_o unexpected_a time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n in_o prevention_n of_o this_o fatal_a error_n what_o his_o second_o come_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o his_o last_o come_n in_o judgement_n will_v be_v to_o all_o mankind_n that_o death_n be_v to_o we_o which_o if_o it_o find_v we_o unprepared_a all_o the_o misery_n which_o christ_n denounce_v shall_v befall_v they_o will_v fall_v on_o we_o nor_o if_o life_n be_v assure_v to_o we_o can_v we_o at_o all_o time_n form_v such_o a_o true_a repentance_n as_o will_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o transient_a sorrow_n for_o past_a sin_n but_o in_o a_o total_a change_n of_o all_o the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will._n nor_o last_o be_v there_o any_o pardon_n promise_v to_o presumptuous_a sin_n deliberate_o commit_v in_o prospect_n of_o the_o pardon_n offer_v to_o all_o true_o penitent_a sinner_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n and_o benefit_n of_o repentance_n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o large_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o these_o word_n in_o my_o next_o discourse_n the_o eleven_o sermon_n preach_v march_v 23d_o 16889_o 90._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n luk._n xiii_o 5._o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n i_o describe_v to_o you_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a season_n to_o improve_v which_o i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o repentance_n from_o these_o word_n and_o therein_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o pernicious_a mistake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o divine_a justice_n not_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v thereby_o warrant_v they_o and_o that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o visible_a execution_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o little_a necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o opposition_n to_o which_o i_o show_v you_o that_o however_o the_o jewish_a revelation_n may_v give_v some_o countenance_n to_o such_o a_o opinion_n yet_o that_o they_o have_v therein_o mistake_v their_o law_n that_o under_o christianity_n there_o be_v yet_o much_o less_o pretence_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o persuasion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o present_a order_n of_o the_o world_n settle_v by_o he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o last_o that_o however_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bear_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o they_o to_o another_o world_n yet_o that_o this_o give_v no_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n till_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n after_o have_v remove_v these_o obstacle_n of_o repentance_n i_o proceed_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v take_v from_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v the_o certainty_n of_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n pronounce_v by_o our_o lord_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v perish_v and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o by_o repentance_n if_o true_a sincere_a and_o right_o apply_v destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v these_o two_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n and_o first_o i_o will_v improve_v the_o argument_n of_o repentance_n draw_v from_o the_o inevitable_a consequence_n of_o destruction_n attend_v the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o consequence_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o argument_n when_o once_o a_o full_a conviction_n be_v form_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_a be_v take_v from_o that_o which_o most_o affect_v mankind_n their_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v indeed_o more_o noble_a to_o pay_v our_o just_a obedience_n to_o god_n rather_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n than_o that_o of_o interest_n rather_o out_o of_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o many_o benefit_n receive_v from_o he_o and_o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o entire_a subjection_n due_a to_o that_o almighty_a be_v than_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n but_o such_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o corrupt_v be_v his_o will_n and_o so_o much_o darken_v his_o understanding_n that_o this_o argument_n have_v be_v ever_o find_v insufficient_a god_n therefore_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v be_v please_v to_o employ_v that_o more_o sensible_a argument_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n by_o propofe_v reward_n to_o his_o obedient_a servant_n and_o denounce_v punishment_n to_o obstinate_a sinner_n a_o argument_n which_o can_v fail_v if_o man_n
we_o be_v warn_v by_o example_n to_o repentance_n and_o still_o continue_v unmoved_a we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o lord_n call_v to_o repentance_n the_o exhortation_n of_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n who_o message_n be_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v we_o read_v the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o yet_o reflect_v not_o that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o government_n that_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o remit_v but_o make_v more_o severe_a and_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o but_o that_o his_o power_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n give_v to_o man_n be_v no_o more_o change_v than_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o be_v somewhat_o surprizng_v indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o confess_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o not_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o habit_n of_o act_v constant_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o no_o less_o constant_a conviction_n of_o mind_n for_o can_v we_o hear_v with_o what_o detestation_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o pharaoh_n heart_n and_o what_o a_o sudden_a destruction_n follow_v and_o not_o reflect_v that_o in_o continue_v deaf_a to_o so_o many_o admonition_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n and_o that_o in_o one_o respect_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o know_v not_o at_o first_o that_o that_o god_n who_o command_v he_o to_o let_v the_o captive_a jew_n depart_v be_v the_o true_a god_n until_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o many_o miracle_n whereas_o we_o be_v convince_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o he_o who_o impose_v this_o duty_n on_o we_o or_o can_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v upon_o the_o jew_n for_o sudden_a and_o rash_a resolution_n take_v up_o in_o heat_n and_o as_o soon_o repent_v of_o such_o as_o their_o frequent_a rebellion_n against_o moses_n their_o refuse_v to_o march_v to_o the_o promise_a land_n after_o have_v râ—…ceived_v a_o false_a account_n from_o the_o timorous_a spy_n and_o many_o such_o other_o occasion_n do_v we_o remember_v all_o this_o and_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v passby_a unregarded_a our_o deliberate_a and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o continuation_n of_o every_o habit_n of_o sin_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v receive_v instruction_n be_v terrify_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o suffering_n from_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v remit_v his_o justice_n herein_o and_o will_v oversee_v those_o sin_n in_o we_o which_o he_o so_o eminent_o revenge_v in_o elder_a time_n his_o attribute_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o his_o justice_n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v piety_n and_o obedience_n although_o he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o ancient_a time_n to_o demonstrate_v his_o justice_n by_o more_o visible_a example_n than_o in_o after_o age_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o any_o general_a revelation_n partly_o to_o attest_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o revelation_n and_o partly_o to_o deter_v man_n by_o such_o severe_a example_n from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o sin_n who_o ought_v thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n exercise_v not_o the_o same_o severity_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o life_n he_o reserve_v it_o for_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o some_o sinner_n and_o unaccountable_o indulgent_a to_o other_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o gild_n to_o be_v far_o convince_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o salvation_n without_o repentance_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n death_n and_o passion_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n bear_v our_o infirmity_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o become_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o they_o sure_o if_o ever_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n whether_o of_o punishment_n or_o repentance_n he_o will_v have_v remit_v his_o method_n of_o justice_n to_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o not_o require_v he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o shame_n and_o bitterness_n of_o the_o cross._n yet_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o although_o earnest_o and_o passionate_o entreat_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o garden_n to_o remit_v his_o decree_n therein_o and_o receive_v mankind_n to_o mercy_n without_o require_v so_o severe_a a_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v give_v pardon_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o that_o that_o ever_o bless_a person_n who_o have_v take_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v undergo_v and_o expiate_v it_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n can_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o hard_a condition_n upon_o his_o own_o son_n as_o that_o either_o the_o world_n who_o redemption_n he_o have_v undertake_v must_v be_v for_o ever_o lose_v or_o himself_o must_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o exchange_n for_o it_o when_o therefore_o a_o life_n of_o such_o inestimable_a value_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n to_o sinful_a man_n how_o terrible_a must_v that_o anger_n have_v be_v how_o vehement_a his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n that_o continue_v yet_o fix_v and_o constant_a only_o now_o he_o may_v remit_v to_o man_n the_o full_a and_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o attribute_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n which_o without_o that_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v not_o do_v lest_o man_n shall_v conclude_v that_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o or_o wink_v at_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o pardon_v so_o easy_o or_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o so_o deep_a a_o gild_n since_o man_n with_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n without_o any_o compensation_n for_o it_o whereas_o now_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n offer_v by_o god_n without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n god_n indeed_o require_v ne_fw-la the_o life_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o in_o strict_a justice_n will_v seem_v agreeable_a but_o he_o require_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o life_n of_o all_o sinful_a man_n put_v together_o he_o receive_v to_o mercy_n the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n but_o condemn_v to_o punishment_n that_o divine_a person_n who_o take_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o upon_o he_o and_o even_o after_o so_o much_o do_v and_o suffer_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n god_n distribute_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n indifferent_o to_o all_o who_o lie_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o hereby_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v not_o actual_o pardon_v nor_o man_n immediate_o acquit_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o but_o only_o make_v capable_a of_o pardon_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o pardon_n in_o god_n make_v possible_a without_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o justice_n this_o pardon_n he_o distribute_v to_o man_n upon_o those_o condition_n which_o himself_o have_v please_v to_o appoint_v and_o those_o such_o which_o far_o declare_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n a_o confession_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o forsake_v of_o it_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o like_a detestation_n of_o sin_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n can_v man_n claim_v any_o benefit_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v be_v include_v in_o that_o comprehensive_a form_n of_o speech_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v acknowledge_v the_o gild_n of_o your_o former_a sin_n conceive_v a_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o form_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o renounce_v any_o far_a exercise_n of_o they_o testify_v your_o resolution_n
to_o the_o church_n into_o which_o you_o be_v receive_v by_o take_v such_o a_o visible_a mark_n upon_o you_o as_o may_v be_v both_o a_o fit_a emblem_n of_o your_o design_a purity_n and_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v there_o with_o god_n these_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o alone_a mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o mankind_n even_o after_o the_o great_a expiation_n of_o the_o cross._n nor_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v dispense_v with_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o man._n god_n propose_v to_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a condition_n to_o effect_v it_o the_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o it_o he_o propose_v to_o man_n seek_v delivery_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n due_a to_o his_o sin_n as_o the_o only_a condition_n of_o pardon_n sincere_a repentance_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v to_o his_o own_o son_n the_o determine_a condition_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n much_o less_o therefore_o will_v he_o remit_v to_o sinful_a man_n the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n which_o he_o have_v once_o fix_v if_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o eternal_a son_n herein_o much_o less_o will_v he_o spare_v man_n the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n especial_o while_n continue_v in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o it_o neither_o become_v we_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o god_n can_v not_o have_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o exact_v so_o great_a a_o satisfaction_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v yet_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o particular_a man_n without_o require_v from_o they_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v repentance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v also_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v lie_v he_o have_v do_v all_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o create_v a_o belief_n in_o man_n to_o persuade_v he_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v affirm_v that_o he_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o sinner_n unless_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n he_o have_v often_o repeat_v his_o asseveration_n he_o have_v confirm_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n he_o have_v give_v frequent_a example_n of_o it_o in_o visible_a punishment_n of_o more_o notorious_a sinner_n he_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n because_o he_o will_v not_o change_v his_o resolution_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o in_o all_o this_o he_o deal_v in_o earnest_n we_o willing_o believe_v all_o other_o point_n of_o revelation_n but_o this_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o his_o gospel_n nor_o grant_v we_o any_o more_o mercy_n than_o what_o he_o have_v there_o promise_v we_o present_o lie_v hold_v of_o all_o such_o passage_n as_o declare_v the_o infinity_n of_o his_o mercy_n little_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o no_o less_o infinite_a justice_n we_o remember_v what_o passionate_a concern_v he_o often_o express_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n forget_v his_o unchangeable_a hatred_n of_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o fair_o consider_v those_o very_a place_n where_o god_n express_v the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o whence_o man_n chief_o raise_v their_o hope_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o even_o in_o they_o he_o give_v manifest_a indication_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o receive_v his_o mercy_n without_o their_o own_o precedent_a repentance_n he_o represent_v himself_o as_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o they_o all_o day_n long_o but_o add_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lusts._n he_o describe_v his_o concern_v for_o they_o by_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o housholder_n cultivate_v his_o vine_n dress_n digging_z about_z it_o and_o water_v it_o but_o subjoin_v his_o command_n of_o cut_v it_o down_o if_o it_o still_o remain_v unfruitful_a he_o break_v out_o into_o passionate_a exclamation_n in_o sorrow_n for_o their_o obdurate_a impenitence_n as_o in_o ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o fâ—…om_v your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o you_o house_n of_o isaael_n and_o psal._n lxxxi_o 14._o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o if_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v put_v down_o their_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o matt._n xxiii_o 37._o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o more_o vehement_a protestation_n of_o kindness_n to_o mankind_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o certain_a denunciation_n of_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v plain_o insinuate_v that_o if_o israel_n will_v not_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v die_v the_o second_o passage_n carry_v this_o sense_n in_o other_o word_n o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v put_v themselves_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o receive_v my_o favour_n which_o while_o they_o continue_v disobedient_a to_o i_o i_o can_v bestow_v upon_o they_o which_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o be_v adjoin_v in_o the_o 13._o verse_n but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o therefore_o i_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n or_o in_o other_o word_n i_o will_v have_v none_o of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n where_o to_o the_o passionate_a commiseration_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v add_v that_o our_o lord_n even_o weep_v over_o it_o yet_o it_o immediate_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o command_n of_o repentance_n and_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o protection_n behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a however_o than_o we_o dare_v â—…not_v affirm_v that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v pardon_v man_n without_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o a_o unrepent_a sinner_n because_o we_o presume_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o power_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v affirm_v and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o man_n continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n can_v receive_v the_o mercy_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o god_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o mercy_n or_o pardon_n suppose_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n while_o man_n continue_v in_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o rebellion_n against_o he_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o absolute_a disclaim_n of_o his_o government_n and_o renounce_v subjection_n to_o he_o resolve_o to_o defer_v repentance_n be_v such_o a_o wilful_a sin_n and_o therefore_o cut_v off_o all_o communication_n of_o favour_n between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n who_o continue_v in_o rebellion_n to_o he_o and_o fear_v not_o to_o affront_v he_o with_o his_o sin_n who_o defi_v his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o at_o least_o slight_n his_o command_n of_o universal_a repentance_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o inconsistent_a that_o the_o least_o attention_n will_v manifest_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o pardon_n without_o repentance_n this_o also_o follow_v from_o all_o those_o earnest_a exclamation_n of_o god_n before_o recite_v which_o be_v so_o many_o affirmation_n that_o while_o man_n continue_v in_o disobedience_n to_o he_o he_o can_v bestow_v any_o act_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o can_v i_o say_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o defect_n of_o his_o power_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o incapacity_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v in_o that_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n any_o such_o favour_n and_o in_o compliance_n to_o his_o most_o just_a determination_n of_o the_o contrary_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o plain_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o himself_o to_o pardon_n unrepent_v sinner_n jeremy_n v._n 9_o their_o transgression_n be_v many_o and_o their_o backslide_n
fit_v to_o receive_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n other_o sin_n there_o be_v which_o may_v consist_v with_o such_o a_o pious_a habit_n of_o soul_n as_o be_v require_v namely_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n the_o first_o sort_n arise_v from_o a_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o a_o man_n offend_v against_o his_o duty_n because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o the_o second_o spring_n from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o when_o a_o man_n through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n or_o passion_n be_v hurry_v on_o rash_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n before_o he_o well_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v before_o he_o have_v time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o duty_n or_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o do_v but_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o sin_n of_o presumption_n arise_v from_o a_o corruption_n of_o will_n and_o proceed_v upon_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o advise_v resolution_n i_o will_v illustrate_v all_o these_o by_o example_n st._n paul_n persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o church_n although_o he_o be_v all_o the_o while_o ready_a to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o which_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o receive_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unbelief_n if_o this_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v affect_v because_o man_n will_v not_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o it_o the_o mis-carriage_n found_v upon_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o become_v wilful_a sin_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n of_o death_n or_o punishment_n be_v betray_v to_o deny_v his_o master_n although_o he_o have_v before_o full_o resolve_v against_o it_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o fear_n be_v over_o and_o his_o mind_n return_v to_o the_o former_a freedom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v of_o it_o he_o weep_v bitter_o of_o wilful_a sin_n that_o of_o david_n against_o uriah_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n where_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n be_v after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o a_o contrivance_n of_o many_o day_n together_o at_o last_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o he_o and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o nathan_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v deserve_v to_o die_v this_o create_v to_o he_o that_o last_a and_o vehement_a sorrow_n which_o we_o often_o find_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o this_o stick_v as_o a_o indelible_a blot_n to_o his_o memory_n when_o lesser_a offence_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o 1_o king_n xv._n 5._o that_o david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n the_o hittite_n we_o read_v of_o many_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o he_o commit_v but_o these_o be_v easy_o pardon_v that_o stick_v close_o to_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v wipe_v off_o but_o by_o a_o long_a and_o strict_a repentance_n and_o patient_a endure_v of_o terrible_a calamity_n inflict_v on_o he_o other_o sin_n alter_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v sudden_o die_v even_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o they_o we_o may_v still_o hope_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o a_o wilful_a sin_n no_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v till_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v entire_o change_v by_o repentance_n this_o distinction_n of_o sin_n may_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessary_a manner_n of_o form_v your_o repentance_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n a_o general_a repentance_n may_v suffice_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o have_v offend_v god_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n a_o humble_a supplication_n of_o pardon_n a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v any_o such_o for_o the_o future_a but_o for_o every_o wilful_a sin_n a_o particular_a repentance_n be_v require_v a_o sad_a reflection_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o a_o earnest_n and_o continue_a supplication_n for_o pardon_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a struggle_v with_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o will_n a_o long_a preparation_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n by_o resolution_n by_o meditation_n by_o all_o necessary_a act_n of_o mortification_n which_o may_v entire_o change_v the_o bent_n and_o remove_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o may_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n presume_v of_o pardon_n believe_v himself_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v in_o the_o text_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v that_o by_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n we_o may_v all_o avoid_v for_o the_o sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o sermon_n preach_v april_n 21_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n acts._n x._o 34_o 35._o then_o peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o feaâ—…eth_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ought_v also_o to_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o can_v better_o be_v discover_v than_o from_o its_o most_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o subservience_n to_o they_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v first_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o good_a of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v promote_v by_o noble_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o latter_a be_v enhance_v by_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n attribute_v of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o we_o be_v his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o this_o justice_n appear_v most_o conspicuous_o in_o the_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o his_o benefit_n in_o dispense_n his_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n impartial_o to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o exclude_v none_o from_o his_o favour_n but_o for_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o mankind_n this_o all_o man_n conceive_v to_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o as_o such_o it_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n although_o the_o influence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o manifest_a in_o some_o age_n and_o under_o some_o dispensation_n than_o in_o other_o as_o his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o power_n be_v from_o all_o age_n equal_a and_o uniform_a but_o more_o open_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o external_a action_n relate_v to_o we_o his_o justice_n be_v always_o impartial_a and_o universal_a yet_o cloud_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n while_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v in_o appearance_n appropriate_v to_o a_o small_a division_n of_o mankind_n not_o cloud_v indeed_o direct_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fond_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o fancy_v he_o partial_a in_o their_o behalf_n and_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n do_v who_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o god_n have_v any_o care_n or_o respect_n fancy_v themselves_o dear_a to_o god_n not_o upon_o the_o common_a account_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o for_o peculiar_a reason_n as_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n their_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o circumcision_n and_o other_o typical_a rite_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o treat_v all_o other_o person_n as_o profane_a and_o unclean_a allow_v no_o share_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o unregarded_a by_o god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n a_o prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o far_o imbibe_v that_o the_o apostle_n retain_v it_o many_o year_n even_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gentile_n to_o their_o company_n or_o conversation_n much_o less_o to_o the_o hope_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a call_v until_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n teach_v st._n peter_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n
the_o natural_a course_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v observe_v thus_o far_o the_o divine_a decree_n be_v unquestionable_a and_o secure_a from_o all_o objection_n but_o then_o the_o reveal_v history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o relation_n to_o he_o include_v some_o apparent_a show_n of_o injustice_n which_o may_v induce_v inconsider_v person_n to_o accuse_v god_n of_o overmuch_a rigour_n and_o even_o tyranny_n in_o condemn_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n for_o the_o single_a fault_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o extend_v the_o punishment_n of_o that_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n which_o be_v yet_o unborn_a and_o therefore_o whole_o innocent_a of_o it_o a_o proceed_n and_o manner_n of_o judicature_n which_o will_v appear_v harsh_a and_o even_o cruel_a among_o man_n especial_o as_o it_o have_v be_v erroneous_o represent_v by_o many_o writer_n and_o divine_n who_o endeavour_v to_o amplify_v the_o unlimited_a power_n of_o god_n and_o meanness_n of_o man_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o herein_o god_n have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n that_o he_o create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a and_o to_o show_v forth_o in_o their_o punishment_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o that_o in_o punish_v the_o fall_n of_o adam_n he_o subject_v his_o whole_a posterity_n not_o only_o to_o temporal_a but_o eternal_a death_n this_o will_v indeed_o effectual_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o such_o a_o power_n as_o will_v be_v odious_a and_o intolerable_a unjust_a and_o tyrannical_a far_o unbecoming_a the_o purity_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v it_o become_v we_o to_o entertain_v more_o noble_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o not_o fancy_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o arbitrary_a punishment_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n to_o vindicate_v therefore_o these_o divine_a attribute_n in_o take_v occasion_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n to_o form_v a_o universal_a decree_n of_o death_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n it_o will_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v any_o further_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o compound_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v mortal_a and_o subject_a to_o dissolution_n as_o all_o compound_a body_n be_v it_o be_v our_o soul_n alone_o which_o be_v immaterial_a and_o void_a of_o all_o composition_n can_v promise_v to_o itself_o a_o immortal_a state_n and_o that_o no_o long_o than_o while_o it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n shall_v be_v observe_v death_n then_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o our_o constitution_n even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n from_o which_o man_n can_v not_o be_v rescue_v but_o by_o a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n constant_o preserve_v the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n remove_v disease_n repair_v the_o defect_n of_o nature_n and_o renew_v the_o vigour_n of_o it_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n therefore_o and_o mean_n of_o preservation_n be_v a_o superadded_a favour_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v confer_v upon_o man_n upon_o whatsoever_o condition_n himself_o please_v subjection_n adoration_n and_o gratitude_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o preserver_n of_o our_o be_v even_o without_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o supernatural_a benefit_n the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n be_v whole_o independent_a of_o it_o and_o although_o perform_v exact_o and_o without_o any_o intervenient_a sin_n can_v not_o just_o claim_v any_o other_o reward_n from_o god_n than_o the_o continuation_n of_o existence_n as_o long_o as_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n shall_v permit_v it_o the_o gift_n of_o immortality_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o as_o such_o may_v be_v annex_v to_o whatsoever_o condition_n or_o person_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o do_v it_o god_n therefore_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o adam_n and_o promise_v to_o he_o that_o if_o beside_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o ordinary_a state_n and_o condition_n he_o will_v more_o particular_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o abstain_v from_o the_o seem_o pleasant_a fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n call_v the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o will_v in_o recompense_n entail_v upon_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n perform_v the_o same_o condition_n a_o perpetual_a fruition_n of_o the_o same_o state_n of_o life_n which_o he_o then_o enjoy_v and_o continue_v his_o existence_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n even_o for_o ever_o which_o because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v without_o some_o extraordinary_a remedy_n and_o assistance_n god_n create_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o powerful_a virtue_n of_o who_o fruit_n the_o decay_a nature_n of_o man_n may_v from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v restore_v and_o preserve_v without_o corruption_n whereas_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o perform_v this_o small_a condition_n and_o be_v tempt_v to_o violate_v the_o divine_a prohibition_n of_o taste_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o shall_v forfeit_v this_o superadded_a promise_n of_o immortality_n not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n descend_v from_o he_o not_o to_o be_v immediate_o destroy_v or_o put_v to_o death_n but_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o so_o leave_v to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n when_o adam_n therefore_o real_o break_v the_o condition_n and_o violate_v the_o command_n of_o god_n god_n may_v just_o withdraw_v as_o he_o in_o effect_n do_v the_o supernatural_a benefit_n of_o immortality_n and_o thenceforward_o deny_v it_o to_o mankind_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n be_v thus_o explain_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unexceptionable_a or_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o reason_n hereby_o no_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o for_o the_o loss_n or_o rather_o not_o obtain_v a_o favour_n to_o which_o we_o have_v natural_o no_o right_a or_o claim_v can_v in_o nowise_o be_v call_v a_o punishment_n hereby_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n see_v that_o no_o wrong_a or_o injury_n be_v do_v unto_o any_o his_o goodness_n be_v make_v evident_a in_o entail_v so_o wonderful_a a_o reward_n as_o immortality_n upon_o the_o observation_n of_o so_o easy_a a_o condition_n and_o enforce_v the_o observation_n of_o it_o by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o happiness_n or_o unhappiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n ensue_v to_o it_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v adam_n infinite_o more_o careful_a and_o concern_v in_o it_o last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v most_o manifest_a herein_o whereby_o this_o mystery_n become_v not_o only_o just_a but_o rational_a for_o by_o this_o fatal_a example_n mankind_n can_v but_o be_v make_v sensible_a how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o sin_n that_o therefore_o if_o what_o they_o natural_o desire_v a_o extraordinary_a reward_n of_o their_o obedience_n be_v expect_v the_o hope_n of_o which_o must_v be_v found_v in_o a_o reveal_v covenant_n it_o can_v be_v obtain_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n wherein_o frequent_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n may_v be_v bestow_v upon_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o mercy_n allow_v to_o sinner_n until_o they_o shall_v appear_v absolute_o incorrigible_a that_o therefore_o neither_o plenary_a reward_n nor_o punishment_n can_v be_v dispense_v in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o either_o be_v desire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v defer_v till_o after_o death_n a_o truth_n which_o mankind_n will_v very_o hardly_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o have_v not_o the_o example_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n teach_v it_o to_o we_o so_o natural_o be_v man_n lead_v to_o imagine_v their_o supreme_a happiness_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o perpetual_a fruition_n of_o those_o worldly_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o they_o now_o so_o much_o value_n and_o to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n the_o performance_n of_o which_o they_o can_v receive_v till_o after_o death_n whereas_o now_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n can_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o which_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o discourse_v upon_o the_o second_o head_n propose_v namely_o in_o manifest_v ii_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o defer_v the_o
for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o solicitous_a about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o many_o age_n we_o own_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o this_o life_n be_v even_o nothing_o if_o compare_v to_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o next_o and_o yet_o every_o trifle_a pleasure_n can_v persuade_v we_o to_o exchange_v eternity_n for_o this_o nothing_o if_o we_o review_v all_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n defer_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o judgement_n till_o another_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v abundant_a cause_n careful_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o if_o god_n in_o mercy_n await_v our_o repentance_n even_o till_o the_o last_o scene_n of_o our_o life_n how_o dreadful_a may_v we_o imagine_v those_o punishment_n to_o be_v which_o he_o will_v not_o inflict_v till_o the_o sinner_n have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n and_o by_o die_v impenitent_a declare_v himself_o to_o be_v absolute_o incorrigible_a and_o worthy_a to_o undergo_v the_o utmost_a fury_n of_o a_o enrage_a god_n if_o he_o rather_o suffer_v his_o providence_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v traduce_v in_o this_o world_n than_o consent_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o erroneous_a imagination_n of_o man_n it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v reserve_v a_o unerring_a judgement_n to_o the_o last_o time_n when_o he_o will_v infallible_o return_v to_o every_o one_o the_o true_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n and_o discover_v the_o most_o secret_a fault_n of_o every_o individual_a criminal_a make_v their_o demerit_n as_o public_a as_o their_o punishment_n if_o in_o this_o life_n punishment_n can_v be_v impose_v with_o sufficient_a severity_n how_o rigorous_a and_o terrible_a how_o much_o exceed_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n must_v be_v the_o torment_v prepare_v hereafter_o if_o the_o high_a and_o most_o admire_a enjoyment_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v confer_v as_o a_o reward_n to_o a_o pious_a christian_a we_o may_v conclude_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v inconceivable_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v powerful_o insluence_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o they_o if_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v execute_v upon_o earth_n because_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o more_o noble_a and_o christian_a virtue_n we_o may_v be_v then_o convincâ—…_n how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o judgement_n hereafter_o last_o if_o god_n will_v not_o inflict_v the_o deserve_a punishment_n on_o sinner_n here_o lest_o he_o shall_v represent_v a_o hell_n on_o earth_n and_o affright_v even_o good_a man_n with_o so_o dismal_a a_o spectacle_n how_o dreadful_a must_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v which_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n even_o make_v the_o spectator_n miserable_a such_o powerful_a and_o force_a argument_n have_v we_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o can_v scarce_o induce_v we_o even_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o neither_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o death_n can_v move_v nor_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n affright_v we_o nor_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n allure_v we_o nor_o the_o dread_a of_o future_a judgement_n arrest_v we_o and_o then_o what_o if_o none_o of_o all_o these_o have_v be_v if_o neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n death_n or_o judgement_n have_v attend_v we_o if_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o we_o have_v be_v permit_v to_o live_v immortal_a sinner_n what_o sin_n shall_v we_o then_o have_v scruple_v at_o what_o violence_n shall_v we_o not_o then_o have_v commit_v so_o that_o even_o the_o final_a decree_n of_o death_n upon_o all_o man_n be_v no_o small_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o far_o from_o be_v repine_v at_o aught_o to_o be_v grateful_o receive_v by_o we_o at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o decree_n to_o a_o real_a advantage_n by_o continual_o preserve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n oppose_v it_o to_o all_o temptation_n and_o act_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n of_o it_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o need_v to_o fear_v the_o judgement_n which_o shall_v follow_v it_o but_o shall_v patient_o a_o wait_v it_o bold_o encounter_v it_o and_o joyful_o receive_v it_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n and_o merit_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v february_n 10._o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o tim._n i._n 17._o now_o unto_o the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v of_o such_o excellent_a use_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o tend_v so_o high_o to_o beget_v and_o preserve_v true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v frequent_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o inculcate_v it_o in_o holy_a writ_n st._n paul_n in_o this_o place_n break_v out_o in_o admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o then_o return_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o in_o these_o word_n word_n so_o admirable_o frame_v that_o they_o express_v not_o only_o the_o extreme_a gratitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o powerful_o entice_v we_o also_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o doxology_n to_o god_n by_o represent_v and_o brief_o enumerate_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v adore_v by_o we_o and_o indeed_o in_o this_o chief_o consist_v the_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n that_o in_o the_o one_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v entertain_v and_o worship_n found_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o other_o erroneous_a and_o mean_a conception_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v take_v up_o and_o religious_a adoration_n pay_v upon_o reason_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v it_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v place_v upon_o such_o foundation_n as_o may_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o god_n have_v indeed_o out_o of_o his_o abundantmercy_o andlove_n to_o mankind_n provide_v many_o other_o argument_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o fear_v he_o to_o love_v he_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o yield_v submission_n to_o he_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o wonderful_a a_o benefit_n may_v engage_v we_o to_o gratitude_n he_o show_v forth_o his_o long_a suffering_n to_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o to_o they_o which_o do_v both_o believe_v and_o actagreeable_o to_o their_o belief_n he_o promise_v everlasting_a life_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n will_v indeed_o strike_v we_o with_o a_o lively_a concern_v we_o can_v but_o love_v the_o author_n of_o these_o signal_n benefit_n admire_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v to_o displease_v he_o lest_o by_o his_o displeasure_n we_o forfeit_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o he_o these_o be_v indeed_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o be_v religious_a but_o yet_o we_o find_v nothing_o whereon_o to_o place_v the_o most_o essential_a act_n of_o religion_n worship_n and_o adoration_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o form_n it_o nor_o to_o who_o to_o give_v it_o till_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n till_o we_o begin_v to_o reflect_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o then_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n also_o to_o 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suffer_v our_o reason_n to_o take_v place_n if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v not_o our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o embolden_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o when_o discover_v we_o can_v but_o repent_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n clear_o and_o full_o manifest_v thus_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v he_o be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n he_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o recur_v to_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o he_o desire_v the_o plague_n to_o be_v remove_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o make_v a_o example_n of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v yet_o a_o near_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o the_o psalmist_n in_o these_o word_n particular_o reflect_v on_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n they_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o choose_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o most_o amaze_a temporal_a benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v confer_v on_o any_o feed_v with_o a_o constant_a miracle_n lead_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o confirm_v by_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o here_o be_v sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o we_o find_v frequent_a defection_n in_o they_o contempt_n of_o his_o precept_n vilify_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o disbelief_n of_o his_o promife_n which_o enforce_v god_n in_o indignation_n to_o say_v of_o they_o how_o long_o will_v this_o people_n provoke_v i_o and_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v ever_o they_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o i_o have_v show_v among_o they_o i_o will_v smite_v they_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o disinherit_v they_o etc._n etc._n numb_a fourteen_o 11_o 12._o so_o then_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n and_o impulse_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a enormity_n against_o which_o god_n express_v the_o great_a indignation_n and_o on_o which_o he_o inflict_v the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o willing_o confess_v we_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v indignation_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o history_n we_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v after_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n slight_a his_o favour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stone_n his_o prophet_n and_o their_o own_o deliverer_n we_o condemn_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonable_a conduct_n of_o both_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o have_v we_o then_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pharaoh_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v imitate_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o their_o perverseness_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o omission_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o no_o less_o a_o degree_n a_o harden_v of_o the_o heart_n than_o be_v the_o crime_n either_o of_o pharaoh_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o conviction_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v that_o of_o pharaoh_n our_o obligation_n great_a than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o require_v our_o obedience_n we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v reserve_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o sinner_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v dispense_v upon_o no_o othercondition_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n without_o the_o practice_n therefore_o of_o this_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o then_o may_v not_o he_o just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n and_o defy_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n by_o forsake_v bewail_a and_o amend_v his_o former_a disobedience_n who_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o to_o owe_v to_o his_o liberality_n both_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o profess_v enmity_n to_o he_o by_o retain_v his_o sinful_a habit_n who_o believe_v all_o his_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a power_n wisdom_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o neither_o dread_v his_o anger_n nor_o reveres_fw-la his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o that_o if_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o natural_a obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n they_o 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propose_v infinite_a reward_n to_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o may_v renew_v these_o promise_n and_o promote_v repentance_n by_o constant_a exhortation_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corroborate_v or_o add_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o theapostle_n sermon_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v pre-required_n to_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o adoration_n of_o himself_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o devotion_n to_o his_o will._n none_o of_o which_o can_v take_v place_n until_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v first_o renounce_v and_o change_v into_o a_o steady_a resolution_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n if_o then_o neither_o the_o offer_v of_o pardon_n can_v persuade_v we_o nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o if_o the_o frequent_a exhortation_n of_o faithful_a monitor_n can_v move_v we_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o engage_v we_o if_o these_o argument_n contrive_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n become_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o obduration_n great_a than_o any_o other_o because_o oppose_v reason_n strong_a than_o any_o other_o if_o to_o slight_a and_o overlook_a all_o these_o obligation_n be_v so_o enormous_a a_o obduration_n much_o more_o criminal_a will_v it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o glorious_a