contrivance_n for_o his_o own_o happiness_n he_o begin_v to_o suspect_v his_o wise_a father_n do_v not_o allow_v his_o child_n liberty_n enough_o at_o home_n and_o that_o he_o conceal_v from_o he_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o he_o do_v give_v way_n to_o those_o desire_n which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v natural_a but_o his_o father_n think_v unreasonable_a he_o shall_v enjoy_v much_o more_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o he_o do_v at_o home_n and_o be_v resolve_v upon_o this_o he_o give_v way_n to_o those_o inclination_n he_o find_v strong_a in_o himself_o deny_v himself_o no_o pleasure_n of_o life_n account_v virtue_n but_o a_o name_n which_o sour_a and_o morose_a person_n put_v upon_o their_o own_o humour_n and_o religion_n but_o a_o device_n for_o fool_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o knave_n to_o deceive_v other_o by_o and_o so_o he_o throw_v off_o all_o check_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o and_o never_o regard_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o what_o he_o do_v for_o his_o lust_n be_v his_o law_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o he_o now_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a real_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v suppose_v more_o provoke_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n than_o such_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a way_n of_o live_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o father_n will_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n conscience_n interest_n reputation_n and_o which_o soon_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o misery_n 3._o but_o that_o which_o add_v yet_o more_o to_o the_o height_n of_o the_o provocation_n be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o return_v home_o to_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o folly_n but_o he_o resolve_v to_o undergo_v any_o difficulty_n and_o submit_v to_o any_o hardship_n rather_o than_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o his_o father_n how_o hard_o a_o matter_n then_o be_v it_o to_o bring_v a_o habitual_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o any_o due_a and_o serious_a conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o do_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o change_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o alter_v all_o the_o great_a design_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n it_o be_v but_o a_o mean_a notion_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n as_o though_o it_o imply_v no_o more_o than_o some_o act_n of_o contrition_n for_o great_a sin_n when_o the_o habit_n and_o disposition_n remain_v the_o same_o but_o true_a repentance_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n from_o the_o love_n as_o well_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v easy_o or_o sudden_o a_o sinner_n will_v bear_v a_o great_a many_o check_n and_o reproof_n of_o conscience_n before_o he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o belove_a sin_n he_o will_v struggle_v a_o great_a while_n with_o himself_o and_o endure_v many_o conflict_n between_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n and_o root_v inclination_n before_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v assure_v himself_o that_o his_o repentance_n have_v have_v its_o due_a and_o effectual_a operation_n upon_o he_o for_o we_o see_v here_o nothing_o but_o extremity_n bring_v the_o prodigal_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v he_o at_o last_o to_o resolve_v to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n as_o themistocles_n say_v of_o the_o people_n 18._o of_o athens_n they_o do_v by_o he_o as_o man_n common_o do_v by_o a_o great_a tree_n they_o run_v to_o it_o for_o shelter_n in_o a_o storm_n but_o care_v not_o how_o they_o use_v it_o another_o time_n that_o be_v too_o true_a of_o sinner_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n when_o they_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n for_o themselves_o any_o other_o way_n they_o despise_v religion_n and_o make_v god_n their_o refuge_n only_o at_o a_o day_n of_o extremity_n but_o not_o their_o choice_n when_o their_o condition_n please_v they_o but_o when_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v so_o slight_v his_o father_n break_v his_o command_n despise_v the_o advantage_n he_o have_v at_o home_n and_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o think_v of_o return_v thither_o how_o come_v he_o now_o to_o be_v so_o encourage_v in_o his_o mind_n to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n and_o confess_v his_o fault_n with_o hope_n of_o be_v forgive_v after_o all_o this_o we_o find_v no_o other_o account_n here_o give_v but_o that_o he_o be_v his_o father_n however_o he_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v resolve_v he_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n as_o though_o there_o be_v charm_n and_o force_n enough_o in_o that_o word_n to_o answer_v all_o discouragement_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o bowel_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n which_o a_o father_n have_v towards_o a_o relent_a child_n we_o must_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o will_v hold_v with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o be_v so_o infinite_o above_o all_o the_o fond_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o diminution_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v think_v like_o to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o his_o thought_n and_o way_n be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o far_o above_o we_o 9_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v not_o only_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v here_o lay_v the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o parable_n upon_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o father_n to_o his_o son_n but_o that_o he_o elsewhere_o argue_v from_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v far_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o mankind_n when_o they_o make_v due_a application_n to_o he_o than_o father_n can_v have_v towards_o their_o child_n even_o when_o they_o ask_v for_o necessary_a sustenance_n what_o man_n be_v 11._o there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o there_o have_v be_v philosopher_n so_o severe_a against_o the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o pity_n or_o commiseration_n towards_o other_o whatever_o their_o condition_n or_o relation_n be_v but_o only_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n in_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v far_o more_o reasonable_o allow_v such_o passion_n in_o mankind_n as_o dispose_v they_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o by_o fix_v such_o a_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n of_o other_o misery_n as_o do_v excite_v they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_v for_o their_o ease_n and_o support_v and_o compassion_n be_v not_o as_o some_o imagine_v such_o a_o mean_a and_o selfish_a passion_n as_o do_v arise_v only_o from_o the_o apprehension_n that_o we_o may_v suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n ourselves_o which_o we_o pity_v other_o for_o but_o it_o be_v a_o generous_a sense_n of_o what_o other_o feel_v join_v with_o a_o readiness_n to_o help_v they_o according_a to_o our_o power_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o in_o father_n towards_o child_n but_o look_v on_o it_o as_o necessary_a in_o humane_a nature_n in_o order_n to_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o himself_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v touch_v with_o 2._o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o to_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o ignorant_a and_o on_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o although_o this_o be_v allowable_a in_o humane_a nature_n how_o can_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o compassion_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o impression_n and_o motion_n which_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o and_o yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o full_a and_o clear_a in_o attribute_v pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o almighty_a god_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o creature_n the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n 8._o long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a goodness_n st._n james_n say_v he_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o 11._o of_o tender_a mercy_n and_o in_o that_o wonderful_a appearance_n to_o moses_n when_o god_n himself_o declare_v his_o own_o attribute_n the_o great_a part_n consist_v of_o his_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o mankind_n the_o lord_n 7._o god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o
high_a testimony_n even_o by_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 3._o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o man_n judgement_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o they_o some_o man_n capacity_n opportunity_n and_o help_n have_v very_o much_o exceed_v other_o some_o have_v break_v through_o strong_a conviction_n and_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o some_o have_v have_v more_o early_a instruction_n more_o frequent_a warning_n more_o oblige_a favour_n from_o heaven_n than_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o person_n suffer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a continuance_n in_o sin_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o 4._o it_o be_v no_o unjust_a severity_n in_o god_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o have_v wilful_o refuse_v and_o to_o condemn_v they_o to_o that_o misery_n which_o their_o sin_n have_v deserve_v have_v not_o god_n make_v the_o most_o condescend_v offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n to_o expect_v from_o he_o after_o so_o many_o and_o great_a provocation_n can_v heaven_n stoop_v low_a than_o it_o have_v do_v to_o vile_a and_o ungrateful_a sinner_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o man_n together_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n warn_v and_o excite_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n when_o the_o messenger_n of_o this_o reconciliation_n be_v to_o woo_v and_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v sinner_n in_o christ_n stead_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v they_o by_o they_o that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n when_o the_o patience_n and_o goodness_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n be_v exercise_v so_o much_o on_o purpose_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n when_o god_n instead_o of_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v and_o pass_v by_o so_o many_o offence_n if_o they_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v they_o still_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o mercy_n when_o after_o all_o this_o man_n do_v rather_o prefer_v the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o all_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n so_o free_o offer_v be_v it_o any_o injustice_n in_o he_o to_o suffer_v they_o for_o ever_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o which_o they_o so_o wilful_o so_o ungrateful_o so_o obstinate_o refuse_v and_o suppose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o subsist_v in_o another_o world_n free_a from_o all_o those_o cloud_n of_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o the_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v deceive_v by_o here_o as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o diversion_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o suffer_v a_o intolerable_a anguish_n within_o call_v a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o a_o fire_n that_o 44._o never_o go_v out_o from_o the_o reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o folly_n what_o vengeance_n beyond_o this_o god_n may_v inflict_v we_o now_o know_v not_o may_v none_o of_o we_o ever_o know_v it_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v never_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n and_o desert_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o proceed_n with_o mankind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 2._o it_o remain_v now_o only_o to_o show_v by_o what_o mean_v god_n bring_v we_o to_o judgement_n may_v make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o not_o consider_v it_o will_v not_o make_v our_o condition_n better_o but_o much_o worse_o 2._o that_o our_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o not_o consider_v it_o will_v not_o make_v our_o conditon_n better_a there_o be_v great_a reason_n indeed_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o never_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o what_o will_v happen_v at_o the_o great_a day_n if_o the_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o head_n will_v make_v our_o account_n the_o easy_a when_o it_o come_v but_o alas_o whether_o we_o think_v of_o it_o or_o no_o the_o account_n run_v on_o and_o we_o must_v answer_v to_o every_o particular_a at_o last_o and_o how_o unprovided_a shall_v we_o be_v if_o we_o spend_v no_o time_n here_o in_o examine_v state_v and_o clear_v of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o mighty_a privilege_n we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n allow_v we_o to_o clear_v our_o account_n with_o he_o in_o this_o world_n for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i_o e._n if_o 31._o we_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o our_o action_n if_o we_o repent_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o of_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o seek_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o mercy_n if_o we_o have_v our_o conscience_n cleanse_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o our_o sin_n than_o we_o may_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o our_o mind_n think_v of_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n but_o if_o we_o never_o enter_v into_o ourselves_o to_o search_v and_o examine_v our_o own_o action_n never_o look_v into_o the_o habit_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n nor_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o the_o gild_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o have_v commit_v how_o can_v we_o ever_o hope_v to_o escape_v the_o scrutiny_n or_o avoid_v the_o severity_n of_o that_o day_n for_o our_o account_n continual_o increase_v by_o our_o neglect_n of_o it_o and_o the_o burden_n of_o god_n wrath_n must_v be_v so_o much_o heavy_a when_o we_o have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o lessen_v it_o but_o after_o our_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n have_v only_o 5._o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n 2._o our_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o judgement_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o for_o although_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o plead_v innocency_n yet_o which_o be_v next_o in_o point_n of_o wisdom_n this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o which_o make_v we_o repent_v make_v we_o to_o grow_v wise_a in_o time_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o it_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o wisdom_n of_o reflection_n and_o reformation_n the_o instance_n of_o it_o and_o exhortation_n to_o it_o record_v in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v none_o more_o sensible_a and_o which_o touch_v man_n more_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n and_o concernment_n than_o this_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v must_v i_o then_o say_v a_o penitent_a sinner_n give_v a_o strict_a account_n to_o god_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o my_o life_n and_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o they_o if_o i_o die_v in_o impenitency_n how_o much_o do_v it_o then_o concern_v i_o to_o repent_v betimes_o to_o repent_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o repent_v while_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o mercy_n away_o then_o all_o you_o deceitful_a vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n you_o have_v too_o long_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v i_o what_o will_v all_o this_o vain_a show_n this_o busy_a seducer_n this_o impertinent_a outside_o of_o the_o world_n signify_v when_o i_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o and_o stand_v guilty_a and_o accuse_v by_o my_o own_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n oh_o how_o wretched_a shall_v i_o be_v if_o my_o conscience_n condemn_v i_o before_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n therefore_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o day_n i_o will_v accuse_v judge_n and_o condemn_v myself_o nay_o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o execution_n as_o to_o all_o the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n within_o i_o and_o although_o i_o can_v whole_o mortify_v they_o yet_o i_o will_v crucify_v they_o i._n e._n nail_n they_o to_o the_o cross_n and_o allow_v they_o no_o long_o liberty_n and_o albeit_o they_o may_v struggle_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o i_o will_v never_o give_v way_n to_o their_o dominion_n over_o i_o any_o more_o that_o so_o death_n and_o judgement_n may_v find_v i_o prepare_v if_o not_o with_o unspotted_a innocency_n yet_o with_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n to_o conclude_v all_o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v enter_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o awaken_v we_o out_o of_o our_o lethargy_n and_o
some_o man_n and_o look_v on_o as_o whole_o unconcern_v they_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v in_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o think_v so_o but_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v quiet_a when_o they_o have_v all_o they_o pretend_v to_o desire_v what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o further_a animosity_n will_v discourage_v our_o friend_n animate_v our_o common_a enemy_n and_o expose_v we_o all_o to_o confusion_n if_o not_o to_o ruin_n if_o man_n love_v this_o world_n less_o and_o another_o better_a they_o will_v be_v more_o quiet_a here_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o prepare_v for_o that_o better_a state_n if_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o what_o contempt_n shall_v we_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o busy_a design_n the_o restless_a care_n the_o vain_a hope_n and_o the_o perplex_v fear_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n then_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n while_o we_o live_v and_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v for_o integrity_n and_o innocency_n will_v keep_v we_o most_o from_o give_v disturbance_n to_o other_o and_o from_o find_v any_o in_o our_o own_o breast_n whoso_o hearken_v unto_o wisdom_n shall_v dwell_v safe_o and_o shall_v be_v quiet_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o evil._n 23._o 2._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o constant_a care_n of_o divine_a providence_n the_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o esteem_n we_o have_v of_o providence_n and_o the_o trust_v we_o repose_v in_o god_n what_o make_v child_n pass_v their_o time_n without_o solicitous_a thought_n about_o themselves_o but_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o their_o parent_n what_o make_v passenger_n lie_v down_o at_o rest_n in_o a_o ship_n at_o sea_n but_o because_o they_o trust_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o pilot_n we_o can_v alter_v the_o method_n of_o providence_n by_o all_o our_o solicitude_n god_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o own_o measure_n and_o not_o by_o we_o the_o government_n be_v he_o the_o duty_n of_o submission_n be_v we_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v peevish_a and_o quarrelsome_a at_o what_o he_o do_v but_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a unless_o we_o turn_v it_o another_o way_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v mere_o content_v with_o providence_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v active_a and_o useful_a in_o our_o own_o place_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a interest_n and_o not_o to_o repine_v and_o murmur_v at_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v and_o what_o may_v not_o happen_v but_o let_v we_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n as_o to_o our_o creator_n and_o preserver_n sermon_n vi_o preach_v at_o st._n laurence-jewry_n april_n the_o 7_o the_o 1691._o 1_o timothy_n i._n 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a if_o these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o will_v overthrow_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v its_o excellent_a precept_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v man_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o severe_a practice_n of_o repentance_n mortification_n and_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n if_o the_o mere_a be_v sinner_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o for_o salvation_n this_o indeed_o will_v be_v think_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n by_o the_o great_a sinner_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n be_v not_o agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o christ_n jesus_n but_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o such_o sinner_n as_o himself_o have_v be_v i._n e._n such_o as_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n but_o have_v true_o and_o sincere_o repent_v of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a what_o then_o must_v we_o look_v on_o he_o as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o such_o sinner_n who_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o save_v what_o will_v then_o become_v of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sinner_n of_o a_o high_a rank_n than_o ever_o he_o be_v it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n he_o set_v out_o his_o sin_n as_o a_o humble_a penitent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o the_o worst_a colour_n and_o deep_a aggravation_n who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a but_o yet_o he_o add_v that_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n 13._o because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n how_o then_o be_v st._n paul_n the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n be_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v the_o great_a of_o sin_n for_o which_o christ_n die_v be_v there_o no_o expiation_n for_o any_o other_o by_o jesus_n christ_n what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o all_o such_o who_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n and_o not_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n can_v none_o of_o these_o hope_n for_o mercy_n by_o christ_n jesus_n although_o they_o do_v true_o repent_v but_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v elsewhere_o to_o 7._o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n not_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v say_v 2._o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o this_o expression_n of_o st._n paul_n note_v his_o great_a humility_n and_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o do_v not_o exclude_v other_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n who_o sin_n have_v other_o aggravation_n than_o his_o have_v for_o if_o we_o leave_v out_o the_o last_o word_n as_o peculiar_a to_o his_o case_n yet_o the_o other_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o true_a proposition_n and_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n this_o be_v a_o fà ithfull_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n this_o you_o may_v say_v be_v a_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n among_o all_o such_o who_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o but_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o save_a sinner_n by_o christ_n jesus_n whether_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o example_n of_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o power_n he_o attain_v through_o his_o suffering_n or_o by_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n and_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reconcile_a god_n to_o we_o and_o make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n these_o be_v two_o very_a different_a hypothesis_n or_o notion_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o the_o former_a seem_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o have_v insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o run_v our_o religion_n into_o mystery_n which_o expose_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v christianity_n appear_v contemptible_a to_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o understanding_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o much_o better_a to_o embrace_v such_o a_o scheme_n of_o it_o as_o will_v have_v the_o least_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o so_o man_n of_o reason_n may_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o infidelity_n and_o man_n of_o superstition_n may_v not_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o mystery_n bring_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a doctrine_n these_o be_v plausible_a insinuation_n and_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v on_o consider_v man_n mind_n if_o they_o be_v to_o form_n and_o make_v a_o religion_n that_o may_v be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o the_o genius_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o and_o true_o no_o man_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n can_v pretend_v to_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v on_o other_o any_o mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n to_o understand_v but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o case_n for_o we_o all_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v christianity_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o god_n we_o say_v may_v require_v from_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v especial_o if_o it_o relate_v to_o himself_o or_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o
believe_v no_o life_n after_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o pain_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n these_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v far_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o because_o the_o mind_n have_v far_o great_a satisfaction_n under_o they_o and_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o a_o infinite_a reward_n to_o follow_v upon_o they_o whereas_o the_o other_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o look_v back_o on_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o forward_o in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v for_o they_o have_v destroy_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o hasten_v that_o upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o account_v their_o only_a misery_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o none_o can_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v very_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o carnal_a for_o the_o one_o â—ills_v they_o with_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n carry_v man_n best_o through_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n be_v join_v with_o patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n but_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v froward_a and_o impatient_a uneasy_a to_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o about_o it_o and_o this_o make_v every_o pain_n and_o trouble_v to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v like_o the_o ass_n in_o the_o fable_n which_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o water_n with_o his_o burden_n of_o wool_n and_o so_o make_v it_o heavy_a than_o before_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o philosophical_a man_n of_o pleasure_n seek_v to_o comfort_v themselves_o by_o under_o the_o unavoidable_a trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v far_o great_a advantage_n than_o any_o of_o they_o have_v as_o to_o both_o of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v reflection_n and_o expectation_n 1._o reflection_n when_o epicurus_n be_v in_o his_o last_o agony_n under_o the_o stone_n what_o a_o miserable_a way_n be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comfort_v himself_o by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o atom_n and_o his_o maxim_n his_o imaginary_a notion_n of_o the_o happiness_n v._o of_o life_n consist_v in_o pleasure_n when_o his_o life_n be_v so_o near_o be_v end_v by_o excessive_a pain_n but_o a_o good_a man_n that_o have_v sincere_o 30._o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o his_o generation_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v and_o to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n look_v back_o with_o comfort_n on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o by_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v enjoy_v inward_a satisfaction_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o distemper_n which_o make_v life_n uneasy_a and_o death_n more_o welcome_a as_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n to_o a_o far_o better_a state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n 2._o expectation_n it_o be_v a_o sorrowful_a expectation_n which_o epicurus_n support_v himself_o with_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o prospect_n of_o death_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o subtle_a atom_n which_o make_v up_o his_o soul_n will_v soon_o be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v he_o know_v not_o where_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v but_o what_o comfort_n be_v there_o in_o such_o a_o dissolution_n man_n that_o have_v deserve_v it_o may_v hearty_o wish_v it_o but_o they_o have_v deserve_v something_o worse_a and_o that_o they_o must_v expect_v for_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v certain_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o their_o vice_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o 31._o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o a_o miserable_a case_n be_v those_o in_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o look_v for_o but_o judgement_n 27._o and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v consume_v the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n but_o o_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o joyful_a expectation_n that_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a mind_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v enliven_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o without_o that_o even_o good_a man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o dejection_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o another_o world_n from_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o change_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o mistrust_v of_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o heaven_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o sincere_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o that_o he_o always_o make_v their_o passage_n safe_a though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o triumphant_a and_o although_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n may_v seem_v gloomy_a and_o uncomfortable_a at_o a_o distance_n yet_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o conduct_v his_o servant_n through_o it_o he_o make_v it_o a_o happy_a passage_n into_o a_o state_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o everlasting_a life_n and_o peace_n to_o which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n ix_o preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n on_o christmass-day_n 1693._o st._n john_n iii_o 17._o for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_v by_o st._n john_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o fill_v up_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o many_o particular_a discourse_n omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n but_o the_o whole_a seem_v to_o be_v pen_v in_o another_o strain_n and_o with_o some_o different_a purpose_n and_o design_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o general_a end_n of_o write_v which_o st._n john_n mention_n viz._n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n 31._o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n but_o they_o make_v use_v of_o several_a method_n as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o write_n st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o genealogy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o abraham_n and_o show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o and_o how_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n st._n mark_v write_v only_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gentile_n st._n luke_n take_v a_o large_a compass_n and_o put_v thing_n into_o a_o exacter_n order_n of_o time_n as_o himself_o tell_v 3._o we_o and_o add_v many_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o general_a advantage_n to_o mankind_n by_o his_o come_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o 32._o lighten_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n st._n john_n succeed_v the_o rest_n find_v two_o great_a thing_n which_o give_v he_o occasion_n of_o write_v his_o gospel_n 1._o the_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o ebionite_n and_o cerinthian_o who_o pretend_v to_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o excellent_a person_n both_o for_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o who_o god_n upon_o his_o baptism_n have_v give_v extraordinary_a gift_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o world_n meet_v with_o such_o cold_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n from_o it_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v 11._o make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o 12._o what_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o so_o true_a a_o lover_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n john_n be_v than_o that_o he_o live_v to_o see_v his_o doctrine_n pervert_v and_o his_o design_n in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n render_v ineffectual_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o gospel_n 1._o he_o begin_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o in_o a_o very_a short_a significant_a and_o lofty_a style_n he_o set_v forth_o his_o eternal_a be_v and_o godhead_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n
and_o in_o a_o instant_a to_o knock_v off_o their_o fetter_n and_o bid_v they_o be_v free_a but_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o gentle_a and_o effectual_a method_n of_o persuasion_n not_o only_o by_o his_o word_n but_o by_o his_o own_o example_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v by_o he_o to_o despise_v this_o world_n who_o have_v so_o little_a in_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o from_o whence_o he_o come_v where_o their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v unconceivable_a and_o without_o end_n iii_o the_o three_o principle_n be_v that_o no_o such_o particular_a favour_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o long_o as_o his_o displeasure_n be_v so_o just_a against_o mankind_n for_o sin_n and_o no_o effectual_a mean_n use_v to_o remove_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o the_o gospel_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n whether_o god_n be_v real_o displease_v with_o mankind_n for_o their_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o need_v a_o reconciliation_n for_o if_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o express_v concern_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o mankind_n for_o sin_n be_v only_o figurative_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n than_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v give_v up_o as_o a_o mere_a scheme_n for_o if_o god_n be_v not_o real_o displease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o reconciliation_n if_o no_o need_n of_o that_o than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o come_v for_o that_o end_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o affirm_v it_o over_o and_o over_o and_o i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o strong_a argument_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n than_o that_o the_o most_o emphatical_a expression_n be_v so_o often_o apply_v to_o that_o purpose_n by_o such_o person_n who_o use_v all_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n so_o that_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v so_o and_o if_o nothing_o can_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v a_o write_a rule_n of_o faith_n since_o all_o write_n be_v capable_a by_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n by_o the_o different_a use_n of_o particle_n and_o transposition_n of_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o very_o different_a interpretation_n but_o this_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n which_o be_v rather_o to_o consider_v the_o natural_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v in_o reason_n suppose_v any_o such_o passion_n in_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v as_o that_o which_o we_o call_v wrath_n and_o anger_n in_o men._n for_o that_o be_v a_o violent_a perturbation_n arise_v from_o surprise_n and_o indignation_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disorder_n or_o surprise_n in_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n therefore_o wrath_n in_o god_n must_v suppose_v two_o thing_n 1._o a_o just_a cause_n of_o displeasure_n give_v by_o we_o 2._o such_o a_o just_a displeasure_n follow_v upon_o it_o as_o will_v end_v in_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o offender_n if_o it_o be_v not_o remove_v now_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o displeasure_n or_o not_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o natural_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o who_o exercise_v his_o reason_n can_v judge_v amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n not_o that_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v equal_o clear_a for_o all_o proposition_n in_o mathematics_n be_v not_o so_o but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o the_o general_a principle_n be_v so_o and_o the_o great_a instance_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o he_o act_v as_o much_o according_a to_o reason_n in_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o can_v any_o one_o of_o common_a sense_n imagine_v god_n to_o be_v as_o well_o please_v with_o he_o who_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n and_o despise_v his_o service_n and_o hate_v religion_n as_o with_o one_o that_o fear_v and_o honour_n he_o and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o can_v he_o be_v as_o well_o please_v with_o he_o that_o assassin_n his_o parent_n as_o with_o he_o that_o obey_v they_o with_o he_o that_o rob_v and_o defraud_n his_o neighbour_n as_o with_o he_o that_o relieve_v he_o in_o his_o necessity_n with_o he_o who_o subdue_v his_o disorderly_a passion_n as_o with_o he_o that_o give_v way_n to_o they_o with_o he_o who_o be_v cruel_a inhuman_a and_o perfidious_a as_o with_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a and_o compassionate_a these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o they_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o notorious_a that_o a_o man_n must_v renounce_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n who_o do_v not_o own_v they_o and_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n because_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_v and_o dispute_v about_o some_o thing_n account_v good_a and_o evil_a be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o day_n and_o night_n because_o in_o the_o twilight_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o distinguish_v they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o god_n be_v a_o strict_a observer_n of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o justice_n can_v but_o be_v offend_v with_o mankind_n wilful_a omission_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v good_a and_o commission_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v evil_a but_o here_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o god_n displeasure_n against_o the_o action_n and_o against_o the_o person_n who_o commit_v they_o the_o former_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a upon_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o can_v never_o be_v remove_v for_o god_n be_v irreconcilable_a to_o sin_n but_o those_o who_o commit_v sin_n be_v his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o capable_a of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n there_o be_v always_o a_o desert_n of_o punishment_n follow_v upon_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o inseparable_a connection_n between_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n for_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n act_v not_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n in_o punish_v sinner_n but_o by_o the_o method_n of_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o if_o the_o save_n of_o sinner_n upon_o their_o repentance_n can_v be_v make_v agreeable_a to_o these_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o reconciliation_n for_o although_o god_n be_v displease_v he_o be_v not_o implacable_a although_o he_o be_v just_o provoke_v to_o punish_v sinner_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v nor_o any_o irreversible_a decree_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o this_o displeasure_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o way_n still_o leave_v open_a for_o reconciliation_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o next_o iv._o the_o four_o principle_n be_v that_o if_o god_n be_v thus_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o they_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n on_o what_o term_n this_o reconciliation_n may_v be_v obtain_v for_o be_v both_o the_o offend_a party_n and_o the_o supreme_a governor_n he_o have_v the_o sole_a right_n on_o both_o account_n of_o fix_v those_o term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o receive_v the_o offender_n into_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o argue_v from_o one_o attribute_n of_o god_n against_o another_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n will_v easy_o forgive_v sin_n because_o he_o be_v merciful_a but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v not_o forgive_v because_o he_o be_v just_a as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v because_o he_o be_v merciful_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o consider_a man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o mind_n as_o to_o god_n forgive_n his_o sin_n unless_o he_o be_v some_o way_n assure_v from_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o particular_a revelation_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v make_v if_o god_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o forgiveness_n but_o mere_a repentance_n can_v never_o make_v any_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n suppose_v a_o sinner_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o he_o have_v offend_v god_n so_o many_o way_n and_o with_o
to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v all_o whole_o spiritual_a then_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v remove_v all_o perturbation_n from_o it_o which_o be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o it_o as_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v although_o they_o be_v all_o mention_v in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o we_o just_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a condescension_n to_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o mean_a understanding_n and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o fine_a thought_n will_v see_v cause_n to_o attribute_v only_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a and_o divine_a perfection_n but_o what_o now_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o this_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v he_o be_v move_v by_o our_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o act_n of_o contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v righteous_a what_o do_v it_o profit_v the_o almighty_a and_o if_o we_o be_v evil_a how_o can_v it_o hurt_v he_o and_o if_o when_o we_o have_v sin_v we_o repent_v we_o do_v no_o more_o than_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o but_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o great_a and_o wise_a god_n shall_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o become_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o folly_n for_o when_o we_o sin_n against_o god_n wilful_o deliberate_o know_o habitual_o we_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o we_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o we_o we_o reject_v his_o wise_a government_n we_o slight_a his_o righteous_a law_n we_o prefer_v the_o please_a our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o sensual_a lust_n before_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o provoke_v to_o he_o than_o to_o be_v so_o despise_v by_o one_o who_o have_v his_o be_v and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n from_o he_o suppose_v now_o such_o a_o disobedient_a rebellious_a son_n as_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o folly_n be_v his_o father_n bind_v to_o receive_v he_o be_v it_o not_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o go_v from_o he_o if_o he_o have_v suffer_v by_o his_o folly_n he_o may_v thank_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o if_o his_o father_n let_v he_o alone_o in_o it_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v but_o such_o be_v the_o tenderness_n of_o the_o father_n towards_o his_o repent_a son_n that_o he_o show_v the_o great_a compassion_n imaginable_a for_o he_o do_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n expect_v his_o son_n be_v solemn_a submission_n before_o his_o family_n but_o he_o run_v towards_o he_o and_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o what_o conception_n now_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v of_o god_n compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n answerable_a to_o all_o this_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o god_n hatred_n be_v not_o primary_o against_o person_n who_o be_v his_o creature_n but_o against_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o make_n and_o against_o person_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o evil._n thou_o love_v righteousness_n 7._o and_o hate_v wickedness_n faith_n the_o psalmist_n god_n hate_v nothing_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o he_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n 5._o 2._o there_o may_v be_v goodwill_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o god_n discover_v the_o hatred_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o do_v not_o say_v god_n take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o he_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n in_o god_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v so_o much_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o as_o to_o design_n to_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o this_o every_o father_n find_v in_o himself_o towards_o a_o disobedient_a son_n while_o he_o hate_v his_o evil_a course_n yet_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o best_a method_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v ground_v that_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o 4._o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v our_o saviour_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o invitation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o sinner_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o god_n to_o show_v himself_o full_a of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o forgive_v they_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n for_o pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o the_o inward_a motion_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o but_o according_a to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n which_o be_v in_o general_n be_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n but_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v his_o clemency_n or_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o punishment_n they_o deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o pity_n which_o in_o we_o be_v aegritudo_fw-la ex_fw-la miseriâ—_n alterius_fw-la and_o therefore_o call_v misericordia_fw-la because_o the_o heart_n be_v touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o another_o misery_n but_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o apprehend_v it_o in_o god_n but_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n that_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o show_v mercy_n as_o they_o be_v to_o repent_v 2._o god_n pity_n and_o compassion_n lie_v in_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o which_o here_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o prodigal_n be_v pass_v by_o his_o former_a extravagance_n and_o receive_v he_o into_o as_o much_o favour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o go_v astray_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v 32._o and_o be_v find_v those_o who_o think_v they_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o so_o much_o pardon_v mercy_n as_o other_o do_v be_v apt_a to_o repine_v at_o the_o favour_n show_v to_o great_a sinner_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o therefore_o the_o elder_a brother_n can_v not_o bear_v the_o express_v so_o much_o kindness_n towards_o such_o a_o disobedient_a son_n though_o now_o a_o penitent_a but_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o compassion_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o deal_v with_o sinner_n according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n because_o he_o be_v under_o no_o fatal_a necessity_n no_o superior_a law_n and_o therefore_o may_v act_v free_o in_o the_o forgive_a offender_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o perpetual_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o if_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o they_o after_o their_o sin_n or_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o iniquity_n their_o spirit_n will_v have_v fail_v before_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o destroy_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o provocation_n but_o god_n have_v not_o only_o forbear_v sinner_n long_o when_o he_o may_v just_o have_v punish_v they_o but_o he_o give_v they_o many_o real_a blessing_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n free_o and_o bountiful_o now_o if_o god_n deal_v so_o merciful_o with_o sinner_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v there_o not_o great_a reason_n to_o suppose_v he_o will_v be_v far_o more_o so_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o 2._o a_o penitent_a sinner_n do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o vindicate_v god_n honour_n i_o do_v not_o say_v he_o can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o by_o his_o own_o son_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o a_o true_a penitent_n take_v all_o the_o shame_n and_o dishonour_v to_o himself_o he_o clear_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o law_n and_o own_v himself_o guilty_a of_o unspeakable_a folly_n in_o his_o disobedience_n o_o how_o just_o say_v he_o may_v god_n have_v take_v i_o away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o sin_n when_o my_o conscience_n check_v
i_o for_o my_o sin_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o when_o i_o can_v not_o but_o see_v my_o danger_n and_o yet_o be_v unwilling_a to_o come_v out_o of_o it_o i_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o thankful_a for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n as_o his_o bring_v i_o to_o myself_o have_v be_v i_o have_v go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o secure_a stupid_a senseless_a condition_n that_o other_o lie_v in_o if_o he_o have_v not_o thorough_o awaken_v i_o and_o rouse_v i_o out_o of_o my_o impenitent_a state_n how_o dreadful_a have_v my_o condition_n for_o ever_o be_v if_o my_o first_o awaken_n have_v be_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n nothing_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o patience_n will_v have_v wait_v so_o long_o for_o the_o repentance_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o i_o have_v be_v i_o have_v sin_v so_o often_o that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o the_o number_n of_o my_o transgression_n so_o deep_o that_o i_o be_o confound_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o so_o foolish_o that_o i_o be_o unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n who_o have_v act_v so_o unlike_o thy_o child_n so_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o speak_v to_o his_o father_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v admit_v i_o but_o to_o the_o mean_a condition_n of_o thy_o servant_n i_o shall_v ever_o esteem_v it_o as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o my_o life_n and_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v thou_o for_o the_o future_a though_o in_o the_o low_a capacity_n thus_o the_o repent_a prodigal_n go_v on_o five_o 19_o and_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n every_o true_a penitent_n behave_v himself_o towards_o god_n with_o great_a humility_n and_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o be_v thereby_o render_v more_o capable_a of_o divine_a favour_n for_o god_n reâ—steth_v the_o proud_a but_o 6._o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o show_v pity_n towards_o a_o true_o humble_a and_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v 17._o 3._o if_o god_n be_v not_o so_o full_a of_o compassion_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o sinner_n to_o repent_v but_o they_o must_v have_v sink_v into_o everlasting_a despair_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v forgive_v none_o that_o sin_n than_o all_o mankind_n must_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a misery_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o 20._o there_o be_v not_o a_o just_a man_n upon_o earth_n who_o sin_v not_o and_o so_o the_o best_a and_o worst_a and_o all_o fort_n of_o sinner_n must_v here_o suffer_v together_o which_o will_v have_v take_v away_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o mercy_n and_o clemency_n in_o god_n towards_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o as_o to_o some_o particular_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_v we_o limit_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a we_o determine_v what_o we_o know_v not_o viz._n how_o far_o god_n mercy_n do_v extend_v we_o destroy_v the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o change_v and_o reform_v the_o worst_a of_o men._n but_o the_o scriture_n have_v record_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o great_a sinner_n who_o have_v be_v great_a penitent_n and_o upon_o that_o have_v be_v pardon_v such_o as_o manasses_n and_o some_o other_o that_o no_o penitent_a sinner_n may_v be_v discourage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n for_o a_o true_a penitent_a search_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o set_v all_o his_o sin_n before_o he_o with_o their_o several_a aggravation_n can_v be_v keep_v from_o despair_n by_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o those_o who_o true_o repent_v 4._o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o provoke_v in_o sin_n as_o obstinate_a impenitency_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a god_n hate_v all_o sin_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o not_o all_o equal_o some_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o other_o be_v be_v against_o plain_a light_n strong_a conviction_n more_o easy_a command_n strict_a obligation_n than_o other_o be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o a_o sinner_n mind_n which_o be_v most_o provoke_a when_o sin_n be_v commit_v not_o through_o infirmity_n or_o sudden_a surprise_n or_o a_o violent_a temptation_n but_o habitual_o know_o wilful_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v do_v in_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o provoke_v to_o god_n that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n in_o another_o world_n be_v take_v from_o thence_o because_o god_n hate_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o thus_o 17._o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n acquit_v the_o guilty_a there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n say_v st._n john_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o christ_n have_v say_v he_o will_v never_o pardon_v and_o that_o be_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n a_o sin_n which_o none_o who_o do_v true_o own_o christianity_n 32._o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v but_o be_v there_o then_o no_o sin_n unto_o death_n to_o they_o yes_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n who_o have_v clear_a conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o act_v so_o plain_o and_o wilful_o and_o direct_o against_o it_o as_o either_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o take_v they_o away_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a judgement_n and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o so_o it_o become_v a_o sin_n unto_o a_o spiritual_a death_n but_o beside_o these_o case_n every_o wilful_a sinner_n who_o add_v impenitency_n to_o his_o sin_n commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n allow_v by_o the_o gospel_n without_o true_a repentance_n how_o infinite_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o exclude_v no_o sinner_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n who_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o repent_v sincere_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o how_o just_o be_v god_n in_o the_o final_a punishment_n of_o those_o sinner_n who_o still_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v after_o all_o the_o invitation_n and_o encouragement_n which_o be_v give_v they_o to_o that_o end_n can_v we_o in_o reason_n suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v stoop_v low_o towards_o sinner_n than_o to_o offer_v they_o pardon_v of_o former_a sin_n if_o they_o do_v repent_v and_o to_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n in_o another_o world_n if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o suppose_v we_o be_v come_v thus_o far_o that_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o must_v repent_v what_o course_n and_o method_n must_v we_o take_v in_o order_n to_o it_o of_o this_o brief_o and_o so_o to_o conclude_v second_o i_o know_v no_o better_o than_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o form_v a_o present_a sincere_a fix_v and_o peremptory_a resolution_n of_o doâ—ng_v it_o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o suffer_v conviction_n to_o cool_v upon_o our_o mind_n the_o force_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v go_v it_o have_v be_v of_o late_o observe_v by_o the_o strict_a enquirer_n into_o nature_n that_o 18._o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n be_v very_o small_a and_o hardly_o discernible_a it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o spark_n that_o appear_v and_o may_v easy_o be_v exstinguish_v but_o if_o it_o be_v encourage_v by_o a_o continual_a heat_n a_o wonderful_a alteration_n soon_o follow_v and_o the_o distinct_a part_n begin_v to_o be_v form_v the_o first_o which_o be_v discern_v be_v the_o eye_n but_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o when_o the_o course_n of_o the_o blood_n be_v there_o settle_a the_o other_o part_n come_v to_o their_o due_a formation_n with_o great_a quickness_n this_o may_v be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o spiritual_a life_n that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o eye_n be_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n where_o the_o inward_a change_n first_o appear_v that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o heart_n be_v resolution_n and_o when_o that_o be_v fix_v a_o mighty_a reformation_n will_v soon_o follow_v but_o spiritual_a life_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a be_v in_o its_o first_o beginning_n a_o very_a nice_a and_o tender_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o stop_v and_o very_o hardly_o recover_v it_o be_v therefore_o of_o very_o great_a concernment_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o warmth_n of_o our_o
assistance_n to_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o that_o assistance_n carry_v a_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la into_o the_o mind_n as_o aquinas_n call_v it_o 2._o 2._o a_o 3_o ad_fw-la 2._o and_o by_o that_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v unite_v to_o truth_n that_o its_o assent_n be_v only_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v thus_o illuminate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o may_v give_v such_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a testimony_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v firm_o conclude_v these_o book_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o assurance_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n or_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a those_o can_v be_v deceive_v who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n do_v make_v the_o great_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o outward_a motive_n but_o on_o inward_a grace_n which_o so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o fix_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v it_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o blind_a assent_n but_o after_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v to_o make_v its_o assent_n reasonable_a it_o take_v so_o fast_o a_o hold_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o discern_v the_o excellency_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o although_o the_o apprehension_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o science_n yet_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la as_o 1._o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o may_v be_v so_o firm_a that_o no_o temptation_n may_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o and_o he_o that_o can_v die_v for_o his_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o better_a fâ—ith_n than_o he_o that_o think_v himself_o never_o so_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a faith_n which_o purify_v the_o 9_o heart_n and_o thereby_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o not_o 6._o by_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v about_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n 4._o and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o only_o such_o a_o one_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n when_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o utmost_a infallibility_n in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v effectual_o on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o may_v go_v infallible_o to_o hell_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o i._n e._n to_o improve_v their_o sound_a faith_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o alas_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a faith_n if_o our_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n 46._o lord_n say_v christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v why_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v his_o command_n it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o 18._o a_o good_a thing_n and_o no_o doubt_n our_o faith_n be_v such_o but_o then_o let_v we_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n too_o that_o we_o may_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v that_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v 14._o redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o our_o obligation_n arise_v every_o way_n from_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o lord_n so_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o as_o christ_n jesus_n so_o he_o die_v for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n we_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o forsake_v they_o for_o than_o we_o receive_v and_o reject_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n 19_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n say_v st._n paul_n what_o shall_v those_o then_o do_v that_o profess_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v the_o separate_a religion_n and_o morality_n when_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o whereas_o their_o religion_n consist_v only_o of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o as_o dangerous_a a_o separation_n between_o faith_n and_o work_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o between_o receive_v christ_n and_o do_v his_o will._n for_o those_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o we_o own_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v they_o because_o he_o command_v we_o and_o the_o apostle_n have_v sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n 12._o and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n 13._o and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 22_o d_o 1688_o 9_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o s._n peter_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o carry_v so_o much_o terror_n and_o severity_n in_o they_o as_o though_o none_o but_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o despair_n although_o mankind_n be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o command_n the_o freedom_n of_o their_o choice_n the_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a impenitency_n take_v away_o all_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v seem_v hardly_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o grace_n and_o design_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o righteous_a here_o be_v not_o vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a hypocrite_n such_o who_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o such_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n 20._o who_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o 9_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n yet_o of_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v say_v if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v but_o how_o can_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v court_v and_o encourage_v to_o repent_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o promise_v of_o salvation_n do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v this_o a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v the_o 15._o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v what_o joy_n in_o 10._o heaven_n can_v there_o be_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v if_o after_o his_o repentance_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o come_v to_o heaven_n do_v not_o christ_n himself_o invite_v those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v give_v rest_n to_o 28._o their_o soul_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v they_o have_v who_o notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o he_o do_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v to_o eternal_a rest_n how_o can_v that_o
to_o keep_v up_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o that_o a_o general_a design_n of_o holiness_n be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v they_o as_o to_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v exact_o fix_v the_o time_n and_o measure_n and_o season_n of_o their_o performance_n which_o must_v vary_v according_a to_o circumstance_n but_o this_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o more_o person_n set_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o great_a preparation_n they_o make_v for_o another_o world_n the_o more_o they_o will_v delight_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n service_n and_o the_o more_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o opportunity_n for_o it_o those_o who_o will_v have_v all_o religious_a duty_n determine_v as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v like_o man_n who_o will_v have_v punctual_a rule_n set_v down_o how_o often_o two_o friend_n shall_v converse_v with_o each_o other_o and_o how_o long_a time_n they_o be_v to_o stay_v together_o true_a friendship_n will_v need_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n but_o will_v incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o best_a opportunity_n for_o mutual_a conversation_n lest_o too_o long_a distance_n beget_v a_o coldness_n first_o and_o then_o the_o friendship_n dissolve_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o pray_v as_o far_o as_o word_n go_v but_o to_o pray_v with_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n to_o attend_v upon_o god_n with_o that_o seriousness_n of_o mind_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v will_v require_v our_o utmost_a attention_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v our_o mind_n compose_v and_o fit_a to_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o solemn_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o hard_o as_o this_o appear_v to_o we_o it_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o for_o what_o a_o unbecoming_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o careless_a trifle_a perfunctory_a manner_n as_o though_o nothing_o less_o deserve_v the_o employ_v the_o vigour_n of_o our_o mind_n about_o than_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o how_o can_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n if_o we_o do_v not_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o strength_n 4._o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o too_o god_n this_o the_o apostle_n call_v cast_v all_o our_o care_n 7._o upon_o he_o this_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a duty_n if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o because_o it_o ease_v our_o mind_n of_o many_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n both_o as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o but_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o set_v our_o mind_n free_a from_o solicitous_a thought_n about_o possible_a evil_n we_o can_v mend_v our_o condition_n nor_o prevent_v what_o be_v determine_v by_o our_o most_o anxious_a care_n but_o we_o may_v enjoy_v ourselves_o with_o far_o great_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n if_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o best_a conduct_n and_o that_o be_v of_o he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o whatever_a struggle_n we_o may_v find_v within_o ourselves_o about_o it_o yet_o the_o more_o we_o search_v and_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n as_o to_o all_o our_o concernment_n in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o to_o abate_v our_o fear_n to_o prevent_v our_o impatience_n and_o so_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a 4._o and_o quiet_a spirit_n which_o be_v with_o god_n of_o great_a price_n but_o if_o all_o these_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o our_o be_v save_v and_o we_o lie_v under_o such_o difficulty_n as_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o their_o appear_v to_o be_v reasonable_a make_v our_o condition_n so_o much_o worse_o for_o to_o find_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o do_v what_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o want_v faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n but_o what_o then_o if_o our_o moral_a indisposition_n make_v these_o useless_a to_o our_o spiritual_a advantage_n a_o man_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v stifle_v in_o a_o large_a vessel_n full_a of_o downy_a feather_n cannoâ—_n complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o what_o he_o lie_v upon_o for_o all_o thing_n feel_v soft_a and_o easy_a about_o he_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v stifle_v with_o they_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n have_v nothing_o that_o feel_v hard_a or_o troublesome_a to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o can_v overcome_v they_o they_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v we_o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o necessity_n of_o a_o high_a principle_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o break_v through_o all_o these_o difficulty_n which_o grace_n be_v so_o abundant_o promise_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o who_o seek_v it_o that_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o be_v not_o save_v ii_o and_o this_o help_v we_o to_o reconcile_v the_o difficulty_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o strength_n may_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o divine_a grace_n become_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o and_o withal_o those_o thing_n be_v account_v easy_a which_o bring_v ease_n and_o that_o be_v a_o light_a burden_n which_o rid_v one_o of_o a_o far_o hard_a and_o thus_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n however_o hard_o in_o themselves_o to_o we_o yet_o be_v consider_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o inward_a peace_n which_o follow_v sincere_a obedience_n even_o his_o yoke_n which_o keep_v we_o most_o in_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n which_o sit_v hard_a upon_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v light_n iii_o and_o from_o hence_o we_o see_v what_o encouragement_n there_o be_v still_o for_o we_o to_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v if_o we_o be_v righteous_a there_o be_v none_o for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n i._n e._n for_o the_o profane_a contemner_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n or_o for_o the_o wicked_a liver_n for_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a and_o presumptuous_a hope_n there_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v save_v than_o that_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n shall_v not_o for_o both_o be_v alike_o make_v know_v by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o god_n but_o what_o comfort_n be_v it_o may_z some_z say_v to_o hear_v that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v when_o we_o be_v so_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o our_o own_o unrighteousness_n if_o we_o can_v think_v ourselves_o righteous_a before_o god_n there_o be_v some_o hope_n but_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v deny_v or_o excuse_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o so_o what_o hope_n can_v there_o be_v then_o for_o we_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v answer_v and_o conclude_v 1._o the_o righteous_a here_o speak_v of_o be_v once_o great_a sinner_n for_o st._n peter_n mention_n their_o former_a lust_n and_o work_v 1â—_n the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n in_o lasciviousness_n 3._o lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_v banquet_n and_o abominable_a idolatry_n yet_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v redeem_v from_o 19_o their_o vain_a conversation_n by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v beget_v again_o 4._o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a etc._n etc._n there_o be_v therefore_o not_o mere_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v save_v but_o a_o just_a and_o ground_a hope_n if_o we_o renounce_v our_o former_a sin_n and_o become_v righteous_a according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n if_o we_o sincere_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v from_o they_o and_o live_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o time_n not_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o god_n 2._o have_v declare_v that_o he_o expect_v from_o mankind_n a_o entire_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n without_o any_o sin_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o publish_v a_o general_a and_o irreversible_a decree_n of_o damnation_n to_o all_o for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o 23._o glory_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n well_o argue_v that_o man_n can_v save_v themselves_o but_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a pity_n and_o mercy_n towards_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o mankind_n have_v find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o save_v they_o by_o the_o redemption_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o their_o sin_n although_o therefore_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o
here_o give_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n i._n e._n outward_a appearance_n and_o inward_a inclination_n and_o these_o be_v the_o belove_a rule_n of_o the_o most_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a person_n and_o they_o judge_v of_o happiness_n only_o by_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o here_o be_v nothing_o mention_v of_o reason_n or_o conscience_n or_o a_o regard_n to_o virtue_n in_o the_o restraint_n of_o natural_a inclination_n nay_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o severity_n which_o epicurus_n himself_o think_v necessary_a towards_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o pleasant_a state_n of_o life_n which_o he_o grant_v can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o some_o restraint_n of_o man_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o solomon_n shall_v give_v young_a man_n great_a liberty_n than_o the_o corrupte_v moralist_n do_v therefore_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o a_o permission_n for_o they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v here_o express_v but_o as_o a_o full_a description_n of_o that_o method_n of_o live_v which_o the_o jolly_a and_o voluptuous_a corrupter_n of_o youth_n will_v instruct_v they_o in_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o have_v here_o the_o most_o powerful_a check_n and_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o all_o these_o sensual_a inclination_n of_o youth_n but_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n which_o word_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n correction_n of_o the_o forego_n liberty_n or_o the_o curb_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n give_v to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o natural_a inclination_n wherein_o every_o word_n have_v its_o force_n and_o aught_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o know_v thou_o thou_o be_v not_o then_o the_o same_o cafe_z with_o creature_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o check_n from_o themselves_o have_v no_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o conscience_n within_o they_o to_o control_v or_o govern_v theâ—_n sensual_a desire_n but_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o not_o mere_o a_o brutal_a appetite_n but_o a_o rational_a soul_n capable_a of_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o thing_n which_o appear_v pleasant_a be_v very_o difagree_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n i._n e._n to_o that_o order_n decency_n modesty_n and_o regularity_n which_o the_o more_o elevate_a frame_n and_o capacity_n of_o mankind_n do_v require_v 2._o for_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o vain_a as_o you_o esteem_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v over_o and_o forget_v by_o you_o as_o secret_o and_o close_o as_o they_o be_v commit_v as_o much_o as_o you_o endeavour_v to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v they_o yet_o but_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v certain_o bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n therefore_o you_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v since_o every_o thing_n will_v 14._o be_v bring_v to_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o solomon_n conclude_v this_o book_n which_o show_v the_o great_a regard_n god_n have_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o ouâ—_n action_n and_o if_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o and_o never_o think_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o gratify_v our_o lust_n and_o pursue_v our_o natural_a inclination_n to_o evil._n 3_o god_n will_v do_v it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o call_v thou_o to_o a_o account_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o action_n of_o virtue_n so_o agreeable_a to_o mankind_n and_o some_o vice_n â—o_o loathsome_a and_o deform_a that_o there_o will_v be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o they_o to_o love_v the_o one_o and_o to_o abhor_v the_o other_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o thing_n thing_n and_o such_o sort_n of_o being_n as_o we_o now_o see_v and_o no_o god_n to_o make_v they_o which_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a yet_o we_o must_v suppose_v these_o being_n to_o have_v nature_n and_o property_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o imagine_v man_n to_o become_v beast_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o act_v like_o they_o but_o preserve_v that_o decorum_n or_o agreeableness_n in_o their_o action_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n so_o much_o below_o the_o dignity_n thereof_o that_o no_o circumstance_n no_o supposition_n can_v make_v they_o fit_v for_o mankind_n to_o commit_v they_o which_o show_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v no_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o being_n and_o in_o the_o respect_n we_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o one_o another_o and_o since_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a and_o supreme_a be_v which_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o command_n over_o we_o and_o give_v we_o both_o our_o being_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o hate_v his_o goodness_n or_o to_o despise_v his_o mercy_n or_o to_o slight_v his_o power_n and_o to_o contemn_v his_o authority_n for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v something_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o all_o principle_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o justice_n and_o there_o be_v such_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n arise_v from_o our_o necessary_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o each_o other_o which_o be_v of_o so_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o every_o one_o that_o consider_v they_o will_v grant_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o dispute_v their_o being_n as_o their_o sin_n and_o may_v as_o easy_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o but_o only_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o that_o no_o action_n be_v real_o evil_a but_o only_o by_o false_a glass_n appear_v so_o to_o be_v but_o however_o vain_a man_n may_v deceive_v themselves_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v for_o he_o not_o only_o see_v and_o know_v all_o our_o action_n but_o he_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o 4._o god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a consideration_n to_o a_o sinner_n that_o god_n know_v all_o his_o false_a step_n all_o his_o secret_a sin_n all_o his_o falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o man_n of_o art_n and_o design_n hate_v more_o than_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o find_v out_o in_o all_o their_o double_a and_o deceitful_a deal_n but_o to_o have_v these_o not_o only_o private_o discover_v but_o expose_v and_o lay_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o have_v every_o circumstance_n examine_v and_o every_o action_n scan_v and_o that_o by_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n who_o nothing_o can_v escape_v nothing_o can_v deceive_v nothing_o can_v withstand_v who_o justice_n be_v inflexible_a who_o knowledge_n be_v incomprehensible_a who_o power_n be_v irresistible_a and_o who_o vengeance_n be_v insupportable_a this_o we_o can_v but_o imagine_v must_v strike_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v pursue_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v they_o into_o judgement_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v certain_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n 31._o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v then_o be_v disclose_v that_o 16._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o god_n will_v render_v 10._o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n 6._o and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o reasonable_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n go_v on_o as_o secure_v and_o careless_a as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v about_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v you_o all_o believe_v and_o i_o be_o sure_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v but_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o practical_a and_o therefore_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n at_o this_o time_n 1._o how_o a_o
to_o his_o former_a practice_n if_o we_o have_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o ahab_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o of_o david_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o impenitency_n after_o his_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v in_o common_a justice_n and_o charity_n the_o latter_a have_v be_v the_o carnal_a and_o the_o former_a the_o spiritual_a mind_a man._n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o which_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n by_o sudden_a and_o violent_a motion_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o by_o that_o interest_n which_o prevail_v with_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n to_o give_v a_o general_a character_n of_o a_o man_n from_o some_o violent_a passion_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o life_n will_v be_v like_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o a_o epilepsy_n or_o a_o convulsive_a motion_n of_o his_o face_n and_o to_o believe_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v some_o good_a mood_n and_o passionate_a fit_n of_o devotion_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v a_o piece_n of_o rot_a wood_n for_o a_o true_a phosphorus_n because_o it_o shine_v sometime_o or_o suppose_v judas_n to_o be_v a_o saint_n because_o he_o be_v so_o much_o in_o our_o saviour_n company_n the_o inward_a habit_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v cover_v over_o and_o disguise_v a_o great_a while_n but_o a_o tempt_a occasion_n lay_v they_o open_a as_o no_o doubt_n judas_n do_v not_o get_v his_o habit_n of_o covetousness_n of_o a_o sudden_a but_o it_o be_v still_o grow_v and_o ripen_v under_o a_o fair_a appearance_n and_o when_o the_o proper_a season_n come_v the_o secret_a malignity_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o temptation_n of_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n discover_v the_o baseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o his_o heart_n sometime_o the_o vein_n of_o hypocrisy_n lie_v deep_a and_o be_v cover_v over_o with_o such_o a_o fair_a outside_n that_o no_o one_o can_v have_v reason_n to_o mistrust_v it_o till_o it_o discover_v itself_o and_o then_o the_o corruption_n be_v find_v so_o loathsome_a as_o to_o render_v ordinary_a sincerity_n suspicious_a but_o this_o be_v a_o common_a fault_n either_o to_o be_v too_o easy_o deceive_v or_o too_o unreasonable_o mistrustful_a there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o a_o deduction_n from_o particular_n but_o where_o the_o cause_n be_v equal_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v as_o absurd_a a_o inference_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o spiritul_a mind_n because_o some_o who_o have_v pretend_v to_o it_o have_v be_v find_v carnal_a as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o common_a honesty_n among_o man_n because_o some_o who_o have_v long_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o honest_a man_n have_v be_v find_v great_a cheat_n and_o impostor_n but_o when_o a_o predominant_a habit_n do_v discover_v itself_o the_o person_n must_v bear_v that_o title_n and_o denomination_n which_o it_o give_v he_o 3._o a_o spiritual_a mind_n be_v know_v by_o the_o general_a conformity_n of_o action_n to_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o so_o a_o carnal_a mind_n by_o follow_v the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh._n and_o there_o lie_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o difference_n for_o such_o who_o lay_v no_o restraint_n upon_o their_o natural_a inclination_n must_v needs_o be_v carnal_o mind_v because_o the_o flesh_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n observe_v be_v not_o take_v by_o st._n paul_n 17._o mere_o for_o the_o body_n but_o for_o the_o corrupt_a part_n of_o ourselves_o as_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o cicero_n 3._o 12._o de_fw-fr rep._n that_o mankind_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o very_a ill_a condition_n with_o a_o body_n naked_a frail_a and_o infirm_a with_o a_o mind_n subject_n to_o trouble_n deject_v with_o fear_n impatient_a of_o labour_n prone_a to_o lust_n but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a divine_a flame_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n which_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v bury_v and_o overwhelm_v but_o with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n may_v be_v so_o preserve_v and_o improve_v as_o to_o command_v our_o appetite_n and_o governor_n passion_n but_o alas_o how_o little_a do_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n signify_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o help_v they_o to_o see_v their_o folly_n and_o like_o a_o sea-light_n to_o a_o sink_a ship_n in_o a_o dark_a night_n make_v those_o who_o be_v aboard_o to_o behold_v their_o misery_n without_o help_v they_o out_o of_o it_o if_o the_o frame_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o by_o way_n of_o speculation_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o it_o for_o as_o god_n have_v give_v we_o inferior_a faculty_n suitable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n so_o he_o have_v likewise_o superior_a which_o be_v capable_a of_o control_v and_o cover_v they_o but_o when_o habit_n and_o custom_n be_v join_v with_o a_o vicious_a inclination_n how_o little_a do_v human_a reason_n signify_v all_o the_o consideration_n of_o natural_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o regularity_n and_o good_a example_n be_v easy_o overbear_v by_o the_o strong_a propensity_n of_o a_o corrupt_a inclination_n which_o hurry_v man_n on_o to_o satisfy_v first_o their_o brutal_a appetite_n and_o leave_v consideration_n till_o afterward_o so_o that_o reason_n seem_v by_o such_o a_o aftergame_n rather_o give_v to_o torment_v than_o to_o reform_v they_o therefore_o the_o wise_a god_n have_v superad_v his_o own_o law_n to_o enforce_v that_o of_o reason_n by_o a_o great_a authority_n that_o man_n may_v think_v themselves_o more_o concern_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o action_n when_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o to_o one_o infinite_o above_o they_o but_o what_o can_v mankind_n do_v in_o such_o a_o wretched_a condition_n for_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o be_v but_o like_o a_o toil_n to_o a_o wild_a beast_n the_o more_o he_o struggle_v the_o more_o he_o be_v entangle_v so_o that_o he_o see_v his_o misery_n by_o it_o but_o not_o his_o remedy_n but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n that_o he_o have_v never_o refuse_v to_o accept_v those_o who_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o assistance_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o thus_o we_o find_v character_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v righteous_a before_o god_n just_a and_o upright_o and_o perfect_a 37._o man_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o these_o have_v remarkable_a fail_n as_o noah_n abraham_n and_o job_n yet_o they_o have_v extraordinary_a testimony_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o integrity_n and_o pass_v by_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a design_n and_o tenor_n of_o their_o life_n i_o confess_v we_o meet_v with_o two_o instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o scripture_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n and_o those_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a person_n too_o eminent_a for_o their_o long_a and_o faithful_a service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o upon_o single_a fault_n commit_v by_o they_o he_o be_v very_o severe_a with_o they_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o take_v much_o off_o from_o this_o lenity_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o such_o who_o have_v a_o general_a sincerity_n of_o mind_n towards_o he_o but_o if_o we_o more_o strict_o consider_v these_o two_o case_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o be_v something_o very_o provoke_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o make_v god_n so_o much_o more_o displease_v with_o the_o commit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v sin_n commit_v by_o they_o in_o their_o public_a capacity_n and_o about_o such_o thing_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v more_o particular_o concern_v the_o first_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o be_v a_o great_a pattern_n of_o wisdom_n and_o meekness_n and_o faithfulness_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o very_a froward_a people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o at_o last_o he_o happen_v to_o fail_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o god_n be_v so_o angry_a with_o he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v his_o 25._o prayer_n for_o go_v into_o canaan_n but_o he_o cut_v he_o off_o in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o last_o as_o he_o do_v the_o people_n for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o what_o be_v this_o sin_n of_o moses_n which_o make_v god_n so_o high_o displease_v with_o he_o if_o we_o read_v the_o passage_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fact_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o find_v it_o out_o the_o people_n murmur_v for_o want_v of_o water_n god_n upon_o moses_n 3._o his_o
such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o now_o resolve_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o god_n than_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v still_o but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n in_o justice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o what_o amends_o be_v make_v by_o all_o this_o for_o the_o infinite_a dishonour_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o malefactor_n repentance_n however_o he_o be_v affect_v the_o law_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o offender_n punish_v how_o then_o can_v any_o person_n be_v assure_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o tender_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o law_n as_o mankind_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v without_o any_o imputation_n of_o cruelty_n or_o injustice_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v exact_a in_o punish_v offender_n who_o can_v complain_v for_o who_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a before_o his_o maker_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n condemn_v he_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o have_v from_o himself_o not_o to_o expect_v it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v just_o expect_v to_o be_v punish_v what_o reason_n can_v he_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o forgiveness_n since_o he_o know_v that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o therefore_o can_v never_o deserve_v to_o be_v forgive_v it_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o free_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o god_n to_o forgive_v even_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v do_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o his_o own_o goodwill_n he_o may_v forgive_v sin_n if_o he_o please_v and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o natute_n to_o do_v it_o if_o sinner_n do_v repent_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o must_v have_v such_o proof_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o ii_o have_v thus_o show_v how_o strong_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v make_v way_n for_o entertain_v this_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o show_v how_o just_o god_n do_v require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o from_o we_o as_o true_a for_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n v_o 18._o this_o some_o may_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a doctrine_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o than_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n think_v he_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n when_o he_o use_v those_o word_n to_o christ_n v_o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o i_o e._n he_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v he_o some_o great_a prophet_n who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n for_o a_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v general_o very_o unreasonable_a unbeliever_n but_o christ_n tell_v he_o plain_o this_o will_v not_o do_v for_o unless_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n v_o 16._o not_o as_o though_o mere_a believe_v this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o carry_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n along_o with_o it_o but_o that_o since_o god_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o such_o a_o message_n he_o do_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v as_o such_o upon_o their_o utmost_a peril_n but_o can_v we_o believe_v far_o than_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n doâ—h_v not_o expect_v it_o from_o we_o provide_v that_o with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a mind_n we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o evidence_n and_o with_o great_a humility_n beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n without_o which_o god_n may_v just_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o unbelief_n it_o will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a now_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o god_n do_v send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n come_n as_o relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v the_o most_o exact_a pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n not_o only_o frequent_o assume_v this_o title_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o most_o intimate_a disciple_n affirm_v it_o of_o he_o but_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o most_o ample_a and_o convince_a testimony_n to_o it_o by_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o that_o purpose_n at_o his_o baptism_n by_o a_o long_a train_n and_o series_n of_o public_a and_o useful_a miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o the_o strange_a effect_n which_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o no_o one_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o for_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o case_n and_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o well_o attest_v as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n if_o he_o be_v not_o rise_v our_o faith_n be_v vain_a so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n all_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v fool_n for_o not_o believe_v have_v have_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o testimony_n which_o these_o have_v have_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convey_v by_o a_o silent_a tradition_n for_o some_o time_n till_o the_o chief_a party_n be_v dead_a who_o can_v either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v they_o but_o they_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o examination_n they_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o one_o or_o two_o who_o be_v trust_v with_o a_o secret_a but_o open_o avow_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o competent_a witness_n who_o be_v present_a and_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o great_a suffering_n to_o deny_v or_o falsify_v or_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o their_o evidence_n that_o when_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v thus_o deliver_v by_o those_o who_o see_v they_o who_o be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o their_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o next_o age_n they_o be_v examine_v and_o inquire_v into_o by_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o learning_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a search_n find_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o hearty_o embrace_v and_o defend_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o not_o by_o
by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o fancifull_a notion_n or_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o the_o true_a and_o real_a public_a interest_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n the_o main_a duty_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v the_o lay_v aside_o all_o heat_n and_o animosity_n and_o distinction_n of_o party_n and_o mind_v and_o carry_v on_o that_o which_o be_v the_o undoubted_a common_a interest_n of_o we_o all_o what_o be_v the_o mean_v of_o all_o those_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n which_o be_v among_o we_o when_o we_o all_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o law_n and_o the_o same_o government_n this_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_n subject_a to_o speak_v of_o for_o this_o unseasonable_a difference_n of_o party_n among_o ourselves_o be_v like_o a_o flame_a meteor_n in_o the_o air_n we_o can_v hardly_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o yet_o can_v behold_v it_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o terror_n and_o amazement_n it_o be_v dispute_v among_o the_o casuist_n whether_o if_o a_o man_n see_v two_o man_n fight_v with_o each_o other_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o part_v they_o to_o his_o own_o hazard_n and_o the_o general_a resolution_n be_v that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o a_o private_a capacity_n he_o be_v not_o but_o in_o a_o public_a he_o be_v i_o hope_v the_o public_a capacity_n i_o appear_v in_o here_o at_o this_o time_n will_v excuse_v my_o interpose_v to_o allay_v such_o heat_n and_o animosity_n as_o be_v not_o only_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n but_o great_a sin_n and_o therefore_o unless_o i_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o omit_v a_o duty_n myself_o i_o must_v and_o will_v lay_v open_a the_o mischief_n of_o such_o divide_a interest_n as_o the_o difference_n of_o party_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o when_o god_n have_v give_v child_n to_o rebekah_n while_o they_o be_v yet_o unborn_a and_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n she_o find_v they_o struggle_v within_o she_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o make_v she_o in_o a_o consternation_n to_o cry_v out_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o be_o i_o thus_o i._o e._n if_o god_n have_v give_v i_o these_o child_n for_o blessing_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o struggle_n between_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v her_o concernment_n be_v so_o great_a that_o she_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n 22._o some_o think_v that_o melchisedek_n be_v still_o live_v at_o salem_n and_o that_o she_o go_v to_o he_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a person_n for_o it_o for_o he_o be_v king_n of_o righteousness_n and_o king_n of_o peace_n and_o those_o be_v the_o best_a antidote_n against_o the_o struggle_n and_o animosity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o same_o common_a interest_n and_o obligation_n we_o need_v not_o to_o consult_v any_o oracle_n in_o this_o case_n for_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o 15._o not_o like_o cannibal_n but_o like_o different_a party_n live_v in_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o animosity_n to_o each_o other_o take_v heed_n say_v he_o that_o you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thing_n can_v always_o continue_v at_o this_o pass_n the_o inward_a fire_n if_o not_o suppress_v will_v break_v out_o at_o last_o and_o in_o probability_n end_n in_o your_o mutual_a destruction_n nothing_o have_v more_o puzzle_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n in_o this_o inquisitive_a age_n than_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n but_o a_o great_a man_n phil._n of_o our_o nation_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o need_v not_o run_v to_o the_o moon_n or_o other_o remote_a cause_n for_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o clash_n of_o the_o water_n of_o two_o mighty_a sea_n cross_v each_o other_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o contrary_a motion_n there_o be_v no_o such_o ebb_a and_o flow_v we_o have_v too_o much_o of_o this_o ebb_a and_o flow_v upon_o land_n both_o as_o to_o our_o condition_n and_o expectation_n but_o whence_o come_v it_o be_v it_o not_o from_o two_o party_n among_o we_o cross_v and_o strive_v to_o overtop_v and_o overpower_v each_o other_o and_o till_o we_o unite_v and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o common_a current_n we_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o hope_v for_o a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v 25._o against_o itself_o can_v stand_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o of_o what_o kingdom_n he_o speak_v but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o where_o there_o will_v be_v no_o subtlety_n or_o diligence_n want_v in_o the_o several_a party_n as_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n but_o he_o look_v on_o a_o unite_a common_a interest_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o government_n that_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o society_n can_v be_v support_v without_o it_o if_o we_o then_o regard_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o nation_n or_o of_o our_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v avoid_v the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o destroy_v by_o our_o division_n what_o we_o pretend_v to_o value_v above_o our_o life_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o mutual_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n we_o must_v abate_v our_o heat_n and_o animosity_n we_o must_v unite_v and_o join_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n but_o if_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n then_o i_o be_o afraid_a what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v too_o true_o apply_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o our_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v hide_v they_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o eye_n for_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a that_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o contention_n of_o the_o several_a party_n be_v not_o matter_n of_o conscience_n or_o religion_n or_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o about_o power_n and_o superiority_n over_o each_o other_o which_o if_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o humane_a probability_n can_v end_v in_o nothing_o but_o mutual_a destruction_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n prevent_v ii_o man_n can_v without_o sin_n omit_v the_o do_v those_o duty_n which_o their_o place_n do_v require_v from_o they_o for_o those_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o public_a benefit_n those_o who_o study_v to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o 11._o do_v their_o own_o business_n be_v not_o only_o the_o best_a christian_n but_o the_o best_a instrument_n of_o the_o public_a good_n whereas_o man_n of_o turbulent_a restless_a and_o ambitious_a mind_n who_o make_v abundance_n of_o noise_n and_o clamour_n be_v like_o wasp_n always_o fly_v and_o buzz_v about_o and_o very_o angry_a and_o peevish_a and_o discontent_a but_o be_v nothing_o so_o useful_a as_o the_o more_o silent_a and_o industrious_a bee_n which_o make_v the_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o serve_v the_o common_a interest_n by_o it_o every_o society_n of_o man_n be_v a_o body_n make_v up_o of_o head_n and_o member_n knit_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n but_o all_o have_v their_o several_a uses_n and_o function_n and_o while_o these_o be_v due_o perform_v the_o whole_a be_v preserve_v but_o if_o the_o foot_n shall_v mutiny_v against_o the_o other_o part_n because_o they_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o stomach_n that_o it_o be_v load_v and_o oppress_v with_o what_o serve_v for_o the_o nourishment_n of_o all_o or_o the_o head_n that_o it_o must_v direct_v and_o contrive_v and_o manage_v all_o what_o will_v the_o effect_n be_v of_o such_o complaint_n and_o discontent_n at_o their_o own_o share_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n must_v suffer_v by_o they_o while_o all_o the_o material_n of_o a_o building_n be_v keep_v in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o order_n the_o whole_a be_v strengthen_v and_o support_v but_o if_o they_o start_v out_o of_o their_o place_n and_o tumble_v one_o upon_o another_o the_o whole_a must_v fall_v there_o be_v always_o some_o who_o love_v to_o carry_v on_o their_o own_o end_n under_o public_a pretence_n and_o if_o those_o be_v not_o attain_v they_o matter_n not_o what_o become_v of_o all_o other_o interest_n although_o their_o own_o must_v suffer_v with_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v like_o the_o ivy_n to_o a_o flourish_a tree_n which_o seem_v to_o embrace_v it_o and_o stick_v close_a to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v for_o its_o own_o advantage_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o weaken_v it_o and_o hinder_v its_o growth_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v it_o must_v perish_v together_o with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v other_o who_o by_o the_o very_a
yet_o take_v altogether_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a 2._o in_o which_o word_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o inconstancy_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o good_a resolution_n viz._n that_o although_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o there_o be_v something_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o which_o weaken_v our_o best_a resolution_n and_o betray_v we_o into_o temptation_n our_o flesh_n be_v weak_a which_o be_v so_o near_o we_o as_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o make_v our_o case_n more_o dangerous_a and_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o here_o arise_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a necessary_a and_o important_a case_n that_o relate_v to_o practical_a christianity_n which_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v it_o the_o case_n be_v this_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o circumstance_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n do_v lessen_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o extenuation_n of_o the_o sin_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n mention_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o these_o inconvenience_n follow_v 1._o it_o seem_v to_o abate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n if_o the_o sin_n be_v lessen_v through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n 2._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o fair_a plea_n and_o excuse_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n for_o 1._o the_o original_a inclination_n to_o sin_n in_o mankind_n come_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o very_a frame_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v such_o as_o expose_v they_o to_o continual_a temptation_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a combat_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o all_o mankind_n find_v it_o too_o true_a now_o 17._o wherever_o the_o flesh_n be_v there_o be_v inclination_n agreeable_a to_o it_o and_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o mind_n all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v appear_v to_o come_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n 2._o the_o frequent_a commission_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n will_v be_v lay_v upon_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n for_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o sin_v out_o of_o defiance_n to_o god_n or_o his_o law_n or_o with_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n to_o sin_n for_o they_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o wish_v they_o can_v perform_v it_o but_o alas_o the_o flesh_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o they_o have_v many_o conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n many_o good_a purpose_n and_o serious_a resolution_n at_o some_o time_n and_o if_o they_o do_v sin_n it_o be_v not_o with_o their_o whole_a will_n for_o they_o have_v great_a struggle_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n within_o even_o while_o they_o commit_v those_o sin_n and_o therefore_o what_o can_v their_o continue_n in_o sin_n be_v so_o proper_o attribute_v to_o as_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n 3._o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n after_o repentance_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n for_o he_o that_o have_v once_o smart_v severe_o for_o his_o sin_n and_o suffer_v under_o the_o agony_n of_o conscience_n for_o they_o he_o that_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o not_o mere_o to_o lament_v his_o folly_n and_o to_o abhor_v his_o wickedness_n but_o to_o make_v solemn_a vow_n and_o promise_n and_o resolution_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v fall_v into_o his_o sin_n again_o with_o his_o whole_a mind_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o light_n of_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v once_o thorough_o kindle_v be_v not_o easy_o put_v out_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a fire_n which_o burn_v inward_a and_o can_v hardly_o be_v extinguish_v and_o all_o those_o who_o sin_n against_o conscience_n the_o dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n be_v right_a while_o they_o commit_v their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o even_o these_o sin_n seem_v to_o be_v excuse_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v that_o sin_n which_o do_v come_v from_o the_o flesh_n do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a say_v st._n paul_n 20._o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n etc._n etc._n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v proper_o sin_v of_o the_o flesh._n of_o the_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o as_o i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o in_o time_n past_a that_o they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v 21._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o you_o know_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n 5._o nor_o unclean_a person_n nor_o covetous_a man_n who_o be_v a_o idolater_n have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n cometâ—_n 6._o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n will_v god_n be_v so_o severe_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o punish_v mankind_n with_o utter_a exclusion_n from_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a misery_n for_o sin_n which_o come_v mere_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n then_o indeed_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o bewail_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o humanity_n bear_v under_o one_o law_n to_o another_o bound_n create_v sick_a command_v to_o be_v sound_z but_o god_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n at_o the_o great_a day_n and_o mankind_n shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o the_o mere_a weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o will_n and_o choice_n that_o as_o they_o have_v evil_a inclination_n from_o the_o flesh_n so_o they_o have_v good_a inclination_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n aught_o to_o have_v govern_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o law_n of_o their_o member_n that_o other_o by_o the_o same_o assistance_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o 24._o lust_n thereof_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v enable_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o 12._o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o if_o man_n do_v fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n that_o 15._o those_o who_o relapse_n into_o sin_n after_o repentance_n and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o 20._o the_o world_n their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o in_o short_a if_o man_n â—3_n do_v live_v after_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n they_o do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v live_v all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o possibility_n of_o fubdue_a the_o inclination_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o if_o man_n neglect_v it_o and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o wilful_a and_o damn_v sin_n but_o here_o the_o difficulty_n still_o rise_v for_o christ_n suppose_v that_o his_o own_o disciple_n even_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o the_o best_a resolve_v may_v fall_v through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o they_o do_v so_o upon_o no_o great_a temptation_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n in_o so_o dreadful_a a_o manner_n upon_o so_o slight_a a_o provocation_n as_o the_o damsel_n say_v to_o he_o thou_o also_o be_v wâ—â—h_n jesus_n of_o galilee_n 69._o what_o a_o mean_a low_a and_o timorous_a spirit_n have_v possess_v st._n peter_n at_o that_o time_n be_v this_o he_o who_o but_o a_o few_o hour_n before_o say_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v die_v with_o he_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v he_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n very_o in_o his_o best_a estate_n he_o be_v altogether_o vanity_n what_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o lord_n who_o make_v that_o confession_n of_o he_o which_o christ_n own_v be_v not_o reveal_v to_o he_o by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o by_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v
of_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v less_o of_o time_n and_o deliberation_n and_o contrivance_n in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o but_o when_o anger_n go_v inward_a instead_o of_o break_v forth_o when_o it_o get_v to_o the_o heart_n it_o than_o degenerate_v into_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o then_o it_o have_v the_o great_a aggravation_n go_v along_o with_o it_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o commit_v if_o it_o be_v commit_v presumptuous_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o aggravate_v and_o that_o consist_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o the_o low_a degree_n of_o presumption_n be_v when_o a_o sin_n be_v commit_v of_o set_a purpose_n not_o only_o with_o deliberation_n but_o with_o contrivance_n design_n and_o resolution_n thus_o by_o the_o law_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n presumptuous_o when_o he_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o do_v it_o 14._o thus_o the_o psalmist_n oppose_v presumptuous_a sin_n to_o those_o which_o be_v commit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertency_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o will_n bend_v and_o set_v 13._o to_o commit_v sin_n there_o must_v be_v a_o inward_a and_o secret_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n as_o nehemiah_n express_v the_o presumptuous_a sin_v of_o their_o forefather_n 17._o they_o deal_v proud_o and_o harden_v their_o neck_n and_o hearkend_v not_o to_o the_o commandment_n and_o refuse_v to_o obey_v so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a continuance_n in_o sin_n there_o man_n be_v say_v to_o sin_n presumptuous_o if_o it_o be_v do_v with_o open_a contempt_n and_o defiance_n to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n this_o the_o scripture_n call_v sin_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o such_o who_o do_v be_v say_v 30._o to_o reproach_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o say_v maimonides_n 41._o be_v beyond_o sin_v out_o of_o inclination_n or_o from_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n or_o custom_n but_o it_o be_v with_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o bring_v the_o law_n of_o god_n into_o contempt_n and_o dishonour_n and_o this_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o sin_v wilful_o which_o the_o author_n to_o the_o 26._o hebrew_n speak_v of_o whereby_o they_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o imply_v a_o malicious_a design_n to_o reproach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o as_o to_o infirmity_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a state_n the_o meaning_n be_v what_o those_o fail_n be_v which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n to_o resolve_v this_o we_o have_v but_o one_o certain_a rule_n that_o be_v whatever_o fail_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v allow_v for_o infirmity_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o infirmity_n be_v oppose_v to_o such_o sin_n as_o put_v those_o who_o commit_v they_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n if_o god_n be_v so_o strict_a under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o require_v perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o allowance_n for_o infirmity_n because_o even_o those_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o a_o deviation_n from_o a_o perfect_a rule_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v exact_a to_o mark_v all_o irregularity_n or_o whatever_o be_v do_v amiss_o 3._o who_o can_v stand_v before_o his_o tribunal_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v reason_n to_o pray_v with_o the_o psalmist_n enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n for_o in_o thy_o 2._o sight_n shall_v no_o man_n live_v be_v justify_v for_o if_o god_n be_v so_o severe_a to_o make_v no_o abatement_n for_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v save_v but_o what_o then_o do_v the_o gospel_n mean_v with_o all_o its_o promise_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o hope_n it_o give_v of_o eternal_a life_n if_o christ_n own_o disciple_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n there_o must_v be_v a_o allowance_n make_v for_o infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o find_v they_o often_o charge_v with_o in_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o mean_v their_o vain_a and_o eager_a dispute_n about_o superiority_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o that_o at_o the_o most_o unseasonable_a time_n when_o they_o be_v at_o table_n with_o he_o just_a before_o his_o suffer_v lord_n what_o a_o time_n be_v this_o for_o they_o to_o contend_v who_o shall_v be_v account_v 2d_o the_o great_a what_o mean_v that_o passionate_a zeal_n in_o james_n and_o john_n to_o call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v the_o 4._o samaritan_n when_o they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a disrespect_n to_o our_o saviour_n which_o make_v they_o so_o rude_a but_o the_o common_a quarrel_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n how_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_v be_v they_o liable_a to_o even_o while_o our_o saviour_n teach_v they_o and_o those_o about_o very_o weighty_a point_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n what_o fear_n and_o dejection_n and_o disorder_n be_v they_o all_o under_o upon_o our_o saviour_n apprehension_n though_o but_o a_o little_a before_o they_o have_v all_o resolve_v to_o die_v with_o he_o rather_o than_o forsake_v he_o what_o be_v there_o now_o under_o all_o these_o infirmity_n which_o make_v these_o disciple_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n nothing_o certain_o but_o their_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a love_n to_o christ_n which_o they_o manifest_v before_o by_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o he_o and_o afterward_o by_o continue_v to_o serve_v he_o so_o that_o our_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o whatever_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o do_v his_o will_n will_v be_v allow_v for_o infirmity_n under_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n for_o such_o irregularity_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n to_o make_v this_o rule_n more_o useful_a we_o must_v consider_v 1._o what_o fail_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o it_o 2._o what_o sort_n of_o fail_n be_v consistent_a 1._o what_o fail_n be_v not_o consistent_a and_o those_o be_v of_o three_o kind_n 1._o such_o as_o come_v from_o a_o habitual_a carelessness_n or_o a_o general_n neglect_v of_o our_o duty_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n when_o person_n do_v not_o regard_v what_o duty_n they_o omit_v or_o what_o sin_n they_o practice_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o true_a love_n to_o god_n or_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o spring_v from_o thence_o be_v a_o care_n to_o please_v god_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o there_o be_v too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o regard_v no_o more_o than_o how_o to_o live_v easy_o and_o pleasant_o in_o it_o a_o fair_a estate_n and_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o avoid_v great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n but_o never_o mind_n inward_a and_o secret_a sin_n such_o as_o evil_a habit_n the_o violence_n of_o passion_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o please_a temptation_n of_o a_o deceitful_a world_n without_o serious_a consider_v or_o look_v into_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o may_v be_v very_o vain_a and_o sensual_a and_o therefore_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n though_o they_o be_v not_o remarkable_a for_o profaneness_n or_o any_o gross_a impiety_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o spiritual_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n to_o qualify_v person_n for_o heaven_n and_o where_o ever_o that_o be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a care_n to_o avoid_v be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o a_o allure_a and_o sinful_a world_n 2._o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o the_o scripture_n say_v those_o who_o commit_v they_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o these_o st._n james_n his_o rule_n be_v whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o 10._o this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o severe_a doctrine_n now_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o mercy_n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o by_o one_o point_n he_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o one_o act_n of_o sin_n for_o he_o say_v afterward_o that_o in_o 2._o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o but_o he_o mean_v any_o one_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o know_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o common_a doctrine_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o a_o person_n be_v remarkable_a for_o keep_v
think_v that_o god_n be_v please_v mere_o with_o the_o torment_n we_o put_v ourselves_o to_o what_o conception_n must_v we_o have_v of_o god_n then_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o reason_n teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o not_o to_o endanger_v our_o sensual_a inclination_n to_o rest_n and_o ease_n too_o much_o because_o of_o ill_a consequence_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o moral_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o make_v those_o thing_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o imagine_v that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o our_o mere_a do_v they_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o carry_v the_o idolater_n of_o old_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o molochi_n because_o god_n will_v be_v best_o please_v with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o against_o their_o natural_a inclination_n to_o do_v 3._o that_o god_n be_v more_o please_v with_o duty_n of_o worship_n than_o with_o moral_a duty_n from_o hence_o they_o think_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o their_o life_n by_o diligence_n in_o religious_a duty_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o pharisaism_n i._n e._n of_o hypocrisy_n among_o the_o jew_n their_o principle_n be_v that_o god_n value_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v great_a care_n about_o that_o and_o what_o relate_v to_o it_o but_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o charity_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v very_o little_a regard_n to_o they_o and_o think_v god_n be_v so_o please_v with_o their_o zeal_n for_o his_o service_n that_o he_o will_v easy_o pass_v by_o other_o fault_n and_o no_o doubt_n one_o of_o their_o great_a quarrel_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v deliver_v the_o contrary_a doctrine_n that_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n before_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o brother_n before_o they_o offer_v their_o gift_n at_o the_o altar_n but_o still_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o to_o hope_v that_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a devotion_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v such_o over_o devout_a at_o some_o time_n who_o be_v very_o loose_a and_o careless_a at_o other_o 4._o that_o god_n take_v more_o notice_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v than_o of_o our_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o as_o though_o he_o rather_o number_v than_o weigh_v they_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o such_o be_v more_o frequent_a and_o diligent_a than_o other_o in_o they_o they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o exceed_v therein_o though_o they_o neglect_v some_o necessary_a duty_n as_o to_o themselves_o or_o family_n the_o mean_a time_n the_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v for_o that_o argue_v a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n but_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o our_o call_v for_o that_o argue_v a_o misunderstanding_n religion_n as_o though_o we_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n when_o we_o do_v our_o duty_n therein_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o allot_v the_o several_a proportion_n of_o time_n to_o both_o if_o man_n consider_v their_o several_a obligation_n for_o as_o the_o pretence_n of_o worldly_a business_n ought_v not_o to_o excuse_v man_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n so_o neither_o aught_o the_o pretence_n of_o god_n service_n to_o justify_v man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o calling_n god_n do_v not_o require_v of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o temple_n from_o all_o part_n for_o than_o they_o can_v never_o have_v subsist_v but_o at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n he_o strict_o require_v it_o and_o every_o week_n wherever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v to_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath_n day_n person_n that_o be_v more_o at_o leisure_n and_o have_v great_a convenience_n spend_v more_o time_n in_o their_o devotion_n than_o other_o thus_o anna_n depart_v not_o from_o 37._o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n therein_o night_n and_o day_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o strict_a obligation_n to_o other_o although_o it_o show_v a_o excellent_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o she_o but_o in_o case_n of_o such_o frequent_a return_n of_o devotion_n there_o must_v be_v great_a care_n lest_o that_o abate_v the_o fervency_n and_o what_o be_v first_o take_v up_o for_o devotion_n come_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a custom_n and_o we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o bare_a duty_n without_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o 3._o these_o word_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n for_o that_o righteousness_n which_o respect_v other_o man_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o of_o judgement_n 2._o of_o practice_n 1._o of_o judgement_n concern_v the_o action_n and_o design_n of_o other_o i._o e._n be_v not_o too_o ready_a to_o censure_v and_o condemn_v they_o why_o shall_v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o i_o e._n why_o shall_v thou_o bring_v the_o same_o severity_n upon_o thyself_o which_o thou_o use_v towards_o other_o according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n judge_v not_o that_o you_o be_v not_o judge_v etc._n etc._n 2._o two_o thing_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o for_o clear_v this_o point_n 1._o how_o man_n be_v too_o righteous_a in_o this_o matter_n 2._o what_o mischief_n this_o bring_v upon_o they_o 1._o how_o man_n be_v righteous_a overmuch_o in_o this_o matter_n 1._o not_o in_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o other_o for_o to_o do_v otherwise_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o righteousness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v we_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v our_o passion_n to_o blind_v our_o judgement_n not_o to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v account_v a_o vice_n in_o another_o nor_o to_o call_v that_o a_o infirmity_n in_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v judge_v to_o be_v wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n in_o another_o 2._o not_o in_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o other_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o very_o say_v to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o well_o mean_v person_n and_o to_o account_v the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n as_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v within_o our_o reach_n to_o be_v assume_v too_o great_a a_o power_n of_o judge_v but_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o precept_n of_o not_o judge_v to_o expose_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o then_o he_o certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v hypocrisy_n in_o they_o and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o we_o may_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o wherein_o then_o lie_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 1._o in_o not_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o mankind_n which_o do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o the_o imperfection_n of_o good_a action_n but_o in_o such_o fail_n which_o human_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o state_n notwithstanding_o our_o great_a care_n to_o avoid_v they_o if_o person_n will_v be_v severe_a upon_o other_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v and_o condemn_v all_o religion_n as_o mere_a show_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o on_o that_o account_n this_o be_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o for_o they_o do_v not_o make_v the_o same_o allowance_n which_o god_n do_v and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o exact_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o by_o we_o who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o and_o if_o we_o expect_v such_o a_o allowance_n to_o be_v make_v to_o ourselves_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o not_o to_o make_v it_o to_o other_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o main_a because_o of_o some_o such_o infirmity_n how_o can_v we_o righteous_o judge_v they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o must_v in_o judge_v other_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n and_o strength_n of_o passion_n which_o we_o find_v often_o accompany_v with_o a_o real_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o believe_v where_o we_o see_v a_o great_a appearance_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o neglect_n of_o moral_a duty_n censoriousness_n towards_o other_o impatience_n of_o contradiction_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n join_v with_o they_o but_o yet_o some_o have_v strong_a conviction_n of_o some_o duty_n than_o they_o have_v of_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v act_n against_o their_o conscience_n in_o those_o matter_n they_o