and_o without_o delay_n and_o because_o they_o be_v many_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v most_o weighty_a and_o considerable_a without_o be_v very_o curious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o they_o for_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n of_o persuasion_n it_o matter_n not_o how_o inartificial_o they_o be_v range_v and_o dispose_v 1._o consider_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n and_o which_o must_v be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a mind_n than_o irresolution_n to_o be_v undermine_v where_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o the_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a to_o be_v always_o about_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v must_v be_v do_v victuros_fw-la agimus_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vivimus_fw-la unquam_fw-la we_o be_v always_o intend_v to_o live_v a_o new_a life_n but_o can_v never_o find_v a_o time_n to_o set_v about_o it_o this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v put_v off_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v from_o one_o day_n and_o night_n to_o another_o till_o he_o have_v starve_v and_o destroy_v himself_o it_o seldom_o fall_v under_o any_o man_n deliberation_n whether_o he_o shall_v live_v or_o not_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v and_o if_o he_o can_v choose_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deliberate_v about_o it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deliberate_v whether_o we_o shall_v live_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o sober_o and_o righteous_o in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o consult_v whether_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o not_o nature_n have_v determine_v this_o for_o we_o and_o we_o need_v not_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o consequent_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o delay_v that_o which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o 2._o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o long_a work_n and_o ask_v so_o much_o time_n that_o there_o be_v none_o leave_v for_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o to_o begin_v with_o repentance_n which_o be_v common_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v a_o great_a work_n and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o business_n of_o a_o sudden_a thought_n and_o resolution_n but_o of_o execution_n and_o action_n it_o be_v the_o abandon_v of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o we_o can_v leave_v till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n master_v our_o lust_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v our_o master_n like_o pharaoh_n they_o will_v keep_v we_o in_o bondage_n and_o not_o let_v we_o go_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n the_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o and_o cast_v off_o at_o once_o as_o they_o have_v be_v long_o in_o contract_n so_o without_o a_o miracle_n it_o will_v require_v a_o competent_a time_n to_o subdue_v they_o and_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o for_o they_o be_v conquer_v just_a by_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n grow_v up_o and_o get_v strength_n in_o we_o so_o that_o there_o be_v several_a duty_n to_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n and_o often_o to_o be_v repeat_v many_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v long_o practise_v and_o exercise_v before_o the_o contrary_a vice_n will_v be_v subdue_v and_o before_o we_o arrive_v to_o a_o confirm_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o goodness_n such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v only_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o our_o good_a condion_fw-la towards_o god_n we_o have_v many_o lust_n to_o mortify_v many_o passion_n to_o govern_v and_o bring_v into_o order_n much_o good_a to_o do_v to_o make_v what_o amends_o and_o reparation_n we_o can_v for_o the_o much_o evil_n we_o have_v do_v we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o learn_v and_o many_o to_o unlearn_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_o prompt_v by_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o remain_a power_n of_o ill_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o perhaps_o we_o have_v satisfaction_n and_o restitution_n to_o make_v for_o the_o many_o injury_n we_o have_v do_v to_o other_o in_o their_o person_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v a_o body_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v off_o which_o cling_v close_o to_o we_o and_o be_v hard_o to_o part_v with_o we_o have_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o increase_v and_o improve_v our_o grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n and_o temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o have_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o world_n and_o exemplary_a to_o other_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n our_o light_n be_v so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o do_v we_o think_v all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o require_v no_o time_n that_o we_o may_v delay_v and_o put_v off_o to_o the_o last_o and_o yet_o do_v all_o this_o work_n well_o enough_o do_v we_o think_v we_o can_v do_v all_o this_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o a_o wound_a spirit_n do_v we_o think_v that_o when_o the_o day_n have_v be_v idle_o spend_v and_o squander_v away_o by_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o work_v when_o the_o night_n and_o darkness_n come_v when_o our_o understanding_n be_v weak_a and_o our_o memory_n frail_a and_o our_o will_n crooked_a and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v obstinate_o bend_v the_o wrong_a way_n what_o can_v we_o then_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o reasonable_a or_o acceptable_a service_n can_v we_o then_o perform_v to_o god_n when_o our_o candle_n be_v just_o sink_v into_o the_o socket_n how_o shall_v our_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n alas_o the_o long_a life_n be_v no_o more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o in_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o amend_v what_o be_v amiss_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o good_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n to_o train_v up_o ourselves_o for_o eternity_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 3._o consider_v what_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n we_o run_v by_o these_o delay_n every_o delay_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o venture_v the_o main_a chance_n it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v time_n for_o it_o and_o if_o we_o have_v time_n whether_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o god_n indeed_o have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v pardon_n to_o repentance_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v life_n and_o leisure_n the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v acceptance_n to_o mere_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n for_o sin_n without_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n he_o have_v nowhere_o promise_v to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o favour_n who_o only_o give_v he_o good_a word_n and_o be_v at_o last_o content_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o he_o as_o to_o promise_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n when_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o no_o long_o many_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o sickness_n as_o to_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v mighty_o trouble_v for_o their_o wicked_a life_n and_o to_o make_v solemn_a promise_n and_o profession_n of_o become_v better_a and_o yet_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n all_o have_v vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o their_o righteousness_n have_v be_v as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o pass_v away_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o those_o person_n who_o have_v do_v as_o much_o and_o go_v as_o far_o as_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o this_o that_o the_o
the_o world_n for_o his_o sport_n and_o pastime_n nor_o set_v on_o one_o part_n of_o his_o creation_n to_o bait_v another_o for_o his_o own_o diversion_n he_o do_v not_o like_o some_o of_o the_o cruel_a roman_a emperor_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v man_n with_o danger_n and_o to_o see_v they_o play_v bloody_a prize_n before_o he_o nay_o he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v severe_a out_o of_o humour_n and_o passion_n as_o our_o earthly_a parent_n many_o time_n do_v indeed_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o still_o to_o pity_v our_o person_n and_o when_o his_o providence_n make_v use_v of_o any_o sharp_a and_o cut_a instrument_n it_o be_v with_o this_o merciful_a design_n to_o let_v out_o our_o corruption_n if_o he_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v refine_v and_o purify_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o real_a objection_n against_o his_o goodness_n but_o rather_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n 2._o they_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 3._o they_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a first_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n i_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n we_o take_v wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o judge_v those_o to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n which_o afflict_v our_o body_n wound_v our_o reputation_n and_o impoverish_v our_o estate_n for_o those_o certain_o be_v far_o the_o great_a which_o affect_v our_o noble_a part_n which_o vitiate_v our_o understanding_n and_o deprave_v our_o will_n and_o wound_n and_o defile_v our_o soul_n what_o corrupt_a humour_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n their_o disease_n and_o their_o death_n now_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o administer_v to_o we_o whatever_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o sick_a that_o be_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o no_o fault_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o if_o he_o recover_v we_o though_o it_o be_v by_o very_o bitter_a and_o unpleasing_a mean_n all_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o be_v short_a of_o death_n be_v proper_o medicinal_a and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o kindly_a operation_n upon_o we_o they_o will_v work_v a_o cure_n and_o how_o grievous_a and_o distasteful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o present_a they_o will_v prove_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o issue_n upon_o this_o account_n david_n reckon_v affliction_n among_o the_o happy_a blessing_n of_o his_o life_n psal_n 119.72_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n ver_fw-la 67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o learn_v thy_o precept_n so_o that_o though_o all_o affliction_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o because_o they_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o disease_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o cure_n they_o be_v a_o sensible_a argument_n and_o conviction_n to_o we_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v common_o such_o fool_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o like_o child_n will_v be_v play_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o it_o till_o it_o cut_v and_o wound_v we_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o evil_a it_o be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o god_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o thus_o elihu_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o affliction_n upon_o sinner_n job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o fetter_n and_o hold_v in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o god_n show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v he_o open_v also_o their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o command_v that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o iniquity_n god_n do_v but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o mercy_n but_o his_o judgement_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o commandng_a voice_n when_o he_o hold_v man_n in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n in_o our_o prosperity_n we_o be_v many_o time_n incapable_a of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n but_o when_o we_o be_v under_o god_n correct_v hand_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v withal_o second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n i_o mean_v far_a punishment_n in_o send_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n god_n usual_o proceed_v with_o they_o by_o degree_n first_o he_o le_fw-fr we_o fly_v several_a single_a shot_n at_o they_o and_o if_o upon_o these_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n and_o come_v in_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o broadside_n and_o volley_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o be_v that_o temporal_a judgement_n may_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o opportunity_n of_o prevent_v the_o miserable_a and_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n for_o all_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o final_a leave_v man_n a_o space_n of_o repentance_n have_v in_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o reprieve_n which_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o timely_a return_n to_o god_n may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o pardon_n beside_o that_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n do_v usual_o dispose_v man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o repentance_n they_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o these_o if_o temporal_a evil_n be_v so_o grievous_a how_o insupportable_a then_o will_v be_v the_o extreme_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n if_o in_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n we_o sometime_o meet_v with_o such_o severity_n what_o may_v we_o not_o look_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n if_o these_o drop_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n fill_v they_o with_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o affliction_n how_o deplorable_o miserable_a will_v those_o wretch_n be_v upon_o who_o the_o storm_n of_o his_o fury_n shall_v fall_v who_o will_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a earnest_n of_o those_o woeful_a wage_n which_o sinner_n shall_v receive_v in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n three_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a our_o condition_n many_o time_n be_v such_o as_o to_o require_v this_o severe_a way_n of_o proceed_v because_o no_o other_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v or_o can_v take_v with_o we_o will_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o we_o put_v he_o upon_o these_o extremity_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n together_o do_v prompt_a and_o direct_v he_o to_o these_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a way_n may_v be_v we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o into_o that_o dangerous_a state_n and_o the_o malignity_n of_o our_o distemper_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v without_o violent_a physic_n and_o that_o can_v be_v administer_v to_o we_o without_o make_v we_o deadly_a sick_a so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v many_o time_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o wise_a method_n which_o the_o great_a physician_n of_o the_o world_n use_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o school_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n may_v learn_v righteousness_n they_o be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v man_n that_o good_a which_o many_o time_n nothing_o else_o will_v and_o to_o work_v that_o bless_a effect_n upon_o we_o which_o neither_o the_o wise_a
and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v hereafter_o live_v godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n do_v not_o we_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n when_o we_o continual_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o save_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n indeed_o we_o do_v thus_o seek_v he_o but_o we_o shall_v first_o turn_v to_o he_o otherwise_o if_o we_o hope_v our_o prayer_n will_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o do_v but_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o sin_n our_o very_a prayer_n will_v become_v sin_n and_o increase_v our_o guilt_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n can_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a for_o man_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n after_o this_o manner_n lord_n though_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o turn_v to_o thou_o yet_o we_o pray_v thou_o turn_v away_o thy_o anger_n from_o we_o though_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n yet_o we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o thy_o mercy_n will_v forgive_v they_o give_v peace_n in_o our_o time_n o_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v pursue_v our_o lust_n secure_o and_o without_o disturbance_n deliver_v we_o we_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o we_o may_v sin_v against_o thou_o without_o fear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n will_v it_o not_o be_v horrible_a impudence_n and_o impiety_n to_o put_v up_o any_o such_o petition_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o this_o i_o fear_v be_v the_o most_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o life_n compare_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v god_n may_v give_v we_o peace_n with_o our_o enemy_n but_o then_o he_o will_v find_v out_o some_o other_o way_n to_o punish_v we_o for_o if_o we_o still_o persist_v in_o our_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n in_o our_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a worship_n in_o 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fit_a for_o man_n of_o our_o profession_n because_o it_o be_v our_o trade_n and_o we_o live_v by_o it_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o thing_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v say_v and_o withal_o very_o fit_a for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o who_o own_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o where_o be_v the_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a profession_n of_o man_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o reform_v no_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o that_o neither_o be_v it_o then_o that_o they_o live_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o yet_o will_v be_v believe_v yes_o there_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a return_n this_o answer_n that_o man_n do_v not_o argue_v thus_o in_o other_o case_n where_o yet_o the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o 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to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n for_o our_o deliverance_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v of_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n in_o lent_n 1671._o heb._n iii_o 13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o many_o consideration_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o sin_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o considerable_a that_o he_o that_o once_o engage_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o be_v insensible_o train_v on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o far_o he_o advance_v his_o retreat_n grow_v more_o difficult_a because_o he_o be_v still_o push_v on_o with_o a_o great_a violence_n all_o error_n as_o well_o of_o practice_v as_o of_o judgement_n be_v endless_a and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o far_o he_o shall_v go_v on_o the_o hard_a he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v often_o caution_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v warn_v to_o break_v it_o off_o present_o and_o without_o delay_n lest_o by_o degree_n they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n till_o their_o case_n grow_v desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n here_o in_o the_o text_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v 1._o endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o grow_a danger_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o what_o step_n and_o degree_n bad_a habit_n do_v insensible_o gain_v upon_o man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n 2._o i_o shall_v from_o this_o consideration_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v what_o great_a reason_n and_o need_v there_o be_v to_o warn_v man_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rescue_v they_o out_o of_o it_o and_o then_o 3._o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o duty_n here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o exhort_v man_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n to_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o be_v already_o enter_v upon_o a_o wicked_a course_n to_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n lest_o
be_v tender_v to_o such_o person_n serve_v only_o to_o provoke_v their_o scorn_n or_o their_o passion_n and_o sure_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a case_n that_o be_v so_o dispose_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v turn_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o his_o amendment_n into_o the_o occasion_n of_o new_a and_o great_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o render_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n much_o more_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a be_v that_o all_o this_o while_n god_n be_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o for_o every_o degree_n of_o sin_n cause_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n with_o all_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o assistance_n to_o retire_v far_o from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o devil_n that_o evil_a spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o work_v effectual_o in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n do_v according_a as_o man_n improve_v in_o wickedness_n get_v a_o great_a and_o a_o more_o establish_a dominion_n over_o they_o for_o as_o they_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o evil_a course_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v rescue_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v turn_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o far_a man_n advance_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n so_o much_o the_o far_o they_o depart_v from_o god_n from_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o care_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o providence_n and_o they_o give_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o neglect_v his_o advantage_n upon_o they_o great_a opportunity_n every_o day_n to_o gain_v the_o firm_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o pass_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o the_o sinner_n become_v harden_v in_o his_o wickedness_n and_o do_v insensible_o slide_v into_o that_o state_n in_o which_o without_o a_o miraculous_a grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v like_a for_o ever_o to_o continue_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n after_o it_o 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by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n man_n may_v in_o a_o sort_n predestine_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o choose_v wickedness_n so_o long_o till_o it_o almost_o become_v necessary_a and_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o under_o all_o imaginable_a disadvantage_n of_o contribute_v any_o thing_n towards_o their_o own_o recovery_n be_v bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o hold_v in_o the_o cord_n of_o their_o sin_n nay_o like_a samson_n not_o only_o bind_v by_o those_o lust_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v but_o likewise_o rob_v of_o all_o their_o strength_n whereby_o they_o shall_v break_v loose_a from_o those_o bond_n god_n grant_v that_o none_o of_o we_o may_v ever_o have_v the_o woeful_a experience_n of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o horrible_o afraid_a it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o a_o sinner_n may_v arrive_v to_o that_o confirm_a state_n of_o impiety_n as_o almost_o total_o to_o lose_v his_o liberty_n to_o do_v better_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o that_o perfection_n in_o vice_n as_o to_o continue_v to_o be_v a_o bad_a man_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o the_o historian_n extravagant_o say_v cato_n be_v virtuous_a patere_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n it_o be_v the_o scripture_n comparison_n to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o how_o hard_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o goodness_n that_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a he_o that_o be_v thus_o deep_o engage_v and_o entangle_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n will_v scarce_o ever_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o resolution_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v force_v violent_o out_o of_o it_o by_o some_o severe_a affliction_n by_o a_o sharp_a sickness_n or_o by_o a_o terrible_a calamity_n or_o by_o the_o present_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n nor_o will_v these_o be_v effectual_a neither_o to_o change_v such_o a_o person_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o provocation_n he_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o expect_v or_o hope_v god_n shall_v ever_o bestow_v upon_o he_o wretched_a man_n that_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o this_o miserable_a state_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v but_o just_a a_o possibility_n leave_v of_o thy_o be_v rescue_v that_o have_v neglect_v thy_o disease_n so_o long_o till_o it_o be_v almost_o too_o late_o to_o apply_v remedy_n that_o have_v provoke_v god_n so_o far_o and_o sin_v to_o such_o a_o prodigious_a height_n that_o thou_o have_v reason_n almost_o to_o despair_n both_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n for_o thy_o repentance_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n for_o thy_o pardon_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o discourage_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n from_o 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through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v lest_o you_o be_v harden_v by_o degree_n and_o be_v final_o ruin_v and_o sure_o every_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o rescue_v his_o brother_n from_o so_o imminent_a a_o danger_n it_o be_v every_o one_o place_n and_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o save_v those_o who_o he_o see_v ready_a to_o perish_v much_o more_o do_v it_o concern_v those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o work_n i_o mean_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n who_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v and_o warn_v every_o man_n day_n and_o night_n who_o be_v set_v as_o watchman_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o blood_n in_o case_n any_o of_o they_o miscarry_v through_o our_o neglect_n shall_v be_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n which_o we_o declare_v to_o other_o if_o we_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dreadful_a 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case_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n o_o the_o infinite_a patience_n and_o boundless_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n with_o what_o clemency_n have_v he_o spare_v we_o and_o suffer_v our_o manner_n thus_o long_o and_o with_o what_o kindness_n and_o concernment_n do_v he_o still_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o return_v to_o he_o as_o if_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v make_v he_o happy_a and_o not_o ourselves_o with_o what_o earnest_a long_n and_o desire_n do_v he_o wait_v and_o wish_v for_o our_o repentance_n say_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o o_o that_o they_o will_v hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v thus_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o patient_o attend_v and_o listen_v what_o effect_n his_o admonition_n and_o counsel_n his_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n will_v have_v upon_o sinner_n jer._n 8.6_o i_o hearken_v and_o i_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n and_o be_v not_o this_o our_o case_n god_n have_v long_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o once_o a_o year_n we_o solemn_o pretend_v to_o set_v about_o it_o but_o many_o of_o we_o hitherto_o i_o fear_v instead_o of_o return_v to_o god_n have_v but_o more_o blind_o and_o furious_o run_v on_o in_o our_o course_n like_o the_o horse_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n yea_o in_o this_o more_o brutish_a than_o the_o beast_n that_o he_o rush_v into_o the_o battle_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o death_n or_o danger_n and_o destroy_v himself_o without_o a_o syllogism_n but_o we_o sinner_n have_v reason_n and_o yet_o be_v mad_a the_o great_a part_n of_o evil-doer_n be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o convince_v that_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o make_v a_o shift_n upon_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o discourse_n and_o reason_n themselves_o into_o it_o but_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged-sword_n and_o come_v with_o a_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o any_o humane_a persuasion_n whatsoever_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o short_a and_o serious_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n consider_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n o_o you_o transgressor_n be_v instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o