of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v
zeal_n and_o some_o assiduity_n in_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o else_o of_o man_n but_o confidence_n and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o that_o disposition_n they_o can_v come_v short_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o divine_a mercy_n and_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o last_o prejudice_n which_o reduce_v religion_n to_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v perhaps_o the_o common_a of_o all_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o three_o viz._n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v the_o least_o essential_a to_o religion_n we_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v confidence_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n unconceivable_a and_o contradictory_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o know_v and_o without_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o good_a man_n too_o and_o yet_o want_v confidence_n for_o as_o it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v animate_v with_o a_o false_a confidence_n so_o a_o good_a man_n may_v have_v a_o timorous_a conscience_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o groundless_a fear_n sometime_o melancholy_a or_o a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o of_o force_n of_o mind_n or_o even_o constitution_n may_v throw_v good_a man_n into_o a_o state_n in_o which_o they_o feel_v no_o comfort_n but_o without_o insist_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v visible_o a_o error_n as_o common_a as_o it_o be_v pernicious_a for_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o knowledge_n profession_n or_o confidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o no_o man_n have_v these_o opinion_n and_o that_o every_o body_n acknowledge_v that_o religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a i_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n do_v express_o exclude_v holiness_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o yet_o i_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v but_o allege_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n the_o three_o first_o be_v general_o press_v and_o recomend_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o last_o as_o to_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n represent_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v know_v and_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o whoever_o deny_v any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n this_o necessity_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o fundamental_a truth_n many_o question_n be_v determine_v and_o all_o these_o decision_n be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o one_o raise_v any_o doubt_n about_o they_o he_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o heretic_n and_o people_n cry_v out_o as_o if_o religion_n be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o head_n extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v every_o fault_n be_v capital_a and_o no_o allowance_n be_v make_v for_o humane_a infirmity_n as_o to_o outward_a profession_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v open_o maintain_v and_o not_o without_o just_a cause_n in_o this_o point_n man_n duty_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rigorous_o press_v the_o least_o dissemble_a of_o a_o man_n belief_n the_o least_o act_n of_o unlawful_a worship_n be_v call_v apostasy_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o forsake_v and_o suffer_v all_o rather_o than_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o conscience_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o nothing_o be_v remit_v or_o soften_v and_o the_o weak_a and_o timorous_a be_v no_o way_n indulge_v as_o to_o confidence_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o make_v people_n conceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o more_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n the_o firm_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o remove_v from_o doubt_n the_o great_a sinner_n rely_v bold_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o question_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o apply_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n provide_v he_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v so_o he_o have_v but_o confidence_n enough_o but_o when_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v discourse_v of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o press_v with_o the_o same_o rigour_n that_o zeal_n which_o upon_o all_o other_o head_n hearken_v to_o no_o accommodation_n become_v here_o very_o tractable_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o remissness_n appear_v as_o to_o this_o article_n the_o doctrine_n be_v press_v public_a profession_n be_v strict_o enforce_v and_o confidence_n be_v high_o recommend_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moral_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v so_o severe_o urge_v and_o that_o something_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o humane_a frailty_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n inculcate_n nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v as_o much_o at_o least_o upon_o this_o point_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v rank_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o low_a degree_n and_o among_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n one_o will_v think_v likewise_o that_o the_o press_a sanctification_n be_v to_o require_v nothing_o of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v as_o easy_a if_o not_o more_o than_o certain_a other_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o impose_v on_o they_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n such_o as_o the_o forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o without_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o subject_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o holiness_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o real_o be_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n but_o there_o be_v some_o prejudices_fw-la which_o do_v yet_o more_o direct_o attack_v piety_n and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o people_n entertain_v concern_v piety_n and_o morality_n itself_o i_o shall_v instance_n this_o first_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o morality_n be_v not_o of_o such_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n who_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o contempt_n and_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o who_o unreasonable_o set_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o goodwork_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o those_o who_o insist_v upon_o moral_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o absurd_a and_o unchristian_a imagination_n shall_v be_v universal_o reject_v but_o because_o whatever_o gratify_v corruption_n be_v usual_o welcome_a to_o man_n these_o opinion_n have_v their_o advocate_n even_o among_o divine_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v from_o the_o print_a work_n of_o some_o author_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o disparage_v goodwork_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o sanctification_n this_o prejudice_n overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n by_o destroy_v its_o necessity_n and_o render_v it_o contemptible_a i_o only_o give_v here_o a_o hint_n of_o it_o because_o i_o be_o to_o show_v in_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o extravagance_n thus_o to_o set_v up_o faith_n against_o morality_n to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o very_o slight_o of_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o some_o people_n do_v not_o stop_v here_o they_o think_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o morality_n nay_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o character_n of_o heresy_n i_o confess_v this_o opinion_n be_v not_o very_o common_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o even_o to_o the_o libertine_n none_o but_o a_o few_o conceit_a divine_n have_v have_v the_o face_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o by_o the_o by_o increase_v the_o scandal_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o such_o proposition_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o advance_v they_o qualify_v they_o with_o some_o restriction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o terrible_a consequence_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v
of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o grant_v then_o that_o corruption_n be_v great_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o bad_a and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v always_o be_v wickedness_n upon_o earth_n but_o that_o this_o corruption_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o same_o so_o that_o no_o reformation_n can_v be_v hope_v be_v what_o can_v be_v maintain_v without_o affront_a religion_n without_o introduce_v fatality_n and_o extinguish_v all_o zeal_n among_o christian_n by_o the_o maxim_n we_o have_v hitherto_o examine_v man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v either_o of_o no_o great_a necessity_n or_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o represent_v the_o study_n of_o virtue_n as_o dangerous_a so_o that_o here_o vicious_a man_n do_v not_o stand_v bare_o upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n but_o they_o attack_v their_o adversary_n who_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 1._o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v insist_v so_o much_o upon_o work_n without_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o say_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v entire_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o reject_v the_o opinion_n which_o attribute_n any_o merit_n to_o goodwork_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o give_v we_o christ_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o our_o salvation_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o redemption_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o which_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o mercy_n that_o we_o expect_v that_o glorious_a and_o un-merited_n reward_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o good_a men._n all_o these_o be_v as_o many_o act_n of_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n but_o as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o mercy_n which_o save_v we_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o goodwork_n so_o the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n do_v not_o lessen_v in_o the_o least_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n unless_o we_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v contradiction_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o god_n give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n in_o order_n to_o save_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o every_o believe_v and_o repent_v sinner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v to_o magnify_v the_o divine_a mercy_n except_o we_o shall_v pretend_v that_o god_n will_v be_v more_o merciful_a if_o he_o do_v indifferent_o save_o all_o mankind_n and_o reward_v vice_n and_o virtue_n alike_o but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o horrid_a thought_n and_o no_o less_o than_o downright_a blasphemy_n then_o sinner_n may_v say_v indeed_o let_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o prince_n pardon_v a_o rebellious_a subject_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o benefit_n upon_o he_o on_o condition_n that_o this_o subject_a shall_v accept_v of_o the_o pardon_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o and_o shall_v relapse_n no_o more_o into_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v any_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o clemency_n of_o that_o prince_n will_v be_v much_o great_a if_o he_o do_v grant_v his_o favour_n to_o this_o rebel_n though_o he_o shall_v persist_v in_o his_o crime_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n will_v have_v god_n do_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v to_o honour_n god_n by_o such_o conceit_n as_o do_v not_o only_o injure_v his_o mercy_n but_o his_o other_o perfection_n too_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a must_v we_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o then_o must_v we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o his_o holiness_n his_o justice_n and_o his_o truth_n mu_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v of_o these_o last_o perfection_n be_v faint_o and_o tender_o expound_v whilst_o we_o press_v and_o serve_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n what_o it_o say_v of_o mercy_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n it_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a but_o do_v we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n when_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o accept_v the_o favour_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o rebel_n i_o mention_v just_a now_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o he_o deserve_v the_o pardon_n grant_v he_o by_o his_o prince_n because_o he_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v a_o man_n to_o value_v himself_o upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n or_o to_o arrogate_v any_o merit_n to_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n both_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o sanctification_n in_o short_a we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n we_o may_v not_o rob_v the_o divine_a grace_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o by_o not_o acknowledge_v its_o gift_n and_o power_n in_o a_o regenerate_v man._n 2._o here_o be_v another_o maxim_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o precede_a and_o which_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o goodwork_n lest_o we_o inspire_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o presumption_n and_o to_o support_v this_o maxim_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o run_v out_o upon_o man_n inclination_n to_o pride_n and_o upon_o the_o heinousness_n of_o that_o sin_n but_o this_o maxim_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o false_a and_o confuse_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v about_o religious_a matter_n either_o this_o maxim_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o mount_v to_o this_o that_o whosoever_o apply_v himself_o to_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o pride_n and_o that_o a_o neglect_n of_o virtue_n contain_v a_o man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v holy_a without_o humility_n and_o humble_a without_o holiness_n two_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o contradictory_n that_o can_v be_v assert_v at_o this_o rate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o more_o safe_a to_o be_v otherwise_o by_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n a_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sin_n i_o mean_v pride_n and_o by_o neglect_v holiness_n he_o attain_v humility_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a christian_a virtue_n if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o that_o we_o call_v vice_n or_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a sound_n it_o be_v much_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n without_o humility_n nor_o humility_n without_o holiness_n that_o where_o there_o be_v holiness_n there_o be_v humility_n and_o pride_n be_v exclude_v and_o that_o where_o pride_n be_v there_o be_v no_o true_a sanctification_n the_o holy_a a_o man_n grow_v he_o become_v the_o more_o humble_a and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v the_o near_a to_o pride_n by_o proceed_v in_o holliness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o remove_v the_o far_o from_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v both_o perfect_o holy_a and_o perfect_o humble_a be_v a_o proof_n that_o humility_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o holiness_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o humility_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o who_o conceive_v no_o other_o humility_n but_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o irregular_a life_n so_o that_o when_o they_o will_v humble_v good_a man_n they_o rank_v they_o among_o the_o vile_a sinner_n they_o make_v they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o wickedness_n and_o abomination_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n by_o innumerable_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o even_o by_o the_o best_a action_n they_o have_v do_v the_o strong_a expression_n and_o the_o most_o excessive_a hyperbole_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o
man_n to_o be_v too_o just_a or_o too_o wise_a and_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o vicious_a excess_n in_o righteousness_n or_o wisdom_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v over-righteous_a he_o may_v likewise_o love_v god_n too_o much_o for_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o to_o love_n god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o righteous_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v but_o far_o from_o be_v over-righteous_a we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o and_o if_o we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v over-righteous_a i_o wish_v man_n have_v at_o least_o that_o reverence_n for_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o to_o make_v it_o speak_v absurdity_n i_o know_v the_o ordinary_a evasion_n vicious_a man_n will_v say_v that_o when_o piety_n run_v to_o excess_n it_o lead_v to_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o become_v troublesome_a and_o ridiculous_a every_o body_n say_v that_o but_o without_o reason_n i_o have_v refute_v that_o opinion_n and_o show_v that_o true_a piety_n never_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o that_o devout_a man_n who_o be_v superstitious_a or_o troublesome_a have_v but_o a_o false_a devotion_n or_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n this_o may_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o question_n solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n for_o whether_o he_o may_v have_v a_o eye_n here_o upon_o superstitious_a or_o hypocritical_a person_n who_o righteousness_n be_v but_o imaginary_a which_o sense_n be_v adopt_v by_o many_o interpreter_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o exercise_n justice_n with_o too_o much_o severity_n as_o some_o think_v or_o whether_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o other_o he_o give_v this_o advice_n to_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a people_n who_o meddle_v in_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o and_o fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o determine_v all_o matter_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o good_a man_n who_o exact_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o exposition_n which_o seem_v to_o agree_v best_a with_o solomon_n design_n then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v clear_a and_o rational_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o piety_n whereas_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n by_o the_o libertine_n be_v both_o absurd_a and_o impious_a those_o who_o will_v either_o justify_v or_o excuse_v corruption_n use_v to_o object_n in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o since_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o all_o man_n and_o even_o good_a man_n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o corruption_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o be_v impossible_a now_o to_o prove_v this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o all_o man_n they_o bring_v several_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 14._o rom._n 3._o if_o their_o meaning_n in_o cite_v these_o word_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n altogether_o free_a from_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o the_o otherhand_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o wicked_a do_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_n much_o about_o this_o interpretation_n though_o not_o altogether_o exact_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o david_n in_o the_o 19_o psalm_n but_o there_o be_v another_o design_n in_o it_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n that_o man_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o none_o do_v or_o can_v practice_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o apology_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o silence_v those_o who_o oppose_v it_o if_o what_o david_n say_v in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o man_n be_v pervert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o become_v abominable_a by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n that_o be_v just_a or_o that_o fear_n god_n but_o this_o consequence_n raise_v horror_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o experience_n and_o to_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o good_a man_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a nay_o this_o consequence_n may_v be_v destroy_v from_o what_o we_o read_v in_o that_o very_a psalm_n which_o mention_n the_o just_a who_o be_v protect_v by_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a who_o persecute_v they_o this_o complaint_n of_o david_n must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o restriction_n by_o read_v the_o fourteen_o psalm_n we_o may_v perceive_v that_o david_n intend_v to_o describe_v in_o it_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n of_o man_n in_o his_o time_n there_o he_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o fool_n who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o who_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a chain_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o when_o st._n paul_n cite_v these_o word_n out_o of_o the_o fourteen_o psalm_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n iii_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o heathen_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n 9_o saviour_n v._o 9_o what_o then_o be_v we_o better_o than_o they_o no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o be_v all_o under_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o assertion_n which_o st._n paul_n maintain_v and_o which_o he_o prove_v from_o that_o complaint_n which_o david_n make_v of_o old_a 19_o old_a v._o 19_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o all_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v become_v guilty_a before_o god_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v neither_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v the_o jew_n but_o he_o teach_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o rescue_v man_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n if_o we_o must_v dill_n say_v of_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o 2._o this_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o that_o place_n in_o the_o ephesian_n where_o it_o be_v say_v i._n say_v ephes_n ii_o 1._o i._n that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n for_o to_o the_o same_o end_n these_o word_n be_v quote_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o death_n in_o which_o they_o have_v perish_v have_v not_o god_n take_v pity_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o make_v the_o ephesian_n sensible_a of_o that_o unparalleled_a mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v but_o poor_a heathen_n before_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o they_o you_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n it_o be_v falsify_v the_o text_n to_o cite_v it_o so_o and_o to_o say_v we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o you_o be_v dead_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n past_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n &c_n heathen_n and_o 5._o &c_n &c_n among_o who_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n but_o now_o he_o add_v god_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n both_o you_o that_o be_v heathen_n and_o we_o that_o be_v jew_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o this_o spiritual_a death_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n great_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n which_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o man_n natural_a corruption_n and_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n to_o which_o christ_n
in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n who_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o â—he_n grace_n to_o recover_v himself_o as_o those_o hoâ—y_a man_n do_v those_o who_o presume_v to_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v in_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n wipe_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n reason_n just_a like_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v swallow_v down_o poison_n and_o conclude_v it_o will_v not_o kill_v he_o because_o some_o who_o have_v be_v poison_v have_v escape_v death_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v here_o our_o great_a consideration_n be_v the_o time_n which_o those_o saineâ—_n live_v in_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n and_o the_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n man_n before_o christ_n haâ—_n not_o by_o a_o great_a deal_n that_o light_n which_o we_o have_v and_o do_v not_o know_v as_o we_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n our_o saviour_n teacheâ—_n we_o that_o distinction_n when_o he_o say_v 1._o say_v mat._n xii_o 1._o the_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n but_o that_o the_o leâ—â—_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a theâ—_n john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christian_n have_v a_o much_o great_a light_n than_o either_o john_n baptist_n or_o all_o the_o ancient_a prephet_n have_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o piety_n and_o therefore_o christian_n ought_v to_o excel_v the_o jew_n in_o holiness_n what_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o time_n will_v be_v in_o we_o altogether_o intoleable_a and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o ancient_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o surpass_v their_o virtue_n this_o principle_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v hardly_o silence_v profane_a person_n a_o libertine_n insist_v upon_o precedent_n will_v say_v that_o polygamy_n he_o keep_v of_o concubine_n murder_n divorce_v upon_o the_o slight_a pretence_n and_o such_o like_a disorder_n be_v not_o so_o criminal_a as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v he_o will_v produce_v the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n of_o david_n and_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o those_o ancient_a worthy_n they_o have_v do_v much_o for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o but_o god_n forbid_v too_o that_o we_o shall_v lessen_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o we_o speak_v like_o christian_n we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n do_v pass_v over_o many_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a people_n our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n coneern_v divorce_n be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n xix_o purpose_n mat._n xix_o moses_n suffer_v you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v imitate_v the_o jew_n and_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v and_o tolerate_v till_o then_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n we_o may_v easy_o apply_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n since_o before_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n the_o apostle_n be_v weak_a as_o yet_o and_o possess_v with_o various_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n because_o it_o be_v common_o mistake_v that_o apostle_n say_v 15._o say_v 1_o tim._n i._n 13_o 15._o that_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n who_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o these_o word_n many_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o profligate_n man_n a_o swearer_n and_o a_o godless_a wretch_n and_o yet_o he_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o his_o life_n be_v blameless_a and_o exemplary_a for_o this_o he_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n act_n xxiii_o 1._o and_o xxvi_o 4._o if_o he_o do_v persecute_v the_o church_n then_o it_o be_v through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o ignorance_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o he_o obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n be_v not_o this_o quite_o another_o case_n than_o that_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o know_o and_o wilful_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n to_o make_v st._n paul_n say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a or_o the_o first_o of_o those_o sinner_n who_o jesus_n christ_n do_v save_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n among_o convert_a sinner_n that_o he_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o jesus_n have_v begin_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o explain_v himself_o verse_n 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o this_o be_v exact_o what_o he_o mean_v for_o as_o to_o what_o some_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n out_o of_o humility_n acknowledge_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o all_o sinner_n i_o think_v that_o explication_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o it_o neither_o agree_v with_o truth_n nor_o piety_n nor_o good_a sense_n a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o think_v himself_o worse_o than_o the_o great_a sinner_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o good_a which_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v wrought_v if_o he_o but_o as_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o sinner_n be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o they_o common_o abuse_v those_o place_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o mercy_n they_o find_v this_o principal_o upon_o these_o word_n where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v under_o the_o covert_a of_o this_o short_a sentence_n the_o most_o flagitious_a sinner_n think_v themselves_o safe_a but_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n will_v soon_o convince_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o all_o man_n be_v render_v sinner_n in_o adam_n and_o by_o the_o law_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o save_o they_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n he_o have_v prove_v thâ—_n before_o christ_n sin_n and_o death_n reign_v erery_a where_n not_o only_o among_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o â—â—adds_n that_o where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n â—â—mercy_o more_o abound_v to_o signify_v god_n hauâ—â—â—_n mercy_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n in_o a_o word_n st._n pâ—â—_n set_v the_o happy_a condition_n to_o which_o mâ—â—_n be_v advance_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v in_o before_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n can_v any_o one_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o now_o we_o may_v free_o sin_n and_o that_o grace_n will_v exert_v in_o self_n reward_v we_o whatever_o sin_n we_o may_v commit_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o observe_v beside_o that_o whiâ—â—_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o pardon_v but_o likewise_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o destroy_v the_o pretention_n of_o the_o libertine_n the_o apoâ—â—_n himself_o confute_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n he_o foresee_v that_o some_o will_v ague_n like_o those_o we_o now_o contend_v with_o aâ—â—_n he_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o himself_o 12._o himself_o rom._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 11_o 12._o whâ—â—_n then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v bound_v and_o this_o be_v his_o answer_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v 〈◊〉_d long_o therein_o we_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n
direction_n which_o may_v facilitate_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n when_o teacher_n shall_v go_v thus_o to_o work_v they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v some_o amendment_n god_n blessing_n will_v accompany_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v christian_n be_v right_o inform_v will_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n apply_v themselves_o virtue_n to_o corruption_n will_v lessen_v by_o degree_n and_o christianity_n recover_v its_o ancient_a lustre_n will_v begin_v to_o appear_v with_o another_o face_n than_o it_o do_v at_o this_o day_n cause_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n how_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v they_o can_v live_v absolute_o without_o religion_n very_o few_o at_o least_o can_v go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o their_o corruption_n to_o know_v and_o practice_v pure_a christianity_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o light_n and_o conscience_n within_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v themselves_o whole_o into_o irreligion_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o principle_n of_o which_o one_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o flatter_v their_o security_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o idea_n they_o confirm_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o corruption_n these_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v worse_o than_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o revive_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v better_a to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o be_v simple_o ignorant_a than_o with_o people_n who_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n and_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o former_a being_n not_o prepossess_v may_v more_o easy_o be_v reclaim_v but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o prevail_v upon_o preingage_v person_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n because_o while_o they_o maintain_v their_o error_n they_o fancy_v they_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o religion_n be_v therefore_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o it_o concern_v we_o most_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o point_v at_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o render_v they_o happy_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v common_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o this_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o as_o they_o be_v sensible_a upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v in_o this_o world_n if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o must_v die_v they_o seek_v in_o religion_n some_o consolation_n and_o remedy_n against_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o quit_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a life_n indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o religion_n give_v to_o man_n and_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o obstruct_v their_o felicity_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n entertain_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o they_o think_v it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o that_o religion_n shall_v indispensable_o oblige_v man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o live_v well_o and_o that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a religion_n nor_o happiness_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o happiness_n this_o be_v god_n purpose_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a end_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v intend_v beside_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o man_n and_o it_o do_v proper_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n salvation_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o this_o service_n and_o a_o gratuitous_a reward_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o honour_n and_o fear_v he_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o conceit_n of_o those_o who_o look_v only_o upon_o that_o side_n of_o religion_n which_o promise_v comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n remiss_a and_o careless_a in_o their_o duty_n yet_o this_o imagination_n be_v very_o common_a and_o if_o i_o be_v to_o define_v religion_n by_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mean_a to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v man_n eternal_o happy_a whatsoever_o their_o course_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v be_v but_o man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o promise_v themselves_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o very_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v second_o that_o man_n common_o place_n christianity_n either_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n or_o in_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o in_o confidence_n but_o holiness_n do_v not_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o best_o it_o make_v but_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o all_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o holiness_n without_o lay_v first_o in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n a_o outward_a and_o public_a profession_n be_v likewise_o essential_a to_o religion_n for_o one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o it_o and_o further_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o religion_n inspire_v confidence_n peace_n and_o joy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o must_v natural_o produce_v these_o effect_n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v therefore_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n since_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o save_a knowledge_n but_o when_o it_o produce_v piety_n and_o charity_n the_o definition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n we_o may_v read_v what_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v void_a of_o charity_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o as_o for_o a_o outward_a profession_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a without_o sanctity_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v even_o with_o applause_n the_o external_a duty_n of_o piety_n this_o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n last_o all_o confidence_n which_o be_v not_o support_v by_o piety_n be_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a the_o bare_a persuasion_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v give_v no_o man_n a_o right_n to_o salvation_n a_o very_a wicked_a person_n may_v without_o any_o ground_n rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o divine_v call_v presumption_n and_o security_n 1._o *_o tit._n i._o 1._o but_o though_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o good_a sense_n yet_o man_n entertain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o it_o a_o great_a many_o think_v themselves_o christian_n because_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n i_o do_v not_o inquire_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o who_o think_v they_o know_v religion_n do_v real_o know_v it_o but_o howsoever_o this_o knowledge_n true_a or_o false_a make_v many_o judge_n most_o favourable_o of_o themselves_o it_o do_v so_o puff_n they_o up_o that_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o the_o stay_v and_o supporter_n of_o religion_n other_o of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n imagine_v that_o so_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n especial_o if_o this_o outward_a profession_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o apparent_a
that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n pursue_v these_o exhortation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o the_o promise_n and_o instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v frequent_o also_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n which_o favour_v corruption_n and_o security_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v interpret_v by_o vicious_a man_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v man_n a_o licence_n to_o sin_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o instance_n of_o that_o woman_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o zacheus_n and_o the_o convert_a thief_n be_v often_o allege_v as_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o of_o the_o labourer_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n declaration_n 11.13_o declaration_n mat._n 11.13_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o great_a sinner_n may_v obtain_v salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o just_a but_o if_o those_o who_o quote_v these_o instance_n do_v narrow_o examine_v they_o they_o will_v read_v in_o they_o their_o own_o condemnation_n for_o first_o all_o these_o sinner_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a sinner_n express_v the_o most_o lively_a sorrow_n the_o publican_n smite_v his_o breast_n the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o again_o and_o detest_v his_o former_a excess_n zacheus_n if_o he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n restore_v fourfold_a from_o these_o instance_n we_o may_v very_o well_o infer_v that_o god_n never_o reject_v return_v sinner_n but_o even_o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n for_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o too_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n beside_o we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o all_o these_o parable_n and_o instance_n be_v to_o inform_v man_n that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o invite_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o especial_o to_o let_v the_o jew_n understand_v that_o for_o all_o the_o high_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o merit_n the_o heathen_n who_o live_v in_o the_o great_a corruption_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o god_n covenaâ—_n and_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o his_o favour_n which_o actual_o happen_v to_o all_o those_o heathen_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n these_o instance_n and_o parable_n then_o represent_v the_o stare_v man_n be_v in_o at_o that_o time_n and_o not_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v already_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v too_o much_o nor_o remember_v too_o often_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christâ—_n and_o christian_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o common_o abuse_v by_o the_o libertine_n if_o i_o have_v omit_v any_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v serve_v to_o suggest_v pertinent_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o cause_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n corruption_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o that_o ignorance_n or_o to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o loose_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v among_o christian_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o sin_n through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o out_o of_o mere_a wantonness_n and_o libertinism_n there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o neglect_v their_o dury_n entire_o or_o at_o least_o they_o be_v very_o remiss_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o must_v be_v then_o other_o spring_n of_o corruption_n in_o man_n beside_o those_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o search_v into_o these_o and_o to_o find_v out_o if_o possible_a why_o many_o person_n who_o want_v no_o instruction_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o side_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o withstand_v continue_v in_o vice_n and_o corruption_n this_o seem_v to_o proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o disposition_n which_o man_n be_v common_o iâ—_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o ill_a shame_n from_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n make_v up_o all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o repentance_n i_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o disposition_n as_o two_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v in_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v they_o both_o distinct_o i_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o false_a modesty_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o to_o show_v 1._o the_o nature_n and_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o false_a modesty_n i_o mean_v that_o shame_n which_o hinder_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n i_o call_v this_o shame_n vicious_a or_o illl_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o kind_n of_o shame_n which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a which_o consist_v in_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v ill_a thing_n if_o false_a shame_n be_v a_o source_n of_o corruption_n that_o other_o shame_n which_o restrain_v from_o evil_a be_v a_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v as_o vicious_a shame_n shall_v be_v avoid_v or_o shake_v off_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o commendable_a shame_n be_v go_v innocency_n be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o sinner_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o wickedness_n raise_v no_o blush_a or_o confusion_n in_o they_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o false_a shame_n keep_v man_n from_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o they_o know_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v under_o that_o notion_n particular_o that_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o shame_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n or_o contempt_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o profane_a and_o worldly_a man_n who_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v religion_n or_o judge_v it_o unworthy_a of_o their_o application_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o follow_v its_o maxim_n i_o refer_v such_o man_n to_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o some_o further_a consideration_n which_o i_o be_o to_o insist_v upon_o elsewhere_o the_o shame_n i_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a suppose_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o some_o value_n for_o and_o inclination_n to_o piety_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o dangerous_a the_o effect_n of_o that_o shame_n be_v and_o how_o important_a it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v they_o since_o it_o seduce_v and_o corrupt_v even_o those_o who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o of_o who_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v well_o now_o to_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vicious_a shame_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o shame_v common_o spring_v from_o two_o cause_n sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o or_o from_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v or_o appear_v dishonest_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o sometime_o also_o shame_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v thing_n which_o may_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o we_o and_o disgrace_v we_o in_o the_o world_n one_o may_v soon_o perceive_v that_o the_o shame_n that_o be_v vicious_a do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o cause_n religion_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v shameful_a arid_a dishonest_a for_o far_o from_o that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o comely_a and_o honourable_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o it_o appear_v such_o even_o to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o groundless_a shame_n dare_v not_o practice_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n then_o of_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v a_o feeble_a regard_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o fall_v under_o their_o contempt_n
be_v think_v mean_a and_o disgraceful_a it_o will_v therefore_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o they_o to_o correct_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v love_v and_o honour_v it_o other_o man_n will_v no_o long_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o will_v place_v their_o glory_n in_o practise_v it_o this_o i_o be_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n cause_n vi_o the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o illusion_n be_v more_o ordinary_a or_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o support_n of_o vice_n in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o attack_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o be_v the_o delay_v repentance_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a and_o so_o harden_v as_o never_o to_o think_v of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v few_o who_o have_v not_o a_o general_a intention_n to_o obtain_v it_o even_o â—mong_a those_o who_o live_v ill_a many_o be_v convince_v that_o conversion_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o then_o they_o do_v notrepent_v i_o answer_v that_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o proceed_v which_o seem_v so_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o aught_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o hope_n they_o entertain_v of_o clear_v all_o score_n one_o day_n by_o repentance_n and_o of_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v that_o deceitful_a hope_n which_o frustrate_v all_o the_o endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v to_o make_v man_n for_o sake_n their_o vicious_a habit_n the_o delay_n of_o conversion_n ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o subject_a have_v make_v i_o resolve_v to_o bestow_v a_o particular_a chapter_n upon_o it_o now_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n right_a we_o be_v to_o observe_v two_o different_a way_n of_o put_v off_o conversion_n for_o all_o man_n do_v not_o delay_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o they_o all_o some_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o remote_a time_n and_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o life_n other_o do_v not_o adjourn_v it_o so_o long_o they_o design_v to_o go_v about_o it_o a_o good_a while_n before_o death_n at_o least_o they_o hope_v so_o and_o they_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o undetermined_a time_n the_o first_o sin_n proper_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o the_o other_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n the_o former_a deceive_v themselves_o more_o gross_o they_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v though_o never_o so_o late_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o other_o be_v more_o subtle_a they_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n but_o for_o all_o that_o they_o do_v not_o convert_v themselves_o though_o these_o two_o way_n of_o delay_v have_v a_o affinity_n with_o one_o another_o and_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v encounter_v with_o the_o same_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o here_o separately_z man_n common_o entertain_v this_o opinion_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n their_o sin_n will_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o salvation_n they_o allot_v for_o this_o repentance_n the_o approach_n of_o death_n old-age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o they_o suppose_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v fit_v themselves_o for_o a_o christian_a death_n by_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v not_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o opinion_n be_v very_o common_a for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o neither_o will_v i_o go_v about_o to_o show_v that_o it_o feed_v corruption_n and_o encourage_v security_n by_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o a_o method_n of_o salvation_n as_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o live_v still_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v self-evident_a it_o be_v more_o important_a to_o let_v man_n see_v how_o false_a and_o dangerous_a a_o imagination_n that_o be_v which_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o so_o they_o repent_v before_o death_n they_o shall_v avoid_v damnation_n and_o be_v save_v in_o order_n to_o this_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o and_o to_o unfold_v the_o true_a sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n include_v two_o different_a motion_n the_o one_o carry_v a_o man_n towards_o salvation_n and_o the_o other_o towards_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o have_v man_n be_v neither_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o be_v altogether_o unconcern_v about_o his_o salvation_n nor_o so_o as_o blind_v not_o to_o perceive_v that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n that_o he_o can_v resolve_v to_o renounce_v they_o in_o perplexity_n self-love_n find_v he_o out_o a_o expedient_a by_o which_o he_o thing_n to_o reconcile_v with_o his_o appetite_n the_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o if_o he_o sin_v yet_o he_o intend_v to_o repent_v but_o here_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o man_n put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o himself_o and_o that_o such_o sentiment_n proceed_v only_o from_o self-love_n and_o from_o a_o strong_a affection_n to_o sin_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o die_v and_o of_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o destin_a the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n to_o act_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n have_v any_o share_n in_o this_o conduct_n be_v it_o any_o love_n or_o regard_n to_o god_n that_o make_v a_o man_n desire_v he_o in_o his_o last_o extremity_n and_o when_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o this_o show_v that_o a_o man_n think_v of_o god_n only_o because_o he_o expect_v salvation_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o enemy_n to_o who_o we_o surrender_v ourselves_o as_o late_a and_o upon_o as_o good_a term_n as_o we_o can_v and_o only_o that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v such_o a_o delay_n include_v a_o positive_a resolution_n to_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o gratify_v one_o passion_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a he_o that_o think_v to_o repent_v hereafter_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o repent_v now_o he_o allot_v the_o present_a time_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o commit_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o future_a repentance_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v fix_v and_o certain_a in_o his_o resolution_n for_o as_o to_o what_o he_o promise_v for_o the_o future_a it_o be_v most_o uncertain_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n right_a he_o promise_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v very_o soon_o nor_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n he_o live_v sometime_o long_o the_o hazard_n to_o which_o a_o man_n expose_v himself_o by_o this_o delay_n be_v evident_a in_o order_n to_o a_o complete_a repentance_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a the_o first_o be_v to_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v the_o second_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o time_n and_o opportunity_n those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o last_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v these_o two_o advantage_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v extreme_o uncertain_a and_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o they_o 1._o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n that_o more_o than_o one_o half_n of_o mankind_n die_v without_o have_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n if_o we_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o who_o be_v snatch_v away_o in_o a_o instant_a by_o unforeseen_a accident_n or_o a_o sudden_a death_n all_o those_o who_o perish_v in_o war_n all_o those_o who_o be_v seize_v with_o distemper_n which_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n all_o those_o who_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n do_v not_o move_v to_o repentance_n because_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v themselves_o in_o any_o danger_n of_o die_v and_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o those_o who_o only_a preparation_n be_v to_o have_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o their_o bedside_n when_o they_o can_v hardly_o hear_v a_o few_o word_n of_o
ready_a to_o restore_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o his_o favour_n when_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o i_o grant_v it_o god_n never_o reject_v a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o before_o a_o man_n can_v build_v upon_o this_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v then_o sincere_o repent_v now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v what_o no_o man_n can_v depend_v upon_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n to_o all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n be_v to_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o chief_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o heathen_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o the_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o part_n with_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n come_v to_o baptism_n nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o be_v holy_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o to_o christian_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n demand_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o holiness_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v repentance_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o much_o christianity_n be_v decay_v that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v they_o be_v the_o duty_n at_o which_o the_o heathen_n begin_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n paul_n vi._n paul_n heb._n vi._n place_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n among_o the_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o first_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v before_o baptism_n but_o now_o christian_n look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o the_o duty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v to_o end_v their_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o design_v to_o end_v where_o the_o heathen_n begin_v and_o to_o enter_v heaven_n at_o the_o same_o gate_n which_o admit_v pagan_n into_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v further_o that_o sometime_o man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n die_v to_o all_o appearance_n in_o very_o good_a disposition_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o those_o person_n who_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n a_o sinner_n who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o these_o last_o will_v not_o be_v his_o and_o what_o sure_a presage_v can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o tragical_a a_o death_n than_o the_o present_a hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o happen_v frequent_o as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o person_n who_o have_v live_v ill_o be_v well_o dispose_v when_o they_o die_v if_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v and_o effectual_a when_o it_o begin_v only_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n every_o body_n must_v own_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o deep_a attend_v with_o demonstration_n of_o the_o most_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o with_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o a_o die_a man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o great_a sinner_n who_o express_v a_o lively_a compunction_n at_o their_o death_n or_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o who_o practice_n restitution_n and_o edify_v all_o about_o they_o by_o discharge_v the_o other_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o we_o see_v such_o penitent_n beside_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v use_v by_o die_a man_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a emotion_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v and_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n judgement_n must_v needs_o raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o and_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o religion_n nothing_o be_v more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n by_o what_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n or_o trouble_n it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v some_o sign_n of_o piety_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a christian_a end_n but_o there_o be_v often_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o that_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v what_o happen_v to_o some_o who_o have_v escape_v death_n or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n while_o the_o peril_n last_v who_o can_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o holy_a than_o they_o they_o show_v so_o much_o devotion_n and_o utter_v such_o discourse_n that_o all_o the_o standard_n by_o be_v edisy_v by_o they_o their_o tear_n their_o prayer_n their_o protestation_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n their_o whole_a deportment_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n so_o much_o of_o christian_a zeal_n in_o it_o that_o the_o beholder_n be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n but_o be_v there_o many_o of_o these_o who_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n remember_v their_o promise_n or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o calamity_n be_v past_a these_o be_v general_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o those_o who_o recover_v and_o what_o effect_n then_o can_v it_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o dye_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v any_o body_n but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o ill_a life_n for_o though_o man_n judgement_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a effect_n upon_o the_o live_n who_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o though_o he_o have_v live_v ill_o and_o while_o i_o be_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o these_o dangerous_a opinion_n than_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n commend_v without_o discretion_n the_o piety_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o great_a town_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n mean-spirited_n and_o unworthy_a preacher_n who_o prostitute_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o pen_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o who_o condition_n shall_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n tremble_v but_o if_o some_o remnant_n of_o shame_n restrain_v they_o from_o carry_v their_o flattery_n so_o far_o as_o to_o commend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o panegyric_n they_o have_v undertake_v then_o they_o seek_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o praise_n in_o some_o sign_n of_o piety_n which_o those_o person_n give_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o the_o corrupte_v maxim_n of_o libertine_n be_v not_o by_o much_o so_o subtle_a a_o poison_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o eulogy_n deliver_v before_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n and_o then_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o instance_n of_o the_o convert_v thief_n who_o pray_v to_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o paradise_n be_v seldom_o forget_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v general_o very_o ill_o understand_v first_o it_o be_v suppose_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o this_o thief_n repent_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n but_o