he_o observe_v the_o most_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a essay_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o when_o christ_n be_v beginning_n to_o be_v form_v in_o man_n i_o see_v thou_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o nathanael_n s._n joh._n 1._o 48._o when_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o figtree_n when_o thou_o be_v reason_v about_o i_o whether_o i_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o i_o be_v privy_a to_o that_o conflict_n of_o thy_o thought_n between_o the_o report_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o i_o and_o the_o prejudicate_a opinion_n concern_v the_o suppose_a place_n of_o my_o nativity_n i_o be_v not_o so_o much_o offend_v with_o thy_o objection_n as_o please_v with_o thy_o sincerity_n in_o that_o thou_o do_v diligent_o inquire_v honest_o debate_n and_o proceed_v to_o resolution_n upon_o rational_a satisfaction_n most_o apposite_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 31._o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n sure_o after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v and_o after_o that_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o passionate_o describe_v the_o first_o kindle_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o than_o introduce_v god_n take_v notice_n and_o express_v his_o compassion_n in_o the_o next_o word_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o afford_v mighty_a encouragement_n to_o sinner_n to_o begin_v their_o motion_n to_o god-ward_o who_o will_v not_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o way_n when_o the_o first_o attempt_n of_o return_v shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o if_o a_o man_n do_v but_o consider_v if_o he_o do_v but_o pray_v if_o but_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o god_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a eye_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o lose_v labour_n nay_o say_v our_o saviour_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n and_o if_o such_o mean_a performance_n pass_v not_o unrewarded_a much_o less_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o good_a escape_n god_n notice_n and_o observation_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n of_o caution_n and_o that_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o discourage_v any_o though_o never_o so_o small_a hope_n of_o good_a and_o budding_n of_o reformation_n in_o other_o for_o see_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o beginning_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o that_o obstruct_v they_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a severe_o to_o resent_v it_o let_v therefore_o those_o that_o scoff_n at_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o preciseness_n at_o seriousness_n and_o self-reflection_n as_o melancholy_a degeneracy_n of_o spirit_n that_o either_o press_v man_n forward_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o divert_v or_o stifle_v all_o work_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o sensual_a entertainment_n or_o treat_v those_o with_o contumely_n who_o boggle_v at_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o and_o reform_v let_v all_o such_o i_o say_v consider_v well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o god_n eye_n be_v upon_o such_o begining_n of_o good_a lest_o they_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o let_v all_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o goodness_n themselves_o or_o but_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n think_v it_o become_v they_o to_o encourage_v such_o beginning_n to_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v such_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o take_v liberty_n to_o apply_v a_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 65._o vers_fw-la 8._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o new_a wine_n be_v find_v in_o the_o cluster_n and_o one_o say_v destroy_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n in_o it_o q._n d._n the_o wise_a master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n especial_o in_o a_o unfruitful_a time_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o those_o few_o grape_n in_o a_o cluster_n that_o have_v good_a juice_n in_o they_o and_o will_v neither_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v careless_o crush_v with_o the_o hand_n nor_o cast_v away_o among_o refuse_v so_o will_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v by_o his_o vineyard_n the_o house_n of_o israel_n he_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o few_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o bad_a generation_n and_o not_o destroy_v all_o together_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o first_o essay_n of_o emergency_n from_o former_a vice_n and_o wickedness_n but_o thus_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o parallel_n §_o iii_o 2._o the_o father_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v his_o son_n have_v compassion_n so_o have_v god_n to_o mankind_n especial_o when_o he_o see_v they_o on_o their_o way_n homeward_o he_o have_v always_o good_a will_n towards_o they_o as_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n design_v for_o his_o service_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n have_v a_o propension_n to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o so_o long_o as_o any_o man_n continue_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o all_o the_o issue_n and_o expression_n of_o this_o good_a will_n be_v obstruct_v which_o nevertheless_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o come_v to_o himself_o break_v out_o again_o and_o discover_v themselves_o for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o like_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 103._o 13._o not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o imagine_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a passion_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o feel_v any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o concern_n for_o mankind_n for_o that_o the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o his_o self-sufficiency_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o but_o he_o be_v please_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o represent_v himself_o after_o that_o manner_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_n and_o to_o endeavour_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a spectator_n of_o the_o conflict_n and_o agony_n of_o a_o penitent_a but_o have_v a_o real_a inclination_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v he_o perish_v to_o this_o purpose_n ezek._n 33._o 11._o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n what_o great_a passion_n can_v any_o father_n express_v towards_o his_o belove_a son_n than_o god_n here_o condescend_v to_o and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v god_n give_v of_o his_o earnestness_n and_o reality_n then_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n by_o himself_o while_o man_n be_v at_o the_o worst_a the_o divine_a goodness_n find_v out_o some_o argument_n of_o pity_n for_o he_o consider_v he_o make_v they_o fallible_a creature_n that_o he_o give_v they_o not_o the_o bright_a and_o pierce_a intellect_n of_o angel_n he_o join_v matter_n and_o spirit_n together_o in_o their_o composition_n by_o mean_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a contest_v between_o sense_n and_o reason_n a_o constant_a dispute_n betwixt_o bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la and_o jucundum_fw-la that_o their_o transgression_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o devil_n who_o sin_v proprio_fw-la motu_fw-la without_o a_o tempter_n he_o know_v the_o power_n of_o example_n the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n the_o long_a folly_n of_o childhood_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o be_v not_o implacable_a towards_o mankind_n while_o the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o this_o world_n last_v but_o when_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o any_o man_n begin_v to_o
and_o that_o government_n will_v just_o be_v account_v arbitrary_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o the_o sovereign_n rather_o think_v to_o lie_v at_o catch_n for_o the_o penalty_n then_o to_o desire_v just_a obedience_n who_o shall_v impute_v that_o for_o a_o fault_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v sufficient_a caution_n against_o by_o a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o non_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o non_fw-la apparere_fw-la aequiparantur_fw-la in_o jure_fw-la that_o which_o can_v appear_v be_v in_o law_n all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o because_o a_o unknown_a law_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n upon_o those_o it_o shall_v concern_v neither_o direct_v they_o what_o to_o do_v nor_o forewarn_v what_o to_o avoid_v neither_o give_v notice_n of_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o danger_n and_o consequent_o work_v neither_o upon_o their_o reason_n nor_o their_o passion_n and_o therefore_o not_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o law_n have_v not_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o publication_n for_o even_o among_o man_n several_a nation_n have_v their_o several_a and_o peculiar_a form_n of_o do_v it_o the_o old_a roman_n by_o table_n hang_v up_o in_o the_o market_n and_o place_n of_o public_a congress_n some_o have_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o public_a herald_n or_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n etc._n etc._n but_o however_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o law_n be_v not_o perfect_a and_o oblige_v till_o they_o be_v promulge_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n almighty_n he_o never_o expect_v that_o man_n shall_v govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o heaven_n nor_o leave_v they_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o transaction_n in_o his_o cabinet-counsel_n but_o first_o publish_v his_o law_n and_o then_o require_v conformity_n to_o it_o though_o that_o in_o divers_a manner_n as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n sometime_o he_o express_v himself_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o the_o angel_n be_v employ_v as_o his_o minister_n namely_o when_o he_o give_v his_o law_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n other_o time_n by_o inspiration_n of_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n and_o make_v they_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n when_o to_o give_v the_o more_o full_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o send_v and_o instruct_v they_o he_o be_v wont_n also_o to_o send_v along_o with_o they_o some_o miraculous_a power_n or_o other_o as_o his_o credential_n letter_n under_o his_o privy_a signet_n but_o most_o glorious_o of_o all_o do_v he_o proclaim_v his_o mind_n when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o every_o circumstance_n from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n sufficient_o proclaim_v he_o the_o messiah_n the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n these_o though_o by_o some_o perverse_a man_n they_o have_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o law_n obligatory_a because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o like_a solemnity_n of_o publication_n as_o other_o have_v have_v yet_o nat._n forasmuch_o as_o these_o have_v either_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o fleshly_a table_n of_o man_n heart_n where_o all_o that_o will_v look_v inward_a may_v read_v they_o or_o rather_o as_o i_o have_v intimate_v already_o be_v engrave_v and_o insert_v into_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o texture_n of_o the_o universe_n where_o whosoever_o have_v not_o unmanned_v himself_o and_o debauch_v his_o reason_n may_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o beside_o they_o have_v manifest_o the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n attend_v the_o observation_n and_o contempt_n of_o they_o respective_o upon_o which_o account_n they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o all_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n sufficient_o promulge_v so_o that_o constant_o some_o way_n or_o other_o according_a as_o it_o seem_v best_o to_o he_o god_n have_v always_o be_v please_v to_o make_v his_o mind_n sufficient_o and_o certain_o know_v to_o all_o those_o upon_o who_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v have_v the_o force_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o he_o never_o require_v obedience_n otherwise_o then_o in_o proportion_n to_o such_o manifestation_n according_o we_o observe_v that_o when_o he_o have_v give_v law_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o proclaim_v they_o very_o glorious_o and_o solemn_o as_o aforesaid_a yet_o in_o regard_n such_o proclamation_n can_v not_o certain_o reach_v to_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o that_o as_o well_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n he_o do_v not_o exact_v of_o any_o other_o people_n conformity_n to_o those_o institution_n nor_o judge_v they_o thereby_o so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 2._o 12._o such_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v under_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v further_a very_o remarkable_a that_o even_o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v what_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o namely_o a_o institution_n fit_v for_o all_o country_n nation_n and_o age_n and_o which_o therefore_o our_o lord_n christ_n take_v care_n by_o his_o apostle_n as_o his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v all_o the_o world_n over_o this_o gospel_n i_o say_v till_o it_o be_v full_o publish_v and_o until_o man_n have_v time_n give_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o and_o to_o overcome_v their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o make_v a_o favourable_a interpretation_n of_o man_n unbelief_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o import_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n 9_o 39_o 41._o for_o judgement_n be_o i_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o they_o that_o see_v not_o might_n see_v and_o that_o they_o that_o see_v may_v be_v make_v blind_a if_o you_o be_v blind_a you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v among_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o s._n paul_n himself_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n for_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n q._n d._n i_o lay_v under_o mighty_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o my_o education_n in_o the_o stiff_a way_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o it_o require_v a_o great_a sincerity_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o listen_v to_o new_a proposal_n a_o huge_a sagacity_n to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v through_o those_o mist_n that_o be_v cast_v before_o my_o eye_n and_o a_o most_o generous_a resolution_n to_o break_v through_o these_o and_o all_o other_o difficulty_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v abatement_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o my_o unbelief_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o temptation_n i_o have_v thereto_o it_o be_v indeed_o both_o a_o well_o know_v and_o as_o well_o receive_v a_o maxim_n ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la non_fw-la excusat_fw-la that_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n of_o a_o fault_n to_o say_v non_fw-la putâram_fw-la i_o do_v not_o know_v the_o law_n because_o when_o a_o law_n be_v once_o promulge_v every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o supine_n and_o affect_a ignorance_n if_o he_o shall_v then_o continue_v ignorant_a notwithstanding_o upon_o the_o self_n same_o supposition_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o where_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v where_o the_o law_n not_o be_v sufficient_o publish_v can_v be_v know_v by_o a_o honest_a diligence_n there_o ignorance_n be_v no_o fault_n because_o indeed_o as_o i_o say_v there_o the_o law_n be_v no_o law_n those_o who_o consider_v not_o this_o point_n must_v needs_o be_v tempt_v to_o pass_v very_o dismal_a and_o damnatory_a sentence_n against_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o can_v avoid_v very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o both_o which_o great_a evil_n as_o also_o to_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o useful_a then_o to_o study_v well_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o talent_n matt._n 25._o 14._o by_o the_o due_a consideration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v among_o other_o instruction_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o apprehension_n that_o god_n proceed_v not_o with_o man_n arithmetical_o but_o geometrical_o and_o that_o the_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o god_n reward_v or_o punish_v
pandora_n box_n of_o calamity_n if_o there_o be_v none_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o repent_v fruitless_a to_o weep_v endless_a to_o bewail_v madness_n to_o add_v to_o my_o own_o infelicity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o rigid_a fate_n upon_o i_o i_o will_v curse_v god_n and_o die_v but_o sure_o while_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v goodness_n his_o name_n speak_v his_o nature_n will_v he_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n will_v he_o contend_v with_o dust_n and_o ash_n can_v infinite_a perfection_n be_v implacable_a and_o inexorable_a it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o i_o but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o can_v delight_v in_o my_o misery_n he_o can_v repent_v and_o change_v his_o mind_n because_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v from_o the_o beginning_n all_o possible_a contingency_n but_o if_o i_o repent_v and_o change_v my_o mind_n the_o same_o inchangeableness_n of_o he_o will_v oblige_v he_o as_o well_o then_o to_o save_v i_o as_o before_z to_o destroy_v i_o how_o far_o he_o will_v extend_v mercy_n and_o what_o instance_n he_o will_v make_v of_o it_o i_o can_v define_v but_o who_o know_v but_o he_o may_v yet_o admit_v of_o my_o submission_n however_o i_o can_v be_v worse_a than_o i_o be_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a my_o condition_n may_v be_v better_a here_o i_o perish_v certain_o if_o i_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o can_v but_o perish_v therefore_o i_o will_v try_v i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o his_o deliberation_n bring_v he_o to_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n chap._n ii_o of_o resolution_n the_o content_n §_o i._o that_o consideration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o previous_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n frequent_o miscarry_v and_o be_v nothing_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v by_o resolution_n §_o ii_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o which_o be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o devil_n nor_o any_o other_o be_v under_o god_n can_v force_v it_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o truth_n brief_o show_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o experience_n §_o iii_o the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o rash_a but_o deliberate_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v peremptory_a 3._o present_a and_o 4._o uniform_a and_o universal_a §_o iv._o the_o inducement_n of_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n 1._o it_o be_v availableness_n with_o god_n by_o the_o exorableness_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o 3._o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o come_v to_o it_o §_o i._o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o motion_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n the_o work_n of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n and_o therein_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n and_o sign_n of_o recovery_n but_o let_v not_o any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v at_o this_o condition_n his_o work_n be_v do_v his_o peace_n make_v with_o god_n and_o he_o become_v a_o true_a convert_n for_o if_o he_o stay_v here_o he_o perish_v as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o consider_v at_o all_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o one_o danger_n and_o a_o far_o great_a to_o have_v escape_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o disease_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o cure_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o unhappy_a but_o not_o a_o unusual_a sight_n to_o see_v man_n upon_o who_o either_o the_o pain_n of_o some_o present_a affliction_n or_o the_o fearful_a prospect_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n hereafter_o may_v have_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v they_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o abhorrence_n reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a disorder_n and_o cast_v up_o their_o pleasant_a morsel_n who_o yet_o shall_v quick_o return_v again_o to_o their_o own_o vomit_n and_o resume_v their_o usual_a extravagancy_n a_o rock_n itself_o may_v be_v observe_v to_o drop_v upon_o change_n of_o weather_n which_o nevertheless_o relent_v not_o but_o be_v as_o hard_o and_o as_o much_o a_o rock_n as_o ever_o and_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n may_v rouse_v the_o most_o careless_a sinner_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o a_o effort_n of_o purge_v off_o his_o impurity_n who_o yet_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o shall_v settle_v again_o upon_o his_o lees._n it_o be_v no_o very_o rare_a thing_n to_o observe_v man_n dissolve_v into_o tear_n and_o weep_v as_o hearty_o over_o their_o old_a sin_n as_o ancient_a friend_n do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o part_v and_o yet_o like_o they_o wish_v and_o hope_v to_o meet_v and_o enjoy_v each_o other_o again_o therefore_o as_o we_o see_v the_o former_o dissolute_a but_o now_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o passionate_a expression_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o resolve_v upon_o action_n i_o will_v arise_v say_v he_o and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o the_o true_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o be_v in_o earnest_a to_o save_v his_o soul_n sit_v not_o down_o under_o a_o doze_a melancholy_n please_v not_o himself_o with_o wish_v and_o complain_v spend_v not_o his_o time_n in_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v but_o put_v himself_o forward_o upon_o the_o business_n for_o say_v he_o while_o i_o sit_v still_o time_n pass_v away_o life_n fly_v away_o apace_o and_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v come_v on_o wherefore_o some_o speedy_a course_n must_v be_v take_v and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n what_o afford_v any_o hope_n which_o be_v that_o of_o real_a reformation_n in_o which_o case_n no_o deliberation_n shall_v hold_v i_o long_o in_o suspense_n no_o sloth_n shall_v benumb_v i_o nothing_o shall_v tempt_v i_o to_o delay_v any_o long_o i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n from_o a_o old_a sinner_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v cast_v myself_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v §_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n viz._n resolution_n which_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o resolution_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a logical_a conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o premise_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v best_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o every_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v choose_v but_o speculative_o assent_v to_o this_o as_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n the_o proceed_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o those_o of_o sense_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o deny_v a_o plain_a consequence_n or_o disbelieve_v what_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n for_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o moral_a virtue_n in_o such_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v notwitstanding_n as_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o many_o do_v who_o act_n contrary_a to_o such_o conclusion_n of_o their_o reason_n but_o the_o resolution_n we_o here_o intend_v and_o which_o we_o make_v the_o second_o step_n of_o repentance_n be_v practical_a and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n namely_o its_o decretory_n and_o definitive_a sentence_n for_o the_o actual_a prosecution_n of_o such_o a_o course_n as_o by_o consideration_n and_o the_o former_a process_n of_o reason_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o will_n actual_a application_n of_o itself_o to_o the_o business_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o all_o the_o inferior_a power_n be_v put_v into_o action_n also_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authority_n influence_v upon_o by_o its_o power_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o the_o swinge_n of_o this_o primum_fw-la mobile_a this_o first_o and_o great_a orb_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n let_v we_o suppose_v reason_n and_o sense_n as_o two_o party_n plead_v their_o respective_a cause_n and_o interest_n in_o which_o case_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o kind_n of_o draw_a battle_n between_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n leave_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la notwithstanding_o it_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v the_o cause_n which_o way_n it_o please_v or_o suppose_v also_o that_o reason_n acquitt_v itself_o never_o so_o well_o and_o baffle_v its_o adversary_n yet_o all_o will_v be_v but_o a_o speculation_n and_o no_o effect_n follow_v till_o the_o will_n interpose_v its_o sovereignty_n and_o decree_n peremptory_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o
forsake_v thou_o but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o heat_n and_o a_o bravery_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o have_v not_o serious_o consider_v the_o business_n nor_o forecast_v what_o may_v ensue_v there_o be_v no_o mature_a deliberation_n no_o preparation_n for_o a_o real_a encounter_n and_o therefore_o it_o speed_v according_o and_o he_o come_v off_o shameful_o and_o in_o he_o we_o have_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o great_a passion_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n that_o counsel_n and_o deliberation_n ground_n our_o resolution_n by_o which_o mean_v also_o they_o will_v become_v 2._o decretory_n and_o peremptory_a which_o be_v the_o second_o property_n of_o virtuous_a resolution_n there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o a_o affectionate_a discourse_n a_o serious_a sermon_n or_o any_o notable_a accident_n will_v put_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o devotion_n which_o shall_v last_v only_o until_o something_o else_o come_v in_o the_o way_n and_o then_o theformer_n impression_n give_v way_n to_o the_o latter_a these_o we_o common_o call_v good_a nature_a man_n who_o facility_n of_o temper_n put_v they_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o contingency_n and_o they_o be_v good_a and_o bad_a as_o occasion_n serve_v cloud_n they_o be_v without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o every_o wind_n as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o vers_n 12._o or_o as_o st._n james_n double_v mind_v man_n and_o unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n jam._n 1._o 8._o that_o have_v no_o settle_a principle_n nothing_o fix_v and_o constant_a to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o to_o these_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n concern_v his_o son_n reuben_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v gen._n 49._o 4._o unstable_a as_o water_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v such_o irresolute_a temper_n can_v never_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o doubt_n a_o good_a mind_n to_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n notwithstanding_o whenever_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n then_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v again_o by_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o none_o of_o these_o light_n and_o mutable_a person_n ever_o come_v to_o the_o good_a land_n there_o be_v anakim_v and_o giant_n and_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n run_v in_o their_o head_n which_o enfeeble_v they_o for_o the_o enterprise_n only_a joshua_n and_o caleb_n and_o such_o as_o be_v animate_v by_o their_o brave_a example_n and_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v only_o such_o i_o say_v come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o 1_o king_n 18._o 21._o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n say_v the_o prophet_n to_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n if_o baal_n be_v god_n serve_v he_o but_o if_o jehovah_n be_v god_n then_o serve_v he_o q._n d._n whether_o you_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o the_o false_a irresolution_n spoil_v all_o devotion_n either_o way_n for_o whilst_o you_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v your_o way_n you_o do_v but_o halt_v towards_o your_o end_n and_o design_n according_o moses_n endeavour_n to_o raise_v a_o generosity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n by_o those_o word_n deut._n 26._o 17._o thou_o have_v vouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n q._n d._n it_o now_o become_v you_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o earnest_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o you_o have_v now_o put_v it_o past_o all_o dispute_n you_o have_v choose_v and_o resolve_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v consistent_a with_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o faint_a velleity_n when_o man_n shall_v speak_v as_o agrippa_n in_o the_o act_n almost_o thou_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n to_o put_v in_o caution_n now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sluggard_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n postquam_fw-la consulueris_fw-la maturè_fw-la facto_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la all_o gallantry_n of_o mind_n be_v now_o after_o deliberation_n to_o take_v up_o a_o immovable_a resolution_n for_o virtue_n be_v neither_o a_o wary_a diffidence_n nor_o a_o hot_a fit_n of_o zeal_n but_o a_o constant_a vital_a heat_n and_o a_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n st._n mark_v 10._o 22._o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o think_v it_o a_o fine_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o candidate_n of_o the_o other_o world_n eternal_a life_n which_o our_o saviour_n preach_v and_o promise_v be_v a_o glorious_a and_o very_a desirable_a thing_n and_o he_o can_v be_v well_o content_a to_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o do_v some_o very_a good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v it_o for_o indeed_o eternal_a life_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o desire_n to_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v save_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o man_n must_v express_o hate_v himself_o shall_v he_o do_v otherwise_o thus_o far_o therefore_o he_o be_v right_a but_o after_o all_o this_o he_o go_v away_o sorrowful_a without_o his_o errand_n he_o have_v not_o thorough_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o he_o can_v not_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n like_o the_o wise_a merchant_n to_o sell_v and_o part_n with_o all_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v this_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n but_o the_o true_a penitent_n set_v down_o a_o immovable_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o i_o have_v faulter_v too_o long_o already_o faith_n he_o now_o stat_fw-la sententia_fw-la it_o be_v as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n with_o i_o nothing_o shall_v dispense_v with_o my_o purpose_n or_o assoil_v my_o resolution_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 3._o third_z property_n of_o a_o virtuous_a resolution_n it_o be_v de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la a_o present_a resolution_n like_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119._o vers_fw-la 59_o 60._o i_o think_v upon_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o precept_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n q._n d._n my_o consideration_n lead_v i_o to_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o i_o find_v the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o that_o be_v such_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o delay_n i_o therefore_o set_v present_o about_o it_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n which_o commence_v not_o present_o but_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o be_v no_o repentance_n nor_o any_o good_a sign_n of_o grace_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n at_o least_o under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o have_v ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o or_o think_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n but_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o resolve_v to_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o most_o fatal_a cheat_v man_n put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o i_o fear_v now_o there_o be_v multitude_n enter_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o irreversible_a estate_n that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o both_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n and_o resolution_n one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o set_v about_o it_o exemplar_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v but_o self-love_n to_o desire_v eternal_a life_n and_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v at_o all_o can_v think_v but_o something_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o or_o so_o think_v can_v so_o desperate_o abandon_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o understand_v not_o sufficient_o either_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n much_o less_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o virtue_n 3_o that_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o procrastinate_v and_o adjourn_v the_o resolution_n of_o cast_v off_o the_o former_a and_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a 19_o for_o where_o the_o mischief_n be_v intolerable_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n 5._o and_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n the_o most_o unspeakable_a and_o high_a that_o can_v be_v on_o the_o other_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o safety_n in_o any_o other_o course_n than_o that_o which_o solomon_n direct_v eccles_n 9_o 10._o whatever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v when_o once_o death_n have_v close_v our_o eye_n the_o time_n of_o probation_n be_v over_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n certain_o shut_v in_o and_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v
forty_o night_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v notwithstanding_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o execution_n the_o ninevite_n be_v not_o out_o of_o hope_n but_o that_o if_o repentance_n be_v interpose_v their_o ruin_n may_v yet_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o succeed_v according_o with_o they_o for_o as_o they_o believe_v god_n word_n by_o the_o prophet_n expect_v nothing_o but_o sudden_a destruction_n if_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v so_o they_o trust_v in_o the_o goodness_n and_o exorableness_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n upon_o repentance_n apply_v themselves_o serious_o thereto_o and_o be_v preserve_v wherefore_o say_v the_o relent_a sinner_n forasmuch_o as_o although_o i_o know_v not_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n yet_o this_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v set_v limit_n thereto_o but_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o he_o be_v never_o so_o straighten_a but_o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v pitiable_a and_o he_o see_v reason_n of_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o consistent_o with_o his_o justice_n here_o i_o will_v cast_v anchor_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v myself_o a_o object_n of_o mercy_n and_o trust_v upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n miscarry_v in_o this_o bottom_n or_o that_o a_o penitent_a be_v cast_v away_o i_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o god_n will_v have_v save_v man_n but_o they_o will_v not_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o resort_v penitent_o to_o his_o mercy_n and_o be_v reject_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o hell_n itself_o can_v furnish_v one_o instance_n of_o the_o man_n that_o can_v upbraid_v god_n goodness_n and_o say_v i_o will_v but_o god_n will_v not_o thus_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v everlasting_o pregnant_a of_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o motion_n to_o godward_o be_v it_o not_o for_o which_o never_o any_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n or_o begin_v a_o reformation_n but_o so_o much_o of_o that_o 2._o in_o the_o second_o place_n another_o encouragement_n to_o this_o penitent_a resolution_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n opinion_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o be_v equal_a to_o real_a impotency_n check_v all_o motion_n nip_v all_o endeavour_n in_o the_o very_a bud_n stifle_n and_o lay_v asleep_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o hope_v and_o apprehension_n of_o feasibleness_n spirit_n all_o industry_n actuate_v all_o faculty_n raise_v the_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o great_a action_n in_o the_o world_n some_o dare_a man_n have_v effect_v thing_n beyond_o their_o own_o expectation_n but_o no_o brave_a exploit_n be_v ever_o perform_v by_o such_o as_o despair_v of_o accomplish_v it_o nor_o be_v ever_o any_o force_n defeat_v that_o do_v praelibare_fw-la victoriam_fw-la and_o resolve_v to_o conquer_v when_o once_o a_o conceit_n have_v possess_v the_o midianite_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v conquer_v by_o gideon_n army_n 7._o though_o ground_v only_o upon_o a_o odd_a dream_n of_o a_o brown_a loaf_n tumble_v down_o upon_o their_o tent_n their_o heart_n present_o melt_v in_o they_o their_o spirit_n be_v emasculate_v and_o a_o mighty_a host_n become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o inconsiderable_a number_n which_o gideon_n lead_v against_o they_o and_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v never_o suffer_v israel_n to_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n so_o long_o as_o the_o rumour_n of_o giant_n and_o anakim_v and_o wall_v city_n run_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o until_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v that_o good_a land_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o the_o sinner_n think_v either_o his_o sin_n too_o great_a to_o be_v forgive_v or_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o mend_v i._n e._n either_o despair_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v utter_o lose_v indeed_o that_o therefore_o which_o put_v he_o forward_o upon_o resolution_n be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o the_o return_v prodigal_n say_v it_o be_v true_a i_o find_v i_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n from_o my_o father_n house_n and_o weary_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o wander_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o i_o may_v reach_v home_o again_o and_o i_o say_v the_o sinner_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o my_o own_o undo_n have_v indulge_v my_o passion_n and_o dethrone_v my_o reason_n enslave_v my_o will_n weaken_v all_o my_o power_n and_o harden_v my_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o long_a course_n and_o custom_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o the_o word_n of_o holy_a job_n there_o be_v hope_n of_o a_o tree_n if_o it_o be_v cut_v down_o that_o it_o will_v sprout_v again_o and_o that_o the_o tender_a branch_n thereof_o will_v not_o cease_v though_o the_o root_n thereof_o wax_v old_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o stock_n thereof_o die_v in_o the_o ground_n yet_o through_o the_o scent_n of_o water_n it_o will_v bud_v and_o bring_v forth_o bough_n like_o a_o plant_n job_n 14._o 7_o 8_o 9_o though_o i_o have_v weaken_v my_o power_n yet_o i_o be_o a_o man_n still_o though_o i_o have_v destroy_v myself_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v save_v tul_o be_v report_v to_o have_v affirm_v repentance_n to_o be_v impossible_a lose_v namely_o for_o a_o man_n to_o retrieve_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n contrary_a to_o that_o to_o which_o he_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a so_o to_o do_v as_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v both_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o and_o also_o by_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intimate_v inveterate_a custom_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o nature_n itself_o and_o according_o we_o find_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v exuere_fw-la hominem_fw-la shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o custom_n facilis_fw-la descensus_fw-la averni_fw-la sed_fw-la revocare_fw-la gradus_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o old_a sinner_n be_v call_v a_o new_a birth_n and_o a_o new_a creation_n in_o the_o language_n of_o holy_a scripture_n notwithstanding_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o rich_a man_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o such_o a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n add_v with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o can_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v and_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n to_o abraham_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v awaken_v those_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n conscience_n be_v not_o so_o callous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v soft_a and_o sensible_a again_o the_o will_n and_o other_o faculty_n of_o man_n though_o they_o be_v pervert_v yet_o be_v not_o extinct_a and_o be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v exert_v themselves_o in_o a_o new_a strain_n oppose_v their_o old_a custom_n and_o introduce_v new_a habit_n as_o custom_n bear_v down_o and_o overgrew_n nature_n former_o so_o new_a custom_n may_v supplant_v the_o old_a one_o and_o make_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v a_o well-known_a story_n that_o when_o zopyrus_n a_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o skill_n of_o read_v man_n temper_n and_o inclination_n in_o their_o countenance_n have_v pronounce_v of_o socrates_n that_o he_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o intemperate_a man_n the_o company_n who_o know_v well_o the_o remarkable_a virtue_n of_o socrates_n laugh_v the_o cunning_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n till_o socrates_n relieve_v he_o say_v that_o indeed_o his_o inclination_n be_v natural_o such_o as_o zopyrus_n have_v pronounce_v but_o that_o philosophy_n and_o the_o culture_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o have_v alter_v he_o to_o what_o he_o be_v but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o contain_v both_o more_o excellent_a institution_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n than_o all_o philosophy_n and_o more_o effectual_a method_n of_o reclaim_v and_o recover_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n so_o in_o the_o history_n thereof_o they_o afford_v we_o the_o
observable_a 1._o his_o confession_n of_o gild_n i_o have_v sin_v 2._o aggravation_n of_o the_o fact_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o 3._o the_o severe_a judgement_n he_o pass_v upon_o himself_o i_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n 4._o last_o his_o deprecation_n yet_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n all_o which_o deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n the_o rather_o because_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o exact_o and_o literal_o exemplify_v in_o the_o true_a penitent_n 1._o then_o the_o son_n assume_v to_o himself_o his_o own_o guilt_n and_o take_v shame_n to_o himself_o i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n non_fw-fr in_o aetatem_fw-la non_fw-la in_o malos_fw-la consiliarios_fw-la culpam_fw-la rejicit_fw-la sed_fw-la nudam_fw-la parat_fw-la sine_fw-la excusatione_fw-la confessionem_fw-la say_v the_o excellent_a h._n grotius_n he_o excuse_v not_o himself_o by_o the_o injudiciousness_n of_o his_o youth_n nor_o cast_v the_o blame_n upon_o his_o evil_a counsellor_n neither_o accuse_v god_n nor_o man_n but_o himself_o by_o a_o plain_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o true_a penitent_n know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n with_o god_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v he_o see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v behold_v the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o he_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n he_o remember_v that_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o that_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o with_o blush_v and_o confusion_n of_o face_n sai_z i_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v very_o foolish_o thus_o the_o poor_a publican_n be_v represent_v by_o our_o saviour_n s._n luk._n 18._o 13._o whenas_o the_o pharisee_n stand_v upon_o his_o own_o justification_n and_o with_o a_o brazen_a impudence_n outface_n heaven_n god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v etc._n etc._n he_o standing_z afar_z off_z as_o not_o think_v himself_o worthy_a to_o approach_v so_o great_a a_o majesty_n not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n as_o deject_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o demerit_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n with_o indignation_n against_o himself_o and_o bring_v out_o only_o this_o contrite_a sigh_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n david_n in_o that_o penitential_a psalm_n of_o he_o psal_n 51._o vers_fw-la 3._o i_o acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v and_o do_v evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n behold_v i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o in_o sin_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v the_o course_n of_o every_o penitent_a for_o though_o it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o confession_n may_v be_v without_o true_a and_o complete_a repentance_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o repentance_n shall_v be_v true_a without_o confession_n i_o enter_v not_o into_o a_o discourse_n of_o confession_n to_o man_n because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o not_o to_o it_o further_o than_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o person_n injure_v in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v often_o necessary_a for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o wherever_o there_o be_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o the_o offend_a person_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o prevalent_a towards_o his_o forgiveness_n but_o as_o for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v always_o injure_v in_o every_o transgression_n and_o can_v never_o have_v any_o reparation_n otherwise_o then_o by_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v always_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o we_o shall_v show_v more_o full_o by_o and_o by_o 2._o but_o the_o son_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o a_o bare_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o fault_n in_o general_n but_o go_v on_o to_o aggravate_v it_o i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o letter_n of_o those_o word_n they_o import_v i_o have_v sin_v both_o against_o god_n and_o thou_o my_o earthly_a parent_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v themselves_o call_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o name_n of_o heaven_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v s._n luke_n 20._o 4._o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v it_o from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n i_o e._n be_v it_o it_o of_o god_n institution_n or_o man_n invention_n so_o also_o 1_o macc._n 3._o 18._o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o heaven_n to_o save_v with_o few_o or_o with_o many_o i._n e._n with_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o take_v notice_n that_o in_o most_o of_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v otherwhile_o express_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o both_o nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v but_o the_o gospel_n that_o divine_a institution_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n the_o word_n import_v a_o aggravation_n of_o his_o disobedience_n q._n d._n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o i_o to_o transgress_v thy_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o reasonable_a and_o therefore_o in_o disobey_v thou_o i_o disobey_v god_n too_o or_o i_o must_v first_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o reverence_n of_o god_n before_o i_o can_v be_v undutiful_a towards_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o the_o harshness_n and_o severity_n of_o my_o father_n that_o drive_v i_o away_o but_o my_o own_o levity_n and_o folly_n that_o betray_v i_o and_o my_o stubbornness_n that_o i_o forsake_v he_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n affect_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o penitent_a for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v not_o only_o offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o rebel_v both_o against_o a_o rightful_a and_o a_o gracious_a sovereign_n have_v break_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o equitable_a law_n be_v ingrateful_a towards_o he_o that_o have_v oblige_v i_o by_o infinite_a favour_n have_v slight_v the_o most_o glorious_a proposition_n and_o neglect_v the_o most_o gracious_a and_o condescend_v condition_n of_o be_v happy_a there_o be_v no_o invincible_a temptation_n upon_o i_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o example_n to_o debauch_v i_o i_o be_v not_o oppress_v by_o fate_n but_o have_v choose_v my_o own_o destruction_n it_o be_v not_o the_o apostasy_n of_o adam_n that_o can_v excuse_v i_o for_o it_o be_v my_o own_o act_n i_o can_v say_v the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n for_o i_o sin_v against_o light_n and_o conscience_n with_o full_a consent_n and_o against_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o penitent_n be_v apt_a to_o lay_v load_n upon_o himself_o no_o body_n can_v think_v or_o speak_v worse_o of_o he_o then_o he_o think_v and_o confess_v of_o himself_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o extenuate_v his_o crime_n that_o no_o malice_n can_v paint_v they_o worse_o than_o grief_n and_o indignation_n at_o himself_o do_v in_o short_a with_o st._n paul_n he_o esteem_v himself_o the_o chief_a and_o worst_a of_o sinner_n this_o be_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n to_o that_o which_o man_n use_v to_o take_v when_o they_o plead_v at_o humane_a tribunal_n either_o they_o deny_v the_o fact_n or_o extenuate_v or_o justify_v it_o either_o they_o plead_v ignorance_n or_o pretend_v necessity_n or_o prescribe_v for_o it_o from_o the_o custom_n and_o prevail_a example_n of_o the_o world_n but_o none_o of_o these_o way_n be_v of_o use_n before_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o penitent_a the_o argument_n of_o the_o psalmist_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a strange_a one_o be_v frequent_a with_o such_o man_n psal_n 25._o 10._o o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v great_a q._n d._n i_o be_o only_o fit_a to_o magnify_v thy_o mercy_n for_o i_o have_v sin_v beyond_o any_o mercy_n but_o thou_o my_o guilt_n be_v too_o great_a a_o burden_n for_o i_o to_o bear_v if_o thy_o unspeakable_a mercy_n relieve_v i_o not_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o redeemer_n of_o man_n such_o a_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o ashamed_a but_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o his_o spirit_n be_v break_v his_o countenance_n deject_v his_o confidence_n dismount_v he_o feel_v pain_n and_o remorse_n he_o go_v heavy_o he_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v but_o 3._o he_o go_v on_o not_o only_o to_o accuse_v but_o to_o condemn_v himself_o also_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v
that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v especial_o and_o most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o the_o charity_n of_o parent_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o ready_o believe_v well_o of_o their_o child_n because_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o son_n can_v not_o think_v his_o father_n so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o word_n and_o ceremony_n and_o himself_o be_v not_o now_o so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o abuse_v so_o much_o goodness_n if_o it_o it_o have_v be_v in_o his_o power_n wherefore_o the_o text_n say_v vers_fw-la 20._o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o only_o change_v his_o note_n his_o address_n his_o countenance_n but_o he_o change_v his_o course_n he_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n and_o we_o have_v under_o this_o type_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o see_v describe_v the_o preface_n and_o introduction_n to_o repentance_n towards_o god_n namely_o the_o sinner_n bewail_v his_o sin_n take_v shame_n to_o himself_o under_o agony_n of_o mind_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o cry_v earnest_o for_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o repentance_n mean_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o behind_o viz._n actual_a reformation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o awaken_v conscience_n in_o its_o agony_n promise_n and_o resolve_v upon_o this_o god_n expect_v and_o every_o sincere_a convert_n real_o perform_v for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o empty_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n and_o mere_a hypocrisy_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o but_o when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a such_o a_o person_n from_o thenceforth_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o in_o a_o new_a estate_n he_o have_v complete_o make_v his_o return_n to_o god_n as_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n be_v say_v to_o have_v actual_o return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o that_o all_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n be_v wont_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v express_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o depart_v from_o god_n or_o go_v out_o from_o he_o or_o forsake_v he_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v contrariwise_o set_v forth_o by_o draw_v nigh_o to_o or_o come_v to_o god_n particular_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n q._n d._n he_o that_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o religion_n for_o from_o thence_o do_v that_o word_n proselyte_n take_v its_o original_n wherefore_o now_o we_o will_v first_o observe_v what_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o son_n be_v return_v or_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o in_o proportion_n thereto_o describe_v this_o most_o important_a business_n of_o the_o penitent'_v return_v to_o god_n which_o be_v his_o actual_a conversion_n or_o reformation_n and_o in_o the_o former_a these_o three_o thing_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v comprehend_v 1._o that_o the_o son_n now_o return_v home_n to_o his_o father_n family_n and_o presence_n 2._o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n by_o obedience_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o father_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n government_n and_o provision_n therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a namely_o conversion_n to_o god_n these_o three_o thing_n must_v semblable_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o the_o penitent_a put_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o life_n in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n 2._o that_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o divine_a disposal_n and_o entire_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a or_o remarkable_a to_o all_o experience_n and_o observation_n than_o the_o great_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n in_o all_o true_a convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n to_o be_v find_v under_o such_o a_o character_n but_o present_o with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n he_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o worshipper_n or_o devout_a person_n to_o be_v the_o common_a name_n by_o which_o convert_v to_o religion_n be_v express_v and_o these_o act_v 13._o 48._o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d candidate_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o put_v into_o order_n and_o dispose_v for_o salvation_n compare_v vers_fw-la 43._o with_o 48._o more_o particular_o it_o be_v observable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o when_o from_o a_o superstitious_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v reclaim_v and_o make_v a_o christian_a the_o assurance_n that_o god_n give_v to_o ananias_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v act_n 9_o 11._o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o so_o of_o manasses_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 18._o among_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o real_a reformation_n the_o scripture_n take_v especial_a notice_n of_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pray_v and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o think_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n hypocritical_o to_o put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v notable_o careful_a in_o this_o point_n for_o so_o the_o pharisee_n cloak_v all_o their_o villainy_n with_o this_o garb_n of_o piety_n now_o hypocrisy_n will_v miss_v altogether_o of_o its_o design_n if_o it_o do_v not_o resemble_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o usual_o their_o over_o solicitude_n and_o over_n herein_o betray_v they_o to_o act_v a_o part_n only_o in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o true_a penitent_n express_v his_o conversion_n by_o though_o this_o be_v by_o some_o too_o fantastical_o call_v duty_n as_o if_o all_o piety_n consist_v in_o that_o only_a for_o as_o the_o literal_a prodigal_a return_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o family_n so_o the_o mystical_a return_n to_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o associate_n himself_o with_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n viz._n in_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o think_v a_o day_n spend_v in_o god_n court_n better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o one_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v most_o passionate_a in_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o he_o so_o high_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n that_o no_o private_a opinion_n no_o trifle_a scrupulosity_n nor_o petty_a disgust_n shall_v ever_o alienate_v he_o from_o it_o here_o he_o find_v himself_o fortify_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o great_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n his_o prayer_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o good_a people_n here_o he_o be_v under_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n the_o very_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o which_o he_o now_o with_o the_o great_a convert_n st._n austin_n value_v and_o admire_v more_o than_o all_o the_o greek_a or_o roman_a eloquence_n of_o speech_n or_o subtlety_n of_o philosophy_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n else_o seem_v flat_a and_o insipid_a before_o above_o all_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n put_v he_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o this_o he_o think_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o admit_v a_o guest_n at_o his_o table_n the_o crumb_n of_o which_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o here_o he_o refresh_v his_o hungry_a soul_n with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o his_o wound_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o both_o he_o think_v he_o see_v his_o provoke_v but_o compassionate_a father_n stand_v with_o open_a arm_n to_o receive_v he_o this_o he_o approach_v with_o great_a reverence_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n past_a together_o with_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o public_a and_o private_a the_o convert_n express_v such_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o extraordinary_a
as_o that_o no_o old_a score_n remain_v upon_o record_n against_o the_o penitent_a it_o may_v raise_v in_o we_o great_a admiration_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n beget_v the_o most_o amiable_a notion_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o provoke_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n so_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o where_o most_o be_v forgive_v there_o must_v undoubted_o lie_v the_o great_a obligation_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5._o 7._o that_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v but_o for_o a_o good_a man_n some_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v all_o god_n attribute_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v very_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a but_o this_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o forgive_a sin_n come_v most_o home_n to_o we_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o rigid_o insist_v on_o his_o own_o right_n but_o comply_v with_o our_o necessity_n and_o relieve_v our_o misery_n to_o give_v and_o bestow_v benefit_n upon_o we_o be_v goodness_n but_o to_o forgive_v be_v great_a because_o here_o he_o dive_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o right_n recede_v from_o his_o own_o claim_n and_o that_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a benefit_n in_o short_a he_o seem_v not_o to_o consider_v himself_o but_o we_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o mercy_n he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o good_a can_v be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a way_n of_o express_v that_o be_v that_o which_o 3_o three_o i_o make_v a_o three_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o imitate_v this_o goodness_n and_o mercifullness_n of_o he_o this_o be_v press_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o saviour_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a it_o be_v say_v of_o cato_n that_o the_o strict_a sanctity_n of_o his_o own_o life_n make_v he_o a_o severe_a and_o rigid_a magistrate_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pardon_v in_o other_o man_n what_o he_o will_v not_o permit_v in_o himself_o if_o god_n who_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o immaculate_a be_v shall_v severe_o animadvert_v our_o fail_n we_o can_v not_o blame_v he_o though_o we_o be_v undo_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v so_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o we_o have_v former_o represent_v but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o be_v great_a offender_n ourselves_o that_o have_v infinite_a need_n of_o mercy_n at_o god_n hand_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v cruel_a and_o vindictive_a towards_o each_o other_o that_o god_n shall_v cover_v our_o folly_n and_o we_o blazon_v those_o of_o other_o man_n shall_v he_o pardon_v we_o worm_n and_o we_o be_v remorseless_a towards_o our_o brethren_n do_v he_o consider_v humane_a infirmity_n bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o contrite_a so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o scar_n or_o blemish_v behind_o of_o all_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v we_o rake_v in_o the_o wound_n proclaim_v the_o folly_n uncover_v the_o nakedness_n and_o shame_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v it_o tolerable_a for_o we_o to_o equal_v ourselves_o with_o god_n or_o be_v offence_n great_a against_o we_o then_o against_o he_o shall_v we_o dare_v to_o do_v what_o we_o dare_v not_o wish_v shall_v be_v do_v to_o we_o do_v not_o we_o pray_v enter_v not_o into_o judgement_n with_o thy_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o confess_v that_o if_o god_n be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o that_o none_o can_v abide_v it_o and_o do_v we_o scrupulous_o weigh_v severe_o aggravate_v and_o rigorous_o animadvert_v the_o sin_n of_o other_o against_o ourselves_o do_v god_n forgive_v we_o by_o talent_n and_o we_o unmerciful_o exact_v the_o utmost_a farthing_n indeed_o we_o may_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genius_n and_o custom_n of_o evil_a man_n to_o remember_v invidious_o the_o fault_n which_o penitent_a man_n have_v forsake_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v revenge_v themselves_o upon_o they_o for_o that_o change_n which_o condemn_v their_o own_o obstinate_a perseverance_n in_o such_o course_n or_o as_o hope_v to_o excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o constant_a naughtiness_n by_o remark_v the_o temporary_a compliance_n of_o those_o other_o with_o they_o who_o contrary_a course_n now_o shame_n and_o reproach_n they_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o all_o good_a man_n they_o partly_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o humanity_n partly_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o partly_o also_o to_o confirm_v and_o secure_v such_o as_o have_v repent_v from_o all_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n draw_v a_o curtain_n over_o their_o former_a misdemeanour_n and_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v forsake_v and_o god_n have_v forgive_v therefore_o if_o we_o will_v either_o take_v pattern_n by_o god_n or_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o too_o last_o but_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o the_o egregious_a circumstance_n thereof_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o all_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n when_o we_o remember_v how_o gracious_a a_o father_n we_o grieve_v by_o a_o wilful_a destroy_n of_o ourselves_o how_o much_o he_o pity_v we_o and_o belong_v for_o our_o return_n what_o a_o serene_a countenance_n hearty_a welcome_n full_a pardon_n gracious_a reception_n and_o how_o innumerable_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n we_o shall_v have_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o at_o our_o so_o do_v and_o this_o bring_v i_o again_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o penitent_a son_n entertainment_n to_o which_o therefore_o i_o now_o proceed_v chap._n ii_o of_o sanctification_n the_o content_n §_o i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o set_v out_o the_o ornament_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o those_o of_o the_o body_n §_o ii_o sanctification_n in_o different_a respect_n both_o go_v before_o and_o follow_v after_o justification_n §_o iii_o three_o remarkable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o god_n require_v and_o that_o which_o he_o accept_v for_o the_o present_a or_o the_o different_a stature_n of_o grace_n before_o justification_n and_o after_o it_o §_o iv._o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n work_v man_n up_o to_o those_o high_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n which_o he_o require_v as_o 1._o by_o mighty_a obligation_n work_v upon_o their_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n 2._o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n 3._o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n §_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o never_o fail_a spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a will_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n which_o flow_v with_o that_o life_n and_o vigour_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o dam_v it_o up_o or_o interrupt_v it_o so_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v obstruct_v one_o way_n it_o break_v out_o and_o discover_v itself_o another_o if_o the_o child_n prove_v singular_o good_a and_o virtuous_a then_o paternal_a affection_n bear_v a_o mighty_a stream_n overflow_v all_o its_o bank_n the_o parent_n feel_v a_o unspeakable_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o their_o child_n be_v then_o the_o crown_n of_o their_o age_n their_o joy_n and_o triumph_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v but_o tolerable_a they_o be_v ready_a to_o interpret_v all_o to_o the_o best_a and_o prone_a to_o heap_v blessing_n and_o kindness_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o they_o degenerate_a and_o prove_v very_o bad_a and_o undutiful_a this_o though_o it_o check_v the_o tide_n yet_o can_v divert_v the_o current_n for_o at_o worst_a they_o can_v cease_v to_o pity_v they_o there_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o everlasting_a propension_n in_o almighty_a god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n insomuch_o that_o when_o they_o be_v very_o bad_a he_o pity_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a he_o love_v and_o bless_v they_o but_o when_o they_o become_v generous_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o take_v complacency_n in_o they_o and_o all_o these_o different_a degree_n of_o divine_a favour_n we_o have_v lively_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o but_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o great_a and_o singular_a blessing_n which_o the_o father_n frank_o bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n now_o that_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o his_o extravagancy_n and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o under_o this_o rank_n we_o may_v reckon_v these_o three_o special_a instance_n first_o whereas_o the_o father_n observe_v his_o son_n to_o return_v in_o a_o
love_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n so_o it_o happen_v here_o that_o a_o convert_v zealous_o combat_v against_o some_o one_o vice_n in_o studious_a declension_n of_o that_o insensible_o slip_v into_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o then_o find_v it_o a_o fresh_a difficulty_n vincere_fw-la eos_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la vicisti_fw-la to_o conquer_v that_o other_o infirmity_n by_o which_o he_o conquer_v the_o former_a to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v remarkable_a concern_v that_o holy_a man_n st._n jerom_n whilst_o he_o live_v in_o the_o affluence_n of_o the_o city_n and_o use_v a_o free_a conversation_n he_o feel_v frequent_a temptation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o set_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o mortify_v these_o and_o to_o do_v it_o effectual_o retire_v into_o a_o desert_n that_o he_o may_v both_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o danger_n but_o whilst_o in_o that_o retirement_n he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o great_a severity_n and_o austerity_n he_o insensible_o grow_v into_o a_o unblamable_a asperity_n of_o temper_n which_o need_v a_o second_o labour_n to_o subdue_v i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o as_o god_n will_v have_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o seven_o nation_n preserve_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v continual_o as_o thorn_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o goad_n in_o their_o side_n so_o he_o order_v it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n in_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o always_o humble_a and_o employ_v for_o certain_o god_n will_v have_v all_o sin_n expel_v our_o nature_n but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o as_o israel_n be_v true_o in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n from_o such_o time_n as_o joshua_n have_v conquer_v those_o power_n that_o make_v head_n against_o they_o and_o have_v put_v the_o chief_a city_n and_o place_n of_o strength_n into_o their_o hand_n notwithstanding_o that_o a_o long_a time_n after_o some_o of_o those_o old_a inhabitant_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o be_v no_o very_o good_a neighbour_n so_o i_o affirm_v that_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o resolution_n against_o all_o sin_n but_o a_o constant_a hostile_a pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o man_n go_v on_o conquer_a and_o to_o conquer_v such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a israelite_n though_o he_o have_v not_o perfect_v his_o conquest_n nor_o can_v yet_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o therefore_o henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n but_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n both_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o service_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o convert_n own_o soul_n and_o his_o great_a capacity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o sanctification_n then_o what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o when_o he_o first_o receive_v the_o penitent_a to_o mercy_n therefore_o he_o afterward_o put_v upon_o he_o the_o best_a robe_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v any_o way_n notable_a especial_o be_v wrought_v with_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n insomuch_o that_o nemo_fw-la repent_v fit_a turpissimus_fw-la no_o man_n find_v it_o very_o easy_a at_o first_o to_o do_v any_o egregious_a wickedness_n man_n become_v evil_a by_o degree_n and_o there_o be_v proficiency_n even_o in_o the_o devil_n school_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o reasonable_o may_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o that_o first_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a course_n of_o virtue_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o difficulty_n in_o their_o first_o undertake_n it_o be_v a_o ingenious_a answer_n which_o plutarch_n report_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o a_o lacedaemonian_a turor_n virt_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o what_o avail_n his_o endeavour_n be_v i_o make_v say_v he_o that_o to_o become_v easy_a and_o delightful_a which_o be_v of_o itself_o good_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v true_a christ_n jesus_n tell_v we_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n be_v light_a and_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v a_o yoke_n and_o a_o burden_n still_o and_o no_o man_n find_v it_o easy_a until_o he_o have_v exercise_v himself_o to_o it_o reward_n and_o punishment_n set_v before_o we_o and_o reason_n and_o resolution_n work_v thereupon_o will_v prevail_v with_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o only_a practice_n and_o assuetude_n make_v it_o become_v easy_a and_o familiar_a so_o to_o do_v especial_o suppose_v as_o we_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n a_o man_n but_o late_o accustom_v to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n let_v such_o a_o man_n conversion_n be_v never_o so_o real_a and_o hearty_a however_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v present_o do_v christ_n command_n and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o grievous_a it_o be_v certain_a such_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v what_o we_o suppose_v he_o that_o be_v sincere_a will_v resist_v his_o inclination_n and_o change_v his_o course_n but_o because_o it_o be_v late_o a_o course_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v a_o inclination_n towards_o it_o and_o consequent_o a_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n in_o avoid_v it_o for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o it_o be_v only_o one_o custom_n can_v perfect_o supplant_v another_o and_o only_a habit_n can_v imitate_v nature_n and_o make_v easy_a the_o cut_v off_o our_o corrupt_a member_n be_v a_o hard_a task_n till_o by_o time_n and_o degree_n they_o become_v mortify_v and_o then_o it_o be_v do_v without_o any_o considerable_a pain_n or_o difficulty_n whosoever_o have_v any_o principle_n of_o divine_a life_n or_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n in_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n yet_o he_o will_v find_v it_o no_o easy_a business_n to_o hold_v his_o heart_n intent_n and_o constant_a in_o it_o till_o it_o have_v become_v customary_a and_o natural_a to_o he_o and_o than_o it_o be_v so_o far_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o he_o that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o live_v without_o it_o now_o although_o that_o state_n which_o tugg_v at_o the_o oar_n and_o draw_v on_o heavy_o may_v be_v sincere_a because_o it_o discharge_v its_o duty_n honest_o though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o therefore_o find_v acceptance_n with_o a_o good_a god_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o his_o intention_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v become_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o do_v his_o will_n that_o the_o way_n of_o his_o command_n be_v to_o we_o as_o our_o necessary_a food_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v his_o will_n with_o that_o alacrity_n on_o earth_n with_o which_o it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n that_o our_o will_n shall_v be_v perfect_o conform_v to_o his_o and_o religion_n become_v natural_a to_o we_o partly_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v do_v he_o the_o more_o honour_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v so_o much_o reputation_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o government_n as_o the_o cheerful_a obedience_n of_o his_o subject_n partly_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o those_o most_o easy_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n who_o have_v practise_v their_o part_n beforehand_o therefore_o since_o he_o desire_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v not_o evil_a but_o generous_o good_a nor_o mere_o draw_v on_o heavy_o and_o uncomfortable_o but_o fly_v as_o upon_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o cherub_n in_o his_o service_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o when_o he_o have_v pardon_v a_o penitent_a to_o confer_v upon_o he_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n 3._o a_o young_a convert_n though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n and_o shall_v also_o be_v suppose_v in_o great_a measure_n to_o have_v overcome_v the_o difficulty_n which_o always_o attend_v virtuous_a beginning_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o a_o beginner_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v conceive_v weak_a and_o feeble_a in_o his_o whole_a contexture_n he_o be_v not_o only_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v with_o sophistry_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n but_o less_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o burden_n and_o to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o trace_n of_o his_o former_a course_n be_v not_o yet_o wear_v out_o and_o so_o he_o be_v the_o apt_a to_o return_v he_o be_v not_o at_o the_o top_n but_o go_v up_o hill_n and_o may_v easy_o faint_v or_o slip_v he_o have_v not_o such_o experience_n of_o