the_o sinner_n ruin_n at_o his_o own_o door_n so_o frequent_o and_o so_o manifest_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v it_o not_o thus_o what_o wretched_a uncertainty_n be_v christian_n abandon_v to_o what_o terrible_a anxiety_n and_o discouragement_n must_v they_o labour_v under_o in_o their_o great_a concern_v so_o great_a that_o the_o best_a good_a man_n can_v never_o tell_v what_o he_o have_v to_o trust_v 10_o and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o true_o be_v affirm_v that_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o to_o who_o revelation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v come_v be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a some_o other_o conclusion_n there_o be_v very_o proper_a upon_o this_o occasion_n but_o those_o i_o must_v be_v satisfy_v with_o refer_v to_o my_o next_o discourse_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n x._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_n call_v and_o election_n state_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n feast_n st._n matth._n xxii_o 14._o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v my_o design_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o call_v and_o election_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o the_o obtain_v that_o salvation_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o tender_v to_o they_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n already_o by_o a_o former_a discourse_n 1._o by_o explain_v the_o parable_n of_o which_o my_o text_n be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o show_v who_o be_v the_o call_v and_o who_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o former_a class_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v all_o to_o who_o the_o invitation_n of_o this_o king_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v come_v whether_o they_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n upon_o such_o invitation_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o receive_v or_o reject_v christ_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o all_o who_o come_v whether_o with_o or_o without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n who_o do_v receive_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n though_o they_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v many_o but_o by_o the_o choose_a those_o only_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o thankful_o and_o dutiful_o embrace_v the_o proffer_v of_o salvation_n and_o by_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n be_v admit_v as_o worthy_a partaker_n of_o this_o divine_a feast_n and_o these_o it_o seem_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o number_n so_o call_v as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v but_o few_o but_o now_o in_o regard_n that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o right_a understanding_n and_o receive_v due_a encouragement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n it_o must_v needs_o import_v we_o high_o to_o know_v whence_o this_o so_o great_a disparity_n proceed_v and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o where_o such_o mean_n be_v plentful_o offer_v they_o become_v so_o seldom_o effectual_a i_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v receive_v information_n from_o this_o parable_n whether_o such_o miscarriage_n and_o disappointment_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n own_o self_n whether_o he_o never_o intend_v that_o all_o who_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v choose_v notwithstanding_o their_o most_o assiduous_a endeavour_n so_o to_o be_v or_o whether_o every_o one_o so_o call_v may_v also_o have_v be_v choose_v if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v want_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o that_o call_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v both_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o and_o of_o those_o other_o who_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o be_v not_o save_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o do_v so_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o eleven_o verse_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n i.e._n they_o who_o come_v not_o in_o when_o bid_v to_o the_o marriage_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n who_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o unsincere_a and_o wicked_a christian_n i_o be_o still_o engage_v in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o head_n and_o for_o our_o form_v a_o judgement_n of_o that_o case_n more_o distinct_o do_v promise_n to_o set_v before_o you_o both_o what_o this_o parable_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o king_n invite_v his_o guest_n and_o what_o hindrance_n it_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o those_o guest_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o not_o comply_v with_o so_o gracious_a a_o invitation_n on_o the_o king_n part_n i_o show_v you_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o parable_n plain_o speak_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o large_a and_o magnificent_a preparation_n for_o entertain_v the_o guest_n ii_o the_o desire_n he_o express_v and_o the_o repeat_v endeavour_n he_o use_v that_o the_o person_n invite_v shall_v partake_v of_o they_o from_o these_o passage_n explain_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o matter_n manifest_o intend_v by_o this_o parable_n i_o draw_v some_o inference_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v upon_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o marvellous_a grace_n 2._o that_o the_o mercy_n figure_v here_o by_o the_o king_n be_v make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n 3._o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v universal_a or_o as_o our_o church_n in_o her_o excellent_a catechism_n most_o true_o express_v it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n redeem_v all_o mankind_n 4._o that_o in_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v man_n for_o render_v this_o universal_a redemption_n effectual_a to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a almighty_a god_n be_v very_o serious_a and_o sincere_a and_o do_v not_o by_o any_o fatal_a necessity_n decree_v by_o his_o secret_a will_n render_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o revealed_z will._n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o some_o other_o conclusion_n for_o which_o the_o passage_n before_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a just_a foundation_n for_o instance_n 5._o five_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o hence_o that_o common_o speak_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n by_o which_o god_n call_v man_n be_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o other_o ordinary_a and_o state_v mean_n of_o grace_n the_o servant_n of_o this_o king_n answer_v to_o god_n minister_n regular_o send_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n who_o establish_a order_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o publish_v their_o message_n diligent_o to_o make_v the_o will_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o their_o master_n know_v to_o all_o people_n to_o proclaim_v the_o tiding_n and_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v encourage_v promise_n threaten_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o by_o all_o prudent_a and_o possible_a care_n to_o urge_v and_o prevail_v upon_o their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v or_o obstinate_o refuse_v their_o own_o mercy_n so_o that_o our_o respective_a congregation_n be_v to_o know_v they_o meet_v with_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o their_o lawful_a successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o those_o word_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 16._o understand_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v me._n and_o whatever_o wild_a dream_n some_o people_n may_v have_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a inward_a call_n eton._n see_v chrysost_n tom._n 5._o pag._n 291._o ed._n eton._n such_o i_o mean_v as_o pretend_v to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n or_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n or_o the_o like_a upon_o the_o notion_n of_o wait_v for_o some_o powerful_a distinct_a and_o express_v call_v and_o not_o think_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o the_o unanswerable_a conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v sufficient_a motive_n for_o go_v about_o they_o these_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v vain_a pretence_n the_o delusion_n of_o melancholy_a or_o sloth_n and_o dangerous_a suggestion_n of_o
the_o person_n thus_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v but_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o 3._o three_o to_o the_o christian_a institution_n in_o general_n than_o to_o be_v thus_o unfair_o deal_v by_o to_o have_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n false_o place_v in_o matter_n wherein_o the_o power_n and_o essence_n of_o godliness_n do_v not_o at_o all_o consist_v can_v there_o be_v any_o course_n more_o destructive_a to_o sound_v religion_n than_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a science_n as_o if_o man_n be_v better_a or_o worse_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o know_v and_o not_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o do_v not_o our_o eye_n plain_o see_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o pretend_v to_o these_o lofty_a speculation_n be_v not_o man_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o intent_n upon_o the_o dispute_n between_o contend_a party_n than_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o all_o party_n agree_v to_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o even_o the_o vulgar_a 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divinity_n not_o happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o 17._o but_o joh_n xiii_o 17._o if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o i_o be_o sensible_a much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o at_o present_a i_o only_o beg_v leave_v to_o draw_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o and_o first_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n from_o hence_o to_o discover_v upon_o what_o occasion_n the_o study_n of_o sublime_a and_o controvert_v point_n in_o religion_n be_v useful_a and_o adviseable_a it_o be_v not_o to_o repose_v our_o confidence_n in_o as_o the_o gnostic_n of_o old_a do_v who_o make_v great_a account_n of_o their_o boast_a illumination_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o most_o beastly_a impurity_n it_o be_v not_o to_o expose_v or_o overthrow_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o foment_n difference_n and_o blow_v the_o coal_n of_o contention_n by_o form_v party_n and_o faction_n as_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o feed_v our_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n to_o play_v prize_n in_o divinity_n and_o make_v wanton_a flourish_v of_o subtlety_n and_o wit_n as_o the_o schoolman_n too_o often_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o disparage_v plain_a practical_a knowledge_n as_o if_o man_n be_v wise_a when_o they_o choose_v to_o show_v their_o dexterity_n by_o tread_v out_o new_a path_n than_o when_o they_o travel_v in_o the_o beat_a road_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o word_n from_o choice_n but_o from_o necessity_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v labour_v in_o and_o this_o be_v a_o necessity_n which_o conceit_a smatterer_n or_o crafty_a enemy_n of_o religion_n lay_v upon_o some_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o countermine_v they_o for_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n shall_v stand_v by_o tame_o and_o look_v on_o in_o silence_n while_o they_o that_o hate_v the_o truth_n be_v at_o work_n to_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n from_o under_o they_o upon_o which_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v build_v these_o man_n must_v consider_v the_o charge_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n and_o be_v prepare_v not_o only_o with_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n but_o with_o penetration_n and_o skill_n for_o the_o best_a cause_n will_v suffer_v if_o they_o who_o undertake_v it_o be_v not_o provide_v with_o a_o just_a defence_n and_o this_o defence_n can_v be_v make_v without_o be_v master_n of_o the_o same_o with_o their_o adversary_n that_o so_o they_o may_v detect_v their_o false_a reason_n put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o play_n and_o foil_v they_o at_o their_o own_o weapon_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n much_o happy_a for_o you_o and_o we_o and_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o attend_v to_o but_o only_o to_o persuade_v our_o people_n to_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o method_n how_o they_o may_v best_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o differ_a interest_n and_o opinion_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o compose_v as_o to_o leave_v no_o occasion_n or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o that_o petulant_a and_o licentious_a tongue_n and_o pen_n be_v so_o effectual_o restrain_v as_o never_o to_o give_v any_o just_a provocation_n for_o such_o dispute_n for_o the_o less_o of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o better_a to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o state_n too_o we_o must_v be_v provide_v with_o arm_n because_o we_o be_v list_v in_o the_o public_a service_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v by_o who_o commission_n we_o act_n and_o never_o use_v those_o arm_n but_o when_o our_o master_n honour_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o danger_n 2._o second_o let_v i_o prevail_v on_o you_o for_o this_o most_o reasonable_a request_n that_o from_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o some_o abstruse_a point_n in_o religion_n you_o will_v not_o make_v any_o conclusion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n though_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n may_v lie_v on_o both_o side_n of_o some_o question_n this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o authority_n of_o easy_a and_o contestable_a truth_n and_o though_o some_o that_o enter_v the_o list_n upon_o these_o occasion_n may_v lay_v about_o they_o mad_o like_o fencer_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o cut_v and_o gash_n one_o another_o without_o mercy_n yet_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v such_o virtue_n as_o meekness_n and_o christian_a charity_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n to_o make_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a a_o foundation_n and_o introduction_n to_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a but_o no_o where_o i_o think_v except_o in_o religion_n have_v man_n ever_o be_v so_o fantastical_a and_o absurd_a as_o to_o deny_v and_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o that_o be_v obscure_a this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o undisciplined_a reader_n shall_v reject_v all_o euclid_n axiom_n because_o he_o find_v himself_o unable_a to_o demonstrate_v every_o proposition_n in_o his_o book_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o of_o our_o pert_a disputer_n against_o jesus_n and_o divine_a revelation_n but_o will_v think_v it_o a_o reproach_n upon_o his_o understanding_n to_o treat_v any_o other_o author_n at_o the_o rate_n he_o do_v the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n when_o therefore_o man_n be_v loosen_v in_o their_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o such_o poor_a and_o frivolous_a account_n as_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o shake_v the_o principle_n of_o
sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o george_n stanhope_n d.d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n never_o before_o publish_v london_n print_v for_o dan._n midwinter_n and_o tho._n leigh_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n ri._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n and_o rob._n knaplock_n at_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_n all_o in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcc_o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n of_o all_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a and_o one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n that_o the_o few_o follow_a discourse_n may_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o grace_n protection_n of_o which_o how_o undeserving_a soever_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o performance_n may_v be_v yet_o the_o design_n i_o assure_v myself_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a a_o patron_n of_o your_o grace_n goodness_n and_o character_n for_o this_o be_v pure_o to_o enforce_v a_o serious_a and_o active_a application_n of_o mind_n to_o those_o practical_a duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o true_a excellence_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v some_o of_o those_o false_a pretence_n whereby_o man_n olther_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v support_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n or_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v in_o a_o good_a one._n and_o i_o hope_v these_o matterâ—_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v state_v in_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n which_o your_o grace_n while_o in_o a_o inferior_a station_n do_v adorn_v with_o so_o conspicuous_a a_o piety_n vigilance_n and_o every_o pastoral_a virtue_n and_o whereof_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v now_o so_o deserve_o advance_v you_o to_o be_v the_o common_a spiritual_a father_n but_o beside_o the_o right_a your_o grace_n have_v to_o the_o work_n itself_o you_o have_v also_o a_o very_a particular_a one_o to_o the_o author_n who_o labour_n have_v be_v all_o along_o favour_v with_o your_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n and_o who_o ever_o since_o your_o promotion_n to_o the_o episcopal_a order_n have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o live_v under_o your_o grace_n inspection_n former_o in_o your_o diocesan_n and_o now_o in_o your_o metropolitical_a capacity_n these_o my_o lord_n be_v sufficient_a inducement_n for_o my_o offering_n this_o tribute_n of_o gratitude_n and_o filial_a obedience_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o doubt_v the_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n upon_o so_o many_o account_v your_o due_a in_o which_o i_o shall_v detain_v your_o grace_n no_o long_o than_o while_o i_o beg_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o esteem_v myself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n oblige_v not_o only_o by_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o his_o constant_a blessing_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n upon_o all_o your_o grace_n design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n commit_v to_o your_o charge_n but_o by_o every_o instance_n of_o reverence_n and_o duty_n in_o my_o power_n to_o approve_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o grace_n most_o obedient_a son_n and_o servant_n geo._n stanhope_n preface_n my_o reader_n have_v be_v spare_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o preface_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o think_v he_o may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n towards_o profit_v by_o the_o follow_a sermon_n from_o have_v a_o short_a scheme_n lay_v before_o he_o of_o my_o general_a design_n and_o of_o that_o dependence_n which_o these_o discourse_n though_o compose_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o very_o different_a occasion_n yet_o as_o now_o connect_v in_o one_o volume_n have_v upon_o each_o other_o the_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o myself_o be_v the_o the_o persuade_a man_n to_o the_o diligent_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o religion_n by_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o such_o course_n and_o opinion_n as_o seem_v more_o especial_o to_o obstruct_v or_o discourage_v it_o i._n serm._n i._n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o step_v i_o make_v be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o attend_v to_o the_o plain_a preceptive_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o wrangle_a and_o speculative_a humour_n so_o predominant_a in_o this_o age_n as_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v to_o be_v place_v only_o in_o exalt_a notion_n deep_a inquiry_n and_o skill_n in_o dark_a and_o controvert_v point_n which_o indeed_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o attend_v to_o they_o the_o better_a that_o one_o will_v almost_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v by_o the_o modern_a way_n of_o manage_v these_o matter_n they_o scarce_o leave_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n ii_o serm._n ii_o hence_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o sermon_n to_o explain_v the_o measure_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o every_o one_o who_o will_v abandon_v a_o wicked_a course_n in_o good_a earnest_n iii_o serm._n iii_o for_o a_o encouragement_n to_o which_o difficult_a undertake_n my_o three_o treat_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o distribute_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n as_o our_o lord_n have_v represent_v they_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o those_o labourer_n who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n iu._n serm._n iu._n but_o be_v well_o aware_a withal_o how_o perverse_a a_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o that_o parable_n i_o esteem_v it_o my_o duty_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o lay_v open_a those_o cheat_n man_n too_o frequent_o put_v upon_o themselves_o by_o a_o false_a application_n of_o such_o encouragement_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o allow_v a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n hope_v that_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v effectual_a for_o bring_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o sight_n and_o serious_a sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a reformation_n vi_o ser._n v._o vi_o i_o think_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o a_o account_n of_o those_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o a_o true_a repentance_n may_v follow_v very_o seasonable_o which_o st._n peter_n fall_n and_o recovery_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o convenient_a illustration_n of_o moreover_o in_o regard_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o very_a remarkable_a change_n effect_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o agent_n and_o operation_n be_v invisible_a have_v be_v by_o some_o explode_a and_o deny_v as_o a_o fanciful_a notion_n by_o other_o misinterpret_v to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o soul_n for_o a_o almighty_a necessary_a and_o instantaneous_a act_n viii_o serm._n vii_o viii_o the_o next_o thing_n that_o seem_v requisite_a be_v to_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n to_o illustrate_v the_o manner_n and_o to_o show_v the_o privilege_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o spiritual_a regeneration_n in_o all_o which_o argument_n the_o truth_n owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o accurate_a labour_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o church_n spirit_n dr._n clag_n operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o man_n who_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_a after_o he_o not_o to_o tread_v more_o close_o in_o his_o step_n than_o such_o as_o read_v more_o for_o entertainment_n than_o edification_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o well_o content_v with_o have_v thus_o lead_v my_o reader_n gradual_o to_o the_o change_n from_o a_o unregenerate_a to_o the_o true_o christian_a state_n i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v check_v his_o vigorous_a advances_n in_o it_o x._o ser._n ix_o x._o among_o these_o the_o first_o be_v those_o erroneous_a principle_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o refute_v by_o show_v the_o true_a importance_n of_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n feast_n and_o what_o inference_n may_v fair_o be_v draw_v from_o thence_o for_o set_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o a_o christian_n call_v and_o election_n in_o their_o true_a light_n xi_o serm._n xi_o and_o then_o from_o another_o passage_n of_o the_o like_a parable_n in_o st._n luke_n i_o proceed_v to_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o strict_a and_o constant_a regard_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o man_n who_o plead_v worldly_a business_n and_o lawful_a care_n in_o excuse_n for_o their_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o some_o there_o be_v of_o a_o complexion_n so_o different_a from_o those_o last_o mention_v that_o they_o think_v they_o
matter_n which_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v he_o to_o know_v and_o a_o intimation_n withal_o that_o the_o great_a and_o only_a thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o providence_n intend_v to_o liken_v he_o to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n so_o his_o thought_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n of_o the_o trial_n appoint_v for_o himself_o now_o the_o rebuke_n apply_v here_o to_o one_o particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v so_o treat_v of_o at_o this_o time_n as_o to_o render_v it_o a_o admonition_n of_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o such_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v prove_v to_o every_o christian_a if_o we_o from_o this_o example_n take_v the_o hint_n of_o forbear_v to_o indulge_v all_o needless_a curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v our_o study_n to_o those_o object_n which_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n lay_v aside_o such_o airy_a speculation_n as_o deserve_o fall_v under_o this_o reprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o even_o in_o this_o busy_a and_o pretend_v age_n of_o we_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o thus_o far_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o benefit_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o first_o that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o abstruse_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o 2._o second_o that_o can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n yet_o such_o knowledge_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o real_a use_n to_o they_o 3._o three_o that_o the_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o such_o intricate_a question_n be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o dangerous_a and_o many_o time_n of_o very_a fatal_a consequence_n to_o themselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o religion_n in_o general_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o be_v ordinary_o the_o case_n of_o those_o nice_a and_o curious_a person_n who_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o i_o shall_v urge_v withal_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o practical_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v the_o very_a reverse_n of_o all_o this_o that_o these_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o be_v attain_v exceed_v profitable_a when_o understand_v and_o that_o all_o the_o hour_n and_o industry_n lay_v out_o upon_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o true_a the_o best_a account_n both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o public_a i._o my_o first_o discouragement_n against_o curious_a speculation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o man_n can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o and_o will_v not_o one_o choose_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o travel_v through_o briar_n and_o thorn_n and_o after_o infinite_a toil_n and_o trouble_v give_v out_o at_o last_o hearty_o tire_v with_o one_o journey_n but_o still_o as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n as_o when_o he_o first_o set_v out_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o sublime_a notion_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o have_v take_v up_o the_o thought_n and_o employ_v the_o pen_n and_o swell_v the_o volume_n of_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o but_o especial_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mysterious_a union_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o that_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o secret_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o state_n of_o soul_n depart_v and_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o await_v man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o and_o abundance_n more_o such_o point_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o some_o general_a insight_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o when_o man_n not_o content_a to_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o controversy_n about_o the_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o the_o far_o they_o wade_v the_o more_o they_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o indeed_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o do_v these_o be_v subject_n not_o of_o a_o size_n with_o we_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v not_o qualify_v to_o fathom_v they_o the_o light_n from_o above_o be_v our_o only_a safe_a guide_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o far_o then_o as_o this_o lead_v we_o we_o may_v go_v on_o bold_o and_o stand_v upon_o sure_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o where_o that_o light_n forsake_v we_o all_o the_o discovery_n pretend_v to_o beyond_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o fanciful_a and_o precarious_a and_o weak_a so_o full_a of_o delusion_n be_v those_o very_a profound_a contemplation_n which_o lose_v the_o mind_n in_o matter_n too_o high_a for_o it_o so_o liable_a to_o that_o reproach_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o paul_n rom._n i._n 21_o 22._o though_o in_o another_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n for_o these_o man_n too_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n but_o now_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n lie_v level_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n thus_o for_o belief_n it_o ask_v no_o mighty_a depth_n for_o a_o man_n to_o convice_n himself_o that_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v reveal_v ought_v ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n do_v certain_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v understand_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v his_o word_n in_o its_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n except_o where_o there_o appear_v manifest_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o its_o contain_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v especial_o when_v treat_v of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o operation_n be_v no_o good_a argument_n of_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v he_o otherwise_o because_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o it_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o that_o infinite_a he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o a_o finite_a mind_n can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v modesty_n and_o integrity_n rather_o than_o acuteness_n and_o skill_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o quality_n or_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o party_n reveal_v these_o be_v matter_n that_o lie_v sufficient_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o every_o considerate_a person_n and_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o these_o impression_n will_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o there_o nor_o any_o occasion_n for_o fly_v to_o wretched_a criticism_n as_o a_o expedient_a for_o bring_v down_o the_o lofty_a doctrine_n to_o their_o own_o narrow_a apprehension_n so_o again_o for_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o once_o throw_v off_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a inclination_n they_o can_v but_o cast_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o contrary_a vice_n nor_o must_v i_o upon_o this_o occasion_n forget_v to_o put_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o our_o more_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o engage_v our_o diligent_a attention_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o secure_v probity_n of_o mind_n a_o teachable_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blesling_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o study_n who_o goodness_n will_v never_o suffer_v those_o who_o serve_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n to_o continue_v in_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v
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notice_n of_o a_o 2._o a_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 2._o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o and_o set_v this_o in_o opposition_n to_o charity_n which_o edifi_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o describe_v the_o consequence_n of_o not_o be_v content_a to_o rest_v in_o the_o plain_a wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o say_v 45._o say_v 1_o tim._n vi_o 45._o that_o such_o person_n be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o but_o too_o visible_a that_o such_o man_n grow_v immoderate_o fond_a of_o some_o peculiar_a notion_n by_o which_o they_o affect_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o this_o engage_v they_o in_o controversy_n which_o sour_v their_o temper_n and_o sharpen_v their_o pen_n and_o make_v the_o contention_n as_o hot_a and_o fierce_a as_o if_o in_o these_o quarrel_n too_o that_o 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and_o be_v displease_v to_o see_v such_o intemperate_a admirer_n of_o singularity_n and_o distinction_n lose_v charity_n and_o moderation_n the_o very_a life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n while_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o school_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n but_o as_o thin_a air_n and_o empty_a shadow_n and_o it_o will_v real_o move_v once_o indignation_n that_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o vanity_n to_o imagine_v they_o do_v any_o true_a service_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o a_o ungoverned_a fervour_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o humanity_n and_o justice_n good_a nature_n or_o good_a manner_n provide_v the_o writer_n can_v but_o acquire_v to_o himself_o the_o reputation_n of_o smartness_n and_o subtlety_n and_o skill_n and_o can_v there_o happen_v a_o great_a calamity_n not_o only_o to_o
any_o other_o science_n such_o particular_o as_o learned_a man_n differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o some_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o this_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a a_o discovery_n that_o something_o else_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o scale_n beside_o the_o real_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o such_o people_n cavil_v at_o religion_n not_o because_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o because_o they_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o and_o apprehend_v it_o for_o their_o ease_n and_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v true_a 3._o last_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n forbid_v myself_o address_v to_o you_o the_o member_n of_o our_o establish_a church_n in_o particular_a most_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v the_o privilege_n you_o enjoy_v and_o to_o make_v a_o right_a improvement_n of_o they_o you_o have_v not_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n lock_v up_o from_o you_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n nor_o be_v prohibit_v to_o use_v it_o 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curious_a in_o unnecessary_a matter_n for_o more_o thing_n be_v show_v unto_o thou_o than_o man_n understand_v for_o many_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o a_o evil_a suspicion_n have_v overthrow_v their_o judgement_n without_o eye_n thou_o shall_v want_v light_n profess_v not_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o this_o wholesome_a advice_n god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o grace_n to_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o love_n thereof_o for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o the_o holiness_n require_v in_o a_o christian_n conversation_n ephes_n v._o 11._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n great_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o particular_o this_o chapter_n be_v employ_v in_o urge_v the_o advantage_n these_o ephesian_n have_v receive_v by_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o the_o improvement_n it_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v make_v of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n advise_v they_o 10._o they_o verse_n 8_o 9_o 10._o to_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o light_n to_o prove_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o order_n to_o their_o do_v so_o to_o shake_v hand_n with_o their_o old_a corruption_n and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n in_o treat_v of_o these_o word_n i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o four_o follow_v particular_n i._o i_o will_v show_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v under_o this_o detestable_a title_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n ii_o what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v press_v the_o reason_n for_o avoid_v those_o work_n which_o the_o text_n have_v couch_v by_o call_v they_o unfruitful_a and_o then_o iv_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o from_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o act_v like_o man_n due_o convince_v of_o the_o former_a head_n and_o the_o engagement_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o with_o regard_n to_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v we_o to_o avoid_v under_o the_o detestable_a title_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o here_o it_o be_v fit_a i_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o all_o sin_n indeed_o of_o what_o nature_n or_o quality_n soever_o be_v such_o work_n and_o that_o we_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v any_o kindness_n for_o and_o intimacy_n with_o they_o all_o for_o whether_o by_o darkness_n we_o understand_v ignorance_n and_o error_n or_o whether_o those_o region_n of_o horror_n inhabit_v by_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n the_o title_n will_v very_o proper_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o both_o respect_n every_o sin_n be_v owe_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o a_o defect_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n every_o one_o lead_v to_o those_o dismal_a region_n of_o death_n every_o one_o derive_v itself_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v original_o his_o work_n but_o because_o even_o of_o sin_n there_o be_v difference_n to_o be_v make_v both_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n and_o as_o to_o the_o malignity_n of_o they_o since_o some_o do_v more_o manifest_o carry_v the_o character_n and_o feature_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o spawn_n they_o be_v i_o will_v just_o mention_v some_o few_o which_o seem_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n to_o challenge_v this_o title_n now_o of_o these_o some_o be_v more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o such_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v a_o immediate_a respect_n to_o in_o this_o chapter_n particular_o that_o idolatrous_a and_o pollute_v worship_n and_o all_o those_o vain_a superstition_n which_o even_o the_o 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only_o to_o ruin_v himself_o but_o to_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n against_o all_o hazard_n of_o ruin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o hard_a but_o a_o prudent_a and_o needful_a commandment_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v we_o 22._o 1_o thess_n v._o 22._o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n they_o who_o profess_v to_o hate_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o yet_o will_v fain_o be_v do_v what_o look_v like_o it_o and_o lead_v to_o it_o can_v escape_v this_o censure_n at_o least_o of_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n this_o come_v from_o a_o perpetual_a hanker_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o show_v that_o they_o will_v fain_o accommodate_v the_o matter_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o endeavour_v to_o divide_v themselves_o as_o equal_o as_o may_v be_v not_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o fear_v of_o danger_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v as_o near_o wicked_a as_o they_o can_v too_o for_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o like_o treacherous_a and_o poor-spirited_a man_n who_o in_o a_o dispute_v title_n act_n for_o one_o prince_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o be_v secret_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o to_o humour_v their_o inclination_n so_o these_o man_n carry_v it_o between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o have_v a_o secret_a affection_n for_o the_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o must_v stifle_v this_o affection_n because_o it_o can_v be_v to_o their_o advantage_n to_o own_o and_o pursue_v it_o public_o but_o still_o their_o heart_n be_v ever_o treacherous_a ever_o bend_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o their_o pretend_a quarrel_n with_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o its_o be_v a_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o for_o its_o be_v a_o vnfruitful_a work_n 5._o five_o and_o last_o the_o thing_n which_o contain_v and_o which_o must_v perfect_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n urge_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n 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and_o warmth_n of_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o its_o activity_n what_o a_o foil_n the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v to_o it_o how_o black_a and_o dismal_a how_o ugly_a and_o crooked_a they_o look_v when_o bring_v to_o this_o light_n and_o set_v against_o the_o straight_a and_o uniform_a the_o sweet_a and_o charm_a excellency_n of_o religion_n this_o come_v home_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o all_o the_o eloquence_n in_o the_o world_n it_o convince_v where_o nothing_o else_o can_v enter_v it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o mechanical_a reason_n without_o the_o study_a method_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o argument_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o draw_v where_o those_o can_v so_o much_o as_o move_v this_o be_v therefore_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o check_v and_o discountenance_v sin_n to_o show_v it_o in_o its_o true_a and_o worst_a colour_n and_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v lustre_n from_o but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o again_o upon_o virtue_n and_o religion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o these_o particular_n we_o see_v the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n command_n and_o our_o duty_n with_o regard_n to_o it_o how_o false_a those_o man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o avoid_v the_o gross_a and_o foul_a offence_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o indulge_v their_o lust_n and_o expose_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o snare_n of_o evil_a company_n if_o they_o retain_v any_o secret_a fondness_n for_o sin_n and_o can_v so_o much_o as_o with_o ease_n or_o patience_n see_v or_o hear_v what_o be_v so_o if_o they_o be_v so_o tame_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o not_o bold_o and_o sharp_o to_o rebuke_v vice_n where_o that_o can_v be_v prudent_o and_o seasonable_o do_v if_o they_o still_o halt_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o sport_v upon_o the_o very_a confine_n of_o it_o and_o show_v that_o their_o proceed_n no_o further_o be_v more_o the_o effect_n of_o interest_n and_o necessity_n than_o sincere_a piety_n and_o choice_n and_o last_o if_o their_o example_n do_v any_o way_n countenance_n it_o and_o not_o rather_o display_v its_o deformity_n and_o deceitful_a disguise_n and_o by_o represent_v godliness_n in_o all_o its_o lustre_n render_v that_o more_o invite_v and_o lovely_a and_o sin_n more_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n those_o who_o do_v not_o endeavour_v all_o this_o be_v not_o entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n nor_o true_a child_n of_o light_n but_o have_v still_o a_o tenderness_n for_o and_o hold_v a_o private_a correspondence_n with_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o how_o destructive_a such_o double_a deal_n will_v be_v in_o the_o end_n how_o reasonable_a our_o aversion_n to_o those_o work_n be_v and_o all_o even_o the_o most_o severe_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o hatred_n and_o to_o make_v good_a our_o engagement_n against_o they_o i_o hope_v will_v soon_o appear_v to_o you_o by_o a_o brief_a consideration_n of_o my_o three_o particular_a viz._n iii_o the_o reason_n of_o avoid_v these_o work_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o text_n have_v couch_v here_o by_o call_v they_o vnfruitful_a it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a elegance_n and_o particular_a good_a reason_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o practice_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v work_n for_o this_o imply_v the_o toil_n and_o drudgery_n of_o they_o and_o intimate_v to_o we_o what_o sad_a experience_n will_v teach_v too_o late_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v very_o wicked_a without_o much_o labour_n and_o great_a vexation_n the_o distract_n care_v and_o interest_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o violence_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rage_a passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n which_o hurry_v man_n into_o anger_n and_o revenge_n and_o injustice_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n can_v but_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n for_o they_o impose_v more_o merciless_a task_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o more_o dangerous_a and_o more_o extravagant_a attempt_n than_o the_o most_o arbitrary_a tyrant_n or_o the_o cruel_a enemy_n can_v invent_v for_o his_o captive_n or_o his_o slave_n and_o he_o that_o have_v once_o resign_v up_o the_o government_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o furious_a and_o wild_a suggestion_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o his_o own_o rebellious_a appetite_n must_v make_v no_o more_o pretension_n to_o freedom_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o that_o can_v give_v he_o any_o and_o do_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n verify_v our_o lord_n observation_n 34._o observation_n joh._n viii_o 34._o whosoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o
success_n of_o this_o life_n be_v literal_o indent_v for_o and_o whatever_o they_o receive_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o debt_n whereas_o the_o gentile_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v under_o no_o such_o former_a covenant_n these_o when_o call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n throw_v themselves_o at_o their_o lord_n foot_n close_v with_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n stand_v entire_o to_o his_o goodness_n go_v cheerful_o to_o work_v and_o be_v content_a with_o the_o prospect_n of_o distant_a and_o unseen_a reward_n and_o whatever_o be_v give_v they_o they_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o great_a beneficence_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o be_v admit_v for_o one_o good_a consideration_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o more_o favour_n again_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o value_n of_o any_o service_n or_o obedience_n rise_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disadvantage_n which_o the_o person_n break_v through_o to_o pay_v it_o and_o this_o present_v we_o with_o another_o mighty_a disparity_n in_o the_o case_n now_o under_o debate_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n which_o have_v little_a else_o in_o it_o but_o shadow_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n they_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o prophet_n every_o day_n and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n by_o which_o our_o jesus_n prove_v his_o mission_n and_o messiahship_n the_o moral_a law_n be_v likewise_o a_o excellent_a preparation_n for_o those_o doctrine_n of_o high_a perfection_n which_o the_o gospel_n build_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o former_a revelation_n make_v the_o passage_n more_o easy_a for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o person_n therefore_o thus_o qualify_v to_o come_v in_o to_o the_o preach_a and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o may_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v and_o they_o who_o do_v it_o not_o be_v just_o reprobate_v as_o past_o all_o excuse_n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o surprise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o know_v very_o little_a of_o god_n before_o and_o have_v run_v greedy_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o impurity_n and_o excess_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a make_v so_o brave_a a_o stand._n that_o they_o shall_v at_o once_o renounce_v all_o their_o pollute_a worship_n and_o licentious_a conversation_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o a_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o they_o who_o in_o former_a age_n be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o true_a god_n shall_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n incarnate_a at_o a_o time_n 11._o john_n i._n 11._o when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o family_n and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o but_o above_o all_o this_o be_v a_o most_o amaze_a instance_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o marvellous_a zeal_n that_o man_n who_o live_v so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o who_o absolute_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v with_o such_o alacrity_n forego_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o present_a world_n and_o stake_v down_o their_o very_a life_n for_o a_o crown_n to_o be_v obtain_v after_o death_n in_o a_o state_n of_o which_o they_o have_v never_o know_v scarce_o ever_o hear_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o before_o the_o condition_n of_o late_a penitent_n be_v thus_o far_o the_o same_o that_o they_o too_o attain_v to_o a_o through_o reformation_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n very_o hardly_o for_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o especial_o vicious_a one_o be_v not_o vanquish_v without_o much_o labour_n and_o many_o sharp_a dispute_n the_o power_n of_o custom_n be_v exceed_o great_a but_o in_o wicked_a practice_n the_o difficulty_n be_v double_v because_o there_o corrupt_a nature_n strike_v in_o and_o custom_n be_v strengthen_v by_o inclination_n all_o the_o advances_n that_o a_o man_n thus_o fall_v can_v make_v be_v so_o many_o violence_n commit_v upon_o himself_o and_o the_o bring_v the_o bias_n of_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o draw_v true_a work_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o disrelish_v of_o unlawful_a gain_n and_o pleasure_n and_o make_v one_o self_n a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n be_v long_o and_o laborious_a undertake_n such_o they_o be_v indeed_o as_o nothing_o but_o experience_n can_v give_v we_o any_o just_a notion_n of_o unknown_a to_o those_o happy_a man_n who_o have_v always_o preserve_v their_o good_a principle_n and_o never_o drink_v of_o vice_n nor_o taste_v its_o intoxicate_a pleasure_n these_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v to_o maintain_v their_o ground_n and_o advance_v smooth_o as_o new_a opportunity_n of_o improvement_n shall_v offer_v and_o the_o sensible_a delight_n of_o holiness_n quicken_v they_o up_o to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n be_v gracious_a to_o this_o constant_a and_o sedate_v piety_n where_o every_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a and_o invite_a shall_v he_o not_o extend_v his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o they_o also_o who_o serve_v he_o in_o tear_n and_o groan_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n will_v he_o despise_v the_o terror_n and_o confusion_n the_o sorrow_n and_o reproach_n of_o a_o self-condemning_a breast_n no_o no._n he_o will_v behold_v such_o anguish_n with_o pity_n and_o assist_v the_o pang_n and_o struggle_n of_o this_o second_o birth_n it_o be_v a_o act_n become_v his_o fatherly_a tenderness_n his_o essential_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n to_o make_v those_o gallant_a combatant_n triumphant_a hereafter_o who_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o undaunted_a zeal_n and_o a_o powerful_a faith_n long_a time_n indefatigable_a pain_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n can_v ever_o have_v render_v victorious_a over_o sin_n here_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n that_o such_o a_o mighty_a change_n argue_v a_o noble_a disposition_n a_o change_n which_o none_o but_o great_a and_o generous_a soul_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o go_v through_o with_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o say_v probable_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n declare_v elsewhere_o eton._n luke_n xv._o 7._o 10._o chrysos_fw-la tom._n 5._o serm._n 52._o pag._n 353._o ed._n eton._n there_o be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n i._n e._n this_o alteration_n be_v not_o only_o more_o sensible_a but_o in_o some_o respect_v more_o acceptable_a more_o commendable_a than_o a_o easy_a uninterrupted_a course_n of_o steady_a and_o always_o successful_a virtue_n which_o never_o feel_v the_o danger_n nor_o lay_v under_o the_o discouragement_n of_o former_a defeat_v and_o a_o insult_a conqueror_n to_o rally_v and_o make_v head_n against_o with_o force_n often_o beat_v and_o miserable_o break_v 2._o but_o second_o the_o parable_n observe_v another_o difference_n between_o these_o labourer_n after_o the_o work_n be_v over_o that_o they_o who_o be_v hire_v late_o receive_v their_o pay_n with_o all_o due_a humility_n and_o thankfulness_n but_o those_o that_o come_v in_o early_a with_o repine_v and_o indignation_n 408._o chrys_n in_o loc_n t._n 2._o serm._n 64._o pag._n 408._o they_o murmur_v against_o the_o good_a man_n of_o the_o house_n say_v the_o verse_n next_o after_o my_o text_n this_o passage_n st._n chrysostom_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v we_o to_o understand_v strict_o and_o literal_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o our_o notion_n of_o heaven_n that_o any_o grumble_a or_o envious_a disposition_n shall_v be_v admit_v thither_o and_o therefore_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o the_o parable_n pure_o ornamental_a and_o set_v to_o signify_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o happiness_n as_o will_v natural_o provoke_v our_o envy_n in_o this_o world_n and_o thus_o no_o doubt_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v it_o but_o yet_o as_o he_o observe_v withal_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n both_o of_o energy_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o expression_n so_o far_o as_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o call_v in_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o implacable_a malice_n and_o proud_a spite_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o occasion_n which_o carry_v they_o to_o such_o a_o excess_n as_o even_o to_o refuse_v salvation_n and_o think_v it_o beneath_o their_o acceptance_n if_o they_o must_v have_v it_o in_o common_a with_o other_o despise_a nation_n this_o be_v manifest_o the_o fault_n our_o saviour_n aim_v at_o here_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o many_o person_n of_o life_n unblameable_a for_o the_o main_a be_v in_o all_o age_n guilty_a of_o a_o overvalue_a of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o a_o think_v scorn_n with_o that_o elder_a brother_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o return_v prodigal_n 30._o luke_n xv._o 28_o
conspicuous_a never_o triumph_v so_o glorious_o over_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n as_o when_o it_o revive_v wretched_a offender_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o grievous_a miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n be_v often_o so_o order_v as_o to_o turn_v to_o their_o mighty_a advantage_n for_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o awaken_v their_o care_n they_o make_v they_o more_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o danger_n and_o more_o vigilant_a to_o prevent_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o their_o own_o experience_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o upon_o what_o slippery_a ground_n they_o stand_v they_o dispose_v they_o to_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o their_o brethren_n more_o gentle_a and_o spare_v in_o their_o censure_n more_o ready_a to_o forgive_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o more_o diligent_a to_o contribute_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o rescue_v and_o restore_v such_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n when_o they_o reflect_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overtake_v and_o how_o prone_a all_o even_o the_o best_a man_n be_v to_o offend_v and_o they_o kindle_v in_o such_o penitent_n a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a zeal_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n by_o a_o strict_a holiness_n and_o bright_a virtue_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o little_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o temptation_n or_o be_v secure_v from_o sin_v when_o we_o be_v tempt_v when_o the_o consequence_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o manage_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o destroy_v or_o impair_v the_o piety_n of_o private_a man_n but_z with_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o to_o become_v instrument_n of_o great_a good_a more_o effectual_a to_o our_o own_o salvation_n more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o if_o good_a man_n have_v never_o be_v tempt_v or_o never_o fall_v at_o all_o 2._o second_o as_o st._n peter_n fall_n confute_v the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v that_o man_n who_o once_o have_v true_a grace_n can_v lose_v it_o so_o st._n peter_n rise_n again_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o have_v have_v the_o unhappiness_n to_o lose_v grace_n may_v be_v restore_v and_o recover_v it_o again_o and_o this_o overthrow_v the_o novatian_a heresy_n which_o consist_v in_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o remission_n to_o be_v have_v for_o sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n and_o against_o which_o the_o sixteenth_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v direct_o level_v a_o error_n in_o all_o appearance_n chief_o owe_v to_o the_o mistake_a interpretation_n of_o two_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o have_v create_v great_a perplexity_n to_o ignorant_a and_o unwary_a soul_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o heb._n vi._n 4_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n the_o other_o heb._n x._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n now_o for_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o passage_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o scripture_n often_o express_v that_o by_o impossible_a which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a or_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o humane_a strength_n only_o but_o not_o so_o to_o nature_n assist_v by_o divine_a grace_n and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n explain_v himself_o concern_v rich_a 26._o rich_a matth._n xix_o 26._o man_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o say_v that_o though_o this_o be_v impossible_a with_o regard_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n of_o such_o person_n and_o any_o power_n of_o their_o own_o to_o resist_v and_o vanquish_v they_o yet_o 27._o yet_o luke_n xviii_o 27._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o may_v by_o the_o prevail_a influencce_n of_o his_o grace_n wean_v their_o heart_n from_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o dispose_v they_o to_o accept_v such_o term_n of_o salvation_n as_o of_o themselves_o they_o will_v never_o incline_v or_o submit_v to_o and_o thus_o though_o man_n who_o reject_v and_o quench_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o wilful_a sin_n can_v renew_v themselves_o yet_o god_n can_v give_v they_o the_o heart_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n and_o renovation_n 2._o second_o the_o apostle_n address_v himself_o to_o jew_n speak_v with_o allusion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o though_o it_o allow_v of_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o involuntary_a sin_n such_o as_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n yet_o do_v not_o make_v the_o like_a provision_n for_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a and_o presumptuous_a offence_n but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o strict_o take_v as_o if_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n have_v make_v no_o provision_n for_o even_o such_o neither_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o argument_n 39_o argument_n act._n xiii_o 38_o 39_o whereby_o the_o same_o apostle_n prove_v the_o excellence_n of_o we_o above_o the_o levitical_a institution_n be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o that_o through_o this_o man_n jesus_n christ_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n if_o therefore_o man_n may_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v justify_v from_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o wilful_a and_o if_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n man_n may_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v from_o it_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n even_o wilful_a sin_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pardon_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v i_o say_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o to_o remove_v this_o difficulty_n effectual_o we_o must_v observe_v 3._o three_o that_o those_o text_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v mean_v not_o of_o every_o sort_n of_o wilful_a offender_n but_o of_o such_o as_o revolt_v and_o fly_v off_o entire_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o title_n 29._o title_n heb._n x._o 27_o 29._o of_o adversary_n and_o such_o as_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o trample_v he_o under_o foot_n count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o apostasy_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o only_a remedy_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o pardon_n all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v say_v st._n paul_n but_o this_o faith_n they_o have_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o within_o the_o covenant_n nor_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o benefit_n from_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o they_o esteem_v common_a and_o no_o sacrifice_n at_o all_o but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o throw_v off_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o may_v see_v their_o folly_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o saviour_n atonement_n they_o may_v comply_v with_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o too_o long_o have_v quench_v and_o resist_v though_o they_o have_v not_o formal_o disavow_v and_o do_v public_a despite_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o walk_v unworthy_a of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v formal_a and_o open_a adversary_n to_o it_o between_o a_o conversation_n unbecoming_a the_o gospel_n and_o principle_n that_o profess_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o one_o of_o these_o and_o declare_v it_o incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n need_v not_o must_v not_o be_v so_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o as_o to_o exclude_v from_o all_o hope_n and_o comfort_n a_o case_n so_o very_o distant_a from_o the_o former_a thus_o much_o however_o must_v be_v
which_o be_v wont_a to_o rise_v from_o the_o fail_n we_o feel_v or_o fancy_v in_o ourselves_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v imagine_v always_o to_o attend_v piety_n and_o true_a faith_n shall_v be_v consider_v god_n will_v in_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n xiii_o the_o case_n of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n the_o scruple_n about_o it_o consider_v st._n mark_v ix_o 24._o latter_a part_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n my_o design_n from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a faith_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o design_n i_o have_v already_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n such_o and_o so_o general_a that_o all_o people_n will_v find_v themselves_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o they_o which_o be_v my_o first_n head_n my_o second_o propose_v to_o satisfy_v the_o scruple_n of_o many_o well-meaning_a person_n upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v frequent_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o their_o have_a no_o true_a faith_n be_v real_o not_o so_o now_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o proceed_v from_o a_o sight_n or_o a_o imagination_n of_o some_o fail_n in_o man_n own_o self_n and_o other_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easiness_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v suppose_v constant_o to_o attend_v true_a piety_n and_o faith_n the_o former_a of_o these_o kind_n have_v be_v already_o consider_v particular_o and_o the_o latter_a come_v now_o under_o our_o examination_n viz._n those_o dissatisfaction_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o easy_a and_o peaceful_a resentment_n of_o mind_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o piety_n which_o god_n accept_v be_v always_o suppose_v to_o produce_v now_o of_o these_o i_o common_o meet_v with_o two_o which_o seem_v most_o to_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n and_o they_o be_v first_o man_n doubt_v of_o their_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n and_o second_o the_o want_n of_o those_o inward_a joy_n and_o that_o present_a constant_a peace_n of_o heart_n which_o religion_n be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o cheer_v our_o spirit_n with_o and_o to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v you_o that_o for_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o particular_a election_n and_o salvation_n as_o that_o phrase_n be_v common_o use_v be_v not_o any_o argument_n that_o they_o want_v true_a faith_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o ever_o have_v be_v think_v one_o if_o a_o sort_n of_o vain_a man_n have_v not_o lead_v their_o follower_n away_o with_o a_o strange_a delude_a imagination_n that_o it_o be_v one_o necessary_a part_n and_o character_n of_o a_o true_a belief_n in_o christ_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a election_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o miscarry_v so_o that_o not_o to_o rest_v asselve_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v as_o they_o represent_v the_o matter_n a_o distrust_n of_o christ_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o promise_n since_o his_o gift_n and_o his_o call_n be_v without_o repentance_n and_o who_o he_o once_o love_v he_o love_v they_o unto_o the_o end_n now_o when_o people_n be_v tell_v in_o so_o very_o confident_a and_o peremptory_a term_n that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o must_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o question_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o no_o such_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o examination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o a_o humble_a sight_n of_o their_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n they_o can_v rest_v in_o all_o that_o fullness_n of_o assurance_n but_o find_v some_o little_a misgiving_n and_o fear_n mix_v with_o their_o hope_n we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o lie_v under_o sad_a anxiety_n and_o dissatisfaction_n so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v themselves_o want_v in_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o such_o be_v not_o this_o positive_a assurance_n whatever_o be_v pretend_v nor_o in_o truth_n can_v it_o be_v as_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o in_o few_o word_n and_o by_o so_o do_v most_o offectual_o to_o put_v and_o end_v to_o all_o those_o scruple_n and_o disquiet_n that_o be_v owe_v mere_o to_o this_o false_a presumption_n of_o its_o be_v so_o and_z that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n without_o it_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n to_o save_v mankind_n from_o hell_n and_o everlasting_a destruction_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o they_o and_o that_o all_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v most_o certain_o by_o his_o merit_n have_v their_o obedience_n accept_v and_o their_o soul_n make_v eternal_o happy_a this_o indeed_o be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o necessary_a belief_n and_o to_o question_v this_o be_v to_o distrust_v and_o dishonour_n god_n it_o be_v to_o contradict_v his_o word_n and_o to_o blaspheme_v his_o truth_n but_o for_o you_o or_o i_o in_o particular_a to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o happy_a number_n this_o can_v never_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o positive_a duty_n nor_o have_v the_o gospel_n enjoin_v it_o any_o far_a than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o find_v ourselves_o within_o those_o general_n term_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v salvation_n to_o mankind_n at_o large_a and_o you_o will_v i_o think_v agree_v that_o even_o in_o very_o good_a man_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v this_o shall_v amount_v to_o a_o positive_a assurance_n when_o you_o have_v consider_v the_o follow_a argument_n as_o first_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o conceive_v to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n with_o fear_n and_o yet_o the_o gospel_n plain_o propound_v this_o as_o a_o proper_a and_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o christian_n obedience_n for_o however_o that_o may_v have_v be_v run_v down_o as_o a_o spirit_n contrary_n to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n 10._o creature_n ps_n cxi_o 10._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n place_n the_o 13._o the_o phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o beginning_n of_o religious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o it_o be_v that_o the_o new_a attribute_n the_o very_a finish_n and_o excellence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o very_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n a_o foundation_n for_o it_o for_o so_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o corinthian_n 2_o ep._n chap._n vii_o v._o 1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n where_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o speak_v not_o to_o novice_n or_o to_o such_o as_o be_v to_o make_v their_o first_o feeble_a essay_n by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o and_o then_o pass_v on_o to_o some_o noble_a motive_n but_o he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v complete_v their_o duty_n and_o become_v perfect_a by_o that_o a_o virtue_n so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o gospel-mercy_n that_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o fear_v for_o that_o reason_n because_o they_o have_v such_o gracious_a promise_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o same_o apostle_n command_v his_o philippian_n 13._o philippian_n phil._n ii_o 12_o 13._o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a that_o be_v in_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n justice_n constant_o upon_o their_o mind_n a_o constant_a dread_a of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o from_o thence_o a_o anxious_a care_n to_o please_v he_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o that_o can_v not_o stand_v with_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o these_o philippian_n have_v who_o be_v according_o encourage_v to_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n grace_n whereby_o he_o work_v in_o man_n both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n nor_o may_v we_o say_v as_o some_o fond_o do_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v cool_v by_o such_o a_o principle_n since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v recommend_v the_o high_a act_n of_o love_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o less_o than_o suffer_a martyrdom_n itself_o and_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n from_o the_o same_o motive_n thus_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o do_v to_o his_o beloved_a one_o luke_n xii_o 4._o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o
most_o belove_a servant_n when_o he_o see_v this_o most_o expedient_a profitable_a for_o the_o trial_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o patience_n or_o any_o otherwise_o more_o for_o the_o eternal_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n thus_o it_o appear_v evident_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o welldoing_a do_v not_o always_o accompany_v the_o action_n itself_o sometime_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o by_o god_n who_o send_v this_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n of_o spirit_n and_o consult_v our_o advantage_n by_o these_o unpleasant_a method_n and_o sometime_o a_o unhappy_a constitution_n shed_v its_o venom_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o imbitter_v all_o its_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o but_o however_o that_o be_v since_o the_o pleasure_n and_o charm_a satisfaction_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v sometime_o miss_v and_o since_o these_o way_n there_o be_v at_o least_o of_o take_v they_o from_o we_o the_o consequence_n be_v undeniable_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n viz._n that_o those_o inward_a disquiet_n ought_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o to_o any_o distrust_n of_o mercy_n or_o despondency_n of_o our_o own_o eternal_a welfare_n that_o comfort_n and_o safety_n do_v not_o always_o dwell_v together_o and_o we_o argue_v wrong_a if_o we_o make_v the_o want_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v a_o proof_n of_o our_o not_o believe_v at_o all_o iii_o and_o now_o at_o length_n i_o be_o come_v to_o my_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n may_v discern_v whether_o his_o imperfect_a belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v some_o such_o distinguish_a character_n be_v very_o great_a because_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a particular_n be_v only_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o always_o our_o fault_n but_o now_o and_o then_o our_o misfortune_n this_o be_v a_o support_n due_a to_o the_o integrity_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o some_o melancholy_a good_a person_n but_o when_o i_o urge_v thus_o much_o on_o their_o behalf_n my_o mean_v be_v not_o to_o encourage_v other_o in_o their_o security_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v deject_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o some_o case_n give_v man_n unnecessary_a trouble_v and_o scare_v they_o with_o imaginary_a danger_n other_o carry_v just_a fear_n in_o they_o and_o open_v all_o hell_n to_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o blind_a that_o that_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o see_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o both_o those_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o to_o set_v each_o of_o their_o circumstance_n in_o a_o true_a light_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v awaken_v from_o his_o frightful_a dream_n the_o other_o from_o his_o pleasant_a delude_a one_o the_o sorrowful_a rejoice_v in_o the_o vanish_v of_o his_o sorrow_n and_o the_o sinner_n have_v no_o less_o cause_n to_o do_v so_o in_o the_o timely_a sight_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o happy_a care_n to_o prevent_v it_o this_o be_v a_o work_n well_o deserve_v a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a treat_v than_o i_o be_o now_o able_a to_o allow_v it_o but_o however_o some_o few_o general_n observation_n careful_o apply_v and_o compare_v with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o the_o two_o former_a head_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o this_o affair_n first_o such_o imperfection_n in_o our_o faith_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o our_o safety_n as_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o voluntary_o contribute_v to_o there_o be_v as_o i_o say_v former_o a_o defect_n in_o believe_v which_o proceed_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v not_o large_a enough_o to_o comprehend_v they_o and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n as_o nature_n and_o not_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o but_o there_o be_v also_o another_o which_o man_n make_v this_o only_a a_o pretence_n for_o and_o that_o be_v whole_o their_o own_o for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v every_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n distinct_o and_o to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o every_o nicety_n that_o captious_a disputer_n may_v load_v it_o with_o yet_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o unfair_a deal_v of_o which_o we_o be_v guilty_a to_o the_o blind_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n there_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v discover_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o judgement_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n now_o indeed_o if_o we_o first_o consult_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o take_v a_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n because_o itabridge_n we_o of_o some_o pleasure_n and_o clap_v a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o some_o appetite_n and_o expect_v that_o humane_a discourse_n shall_v submit_v to_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o these_o term_n the_o success_n of_o our_o study_n in_o it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v very_o great_a but_o then_o the_o disappointment_n be_v entire_o from_o ourselves_o for_o when_o man_n thus_o possess_v pretend_v to_o examine_v and_o give_v off_o dissatisfy_v it_o be_v because_o their_o mind_n be_v bribe_v and_o bias_v against_o the_o cause_n they_o undertake_v to_o judge_v almighty_a god_n do_v indeed_o declare_v truth_n of_o a_o more_o elevate_a kind_n but_o the_o principle_n he_o require_v we_o to_o proceed_v upon_o be_v the_o same_o and_o he_o give_v man_n leave_v to_o use_v all_o argument_n that_o they_o think_v reasonable_a in_o other_o case_n provide_v they_o will_v but_o yield_v their_o assent_n upon_o equal_a term_n but_o if_o a_o man_n resolve_v beforehand_o not_o to_o allow_v that_o god_n can_v be_v wise_a or_o great_a than_o himself_o if_o no_o authority_n shall_v suffice_v to_o prove_v that_o 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and_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v second_o another_o very_a distinguish_a character_n of_o this_o imperfect_a faith_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o be_v the_o humility_n or_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o man_n heart_n for_o where_o a_o person_n be_v modest_a and_o think_v mean_o of_o himself_o he_o will_v see_v and_o bewail_v and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o redress_v the_o grievance_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n his_o ear_n will_v be_v open_a to_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n his_o understanding_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o blaspheme_v and_o rally_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o arraign_v all_o sober_a christian_n of_o credulity_n and_o madness_n for_o submit_v to_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o unite_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n he_o study_v the_o scripture_n reverent_o confirm_v himself_o in_o what_o reason_n may_v attain_v to_o and_o what_o it_o can_v he_o silent_o adore_v his_o ignorance_n be_v not_o wilful_a and_o affect_v but_o he_o be_v ever_o desirous_a of_o better_a information_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n submit_v quiet_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o superior_n in_o dispute_v point_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o contradiction_n or_o the_o itch_n of_o advance_v any_o particular_a conceit_n of_o his_o own_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o this_o be_v high_o necessary_a and_o commendable_a where_o no_o man_n can_v know_v every_o point_n of_o religion_n perfect_o and_o but_o very_o few_o have_v advantage_n of_o examine_v nice_o all_o that_o may_v be_v know_v now_o a_o humble_a spirit_n make_v the_o best_a amends_o for_o such_o disability_n in_o speculation_n and_o indeed_o for_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o practice_n