of_o any_o duty_n faithful_o discharge_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o good_a we_o have_v do_v do_v refresh_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n and_o joy_n our_o rejoice_v be_v this_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o all_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o course_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n all_o act_n of_o impiety_n to_o god_n of_o malice_n and_o injustice_n to_o man_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o do_v certain_o leave_v a_o sting_n behind_o they_o and_o whatever_o pleasure_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o present_a act_n of_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v so_o torment_v that_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o use_v all_o the_o art_n of_o diversion_n to_o fence_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a trouble_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o look_v into_o himself_o and_o to_o remember_v how_o he_o have_v live_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o be_v not_o here_o now_o a_o mighty_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o course_n of_o life_n that_o when_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a if_o there_o be_v any_o trouble_n in_o it_o it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a when_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v short_a and_o transient_a but_o the_o trouble_n and_o sting_v of_o it_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o reflection_n upon_o the_o good_a we_o have_v do_v give_v a_o last_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o evil_n commit_v by_o we_o leave_v a_o perpetual_a discontent_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o considerable_a a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v then_o yield_v most_o peace_n and_o comfort_n when_o we_o most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o in_o time_n of_o affliction_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o any_o great_a calamity_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n like_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o serene_a within_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n about_o he_o so_o david_n observe_v of_o the_o good_a man_n psal_n 112.4_o unto_o the_o upright_a there_o arise_v light_n in_o darkness_n all_o the_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n that_o we_o do_v be_v so_o many_o seed_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n sow_v in_o our_o conscience_n which_o will_v spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v most_o in_o time_n of_o outward_a trouble_n and_o distress_n light_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n and_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o what_o a_o seasonable_a refreshment_n be_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o he_o be_v just_o step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v able_a to_o look_v back_o with_o satisfaction_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o well-spent_a life_n then_o if_o ever_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a man_n do_v overflow_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n spring_v up_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n indeed_o which_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o stick_v close_o to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v most_o need_n of_o it_o but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o his_o guilt_n lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o especial_o against_o such_o time_n and_o be_v never_o more_o fierce_a and_o rage_a than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o distress_n so_o that_o according_a as_o his_o trouble_n without_o be_v multiply_v so_o be_v his_o sting_n within_o and_o sure_o affliction_n be_v then_o grievous_a indeed_o when_o it_o fall_v upon_o a_o gall_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o outward_a affliction_n may_v be_v tolerable_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v but_o especial_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n how_o do_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o wicked_a life_n then_o stare_v he_o in_o the_o face_n what_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v raise_v in_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v it_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v when_o eternity_n that_o fearful_a and_o amaze_a sight_n present_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o feel_v himself_o sink_v into_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o meeting_n with_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n with_o what_o regret_n do_v he_o then_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o life_n and_o how_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n be_v he_o against_o himself_o for_o have_v neglect_v to_o know_v when_o he_o have_v so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o his_o peace_n and_o which_o because_o he_o have_v neglect_v they_o be_v now_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n thought_n in_o which_o of_o these_o condition_n he_o will_v be_v and_o sure_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o choice_n but_o now_o though_o this_o discourse_n be_v very_o true_a yet_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v but_o fair_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o there_o be_v several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o experience_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o plausible_a speculation_n as_o 1._o that_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o their_o vice_n 2._o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o 3._o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n to_o the_o first_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o wicked_a man_n have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o their_o vice_n but_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v right_o compute_v and_o just_a abatement_n make_v it_o will_v amount_v to_o very_o little_a for_o it_o be_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a kind_n of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v chief_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n of_o our_o worst_a part_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o not_o of_o the_o man_n that_o which_o least_o become_v we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v least_o of_o all_o make_v for_o those_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v lawful_a be_v much_o inferior_a to_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o be_v unlawful_a they_o be_v always_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o to_o gain_v a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n he_o lose_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o call_v that_o pleasure_n which_o rob_v we_o of_o a_o far_o great_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n than_o it_o bring_v the_o delight_n of_o sense_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o chief_a pleasure_n for_o which_o god_n design_v we_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o intend_v we_o shall_v take_v our_o chief_a pleasure_n in_o the_o restrain_v and_o moderate_v of_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o in_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o a_o last_a pleasure_n those_o fit_n of_o mirth_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o over_o like_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n which_o after_o a_o little_a flash_n and_o noise_n be_v present_o go_v it_o be_v the_o comparison_n of_o a_o very_a great_a and_o experience_a man_n in_o these_o matter_n like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n say_v solomon_n so_o be_v the_o laughter_n of_o the_o fool_n that_o be_v the_o mirth_n of_o the_o wicked_a man_n it_o may_v be_v loud_a but_o it_o last_v not_o but_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o long_a and_o black_a train_n of_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o many_o time_n poverty_n and_o reproach_n pain_n and_o disease_n upon_o our_o
the_o world_n for_o his_o sport_n and_o pastime_n nor_o set_v on_o one_o part_n of_o his_o creation_n to_o bait_v another_o for_o his_o own_o diversion_n he_o do_v not_o like_o some_o of_o the_o cruel_a roman_a emperor_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v man_n with_o danger_n and_o to_o see_v they_o play_v bloody_a prize_n before_o he_o nay_o he_o do_v nothing_o that_o be_v severe_a out_o of_o humour_n and_o passion_n as_o our_o earthly_a parent_n many_o time_n do_v indeed_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o still_o to_o pity_v our_o person_n and_o when_o his_o providence_n make_v use_v of_o any_o sharp_a and_o cut_a instrument_n it_o be_v with_o this_o merciful_a design_n to_o let_v out_o our_o corruption_n if_o he_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n it_o be_v that_o he_o may_v refine_v and_o purify_v we_o from_o our_o dross_n so_o that_o though_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o god_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o real_a objection_n against_o his_o goodness_n but_o rather_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n 2._o they_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n 3._o they_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a first_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o far_o great_a evil_a of_o another_o kind_n i_o mean_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n we_o take_v wrong_a measure_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o judge_v those_o to_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n which_o afflict_v our_o body_n wound_v our_o reputation_n and_o impoverish_v our_o estate_n for_o those_o certain_o be_v far_o the_o great_a which_o affect_v our_o noble_a part_n which_o vitiate_v our_o understanding_n and_o deprave_v our_o will_n and_o wound_n and_o defile_v our_o soul_n what_o corrupt_a humour_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n their_o disease_n and_o their_o death_n now_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o administer_v to_o we_o whatever_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o sick_a that_o be_v our_o own_o folly_n and_o no_o fault_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o if_o he_o recover_v we_o though_o it_o be_v by_o very_o bitter_a and_o unpleasing_a mean_n all_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o be_v short_a of_o death_n be_v proper_o medicinal_a and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o kindly_a operation_n upon_o we_o they_o will_v work_v a_o cure_n and_o how_o grievous_a and_o distasteful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o present_a they_o will_v prove_v mercy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o issue_n upon_o this_o account_n david_n reckon_v affliction_n among_o the_o happy_a blessing_n of_o his_o life_n psal_n 119.72_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o say_v he_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n ver_fw-la 67_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o learn_v thy_o precept_n so_o that_o though_o all_o affliction_n be_v evil_n in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o because_o they_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o disease_n and_o tend_v to_o our_o cure_n they_o be_v a_o sensible_a argument_n and_o conviction_n to_o we_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v common_o such_o fool_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n and_o like_o child_n will_v be_v play_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o it_o till_o it_o cut_v and_o wound_v we_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o evil_a it_o be_v till_o we_o come_v to_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o god_n make_v we_o to_o suffer_v by_o it_o thus_o elihu_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o happy_a effect_n of_o affliction_n upon_o sinner_n job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o fetter_n and_o hold_v in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o god_n show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v he_o open_v also_o their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o command_v that_o they_o return_v from_o their_o iniquity_n god_n do_v but_o invite_v and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o mercy_n but_o his_o judgement_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a and_o commandng_a voice_n when_o he_o hold_v man_n in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n than_o he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n in_o our_o prosperity_n we_o be_v many_o time_n incapable_a of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n but_o when_o we_o be_v under_o god_n correct_v hand_n then_o be_v we_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v withal_o second_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o proper_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o far_o great_a evil_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n i_o mean_v far_a punishment_n in_o send_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n god_n usual_o proceed_v with_o they_o by_o degree_n first_o he_o le_fw-fr we_o fly_v several_a single_a shot_n at_o they_o and_o if_o upon_o these_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n and_o come_v in_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o broadside_n and_o volley_n of_o his_o wrath_n but_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o all_o be_v that_o temporal_a judgement_n may_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o opportunity_n of_o prevent_v the_o miserable_a and_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o long_a eternity_n for_o all_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o final_a leave_v man_n a_o space_n of_o repentance_n have_v in_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o reprieve_n which_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o timely_a return_n to_o god_n may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o pardon_n beside_o that_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n do_v usual_o dispose_v man_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fit_a temper_n for_o repentance_n they_o fix_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o suggest_v to_o we_o such_o thought_n and_o meditation_n as_o these_o if_o temporal_a evil_n be_v so_o grievous_a how_o insupportable_a then_o will_v be_v the_o extreme_a and_o endless_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n if_o in_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n we_o sometime_o meet_v with_o such_o severity_n what_o may_v we_o not_o look_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o vengeance_n if_o these_o drop_n of_o god_n wrath_n which_o now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n fill_v they_o with_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o affliction_n how_o deplorable_o miserable_a will_v those_o wretch_n be_v upon_o who_o the_o storm_n of_o his_o fury_n shall_v fall_v who_o will_v venture_v to_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a earnest_n of_o those_o woeful_a wage_n which_o sinner_n shall_v receive_v in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n three_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o these_o end_n but_o in_o many_o case_n very_o necessary_a our_o condition_n many_o time_n be_v such_o as_o to_o require_v this_o severe_a way_n of_o proceed_v because_o no_o other_o course_n that_o god_n have_v take_v or_o can_v take_v with_o we_o will_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a god_n do_v not_o delight_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o we_o put_v he_o upon_o these_o extremity_n or_o rather_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n together_o do_v prompt_a and_o direct_v he_o to_o these_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a way_n may_v be_v we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o into_o that_o dangerous_a state_n and_o the_o malignity_n of_o our_o distemper_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v remove_v without_o violent_a physic_n and_o that_o can_v be_v administer_v to_o we_o without_o make_v we_o deadly_a sick_a so_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v many_o time_n abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o wise_a method_n which_o the_o great_a physician_n of_o the_o world_n use_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o mankind_n they_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o his_o school_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n may_v learn_v righteousness_n they_o be_v a_o merciful_a invention_n of_o heaven_n to_o do_v man_n that_o good_a which_o many_o time_n nothing_o else_o will_v and_o to_o work_v that_o bless_a effect_n upon_o we_o which_o neither_o the_o wise_a
body_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a so_o that_o if_o these_o pleasure_n be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v a_o man_n have_v better_o be_v without_o they_o than_o purchase_v they_o at_o such_o dear_a rate_n to_o the_o second_o that_o religion_n impose_v many_o harsh_a and_o grievous_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o bearing_z of_o persecution_n repentance_n and_o mortification_n fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o many_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o persecution_n this_o discourse_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o religion_n exempt_v man_n from_o outward_a trouble_n but_o that_o when_o they_o happen_v it_o support_v man_n under_o they_o better_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o for_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n this_o chief_o concern_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n after_o a_o wicked_a life_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o be_v very_o grievous_a but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o though_o religion_n may_v be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o to_o some_o person_n who_o former_a sin_n and_o crime_n have_v make_v it_o so_o it_o may_v be_v pleasant_a afterward_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o it_o and_o whatever_o the_o trouble_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o be_v unavoidable_a unless_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v miserable_a for_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o must_v perish_v now_o there_o be_v always_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o submit_v to_o a_o less_o inconvenience_n to_o remedy_n and_o prevent_v a_o great_a as_o for_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o helpful_a and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a trouble_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v discreet_o manage_v as_o be_v worth_a the_o speak_n of_o and_o as_o for_o other_o rigour_n and_o severity_n which_o some_o pretend_v religion_n do_v impose_v i_o have_v only_o this_o to_o say_v that_o if_o man_n will_v play_v the_o fool_n and_o make_v religion_n more_o troublesome_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o i_o can_v help_v that_o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o false_a representation_n of_o religion_n which_o some_o in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v as_o if_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v not_o in_o please_a god_n but_o in_o displease_v and_o torment_v ourselves_o this_o be_v not_o to_o paint_v religion_n like_o herself_o but_o rather_o like_o one_o of_o the_o fury_n with_o nothing_o but_o whip_n and_o snake_n about_o she_o to_o the_o three_o that_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a be_v many_o time_n very_o disconsolate_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a objection_n indeed_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o trouble_n but_o there_o be_v other_o plain_a cause_n of_o it_o to_o which_o religion_n right_o understand_v be_v not_o accessary_a as_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n as_o this_o for_o one_o that_o god_n do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n but_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n effectual_o bar_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o attain_v that_o happiness_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o they_o and_o every_o one_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o that_o number_n this_o be_v a_o melancholy_a consideration_n indeed_o if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n to_o entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v ruin_v by_o any_o decree_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o ruin_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o else_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n some_o perhaps_o be_v very_o devout_a in_o serve_v god_n but_o not_o so_o kind_a and_o charitable_a so_o just_a and_o honest_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n no_o wonder_n if_o such_o person_n be_v disquiet_v the_o natural_a conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a to_o disquiet_v they_o for_o any_o thing_n than_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o natural_a light_n teach_v they_o peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o impartial_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v blame_v religion_n for_o that_o which_o plain_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n or_o last_o a_o melancholy_a temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v not_o from_o religion_n but_o from_o our_o nature_n and_o constituion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o what_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n what_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n religion_n right_o understand_v and_o sincere_o practise_v be_v apt_a to_o bring_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o what_o sort_n of_o argument_n religion_n can_v be_v more_o effectual_o recommend_v to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n for_o in_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a i_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o rob_v they_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o very_o best_a nay_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v and_o secure_v it_o i_o speak_v this_o in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a design_n to_o please_v themselves_o but_o do_v grievous_o mistake_v the_o way_n to_o it_o the_o direct_a way_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n a_o good_a man_n say_v solomon_n be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v wise_a and_o act_v reasonable_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v justify_v to_o himself_o in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o of_o be_v acquit_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o be_v innocent_a because_o that_o prevent_v guilt_n and_o trouble_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v many_o other_o and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o grow_v better_a because_o that_o be_v to_o excel_v ourselves_o nay_o it_o be_v pleasant_a even_o to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v our_o lust_n because_o that_o be_v victory_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o command_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n this_o be_v to_o govern_v it_o be_v natural_o pleasant_a to_o rule_v and_o have_v power_n over_o other_o but_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o absolute_a prince_n who_o command_v himself_o this_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o we_o a_o dominion_n infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o a_o word_n the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v good_a and_o of_o do_v good_a be_v the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o the_o wicked_a man_n deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o this_o pleasure_n and_o create_v perpetual_a discontent_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n o_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o the_o sinner_n feel_v more_o or_o less_o all_o his_o life_n long_o but_o alas_o thou_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o no_o not_o in_o this_o world_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o die_v what_o comfort_n will_v thou_o then_o be_v able_a to_o give_v thyself_o or_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o one_o else_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o conscience_n be_v miserable_o rend_v and_o tear_v by_o those_o wake_a fury_n which_o will_v then_o rage_v in_o thy_o breast_n and_o thou_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o turn_v thyself_o for_o ease_n then_o perhaps_o at_o last_o the_o priest_n be_v unwilling_o send_v for_o to_o patch_v up_o thy_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o appease_v the_o cry_n of_o it_o and_o to_o force_v himself_o out_o of_o very_a pity_n and_o good_a nature_n to_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o alas_o man_n what_o can_v we_o do_v what_o comfort_n can_v we_o give_v thou_o when_o thy_o
person_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o melancholy_n than_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o trouble_n some_o think_v that_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o conviction_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v aknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o a_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n other_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o those_o they_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v general_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o melancholy_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o black_a thought_n be_v no_o way_n consent_v to_o they_o but_o they_o rise_v in_o their_o mind_n perfect_o against_o their_o will_n and_o without_o any_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n that_o i_o hope_v yea_o and_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o no_o more_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o the_o wild_a and_o idle_a rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o fever_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a disease_n shall_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o these_o person_n have_v reason_n enough_o for_o comfort_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v their_o present_a distemper_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o degree_n and_o approach_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o unpardonable_a than_o all_o approach_n to_o it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a such_o as_o be_v profane_a scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n abuse_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perverse_a infidelity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o credible_a history_n though_o we_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a malicious_a oppose_a of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o he_o that_o oppose_v the_o truth_n have_v no_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v furious_o and_o heady_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o these_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o any_o that_o can_v easy_o be_v instance_a in_o and_o though_o god_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n have_v not_o declare_v they_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o be_v great_a provocation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v long_o continue_v in_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v ready_a then_o to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propound_v to_o thou_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v in_o other_o matter_n where_o thou_o have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o interest_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o thy_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v secret_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v we_o many_o time_n gentle_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o after_o many_o repulse_n will_v at_o last_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n into_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n a_o sermon_n of_o charity_n and_o alm_n act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a when_o almighty_a god_n design_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o pattern_n after_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o have_v likewise_o set_v before_o we_o a_o live_a pattern_n and_o a_o familiar_a example_n to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o go_v before_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n such_o be_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o man_n that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v only_o give_v we_o a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o have_v send_v a_o great_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o declare_v and_o interpret_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o fulfil_v that_o law_n himself_o the_o observation_n whereof_o he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o bare_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o very_a dead_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o live_a example_n which_o show_v we_o the_o possibility_n and_o practicableness_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o religion_n indeed_o do_v always_o consist_v in_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o resemblance_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v but_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o now_o with_o much_o great_a ease_n and_o advantage_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o how_o man_n may_v become_v like_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v so_o long_o and_o familiar_o with_o mankind_n that_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n he_o may_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o all_o that_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o nothing_o like_a the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o in_o be_v and_o do_v good_a so_o be_v he_o in_o nothing_o a_o fit_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n than_o in_o that_o excellent_a character_n give_v of_o he_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o which_o word_n two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o our_o saviour_n great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o do_v good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o employ_v himself_o in_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n this_o refer_v more_o especial_o to_o his_o heal_v the_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n god_n anoint_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n intimate_v to_o we_o by_o this_o instance_n of_o his_o do_v good_a that_o he_o who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o rescue_v man_n body_n from_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v their_o soul_n remain_v under_o his_o tyranny_n but_o though_o the_o text_n instance_v only_o in_o one_o particular_a yet_o this_o general_a expression_n of_o do_v good_a comprehend_v all_o those_o several_a way_n whereby_o he_o be_v beneficial_a to_o mankind_n second_o here_o be_v his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o this_o work_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o both_o these_o particular_n i._o his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o do_v good_a
and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v hereafter_o live_v godly_a righteous_a and_o sober_a life_n do_v not_o we_o seek_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n when_o we_o continual_o beg_v of_o he_o to_o save_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n indeed_o we_o do_v thus_o seek_v he_o but_o we_o shall_v first_o turn_v to_o he_o otherwise_o if_o we_o hope_v our_o prayer_n will_v prevail_v with_o god_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o do_v but_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o our_o sin_n our_o very_a prayer_n will_v become_v sin_n and_o increase_v our_o guilt_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n can_v we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a for_o man_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n after_o this_o manner_n lord_n though_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o turn_v to_o thou_o yet_o we_o pray_v thou_o turn_v away_o thy_o anger_n from_o we_o though_o we_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n yet_o we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o thy_o mercy_n will_v forgive_v they_o give_v peace_n in_o our_o time_n o_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v pursue_v our_o lust_n secure_o and_o without_o disturbance_n deliver_v we_o we_o pray_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n that_o we_o may_v sin_v against_o thou_o without_o fear_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n will_v it_o not_o be_v horrible_a impudence_n and_o impiety_n to_o put_v up_o any_o such_o petition_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o this_o i_o fear_v be_v the_o most_o genuine_a interpretation_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o life_n compare_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v god_n may_v give_v we_o peace_n with_o our_o enemy_n but_o then_o he_o will_v find_v out_o some_o other_o way_n to_o punish_v we_o for_o if_o we_o still_o persist_v in_o our_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n in_o our_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a worship_n in_o our_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o abominable_a lust_n and_o horrid_a impiety_n what_o can_v we_o look_v for_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o until_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o escape_n nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sad_a presage_n of_o our_o ruin_n than_o not_o to_o be_v reform_v by_o those_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v upon_o we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o bring_v final_a destruction_n upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n that_o they_o have_v hold_v out_o so_o obstinate_o against_o so_o many_o judgement_n and_o have_v be_v harden_v under_o ten_o plague_n to_o be_v impenitent_a after_o such_o severe_a correction_n be_v to_o poison_v ourselves_o with_o that_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o physic_n and_o by_o a_o miraculous_a kind_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o turn_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n into_o serpent_n and_o now_o perhaps_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v thing_n fit_a for_o man_n of_o our_o profession_n because_o it_o be_v our_o trade_n and_o we_o live_v by_o it_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o thing_n very_o fit_a to_o be_v say_v and_o withal_o very_o fit_a for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o who_o own_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o another_o world_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o where_o be_v the_o fault_n be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a profession_n of_o man_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o tell_v man_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o reform_v no_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o that_o neither_o be_v it_o then_o that_o they_o live_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o yet_o will_v be_v believe_v yes_o there_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a return_n this_o answer_n that_o man_n do_v not_o argue_v thus_o in_o other_o case_n where_o yet_o the_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v their_o body_n and_o estate_n the_o physician_n and_o the_o lawyer_n be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v very_o think_v that_o they_o live_v by_o their_o profession_n as_o well_o as_o we_o why_o then_o shall_v man_n deal_v so_o partial_o and_o unequal_o only_a with_o their_o soul_n be_v we_o not_o move_v by_o better_a principle_n and_o sway_v by_o the_o argument_n and_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n we_o may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o sleep_v on_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v ourselves_o in_o these_o matter_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o gravity_n and_o confidence_n cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n and_o flatter_v man_n with_o as_o much_o art_n and_o with_o as_o good_a a_o grace_n as_o any_o of_o those_o can_v do_v who_o live_v delicate_o and_o wear_v soft_a clothing_n but_o we_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o do_v we_o speak_v we_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o we_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n and_o o_o that_o we_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n and_o to_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n that_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o then_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n that_o we_o perish_v not_o the_o good_a god_n make_v we_o all_o wise_a to_o know_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o turn_v to_o he_o that_o have_v smite_v we_o by_o repentance_n and_o real_a reformation_n of_o our_o life_n that_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o and_o to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n for_o our_o deliverance_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v of_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n in_o lent_n 1671._o heb._n iii_o 13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o many_o consideration_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o sin_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o considerable_a that_o he_o that_o once_o engage_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o proceed_v in_o it_o be_v insensible_o train_v on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o so_o that_o the_o far_o he_o advance_v his_o retreat_n grow_v more_o difficult_a because_o he_o be_v still_o push_v on_o with_o a_o great_a violence_n all_o error_n as_o well_o of_o practice_v as_o of_o judgement_n be_v endless_a and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o far_o he_o shall_v go_v on_o the_o hard_a he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o return_v into_o the_o right_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v often_o caution_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v warn_v to_o break_v it_o off_o present_o and_o without_o delay_n lest_o by_o degree_n they_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n till_o their_o case_n grow_v desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n here_o in_o the_o text_n exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v 1._o endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o grow_a danger_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o what_o step_n and_o degree_n bad_a habit_n do_v insensible_o gain_v upon_o man_n and_o harden_v they_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n 2._o i_o shall_v from_o this_o consideration_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v what_o great_a reason_n and_o need_v there_o be_v to_o warn_v man_n of_o this_o danger_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rescue_v they_o out_o of_o it_o and_o then_o 3._o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o duty_n here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o exhort_v man_n with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n to_o resist_v the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n or_o if_o they_o be_v already_o enter_v upon_o a_o wicked_a course_n to_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o this_o dangerous_a state_n lest_o
that_o we_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o according_a to_o the_o primitive_a intention_n of_o our_o be_v be_v most_o natural_a for_o whatever_o be_v natural_a be_v pleasant_a now_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o every_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o religion_n teach_v we_o be_v thing_n reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o what_o god_n when_o he_o make_v we_o intend_v we_o shall_v do_v and_o a_o man_n be_v then_o please_v with_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o action_n when_o he_o do_v what_o he_o be_v convince_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v then_o offend_v with_o himself_o when_o he_o go_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n by_o neglect_v his_o duty_n or_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o than_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o and_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o be_v uneasy_a and_o put_v he_o into_o disorder_n as_o when_o a_o man_n eat_v or_o drink_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unwholesome_a it_o offend_v his_o stomach_n and_o put_v his_o body_n into_o a_o unnatural_a and_o a_o restless_a state_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o at_o rest_n and_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o nature_n intend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o be_v violent_o force_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o quiet_a till_o it_o recover_v it_o again_o now_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o virtue_n be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o condition_n to_o which_o god_n design_v it_o as_o god_n make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o all_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v then_o in_o health_n when_o we_o be_v what_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o be_v and_o do_v what_o they_o command_v we_o to_o do_v and_o as_o we_o find_v a_o unexpressible_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n when_o our_o body_n be_v in_o its_o perfect_a state_n of_o health_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a every_o distemper_n cause_v pain_n and_o uneasiness_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n when_o religion_n govern_v all_o our_o inclination_n and_o action_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o all_o be_v at_o peace_n but_o when_o we_o be_v otherwise_o and_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a practice_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n so_o long_o as_o we_o act_v unreasonable_o and_o do_v those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o necessary_o create_v trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o ourselves_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o be_v at_o ease_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o sick_a and_o disease_a condition_n till_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v wrought_v out_o our_o spirit_n will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o fermentation_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o enjoy_v the_o peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n he_o may_v use_v what_o art_n of_o diversion_n he_o will_v and_o change_v from_o one_o place_n and_o posture_n to_o another_o but_o still_o he_o be_v restless_a because_o there_o be_v that_o within_o he_o which_o give_v he_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a such_o man_n may_v dissemble_v their_o condition_n and_o put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o appearance_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o contentment_n but_o god_n who_o see_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n know_v it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a 2._o another_o ground_n of_o peace_n which_o the_o religious_a man_n have_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v god_n his_o friend_n now_o friendship_n be_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n both_o it_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o that_o be_v a_o double_a pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o great_a the_o pleasure_n of_o love_a god_n or_o of_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o now_o whoever_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n may_v rest_v perfect_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v no_o displeasure_n against_o he_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n shall_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v favourable_a to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o hate_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o in_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o and_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o favour_n we_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o may_v say_v with_o david_n return_v then_o unto_o thy_o rest_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o light_n and_o my_o salvation_n who_o shall_v i_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o life_n of_o who_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a what_o can_v reasonable_o trouble_v or_o discontent_n that_o man_n who_o have_v make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a friend_n and_o can_v be_v the_o sore_a and_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o by_o be_v religious_a we_o do_v most_o effectual_o consult_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o this_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o live_v pious_o and_o virtuous_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o so_o do_v maintain_v the_o present_a peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o religion_n give_v a_o man_n the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o all_o pleasure_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o present_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n also_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a good_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o last_a good_a it_o will_v support_v a_o man_n under_o a_o great_a many_o present_a evil_n if_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o last_o we_o may_v content_o bear_v a_o great_a many_o affliction_n for_o its_o sake_n for_o though_o all_o suffering_n be_v grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o escape_v great_a danger_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o mighty_a good_a though_o it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n to_o ourselves_o and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n if_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o get_v thither_o it_o will_v be_v a_o new_a and_o a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o we_o to_o remember_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n whereby_o we_o be_v save_v and_o make_v happy_a so_o that_o all_o these_o put_v together_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o very_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o act_v reasonable_o though_o there_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o do_v not_o only_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v but_o likewise_o please_v he_o who_o favour_n be_v better_a than_o life_n and_o who_o frown_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o death_n when_o in_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o direct_o promote_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n do_v most_o effectual_o serve_v our_o own_o interest_n what_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o minister_v more_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n three_o the_o reflection_n upon_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v afterward_o yield_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o what_o can_v commend_v religion_n more_o to_o we_o than_o that_o the_o remembrance_n of_o any_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a action_n give_v we_o so_o much_o contentment_n and_o delight_n so_o that_o whatever_o difficulty_n and_o reluctancy_n we_o may_v find_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o look_a back_n upon_o it_o no_o man_n ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o with_o regret_n for_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o man_n for_o have_v live_v sober_o or_o righteous_o or_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o conscience_n
iniquity_n testify_v against_o thou_o to_o thy_o very_a face_n how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n when_o thy_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n thy_o impiety_n to_o god_n and_o thy_o injury_n to_o man_n have_v be_v so_o many_o how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n when_o thy_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o continue_a contempt_n and_o provocation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o a_o perpetual_a violence_n and_o affront_n to_o the_o light_n and_o reason_n of_o thy_o own_o mind_n therefore_o whatever_o temptation_n there_o may_v be_v in_o sin_n at_o a_o distance_n whatever_o pleasure_n in_o the_o act_n and_o commission_n of_o it_o yet_o remember_v that_o it_o always_o go_v off_o with_o trouble_n and_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n those_o word_n of_o solomon_n have_v a_o terrible_a sting_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n this_o one_o think_v which_o will_v very_o often_o unavoidable_o break_v into_o our_o mind_n that_o god_n will_v bring_v we_o into_o judgement_n be_v enough_o to_o dash_v all_o our_o contentment_n and_o to_o spoil_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n never_o expect_v to_o be_v quiet_a in_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o thyself_o till_o thou_o live_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a life_n and_o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a as_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v every_o man_n conscience_n on_o my_o side_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v true_a let_v we_o venture_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o happy_a that_o be_v to_o be_v religious_a let_v we_o resolve_v to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o avoid_v the_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n and_o will_v not_o be_v perpetual_o uneasy_a to_o ourselves_o grant_v we_o beseech_v thou_o almighty_a god_n that_o we_o may_v every_o one_o of_o we_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v we_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o we_o always_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 26_o the_o 1674_o 5._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 26_o the_o 1674_o 5._o psal._n cxix_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n the_o two_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n be_v infidelity_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n some_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o least_o have_v by_o argue_v against_o they_o render_v they_o so_o doubtful_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o take_v away_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o but_o these_o be_v but_o a_o ve-very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o consider_v these_o thing_n for_o most_o man_n take_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o never_o entertain_v any_o considerable_a doubt_n in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o never_o attend_v to_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a consequence_n of_o these_o principle_n nor_o apply_v they_o to_o their_o own_o case_n they_o never_o serious_o consider_v the_o notorious_a inconsistency_n of_o their_o life_n with_o this_o belief_n and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v who_o be_v very_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o consider_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n can_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o affront_v he_o by_o a_o wicked_a life_n no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n and_o consider_v withal_o that_o one_o of_o these_o shall_v certain_o be_v his_o portion_n according_a as_o he_o demean_v himself_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v think_v it_o indifferent_a what_o course_n he_o take_v man_n may_v thrust_v away_o these_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o no_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o matter_n can_v possible_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evil_n of_o man_n life_n will_v be_v cure_v if_o they_o will_v but_o once_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n they_o will_v see_v so_o plain_a reason_n and_o so_o urgent_a a_o necessity_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o this_o course_n david_n take_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o he_o find_v the_o happy_a success_n of_o it_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n considerable_a i._o the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n ii_o the_o success_n of_o this_o course_n it_o produce_v actual_a and_o speedy_a reformation_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o commandment_n these_o be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n which_o when_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v myself_o and_o you_o to_o take_v the_o same_o course_n which_o david_n here_o do_v and_o god_n grant_v that_o it_o may_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o course_n which_o david_n here_o take_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v in_o our_o old_a translation_n i_o call_v i_o own_o way_n to_o remembrance_n and_o this_o may_v either_o signify_v a_o general_a survey_n and_o examination_n of_o his_o life_n respect_v indifferent_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o it_o or_o else_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a it_o may_v special_o refer_v to_o the_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o call_v my_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n neither_o of_o these_o sense_n can_v be_v much_o amiss_o in_o order_n to_o the_o effect_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v reasonable_o be_v exclude_v though_o i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v upon_o the_o late_a 1._o this_o think_v of_o our_o way_n may_v signify_v a_o general_a survey_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o life_n respect_v indifferent_o our_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n for_o way_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a word_n denote_v the_o course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n that_o be_v i_o examine_v my_o life_n and_o call_v myself_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o the_o action_n of_o it_o i_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o i_o have_v obey_v that_o law_n or_o offend_v against_o it_o how_o much_o evil_a i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o how_o little_a good_a i_o have_v do_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o i_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o true_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o discern_v how_o many_o and_o great_a my_o fault_n and_o defect_n be_v i_o may_v amend_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o my_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o excellent_a use_n for_o man_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o account_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o they_o pythagoras_n or_o
and_o outward_a expression_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o sin_n be_v the_o stain_n and_o blemish_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o reproach_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o disease_n and_o the_o deformity_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o peace_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_n that_o whenever_o we_o do_v a_o wicked_a action_n we_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o our_o plain_a and_o true_a interest_n and_o to_o the_o strong_a tie_n and_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o gratitude_n and_o which_o render_v it_o yet_o more_o unreasonable_a sin_n be_v a_o voluntary_a evil_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o other_o evil_n may_v be_v force_v upon_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o a_o man_n may_v be_v poor_a or_o sick_a by_o misfortune_n but_o no_o man_n be_v wicked_a and_o vicious_a but_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n how_o do_v we_o betray_v our_o folly_n and_o weakness_n by_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o every_o foolish_a lust_n and_o passion_n to_o do_v thing_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v prejudicial_a and_o hurtful_a to_o ourselves_o and_o so_o base_a and_o unworthy_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v they_o not_o only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o even_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n so_o that_o if_o sin_n be_v follow_v with_o no_o other_o punishment_n beside_o the_o guilt_n of_o have_v do_v a_o shameful_a thing_n a_o man_n will_v not_o by_o intemperance_n make_v himself_o a_o fool_n and_o a_o beast_n one_o will_v not_o be_v false_a and_o unjust_a treacherous_a or_o unthankful_a if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o mere_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o very_a reverence_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o let_v witty_a man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o vice_n there_o be_v so_o many_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o evil_a and_o unreasonableness_n of_o sin_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v pass_v all_o denial_n man_n be_v general_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o evil_a action_n both_o before_o and_o after_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o crime_n and_o hearty_o vex_v and_o provoke_v whenever_o they_o be_v upbraid_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v always_o bad_a and_o vice_n have_v ever_o have_v more_o servant_n and_o follower_n to_o cry_v it_o up_o yet_o never_o be_v there_o any_o age_n so_o degenerate_a in_o which_o vice_n can_v get_v the_o better_a of_o virtue_n in_o point_n of_o general_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n even_o they_o who_o will_n have_v be_v most_o enslave_v to_o sin_n can_v never_o yet_o so_o far_o bribe_v and_o corrupt_v their_o understanding_n as_o to_o make_v they_o give_v full_a approbation_n to_o it_o 4._o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o fearful_a and_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o be_v so_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a and_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o so_o evident_a and_o so_o perpetual_o threaten_v we_o that_o no_o temptation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v a_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o venture_v upon_o they_o a_o principal_a point_n of_o wisdom_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o also_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o balance_v they_o one_o against_o the_o other_o now_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n miserable_a it_o certain_o cause_v trouble_v and_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n and_o to_o a_o considerate_a man_n that_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n against_o sin_n than_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o forsake_v of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o find_v rest_n to_o our_o soul_n beside_o this_o every_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o particular_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o make_v it_o even_o in_o this_o life_n a_o punishment_n to_o itself_o and_o common_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o just_a judgement_n upon_o sinner_n strike_v in_o to_o heighten_v the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n this_o we_o have_v represent_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n his_o riotous_a course_n of_o life_n do_v natural_o and_o of_o itself_o bring_v he_o to_o want_v but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n likewise_o concur_v to_o render_v his_o condition_n more_o miserable_a at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o the_o land_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o want_v wherewithal_o to_o supply_v himself_o but_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o hope_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o abundance_n and_o superfluity_n of_o other_o sin_n bring_v many_o misery_n upon_o we_o and_o god_n many_o time_n send_v more_o and_o great_a than_o sin_n bring_v and_o the_o further_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n the_o more_o misery_n and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o involve_v ourselves_o in_o but_o all_o these_o be_v but_o light_n and_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o dreadful_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n to_o the_o danger_n whereof_o every_o man_n that_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n do_v every_o moment_n expose_v himself_o so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v conquer_v shame_n and_o have_v stupidity_n enough_o to_o bear_v the_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n of_o our_o vice_n and_o the_o upbraid_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o they_o and_o the_o temporal_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o though_o for_o the_o present_a gratify_n of_o our_o lust_n we_o can_v brook_v and_o dispense_v with_o all_o these_o yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o end_n and_o issue_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n be_v a_o invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o and_o never_o to_o be_v answer_v though_o the_o violence_n of_o our_o sensual_a appetity_n and_o inclination_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v down_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n whatsoever_o yet_o methinks_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n shall_v lie_v near_o our_o heart_n the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n shall_v mighty_o amaze_v and_o startle_v we_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n and_o the_o dismal_a thought_n of_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o shall_v effectual_o discourage_v any_o man_n from_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o this_o danger_n continual_o threaten_v the_o sinner_n and_o may_v if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a to_o he_o happen_v to_o surprise_v he_o the_o next_o moment_n and_o can_v we_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n to_o fly_v from_o so_o great_a and_o apparent_a a_o danger_n when_o will_v we_o think_v of_o save_v ourselves_o if_o not_o when_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v we_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o ruin_n and_o just_o ready_a to_o drop_v into_o destruction_n 5._o upon_o this_o natural_o follow_v a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o quit_v this_o wicked_a course_n and_o necessity_n be_v always_o a_o powerful_a and_o overrule_a argument_n and_o do_v rather_o compel_v than_o persuade_v and_o after_o it_o be_v once_o evident_a leaf_n no_o place_n for_o further_a deliberation_n and_o the_o great_a the_o necessity_n be_v it_o be_v still_o the_o more_o cogent_a argument_n for_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a be_v so_o in_o order_n to_o some_o end_n and_o the_o great_a the_o end_n the_o great_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o mean_n without_o which_o that_o end_n can_v be_v obtain_v now_o the_o chief_a and_o last_o end_n of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v happiness_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o have_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o rational_a and_o moral_a necessity_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o happiness_n till_o we_o have_v leave_v our_o sin_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o though_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o this_o necessity_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o always_o enforce_v a_o present_a change_n because_o man_n hope_v they_o may_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o remedy_n all_o at_o last_o by_o repentance_n but_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o hazard_n in_o all_o respect_n that_o there_o be_v no_o venture_v upon_o it_o and_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n wise_a man_n will_v run_v no_o hazard_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o david_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o danger_n that_o he_o will_v not_o
inclination_n and_o appetite_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o future_a consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o of_o a_o present_a and_o sensible_a danger_n like_o brute_n creature_n who_o fear_v no_o evil_n but_o what_o be_v in_o view_n and_o just_o ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o they_o whereas_o to_o a_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a man_n a_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o reversion_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o true_a a_o estimation_n proportionable_o to_o the_o greatness_n and_o distance_n of_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o present_a and_o what_o do_v we_o think_v have_v god_n give_v we_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o but_o to_o foresee_v evil_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o to_o prevent_v they_o to_o provide_v for_o our_o future_a security_n and_o happiness_n to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n our_o maker_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n but_o to_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o make_v most_o for_o our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o what_o against_o it_o what_o can_v a_o beast_n do_v worse_o than_o to_o act_v without_o any_o consideration_n and_o design_n than_o to_o pursue_v his_o present_a inclination_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o true_a danger_n the_o most_o dull_a and_o stupid_a of_o all_o the_o brute_n creature_n can_v hardly_o exercise_v less_o reason_n than_o this_o come_v to_o so_o that_o for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o consider_v his_o way_n be_v to_o the_o very_o best_a intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v 2._o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o consideration_n the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v he_o bear_v long_o with_o we_o and_o delay_n the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o execute_v judgement_n speedy_o because_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o surprise_v man_n into_o destruction_n because_o he_o will_v give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o second_o thought_n time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o reason_n themselves_o into_o repentance_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o his_o patience_n turn_v into_o fury_n and_o he_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v 3._o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o we_o must_v all_o come_v to_o one_o time_n or_o other_o time_n will_v come_v when_o we_o shall_v consider_v and_o can_v help_v it_o when_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o divert_v our_o thought_n from_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o so_o loath_a to_o think_v upon_o our_o conscience_n will_v take_v their_o opportunity_n to_o bring_v our_o way_n to_o remembrance_n when_o some_o great_a calamity_n or_o affliction_n be_v upon_o we_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o very_a last_o extremity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v for_o hunger_n than_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v than_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o our_o way_n with_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n enough_o and_o how_o glad_a will_v we_o then_o be_v that_o we_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v they_o and_o perhaps_o while_o we_o be_v wish_v for_o more_o time_n eternity_n will_v swallow_v we_o up_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o other_o world_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n will_v consist_v in_o furious_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o and_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o rich_a voluptuous_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o in_o hell_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n be_v in_o torment_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o consider_v and_o bethink_v himself_o till_o that_o time_n but_o alas_o it_o will_v then_o be_v too_o late_o to_o consider_v for_o then_o consideration_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o aggravate_v our_o misery_n and_o to_o multiply_v our_o sting_n and_o to_o give_v new_a life_n and_o rage_n to_o those_o vulture_n which_o will_v perpetual_o prey_v upon_o our_o heart_n but_o how_o much_o a_o wise_a course_n will_v it_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o think_v of_o they_o while_o we_o may_v redress_v they_o and_o avoid_v the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o they_o than_o when_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n and_o now_o what_o can_v i_o say_v more_o to_o persuade_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o a_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o way_n we_o be_v general_o apt_a to_o busy_v ourselves_o in_o observe_v the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o be_v forward_o to_o mark_v and_o censure_v the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o other_o man_n but_o how_o few_o descend_v into_o themselves_o and_o turn_v their_o eye_n inward_a and_o say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o antoninus_n the_o great_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o unhappy_a for_o not_o pry_v into_o the_o action_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o man_n but_o that_o man_n be_v necessary_o unhappy_a who_o do_v not_o observe_v himself_o and_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n this_o be_v our_o proper_a work_n and_o now_o be_v a_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o set_v apart_o a_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o and_o for_o a_o serious_a review_n of_o our_o life_n in_o order_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o reform_v and_o amendment_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o and_o though_o we_o will_v venture_v to_o dissemble_v with_o man_n yet_o let_v we_o not_o dissemble_v with_o god_n also_o for_o shall_v not_o he_o that_o ponder_v the_o heart_n consider_v it_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v thy_o soul_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o very_a unpleasant_a work_n which_o i_o be_o now_o put_v you_o upon_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o man_n be_v general_o so_o backward_o to_o it_o because_o it_o will_v of_o necessity_n give_v some_o present_a disturbance_n to_o their_o mind_n they_o who_o life_n have_v be_v very_o vicious_a be_v so_o odious_a a_o sight_n so_o horrid_a a_o spectacle_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o way_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o hate_v consideration_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v to_o it_o as_o the_o evil_a spirit_n do_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o our_o saviour_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o be_v thou_o come_v to_o torment_v i_o before_o the_o time_n but_o let_v not_o this_o affright_v we_o from_o it_o for_o whatever_o trouble_n it_o may_v cause_v at_o present_a it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v the_o anguish_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o eternity_n the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n be_v of_o huge_a moment_n and_o importance_n they_o do_v not_o concern_v your_o body_n and_o estate_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o true_o yourselves_o your_o immortal_a soul_n the_o dear_a and_o most_o durable_a part_n of_o yourselves_o and_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o forever_o let_v i_o therefore_o bespeak_v your_o most_o serious_a regard_n to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o he_o have_v set_v the_o law_n of_o god_n before_o they_o togeher_n with_o the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o the_o terrible_a curse_n threaten_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o deut._n 32.46_o set_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v to_o you_o this_o day_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n because_o it_o be_v your_o life_n your_o life_n your_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o beside_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o interest_n which_o methinks_v every_o man_n out_o of_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o dread_a of_o be_v miserable_a shall_v be_v forward_o enough_o to_o consider_v be_v please_v likewise_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o influence_n of_o your_o example_n upon_o other_o i_o speak_v now_o to_o a_o great_a many_o person_n the_o eminence_n of_o who_o rank_n and_o quality_n render_v their_o example_n so_o powerful_a as_o to_o be_v able_a almost_o to_o give_v authority_n either_o to_o
tarry_v 6._o last_o consider_v what_o a_o unspeakable_a happiness_n it_o be_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n settle_v in_o that_o condition_n that_o we_o may_v without_o fear_n and_o amazement_n nay_o with_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n expect_v death_n and_o judgement_n death_n be_v never_o far_o from_o any_o of_o we_o and_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v near_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n and_o these_o be_v two_o terrible_a thing_n and_o nothing_o can_v free_v we_o from_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o but_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v either_o by_o innocence_n or_o by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n happy_a man_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v at_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o with_o himself_o and_o can_v think_v of_o death_n and_o judgement_n without_o dread_n and_o astonishment_n for_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v sin_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n only_o concern_v those_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o and_o impenitent_o and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v neither_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o have_v true_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o death_n and_o judgement_n the_o great_a matter_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n will_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o we_o for_o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v let_v we_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v put_v ourselves_o into_o this_o posture_n and_o preparation_n according_a to_o that_o advice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n luke_n 12.35_o 36_o let_v your_o loin_n be_v gird_v about_o and_o your_o lamp_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v that_o enough_o have_v be_v say_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n of_o these_o delay_n nay_o i_o believe_v most_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o that_o their_o conscience_n call_v they_o fool_n a_o thousand_o time_n for_o it_o but_o o_o that_o i_o know_v what_o to_o say_v that_o may_v prevail_v with_o man_n and_o effectual_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o be_v so_o abundant_o convince_v be_v so_o necessary_a and_o here_o i_o may_v address_v myself_o to_o the_o several_a age_n of_o person_n you_o that_o be_v young_a and_o have_v hitherto_o be_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n innocent_a may_v prevent_v the_o devil_n and_o by_o a_o early_a piety_n give_v god_n the_o first_o possession_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n never_o be_v put_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o great_a and_o solemn_a a_o repentance_n have_v never_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o a_o wicked_a life_n you_o may_v do_v a_o glorious_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o meritorious_a thing_n in_o cleave_v steadfast_o to_o god_n and_o resolve_v to_o serve_v he_o when_o you_o be_v so_o importunate_o court_v and_o so_o hot_o assault_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n however_o you_o may_v not_o live_v to_o be_v old_a therefore_o upon_o that_o consideration_n begin_v the_o work_n present_o and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o opportunity_n that_o be_v now_o in_o your_o hand_n you_o that_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o be_v in_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o your_o age_n you_o be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o the_o heat_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o youth_n be_v now_o past_a and_o go_v that_o reason_n and_o consideration_n be_v now_o in_o their_o perfection_n and_o strength_n that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a age_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o wisdom_n and_o wariness_n so_o that_o now_o be_v the_o proper_a time_n for_o you_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o wise_o to_o secure_v your_o future_a happiness_n as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v old_a they_o methinks_v shall_v need_v no_o body_n to_o admonish_v they_o that_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a life_n and_o that_o the_o time_n pass_v of_o their_o life_n be_v too_o much_o to_o have_v spend_v in_o sin_n and_o folly_n there_o be_v no_o trifle_v where_o man_n have_v a_o great_a work_n to_o do_v and_o but_o little_a time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o your_o sun_n be_v certain_o go_v down_o and_o near_o its_o set_n therefore_o you_o shall_v quicken_v your_o pace_n consider_v that_o your_o journey_n be_v never_o the_o short_a because_o you_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o perform_v it_o in_o alas_o man_n thou_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o have_v thou_o not_o yet_o begin_v to_o live_v be_v thy_o passion_n and_o lust_n yet_o unsubdued_a and_o have_v they_o have_v no_o other_o mortification_n than_o what_o age_n have_v give_v they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o in_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o old_a age_n many_o man_n be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v still_o a_o thousand_o year_n to_o live_v and_o make_v no_o preparation_n for_o death_n though_o it_o dog_v they_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o be_v just_o come_v up_o to_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o give_v they_o the_o fatal_a stroke_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o put_v off_o this_o necessary_a work_n of_o reform_v ourselves_o in_o what_o part_n and_o age_n of_o our_o life_n soever_o we_o be_v to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o decitfulness_n of_o sin_n nay_o to_o day_n be_v with_o the_o late_a to_o begin_v this_o work_n have_v we_o be_v wise_a we_o will_v have_v begin_v it_o soon_o it_o be_v god_n infinite_a mercy_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o too_o late_o that_o the_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n be_v not_o quite_o expire_v and_o the_o door_n shut_v against_o we_o therefore_o do_v not_o defer_v your_o repentance_n to_o the_o next_o solemn_a time_n to_o the_o next_o occasion_n of_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n do_v not_o say_v i_o will_v then_o reform_v and_o become_v a_o new_a man_n after_o that_o i_o will_v take_v leave_n of_o my_o lust_n and_o sin_n no_o more_o for_o let_v we_o make_v what_o haste_n we_o can_v we_o can_v possible_o make_v too_o much_o properat_fw-la vivere_fw-la nemo_fw-la satis_fw-la no_o man_n make_v haste_n enough_o to_o be_v good_a to_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o to_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o be_v as_o quick_a as_o we_o will_v life_n will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o we_o and_o go_v on_o fast_o than_o our_o work_n do_v and_o death_n will_v go_v nigh_o to_o prevent_v we_o and_o surprise_v we_o unaware_o do_v do_v sinner_n abuse_n and_o neglect_v thyself_o yet_o a_o little_a while_n long_o till_o the_o time_n of_o regard_v thy_o soul_n and_o work_v out_o thy_o own_o salvation_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o mind_v that_o great_a concernment_n be_v slip_v out_o of_o thy_o hand_n never_o to_o be_v recover_v never_o to_o be_v call_v back_o again_o no_o not_o by_o thy_o most_o earnest_a wish_n and_o desire_n by_o thy_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o thou_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o profane_a esau_n who_o for_o once_o despise_v the_o blessing_n lose_v it_o for_o ever_o and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n to_o conclude_v be_v thou_o convince_v that_o thy_o eternal_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o follow_v the_o advice_n which_o have_v now_o be_v give_v thou_o why_o then_o do_v but_o behave_v thyself_o in_o this_o case_n as_o thou_o and_o all_o prudent_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o matter_n which_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o far_o less_o concernment_n if_o a_o man_n be_v travel_v to_o such_o a_o place_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o way_n he_o present_o stop_v and_o make_v towards_o the_o right_a way_n and_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o go_v wrong_a any_o far_o if_o a_o man_n be_v sick_a he_o will_v be_v well_o present_o if_o he_o can_v and_o not_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o future_a most_o man_n will_v glad_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n that_o present_v itself_o of_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a every_o man_n almost_o catch_v at_o the_o very_a first_o offer_v of_o a_o great_a place_n or_o a_o good_a purchase_n and_o secure_v they_o present_o if_o he_o can_v lest_o the_o opportunity_n be_v go_v and_o another_o snatch_v these_o thing_n from_o he_o do_v thou_o thus_o so_o much_o more_o in_o matter_n so_o much_o great_a return_v
and_o the_o cause_n of_o sudden_a joy_n and_o transport_v another_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o goodness_n may_v in_o itself_o be_v more_o valuable_a and_o yet_o repentance_n after_o a_o great_a fall_n and_o long_a wander_n may_v be_v much_o more_o move_a and_o surprise_v for_o where_o thing_n be_v constant_a and_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n they_o be_v not_o apt_a in_o their_o nature_n to_o give_v any_o new_a and_o sudden_a occasion_n of_o joy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n where_o the_o father_n tell_v his_o elder_a son_n who_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o joyful_a reception_n and_o welcome_n of_o his_o prodigal_a brother_n that_o he_o have_v be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o constant_a duty_n and_o obedience_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o acceptable_a and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o nor_o shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o other_o son_n after_o he_o have_v give_v over_o all_o hope_n of_o he_o and_o look_v upon_o his_o case_n as_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o marvellous_a surprise_n and_o a_o happiness_n beyond_o expectation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v merry_a and_o be_v glad_a for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v his_o elder_a son_n continuance_n in_o his_o duty_n be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o have_v always_o have_v but_o the_o return_n of_o his_o prodigal_a son_n be_v the_o retrieve_v of_o what_o he_o have_v give_v up_o for_o lose_v and_o a_o kind_n of_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n represent_v god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n do_v conceive_v such_o a_o joy_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o earthly_a parent_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v upon_o the_o return_n of_o a_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a son_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o duty_n have_v thus_o as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v explain_v the_o several_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o deduce_v some_o inference_n from_o it_o and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o first_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n here_o below_o because_o they_o be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o be_v speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o angel_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v what_o be_v more_o general_o say_v in_o the_o text_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n with_o what_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o 10_o the_o verse_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v now_o whether_o the_o angel_n come_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n here_o below_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o in_o their_o continual_a intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bring_v to_o their_o fellow-servant_n in_o heaven_n the_o joyful_a news_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n upon_o earth_n or_o whether_o god_n be_v please_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n extreme_o welcome_a and_o delightful_a to_o good_a spirit_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a to_o inquire_v so_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v however_o it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v such_o a_o universal_a knowledge_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o affair_n as_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n and_o warrant_v to_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o yea_o or_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o we_o no_o though_o this_o be_v do_v without_o any_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o invocation_n for_o they_o may_v very_o well_o know_v some_o thing_n concern_v we_o wherein_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n be_v likewise_o concern_v and_o yet_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o affair_n this_o one_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_o they_o know_v because_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o no_o more_o and_o there_o be_v neither_o equal_a reason_n for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o our_o other_o concernment_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o revelation_n in_o scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2._o second_o if_o god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n so_o shall_v we_o too_o and_o not_o fret_v and_o murmur_v as_o the_o pharisee_n here_o do_v this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a man_n to_o regret_n and_o envy_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o other_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o grief_n and_o vexation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n of_o evil_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a man_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n delight_v in_o destroy_a soul_n and_o go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o no_o doubt_n he_o be_v in_o great_a rage_n and_o gnash_v out_o of_o very_a discontent_n when_o at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o hope_n and_o the_o prey_n which_o he_o think_v himself_o sure_a of_o be_v snatch_v out_o of_o his_o jaw_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o bad_a man_n they_o do_v persecute_v those_o that_o forsake_v they_o and_o their_o wicked_a way_n and_o refuse_v any_o further_a to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n and_o this_o be_v no_o where_o more_o visible_a than_o among_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n how_o full_a of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n be_v they_o against_o those_o who_o out_o of_o pure_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n come_v over_o to_o we_o how_o do_v they_o persecute_v they_o with_o slander_n and_o reproach_n and_o with_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n so_o that_o many_o time_n they_o can_v scarce_o refrain_v from_o do_v they_o a_o real_a mischief_n even_o where_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o themselves_o to_o attempt_v it_o as_o if_o they_o envy_v they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o be_v save_v i_o know_v it_o be_v too_o natural_a to_o those_o of_o all_o communion_n to_o be_v eager_a and_o fierce_a against_o those_o that_o desert_n they_o and_o yet_o suppose_v they_o have_v the_o truth_n certain_o on_o their_o side_n which_o they_o can_v all_o have_v i_o see_v no_o great_a reason_n for_o this_o temper_n and_o carriage_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o cast_v away_o my_o patience_n and_o my_o charity_n because_o another_o man_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o where_o among_o mankind_n to_o have_v observe_v a_o more_o implacable_a malice_n a_o more_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a ill-will_n than_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v constant_o express_v towards_o those_o that_o forsake_v they_o nay_o though_o they_o give_v never_o so_o modest_a and_o reasonable_a a_o account_n of_o their_o change_n and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o old_a friend_n with_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o their_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n against_o they_o run_v so_o high_a that_o one_o may_v plain_o see_v they_o will_v soon_o forgive_v a_o man_n the_o great_a sin_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ten_o commandment_n than_o this_o one_o crime_n of_o leave_v their_o church_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n of_o grow_v wise_a and_o better_a 3._o three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v mighty_o inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o quicken_v our_o industry_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n for_o if_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o soul_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o good_a spirit_n what_o pain_n shall_v not_o we_o take_v in_o so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a a_o age_n as_o this_o of_o we_o where_o impenitent_a sinner_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v and_o the_o just_a be_v almost_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n indeed_o according_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a decency_n of_o all_o his_o parable_n put_v the_o case_n very_o
charitable_o and_o lay_v the_o supposition_n quite_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sinner_n in_o the_o world_n or_o but_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o yet_o we_o shall_v very_o zealous_o intend_v and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n the_o reduction_n of_o this_o one_o lose_v sheep_n and_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o this_o single_a wander_a soul_n be_v find_v and_o save_v but_o god_n know_v this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n but_o quite_o otherwise_o which_o shall_v quicken_v our_o endeavour_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o make_v we_o bestir_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a have_v always_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o admirable_a say_n of_o st._n james_n he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n he_o that_o know_v the_o value_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o perish_v everlasting_o can_v think_v no_o pain_n too_o much_o to_o take_v to_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n 4._o last_o what_o a_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n be_v here_o to_o repentance_n even_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n they_o i_o be_o sure_a stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o though_o they_o of_o all_o other_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o look_v for_o mercy_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v refuse_v though_o they_o be_v like_o the_o publican_n and_o heathen_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o only_o repute_v but_o many_o time_n real_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n though_o like_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v run_v away_o from_o their_o father_n and_o waste_v their_o estate_n in_o lewd_a and_o riotous_a course_n yet_o whenever_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o return_v to_o their_o father_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o folly_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o nay_o much_o more_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o than_o they_o can_v be_v to_o come_v to_o he_o for_o when_o the_o prodigal_n be_v but_o come_v towards_o his_o father_n and_o be_v yet_o afar_o off_o the_o father_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o embrace_v he_o with_o as_o much_o kindness_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v he_o and_o entertain_v he_o with_o more_o joy_n than_o if_o he_o have_v always_o continue_v with_o he_o how_o do_v the_o great_a god_n condescend_v to_o encourage_v our_o repentance_n represent_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o bless_a company_n of_o heaven_n as_o transport_v with_o joy_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o almost_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o repentance_n than_o even_o upon_o innocence_n itself_o and_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o have_v be_v so_o infinite_o offend_v and_o so_o high_o provoke_v by_o we_o beyond_o all_o patience_n be_v so_o ready_a so_o forward_o so_o glad_a to_o receive_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o hindrance_n no_o difficulty_n no_o discouragement_n on_o his_o part_n be_v it_o possible_a after_o all_o this_o that_o we_o can_v be_v such_o fool_n and_o such_o enemy_n to_o ourselves_o as_o to_o be_v backward_o to_o our_o own_o happiness_n all_o of_o we_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v too_o much_o cause_n for_o repentance_n and_o i_o fear_v too_o many_o of_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o that_o repentance_n intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o change_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n but_o i_o will_v not_o upbraid_v you_o with_o your_o fault_n have_v no_o design_n to_o provoke_v but_o only_o to_o persuade_v man_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o one_o conscience_n to_o tell_v he_o how_o great_a a_o sinner_n how_o grievous_a a_o offender_n he_o have_v be_v god_n know_v we_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o mention_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o only_o in_o their_o amendment_n and_o we_o will_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o without_o mind_v they_o how_o bad_a they_o have_v be_v persuade_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o be_v better_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a consideration_n to_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cheer_v and_o comfort_v our_o heart_n and_o quicken_v our_o zeal_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n to_o see_v some_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n that_o all_o our_o pain_n be_v not_o lose_v and_o that_o all_o the_o good_a counsel_n that_o be_v from_o hence_o tender_v to_o you_o be_v not_o like_a rain_n fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o shower_n upon_o the_o sand_n but_o i_o have_v much_o great_a consideration_n to_o offer_v to_o you_o that_o your_o repentance_n will_v at_o once_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o man_n that_o it_o be_v a_o return_v to_o a_o right_a mind_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o you_o to_o yourselves_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o peace_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v everlasting_o happy_a that_o it_o be_v to_o take_v pity_n upon_o yourselves_o and_o your_o poor_a immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o take_v due_a care_n to_o prevent_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v dread_v above_o all_o thing_n the_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o last_o of_o all_o that_o if_o you_o will_v not_o repent_v now_o the_o time_n will_v certain_o come_v and_o that_o perhaps_o in_o this_o life_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o great_a need_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o with_o miserable_a esau_n find_v no_o place_n for_o it_o though_o you_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n when_o you_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v shut_v against_o you_o and_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o other_o world_n you_o shall_v eternal_o repent_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o be_v continual_o lament_v your_o wretched_a condition_n without_o hope_n of_o remedy_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v without_o effect_n without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o our_o case_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n o_o the_o infinite_a patience_n and_o boundless_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n with_o what_o clemency_n have_v he_o spare_v we_o and_o suffer_v our_o manner_n thus_o long_o and_o with_o what_o kindness_n and_o concernment_n do_v he_o still_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o return_v to_o he_o as_o if_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v make_v he_o happy_a and_o not_o ourselves_o with_o what_o earnest_a long_n and_o desire_n do_v he_o wait_v and_o wish_v for_o our_o repentance_n say_v o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o o_o that_o they_o will_v hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v thus_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o patient_o attend_v and_o listen_v what_o effect_n his_o admonition_n and_o counsel_n his_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n will_v have_v upon_o sinner_n jer._n 8.6_o i_o hearken_v and_o i_o hear_v but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n and_o be_v not_o this_o our_o case_n god_n have_v long_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o once_o a_o year_n we_o solemn_o pretend_v to_o set_v about_o it_o but_o many_o of_o we_o hitherto_o i_o fear_v instead_o of_o return_v to_o god_n have_v but_o more_o blind_o and_o furious_o run_v on_o in_o our_o course_n like_o the_o horse_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n yea_o in_o this_o more_o brutish_a than_o the_o beast_n that_o he_o rush_v into_o the_o battle_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o death_n or_o danger_n and_o destroy_v himself_o without_o a_o syllogism_n but_o we_o sinner_n have_v reason_n and_o yet_o be_v mad_a the_o great_a part_n of_o evil-doer_n be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o convince_v that_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o they_o make_v a_o shift_n upon_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o to_o discourse_n and_o reason_n themselves_o into_o it_o but_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged-sword_n and_o come_v with_o a_o great_a weight_n and_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o any_o humane_a persuasion_n whatsoever_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o short_a and_o serious_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n consider_v and_o show_v yourselves_o man_n o_o you_o transgressor_n be_v instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o
converse_v to_o form_v they_o into_o the_o same_o disposition_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o live_a rule_n that_o teach_v man_n without_o trouble_n and_o let_v they_o see_v their_o fault_n without_o open_a reproof_n and_o upbraid_v beside_o that_o it_o add_v great_a weight_n to_o a_o man_n counsel_n and_o persuasion_n when_o we_o see_v that_o he_o advise_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o do_v nor_o exact_v any_o thing_n from_o other_o from_o which_o he_o himself_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v as_o on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v more_o cold_a and_o insignificant_a than_o good_a counsel_n from_o a_o bad_a man_n one_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v his_o own_o precept_n nor_o follow_v the_o advice_n which_o he_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o give_v to_o other_o these_o be_v the_o several_a way_n of_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n wherein_o we_o who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n aught_o in_o imitation_n of_o his_o example_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o according_a to_o our_o several_a capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o noble_a charity_n and_o the_o great_a kindness_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o excellent_a sense_n to_o give_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o set_v the_o prisoner_n at_o liberty_n to_o rescue_v man_n out_o of_o the_o sad_a slavery_n and_o captivity_n and_o to_o save_v soul_n from_o death_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o last_a and_o durable_a benefit_n because_o it_o be_v to_o do_v man_n good_a to_o all_o eternity_n 2._o the_o other_o way_n of_o be_v beneficial_a to_o other_o be_v by_o procure_v their_o temporal_a good_a and_o contribute_v to_o their_o happiness_n in_o this_o present_a life_n and_o this_o in_o subordination_n to_o our_o saviour_n great_a design_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o business_n and_o employment_n in_o this_o world_n he_o go_v about_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n and_o rescue_v the_o body_n of_o man_n from_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o we_o can_v be_v beneficial_a to_o man_n in_o that_o miraculous_a manner_n that_o he_o be_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v so_o in_o the_o use_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n we_o may_v comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o vindicate_v the_o oppress_v and_o do_v a_o great_a many_o act_n of_o charity_n which_o our_o saviour_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o poverty_n can_v not_o do_v without_o a_o miracle_n we_o may_v supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o minister_v to_o they_o such_o comfort_n and_o remedy_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o we_o may_v take_v a_o child_n that_o be_v poor_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o advantage_n of_o education_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o without_o any_o great_a expense_n put_v he_o into_o a_o way_n wherein_o by_o his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n he_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o considerable_a fortune_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v able_a afterward_o to_o relieve_v hundred_o of_o other_o man_n glory_n in_o raise_v great_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n and_o find_v a_o secret_a pleasure_n to_o see_v set_v of_o their_o own_o plant_n to_o grow_v up_o and_o flourish_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a work_n to_o build_v up_o a_o man_n and_o to_o see_v a_o youth_n of_o our_o own_o plant_n from_o the_o small_a beginning_n and_o advantage_n we_o have_v give_v he_o to_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o considerable_a fortune_n to_o take_v root_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o shoot_v up_o to_o such_o a_o height_n and_o spread_v his_o branch_n so_o wide_o that_o we_o who_o first_o plant_v he_o may_v ourselves_o find_v comfort_n and_o shelter_v under_o his_o shadow_n we_o may_v many_o time_n with_o a_o small_a liberality_n shore_n up_o a_o family_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v and_o struggle_v under_o such_o necessity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o support_v itself_o and_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o great_a as_o sometime_o our_o estate_n be_v we_o may_v do_v great_a and_o public_a work_n of_o a_o general_a and_o last_a advantage_n and_o for_o which_o many_o generation_n to_o come_v may_v call_v we_o bless_v and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o low_a condition_n may_v do_v great_a good_a to_o other_o by_o their_o prayer_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v as_o good_a as_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o the_o intercession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o all_o good_a man_n be_v be_v not_o vain_a wish_n but_o many_o time_n effectual_a to_o procure_v that_o good_a for_o other_o which_o their_o own_o endeavour_n can_v never_o have_v effect_v and_o bring_v about_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v to_o do_v good_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o second_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n our_o saviour_n diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o this_o work_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o life_n he_o travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o to_o seek_v out_o opportunity_n of_o be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n and_o this_o will_v full_o appear_v if_o we_o brief_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n first_o how_o unwearied_a our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v in_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o his_o only_a business_n and_o spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o it_o he_o be_v not_o only_o ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o those_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o give_v he_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o beseech_v he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o go_v himself_o from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o to_o seek_v out_o object_n to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n upon_o he_o go_v to_o those_o who_o can_v not_o and_o to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v write_v of_o he_o he_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v he_o be_v content_v to_o spend_v whole_a day_n in_o this_o work_n to_o live_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v almost_o perpetual_o oppress_v with_o company_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n be_v move_v at_o the_o rudeness_n of_o the_o people_n in_o press_v upon_o he_o he_o rebuke_v their_o impatience_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o do_v good_a make_v nothing_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v it_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o deny_v himself_o in_o the_o chief_a comfort_n and_o convenience_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o he_o may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o he_o neglect_v the_o ordinary_a refreshment_n of_o nature_n his_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o sleep_v that_o he_o may_v attend_v this_o work_n he_o be_v at_o every_o body_n be_v beck_n and_o disposal_n to_o do_v they_o good_a when_o he_o be_v do_v cure_n in_o one_o place_n he_o be_v send_v for_o to_o another_o and_o he_o either_o go_v or_o send_v heal_v to_o they_o and_o do_v by_o his_o word_n at_o a_o distance_n what_o he_o can_v not_o come_v in_o person_n to_o do_v nay_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o deny_v himself_o in_o one_o of_o the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n his_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n he_o be_v content_v to_o do_v good_a though_o he_o be_v ill_o think_v of_o and_o ill_o speak_v of_o for_o it_o he_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o he_o be_v account_v profane_a for_o so_o do_v he_o know_v how_o scandalous_a it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n to_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o decline_v so_o good_a a_o work_n for_o all_o the_o ill_a word_n they_o give_v he_o for_o it_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o malicious_a opposition_n and_o sinister_a construction_n that_o his_o good_a deed_n meet_v withal_o never_o do_v so_o much_o goodness_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o enmity_n endure_v so_o many_o affront_n and_o so_o much_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n this_o great_a benefactor_n of_o mankind_n be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o public_a enemy_n while_o he_o be_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o meek_a manner_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o stone_n he_o for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o when_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n go_v abroad_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n yet_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n they_o conspire_v against_o he_o and_o seek_v to_o
to_o go_v on_o and_o fortify_v their_o good_a resolution_n to_o be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o to_o resist_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o according_a to_o the_o success_n of_o their_o endeavour_n in_o this_o conflict_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o good_a condition_n will_v every_o day_n clear_v up_o and_o become_v more_o manifest_a the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o seldomer_n we_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o even_a and_o constant_a our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n for_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o well_o as_o commission_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o mere_a neglect_n of_o any_o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n though_o we_o be_v free_a from_o the_o commission_n of_o great_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o shut_v we_o for_o ever_o out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n sick_z and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o therefore_o depart_v you_o curse_v 2._o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o any_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o yet_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n the_o child_n of_o god_n will_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v he_o hereafter_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o here_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3._o you_o see_v what_o be_v the_o great_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a condition_n whosoever_o do_v righteousness_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a evidence_n by_o which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v deal_v honest_o with_o hâ—mself_n may_v certain_o know_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o then_o according_a as_o he_o find_v it_o to_o be_v may_v take_v comfort_n in_o it_o or_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o it_o and_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n nor_o go_v down_o into_o the_o deep_a to_o search_v out_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n there_o need_v no_o anxious_a enquiry_n whether_o we_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v if_o we_o daily_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o grow_v in_o goodness_n and_o take_v care_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n we_o certain_o take_v the_o best_a course_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v any_o comfortable_a and_o well_o ground_a assurance_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n this_o one_o mark_n of_o do_v righteousness_n be_v that_o into_o which_o all_o other_o sign_n and_o character_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n give_v of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v final_o resolve_v and_o this_o answer_v all_o those_o various_a phrase_n which_o some_o man_n will_v make_v to_o be_v so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n as_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a illumination_n for_o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n whether_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o whether_o god_n love_v we_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a whether_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o bear_v of_o god_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n for_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n whether_o we_o belong_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o or_o not_o for_o they_o that_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o in_o a_o word_n whether_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n belong_v to_o we_o for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o you_o see_v at_o last_o the_o scripture_n bring_v all_o to_o this_o one_o mark_n viz._n holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o a_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n let_v we_o then_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o this_o trial_n and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o some_o issue_n and_o we_o have_v make_v a_o deliberate_a judgement_n of_o our_o condition_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o if_o upon_o a_o full_a and_o fair_a examination_n our_o conscience_n give_v we_o this_o testimony_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n we_o may_v take_v joy_n and_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o upon_o the_o search_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o way_n our_o case_n appear_v clear_o to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o if_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o let_v we_o not_o venture_v to_o continue_v one_o moment_n long_o in_o so_o uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a a_o condition_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o scripture_n have_v set_v it_o plain_o before_o we_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v white_a as_o snow_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v though_o our_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o desperate_a this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o man_n to_o be_v embrace_v that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o he_o be_v still_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n the_o remain_a part_n of_o our_o life_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n we_o who_o have_v venture_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n may_v yet_o by_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v rescue_v from_o the_o base_a and_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o our_o lust_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v to_o represent_v every_o man_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o let_v he_o clear_o see_v what_o his_o condition_n be_v towards_o god_n and_o how_o the_o case_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n stand_v and_o i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n
to_o which_o we_o ought_v all_o glad_o to_o yield_v and_o render_v up_o ourselves_o for_o great_a be_v truth_n and_o mighty_a above_o all_o thing_n she_o be_v faithful_a and_o impartial_a in_o her_o counsel_n and_o though_o she_o be_v not_o always_o welcome_a yet_o it_o be_v always_o wise_a to_o hearken_v to_o she_o for_o in_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n she_o let_v man_n know_v their_o condition_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o with_o she_o be_v no_o accept_n of_o person_n and_o in_o her_o judgement_n there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o excellent_a advice_n of_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n 10._o make_v it_o no_o long_o a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n what_o be_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a man_n but_o immediate_o set_v about_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o become_v such_o a_o one_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n in_o lent_n march_v 30_o the_o 1677._o luke_n xv._n 7_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n after_o many_o attempt_n make_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o man_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o despondence_n and_o at_o last_o quite_o to_o despair_v of_o do_v good_a upon_o they_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o infinite_a patience_n of_o god_n with_o sinner_n and_o how_o long_o his_o spirit_n strive_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o we_o who_o be_v sinner_n ourselves_o think_v much_o to_o bear_v with_o sinner_n and_o patient_o to_o contend_v with_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o great_a preacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o righteousness_n do_v not_o give_v over_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n nor_o despair_n of_o their_o recovery_n this_o methinks_v shall_v make_v we_o who_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n unwearied_a in_o beseech_v man_n in_o his_o stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o they_o have_v do_v several_a time_n before_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n he_o treat_v they_o very_o kind_o and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o they_o at_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v and_o murmur_v and_o this_o unreasonable_a murmur_a of_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o three_o parable_n in_o this_o chapter_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v at_o once_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o give_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n to_o the_o repentance_n of_o these_o great_a sinner_n he_o answer_v the_o pharisee_n by_o let_v they_o plain_o see_v that_o he_o be_v about_o the_o best_a work_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o matter_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o the_o heavenly_a inhabitant_n instead_o of_o a_o severe_a reproof_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n he_o offer_v that_o calm_o to_o their_o consideration_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n to_o blame_v for_o this_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o he_o with_o sinner_n have_v no_o other_o design_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a company_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a physician_n and_o therefore_o his_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n lie_v among_o his_o patient_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o terrify_v these_o sinner_n who_o seem_v to_o come_v with_o a_o good_a mind_n to_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o he_o gentle_o insinuate_v the_o most_o win_a argument_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n by_o show_v how_o ready_a god_n be_v after_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o repent_v and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o better_a course_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v great_a joy_n to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o all_o that_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a host_n that_o attend_v upon_o he_o from_o which_o method_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o treat_v so_o great_a sinner_n so_o gentle_o i_o can_v but_o make_v this_o observation_n for_o my_o own_o use_n as_o well_o as_o for_o other_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o give_v even_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v to_o repentance_n and_o though_o man_n have_v be_v never_o so_o bad_a yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o this_o one_o good_a quality_n leave_v in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v patient_a to_o be_v instruct_v and_o content_a to_o hear_v good_a counsel_n we_o shall_v use_v they_o kind_o and_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v they_o by_o the_o fair_a mean_n not_o so_o much_o upbraid_v they_o for_o their_o have_v be_v bad_a as_o encourage_v they_o to_o become_v better_o to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n utter_v three_o parable_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o lose_a sheep_n of_o find_v a_o lose_a piece_n of_o money_n of_o the_o return_n of_o a_o prodigal_a son_n to_o his_o father_n and_o though_o they_o all_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o scope_n and_o design_n yet_o our_o saviour_n use_v this_o variety_n not_o only_o to_o convey_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o several_a capacity_n in_o a_o more_o acceptable_a manner_n one_o similitude_n happen_v to_o hit_v one_o person_n and_o another_o another_o but_o likewise_o to_o inculcate_v so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n the_o more_o upon_o his_o hearer_n and_o to_o fix_v it_o more_o deep_o in_o their_o mind_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v be_v the_o moral_a or_o application_n of_o the_o first_o parable_n concern_v a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o hundred_o sheep_n and_o have_v lose_v one_o leave_v the_o ninety_o and_o nine_o to_o go_v to_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o have_v find_v it_o with_o great_a joy_n bring_v it_o home_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o joy_n god_n and_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o take_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o proper_a both_o to_o silence_v the_o uncharitable_a murmur_a of_o the_o pharisee_n against_o our_o saviour_n for_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n and_o likewise_o to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o repent_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o pharisee_n be_v displease_v at_o that_o which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o pleasure_n to_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n than_o this_o that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o willing_a to_o receive_v the_o return_a sinner_n but_o that_o the_o news_n of_o his_o repentance_n be_v entertain_v in_o heaven_n with_o so_o much_o joy_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n add_v to_o their_o happiness_n this_o will_v be_v a_o new_a accession_n to_o it_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o require_v a_o very_a careful_a explication_n 1._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 2._o who_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n 3._o with_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o 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 who_o need_v no_o repentance_n there_o be_v something_o of_o difficulty_n in_o each_o of_o these_o which_o deserve_v our_o heedful_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n i._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o as_o indeed_o this_o whole_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v too_o strict_o and_o rigorous_o but_o as_o speak_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n so_o far_o as_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o their_o joy_n and_o happiness_n as_o it_o refer_v to_o god_n it_o seem_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o suppose_v he_o real_o capable_a