i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o soul_n that_o be_v more_o expose_v to_o temptation_n to_o sin_n nor_o often_o fall_v into_o they_o nor_o that_o be_v more_o expose_v to_o temptation_n for_o sin_n than_o the_o proud_a soul_n pride_n be_v a_o corruption_n that_o swell_v a_o man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o man_n own_o merit_n worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o consequent_o breed_v in_o he_o a_o impatience_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v lessen_v his_o estimation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o ahithophel_n be_v a_o proud_a man_n and_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v his_o disgrace_n at_o court_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o hang_v himself_o whensoever_o any_o present_a shame_n or_o fear_v of_o future_a shame_n any_o degradation_n or_o loss_n of_o honour_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o world_n give_v a_o rise_n to_o such_o motion_n as_o these_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o destroy_v ourselves_o or_o give_v the_o devil_n any_o advantage_n to_o enforce_v such_o impression_n upon_o we_o pride_n be_v the_o 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any_o encouragement_n to_o a_o departure_n from_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n much_o more_o in_o this_o unbelief_n signify_v a_o not_o agreement_n to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o distrust_n in_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n whether_o relate_v to_o special_a providence_n or_o special_a grace_n or_o eternal_a life_n study_v therefore_o to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o you_o may_v firm_o believe_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o right_a it_o be_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v we_o to_o order_n we_o and_o our_o affair_n and_o condition_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n judge_v we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v whosoever_o it_o be_v that_o live_v not_o under_o this_o conviction_n must_v needs_o think_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o please_v his_o tongue_n be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o may_v speak_v his_o hand_n be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o listen_v and_o his_o life_n be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o may_v deny_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o throw_v it_o away_o as_o he_o please_v for_o to_o who_o shall_v he_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o o_o therefore_o set_v god_n always_o before_o your_o eye_n possess_v your_o self_n that_o you_o be_v not_o your_o own_o but_o person_n under_o authority_n and_o upon_o who_o a_o superior_a be_v have_v a_o superintendancy_n you_o will_v faith_fw-mi be_v we_o dead_a dog_n that_o we_o shall_v think_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o thus_o we_o think_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o profess_v a_o assent_n and_o agreement_n to_o many_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o so_o fasten_v upon_o our_o heart_n so_o rivet_v in_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o mighty_a inordinate_a act_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o all_o reason_n for_o a_o 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but_o be_v ever_o whet_v it_o upon_o his_o heart_n that_o god_n be_v and_o what_o a_o god_n he_o be_v 2._o that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v a_o spiritual_a part_n a_o immortal_a soul_n that_o can_v no_o more_o be_v extinguish_v with_o the_o body_n then_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o sleep_v with_o it_o but_o go_v to_o a_o eternal_a existence_n when_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n where_o the_o body_n raise_v up_o from_o the_o dust_n shall_v one_o day_n meet_v it_o and_o be_v unite_v to_o it_o and_o with_o it_o either_o suffer_v eternal_a torment_n or_o enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n according_a to_o what_o it_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n certain_o no_o rational_a be_v no_o man_n can_v possible_o entertain_v a_o thought_n to_o kill_v himself_o if_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o determine_v his_o own_o be_v we_o can_v desire_v nor_o attempt_v to_o go_v about_o what_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v be_v a_o impossible_a achievement_n a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v obtain_v our_o reason_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n to_o run_v upon_o or_o our_o heart_n to_o run_v out_o after_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o apprehend_v be_v not_o possible_a in_o nature_n now_o admit_v these_o principle_n that_o man_n be_v something_o more_o than_o flesh_n and_o blood_n animate_v that_o he_o have_v a_o spiritual_a part_n that_o this_o it_o be_v immortal_a and_o can_v perish_v with_o the_o body_n but_o when_o it_o part_v from_o the_o body_n go_v into_o eternal_a mansion_n either_o in_o happiness_n or_o in_o misery_n that_o the_o body_n after_o death_n shall_v revive_v again_o in_o the_o resurrection_n and_o there_o both_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v be_v again_o unite_v and_o make_v one_o person_n and_o shall_v both_o together_o enter_v a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n i_o say_v admit_v this_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o determine_v his_o be_v all_o he_o can_v possible_o do_v be_v to_o determine_v his_o be_v in_o this_o world_n he_o can_v neither_o by_o such_o act_n determine_v his_o be_v nor_o yet_o his_o misery_n he_o may_v determine_v indeed_o his_o misery_n as_o to_o this_o life_n but_o his_o soul_n will_v then_o but_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n after_o the_o revolution_n of_o a_o few_o year_n when_o his_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o misery_n than_o it_o ever_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n now_o certain_o no_o person_n under_o any_o command_n or_o conduct_v of_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v induce_v to_o attempt_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o any_o evil_n nor_o yet_o throw_v himself_o into_o a_o infinite_o worse_a state_n to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o a_o present_a bad_a estate_n all_o the_o entertainment_n therefore_o which_o such_o temptation_n have_v in_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v advantage_v from_o unbelief_n of_o these_o great_a principle_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n labour_v therefore_o for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o root_n yourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n or_o haesitation_n of_o in_o your_o heart_n with_o relation_n to_o they_o live_v in_o the_o daily_a meditation_n of_o they_o suffer_v not_o your_o soul_n to_o call_v they_o in_o question_n be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n where_o the_o revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_a to_o you_o take_v heed_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n 3._o a_o three_o thing_n as_o to_o which_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o will_v avoid_v the_o dint_n of_o this_o temptation_n be_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o general_n so_o of_o those_o portion_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a which_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o own_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o other_o and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o such_o as_o commit_v sin_n of_o this_o nature_n such_o as_o those_o gen._n 9_o 6._o num._n 35._o 32._o thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o all_o such_o as_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o easy_a conclusion_n of_o reason_n from_o these_o principle_n if_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o kill_v another_o i_o ought_v much_o less_o to_o kill_v myself_o if_o i_o ought_v to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o my_o neighbour_n sure_o i_o ought_v to_o preserve_v my_o own_o life_n if_o i_o ought_v to_o preserve_v my_o chastity_n to_o preserve_v my_o vessel_n in_o honour_n sure_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o dash_v it_o in_o piece_n if_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o maim_v or_o dismember_v myself_o sure_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o destroy_v myself_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o soul_n can_v possible_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n who_o either_o do_v not_o in_o whole_a disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n or_o in_o who_o heart_n the_o disbelief_n of_o they_o do_v not_o prevail_v to_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o be_v prevail_v with_o by_o any_o temptation_n to_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n but_o there_o be_v also_o another_o unbelief_n which_o must_v be_v predominant_a in_o the_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o this_o temptation_n and_o that_o be_v a_o distrust_n in_o god_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o promise_n either_o with_o relation_n to_o special_a providence_n or_o special_a grace_n or_o eternal_a life_n those_o who_o
heart_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o in_o heart_n think_v so_o though_o in_o word_n they_o profess_v otherwise_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o tit._n 1._o 16._o who_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o do_v in_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a i_o shall_v very_o little_o concern_v myself_o as_o to_o either_o of_o these_o only_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o those_o who_o have_v such_o impression_n but_o they_o be_v their_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o affliction_n indeed_o they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v impression_n than_o thought_n and_o let_v we_o first_o inquire_v into_o this_o bitter_a stream_n from_o what_o source_n and_o fountain_n it_o flow_v chap._n ii_o from_o whence_o atheistical_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n may_v proceed_v sometime_o from_o lust_n sometime_o from_o the_o world_n but_o these_o be_v usual_o embrace_v and_o nurse_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n those_o that_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o present_a discourse_n ordinary_o proceed_v from_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o tempter_n and_o a_o blasphemous_a spirit_n the_o adversary_n of_o a_o christian_a with_o who_o the_o good_a fight_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v be_v usual_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o flesh_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n their_o opposition_n to_o we_o be_v by_o move_v entice_a and_o persuade_v we_o to_o sin_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o soul_n hence_o divine_v distinguish_v temptation_n from_o their_o efficient_a cause_n or_o cause_n say_v there_o be_v tentatio_fw-la a_o carne_n a_o temptation_n from_o the_o flesh_n which_o agree_v with_o st._n james_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v but_o that_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o temptation_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v conquer_v 2._o there_o be_v tentatio_fw-la ab_fw-la host_n a_o temptation_n from_o the_o enemy_n without_o and_o this_o be_v either_o from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n or_o man_n of_o the_o world_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n any_o of_o these_o may_v be_v tempter_n in_o this_o case_n 1._o lust_n may_v be_v a_o tempter_n to_o atheistical_a and_o blasphemous_a thought_n though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v understand_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o tempter_n to_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o not_o by_o we_o choose_v study_a or_o delight_v in_o by_o they_o debauch_a wretch_n that_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o drunkenness_n whoredom_n lie_v curse_v swear_v neglect_v of_o all_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v concern_v if_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o see_v they_o or_o dâ—â—approveth_v they_o or_o that_o have_v a_o superior_a power_n to_o they_o or_o will_v judge_v or_o condemn_v they_o for_o do_v they_o believe_v this_o their_o conscience_n will_v never_o let_v they_o be_v quiet_a now_o that_o lust_n that_o sinful_a desire_n which_o be_v in_o they_o to_o 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contrary_a to_o those_o impression_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o former_a notion_n apprehension_n and_o belief_n in_o god_n yea_o so_o far_o disgu_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v fright_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o stranger_n come_v to_o their_o house_n and_o be_v amaze_v which_o way_n they_o shall_v ever_o come_v in_o have_v to_o their_o knowledge_n never_o open_v the_o least_o window_n or_o door_n to_o they_o nor_o any_o way_n invite_v they_o so_o much_o as_o for_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o moment_n their_o soul_n loath_a and_o abhorthem_fw-mi and_o yet_o they_o revive_v upon_o they_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n thus_o circumstance_v can_v be_v from_o no_o other_o tempter_n than_o the_o devil_n chap._n iii_o no_o seem_v good_a propound_v to_o such_o soul_n as_o be_v thus_o tempt_v to_o who_o the_o temptation_n be_v afflictive_a nor_o do_v the_o tempter_n always_o use_v argument_n not_o so_o much_o hope_v to_o prevail_v with_o such_o soul_n as_o to_o trouble_v they_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o destroy_v themselves_o to_o other_o he_o use_v argument_n from_o the_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o our_o sense_n the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o by_o our_o reason_n the_o many_o disorder_n which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o permit_v in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o usual_a topic_n of_o tempter_n that_n tempt_v soul_n unto_o atheism_n every_o man_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v be_v draw_v away_o by_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v say_v st._n james_n 1_o jam._n he_o be_v entice_v by_o some_o glimmering_n of_o good_a and_o so_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o but_o it_o be_v vain_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v what_o seem_v good_a entice_v a_o soul_n who_o look_v upon_o his_o motion_n and_o solicitation_n and_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o solicit_v as_o the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n st._n james_n therefore_o be_v there_o speak_v not_o of_o temptation_n in_o the_o general_n but_o of_o such_o temptation_n as_o flow_v and_o proceed_v from_o our_o innate_a lust_n there_o must_v in_o all_o temptation_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v a_o bait_n upon_o which_o the_o lust_n in_o our_o heart_n may_v feed_v and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o that_o bait_v be_v a_o real_a good_a yet_o it_o must_v have_v some_o appearance_n of_o good_a in_o it_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o move_v into_o the_o embraceâ—_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o it_o apprehend_v evil_a but_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o temptation_n which_o flow_v sole_o from_o the_o devil_n the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o design_n of_o that_o envious_a one_o and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o he_o can_v affright_v or_o entice_v the_o soul_n into_o hell_n whether_o he_o can_v destroy_v it_o by_o poison_n or_o by_o a_o more_o certain_a stab_n it_o may_v be_v more_o worthy_a our_o enquiry_n what_o argument_n the_o devil_n can_v possible_o use_v with_o a_o soul_n so_o far_o prejudice_v against_o imprâ—ssions_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o he_o can_v hope_v shall_v prevail_v with_o it_o to_o receive_v any_o such_o impression_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a be_v be_v not_o like_a without_o something_o of_o reason_n or_o a_o show_n of_o it_o to_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o agree_v to_o any_o such_o impression_n 1._o what_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o possible_o the_o tempter_n promise_v himself_o no_o such_o success_n what_o if_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o proselyte_n a_o religious_a soul_n to_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v contrive_v in_o his_o suggestion_n but_o mere_o to_o weary_v the_o christian_n out_o of_o his_o life_n by_o
the_o constant_a trouble_n of_o his_o importunity_n and_o indeed_o i_o believe_v that_o general_o so_o it_o be_v and_o that_o these_o be_v but_o preparative_n temptation_n to_o self-murder_n and_o despair_n if_o he_o can_v by_o these_o suggestion_n persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n or_o to_o deny_v god_n infinite_a be_v and_o perfection_n yet_o if_o he_o can_v but_o stir_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o impatience_n under_o this_o sore_a affliction_n as_o will_v put_v the_o man_n upon_o determine_v his_o own_o life_n deliberate_o he_o have_v do_v his_o work_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o all_o the_o course_n of_o my_o ministry_n i_o never_o observe_v man_n or_o woman_n long_o under_o these_o temptation_n but_o they_o fall_v into_o temptation_n of_o the_o late_a nature_n which_o i_o the_o rather_o hint_n to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v watch_v upon_o and_o pray_v for_o person_n who_o be_v bring_v under_o these_o most_o sad_a and_o dismal_a circumstance_n they_o be_v ordinary_a praeludium_n and_o prologue_n to_o such_o tragedy_n and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v to_o bring_v argument_n before_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v destroy_v another_o way_n 2._o but_o indeed_o as_o to_o other_o soul_n to_o who_o these_o temptation_n be_v not_o affliction_n but_o mere_a diversion_n and_o recreation_n he_o must_v use_v argument_n and_o he_o may_v offer_v they_o even_o to_o pious_a and_o religious_a soul_n how_o little_a soever_o they_o avail_v the_o argument_n can_v be_v many_o which_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n they_o be_v usual_o bring_v from_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a be_v spiritual_a being_n be_v in_o this_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v bodily_a that_o have_v no_o accident_n no_o quality_n such_o as_o colour_n or_o the_o like_a they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o external_n sense_n god_n be_v 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appear_a necessity_n of_o these_o assertion_n yet_o we_o can_v hardly_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v perfection_n beyond_o our_o grasp_n hence_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o atheistical_a and_o it_o seem_v almost_o necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v fool_n that_o they_o may_v be_v wise_a hence_o be_v the_o socinian_o denial_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n etc._n etc._n this_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o great_a advantage_n put_v the_o soul_n upon_o reflection_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v luther_n say_v non_fw-la amo_fw-la hos_fw-la curistas_fw-la &_o quaeristas_n he_o may_v have_v say_v quomodistas_n too_o audi_fw-la verbum_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o tace_fw-la i_o do_v not_o love_v these_o inquirer_n in_o divine_a thing_n why_o so_o or_o wherefore_o or_o how_o be_v those_o thing_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hold_v thy_o peace_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n that_o satan_n 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depth_n nor_o look_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o his_o height_n but_o judge_n of_o the_o infinite_a wise_a god_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v concern_v a_o shallow_a politician_n among_o man_n so_o that_o whether_o the_o argument_n be_v conclusive_a or_o no_o which_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o devil_n to_o trouble_v we_o with_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o god_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o abel_n shall_v not_o have_v perish_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o bloody_a cain_n nor_o the_o israelite_n be_v oppress_v by_o such_o a_o one_o as_o pharaoh_n nor_o job_n put_v to_o scrape_v himself_o with_o a_o potsherd_a the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o walk_v on_o every_o side_n nor_o the_o vile_a man_n be_v exalt_v it_o shall_v not_o happen_v to_o the_o righteous_a after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o wicked_a nor_o yet_o to_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o the_o righteous_a nothing_o but_o blind_a fortune_n can_v shut_v its_o eye_n and_o wink_v at_o such_o disorder_n these_o now_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n which_o i_o can_v fancy_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v upon_o any_o soul_n to_o induce_v it_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o at_o least_o not_o such_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o and_o we_o ordinary_o preach_v to_o you_o and_o person_n solicit_v to_o such_o a_o belief_n will_v find_v some_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o ordinary_o either_o praevious_a to_o or_o concomitant_a with_o the_o other_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o such_o case_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o he_o seldom_o use_v much_o argument_n little_o hope_v to_o work_v over_o the_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o belief_n only_o
be_v in_o any_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n know_v that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n as_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o as_o to_o this_o life_n as_o to_o eternal_a life_n make_v under_o such_o condition_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v those_o as_o to_o this_o life_n be_v of_o various_a sort_n many_o of_o they_o relate_v to_o a_o afflict_a state_n that_o he_o will_v put_v strength_n into_o we_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o bear_v that_o he_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n will_v also_o give_v a_o happy_a issue_n and_o many_o more_o of_o like_a import_n as_o to_o which_o the_o soul_n that_o trust_v god_n and_o in_o which_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n be_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a can_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n for_o how_o shall_v that_o soul_n go_v about_o to_o deliver_v it_o out_o of_o a_o misery_n which_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n deliver_v it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n support_v uphold_v and_o comfort_v it_o and_o make_v its_o affliction_n issue_n in_o good_a and_o for_o its_o advantage_n work_v for_o it_o a_o far_o more_o eternal_a and_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n or_o how_o shall_v that_o soul_n trust_v in_o god_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n which_o know_v that_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n prescribe_v by_o god_n for_o obtain_v these_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o last_o act_n of_o his_o life_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n and_o be_v such_o as_o god_n have_v say_v none_o that_o do_v it_o have_v eternal_a life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o temptation_n be_v advantage_v by_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n so_o there_o be_v no_o such_o antidote_n against_o it_o as_o vigorous_a habit_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o believe_a soul_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o prevailing_n of_o it_o while_o it_o keep_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o command_v of_o reason_n chap._n ix_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n a_o excellent_a preparative_a to_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n this_o open_v terror_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n oft_o time_n one_o great_a cause_n of_o such_o thought_n these_z not_o ordinary_a but_o for_o great_a sinning_n some_o more_o notorious_a act_n of_o ungodliness_n or_o of_o vnrighteousness_n great_a sinning_n against_o light_n etc._n etc._n 5._o five_o there_o be_v no_o better_a preparative_a for_o this_o spiritual_a combat_n than_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o conversation_n although_o the_o holy_a man_n alive_a be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o fiery_a dart_n even_a christ_n himself_o hear_v the_o devil_n say_v cast_v thyself_o down_o yet_o you_o shall_v observe_v these_o temptation_n most_o fall_v upon_o man_n of_o loose_a life_n and_o conversation_n at_o least_o do_v most_o ordinary_o prevail_v against_o such_o the_o ordinary_a motive_n that_o prevail_v with_o soul_n to_o do_v this_o thing_n be_v the_o avoid_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n which_o either_o they_o have_v in_o prospect_n or_o feel_v the_o burden_n of_o now_o this_o evil_n be_v either_o more_o external_n such_o as_o slavery_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o enemy_n this_o make_v saul_n fall_v upon_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o cato_n kill_v himself_o or_o horrible_a bodily_a pain_n and_o torture_n be_v expose_v to_o some_o shameful_a death_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o they_o be_v more_o internal_a such_o as_o horror_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v rare_a instance_n that_o either_o holy_a or_o civil_a history_n give_v we_o of_o person_n put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o own_o life_n to_o avoid_v imprisonment_n shame_n or_o torture_n from_o man_n and_o not_o many_o that_o we_o have_v of_o person_n who_o in_o terrible_a bodily_a pain_n have_v expose_v to_o the_o prevailing_n of_o this_o temptation_n now_o these_o terror_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n arise_v from_o the_o soul_n reflection_n upon_o its_o gild_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n thus_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o judas_n hang_v himself_o cry_v out_o he_o have_v betray_v innocent_a blood_n thus_o history_n tell_v we_o pontius_n pilate_n kill_v himself_o and_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o many_o other_o in_o history_n and_o although_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o little_a but_o if_o god_n set_v it_o home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o support_v not_o the_o soul_n with_o his_o grace_n it_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v the_o soul_n to_o this_o desperate_a issue_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_a for_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o minute_n nature_n and_o such_o as_o the_o best_a of_o man_n commit_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o such_o horror_n as_o seize_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o for_o satan_n to_o take_v such_o a_o advantage_n from_o they_o the_o reflection_n which_o produce_v this_o effect_n be_v usual_o upon_o some_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a tincture_n and_o that_o have_v have_v some_o more_o eminent_a circumstance_n of_o aggravation_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o godly_a and_o righteous_a conversation_n religious_a towards_o god_n just_a and_o righteous_a towards_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a preservative_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o this_o temptation_n a_o profane_a atheistical_a blasphemous_a person_n be_v high_o expose_v to_o the_o impetus_fw-la of_o it_o so_o be_v any_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o notorious_a act_n of_o unrighteousness_n such_o as_o murder_n persecution_n high_a degree_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o pardon_v many_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o few_o great_a as_o well_o as_o small_a and_o the_o promise_n extend_v to_o all_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n to_o scarlet_a and_o crimson_a sin_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v believe_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n of_o so_o high_a a_o tincture_n beside_o that_o course_n of_o sin_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v a_o very_a ill_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n to_o blind_a and_o to_o harden_v it_o so_o that_o poor_a creature_n under_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o be_v often_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a to_o those_o who_o commit_v such_o thing_n then_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o filthiness_n of_o they_o o_o therefore_o flee_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v you_o know_v not_o how_o far_o god_n for_o they_o may_v leave_v you_o to_o satan_n buffet_n of_o this_o nature_n you_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o repent_v of_o they_o nor_o how_o hardly_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v under_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o they_o or_o to_o arrive_v at_o any_o sense_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o in_o short_a take_v heed_n of_o all_o bold_a sinning_n against_o light_n and_o check_n or_o reverberation_n of_o conscience_n if_o we_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o light_a check_n and_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n we_o be_v often_o and_o but_o just_o repay_v with_o the_o severe_a terror_n and_o affrightment_n of_o it_o for_o our_o do_v of_o such_o thing_n contrary_a to_o its_o dictate_v and_o light_a admonition_n but_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o walk_v close_o with_o god_n that_o live_v up_o to_o his_o light_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o this_o danger_n and_o though_o he_o may_v have_v some_o impression_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o they_o rare_o be_v advantage_v from_o a_o ache_a conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o gild_n chap._n x._o direction_n for_o they_o who_o be_v already_o fall_v under_o this_o temptation_n melancholy_n to_o be_v evacuate_v by_o natural_a mean_n 2._o the_o motive_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o usual_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o some_o present_a or_o imminent_a evil._n two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o whether_o it_o will_v free_v we_o to_o destroy_v ourselves_o 2._o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o safe_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o be_v free_a i_o have_v thus_o far_o only_o prepare_v you_o against_o a_o wrestle_n with_o this_o temptation_n and_o give_v you_o prevent_v physic_n which_o indeed_o they_o say_v be_v best_a and_o it_o be_v better_a indeed_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o enemy_n as_o satan_n be_v arm_v with_o this_o dart_n at_o a_o distance_n then_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o combat_n but_o possible_o as_o to_o some_o poor_a soul_n
i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o book_n open_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o portion_n of_o scripture_n fit_a to_o be_v read_v or_o any_o sermon_n fit_a to_o be_v hear_v by_o person_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o such_o book_n such_o sermon_n such_o portion_n of_o holy_a writ_n as_o most_o express_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n most_o lively_o express_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n together_o with_o such_o as_o contain_v or_o explain_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o support_n and_o strength_n and_o help_v under_o and_o deliverance_n from_o the_o great_a pressure_n of_o affliction_n and_o misery_n by_o the_o read_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o one_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n concur_v which_o be_v always_o requisite_a to_o make_v the_o soul_n believe_v what_o it_o read_v and_o hear_v a_o soul_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o such_o a_o undertake_n from_o the_o rational_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o it_o to_o get_v out_o of_o its_o misery_n and_o by_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o far_o near_a and_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o relief_n for_o it_o if_o it_o can_v but_o exercise_v a_o little_a patience_n from_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v it_o and_o who_o have_v promise_v and_o be_v faithful_a which_o two_o point_n be_v of_o very_o great_a import_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o that_o it_o may_v stand_v against_o this_o fiery_a dart_n and_o of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o soul_n in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o shall_v ever_o listen_v to_o this_o temptation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o reason_n let_v therefore_o every_o soul_n under_o this_o temptation_n make_v it_o its_o business_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o these_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o unbelief_n or_o faint_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o give_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o the_o roar_a lion_n thus_o seek_v about_o to_o devour_v soul_n the_o more_o root_v a_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternity_n both_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o damn_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o more_o remote_a and_o difficult_a it_o will_v be_v as_o to_o listen_v to_o any_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n chap._n xi_o further_a direction_n for_o soul_n thus_o tempt_v the_o avoid_n of_o solitude_n the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o the_o freeness_n of_o it_o the_o sureness_n of_o it_o the_o well_o order_v of_o it_o in_o all_o thing_n 3._o dir._n avoid_v solitude_n and_o solitary_a place_n i_o mention_v this_o before_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v prevailing_n of_o melancholy_n but_o let_v i_o a_o little_a far_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o argument_n indeed_o excess_n of_o solitude_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o great_a freedom_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n though_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o soul_n health_n and_o freedom_n in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o some_o just_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n i_o observe_v elijah_n be_v alone_a when_o he_o pray_v god_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o discontent_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o jonah_n ch_n 4._o 5_o 8._o be_v in_o a_o booth_n alone_o out_o of_o the_o city_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v alone_a when_o matth._n 4._o 6._o the_o tempter_n say_v unto_o he_o set_v upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o of_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n it_o be_v eminent_o true_a that_o solomon_n say_v ecc._n 4._o 11._o two_o be_v better_o than_o one_o and_o woe_n to_o he_o that_o be_v alone_o when_o he_o fall_v for_o he_o have_v none_o other_o to_o help_v he_o up_o these_o act_n be_v commit_v usual_o by_o person_n that_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v therefore_o high_o advisable_v to_o person_n under_o these_o impression_n to_o avoid_v give_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_o concern_v in_o and_o about_o person_n under_o these_o temptation_n to_o be_v watchful_a as_o to_o this_o thing_n especial_o when_o they_o discern_v the_o impression_n be_v most_o strong_a upon_o they_o but_o have_v touch_v upon_o this_o before_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o it_o now_o 4._o dir._n four_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n than_o to_o be_v much_o in_o the_o study_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v what_o motive_n shall_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o their_o life_n but_o the_o free_n of_o themselves_o from_o so_o eminent_a evil_n which_o they_o suffer_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v now_o these_o evil_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v either_o external_n affliction_n and_o cross_n or_o such_o as_o be_v internal_o horror_n of_o mind_n terror_n of_o conscience_n if_o the_o motive_n be_v a_o freedom_n from_o evil_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o advise_v before_o what_o i_o judge_v proper_a viz._n the_o consideration_n whether_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o life_n in_o that_o manner_n will_v indeed_o free_v we_o or_o rather_o make_v our_o condition_n much_o worse_o and_o second_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o procure_v ourselves_o such_o a_o immunity_n but_o now_o suppose_v the_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n viz._n the_o horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_v about_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o look_v as_o under_o a_o temptation_n to_o which_o external_n misery_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a than_o a_o just_a understanding_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o the_o misery_n of_o impenitent_a and_o unpardoned_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v so_o suppose_v the_o motive_n to_o be_v horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n upon_o our_o reflection_n upon_o sin_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a for_o a_o soul_n than_o right_o to_o understand_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n and_o whet_v upon_o our_o heart_n such_o portion_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o his_o word_n as_o be_v most_o full_o expressive_a of_o it_o true_o to_o understand_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n run_v into_o such_o a_o arrear_n with_o god_n justice_n no_o soul_n so_o guilty_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o gracious_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n which_o god_n the_o father_n have_v from_o eternity_n contract_v with_o the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n the_o redeemer_n part_v in_o which_o covenant_n be_v also_o fulfil_v by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v find_v mercy_n with_o god_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o cast_v itself_o upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n such_o be_v this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a soul_n fulfil_v his_o part_n in_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o it_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o although_o its_o past_a sin_n can_v be_v make_v never_o to_o have_v be_v yet_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v that_o be_v they_o shall_v no_o more_o condemn_v the_o soul_n then_o if_o they_o never_o have_v be_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v mention_v they_o shall_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o not_o find_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v reckon_v unto_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v its_o righteousness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o soul_n know_v and_o believe_v this_o and_o live_v in_o the_o view_n of_o this_o gracious_a covenant_n shall_v ever_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o its_o life_n from_o the_o horror_n of_o conscience_n by_o its_o reflection_n upon_o its_o guilt_n of_o sin_n though_o a_o ignorant_a person_n that_o know_v not_o this_o or_o a_o unbelieving_a soul_n which_o though_o it_o may_v have_v receive_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v believe_v it_o may_v from_o this_o motive_n
die_v fâ—r_v all_o a_o sad_a doctrine_n which_o give_v judas_n as_o much_o comfort_n as_o peter_n other_o think_v he_o purchase_v a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n for_o the_o elect_n but_o a_o possibility_n for_o all_o other_o believe_v he_o die_v only_o for_o the_o elect._n but_o admit_v the_o last_o to_o be_v true_a which_o some_o think_v to_o make_v redemption_n conform_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o not_o understand_v how_o christ_n shall_v purchase_v a_o impossible_a possibility_n which_o must_v be_v as_o to_o some_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n or_o any_o to_o who_o god_n resolve_v not_o to_o give_v those_o effectual_a aid_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o those_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n by_o which_o salvation_n must_v be_v obtain_v but_o what_o market_n can_v the_o devil_n make_v of_o this_o he_o can_v tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o so_o christ_n die_v not_o fâ—r_v they_o but_o the_o soul_n can_v reply_v he_o be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o none_o of_o god_n privy_a counsellor_n and_o that_o its_o nonelection_n can_v only_o appear_v from_o its_o prodigious_a sinning_n continue_v in_o to_o the_o end_n without_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o tell_v they_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o will_v not_o relieve_v they_o for_o judas_n notwithstanding_o that_o prove_v a_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o go_v to_o his_o own_o place_n when_o he_o have_v hang_v himself_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o many_o great_a divine_n do_v think_v none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n work_v together_o with_o the_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o effectual_o renew_v turn_v change_a and_o sanctify_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o power_n but_o the_o work_n of_o god_n what_o advantage_n now_o can_v the_o devil_n make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o perswage_v the_o soul_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o its_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n he_o can_v suggest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n never_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o effectual_a grace_n nor_o ever_o will_n if_o he_o do_v not_o add_v the_o late_a he_o say_v nothing_o for_o what_o ground_n have_v i_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n if_o yet_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o although_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o repent_v and_o believe_v yet_o god_n will_v give_v i_o his_o grace_n though_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n that_o i_o shall_v repent_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v now_o suppose_v he_o to_o suggest_v so_o how_o shall_v he_o evidence_n this_o to_o i_o but_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o my_o sin_n or_o my_o abide_n in_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o whatever_o bluster_v some_o sciclist_n make_v in_o the_o world_n to_o load_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a divine_n with_o envy_n and_o obloquy_n yet_o in_o very_a deed_n the_o devil_n can_v urge_v despair_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n with_o any_o colourable_a reason_n upon_o no_o soul_n but_o from_o sin_n nor_o indeed_o do_v we_o in_o our_o experience_n find_v any_o thing_n else_o stick_v with_o soul_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n now_o here_o he_o must_v either_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v so_o many_o they_o can_v be_v forgive_v or_o thou_o have_v sin_v so_o long_a a_o time_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v forgive_v thy_o hour_n be_v over_o thy_o time_n be_v past_a or_o thou_o have_v sin_v some_o particular_a sin_n which_o be_v of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n or_o so_o deep_a a_o die_n that_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v they_o what_o the_o soul_n may_v answer_v to_o all_o these_o we_o shall_v god_n willing_a by_o and_o by_o consider_v chap._n iii_o mean_v to_o prevent_v despair_n clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n take_v heed_n of_o inveterate_a sinning_n prodigious_a sinning_n all_o sinning_n against_o light_n such_o sin_n especial_o as_o come_v near_a the_o unpardonable_a sin_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o temptation_n you_o have_v also_o hear_v from_o whence_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n come_v what_o seem_v good_a entice_v the_o soul_n to_o listen_v to_o they_o and_o also_o what_o argument_n the_o tempter_n have_v alone_o to_o use_v to_o enforce_v they_o let_v i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v you_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o christian_n in_o order_n to_o the_o repel_v and_o resist_v of_o they_o and_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o discourse_n refer_v to_o the_o former_a prevention_n be_v the_o best_a way_n let_v i_o first_o advise_v what_o be_v proper_a to_o all_o of_o we_o upon_o who_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n be_v not_o come_v that_o we_o may_v never_o fall_v into_o this_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n 1._o and_o here_o let_v i_o first_o commend_v to_o you_o all_o a_o sound_n and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n upon_o a_o ignorant_a person_n above_o what_o he_o have_v upon_o a_o know_a christian_a solomon_n tell_v we_o true_a that_o a_o soul_n shall_v be_v without_o knowledge_n be_v not_o good_a he_o that_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n seldom_o fall_v into_o or_o lie_v long_o under_o this_o temptation_n how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o the_o devil_n to_o fright_v ignorant_a soul_n with_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o die_v for_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n be_v too_o many_o or_o too_o great_a or_o have_v be_v too_o long_o continue_v in_o to_o be_v pardon_v or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_o repent_v or_o believe_v or_o that_o they_o have_v sin_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n or_o a_o hundred_o such_o thing_n o_o do_v not_o slight_a knowledge_n no_o not_o a_o notional_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prophesy_v of_o what_o use_v it_o will_v be_v to_o your_o soul_n in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n a_o know_v christian_n may_v be_v tempt_v and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o time_n before_o he_o can_v get_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o draw_v it_o out_o for_o his_o purpose_n but_o if_o he_o have_v it_o by_o his_o side_n if_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n he_o will_v have_v no_o long_a work_n with_o a_o enemy_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o pity_v such_o as_o can_v read_v or_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o have_v lose_v their_o time_n and_o not_o improve_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o scripture_n be_v acquaint_v with_o catechism_n which_o shall_v ground_v they_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thou_o that_o despise_v knowledge_n neglect_a yea_o despise_v thy_o own_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o seem_v to_o presume_v upon_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v show_v for_o thou_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n 2._o second_o take_v heed_n of_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v especial_o against_o thy_o light_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n inveterate_a sin_v and_o prodigious_a sinning_n and_o sinning_n against_o light_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o particular_o some_o sin_n and_o such_o especial_o as_o come_v near_o to_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n give_v the_o devil_n very_o high_a and_o great_a advantage_n as_o to_o this_o temptation_n 1._o i_o say_v first_o inveterate_a sin_v when_o sin_n have_v grow_v up_o with_o a_o man_n from_o his_o youth_n he_o have_v live_v and_o walk_v and_o wallow_v in_o it_o many_o year_n it_o make_v the_o devil_n a_o great_a market_n we_o find_v it_o hard_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o can_v have_v from_o we_o but_o the_o homage_n of_o a_o few_o day_n or_o hour_n will_v forgive_v we_o the_o sin_n of_o so_o many_o year_n it_o be_v rare_a that_o old_a sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o convert_v you_o shall_v most_o general_o observe_v that_o if_o god_n change_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n heart_n it_o be_v either_o in_o their_o youth_n or_o middle_a age_n seldom_o in_o childhood_n and_o seldom_o in_o old_a age_n and_o if_o in_o old_a age_n they_o be_v ordinary_o infest_a with_o great_a temptation_n take_v heed_n of_o sin_n grow_v old_a in_o thy_o soul_n a_o old_a habit_n be_v hardly_o put_v off_o how_o can_v you_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a do_v well_o a_o old_a ulcer_n be_v hardly_o cure_a beware_v of_o grow_v
not_o accuse_v those_o of_o act_v by_o the_o devil_n but_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n from_o hence_o he_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n as_o they_o malicious_o charge_v he_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o otherwise_o convince_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n therefore_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v among_o they_o and_o so_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o malice_n contrary_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n now_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n what_o you_o do_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sin_n which_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v though_o all_o other_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v yet_o for_o you_o know_v that_o what_o i_o do_v i_o do_v as_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o persecute_v i_o and_o to_o repraoch_n i_o and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o to_o ascribe_v that_o to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v by_o i_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v so_o that_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o the_o pharise_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n eternal_a god_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o it_o and_o that_o from_o his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n and_o several_a other_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o to_o do_v notwithstanding_o yea_o against_o this_o conviction_n malicious_o persecute_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o deny_v these_o mighty_a operation_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o say_v they_o be_v from_o beelzebub_n the_o master_n devil_n from_o hence_o will_v appear_v though_o not_o distinct_o what_o the_o specifical_a sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v yea_o what_o sin_v border_n upon_o it_o and_o come_v near_a to_o it_o 1._o all_o sin_v against_o light_n and_o conviction_n 2._o apostasy_n from_o a_o former_a profession_n and_o own_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o malicious_a pursue_v and_o persecute_v of_o such_o as_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v righteous_a person_n 4._o a_o ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n what_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o reproach_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v these_o thing_n or_o the_o most_o of_o they_o must_v be_v ingredient_n into_o it_o and_o true_o if_o person_n have_v be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o they_o and_o have_v have_v some_o savour_n of_o they_o if_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o that_o profession_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o disow_v what_o themselves_o former_o own_v but_o to_o hate_v those_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o to_o persecute_v such_o as_o still_o profess_v they_o and_o adhere_v to_o they_o and_o charge_v those_o impression_n and_o operation_n which_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n so_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n to_o be_v commit_v sure_o these_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n can_v possible_o free_v they_o from_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o a_o timely_a repentance_n remember_v their_o first_o profess_a love_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n which_o whosoever_o can_v do_v or_o shall_v obtain_v grace_n from_o god_n to_o do_v undoubted_o have_v not_o sin_v beyond_o pardon_n for_o he_o that_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o these_o sin_n come_v near_a this_o gild_n and_o where_o any_o soul_n have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o this_o degree_n guilty_a the_o devil_n have_v a_o very_a fair_a advantage_n against_o he_o to_o move_v he_o to_o despair_n upon_o a_o suggestion_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n which_o according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a writ_n shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v nor_o will_v he_o find_v any_o way_n to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o snare_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o answer_v the_o tempter_n press_v hard_o upon_o he_o with_o a_o temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n until_o he_o can_v say_v i_o have_v indeed_o do_v this_o but_o god_n have_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o to_o remember_v from_o whence_o i_o fall_v and_o to_o do_v my_o first_o work_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o as_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o recover_v any_o just_a hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v find_v impossible_a to_o a_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n so_o will_v the_o former_a also_o be_v find_v o_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v temptation_n of_o this_o nature_n take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_v of_o any_o continuance_n and_o go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o any_o sinning_n against_o light_n and_o conviction_n or_o against_o former_a profession_n and_o especial_o of_o any_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o you_o either_o have_v former_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v or_o which_o your_o conscience_n tell_v you_o be_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o three_o let_v i_o again_o commend_v to_o you_o a_o acquaintance_n a_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o salvation_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o despair_v soul_n have_v ordinary_o a_o legal_a spirit_n and_o stick_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n remember_v that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n bâ—t_v under_o grace_n in_o some_o sense_n not_o only_o true_a believer_n but_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o at_o least_o that_o part_n of_o it_o to_o which_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n through_o the_o gospel_n be_v publish_v be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n not_o under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n so_o as_o none_o can_v be_v save_v without_o a_o personal_a perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o under_o a_o gracious_a dispensation_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 17._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o righteousness_n wherein_o a_o man_n must_v stand_v just_a and_o righteous_a before_o god_n be_v not_o his_o own_o righteousness_n make_v up_o of_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n contain_v in_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n by_o god_n reckon_v unto_o every_o soul_n that_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n mind_v and_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v reckon_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o come_v to_o own_o receive_v and_o lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n exhibit_v and_o tender_v unto_o it_o the_o soul_n well_o possess_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o gospel_n justification_n though_o it_o may_v see_v frequent_a cause_n for_o heart-sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n as_o well_o for_o its_o former_a as_o for_o its_o renew_v sin_n yet_o can_v easy_o see_v the_o umbrage_n of_o any_o ground_n to_o despair_n and_o cast_v away_o its_o hope_n as_o to_o divine_a mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n or_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o argument_n 4._o four_o if_o you_o will_v avoid_v temptation_n to_o despair_n take_v heed_n of_o presume_v you_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n that_o those_o who_o hope_n be_v most_o quick_o up_o find_v they_o also_o soon_a down_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v person_n that_o usual_o have_v not_o great_a depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o build_v their_o hope_n upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a bottom_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v with_o some_o little_a rivulet_n who_o channel_n be_v but_o a_o small_a continent_n and_o which_o want_n depth_n every_o good_a shower_n of_o rain_n raise_v they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o overflow_v the_o bank_n but_o then_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o rain_n
not_o continue_v they_o be_v as_o quick_o down_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o man_n a_o little_a thing_n raise_v their_o hope_n and_o a_o little_a thing_n again_o sink_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o great_a business_n of_o hope_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n some_o person_n build_v up_o hope_n upon_o very_a light_n and_o unjustifiable_a ground_n their_o hope_n be_v indeed_o but_o a_o presumption_n like_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o house_n top_n which_o a_o little_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n kill_v but_o other_o soul_n build_v up_o their_o hope_n upon_o more_o sure_a and_o wary_a foundation_n which_o be_v not_o so_o soon_o shake_v we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o what_o we_o have_v sometime_o be_v uncertain_a of_o we_o be_v command_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o to_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a those_o soul_n that_o have_v gain_v their_o hope_n by_o the_o conquest_n of_o many_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n do_v not_o easy_o lose_v it_o whereas_o those_o who_o have_v hatch_v it_o up_o with_o more_o ease_n seldom_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n 5._o i_o know_v not_o what_o more_o to_o advise_v beside_o frequent_a self-examination_n closâ—_n walk_v with_o god_n and_o diligent_a and_o constant_a prayer_n let_v i_o enlarge_v a_o little_a upon_o these_o i_o say_v first_o frequent_a self-examination_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n precept_n examine_v yourselves_o prove_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o whether_o we_o live_v by_o hope_n or_o sight_n i_o mean_v assurance_n this_o be_v high_o necessary_a for_o that_o soul_n that_o will_v maintain_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o two_o thing_n i_o will_v have_v christian_n much_o examine_v themselves_o upon_o 1._o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n 2._o the_o abatement_n and_o discouragement_n of_o they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o hope_n which_o if_o good_a must_v always_o be_v bottom_v in_o some_o piece_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v both_o of_o they_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o hope_v for_o either_o but_o upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o he_o in_o who_o gift_n they_o be_v in_o examine_v therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o ground_n of_o your_o hope_n trust_v to_o nothing_o but_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o tell_v you_o by_o name_n who_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o who_o be_v not_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o who_o shall_v perish_v it_o do_v tell_v you_o what_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o how_o they_o must_v live_v that_o shall_v ever_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o trust_v to_o your_o interest_n in_o god_n as_o he_o that_o make_v you_o nor_o yet_o to_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o to_o any_o merit_n or_o work_v of_o your_o own_o god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v that_o he_o will_v save_v all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v create_v nor_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v christ_n die_v for_o all_o man_n no_o nor_o yet_o all_o those_o that_o do_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o good_a and_o such_o as_o if_o man_n do_v not_o they_o can_v see_v god_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o run_v into_o particular_n but_o in_o the_o general_n i_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o experimental_a find_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v those_o thing_n in_o your_o soul_n which_o he_o in_o his_o word_n have_v make_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o obtain_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v trust_v to_o often_o therefore_o examine_v yourselves_o upon_o these_o point_n 1._o what_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n 2._o the_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o heart_n create_v and_o work_v and_o maintain_v these_o habit_n and_o exercise_n in_o your_o soul_n nay_o do_v not_o only_o this_o but_o examine_v yourselves_o also_o about_o the_o hold_n or_o abate_v of_o your_o hope_n the_o increase_n or_o decrease_v and_o discouragement_n of_o they_o in_o your_o soul_n a_o faint_a decay_n weaken_a hope_n if_o not_o look_v to_o will_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o faint_a and_o weak_a every_o day_n than_o other_o till_o it_o putrisi_v into_o despair_n now_o the_o force_n of_o this_o lie_v here_o the_o decay_n and_o abatement_n of_o our_o hope_n be_v cause_v either_o from_o some_o relapse_n into_o sin_n or_o from_o some_o eminent_a withdrawing_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v it_o in_o a_o soul_n and_o a_o daily_a examination_n or_o frequent_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o as_o to_o our_o spiritual_a hope_n will_v put_v the_o soul_n both_o upon_o frequent_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o it_o discern_v that_o its_o hope_n be_v abate_v by_o the_o prevailing_n of_o its_o lust_n and_o also_o upon_o frequent_a prayer_n beg_v the_o reviving_n and_o upholding_n of_o it_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o live_v in_o close_a communion_n with_o god_n i_o propound_v to_o you_o before_o the_o avoid_n of_o sin_n all_o sin_n but_o some_o especial_o to_o prevent_v temptation_n to_o despair_n but_o this_o be_v something_o more_o we_o be_v at_o first_o beget_v to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o word_n upon_o fervent_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o hope_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o same_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v first_o beget_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o soul_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o must_v find_v the_o ground_n and_o bottom_n of_o our_o hope_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o preach_v where_o it_o be_v do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o whet_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n a_o conscientious_a attendance_n upon_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n and_o to_o antidote_n despair_n nor_o certain_o can_v often_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v useless_a but_o contrariwise_o of_o very_o great_a use_n for_o the_o lord_n in_o that_o ordinance_n have_v add_v a_o sign_n to_o his_o word_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o proper_a mean_n to_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v our_o hope_n in_o short_a all_o communion_n with_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o internal_a by_o meditation_n and_o the_o secret_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n upon_o god_n or_o more_o external_n in_o such_o duty_n as_o god_n have_v prescribe_v we_o to_o perform_v a_o homage_n to_o he_o by_o must_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o more_o freedom_n and_o acquaintance_n we_o have_v with_o god_n the_o more_o we_o be_v with_o he_o the_o true_a and_o more_o just_a apprehension_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o he_o and_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o god_n now_o all_o despair_n flow_v from_o unjust_a and_o unkind_a apprehension_n and_o impression_n of_o god_n and_o from_o a_o too_o great_a a_o estrangement_n from_o he_o it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o know_v the_o lord_n name_v will_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n but_o above_o all_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n that_o obtain_v all_o grace_n all_o mercy_n from_o god_n the_o beginning_n of_o it_o the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o subject_a direct_v you_o to_o what_o i_o judge_v most_o proper_a to_o prevent_v in_o the_o soul_n fit_v or_o more_o settle_a habit_n of_o despair_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v most_o advisable_a to_o keep_v satan_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o more_o easy_a to_o oppose_v the_o first_o assault_n or_o avoid_v give_v he_o advantage_n to_o it_o than_o to_o grapple_v with_o it_o chap._n iu._n what_o despair_v soul_n shall_v do_v they_o ought_v to_o consult_v the_o physician_n if_o no_o bodily_a distemper_n give_v a_o rise_n to_o such_o dark_a thought_n what_o business_n they_o have_v with_o god_n no_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o warrant_v despair_n sometime_o none_o plead_v the_o usual_a argument_n plead_v from_o our_o many_o sin_n the_o greatness_n
minister_n or_o know_v and_o experience_a christian_n who_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n 3._o a_o three_o work_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o soul_n under_o this_o before_o temptation_n be_v with_o the_o person_n themselves_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o that_o be_v to_o persuade_v they_o or_o for_o such_o poor_a soul_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o conclusion_n which_o they_o make_v against_o themselves_o now_o upon_o this_o suffer_v i_o to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a in_o a_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o little_a force_n that_o can_v be_v in_o any_o argument_n that_o such_o a_o soul_n can_v bring_v against_o itself_o in_o this_o case_n and_o in_o shew-you_a the_o exceed_a sinfulness_n of_o this_o sin_v of_o despair_n in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v i_o desire_v such_o a_o soul_n to_o consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o warrant_v it_o to_o cast_v away_o all_o hope_n in_o god_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o its_o sin_n and_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n the_o one_o of_o these_o depend_v upon_o the_o other_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v such_o a_o soul_n that_o its_o sin_n shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v certain_o be_v damn_v or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o reprobate_n for_o psal_n 32._o 1._o bless_a be_v he_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o transgression_n a_o pardon_v sinner_n can_v perish_v that_o be_v certain_a if_o therefore_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v never_o pardon_v i_o none_o can_v be_v bring_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o god_n will_v not_o save_o i_o 1._o sometime_o soul_n under_o these_o circumstance_n will_v plead_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o only_o they_o have_v such_o a_o fix_a impression_n and_o persuasion_n upon_o their_o heart_n they_o know_v it_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v all_o you_o can_v get_v from_o it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n gal_n 5._o 8._o this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o impression_n upon_o our_o spirit_n be_v no_o oracle_n nor_o must_v be_v take_v for_o argument_n impression_n or_o persuasion_n be_v either_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n or_o persuasion_n hatch_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n by_o their_o own_o power_n or_o they_o be_v from_o the_o evil_a spirit_n impression_n indeed_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v deceive_v they_o be_v infallible_a but_o so_o be_v not_o these_o can_n think_v you_o this_o persuasion_n be_v from_o he_o that_o every_o where_o in_o his_o word_n call_v upon_o man_n to_o sinner_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v to_o wash_v themselves_o and_o make_v themselves_o clean_a tell_v they_o that_o if_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o snow_n if_o as_o crimson_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o they_o and_o abundant_o pardon_v they_o jsaiah_n 55._o 6_o 7._o can_v he_o that_o call_v sinner_n all_o sinner_n that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o promise_v they_o rest_n for_o their_o soul_n i_o say_v can_v they_o possible_o think_v that_o he_o have_v persuade_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o obtain_v pardon_n it_o must_v therefore_o remain_v that_o these_o persuasion_n in_o whatsoever_o soul_n they_o be_v find_v must_v either_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o soul_n from_o its_o own_o corruption_n or_o bring_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o satan_n let_v they_o be_v from_o which_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n they_o will_v they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n time_n be_v it_o be_v possible_a when_o the_o devil_n drive_v a_o quite_o contrary_a design_n and_o sing_v a_o quite_o other_o song_n to_o encourage_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n suggest_v to_o it_o that_o pardon_n be_v a_o easy_a thing_n and_o may_v be_v obtain_v without_o difficulty_n however_o he_o have_v change_v his_o note_n now_o he_o be_v pursue_v but_o the_o same_o design_n that_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o soul_n though_o it_o be_v by_o a_o quite_o contrary_a method_n but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o that_o a_o soul_n under_o this_o temptation_n talk_v at_o this_o irrational_a rate_n ordinary_o it_o have_v something_o to_o say_v though_o nothing_o sufficient_a to_o build_v such_o a_o conclusion_n upon_o and_o as_o i_o hint_v to_o you_o before_o all_o that_o the_o devil_n or_o a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n can_v say_v in_o the_o case_n be_v either_o 1._o that_o our_o sin_n be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v forgive_v or_o 2._o that_o they_o have_v be_v aggravate_v with_o some_o circumstance_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o can_v be_v forgive_v or_o 3._o that_o the_o time_n be_v past_a we_o have_v go_v on_o in_o they_o too_o long_o to_o be_v forgive_v or_o 4._o that_o we_o have_v commit_v some_o particular_a sin_n of_o too_o deep_a a_o die_n to_o be_v wash_v out_o if_o we_o can_v but_o drive_v out_o the_o devil_n from_o these_o refuge_n we_o shall_v leave_v he_o nothing_o to_o say_v to_o a_o soul_n to_o advantage_v this_o temptation_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v forgive_v this_o suggestion_n either_o have_v no_o bottom_n at_o all_o or_o if_o it_o have_v any_o it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a 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limit_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o what_o ground_n do_v we_o limit_v it_o methinks_v in_o this_o case_n the_o whole_a trinity_n speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o language_n that_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o another_o cause_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 11_o 12._o oye_o corinthian_n say_v he_o our_o mouth_n be_v open_v unto_o you_o our_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o we_o you_o be_v straighten_a in_o your_o own_o bowel_n some_o think_v the_o holy_a trinity_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n o_o you_o trouble_a sinner_n you_o despair_v soul_n our_o mouth_n be_v open_v to_o you_o to_o call_v those_o that_o have_v abundant_o sin_v to_o our_o abound_a mercy_n our_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o i_o say_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n i_o have_v infinite_a mercy_n mercy_n as_o the_o sand_n which_o be_v on_o the_o seashore_n you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o i_o say_v the_o son_n i_o have_v a_o infinite_a value_n and_o virtue_n in_o my_o blood_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o itself_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o every_o individual_a man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o after_o a_o multitude_n of_o sinning_n stand_v yet_o at_o the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n and_o knock_v and_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v he_o shall_v come_v in_o and_o sâ—p_v with_o i_o yea_o let_v they_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o add_v my_o efficacy_n to_o give_v faith_n and_o to_o give_v repentance_n and_o this_o after_o a_o multitude_n
of_o sin_n you_o be_v not_o straighten_a in_o i_o where_o then_o be_v sinner_n straighten_a oh_o they_o be_v straighten_a in_o their_o own_o bowel_n they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o consider_v their_o way_n to_o humble_v their_o soul_n for_o their_o sin_n to_o leave_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v unto_o god_n thus_o be_v they_o straighten_a in_o their_o own_o bowel_n and_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n 2._o second_o to_o this_o suggestion_n doubtless_o we_o be_v to_o oppose_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o multitude_n and_o abundance_n of_o divine_a mercy_n psal_n 134._o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o say_v holy_a david_n they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand._n so_o isaiah_n 55._o v._o 6_o 7._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 unto_o his_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v thus_o you_o often_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n tender_a mercy_n in_o god_n psal_n 5._o 7._o i_o will_v come_v into_o thy_o house_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n so_o psal_n 51._o 1._o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n so_o psal_n 69._o 13._o mercy_n in_o god_n be_v but_o one_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n look_v upon_o one_o in_o misery_n and_o help_v and_o relieve_v he_o what_o do_v we_o read_v of_o a_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n certain_o it_o either_o signify_v god_n multiply_v act_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v several_a branch_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o same_o root_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n or_o else_o the_o term_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o goodness_n in_o god_n proportionated_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o what_o end_n do_v we_o read_v of_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n in_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o relieve_v we_o groan_v under_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 3._o again_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o god_n to_o pardon_v multitude_n of_o sin_n as_o few_o yea_o he_o never_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o any_o one_o soul_n but_o he_o pardon_v a_o multitude_n god_n must_v vail_v his_o justice_n and_o deny_v himself_o in_o his_o vindicative_a justice_n to_o pardon_v one_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o one_o sin_n but_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o infiniteness_n in_o it_o or_o rather_o contract_v a_o infinite_a gild_n for_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v against_o a_o infinite_a god_n against_o infinite_a justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v remit_v it_o and_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o a_o infinite_a remission_n as_o easy_o extend_v to_o a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o a_o few_o so_o that_o as_o that_o good_a prince_n say_v unto_o god_n in_o the_o recognition_n of_o his_o power_n it_o be_v easy_a with_o thou_o to_o save_v by_o many_o as_o by_o few_o so_o we_o may_v say_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a with_o god_n to_o save_v from_o many_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o many_o many_o thousand_o of_o sin_n as_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o few_o especial_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v put_v in_o consider_v there_o be_v also_o a_o infiniteness_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o redemption_n price_n that_o be_v pay_v if_o indeed_o that_o have_v be_v scant_o something_o may_v have_v be_v colourable_o object_v but_o that_o be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o god_n the_o person_n that_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n be_v god-man_n a_o infinite_a person_n his_o blood_n be_v of_o infinite_a virtue_n as_o to_o satisfaction_n indeed_o the_o papist_n strain_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o far_o to_o say_v that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o christ_n blood_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ransom_n a_o world_n that_o be_v a_o idle_a monkish_a hyberbole_n for_o there_o must_v be_v a_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o life_n so_o much_o of_o his_o blood_n shed_v as_o shall_v have_v determine_v his_o life_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o nuda_fw-la sufficientia_fw-la we_o be_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o sufficientia_fw-la ordinata_fw-la how_o far_o christ_n ordain_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o bare_a and_o naked_a sufficiency_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o who_o will_v acknowledge_v a_o infiniteness_n in_o christ_n person_n nor_o yet_o shall_v the_o papist_n from_o hence_n augment_v their_o church_n treasury_n to_o the_o value_n of_o a_o farthing_n christ_n never_o leave_v the_o redundancy_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n to_o humane_a disposal_n the_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o to_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v by_o it_o have_v any_o benefit_n be_v order_v and_o dispose_v of_o from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n even_o from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lâ—mb_n be_v first_o slay_v in_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n let_v they_o look_v to_o answer_v the_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n who_o maintain_v universal_a redemption_n in_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o but_o i_o add_v far_o under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n never_o pardon_v sin_n to_o any_o soul_n but_o he_o pardon_v a_o multitude_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o a_o parity_n in_o man_n and_o woman_n sin_n either_o as_o to_o the_o quality_n or_o quantity_n but_o i_o say_v god_n never_o pardon_v any_o but_o multitude_n of_o sin_n the_o righteous_a fall_v seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n sin_n be_v in_o every_o soul_n and_o it_o may_v say_v our_o name_n be_v legion_n for_o we_o be_v many_o if_o multitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v pardon_v no_o sinner_n can_v be_v pardon_v 2._o temptation_n but_o then_o say_v the_o tempter_n or_o the_o tempt_a soul_n if_o you_o will_v ah_o but_o my_o sin_n have_v receive_v very_o high_a and_o great_a aggravation_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o light_n against_o love_n i_o know_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v what_o i_o do_v i_o be_v warn_v by_o minister_n check_v by_o my_o own_o conscience_n otherwise_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o have_v mercy_n above_o thousand_o of_o other_o i_o sin_v against_o all_o etc._n etc._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a sad_a circumstance_n a_o load_n of_o this_o nature_n do_v often_o lie_v very_o heavy_a upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o a_o guilt_n of_o this_o nature_n require_v a_o further_a and_o deep_a humiliation_n confession_n contrition_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o such_o sin_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pardon_n yea_o or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o forgiveness_n from_o a_o gracious_a god_n all_o this_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o thou_o to_o despair_n and_o cast_v away_o hope_n refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v 2._o if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o pardon_n it_o must_v be_v so_o determine_v in_o scripture_n now_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holy_a word_n have_v no_o where_o determine_v that_o no_o person_n that_o have_v sin_v against_o his_o light_n shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o conclude_v to_o our_o own_o prejudice_n and_o discouragement_n as_o to_o a_o act_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v no_o where_n in_o his_o word_n reveal_v 3._o three_o there_o be_v no_o sinner_n pardon_v but_o have_v sin_v against_o his_o light_n and_o against_o love_n so_o that_o the_o question_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v about_o the_o thing_n but_o about_o the_o degree_n not_o whether_o one_o who_o have_v sin_v against_o light_n and_o love_n can_v be_v pardon_v but_o whether_o one_o who_o have_v sin_v against_o so_o much_o light_n and_o so_o much_o love_n can_v be_v forgive_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o thou_o to_o assign_v sinning_n against_o such_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o love_n as_o none_o ever_o sin_v against_o and_o be_v save_v there_o be_v in_o scripture_n great_a instance_n of_o pardon_v sinner_n who_o yet_o sin_v against_o great_a degree_n of_o light_n and_o love_n too_o take_v but_o the_o instance_n of_o david_n and_o peter_n david_n be_v a_o man_n of_o much_o light_n he_o be_v you_o know_v one_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n he_o be_v a_o man_n much_o belove_v of_o god_n he_o be_v style_v the_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n god_n mind_v he_o of_o how_o much_o he_o have_v do_v for_o he_o take_v he_o from_o the_o sheepfold_n and_o make_v he_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o judah_n give_v his_o master_n crown_n house_n and_o wife_n yea_o and_o
as_o he_o tell_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o against_o all_o this_o he_o sin_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o bathsheba_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n it_o be_v true_a this_o cost_n he_o many_o tear_n many_o prayer_n yet_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n peter_n be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a light_n and_o have_v be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o great_a love_n christ_n have_v say_v to_o he_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n yet_o this_o peter_n curse_v and_o swear_v and_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o after_o this_o when_o he_o have_v go_v out_o and_o weep_v better_o christ_n remember_v he_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o believe_v peter_n be_v in_o heaven_n thou_o can_v not_o say_v that_o thou_o have_v sin_v against_o great_a light_n or_o great_a love_n than_o these_o two_o eminent_a saint_n in_o glory_n sin_v against_o to_o have_v sin_v out_o our_o light_n indeed_o that_o be_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o we_o have_v no_o more_o check_n no_o more_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n this_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v past_o feel_v that_o be_v sad_a but_o by_o thy_o trouble_n and_o complain_v it_o appear_v that_o be_v not_o thy_o case_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o many_o have_v sin_v against_o light_n much_o light_n and_o against_o much_o love_n too_o who_o god_n have_v from_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o mercy_n forgive_v and_o rereceive_v up_o to_o glory_n 3._o temptation_n but_o will_v such_o a_o soul_n say_v it_o be_v true_a have_v i_o in_o time_n turn_v unto_o god_n there_o may_v have_v be_v hope_n but_o alas_o time_n be_v past_a time_n be_v pass_v with_o i_o have_v i_o turn_v to_o god_n in_o my_o youth_n but_o i_o be_o in_o the_o decline_a part_n of_o my_o life_n god_n have_v say_v his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man._n the_o figtree_n be_v curse_v after_o three_o year_n in_o vain_a expect_a fruit._n god_n have_v a_o long_a time_n be_v look_v for_o fruit_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o have_v find_v none_o i_o have_v sin_v wilful_o after_o i_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v now_o i_o fear_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n of_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n heb._n 10._o 26_o 27._o to_o which_o i_o say_v 1._o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n and_o i_o desire_v that_o such_o complaint_n as_o these_o when_o we_o hear_v they_o may_v be_v sanctify_v to_o all_o that_o have_v time_n before_o they_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o misspend_v it_o and_o trifle_v it_o away_o but_o where_o this_o counsel_n be_v too_o late_o the_o question_n that_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o a_o soul_n despair_v 2._o the_o sadness_n second_o of_o this_o case_n be_v aggravate_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o scripture_n for_o this_o temptation_n it_o be_v general_o hold_v by_o divine_n that_o as_o country_n and_o nation_n have_v their_o period_n of_o grace_n so_o particular_a person_n have_v their_o day_n of_o grace_n too_o and_o period_n beyond_o which_o god_n spirit_n shall_v not_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o text_n heb._n 10._o that_o there_o be_v a_o wilful_a sin_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n after_o which_o there_o will_v remain_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o what_o that_o degree_n of_o wilful_a sin_v be_v and_o how_o it_o must_v be_v circumstance_v that_o be_v another_o question_n but_o to_o speak_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o temptation_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o will_v have_v thou_o scrious_o consider_v whether_o the_o freeness_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v due_o think_v of_o by_o thou_o who_o objecte_v thus_o against_o thyself_o take_v heed_n thou_o have_v not_o some_o thought_n within_o thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v recompense_v god_n by_o thy_o future_a holiness_n for_o thy_o past_a provocation_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o discourage_v thy_o hope_v in_o god_n and_o look_v up_o unto_o he_o for_o mercy_n be_v not_o a_o prospect_n that_o thou_o be_v not_o like_a to_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o make_v this_o recompense_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o attend_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n which_o run_v thus_o i_o will_v blot_v out_o thy_o transgression_n for_o my_o own_o name_n sake_n and_o we_o have_v redemption_n even_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o any_o soul_n sin_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n the_o glorify_v of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n not_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n though_o that_o be_v thy_o duty_n and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o be_v 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it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v time_n and_o season_n which_o be_v in_o god_n power_n only_o it_o be_v true_a god_n seem_v to_o have_v reveal_v that_o every_o soul_n have_v a_o set_a time_n beyond_o which_o be_v will_v show_v it_o no_o favour_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o end_n of_o our_o life_n but_o may_v be_v sometime_o before_o our_o die_a day_n but_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n that_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v rashness_n for_o any_o soul_n to_o conclude_v my_o time_n be_v past_a where_o have_v we_o any_o direction_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o fix_v any_o such_o time_n or_o to_o conclude_v it_o as_o to_o any_o period_n of_o time_n we_o know_v the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n call_v to_o some_o to_o come_v and_o work_n in_o his_o vineyard_n at_o the_o 11_o hour_n and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v tell_v in_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o shall_v that_o night_n be_v with_o christ_n in_o paradise_n secret_n thing_n belong_v unto_o god_n reveal_v thing_n only_o to_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o certain_a rule_n to_o determine_v the_o time_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o determine_v it_o ourselves_o to_o discourage_v we_o from_o what_o his_o word_n command_v we_o as_o our_o certain_a duty_n 3._o three_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heart_n find_v in_o we_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n humble_v for_o they_o and_o to_o turn_v from_o they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n tender_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v certain_a our_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o past_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n be_v make_v unto_o such_o so_o that_o no_o soul_n have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o he_o in_o god_n but_o that_o soul_n that_o labour_v under_o impenitency_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o find_v in_o itself_o a_o resolution_n yet_o to_o go_v on_o in_o its_o sinful_a course_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v observe_v in_o that_o dreadful_a text_n heb._n 6._o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v renew_v again_o by_o repentance_n if_o they_o can_v repent_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v pardon_v or_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n but_o
bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o indisputable_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 3._o 3._o and_o st._n paul_n plain_o say_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v life_n etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n say_v without_o faith_n and_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n no_o consider_v man_n therefore_o can_v possible_o raise_v up_o to_o himself_o any_o hope_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o eternal_a life_n but_o he_o must_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o far_o obey_v as_o god_n will_v accept_v it_o to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o can_v serve_v the_o devil_n turn_v so_o effectual_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o to_o take_v care_n it_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o have_v be_v several_a notion_n of_o faith_n that_o have_v strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v the_o popish_a notion_n who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n assent_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v without_o any_o practical_a obedience_n for_o many_o a_o man_n assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o yet_o he_o allow_v not_o a_o influence_n upon_o his_o life_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o devil_n be_v possess_v of_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v 2._o the_o second_o be_v their_o notion_n who_o make_v justify_v faith_n to_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v john_n 1._o 12._o a_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o close_n a_o hearty_a close_n with_o he_o as_o offer_v in_o the_o gospel_n hope_v trust_v in_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o for_o salvation_n no_o soul_n can_v possible_o do_v this_o that_o do_v not_o first_o assent_n to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o agree_v to_o what_o that_o reveal_v concern_v christ_n both_o as_o to_o his_o person_n and_o as_o to_o his_o willingness_n to_o save_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o soul_n may_v assent_v to_o those_o proposition_n and_o yet_o not_o receive_v christ_n upon_o the_o term_n he_o propound_v this_o receive_v christ_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o as_o their_o saviour_n they_o say_v necessary_o draw_v on_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n though_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v two_o thing_n for_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o hope_n or_o trust_v in_o another_o for_o any_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o term_n without_o the_o fulfil_n of_o those_o term_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v but_o this_o they_o say_v may_v be_v without_o any_o certain_a assurance_n of_o the_o soul_n acceptation_n which_o a_o man_n can_v have_v until_o he_o be_v justify_v 3._o a_o three_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o they_o who_o make_v it_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o duty_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o notion_n of_o some_o eminent_a divine_n upon_o our_o first_o reformation_n but_o be_v reject_v by_o latter_a divine_n as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v a_o instrument_n in_o our_o justification_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o soul_n shall_v have_v till_o it_o be_v justify_v beside_o that_o many_o a_o pious_a devout_a soul_n have_v not_o arrive_v at_o this_o 4._o other_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o confident_a persuasion_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o whether_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o live_v to_o he_o yea_o or_o no._n 5._o other_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o practical_a assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n the_o danger_n of_o a_o soul_n presume_v be_v from_o the_o first_o and_o the_o four_o of_o these_o principal_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n think_v they_o do_v believe_v because_o they_o do_v agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v easy_o run_v away_o with_o a_o vain_a imagination_n that_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v their_o portion_n when_o indeed_o not_o one_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o they_o because_o this_o believe_v be_v not_o that_o believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o which_o suffer_v i_o to_o offer_v these_o few_o thing_n to_o your_o consideration_n 1._o because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v without_o any_o holiness_n or_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n murderer_n traitor_n thief_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o humane_a law_n though_o they_o prodigious_o violate_v they_o there_o may_v be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o proposition_n to_o which_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n suffer_v they_o not_o to_o live_v up_o to_o but_o we_o know_v that_o without_o holiness_n none_o can_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v that_o believe_v to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o see_v god_n and_o live_n with_o he_o be_v annex_v 2._o because_o as_o i_o say_v before_o the_o devil_n thus_o believe_v yea_o i_o believe_v better_o than_o the_o most_o of_o man_n do_v for_o our_o assent_n to_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o working_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o our_o evidence_n of_o it_o now_o the_o devil_n have_v see_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v make_v man_n and_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n these_o be_v proposition_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n must_v needs_o see_v in_o a_o better_a light_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v who_o only_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n not_o imprint_v upon_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v particular_o to_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v general_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n 3._o three_o consider_v that_o every_o where_n in_o scripture_n a_o person_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o which_o the_o promise_v of_o life_n be_v make_v it_o be_v make_v a_o believe_v in_o christ_n on_o his_o name_n a_o receive_v of_o he_o a_o come_n to_o he_o now_o a_o proposition_n not_o a_o person_n be_v the_o object_n of_o assent_n we_o indeed_o sometime_o say_v we_o assent_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v we_o agree_v to_o such_o a_o proposition_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o write_v the_o object_n of_o justify_v faith_n the_o scripture_n make_v to_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o mediator_n i_o therefore_o beg_v of_o you_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o deceive_v not_o your_o soul_n by_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v as_o much_o heed_n of_o their_o wild_a notion_n who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o assume_v confidence_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o let_v they_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v this_o separate_v faith_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o better_a in_o itself_o than_o a_o most_o bold_a and_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n exclusive_a of_o that_o fear_n and_o tremble_a with_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n their_o notion_n be_v far_o better_a who_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o practical_a assent_n but_o still_o i_o pray_v observe_v the_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o be_v assent_n and_o the_o object_n of_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o proposition_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v think_v this_o the_o act_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o justifi_v for_o the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v in_o scripture_n constant_o make_v the_o mediator_n himself_o not_o a_o mere_a proposition_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o this_o notion_n as_o calculate_v to_o justle_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o place_n of_o a_o mediator_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v he_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o treat_v with_o his_o father_n about_o the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n but_o to_o stand_v as_o the_o middle_a person_n between_o god_n and_o man_n to_o merit_v salvation_n for_o we_o by_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n by_o a_o gracious_a act_n of_o god_n to_o be_v reckon_v to_o we_o upon_o
and_o yet_o not_o eye_v the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v carry_v out_o to_o it_o from_o other_o motive_n now_o this_o be_v no_o obedience_n no_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 4._o that_o no_o obedience_n be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v universal_a i_o do_v not_o say_v perfect_a for_o who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o but_o universal_a there_o be_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n psal_n 119._o 6._o then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v ashamed_a say_v david_n when_o i_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o who_o so_o do_v or_o avoid_v a_o action_n pure_o upon_o this_o reason_n because_o god_n have_v command_v or_o god_n have_v forbid_v it_o will_v find_v himself_o under_o the_o same_o obligation_n to_o do_v whatever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v forbid_v yet_o be_v not_o a_o christian_n to_o measure_v his_o obedience_n from_o his_o performance_n but_o from_o the_o regard_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n conjoin_v with_o a_o proportionable_a endeavour_n though_o our_o corruption_n will_v sometime_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o 5._o if_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n have_v build_v up_o his_o hope_n as_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n of_o which_o he_o as_o yet_o have_v no_o assurance_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o upon_o who_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o have_v wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n a_o firm_a and_o steady_a assent_n to_o what_o god_n have_v there_o reveal_v and_o enable_v he_o to_o accept_v of_o this_o salvation_n and_o to_o close_v with_o god_n way_n of_o salvation_n cast_v all_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o soul_n for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o have_v by_o his_o spirit_n make_v a_o change_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o now_o hate_v all_o sin_n and_o love_v god_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o they_o all_o desire_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o avoid_v whatsoover_n he_o have_v forbid_v and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v command_v the_o one_o and_o forbid_v the_o other_o and_z according_o endeavour_v in_o his_o whole_a conversation_n though_o he_o be_v many_o time_n over_o bear_v with_o temptation_n and_o find_v a_o law_n in_o his_o member_n rebel_a against_o and_o prevail_v against_o the_o law_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n this_o man_n now_o build_v his_o hope_n not_o presumptuous_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n but_o less_o than_o this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o presumption_n from_o false_a notion_n take_v up_o of_o regeneration_n conversion_n repentance_n save_v faith_n and_o true_a holiness_n yet_o 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and_o yet_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n now_o what_o shall_v the_o righteous_a god_n do_v to_o such_o a_o man_n v._o 20._o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n v._o 21._o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v separate_v he_o to_o evil_a out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v add_v to_o that_o commination_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_o speak_v so_o as_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o sin_n by_o 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v._o 13._o i_o never_o knâ—w_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n take_v heed_n of_o carry_v on_o presumptuous_a hope_n to_o a_o die_a hour_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o under_o this_o head_n offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o those_o soul_n that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v split_v upon_o this_o rock_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o without_o faith_n and_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v god_n heb._n 12._o 14._o it_o tell_v we_o 21._o rev._n 8._o that_o the_o fearful_a and_o