purum_fw-la desuper_fw-la se_fw-la lumen_fw-la infundit_fw-la light_n be_v infuse_v from_o above_o into_o the_o purify_v soul_n and_o that_o this_o expression_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v here_o in_o the_o text_n as_o also_o chap._n 10.32_o the_o syriac_a and_o ethiopic_n give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v for_o they_o render_v the_o text_n thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v once_o baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o at_o the_o 10_o the_o chap._n v._o 32._o which_o we_o translate_v but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n that_o be_v call_v to_o mind_v the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o by_o baptism_n you_o have_v public_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n you_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n expose_v to_o many_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n so_o that_o i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a doubt_n but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v once_o enlighten_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o that_o be_v baptize_v to_o proceed_v then_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o two_o expression_n seem_v to_o denote_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o christian_n by_o baptism_n particular_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o justification_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o we_o find_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v call_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.8_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o our_o justification_n be_v call_v a_o gift_n and_o a_o free_a gift_n five_o several_a time_n in_o one_o chapter_n rom._n 5.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o but_o not_o as_o the_o offence_n so_o also_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n for_o if_o through_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o many_o be_v dead_a much_o more_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n by_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o one_o man_n jesus_n christ_n have_v abound_v unto_o many_o and_o what_o this_o free_a gift_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o word_n viz._n justification_n or_o remission_n of_o sin_n v._o 16._o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v by_o one_o that_o sin_v so_o be_v the_o gift_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v by_o one_o to_o condemnation_n but_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v of_o many_o offence_n unto_o justification_n for_o if_o by_o one_o man_n offence_n death_n reign_v by_o one_o much_o more_o they_o which_o receive_v abundance_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v reign_v in_o life_n by_o one_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n unto_o justification_n of_o life_n so_o that_o by_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o understand_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o gracious_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o particular_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n age_n that_o be_v the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o shall_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v general_o in_o scripture_n use_v for_o miraculous_a power_n and_o operation_n and_o particular_o to_o express_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n i_o need_v not_o cite_v the_o particular_a text_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o well_o know_v and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v far_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v frequent_o call_v by_o the_o jew_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o very_a phrase_n use_v by_o the_o lxx_o concern_v our_o saviour_n isa_n 9.6_o where_o he_o be_v call_v according_a to_o our_o translation_n the_o everlasting_a father_n but_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o lxx_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o far_o of_o the_o future_a age._n and_o this_o very_a phrase_n be_v use_v once_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o heb._n ch_n 2.5_o for_o unto_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o not_o put_v in_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o angel_n v._o 2._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a but_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v or_o the_o future_a age_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o angel_n have_v he_o not_o put_v into_o subjection_n the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o phrase_n be_v only_o use_v in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o jew_n very_o well_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o common_o express_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o house_n of_o elias_n which_o distribute_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n into_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n the_o age_n before_o the_o law_n the_o age_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o call_v the_o seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o age_n to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o day_n or_o time_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n concern_v which_o it_o be_v particular_o prophesy_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o man_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o power_n and_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n the_o prophet_n joel_n be_v cite_v by_o st._n peter_n act_v 2.16_o 17._o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v god_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o by_o taste_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v mean_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n age_n by_o the_o jew_n common_o call_v the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o that_o be_v if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o this_o profession_n out_o of_o love_n to_o this_o present_a world_n or_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o difficult_a hardly_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o that_o such_o wilful_a and_o notorious_a apostate_n shall_v be_v restore_v again_o by_o repentance_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o translate_v impossible_a be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o that_o which_o absolute_o can_v be_v but_o many_o time_n for_o that_o which_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a that_o it_o seem_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n so_o our_o saviour_n that_o which_o in_o one_o place_n he_o call_v exceed_o hard_a viz._n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o afterward_o call_v impossible_a with_o man_n and_o so_o here_o i_o understand_v the_o apostle_n that_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o baptism_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o it_o be_v exceed_o hard_a to_o recover_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n some_o understand_v of_o restore_v they_o again_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n such_o as_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o great_a offender_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v
meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._n vol._n v._n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o principal_a of_o those_o exception_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n 2._o ser._n 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a
of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o dly_z this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12.47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n 3_o dly_z the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n
in_o the_o more_o notorious_o he_o contradict_v his_o profession_n and_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o danger_n there_o threaten_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 4_o thly_a but_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o renounce_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o occasion_n and_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o have_v new_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o apostatise_v from_o it_o because_o of_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v that_o profession_n it_o please_v god_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o permit_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o raise_v a_o vehement_a persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o many_o out_o of_o base_a fear_n do_v apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o in_o testimony_n of_o their_o renounce_n it_o be_v force_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o caution_n and_o arm_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 2.1_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v fall_v away_o and_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o be_v call_v a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v to_o fall_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o idolatry_n and_o chap._n 10.23_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o that_o be_v not_o decline_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n and_o v._o 26._o it_o be_v call_v a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o v._o 39_o a_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n and_o ch._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v the_o sin_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o liable_a to_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o and_o call_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o do_v not_o require_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o it_o with_o any_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v 1_o john_n 5.16_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o all_o vnrighteousness_n be_v sin_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v do_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o and_o then_o v._o 21._o he_o add_v this_o caution_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o sufficient_o show_v what_o that_o sin_n be_v which_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o apostle_n design_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a what_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v he_o here_o speak_v of_o namely_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n 5_o thly_a we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v such_o person_n by_o repentance_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o because_o it_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o provocation_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o person_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o heinousness_n of_o the_o sin_n both_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a apostasy_n from_o god_n a_o direct_a renounce_n of_o he_o and_o reject_v of_o his_o truth_n after_o man_n have_v own_v it_o and_o be_v inward_o persuade_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o this_o epistle_n call_v it_o a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n a_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o have_v all_o the_o aggravation_n that_o a_o crime_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o renounce_v against_o the_o great_a obligation_n lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n receive_v and_o a_o miraculous_a power_n confer_v for_o a_o witness_n and_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o religion_n to_o the_o world_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o in_o effect_n a_o expression_n of_o as_o high_a malice_n to_o the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o they_o put_v he_o to_o so_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a a_o death_n now_o a_o sin_n of_o this_o heinous_a nature_n be_v apt_a natural_o either_o to_o plunge_v man_n into_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n or_o to_o drive_v they_o to_o despair_v and_o either_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v effectual_a barrs_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o both_o these_o danger_n the_o apostle_n warn_v man_n of_o in_o this_o epistle_n ch._n 3.12_o 13._o take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o live_a god_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o else_o the_o reflection_n upon_o so_o horrid_a a_o crime_n be_v apt_a to_o drive_v a_o man_n to_o despair_n as_o it_o do_v judas_n who_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o ease_n but_o by_o make_v away_o himself_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n fill_v he_o with_o such_o terror_n that_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o fly_v to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o apostasy_n though_o it_o be_v not_o total_a from_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o from_o the_o purity_n and_o reformation_n of_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o desperation_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o of_o this_o danger_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v ch._n 12.15_o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n lest_o any_o man_n fall_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o trouble_v you_o and_o then_o he_o compare_v the_o case_n of_o such_o person_n to_o esau_n who_o when_o he_o have_v renounce_v his_o birthright_n to_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v annex_v be_v afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n reject_v and_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o careful_o with_o tear_n 2_o dly_z those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n do_v renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o become_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o afford_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o mean_n to_o repentance_n and_o renounce_v the_o only_a way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n be_v in_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o desperate_a condition_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o who_o disease_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o remedy_n that_o shall_v cure_v he_o and_o
happiness_n by_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o may_v forfeit_v their_o happiness_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o offend_v that_o god_n to_o who_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o infinite_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n few_o man_n have_v so_o little_a goodness_n as_o to_o sin_v without_o a_o temptation_n but_o in_o that_o state_n where_o man_n be_v perfect_o good_a and_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v fall_v from_o that_o state_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a that_o that_o likewise_o be_v immutable_a the_o scripture_n do_v seem_v plain_o enough_o to_o assert_v when_o it_o call_v it_o a_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o use_v such_o expression_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o misery_n as_o signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n expression_n of_o as_o great_a a_o extent_n as_o those_o which_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o as_o large_a and_o unlimited_a as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o those_o language_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v beside_o that_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v in_o scripture_n represent_v as_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o devil_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o do_v or_o will_v repent_v not_o because_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o extreme_a misery_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o it_o be_v under_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n there_o be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n no_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n without_o which_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v utter_o despair_v of_o pardon_n and_o be_v assure_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n will_v never_o show_v mercy_n to_o he_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n will_v grow_v desperate_a and_o not_o care_v what_o he_o do_v he_o that_o know_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v he_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v will_v not_o matter_n how_o he_o demean_v himself_o all_o motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v go_v after_o a_o man_n once_o know_v it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n because_o their_o state_n be_v final_o determine_v and_o they_o be_v conclude_v under_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n therefore_o repentance_n be_v impossible_a to_o they_o sorry_a no_o doubt_n they_o be_v and_o hearty_o trouble_v that_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v bring_v this_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o and_o they_o can_v but_o conceive_v a_o everlasting_a displeasure_n against_o themselves_o for_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o the_o reflection_n of_o this_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a spring_n of_o discontent_n and_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o eternal_a rage_n and_o vexation_n and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o feel_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o groan_v under_o the_o insupportable_a torment_n of_o it_o and_o see_v no_o end_n of_o this_o miserable_a state_n no_o hope_n of_o get_v out_o of_o it_o they_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o affect_v than_o with_o discontent_n at_o themselves_o and_o rage_n and_o fury_n against_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o penitent_a so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o themselves_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v but_o this_o trouble_n work_v no_o change_n and_o alteration_n in_o they_o they_o still_o hate_v god_n who_o inflict_v these_o punishment_n upon_o they_o and_o who_o they_o believe_v be_v determine_v to_o continue_v they_o in_o this_o miserable_a state_n the_o present_a anguish_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o despair_n of_o better_v it_o make_v they_o mad_a and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o distract_v by_o the_o wildness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o spirit_n so_o exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o fire_n by_o their_o own_o giddy_a motion_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rest_n and_o silence_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o liberty_n of_o one_o calm_a and_o sedate_v thought_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o reflect_v upon_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o shall_v entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o return_v to_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n they_o be_v present_o check_v with_o this_o consideration_n that_o their_o case_n be_v determine_v that_o god_n be_v implacable_o offend_v with_o they_o and_o be_v inexorable_o and_o peremptory_o resolve_v to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o during_o this_o persuasion_n no_o man_n can_v return_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o immutable_a state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v engage_v we_o with_o all_o seriousness_n and_o diligence_n to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v our_o future_a happiness_n god_n have_v set_v before_o we_o good_a and_o evil_n life_n and_o death_n and_o we_o may_v yet_o choose_v which_o we_o please_v but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v stand_v to_o that_o choice_n which_o we_o have_v make_v here_o and_o inherit_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o by_o sin_n mankind_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o miserable_a state_n but_o our_o condition_n be_v not_o desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o though_o our_o case_n be_v bad_a it_o need_v not_o continue_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n now_o of_o change_v our_o condition_n for_o the_o better_a and_o of_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a happiness_n for_o ourselves_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o so_o that_o no_o man_n case_n be_v so_o bad_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o better_v it_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v who_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o men._n under_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o this_o grace_n those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n may_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n dear_a son_n but_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o opportunity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o offer_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n there_o will_v no_o overture_n be_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v god_n will_v try_v we_o no_o more_o our_o final_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o world_n will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o we_o in_o the_o other_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v over_o again_o to_o correct_v our_o error_n as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o shall_v lie_v such_o a_o state_n as_o we_o be_v settle_v in_o when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o other_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o change_v it_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o may_v mould_n and_o fashion_v our_o own_o fortune_n but_o if_o we_o trifle_v away_o this_o advantage_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n god_n have_v yet_o leave_v heaven_n and_o hell_n to_o our_o choice_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v about_o we_o and_o choose_v well_o who_o can_v choose_v but_o once_o for_o all_o and_o for_o ever_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o space_n and_o opportunity_n leave_v we_o of_o repentance_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o step_v out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n our_o condition_n will_v be_v seal_v never_o to_o be_v reverse_v and_o because_o after_o this_o life_n there_o will_v be_v no_o further_a hope_n of_o mercy_n there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n
seem_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o industrious_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v they_o be_v rather_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o way_n and_o will_v conceal_v their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o seem_v to_o aspire_v after_o riches_n and_o honour_n so_o much_o as_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o better_a thing_n how_o cold_a and_o remiss_a be_v we_o with_o what_o a_o careless_a indifference_n do_v most_o man_n mind_v their_o soul_n how_o negligent_a and_o formal_a and_o many_o time_n hypocritical_a be_v they_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o a_o pitiful_a courage_n and_o with_o what_o faint_a spirit_n do_v they_o resist_v sin_n and_o encounter_v the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o often_o and_o how_o easy_o be_v they_o foil_v and_o baffle_v by_o they_o 4_o thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o invincible_o constant_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o earthly_a thing_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bribe_v or_o take_v off_o by_o favour_n or_o fair_a word_n not_o to_o be_v daunt_v by_o difficulty_n or_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o the_o frown_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n offer_v a_o ambitious_a man_n any_o thing_n short_a of_o his_o end_n and_o aim_n to_o take_v he_o off_o from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o scorn_v the_o motion_n and_o think_v you_o go_v about_o to_o fool_v he_o out_o of_o his_o interest_n bait_v a_o covetous_a man_n with_o temptation_n of_o pleasure_n to_o get_v his_o money_n from_o he_o how_o generous_o will_v this_o mean-spirited_n man_n trample_v upon_o pleasure_n when_o it_o will_v tempt_v he_o from_o his_o design_n of_o be_v rich_a difficulty_n do_v not_o daunt_v they_o but_o whet_v their_o courage_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o their_o spirit_n give_v a_o ambitious_a man_n almost_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o attempt_n contrà _fw-la audentior_fw-la ibit_fw-la he_o will_v go_v on_o so_o much_o the_o more_o bold_o and_o resolute_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n but_o a_o covetous_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v jeer_v and_o flirt_v out_o of_o his_o money_n and_o estate_n he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v rich_a and_o give_v leave_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o to_o laugh_v at_o he_o populus_fw-la mihi_fw-la sibilat_fw-la at_o mihi_fw-la plaudo_fw-la the_o rich_a worldling_n can_v hug_v himself_o and_o his_o bag_n when_o the_o world_n hiss_v at_o he_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v and_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n speak_v against_o he_o for_o money_n sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o these_o design_n man_n will_v with_o great_a resolution_n encounter_n enmity_n and_o opposition_n and_o endure_v great_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n how_o many_o have_v be_v martyr_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o ease_n and_o health_n and_o even_o their_o life_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o ambitious_a and_o covetous_a and_o voluptuous_a design_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o easy_o be_v man_n check_v and_o divert_v from_o a_o good_a course_n by_o the_o temptation_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n how_o many_o be_v cold_a in_o their_o zeal_n for_o religion_n by_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o this_o world_n and_o as_o their_o good_n and_o estate_n have_v grow_v great_a their_o devotion_n have_v grow_v less_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o be_v terrify_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o suffering_n and_o by_o their_o fearful_a imagination_n to_o make_v they_o great_a than_o they_o be_v and_o with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v dishearten_v from_o all_o further_a attempt_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o giant_n and_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n how_o easy_o be_v peter_n fright_v into_o the_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n be_v apprehend_v how_o do_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o fly_v from_o he_o and_o though_o they_o be_v constant_a afterward_o to_o the_o death_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o be_v perfect_o arm_v and_o steel_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o suffer_v 5_o thly_a the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v all_o thing_n stoop_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o which_o be_v their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n their_o end_n rule_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_z gives_z law_n to_o all_o their_o action_n they_o will_v make_v a_o advantage_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o end_n one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o if_o a_o ambitious_a man_n seek_v wealth_n it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o design_n to_o purchase_v friend_n and_o strengthen_v his_o interest_n and_o make_v his_o rise_n the_o easy_a he_o will_v lay_v his_o whole_a estate_n at_o the_o stake_n rather_o than_o miss_v of_o his_o end_n the_o covetous_a man_n will_v quit_v his_o pleasure_n when_o it_o lie_v cross_v to_o his_o interest_n if_o he_o have_v any_o expensive_a lust_n and_o chargeable_a vice_n he_o will_v turn_v it_o off_o or_o exchange_v it_o for_o some_o more_o frugal_a and_o profitable_a sin_n but_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n how_o frequent_o do_v man_n act_v without_o a_o due_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o great_a end_n and_o instead_o of_o make_v other_o thing_n submit_v to_o it_o they_o often_o bow_v and_o bend_v it_o to_o their_o inferior_a interest_n they_o make_v heaven_n stoop_v to_o earth_n and_o religion_n to_o serve_v a_o worldly_a design_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o give_v way_n to_o gain_v and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o their_o temporal_a profit_n and_o advantage_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o true_a to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o pay_v it_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o and_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o take_v place_n of_o it_o in_o their_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o man_n be_v as_o wise_a for_o their_o soul_n and_o for_o another_o world_n they_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o make_v all_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n to_o yield_v and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o this_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o consider_v what_o advantage_n the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n have_v as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n above_o what_o 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