A sermon preached before the King, Febr. 26th 1674/5 John Tillotson ...
         Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.
      
       
         
           1675
        
      
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             A sermon preached before the King, Febr. 26th 1674/5 John Tillotson ...
             Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.
          
           [2], 35 p.
           
             Printed by A. Maxwell for Samuel Gellibrand ...,
             London :
             1675.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Bible. -- O.T. -- Psalms CIXX, 59 -- Sermons.
           Sermons, English.
           Sermons -- England -- London -- 17th century
        
      
    
     
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           A
           SERMON
           Preached
           before
           the
           KING
           ,
           Febr.
           26
           th
           1674
           /
           5.
           
        
         
           By
           
             John
             Tillotson
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           Dean
           of
           Canterbury
           ,
           and
           Chaplain
           in
           Ordinary
           to
           His
           MAJESTY
           .
        
         
           Published
           By
           His
           Majesties
           Special
           Command
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           :
           Printed
           by
           
             A.
             Maxwell
          
           ,
           for
           
             Samuel
             Gellibrand
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Ball
           in
           St.
           Pauls
           Church-yard
           ,
           1675.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           A
           SERMON
           Preached
           before
           the
           KING
           ,
           Febr.
           26
           th
           1674
           /
           5.
           
        
         
           
             PSAL.
             119.
             59.
             
          
           
             
               I
               thought
               on
               my
               ways
               ,
               and
               turned
               my
               feet
               unto
               thy
               testimonies
               .
            
          
        
         
           THE
           two
           great
           causes
           of
           the
           ruine
           of
           men
           ,
           are
           Infidelity
           and
           
             want
             of
             consideration
          
           .
           Some
           do
           not
           believe
           the
           principles
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           have
           by
           arguing
           against
           them
           rendered
           them
           so
           doubtful
           to
           themselves
           ,
           as
           to
           take
           away
           the
           force
           and
           efficacy
           of
           them
           :
           But
           these
           are
           but
           a
           very
           small
           part
           of
           mankind
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           those
           
           who
           perish
           for
           want
           of
           considering
           these
           things
           .
           For
           most
           men
           take
           the
           principles
           of
           Religion
           for
           granted
           ,
           
             That
             there
             is
             a
             God
          
           ,
           and
           a
           Providence
           ,
           and
           a
           
             State
             of
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             after
             this
             life
             ,
          
           and
           never
           entertained
           any
           considerable
           doubt
           in
           their
           minds
           to
           the
           contrary
           :
           But
           for
           all
           this
           ,
           they
           never
           attended
           to
           the
           proper
           and
           natural
           consequences
           of
           these
           principles
           ,
           nor
           applyed
           them
           to
           their
           own
           case
           ;
           They
           never
           seriously
           considered
           the
           notorious
           inconsistency
           of
           their
           lives
           with
           this
           belief
           ,
           and
           what
           manner
           of
           persons
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           who
           are
           verily
           perswaded
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           these
           things
           .
        
         
           For
           no
           man
           that
           is
           convinced
           that
           there
           is
           a
           God
           ,
           and
           considers
           the
           necessary
           and
           immediate
           consequences
           of
           such
           a
           perswasion
           ,
           can
           think
           it
           safe
           to
           affront
           Him
           by
           a
           wicked
           life
           :
           No
           man
           that
           believes
           the
           infinite
           happiness
           and
           misery
           of
           another
           world
           ,
           and
           considers
           withall
           that
           one
           of
           these
           shall
           certainly
           be
           his
           portion
           ,
           according
           as
           he
           demeans
           himself
           in
           this
           present
           life
           ,
           can
           think
           it
           indifferent
           
           what
           course
           he
           takes
           .
           Men
           may
           thrust
           away
           these
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           keep
           them
           out
           of
           their
           minds
           for
           a
           long
           time
           ;
           but
           no
           man
           that
           enters
           into
           the
           serious
           consideration
           of
           these
           matters
           ,
           can
           possibly
           think
           it
           a
           thing
           indifferent
           to
           him
           whether
           he
           be
           happy
           or
           miserable
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           evils
           of
           mens
           lives
           would
           be
           cured
           ,
           if
           they
           would
           but
           once
           lay
           them
           to
           heart
           ;
           would
           they
           but
           seriously
           consider
           the
           consequences
           of
           a
           wicked
           life
           ,
           they
           would
           see
           so
           plain
           reason
           and
           so
           urgent
           a
           necessity
           for
           the
           reforming
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           not
           venture
           to
           continue
           any
           longer
           in
           it
           .
           This
           course
           David
           took
           here
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           and
           he
           found
           the
           happy
           success
           of
           it
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             feet
             unto
             thy
             testimonies
             .
          
        
         
           In
           which
           Words
           there
           are
           these
           two
           things
           considerable
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           course
           which
           David
           here
           took
           for
           the
           reforming
           of
           his
           life
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           .
        
         
         
           II.
           The
           success
           of
           this
           course
           .
           It
           produced
           actual
           and
           speedy
           reformation
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             feet
             unto
             thy
             testimonies
             ;
             I
             made
             haste
             and
             delayed
             not
             to
             keep
             thy
             commandments
             .
          
        
         
           These
           are
           the
           two
           heads
           of
           my
           following
           discourse
           ;
           which
           when
           I
           have
           spoken
           to
           ,
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           perswade
           my self
           and
           you
           to
           take
           the
           same
           course
           which
           David
           here
           did
           ,
           and
           God
           grant
           that
           it
           may
           have
           the
           same
           effect
           .
        
         
           I.
           We
           will
           consider
           
             the
             course
             which
          
           David
           
             here
             took
          
           for
           the
           reforming
           of
           his
           life
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           ,
           or
           ,
           as
           the
           words
           are
           rendered
           in
           our
           old
           Translation
           ,
           
             I
             called
             mine
             own
             ways
             to
             remembrance
             .
          
           And
           this
           may
           either
           signifie
           a
           general
           survey
           and
           examination
           of
           his
           life
           ,
           respecting
           indifferently
           the
           good
           or
           bad
           actions
           of
           it
           :
           Or
           else
           ,
           which
           is
           more
           probable
           ,
           it
           may
           specially
           refer
           to
           the
           sins
           and
           miscarriages
           of
           his
           life
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           I
           called
           my
           sins
           to
           remembrance
           .
           Neither
           of
           these
           
           senses
           can
           be
           much
           amiss
           in
           order
           to
           the
           effect
           mentioned
           in
           the
           Text
           ,
           viz.
           the
           reformation
           and
           amendment
           of
           our
           lives
           ;
           and
           therefore
           neither
           of
           them
           can
           reasonably
           be
           excluded
           ,
           though
           I
           shall
           principally
           insist
           upon
           the
           later
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           This
           
             thinking
             of
             our
             ways
          
           may
           signifie
           a
           general
           survey
           and
           examination
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           respecting
           indifferently
           our
           good
           and
           bad
           actions
           .
           For
           Way
           is
           a
           Metaphorical
           word
           ,
           denoting
           the
           course
           of
           a
           mans
           life
           and
           actions
           .
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           I
           examined
           my
           life
           ,
           and
           called
           my self
           to
           a
           strict
           account
           for
           the
           actions
           of
           it
           ;
           I
           compared
           them
           with
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           the
           rule
           and
           measure
           of
           my
           duty
           ,
           and
           considered
           how
           far
           I
           had
           obeyed
           that
           Law
           or
           offended
           against
           it
           ;
           how
           much
           evil
           I
           had
           been
           guilty
           of
           ,
           and
           how
           little
           good
           I
           had
           done
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           what
           I
           might
           and
           ought
           to
           have
           done
           :
           That
           by
           this
           means
           I
           might
           come
           to
           understand
           the
           true
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           my
           soul
           ,
           and
           discerning
           how
           many
           and
           great
           my
           faults
           and
           defects
           were
           ,
           I
           might
           amend
           whatever
           was
           amiss
           ,
           
           and
           be
           more
           careful
           of
           my
           duty
           for
           the
           future
           .
        
         
           And
           it
           must
           needs
           be
           a
           thing
           of
           excellent
           use
           ,
           for
           men
           to
           set
           apart
           some
           particular
           times
           for
           the
           examination
           of
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           know
           how
           accounts
           stand
           between
           God
           and
           them
           .
           Pythagoras
           (
           or
           whoever
           was
           the
           Author
           of
           those
           
             golden
             verses
          
           which
           pass
           under
           his
           name
           )
           doth
           especially
           recommend
           this
           practice
           to
           his
           Scholars
           ,
           every
           night
           before
           they
           slept
           ,
           to
           call
           themselves
           to
           account
           for
           the
           actions
           of
           the
           day
           past
           ;
           enquiring
           wherein
           they
           had
           transgressed
           ,
           what
           good
           they
           had
           done
           that
           day
           ,
           or
           omitted
           to
           do
           .
           And
           this
           no
           doubt
           is
           an
           admirable
           means
           to
           improve
           men
           in
           virtue
           ,
           a
           most
           effectual
           way
           to
           keep
           our
           consciences
           continually
           waking
           and
           tender
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           us
           stand
           in
           awe
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           afraid
           to
           sin
           ,
           when
           we
           know
           before
           hand
           that
           we
           must
           give
           so
           severe
           an
           account
           to
           our selves
           of
           every
           action
           .
        
         
           And
           certainly
           it
           is
           a
           great
           piece
           of
           wisdom
           to
           make
           up
           our
           accounts
           as
           frequently
           as
           we
           can
           ,
           that
           our
           repentance
           
           may
           in
           some
           measure
           keep
           pace
           with
           the
           errors
           and
           failings
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           oppressed
           and
           confounded
           by
           the
           insupportable
           weight
           of
           the
           sins
           of
           a
           whole
           life
           falling
           upon
           us
           at
           once
           ;
           and
           that
           perhaps
           at
           the
           very
           worst
           time
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           sick
           and
           weak
           ,
           and
           have
           neither
           understanding
           nor
           leisure
           to
           recollect
           our selves
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           our
           sins
           distinctly
           to
           remembrance
           ,
           much
           less
           to
           exercise
           any
           fit
           and
           proper
           acts
           of
           repentance
           for
           them
           .
           For
           there
           is
           nothing
           to
           be
           done
           in
           Religion
           when
           our
           Reason
           is
           once
           departed
           from
           us
           ;
           then
           darkness
           hath
           overtaken
           us
           indeed
           ,
           and
           
             the
             night
             is
             come
             when
             no
             man
             can
             work
             .
          
           But
           though
           we
           were
           never
           so
           sensible
           ,
           and
           should
           do
           all
           we
           can
           at
           that
           time
           ,
           yet
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           how
           it
           will
           go
           with
           us
           God
           alone
           knows
           .
           I
           am
           sure
           it
           is
           too
           much
           presumption
           for
           any
           man
           to
           be
           confident
           that
           one
           general
           and
           confused
           act
           of
           repentance
           will
           serve
           his
           turn
           for
           the
           sins
           of
           his
           whole
           life
           .
           Therefore
           there
           is
           great
           reason
           why
           we
           should
           often
           examine
           our selves
           ,
           both
           in
           order
           to
           the
           
           amendment
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           the
           ease
           of
           our
           consciences
           when
           we
           come
           to
           dye
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           
             thinking
             of
             our
             ways
          
           may
           particularly
           and
           specially
           refer
           to
           the
           sins
           and
           miscarriages
           of
           our
           lives
           :
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           I
           called
           my
           sins
           to
           remembrance
           ;
           I
           took
           a
           particular
           account
           of
           the
           errors
           of
           my
           life
           ,
           and
           laid
           them
           seriously
           to
           heart
           ;
           I
           considered
           all
           the
           circumstances
           and
           consequences
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           things
           belonging
           to
           them
           ;
           and
           reasoning
           the
           matter
           throughly
           with
           my self
           ,
           came
           to
           a
           peremptory
           and
           fixed
           resolution
           of
           breaking
           off
           this
           wicked
           course
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           betaking
           my self
           to
           the
           obedience
           of
           God's
           Laws
           .
           And
           the
           
             consideration
             of
             our
             ways
          
           taken
           in
           this
           sense
           (
           which
           seems
           to
           be
           the
           more
           probable
           meaning
           of
           the
           Words
           )
           may
           reasonably
           imply
           in
           it
           these
           following
           particulars
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             The
             taking
             of
             a
             particular
             account
             of
             our
             fins
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             several
             circumstances
             and
             aggravations
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             hearty
             trouble
             and
             sorrow
             for
             
             them
             ;
             
               I
               thought
               on
               my
               ways
            
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             I
             laid
             them
             sadly
             to
             heart
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             serious
             consideration
             of
             the
             evil
             and
             unreasonableness
             of
             a
             sinful
             course
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             A
             due
             sense
             of
             the
             fearful
             and
             fatal
             consequences
             of
             a
             wicked
             life
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             A
             full
             conviction
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             quitting
             this
             course
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             An
             apprehension
             of
             the
             possibility
             of
             doing
             this
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           
             The
             taking
             of
             a
             particular
             account
             of
             our
             sins
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             several
             circumstances
             and
             aggravations
             of
             them
             .
          
           And
           to
           this
           end
           ,
           we
           may
           do
           well
           to
           reflect
           particularly
           upon
           the
           several
           stages
           and
           periods
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           and
           to
           recollect
           at
           least
           the
           principal
           miscarriages
           belonging
           to
           each
           of
           them
           .
           And
           the
           better
           to
           enable
           us
           hereto
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           useful
           to
           have
           before
           our
           eyes
           some
           abridgement
           or
           summary
           of
           the
           Laws
           of
           God
           ,
           containing
           the
           chief
           heads
           of
           duties
           and
           sins
           ,
           of
           virtues
           and
           vices
           ;
           For
           this
           will
           help
           to
           bring
           many
           of
           our
           faults
           and
           neglects
           to
           our
           remembrance
           ,
           which
           otherwise
           perhaps
           would
           have
           been
           forgotten
           
           by
           us
           .
           We
           should
           likewise
           consider
           the
           several
           relations
           wherein
           we
           have
           stood
           to
           others
           ,
           and
           how
           far
           we
           have
           transgressed
           or
           failed
           of
           our
           duty
           in
           any
           of
           those
           respects
           .
        
         
           And
           having
           thus
           far
           made
           up
           our
           sad
           account
           ,
           we
           may
           in
           a
           great
           measure
           understand
           the
           number
           and
           greatness
           of
           our
           sins
           ;
           abating
           for
           some
           particulars
           which
           are
           slipp'd
           out
           of
           our
           memory
           ,
           and
           for
           sins
           of
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           dayly
           infirmities
           ,
           which
           are
           innumerable
           .
           By
           all
           which
           we
           may
           see
           ,
           what
           vile
           wretches
           and
           grievous
           offenders
           we
           have
           been
           :
           especially
           if
           we
           take
           into
           consideration
           the
           several
           heavy
           circumstances
           of
           our
           sins
           ,
           which
           do
           above
           measure
           aggravate
           them
           ;
           the
           heinousness
           of
           many
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           to
           their
           nature
           ,
           and
           the
           injurious
           consequences
           of
           them
           to
           the
           person
           ,
           or
           estate
           ,
           or
           reputation
           of
           our
           neighbour
           ;
           their
           having
           been
           committed
           against
           the
           clear
           knowledg
           of
           our
           duty
           ,
           against
           the
           frequent
           checks
           and
           convictions
           of
           our
           consciences
           ,
           telling
           us
           when
           we
           did
           them
           that
           we
           did
           amiss
           ;
           against
           so
           many
           motions
           
           and
           suggestions
           of
           Gods
           Holy
           Spirit
           ,
           so
           many
           admonitions
           and
           reproofs
           from
           others
           ;
           and
           contrary
           to
           our
           own
           most
           serious
           vows
           and
           resolutions
           ,
           renewed
           at
           several
           times
           ,
           especially
           upon
           the
           receiving
           of
           the
           blessed
           Sacrament
           ,
           and
           in
           times
           of
           sickness
           and
           distress
           :
           and
           all
           this
           notwithstanding
           the
           plainest
           declarations
           of
           Gods
           will
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           notwithstanding
           the
           terrors
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           revealed
           from
           heaven
           against
           all
           ungodliness
           and
           unrighteousness
           of
           men
           ;
           notwithstanding
           the
           cruel
           sufferings
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           God
           for
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           merciful
           offers
           of
           pardon
           and
           reconciliation
           in
           his
           blood
           :
           Add
           to
           this
           the
           scandal
           of
           our
           wicked
           lives
           to
           our
           holy
           Religion
           ,
           the
           ill
           example
           of
           them
           to
           the
           corrupting
           and
           debauching
           of
           others
           ,
           the
           affront
           of
           them
           to
           the
           Divine
           Authority
           ,
           and
           the
           horrible
           ingratitude
           of
           them
           to
           the
           mercy
           and
           goodness
           and
           patience
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           have
           such
           infinite
           obligations
           .
           Thus
           we
           should
           set
           our
           sins
           in
           order
           before
           our
           eyes
           ,
           with
           the
           several
           aggravations
           of
           them
           .
        
         
         
           2.
           
           A
           hearty
           trouble
           and
           sorrow
           for
           sin
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           I
           laid
           my
           sins
           sadly
           to
           heart
           .
           And
           surely
           whenever
           we
           remember
           the
           faults
           and
           follies
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           be
           inwardly
           touched
           and
           sensibly
           grieved
           at
           the
           thoughts
           of
           them
           ;
           we
           cannot
           but
           hang
           down
           our
           heads
           ,
           and
           smite
           upon
           our
           breasts
           ,
           and
           be
           in
           pain
           and
           heaviness
           at
           our
           very
           hearts
           .
           I
           know
           that
           the
           tempers
           of
           men
           are
           very
           different
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           do
           not
           say
           that
           tears
           are
           absolutely
           necessary
           to
           repentance
           ,
           but
           they
           do
           very
           well
           become
           it
           ;
           and
           a
           thorough
           sense
           of
           sin
           will
           almost
           melt
           the
           most
           hard
           and
           obdurate
           disposition
           ,
           and
           fetch
           water
           out
           of
           a
           very
           rock
           .
           To
           be
           sure
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           ways
           should
           cause
           inward
           trouble
           and
           confusion
           in
           our
           minds
           .
           The
           least
           we
           can
           do
           when
           we
           have
           done
           amiss
           ,
           is
           to
           be
           sorry
           for
           it
           ,
           to
           condemn
           our
           own
           folly
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           full
           of
           indignation
           and
           displeasure
           against
           our selves
           for
           what
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           to
           resolve
           never
           to
           do
           the
           like
           again
           .
           And
           let
           us
           make
           sure
           that
           our
           trouble
           and
           sorrow
           
           for
           sin
           have
           this
           effect
           ,
           
             to
             make
             us
             leave
             our
             sins
          
           ;
           and
           then
           we
           shall
           need
           to
           be
           the
           less
           solicitous
           about
           the
           degrees
           and
           outward
           expressions
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           
             A
             serious
             consideration
             of
             the
             evil
             and
             unreasonableness
             of
             a
             sinful
             course
             .
          
           That
           sin
           is
           the
           stain
           and
           blemish
           of
           our
           natures
           ,
           the
           reproach
           of
           our
           reason
           and
           understanding
           ,
           the
           disease
           and
           the
           deformity
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           the
           great
           enemy
           of
           our
           peace
           ,
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           our
           fears
           and
           troubles
           :
           That
           whenever
           we
           do
           a
           wicked
           action
           ,
           we
           go
           contrary
           to
           the
           clearest
           dictates
           of
           our
           reason
           and
           conscience
           ,
           to
           our
           plain
           and
           true
           interest
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           strongest
           tyes
           and
           obligations
           of
           duty
           and
           gratitude
           .
           And
           which
           renders
           it
           yet
           more
           unreasonable
           ,
           sin
           is
           a
           voluntary
           evil
           which
           men
           wilfully
           bring
           upon
           themselves
           .
           Other
           evils
           may
           be
           forced
           upon
           us
           ,
           whether
           we
           will
           or
           no
           ;
           a
           man
           may
           be
           poor
           or
           sick
           by
           misfortune
           ,
           but
           no
           man
           is
           wicked
           and
           vitious
           but
           by
           his
           own
           choice
           .
           How
           do
           we
           betray
           our
           folly
           and
           weakness
           ,
           by
           suffering
           our selves
           to
           be
           hurried
           away
           by
           every
           foolish
           
           lust
           and
           passion
           ,
           to
           do
           things
           which
           we
           know
           to
           be
           prejudicial
           and
           hurtful
           to
           our selves
           ;
           and
           so
           base
           and
           unworthy
           in
           themselves
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           ashamed
           to
           do
           them
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           a
           wise
           man
           ,
           but
           even
           of
           a
           child
           or
           a
           fool
           .
           So
           that
           if
           sin
           were
           followed
           with
           no
           other
           punishment
           ,
           besides
           the
           guilt
           of
           having
           done
           a
           shameful
           thing
           ,
           a
           man
           would
           not
           by
           intemperance
           make
           himself
           a
           fool
           and
           a
           beast
           ;
           one
           would
           not
           be
           false
           and
           unjust
           ,
           treacherous
           or
           unthankful
           ,
           if
           for
           no
           other
           reason
           ,
           yet
           out
           of
           meer
           greatness
           and
           generosity
           of
           mind
           ,
           out
           of
           respect
           to
           the
           dignity
           of
           his
           nature
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           very
           reverence
           to
           his
           own
           reason
           and
           understanding
           .
           For
           let
           Witty
           men
           say
           what
           they
           will
           in
           defence
           of
           their
           vices
           ,
           there
           are
           so
           many
           natural
           acknowledgments
           of
           the
           evil
           and
           unreasonableness
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           the
           matter
           is
           past
           all
           denial
           :
           Men
           are
           generally
           galled
           and
           uneasie
           at
           the
           thoughts
           of
           an
           evil
           action
           ,
           both
           before
           and
           after
           they
           have
           committed
           it
           ;
           they
           are
           ashamed
           to
           be
           taken
           in
           a
           crime
           ,
           and
           heartily
           vexed
           and
           provoked
           whenever
           they
           are
           upbraided
           
           with
           it
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           very
           observable
           ,
           that
           though
           the
           greater
           part
           of
           the
           world
           was
           always
           bad
           ,
           and
           vice
           hath
           ever
           had
           more
           servants
           and
           followers
           to
           cry
           it
           up
           ,
           yet
           never
           was
           there
           any
           Age
           so
           degenerate
           ,
           in
           which
           Vice
           could
           get
           the
           better
           of
           Virtue
           in
           point
           of
           general
           esteem
           and
           reputation
           :
           Even
           they
           whose
           wills
           have
           been
           most
           enslaved
           to
           sin
           ,
           could
           never
           yet
           so
           far
           bribe
           and
           corrupt
           their
           understandings
           ,
           as
           to
           make
           them
           give
           full
           approbation
           to
           it
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           
             A
             due
             sense
             of
             the
             fearful
             and
             fatal
             consequences
             of
             a
             wicked
             life
             .
          
           And
           these
           are
           so
           sad
           and
           dreadful
           ,
           and
           the
           danger
           of
           them
           so
           evident
           ,
           and
           so
           perpetually
           threatning
           us
           ,
           that
           no
           temptation
           can
           be
           sufficient
           to
           excuse
           a
           man
           to
           himself
           and
           his
           own
           reason
           for
           venturing
           upon
           them
           .
           A
           principal
           point
           of
           wisdom
           is
           to
           look
           to
           the
           End
           of
           things
           ;
           not
           only
           to
           consider
           the
           present
           pleasure
           and
           advantage
           of
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           also
           the
           ill
           consequences
           of
           it
           for
           the
           future
           ;
           and
           to
           ballance
           them
           one
           against
           the
           other
           .
        
         
           Now
           sin
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           tends
           to
           
           make
           men
           miserable
           .
           It
           certainly
           causes
           trouble
           and
           disquiet
           of
           mind
           :
           And
           to
           a
           considerate
           man
           ,
           that
           knows
           how
           to
           value
           the
           ease
           and
           satisfaction
           of
           his
           own
           mind
           ,
           there
           cannot
           be
           a
           greater
           argument
           against
           sin
           ,
           than
           to
           consider
           that
           the
           forsaking
           of
           it
           is
           the
           only
           way
           to
           find
           rest
           to
           our
           souls
           .
        
         
           Besides
           this
           ,
           every
           vice
           is
           naturally
           attended
           with
           some
           particular
           mischief
           and
           inconvenience
           ,
           which
           maketh
           it
           even
           in
           this
           life
           a
           punishment
           to
           it self
           ;
           and
           commonly
           ,
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           and
           his
           just
           judgment
           upon
           sinners
           strikes
           in
           to
           heighten
           the
           mischievous
           consequences
           of
           a
           sinful
           course
           .
           This
           we
           have
           represented
           in
           the
           Parable
           of
           the
           Prodigal
           ;
           his
           riotous
           course
           of
           life
           did
           naturally
           and
           of
           it self
           bring
           him
           to
           want
           ,
           but
           the
           providence
           of
           God
           likewise
           concurred
           to
           render
           his
           condition
           more
           miserable
           ,
           
             at
             the
             same
             time
             there
             arose
             a
             mighty
             famine
             in
             the
             land
          
           ;
           so
           that
           he
           did
           not
           only
           want
           wherewithall
           to
           supply
           himself
           ,
           but
           was
           cut
           off
           from
           all
           hopes
           of
           relief
           from
           the
           abundance
           and
           superfluity
           of
           
           others
           .
           Sin
           brings
           many
           miseries
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           God
           many
           times
           sends
           more
           and
           greater
           than
           sin
           brings
           ;
           and
           the
           further
           we
           go
           on
           in
           a
           sinful
           course
           ,
           the
           more
           miseries
           and
           the
           greater
           difficulties
           we
           involve
           our selves
           in
           .
        
         
           But
           all
           these
           are
           but
           light
           and
           inconsiderable
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           the
           dreadful
           miseries
           of
           another
           world
           ;
           to
           the
           danger
           whereof
           ,
           every
           man
           that
           lives
           a
           wicked
           life
           doth
           every
           moment
           expose
           himself
           .
           So
           that
           if
           we
           could
           conquer
           shame
           ,
           and
           had
           stupidity
           enough
           to
           bear
           the
           infamy
           and
           reproach
           of
           our
           vices
           ,
           and
           the
           upbraidings
           of
           our
           consciences
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           temporal
           mischiefs
           and
           inconveniences
           of
           them
           ;
           though
           for
           the
           present
           gratifying
           of
           our
           lusts
           we
           could
           brook
           and
           dispence
           with
           all
           these
           ,
           yet
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           end
           and
           issue
           of
           a
           sinful
           course
           ,
           is
           an
           invincible
           objection
           against
           it
           ,
           and
           never
           to
           be
           answered
           ;
           though
           the
           violence
           of
           our
           sensual
           appetites
           and
           inclinations
           should
           be
           able
           to
           bear
           down
           all
           temporal
           considerations
           whatsoever
           ,
           yet
           methinks
           the
           interest
           of
           
           our
           everlasting
           happiness
           should
           lye
           near
           our
           hearts
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           another
           world
           should
           mightily
           amaze
           and
           startle
           us
           ;
           the
           horrors
           of
           eternal
           darkness
           ,
           and
           the
           dismal
           thought
           of
           being
           miserable
           for
           ever
           ,
           should
           effectually
           discourage
           any
           man
           from
           a
           wicked
           life
           .
           And
           this
           danger
           continually
           threatens
           the
           sinner
           ,
           and
           may
           ,
           if
           God
           be
           not
           merciful
           to
           him
           ,
           happen
           to
           surprize
           him
           the
           next
           moment
           .
           And
           can
           we
           make
           too
           much
           haste
           ,
           to
           fly
           from
           so
           great
           and
           apparent
           a
           danger
           ?
           When
           will
           we
           think
           of
           saving
           our selves
           ,
           is
           not
           when
           (
           for
           ought
           we
           know
           )
           we
           are
           upon
           the
           very
           brink
           of
           ruine
           ,
           and
           just
           ready
           to
           drop
           into
           destruction
           ?
        
         
           5.
           
           Upon
           this
           naturally
           follows
           ,
           
             a
             full
             conviction
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             quitting
             this
             wicked
             course
             .
          
           And
           Necessity
           is
           always
           a
           powerful
           and
           over-ruling
           argument
           ,
           and
           doth
           rather
           compel
           than
           perswade
           :
           And
           after
           it
           is
           once
           evident
           leaves
           no
           place
           for
           further
           deliberation
           .
           And
           the
           greater
           the
           necessity
           is
           ,
           it
           is
           still
           the
           more
           cogent
           argument
           .
           For
           whatever
           is
           necessary
           ,
           is
           so
           in
           order
           to
           some
           end
           ;
           and
           
           the
           greater
           the
           end
           ,
           the
           greater
           is
           the
           necessity
           of
           the
           means
           without
           which
           that
           end
           cannot
           be
           obtained
           .
           Now
           the
           chief
           and
           last
           end
           of
           all
           Reasonable
           creatures
           is
           happiness
           ,
           and
           therefore
           whatever
           is
           necessary
           in
           order
           to
           that
           ,
           hath
           the
           highest
           degree
           of
           rational
           and
           moral
           necessity
           .
           We
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           happiness
           ,
           till
           we
           have
           left
           our
           sins
           ,
           for
           
             without
             holiness
             no
             man
             shall
             see
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           But
           though
           men
           are
           convinced
           of
           this
           necessity
           ,
           yet
           this
           doth
           not
           always
           enforce
           a
           present
           change
           ;
           because
           men
           hope
           they
           may
           continue
           in
           their
           sins
           ,
           and
           remedy
           all
           at
           last
           by
           repentance
           .
           But
           this
           is
           so
           great
           a
           hazard
           in
           all
           respects
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           venturing
           upon
           it
           :
           And
           in
           matters
           of
           greatest
           concernment
           wise
           men
           will
           run
           no
           hazards
           ,
           if
           they
           can
           help
           it
           .
           David
           was
           so
           sensible
           of
           this
           danger
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           not
           defer
           his
           repentance
           and
           the
           change
           of
           his
           life
           for
           one
           moment
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
             ,
             and
             turned
             my
             feet
             unto
             thy
             testimonies
             :
             I
             made
             haste
             and
             delayed
             not
             to
             keep
             thy
             commandments
             .
             This
          
           day
           ,
           this
           hour
           ,
           for
           ought
           we
           know
           ,
           
           may
           be
           the
           last
           opportunity
           of
           making
           our
           peace
           with
           God.
           Therefore
           we
           should
           make
           haste
           out
           of
           this
           dangerous
           state
           ,
           as
           Lot
           did
           out
           of
           Sodom
           ,
           lest
           fire
           and
           brimstone
           overtake
           us
           .
           He
           that
           cannot
           promise
           himself
           the
           next
           moment
           ,
           hath
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           reason
           to
           seize
           upon
           the
           present
           opportunity
           .
           While
           we
           are
           lingering
           in
           our
           sins
           ,
           if
           God
           be
           not
           merciful
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           consumed
           .
           Therefore
           
             make
             haste
          
           ,
           sinner
           ,
           and
           
             escape
             for
             thy
             life
             ,
             lest
             evil
             overtake
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           6.
           
           Lastly
           ,
           
             An
             apprehension
             of
             the
             possibility
             of
             making
             this
             change
             .
          
           God
           who
           designed
           us
           for
           happiness
           at
           first
           ,
           and
           after
           we
           had
           made
           a
           forfeiture
           of
           it
           by
           sin
           ,
           was
           pleased
           to
           restore
           us
           again
           to
           the
           capacity
           of
           it
           by
           the
           Redemption
           of
           our
           blessed
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           hath
           made
           nothing
           necessary
           to
           our
           happiness
           that
           is
           impossible
           for
           us
           to
           do
           ;
           either
           of
           our selves
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           assistance
           of
           that
           grace
           which
           he
           is
           ready
           to
           afford
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           heartily
           beg
           it
           of
           him
           .
           For
           that
           is
           possible
           to
           us
           ,
           which
           we
           may
           do
           by
           the
           assistance
           of
           another
           ,
           if
           we
           may
           have
           
           that
           assistance
           for
           asking
           :
           And
           God
           hath
           promised
           to
           
             give
             his
             holy
             Spirit
             to
             them
             that
             ask
             him
             .
          
           So
           that
           notwithstanding
           the
           great
           corruption
           and
           weakness
           of
           our
           natures
           ,
           since
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           which
           brings
           salvation
           hath
           appeared
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           absolutely
           out
           of
           our
           power
           to
           leave
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           to
           turn
           to
           God
           :
           For
           that
           may
           truly
           be
           said
           to
           be
           in
           our
           power
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           promised
           to
           enable
           us
           to
           do
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           not
           wanting
           to
           our selves
           .
        
         
           So
           that
           there
           is
           nothing
           on
           Gods
           part
           to
           hinder
           this
           change
           .
           He
           hath
           solemnly
           declared
           ,
           that
           he
           sincerely
           desires
           it
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           is
           ready
           to
           assist
           our
           good
           resolutions
           to
           this
           purpose
           .
           And
           most
           certainly
           ,
           when
           he
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             he
             hath
             no
             pleasure
             in
             the
             death
             of
             a
             sinner
             ,
             but
             rather
             that
             he
             should
             turn
             from
             his
             wickedness
             and
             live
          
           ;
           that
           
             he
             would
             have
             all
             men
             to
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             to
             the
             knowledg
             of
             the
             truth
          
           ;
           that
           
             he
             would
             not
             that
             any
             should
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             repentance
             ,
          
           He
           means
           plainly
           as
           he
           saith
           ,
           and
           doth
           not
           speak
           to
           us
           with
           any
           
           private
           reserve
           or
           nice
           distinction
           between
           his
           secret
           and
           revealed
           will
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           he
           doth
           not
           decree
           one
           thing
           and
           declare
           the
           contrary
           .
           So
           far
           is
           it
           from
           this
           ,
           that
           if
           a
           sinner
           entertain
           serious
           thoughts
           of
           returning
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           do
           but
           once
           move
           towards
           him
           ,
           how
           ready
           is
           he
           to
           receive
           him
           !
           This
           is
           ,
           in
           a
           very
           lively
           manner
           ,
           described
           to
           us
           in
           the
           Parable
           of
           the
           
             Prodigal
             Son
          
           ,
           who
           when
           he
           was
           returning
           home
           ,
           and
           
             was
             yet
             a
             great
             way
             off
             ,
          
           what
           haste
           doth
           his
           Father
           make
           to
           meet
           him
           ?
           
             he
             saw
             him
             ,
             and
             had
             compassion
             ,
             and
             ran
             .
          
           And
           if
           there
           be
           no
           impediment
           on
           Gods
           part
           ,
           why
           should
           there
           be
           any
           on
           ours
           ?
           One
           would
           think
           all
           the
           doubt
           and
           difficulty
           should
           be
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           Whether
           God
           would
           be
           pleased
           to
           shew
           mercy
           to
           such
           great
           offenders
           as
           we
           have
           been
           .
           But
           the
           business
           doth
           not
           stick
           there
           .
           And
           will
           we
           be
           miserable
           by
           our
           own
           choice
           ,
           when
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           hath
           put
           it
           into
           our
           power
           to
           be
           happy
           ?
           I
           have
           done
           with
           the
           first
           thing
           ,
           The
           course
           which
           David
           here
           took
           for
           the
           reforming
           
           of
           his
           life
           ;
           
             I
             thought
             on
             my
             ways
          
           .
           I
           proceed
           to
           the
        
         
           II.
           
             The
             success
             of
             this
             course
          
           .
           It
           produced
           actual
           and
           speedy
           reformation
           .
           
             I
             turned
             my
             feet
             unto
             thy
             testimonies
             ;
             I
             made
             haste
             ,
             and
             delayed
             not
             to
             keep
             thy
             commandments
             .
          
           And
           if
           we
           consider
           the
           matter
           throughly
           ,
           and
           have
           but
           patience
           to
           reason
           out
           the
           case
           with
           our selves
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           our
           thoughts
           and
           deliberations
           to
           some
           issue
           ,
           the
           conclusion
           must
           naturally
           be
           ,
           the
           quitting
           of
           that
           evil
           and
           dangerous
           course
           in
           which
           we
           have
           lived
           .
           For
           sin
           and
           consideration
           cannot
           long
           dwell
           together
           .
           Did
           but
           men
           consider
           what
           sin
           is
           ,
           they
           would
           have
           so
           many
           unanswerable
           objections
           against
           it
           ,
           such
           strong
           fears
           and
           jealousies
           of
           the
           miserable
           issue
           and
           event
           of
           a
           wicked
           life
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           not
           dare
           to
           continue
           any
           longer
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           I
           do
           not
           say
           ,
           that
           this
           change
           is
           perfectly
           made
           at
           once
           .
           A
           state
           of
           sin
           and
           holiness
           are
           not
           like
           two
           Ways
           that
           are
           just
           parted
           by
           a
           line
           ,
           so
           as
           a
           man
           may
           step
           out
           of
           the
           one
           full
           into
           the
           other
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           like
           two
           Ways
           that
           lead
           to
           
           two
           very
           distant
           places
           ,
           and
           consequently
           are
           at
           a
           good
           distance
           from
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           the
           further
           any
           man
           hath
           travelled
           in
           the
           one
           ,
           the
           further
           he
           is
           from
           the
           other
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           requires
           time
           and
           pains
           to
           pass
           from
           the
           one
           to
           the
           other
           .
           It
           sometimes
           so
           happens
           ,
           that
           some
           persons
           are
           by
           a
           mighty
           conviction
           and
           resolution
           ,
           and
           by
           a
           very
           extraordinary
           and
           over-powering
           degree
           of
           Gods
           grace
           ,
           almost
           perfectly
           reclaimed
           from
           their
           sins
           at
           once
           ,
           and
           all
           of
           a
           sudden
           
             translated
             out
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             darkness
             into
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             his
             dear
             Son.
          
           And
           thus
           it
           was
           with
           many
           of
           the
           first
           Converts
           to
           Christianity
           ;
           as
           their
           prejudices
           against
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           were
           strong
           and
           violent
           ,
           so
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           of
           God
           was
           pleased
           to
           work
           mightily
           in
           them
           that
           believed
           .
           But
           in
           the
           usual
           and
           settled
           methods
           of
           Gods
           grace
           ,
           evil
           habits
           are
           mastered
           and
           subdued
           by
           degrees
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           conflict
           ,
           and
           many
           times
           after
           they
           are
           routed
           they
           rally
           and
           make
           head
           again
           ;
           and
           't
           is
           a
           great
           while
           before
           the
           contrary
           habits
           of
           grace
           and
           
           virtue
           are
           grown
           up
           to
           any
           considerable
           degree
           of
           strength
           and
           maturity
           ,
           and
           before
           a
           man
           come
           to
           that
           confirmed
           state
           of
           goodness
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           said
           to
           have
           conquered
           and
           mortified
           his
           lusts
           .
           But
           yet
           this
           ought
           not
           to
           discourage
           us
           .
           For
           so
           soon
           as
           we
           have
           seriously
           begun
           this
           change
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           a
           good
           way
           ,
           and
           all
           our
           endeavours
           will
           have
           the
           acceptance
           of
           good
           beginnings
           ,
           and
           God
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           help
           us
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           pursue
           our
           advantages
           ,
           we
           shall
           every
           day
           gain
           ground
           ,
           and
           the
           work
           will
           grow
           easier
           upon
           our
           hands
           ;
           and
           we
           who
           moved
           at
           first
           with
           so
           much
           slowness
           and
           difficulty
           ,
           shall
           after
           a
           while
           be
           enabled
           to
           run
           the
           ways
           of
           Gods
           commandments
           with
           pleasure
           and
           delight
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           done
           with
           the
           two
           things
           I
           propounded
           to
           speak
           to
           from
           these
           words
           ,
           The
           course
           here
           prescribed
           ,
           and
           the
           success
           of
           it
           .
           And
           now
           to
           perswade
           men
           to
           take
           this
           Course
           ,
           I
           shall
           offer
           two
           or
           three
           Arguments
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           Consideration
           is
           the
           proper
           act
           of
           Reasonable
           creatures
           .
           This
           argument
           
           God
           himself
           uses
           ,
           to
           bring
           men
           to
           a
           consideration
           of
           their
           evil
           ways
           ,
           Isa
           .
           46.
           8
           ,
           
             Remember
             ,
             and
             shew
             your selves
             men
             ;
             bring
             it
             again
             to
             mind
             ,
             O
             ye
             transgressors
             .
          
           To
           consider
           our
           ways
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           our
           sins
           to
           remembrance
           ,
           is
           to
           shew
           our selves
           men
           .
           'T
           is
           the
           great
           fault
           and
           infelicity
           of
           a
           great
           many
           ,
           that
           they
           generally
           live
           without
           thinking
           ,
           and
           are
           acted
           by
           their
           present
           inclinations
           and
           appetites
           ,
           without
           any
           consideration
           of
           the
           future
           consequences
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           without
           fear
           of
           any
           thing
           ,
           but
           of
           a
           present
           and
           sensible
           danger
           ;
           like
           Brute
           creatures
           ,
           who
           fear
           no
           evils
           but
           what
           are
           in
           view
           ,
           and
           just
           ready
           to
           fall
           upon
           them
           :
           Whereas
           to
           a
           prudent
           and
           considerate
           man
           ,
           a
           good
           or
           evil
           in
           reversion
           is
           capable
           of
           as
           true
           an
           estimation
           ,
           proportionably
           to
           the
           greatness
           and
           distance
           of
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           really
           present
           .
           And
           what
           do
           we
           think
           has
           God
           given
           us
           our
           reason
           and
           understandings
           for
           ,
           but
           to
           foresee
           evils
           at
           a
           distance
           ,
           and
           to
           prevent
           them
           ;
           to
           provide
           for
           our
           future
           security
           and
           happiness
           ,
           to
           look
           up
           
             to
             God
             our
             Maker
             ,
             who
             hath
             taught
             us
          
           
           
             more
             than
             the
             Beasts
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             made
             us
             wiser
             than
             the
             Fowls
             of
             heaven
          
           ;
           but
           to
           consider
           what
           we
           do
           ,
           and
           what
           we
           ought
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           what
           makes
           most
           for
           our
           true
           and
           lasting
           interest
           ,
           and
           what
           against
           it
           ?
           What
           can
           a
           Beast
           do
           worse
           ,
           than
           to
           act
           without
           any
           consideration
           and
           design
           ,
           than
           to
           pursue
           his
           present
           inclination
           without
           any
           apprehension
           of
           future
           danger
           ?
           The
           most
           dull
           and
           stupid
           of
           all
           the
           brute
           creatures
           can
           hardly
           exercise
           less
           reason
           than
           this
           comes
           to
           .
           So
           that
           for
           a
           man
           not
           to
           consider
           his
           ways
           ,
           is
           to
           the
           very
           best
           intents
           and
           purposes
           ,
           to
           be
           
             without
             understanding
             ,
             and
             like
             the
             beasts
             that
             perish
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           This
           is
           the
           end
           of
           Gods
           patience
           and
           long-suffering
           towards
           us
           ,
           to
           bring
           us
           to
           consideration
           .
           The
           great
           design
           of
           Gods
           goodness
           ,
           is
           to
           
             lead
             men
             to
             repentance
             .
             He
             winks
             at
             the
             sins
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             repent
             .
          
           He
           bears
           long
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           delays
           the
           punishment
           of
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           doth
           not
           execute
           judgment
           speedily
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           loth
           to
           surprize
           men
           into
           destruction
           ;
           because
           he
           would
           give
           them
           the
           liberty
           of
           second
           thoughts
           ,
           time
           
           to
           reflect
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           consider
           what
           they
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           to
           reason
           themselves
           into
           repentance
           .
           
             Consider
             this
             all
             ye
             that
             forget
             God
             ,
             lest
          
           his
           patience
           turn
           into
           fury
           ,
           and
           
             he
             tear
             you
             in
             pieces
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             none
             to
             deliver
             .
          
        
         
           3.
           
           Consideration
           is
           that
           which
           we
           must
           all
           come
           to
           ,
           one
           time
           or
           other
           .
           Time
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           we
           shall
           consider
           and
           cannot
           help
           it
           ;
           when
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           divert
           our
           thoughts
           from
           those
           things
           ,
           which
           we
           are
           now
           so
           loth
           to
           think
           upon
           .
           Our
           consciences
           will
           take
           their
           opportunity
           ,
           to
           bring
           our
           ways
           to
           remembrance
           ;
           when
           some
           great
           calamity
           or
           affliction
           is
           upon
           us
           .
           Thus
           it
           was
           with
           the
           Prodigal
           ,
           when
           he
           was
           brought
           to
           the
           very
           last
           extremity
           ,
           and
           
             was
             ready
             to
             perish
             for
             hunger
             ,
          
           then
           
             he
             came
             to
             himself
          
           .
           When
           we
           come
           to
           dye
           ,
           then
           we
           shall
           think
           of
           our
           ways
           with
           trouble
           and
           vexation
           enough
           ;
           And
           how
           glad
           would
           we
           then
           be
           ,
           that
           we
           had
           time
           to
           consider
           them
           ?
           And
           perhaps
           while
           we
           are
           wishing
           for
           more
           time
           ,
           Eternity
           will
           swallow
           us
           up
           .
           To
           be
           sure
           ,
           in
           the
           other
           
           world
           ,
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           misery
           of
           wicked
           men
           will
           consist
           in
           furious
           reflections
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           and
           the
           evil
           actions
           of
           their
           lives
           .
           'T
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Rich
           voluptuous
           man
           in
           the
           Parable
           ,
           that
           
             in
             hell
             he
             lift
             up
             his
             eyes
             ,
             being
             in
             torments
          
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           had
           never
           considered
           and
           bethought
           himself
           till
           that
           time
           .
           But
           alas
           !
           it
           will
           then
           be
           too
           late
           to
           consider
           :
           For
           then
           consideration
           will
           do
           us
           no
           good
           ;
           it
           will
           serve
           to
           no
           other
           purpose
           ,
           but
           to
           aggravate
           our
           misery
           ,
           and
           to
           multiply
           our
           stings
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           new
           life
           and
           rage
           to
           those
           Vultures
           which
           will
           perpetually
           prey
           upon
           our
           hearts
           .
           But
           how
           much
           a
           wiser
           course
           would
           it
           be
           ,
           to
           consider
           these
           things
           in
           time
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           our
           eternal
           peace
           and
           comfort
           ;
           to
           think
           of
           them
           ,
           while
           we
           may
           redress
           them
           ,
           and
           avoid
           the
           dismal
           consequences
           of
           them
           ,
           than
           when
           our
           case
           is
           desperate
           and
           past
           remedy
           ?
        
         
           And
           now
           what
           can
           I
           say
           more
           ,
           to
           perswade
           every
           one
           of
           us
           to
           a
           consideration
           of
           our
           
             own
             ways
          
           ?
           We
           are
           generally
           apt
           to
           busie
           our selves
           in
           observing
           the
           errors
           
           and
           miscarriages
           of
           our
           neighbours
           ,
           and
           are
           forward
           to
           mark
           and
           censure
           the
           faults
           and
           follies
           of
           other
           men
           ;
           but
           how
           few
           descend
           into
           themselves
           ,
           and
           turn
           their
           eyes
           inward
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           
             What
             have
             I
             done
          
           ?
           'T
           is
           an
           excellent
           saying
           of
           Antoninus
           the
           great
           Emperour
           and
           
             Philosopher
             ,
             No
             man
             was
             ever
             unhappy
             ,
             for
             not
             prying
             into
             the
             actions
             and
             condition
             of
             other
             men
             ;
             but
             that
             man
             is
             necessarily
             unhappy
             ,
             who
             doth
             not
             observe
             himself
             ,
             and
             consider
             the
             state
             of
             his
             own
             soul
             .
          
        
         
           This
           is
           our
           proper
           work
           ;
           and
           now
           is
           a
           proper
           season
           for
           it
           ,
           when
           we
           pretend
           to
           God
           and
           men
           to
           set
           apart
           a
           solemn
           time
           for
           the
           examination
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           serious
           review
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           humiliation
           and
           repentance
           ,
           to
           the
           reforming
           and
           amendment
           of
           what
           is
           amiss
           .
           And
           though
           we
           would
           venture
           to
           dissemble
           with
           men
           ,
           yet
           let
           us
           not
           dissemble
           with
           God
           also
           :
           
             For
             shall
             not
             he
             that
             pondereth
             the
             heart
             consider
             it
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             keepeth
             thy
             soul
             ,
             shall
             not
             he
             know
             it
             ;
             and
             shall
             not
             he
             render
             to
             every
             man
             according
             to
             his
             ways
             ?
          
        
         
         
           I
           know
           it
           is
           a
           very
           unpleasant
           work
           which
           I
           am
           now
           putting
           you
           upon
           ,
           and
           therefore
           no
           wonder
           that
           men
           are
           generally
           so
           backward
           to
           it
           ;
           because
           it
           will
           of
           necessity
           give
           some
           present
           disturbance
           to
           their
           minds
           .
           They
           whose
           lives
           have
           been
           very
           vicious
           ,
           are
           so
           odious
           a
           sight
           ,
           so
           horrid
           a
           spectacle
           to
           themselves
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           endure
           to
           reflect
           upon
           their
           own
           ways
           ;
           of
           all
           things
           in
           the
           world
           they
           hate
           Consideration
           ,
           and
           are
           ready
           to
           say
           to
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           evil
           Spirit
           did
           in
           the
           Gospel
           to
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             What
             have
             I
             to
             do
             with
             thee
             ?
             Art
             thou
             come
             to
             torment
             me
             before
             the
             time
             ?
          
           But
           let
           not
           this
           affright
           us
           from
           it
           ;
           for
           whatever
           trouble
           it
           may
           cause
           at
           present
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           only
           way
           to
           prevent
           the
           anguish
           and
           the
           torments
           of
           Eternity
           .
        
         
           The
           things
           which
           I
           have
           offered
           to
           your
           consideration
           ,
           are
           of
           huge
           moment
           and
           importance
           .
           They
           do
           not
           concern
           your
           bodies
           and
           estates
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           is
           more
           truly
           your selves
           ,
           your
           immortal
           souls
           ,
           the
           dearest
           and
           most
           durable
           part
           of
           your selves
           :
           and
           they
           do
           not
           
           concern
           us
           for
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           but
           for
           ever
           .
           Let
           me
           therefore
           bespeak
           your
           most
           serious
           regard
           to
           them
           ,
           in
           the
           words
           of
           Moses
           to
           the
           People
           of
           Israel
           ,
           after
           he
           had
           set
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           before
           them
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           blessings
           promised
           to
           obedience
           ,
           and
           the
           terrible
           curses
           threatned
           to
           the
           transgression
           of
           it
           ,
           Deut.
           32.
           46.
           
           
             Set
             your
             hearts
             to
             the
             words
             which
             I
             testifie
             to
             you
             this
             day
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             not
             a
             vain
             thing
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             your
             life
             .
             Your
             life
             ,
          
           your
           
             eternal
             life
          
           and
           happiness
           depends
           upon
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           besides
           a
           tender
           regard
           to
           your selves
           and
           your
           own
           interests
           ,
           which
           methinks
           every
           man
           ,
           out
           of
           a
           natural
           desire
           of
           being
           happy
           and
           dread
           of
           being
           miserable
           ,
           should
           be
           forward
           enough
           to
           consider
           :
           Be
           pleased
           likewise
           to
           lay
           to
           heart
           the
           influence
           of
           your
           example
           upon
           others
           .
           I
           speak
           now
           to
           a
           great
           many
           Persons
           ,
           the
           eminence
           of
           whose
           rank
           and
           quality
           renders
           their
           examples
           so
           powerful
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           able
           almost
           to
           give
           authority
           either
           to
           Virtue
           or
           Vice.
           People
           take
           their
           fashions
           from
           you
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           
           habits
           of
           their
           minds
           as
           well
           as
           their
           bodies
           .
           So
           that
           upon
           you
           chiefely
           depends
           the
           ruine
           or
           reformation
           of
           manners
           ,
           our
           hopes
           or
           despair
           of
           a
           better
           world
           .
           What
           way
           soever
           you
           go
           ,
           you
           are
           followed
           by
           troops
           .
           If
           you
           run
           any
           sinful
           or
           dangerous
           course
           ,
           you
           cannot
           
             perish
             alone
             in
             your
             iniquity
          
           ,
           but
           
             thousands
             will
             fall
             by
             your
             side
             ,
             and
             ten
             thousands
             at
             your
             right
             hands
             :
          
           And
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           't
           is
           very
           much
           in
           your
           power
           ,
           and
           I
           hope
           in
           your
           wills
           and
           designs
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           sovereign
           restorers
           of
           piety
           and
           virtue
           to
           a
           degenerate
           Age.
           It
           is
           our
           part
           indeed
           to
           exhort
           men
           to
           their
           duty
           ,
           but
           't
           is
           you
           that
           would
           be
           the
           powerful
           and
           effectual
           Preachers
           of
           righteousness
           :
           We
           may
           endeavour
           to
           make
           men
           proselytes
           to
           virtue
           ,
           but
           you
           would
           infallibly
           draw
           disciples
           after
           you
           :
           We
           may
           try
           to
           perswade
           ,
           but
           you
           could
           certainly
           prevail
           ,
           either
           to
           make
           men
           good
           ,
           or
           to
           restrain
           them
           from
           being
           so
           bad
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           consider
           your
           ways
           ,
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           others
           as
           well
           as
           your selves
           .
           Consider
           what
           you
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           then
           consider
           
           what
           is
           fit
           for
           you
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           if
           you
           do
           it
           not
           ,
           what
           will
           be
           the
           end
           of
           these
           things
           .
           And
           to
           help
           you
           forward
           in
           this
           work
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           necessary
           that
           I
           should
           rip
           up
           the
           vices
           of
           the
           Age
           ,
           and
           set
           mens
           sins
           in
           order
           before
           them
           .
           It
           is
           much
           better
           ,
           that
           you
           your selves
           should
           call
           your
           own
           ways
           to
           remembrance
           .
           We
           have
           every
           one
           a
           faithful
           Monitor
           and
           Witness
           in
           our
           own
           breasts
           ,
           who
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           but
           hearken
           to
           him
           ,
           will
           deal
           impartially
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           privately
           tell
           us
           the
           errors
           of
           our
           lives
           .
           To
           this
           Monitor
           I
           refer
           you
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           make
           his
           admonitions
           effectual
           .
        
         
           
             Let
             us
             then
             every
             one
             of
             us
             ,
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
          
           search
           and
           try
           our
           ways
           ,
           and
           turn
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           
             Let
             us
          
           take
           to
           our selves
           words
           ,
           and
           say
           
             to
             God
             ,
             with
             those
             true
             Penitents
             in
             Scripture
             ,
          
           I
           have
           sinned
           ,
           what
           shall
           be
           done
           unto
           thee
           ,
           O
           thou
           preserver
           of
           men
           ?
           Behold
           ,
           I
           am
           vile
           ,
           what
           shall
           I
           answer
           thee
           ?
           I
           will
           lay
           my
           hand
           upon
           my
           mouth
           ,
           I
           will
           abhor
           my self
           ,
           and
           repent
           in
           dust
           and
           ashes
           .
           For
           surely
           it
           is
           meet
           to
           be
           said
           unto
           God
           ,
           I
           will
           not
           
           offend
           any
           more
           ;
           that
           which
           I
           know
           not
           ,
           teach
           thou
           me
           ,
           and
           if
           I
           have
           done
           iniquity
           I
           will
           do
           no
           more
           .
           O
           that
           there
           were
           such
           an
           heart
           in
           us
           !
           O
           that
           we
           were
           wise
           ,
           that
           we
           understood
           this
           ,
           that
           we
           would
           consider
           our
           later
           end
           !
           
             And
             God
             ,
             of
             his
             infinite
             mercy
             ,
             inspire
             into
             every
             one
             of
             our
             hearts
             this
             holy
             and
             happy
             resolution
             ;
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             our
             blessed
             Saviour
             and
             Redeemer
             ,
             to
             whom
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             be
             all
             honour
             and
             glory
             ,
             now
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           Amen
           .