Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n call_v good_a reason_n 1,534 5 4.5930 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66106 Mercy magnified on a penitent prodigal, or, A brief discourse wherein Christs parable of the lost son found is opened and applied as it was delivered in sundry sermons / by Samuel Willard ... Willard, Samuel, 1640-1707. 1684 (1684) Wing W2285; ESTC R40698 180,681 400

There are 8 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

they_o undo_v and_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o become_v guilty_a of_o their_o blood_n 3._o choose_v they_o not_o for_o your_o counsellor_n and_o companion_n who_o will_v account_v it_o his_o commendation_n or_o profit_n to_o associate_v with_o a_o fool_n or_o make_v himself_o the_o intimate_a of_o one_o that_o be_v out_o of_o his_o wit_n none_o but_o fool_n delight_v in_o fool_n use_v 4._o it_o may_v exhort_v the_o people_n of_o god_n true_a believer_n to_o great_a thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o wonderful_a love_n to_o you_o that_o you_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n restore_v to_o a_o sound_a mind_n as_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o one_o that_o be_v distract_v and_o see_v what_o strange_a imprudent_a misguide_a foolish_a action_n he_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o lesson_n to_o all_o that_o look_v on_o show_v they_o how_o deep_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o thank_v god_n and_o how_o much_o they_o owe_v he_o for_o their_o wit_n and_o understanding_n so_o when_o we_o see_v what_o mad_a course_n prodigal_a sinner_n drive_v how_o they_o be_v carry_v headlong_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n go_v from_o god_n spend_v all_o in_o riot_n enslave_v themselves_o to_o satan_n and_o waste_v away_o their_o time_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o restless_a and_o unsatisfy_a vanity_n neither_o know_v nor_o regard_v a_o high_a happiness_n labour_v for_o husk_n and_o not_o fill_v of_o themselves_o and_o yet_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o way_n to_o do_v well_o oh_o how_o shall_v you_o acknowledge_v that_o grace_n from_o whence_o you_o have_v receive_v more_o noble_a principle_n and_o be_v dispose_v to_o high_a employment_n that_o he_o have_v give_v you_o a_o judgement_n and_o spirit_n of_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a especial_o remember_v that_o you_o have_v be_v once_o of_o that_o society_n and_o have_v live_v in_o their_o bedlam_n still_o if_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n have_v not_o apply_v his_o grace_n and_o so_o cure_v you_o of_o this_o distemper_n use_v 5._o it_o may_v also_o serve_v for_o a_o word_n of_o conviction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a estate_n let_v such_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o be_v beside_o themselves_o be_v you_o but_o willing_a to_o consider_v of_o it_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a 1._o in_o your_o depart_n from_o god_n and_o bid_v he_o to_o go_v away_o from_o you_o who_o only_o can_v make_v you_o happy_a and_o who_o can_v make_v you_o miserable_a you_o forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n 2._o in_o your_o resolute_o continue_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o run_v upon_o a_o sword_n point_n and_o expose_v of_o yourselves_o to_o fearful_a plague_n 3._o in_o place_v your_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v empty_a and_o deceitful_a a_o break_a cistern_n in_o which_o be_v no_o water_n jer._n 2._o 13._o 4._o in_o lay_v all_o out_o upon_o your_o lust_n which_o fight_v against_o your_o soul_n and_o be_v but_o say_v and_o nourish_v to_o your_o utter_a undo_n but_o i_o pass_v doct._n ii_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n first_o work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n the_o first_o step_n to_o true_a conversion_n be_v divine_a illumination_n the_o prodigal_n before_o he_o think_v of_o return_v to_o his_o father_n first_o come_v to_o himself_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o be_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o a_o cause_n by_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o action_n the_o understanding_n in_o man_n be_v the_o light_n in_o he_o by_o which_o he_o regulate_v all_o his_o way_n and_o as_o he_o see_v so_o he_o practise_v the_o reason_n why_o sinful_a man_n place_v their_o hope_n in_o perish_a thing_n be_v because_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a this_o therefore_o be_v a_o main_a part_n of_o man_n misery_n that_o his_o understanding_n be_v pervert_v psal_n 53._o 2_o 4._o 2._o i'faith_o which_o be_v wrought_v in_o conversion_n be_v ground_v upon_o knowledge_n psal_n 9_o 10._o god_n deal_v with_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v and_o act_v faith_n be_v a_o choose_n and_o so_o a_o close_n with_o god_n but_o every_o choice_n arise_v from_o a_o rational_a and_o convince_a discovery_n of_o the_o sutablenese_n of_o the_o object_n choose_v and_o preference_n which_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o deserve_v above_o other_o now_o this_o discovery_n be_v make_v to_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o it_o see_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n hence_o 3._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v natural_o glue_v to_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v deep_o settle_v in_o his_o high_a opinion_n of_o it_o shall_v ever_o be_v make_v to_o renounce_v cast_v off_o and_o utter_o to_o refuse_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o to_o place_v any_o more_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o prefer_v he_o above_o all_o till_o he_o be_v thorough_o enlighten_v in_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n the_o creature_n emptiness_n and_o the_o glorious_a fullness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v so_o love_v must_v appear_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o god_n who_o he_o have_v forsake_v must_v appear_v to_o be_v good_a a_o unknown_a evil_n be_v not_o forsake_v a_o unknown_a good_a be_v not_o choose_v hence_o the_o absence_n of_o save_a knowledge_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o destruction_n hos_fw-la 4._o 6._o hence_o conversion_n itself_o be_v often_o synechdochical_o call_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n because_o that_o be_v a_o main_a ingredient_n in_o it_o and_o then_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o come_v to_o himself_o when_o he_o become_v to_o have_v a_o discern_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n use_v 1._o here_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n direct_v we_o what_o course_n to_o take_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n we_o must_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v do_v sinner_n any_o good_a we_o must_v endeavour_v their_o conviction_n we_o must_v first_o deal_v with_o their_o understanding_n to_o raise_v the_o affection_n without_o inform_v the_o mind_n be_v a_o fruitless_a unprofitable_a labour_n and_o serve_v but_o to_o make_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_n man_n must_v sir_n see_v before_o he_o will_v repent_v of_o his_o evil_n he_o must_v first_o know_v if_o ever_o he_o will_v love_v god_n psal_n 9_o 10._o use_v 2._o it_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a hope_n of_o man_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o come_v to_o themselves_o if_o god_n begin_v once_o to_o cure_v man_n of_o their_o frenzy_n to_o take_v they_o off_o their_o wild_a opinion_n and_o vain_a conceit_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n to_o make_v they_o see_v the_o emptiness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o their_o own_o misery_n for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a stay_n to_o trust_v to_o these_o be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n to_o conversion_n hence_o use_v 3._o to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o behalf_n of_o unregenerate_a sinner_n i_o e._n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o themselves_o that_o their_o eye_n may_v be_v open_v that_o god_n will_v illuminate_v their_o understanding_n and_o give_v they_o to_o see_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n truth_n in_o their_o plainness_n it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v think_v you_o beside_o yourselves_o for_o so_o do_v but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a love_n you_o can_v show_v they_o and_o the_o blessing_n which_o they_o next_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o will_v god_n be_v please_v but_o to_o settle_v man_n mind_n and_o open_v their_o eye_n we_o shall_v soon_o hear_v they_o cry_v out_o of_o their_o own_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o condemn_v their_o prodigality_n and_o riot_n and_o be_v earnest_o inquire_v after_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o seek_v something_o better_a than_o the_o world_n afford_v to_o save_v their_o sink_a soul_n from_o perdition_n act._n 2._o 37._o sermon_n xi_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o thing_n deliberate_v which_o be_v two_o 1._o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o verse_n 17._o in_o the_o which_o we_o have_v both_o the_o motive_n themselves_o and_o the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o become_v beneficial_a to_o he_o the_o general_a truth_n contain_v in_o these_o motive_n be_v before_o a_o matter_n of_o conviction_n to_o he_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o to_o be_v in_o want_n but_o it_o wrought_v not_o kind_o upon_o he_o till_o he_o come_v by_o serious_a consideration_n to_o apply_v it_o more_o close_o to_o his_o own_o condition_n before_o
this_o be_v the_o move_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o mercy_n which_o he_o show_v to_o a_o sinner_n 1_o that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o compassion_n appear_v 1._o because_o it_o belong_v to_o his_o attribute_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o merciful_a and_o gracious_a forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sin_n hence_o his_o people_n ascribe_v this_o title_n to_o he_o psal_n 86._o 15._o but_o thou_o oh_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n 2._o because_o his_o work_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v so_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n towards_o his_o visible_a covenant_n people_n evince_v it_o psal_n 78._o 37._o but_o he_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o his_o work_n of_o special_a favour_n towards_o his_o elect_n in_o pardon_v their_o sin_n and_o accept_v of_o they_o to_o be_v his_o child_n do_v more_o notable_o confirm_v it_o 2._o that_o this_o be_v the_o move_a cause_n of_o al●_n the_o mercy_n which_o he_o show_v to_o a_o sinner_n will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n he_o be_v the_o first_o mover_n to_o his_o own_o action_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v move_v by_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o himself_o hence_o man_n pity_n and_o god_n differ_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o the_o move_a cause_n man_n have_v such_o a_o affection_n habitual_o but_o it_o lie_v still_o till_o a_o object_n excite_v it_o but_o god_n be_v otherwise_o it_o move_v itself_o that_o which_o move_v in_o we_o have_v the_o respect_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o cause_n be_v in_o nature_n before_o the_o effect_n but_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n whence_o all_o his_o compassion_n flow_v be_v from_o eternity_n jer._n 31._o 3._o i_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n therefore_o in_o love_a kindness_n have_v i_o call_v thou_o 2._o god_n render_v this_o be_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o his_o mercy_n towards_o his_o creature_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o pity_v and_o relieve_v they_o he_o reduce_v it_o to_o our_o goodwil_a and_o mercyful_a nature_n jer._n 3._o 12_o 13._o hos_fw-la 11._o 9_o rom._n 9_o 15._o psal_n 78._o 38._o 3._o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o creature_n can_v be_v render_v as_o a_o sufficient_a move_a cause_n of_o his_o compassion_n towards_o it_o 1._o not_o the_o creature_n misery_n in_o itself_o for_o 1._o the_o sinner_n misery_n be_v not_o a_o fortuitous_a thing_n or_o befalling_a a_o innocent_a person_n but_o it_o be_v the_o just_a penalty_n of_o his_o sin_n inflict_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o equity_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a law_n lam._n 3._o 39_o a_o man_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n 2._o then_o must_v god_n be_v equal_o move_v to_o compassion_n to_o all_o sinner_n who_o be_v alike_o miserable_a and_o alike_o need_v succour_v and_o then_o why_o be_v not_o all_o save_v that_o compassion_n which_o save_v one_o can_v as_o well_o save_v another_o but_o there_o be_v but_o some_o sharer_n in_o this_o save_a compassion_n other_o suffer_v his_o rigour_n rom._n 11._o 7._o the_o elect_n obtain_v it_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v 2._o not_o their_o legal_a conviction_n and_o tenor_n and_o confession_n and_o softly_a walking_n &c_n &c_n i._n e._n no_o preparatory_a work_n for_o 1._o the_o son_n be_v for_o all_o they_o a_o great_a way_n off_o when_o his_o father_n pity_v he_o 2._o there_o be_v that_o call_v and_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o seek_v he_o early_o and_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o prov._n 1_o 28_o 3._o not_o legal_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n turn_v from_o many_o sinful_a practice_n and_o do_v many_o thing_n for_o these_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n esau_n repent_v and_o weep_v but_o it_o profit_v he_o not_o heb._n 12_o 17_o herod_n reformation_n engage_v not_o god_n to_o he_o in_o sum_n god_n compassion_n be_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o be_v absolute_o free_a nor_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o creature_n rom_n 9_o 16_o with_o 18_o 4._o because_o god_n design_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o grace_n discover_v itself_o in_o show_v he_o compassion_n now_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v describe_v its_o subject_n from_o eternity_n and_o therein_o distinguish_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v when_o it_o fall_v upon_o a_o subject_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o engage_v he_o nor_o can_v of_o itself_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o to_o move_v he_o use_v 1_o here_o we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o name_n and_o term_v of_o merit_n be_v a_o stranger_n from_o gospel_n language_n and_o what_o care_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v that_o we_o do_v not_o entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o it_o god_n be_v no_o debtor_n to_o his_o creature_n except_o voluntary_o as_o it_o be_v free_a to_o he_o to_o make_v they_o so_o also_o to_o assign_v they_o their_o end_n and_o use_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o design_v or_o appoint_v no_o creature_n to_o any_o use_n but_o withal_o complete_o furnish_v it_o for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o through_o its_o own_o default_n that_o be_v lose_v it_o can_v claim_v no_o restitution_n at_o god_n hand_n hence_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o his_o misery_n shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o engage_v god_n mercy_n to_o he_o no_o nor_o his_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o misery_n neither_o for_o if_o we_o stand_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n unto_o which_o merit_n be_v proper_o reckon_v it_o do_v not_o deserve_v pardon_n for_o a_o delinquent_a to_o fall_v down_o at_o the_o judge_n foot_n confess_v his_o fault_n and_o beg_v that_o it_o may_v be_v pass_v by_o and_o not_o impute_v to_o he_o if_o the_o law_n condemn_v he_o and_o he_o stand_v guilty_a before_o the_o bar_n it_o be_v only_o a_o free_a pardon_n that_o can_v acquit_v he_o now_o though_o a_o humane_a judge_n may_v be_v move_v by_o the_o submiss_a and_o lamentable_a expression_n of_o a_o just_o condemn_v person_n yet_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o such_o impression_n but_o if_o he_o intend_v a_o soul_n good_a he_o put_v this_o very_a frame_n into_o he_o and_o then_o accept_v he_o in_o this_o way_n though_o not_o for_o this_o carriage_n but_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v not_o any_o room_n or_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o merit_n use_v 2._o learn_v hence_o also_o not_o to_o be_v discourage_v from_o go_v to_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o own_o misery_n though_o you_o be_v altogether_o unworthy_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o your_o own_o to_o plead_v with_o he_o which_o deserve_v to_o impetrate_v his_o mercy_n yet_o you_o see_v here_o that_o his_o own_o compassion_n lead_v he_o to_o be_v merciful_a and_o that_o the_o object_n which_o it_o have_v choose_v to_o express_v itself_o unto_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n such_o as_o be_v every_o way_n miserable_a helpless_a and_o hopeless_a creature_n and_o if_o thou_o know_v find_v and_o feel_v thyself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v discourage_v thou_o be_v one_o of_o such_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o express_v his_o compassion_n upon_o and_o he_o who_o know_v thy_o condition_n if_o he_o will_v can_v have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o such_o as_o be_v helpless_a he_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v isa_n 63._o 5._o use_v 3._o it_o may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o wonderful_a encouragement_n to_o poor_a sinner_n to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o mercy_n to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o compassion_n and_o that_o this_o compassion_n be_v the_o originial_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o the_o creature_n receive_v 1._o to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o compassion_n we_o have_v hear_v say_v they_o that_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n be_v merciful_a king_n he_o be_v a_o god_n that_o delight_v to_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v himself_o by_o those_o title_n of_o merciful_a gracious_a compassionate_a etc._n etc._n his_o bowel_n stir_v towards_o and_o he_o pity_v die_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o their_o grave_n and_o bid_v they_o live_v the_o commendation_n of_o a_o pitiful_a and_o a_o compassionate_a nature_n in_o a_o prince_n wilbr_v in_o rebel_n apace_o to_o come_v and_o throw_v themselves_o upon_o his_o mercy_n &_o sue_v for_o a_o pardon_n who_o if_o they_o know_v he_o to_o be_v pitiless_a and_o inexorable_a will_v run_v utmost_a adventure_n as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o can_v but_o die_v and_o can_v hope_v for_o no_o better_a by_o submission_n 2._o to_o consider_v that_o this_o compassion_n be_v the_o root_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o mercy_n he_o show_v hence_o we_o may_v silence_v all_o uprising_n of_o heart_n and_o discourage_a temptation_n
to_o be_v bring_v into_o strait_n thing_n be_v here_o express_v as_o we_o hear_v according_a to_o appearance_n a_o man_n be_v not_o pinch_v with_o want_n till_o he_o feel_v it_o and_o be_v oppress_v with_o it_o hence_o doct._n when_o god_n intend_v save_v grace_n to_o any_o he_o first_o make_v they_o effectual_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o miserable_a and_o undo_v state_n god_n in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o usual_a method_n of_o convert_v sinner_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n begin_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o empty_a needy_a poor_a and_o miserable_a condition_n here_o begin_v the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o young_a man_n return_v to_o his_o father_n though_o it_o do_v not_o present_o work_v to_o this_o end_n have_v he_o not_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o great_a strait_n he_o have_v never_o think_v of_o return_v his_o be_v in_o want_n be_v that_o which_o set_v he_o to_o seek_v relief_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o do_v at_o last_o though_o not_o immediate_o drive_v he_o home_o among_o the_o work_n ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v call_v common_a and_o preparatory_a common_a because_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o reprobate_n preparatory_a because_o they_o be_v wont_v in_o the_o elect_a to_o be_v step_n towards_o conversion_n or_o work_n prepare_v the_o soul_n as_o a_o rational_a agent_n to_o entertain_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v tender_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o of_o these_o work_n be_v conviction_n which_o have_v two_o thing_n for_o object_n viz._n sin_n and_o misery_n one_o be_v the_o cause_n the_o other_o the_o effect_n conviction_n usual_o proceed_v analytical_o it_o first_o discover_v the_o effect_n and_o from_o thence_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n the_o conviction_n of_o misery_n be_v that_o which_o here_o have_v its_o consideration_n that_o of_o sin_n follow_v afterward_o the_o first_o remove_v of_o the_o young_a man_n be_v he_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o want_n he_o find_v when_o the_o famine_n come_v and_o increase_v that_o now_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v upon_o in_o the_o explication_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o what_o be_v this_o conviction_n of_o misery_n 2._o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v 3._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o what_o be_v this_o conviction_n of_o misery_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o first_o legal_a work_n that_o be_v usual_o wrought_v in_o a_o sinner_n make_v he_o to_o apprehend_v his_o present_a state_n of_o perdition_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v either_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v though_o not_o the_o full_a of_o a_o lose_a estate_n yet_o lead_v to_o it_o or_o a_o step_n towards_o it_o in_o the_o description_n observe_v 1._o i_o call_v it_o a_o legal_a work_n now_o divine_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v those_o work_n legal_a 1._o which_o be_v usual_o wrought_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o law_n in_o which_o be_v the_o curse_n and_o by_o which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o 8._o misery_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o curse_n and_o the_o curse_n come_v upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n gal._n 3._o 12._o the_o law_n therefore_o first_o discover_v it_o 2._o which_o be_v common_a work_n and_o not_o in_o themselves_o save_a and_o so_o the_o word_n legal_a be_v often_o use_v in_o divinity_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v this_o before_o we_o conviction_n of_o misery_n may_v befall_v hypocrite_n isa_n 43._o 14._o yea_o of_o itself_o this_o be_v hell_n begin_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o conscience_n 3._o i_o call_v it_o the_o first_o legal_a work_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n usual_o begin_v here_o and_o so_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v make_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o effect_n before_o he_o discover_v the_o cause_n yea_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o thereunto_o he_o first_o see_v and_o feel_v misery_n upon_o himself_o and_o thence_o be_v lead_v to_o see_v sin_n as_o the_o unblamable_a &_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o misery_n man_n usual_o apprehend_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v before_o he_o apprehend_v sin_n to_o be_v the_o just_a condemnation_n he_o feel_v himself_o miserable_a before_o he_o justifi_v god_n for_o though_o it_o be_v sin_n which_o the_o law_n condemn_v and_o hence_o he_o must_v so_o far_o see_v sin_n as_o to_o know_v that_o he_o have_v break_v this_o law_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o make_v to_o know_v sin_n in_o its_o just_a merit_n but_o rather_o count_v it_o a_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n which_o make_v he_o angry_a with_o that_o and_o not_o with_o sin_n rom._n 7._o 5._o 3._o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v to_o make_v he_o know_v and_o feel_v his_o perish_a condition_n at_o present_a that_o he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o perdition_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n bind_v over_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o curse_n the_o young_a man_n find_v himself_o perish_v with_o hunger_n 4._o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o conviction_n be_v that_o it_o unmask_v the_o former_a delusion_n under_o which_o he_o lay_v make_v he_o to_o see_v that_o he_o have_v no_o remedy_n against_o this_o misery_n either_o in_o himself_o or_o in_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n to_o himself_o he_o find_v that_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o in_o regard_n to_o the_o world_n he_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o the_o conclusion_n that_o arise_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o he_o be_v sensible_o in_o what_o i._n e._n he_o still_o want_v that_o freedom_n from_o the_o curse_n notwithstanding_o all_o god_n favour_n or_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o creature_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o conviction_n in_o which_o though_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n now_o make_v in_o the_o sinner_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o save_a change_n of_o his_o state_n for_o 1._o his_o state_n be_v as_o bad_a before_o only_o the_o difference_n be_v he_o then_o see_v it_o not_o but_o now_o he_o do_v he_o think_v himself_o rich_a and_o the_o world_n a_o trusty_a friend_n both_o these_o be_v mistake_n and_o now_o he_o find_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o rhis_n charge_n be_v now_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o before_o he_o cheat_v himself_o hence_o 2._o his_o state_n be_v not_o proper_o mend_v by_o this_o conviction_n for_o though_o he_o see_v his_o misery_n in_o some_o degree_n yet_o this_o sight_n do_v not_o free_v he_o from_o it_o conviction_n be_v not_o conversion_n though_o god_n can_v when_o he_o please_v make_v it_o a_o step_n towards_o it_o conviction_n do_v not_o make_v any_o man_n real_o better_a though_o it_o do_v give_v we_o hope_n that_o where_o the_o spirit_n begin_v he_o may_v carry_v it_o on_o for_o cain_n and_o judas_n fare_v never_o the_o better_a by_o it_o though_o many_o soul_n have_v by_o divine_a grace_n 2._o how_o this_o conviction_n be_v wrought_v answ_n 1._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o author_n or_o efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o work_n it_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o in_o a_o work_n of_o common_a grace_n bring_v the_o creature_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o this_o misery_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o rational_a conviction_n may_v be_v gather_v and_o apply_v from_o the_o rational_a consideration_n of_o thing_n but_o that_o this_o sensible_a conviction_n depend_v on_o a_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v use_v with_o other_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v we_o preach_v sin_n and_o misery_n to_o a_o great_a many_o discourse_n with_o they_o of_o the_o distress_a condition_n of_o the_o poor_a prodigal_a man_n but_o it_o be_v but_o now_o and_o then_o one_o that_o be_v touch_v with_o remorse_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o it_o or_o acknowledge_v it_o sensible_o 2._o because_o the_o same_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v former_o use_v with_o this_o person_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o gain_v their_o effect_n it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v hear_v the_o same_o thing_n many_o a_o time_n and_o his_o judgement_n assent_v to_o it_o to_o be_v truth_n but_o yet_o he_o regard_v it_o not_o nor_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o yea_o possible_o he_o have_v have_v it_o more_o urge_v with_o more_o strength_n of_o argument_n and_o press_v with_o more_o moral_o persuasive_a motive_n by_o other_o but_o yet_o it_o never_o gain_v upon_o or_o get_v within_o he_o till_o now_o and_o why_o now_o rather_o than_o at_o any_o other_o time_n there_o be_v as_o much_o to_o have_v drive_v it_o home_o before_o it_o must_v needs_o therefore_o proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v when_o he_o see_v meet_v but_o 2._o
it_o be_v well_o this_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o give_v to_o will_n will_v also_o give_v to_o do_v but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o be_v thy_o hope_n build_v upon_o what_o be_v thy_o comfort_n but_o delusion_n what_o be_v thy_o assurance_n but_o undo_a deceit_n use_v 4._o for_o exhortation_n and_o let_v i_o direct_v it_o particular_o to_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o perish_v in_o themselves_o have_v make_v discovery_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v some_o preparatory_a hope_n by_o it_o he_o hence_o encourage_v and_o counsel_v to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o god_n do_v you_o feel_v yourselves_o under_o a_o condition_n so_o miserable_a and_o have_v you_o discover_v a_o object_n so_o glorious_a and_o suitable_a take_v heart_n and_o resolve_v to_o adventure_v into_o his_o presence_n and_o throw_v yourselves_o upon_o he_o consider_v god_n therefore_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o to_o such_o as_o you_o be_v to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o you_o may_v be_v woo_v and_o win_v to_o he_o and_o if_o now_o you_o put_v he_o away_o by_o unbelief_n you_o will_v slight_v mercy_n remember_v withal_o though_o there_o be_v so_o much_o supply_v with_o god_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v you_o complete_o happy_a and_o to_o spare_v yet_o it_o be_v only_o for_o comer_n if_o you_o will_v taste_v of_o this_o feast_n you_o must_v accept_v of_o the_o invitation_n and_o come_v and_o be_v guest_n you_o must_v come_v out_o of_o those_o hedge-row_n and_o highway_n in_o which_o you_o lie_v starve_v you_o must_v go_v to_o the_o water_n if_o you_o will_v have_v wine_n and_o milk_n isa_n 55._o 1._o halt_n no_o long_o between_o two_o opinion_n if_o it_o be_v good_a perish_v sit_v still_o but_o if_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v save_v arise_v and_o come_v away_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n draw_v up_o your_o conclusion_n if_o you_o object_n and_o say_v i_o can_v resolve_v nothing_o of_o myself_o except_o god_n put_v his_o grace_n and_o resolution_n in_o i_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a but_o remember_v also_o that_o as_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n so_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o duty_n and_o the_o thy_fw-mi of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o we_o must_v except_o we_o will_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o ourselves_o set_v about_o it_o and_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o resolve_v not_o in_o your_o strength_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n nay_o it_o be_v one_o of_o satan_n cheat_n to_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v wait_v before_o we_o 〈◊〉_d till_o we_o discover_v grace_n come_v in_o whereas_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n come_v in_o undiscerned_a and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o resolution_n itself_o if_o god_n help_v we_o to_o this_o resolution_n we_o must_v by_o that_o know_v that_o his_o spirit_n be_v come_v into_o we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o believe_v resolve_v then_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n here_o thou_o be_v perish_v there_o be_v mercy_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v he_o say_v if_o thou_o come_v he_o will_v not_o upbraid_v thou_o he_o say_v the_o hungry_a he_o will_v satisfy_v with_o bread_n and_o give_v the_o long_a soul_n the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o say_v he_o will_v give_v the_o weary_a rest_n in_o a_o word_n if_o ever_o you_o obtain_v salvation_n it_o must_v be_v with_o he_o hill_n mountain_n all_o create_a being_n will_v not_o afford_v it_o thou_o have_v tire_v thyself_o to_o no_o purpose_n in_o seek_v it_o there_o already_o and_o why_o shall_v thou_o again_o make_v a_o vain_a essay_n if_o god_n will_v he_o can_v and_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n the_o fatherless_a have_v find_v he_o so_o do_v thou_o but_o resolve_v to_o leave_v all_o for_o he_o and_o make_v choice_n of_o he_o for_o thy_o trust_n and_o he_o will_v do_v it_o for_o thou_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v that_o thou_o want_v grace_n glory_n and_o every_o good_a thing_n will_v he_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o sermon_n xv._o thus_o of_o the_o prodigal_n resolution_n to_o return_v 2._o his_o purpose_n how_o to_o demean_v himself_o on_o his_o return_n follow_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o which_o be_v shadow_v out_o to_o we_o divers_a necessary_a concomitant_n of_o true_a repentance_n or_o qualification_n wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v appear_v and_o serve_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a work_n of_o save_a grace_n to_o the_o humble_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o render_v he_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o this_o be_v in_o two_o thing_n viz._n his_o confession_n and_o his_o petition_n in_o the_o one_o he_o make_v himself_o as_o bad_a as_o he_o can_v be_v as_o little_a as_o low_a and_o sinful_a in_o the_o other_o he_o yield_v himself_o to_o be_v what_o ever_o his_o father_n will_v make_v he_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o 1._o in_o his_o confession_n he_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n 1._o he_o make_v it_o his_o own_o i_o have_v sin_v 2._o he_o aggravate_v it_o 1._o by_o the_o object_n against_o who_o against_o heaven_n 2._o by_o the_o presence_n in_o which_o before_o thou_o the_o phrase_n against_o heaven_n mean_n against_o god_n himself_o the_o word_n heaven_n be_v use_v both_o by_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a writer_n for_o god_n either_o as_o one_o of_o his_o name_n or_o else_o metonymical_o because_o heaven_n be_v the_o place_n where_o he_o most_o glorious_o appear_v divers_a useful_a truth_n may_v hence_o be_v gather_v i_o shall_v draw_v they_o all_o up_o into_o this_o one_o doct._n where_o god_n give_v true_a repentance_n such_o a_o one_o will_v confess_v his_o sin_n with_o the_o great_a aggravation_n he_o will_v not_o mince_v or_o extenuate_v and_o go_v about_o to_o make_v they_o look_v little_a and_o small_a but_o acknowledge_v they_o in_o their_o height_n &_o greatness_n present_v they_o in_o their_o black_a and_o ugly_a colour_n so_o do_v this_o prodigal_a son_n resolve_v to_o go_v to_o his_o father_n and_o so_o do_v though_o every_o sin_n in_o its_o proper_a nature_n naked_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n a_o affront_n offer_v and_o a_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n be_v on_o that_o account_n great_a yet_o there_o be_v several_a circumstance_n with_o which_o it_o be_v clothe_v which_o if_o true_o look_v upon_o do_v exaggerate_v or_o heighten_v the_o vileness_n of_o it_o these_o the_o hypocrite_n endeavour_v to_o cover_v over_o and_o hope_n thereby_o to_o excuse_v himself_o â_fw-la tanto_fw-la as_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi i_o be_o not_o thus_o and_o so_o but_o contrariwise_o in_o sound_a repentance_n when_o the_o sinner_n come_v to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o confess_v his_o sin_n he_o make_v himself_o as_o vile_a as_o he_o can_v sin_n be_v make_v exceed_v sinful_a a_o hypocrite_n hope_v to_o plead_v that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v so_o bad_a therefore_o he_o may_v hope_v for_o mercy_n but_o paul_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 25._o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a and_o david_n psal_n 25._o 11._o pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v very_o great_a now_o the_o aggravation_n in_o our_o text_n be_v three_o under_o which_o head_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v may_v be_v rank_v these_o let_v we_o a_o little_a look_n into_o 1._o he_o take_v the_o whole_a blame_n upon_o himself_o i_o have_v sin_v it_o be_v i_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n so_o david_n call_v it_o his_o own_o sin_n psal_n 51._o 9_o q._n d._n whatever_o blame_n or_o guilt_n there_o be_v in_o it_o i_o take_v it_o all_o to_o myself_o he_o confess_v it_o roundly_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o excuse_n or_o extenuation_n or_o put_v it_o off_o to_o any_o other_o cause_n occasion_n or_o tempter_n and_o this_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o true_a penitent_a the_o one_o will_v put_v off_o his_o sin_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v seek_v excuse_n find_v other_o to_o lay_v it_o upon_o and_o bear_v as_o little_a of_o the_o blame_n as_o possible_o he_o may_v he_o will_v divide_v the_o fault_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v the_o least_o part_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o he_o find_v many_o occasion_n or_o cause_n to_o change_v it_o upon_o 1._o he_o throw_v it_o upon_o everlasting_a decree_n and_o will_v make_v the_o holy_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o have_v a_o causal_a influence_n into_o his_o wickedness_n and_o will_v say_v if_o god_n have_v intend_v i_o so_o to_o have_v be_v i_o
himself_o 3._o save_v faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v entitle_v to_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o man_n himself_o but_o of_o grace_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o god_n give_v man_n to_o believe_v eph._n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n man_n will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o unbelief_n do_v not_o he_o exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n faith_n be_v a_o create_a work_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o raise_v christ_n eph._n 1._o 19_o 20._o 4._o the_o save_a efficacy_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o they_o they_o have_v not_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o produce_v this_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n it_o be_v he_o that_o touch_v lydia_n heart_n act._n 16._o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o mean_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o skill_n grace_n goodwill_n of_o instrument_n nor_o all_o their_o industry_n but_o in_o he_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o some_o be_v convert_v at_o the_o first_o sermon_n they_o ever_o hear_v other_o have_v hear_v a_o thousand_o and_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n sermon_n be_v but_o the_o prophet_n staff_n in_o the_o servant_n hand_n 5._o though_o god_n ordinary_a method_n be_v ●_o first_o to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o faith_n before_o he_o infuse_v it_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o preparation_n be_v of_o grace_n but_o the_o soul_n thus_o prepare_v be_v before_o believe_v a_o great_a way_n off_o from_o god_n he_o be_v still_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n have_v nothing_o in_o he_o that_o can_v challenge_v this_o grace_n but_o if_o god_n bestow_v it_o upon_o he_o it_o be_v his_o mere_a favour_n there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v a_o common_a work_n and_o it_o proceed_v no_o far_o they_o have_v have_v many_o awakening_n shake_n terror_n take_v up_o many_o resolution_n make_v many_o promise_n and_o yet_o never_o pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n but_o have_v either_o stay_v here_o or_o go_v back_o again_o nay_o god_n be_v here_o sovera_v the_o sinner_n be_v dead_a still_o and_o have_v not_o a_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o life_n god_n when_o he_o pass_v by_o may_v either_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o say_v to_o he_o live_v or_o he_o may_v pass_v away_o use_v 1_o for_o information_n 1._o of_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v every_o way_n whole_o free_a the_o first_o cause_n have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o other_o or_o any_o other_o but_o a_o voluntary_a obligation_n to_o they_o hence_o they_o undertake_v a_o vain_a task_n that_o will_v give_v any_o reason_n of_o man_n conversion_n beyond_o god_n will_n or_o why_o these_o and_o not_o those_o be_v convert_v and_o save_v if_o there_o be_v any_o to_o sway_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o lead_a cause_n 2._o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o god_n elect_n because_o it_o flow_v from_o grace_n as_o that_o high_a cause_n of_o it_o if_o it_o do_v first_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o our_o mutability_n will_v expose_v it_o to_o hazard_v and_o thence_o it_o will_v be_v dubious_a and_o always_o questionable_a but_o if_o grace_n lead_v all_o be_v certain_a for_o who_o or_o what_o can_v be_v able_a to_o frustrate_v grace_n or_o disappoint_v it_o in_o all_o that_o it_o have_v design_v for_o our_o salvation_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n rom._n 4._o 16._o 3._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o mean_n convert_v at_o one_o time_n and_o not_o at_o another_o and_o one_o man_n and_o not_o another_o many_o a_o powerful_a sermon_n awaken_n providence_n etc._n etc._n pass_v and_o the_o man_n still_o go_v on_o froward_o in_o his_o way_n but_o at_o last_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o itself_o of_o less_o efficacy_n awaken_v melt_v humble_v heal_v the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v when_o grace_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o that_o only_o that_o be_v irresistible_a man_n sinful_a heart_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o every_o thing_n else_o and_o this_o be_v do_v when_o and_o where_o god_n please_v john_n 3._o 8._o 4._o that_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v any_o engagement_n upon_o god_n to_o do_v he_o any_o good_a no_o man_n can_v be_v too_o soon_o for_o he_o we_o can_v stir_v till_o he_o move_v we_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o for_o he_o till_o he_o first_o do_v for_o we_o and_o in_o we_o and_o hence_o those_o who_o god_n pass_v by_o and_o leaf_n in_o their_o sin_n have_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o complaint_n which_o if_o they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n first_o to_o oblige_v god_n they_o may_v have_v a_o show_n for_o use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n 1._o to_o the_o unconvert_v be_v hence_o advise_v 1._o not_o to_o think_v to_o earn_v grace_n and_o glory_n by_o your_o own_o endeavour_n or_o to_o do_v that_o of_o yourselves_o which_o may_v bring_v you_o under_o the_o covenant_n promise_v of_o life_n this_o will_v never_o be_v be_v there_o no_o more_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o that_o counsel_n believe_v and_o be_v save_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a but_o when_o god_n speak_v of_o make_v we_o to_o believe_v of_o work_v the_o will_n and_o deed_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o gospel_n grace_n christ_n bid_v we_o to_o come_v but_o if_o he_o come_v not_o first_o he_o will_v keep_v his_o salvation_n to_o himself_o 2._o not_o to_o put_v away_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n from_o you_o till_o you_o have_v make_v yourselves_o fit_a for_o it_o many_o say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o ask_v grace_n who_o be_o so_o vile_a and_o can_v come_v to_o god_n i_o answer_v none_o have_v more_o need_n of_o it_o than_o such_o a_o one_o and_o therefore_o do_v not_o say_v i_o will_v wait_v till_o i_o have_v fit_v myself_o but_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o his_o prevent_a grace_n to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v and_o turn_v you_o unto_o he_o say_v not_o if_o i_o can_v get_v up_o yonder_o to_o he_o it_o will_v be_v well_o but_o wait_v for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o your_o pit_n 3._o not_o to_o rest_v in_o mean_n and_o endeavour_n as_o if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o you_o what_o you_o need_v but_o look_v up_o to_o grace_n to_o help_v you_o to_o attend_v upon_o the_o mean_n and_o bless_v that_o attendance_n for_o your_o spiritual_a good_a promise_v not_o to_o yourselves_o any_o thing_n from_o ordinance_n themselves_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o he_o shall_v breathe_v in_o they_o wait_v therefore_o for_o the_o north_n and_o south_n wind_n to_o blow_v 4._o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v the_o leisure_n of_o freegrace_n if_o that_o lead_n it_o must_v not_o be_v limit_v but_o suffer_v to_o take_v its_o own_o time_n only_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v wait_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n not_o grow_v weary_a faint_a or_o repine_v 2._o to_o the_o convert_v learn_v you_o also_o from_o hence_o 1._o not_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o your_o grace_n or_o think_v high_o of_o yourselves_o above_o other_o he_o have_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v true_a who_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v i_o be_o not_o as_o this_o publican_n it_o be_v certain_a where_o grace_n be_v most_o eminent_a there_o the_o creature_n be_v least_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n not_o arrogate_a or_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o itself_o that_o grace_n be_v the_o most_o insuspectible_a and_o render_v we_o most_o unworthy_a in_o our_o own_o esteem_n 2._o will_v you_o be_v serviceable_a in_o your_o generation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v direct_v to_o go_v to_o he_o in_o all_o you_o have_v to_o do_v for_o his_o grace_n that_o by_o it_o alone_o you_o may_v undertake_v paul_n will_v engage_v in_o any_o thing_n so_o christ_n shall_v stand_v engage_v to_o strengthen_v he_o it_o may_v teach_v we_o to_o begin_v every_o work_n with_o prayer_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o have_v succeed_v for_o if_o god_n be_v not_o in_o it_o lead_v and_o strengthen_v it_o will_v certain_o fail_v not_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o help_n and_o mean_n will_v be_v otherwise_o then_o abortive_a if_o grace_n give_v they_o not_o their_o efficacy_n if_o you_o set_v about_o any_o thing_n without_o engage_v god_n in_o it_o the_o very_a spring_n and_o rise_v and_o strength_n of_o all_o be_v want_v 3._o if_o you_o find_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n wrought_v in_o yourselves_o or_o see_v it_o wrought_v in_o other_o be_v sure_a to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o lead_a cause_n no_o flesh_n have_v any_o cause_n to_o glory_n but_o all_o the_o glory_n be_v his_o due_n you_o have_v use_v mean_n attend_v on_o
and_o be_v animate_v to_o break_v through_o all_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o if_o i_o can_v it_o will_v but_o obscure_v his_o compassion_n be_v encourage_v satan_n present_v god_n in_o arm_n against_o we_o &_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v appease_v he_o with_o sacrifice_n of_o obedience_n but_o god_n accept_v of_o no_o sacrifice_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n he_o look_v that_o his_o mercy_n alone_o shall_v be_v seek_v unto_o learn_v then_o to_o make_v heaven_n ring_n with_o thy_o cry_n ask_v mercy_n put_v god_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o attribute_n which_o he_o have_v commend_v himself_o in_o to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o put_v that_o into_o every_o prayer_n to_o encourage_v thy_o hope_n psal_n 86._o 5._o thou_o be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o and_o dan._n 9_o 9_o to_o thou_o lord_n our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n use_v 4._o for_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n this_o truth_n tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o work_n you_o have_v to_o do_v all_o your_o life_n viz._n to_o adore_v admire_v and_o magnify_v god_n compassion_n those_o wonderful_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o your_o delivery_n out_o of_o all_o that_o misery_n into_o which_o sin_n have_v cast_v you_o this_o be_v the_o great_a subject_n which_o shall_v take_v up_o the_o thought_n and_o word_n of_o the_o saint_n grace_n grace_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o voice_n with_o which_o the_o temple_n shall_v resound_v think_v therefore_o often_o with_o yourselves_o where_o you_o once_o be_v what_o be_v your_o former_a condition_n who_o it_o be_v that_o transform_v you_o when_o it_o be_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o you_o what_o miserable_a sinner_n you_o be_v and_o how_o near_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n follow_v this_o compassion_n up_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o its_o act_n towards_o you_o think_v not_o that_o it_o only_o meet_v you_o as_o you_o be_v return_v but_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o it_o come_v to_o your_o dungeon_n and_o lift_v you_o out_o thence_o that_o it_o follow_v you_o into_o your_o far_a country_n and_o fetch_v you_o from_o among_o the_o swine_n or_o else_o you_o have_v still_o be_v there_o and_o perish_v for_o ever_o sermon_n xxii_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o of_o the_o father_n kind_a carriage_n to_o his_o son_n the_o effect_n follow_v in_o the_o carriage_n itself_o his_o be_v express_v in_o three_o word_n he_o run_v he_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o all_o these_o act_n refer_v to_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o serve_v to_o express_v what_o love_n god_n apply_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o work_n they_o show_v we_o how_o much_o of_o divine_a affection_n breathe_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n pass_v from_o god_n to_o a_o sinner_n they_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o most_o pathetical_a intimation_n of_o the_o great_a love_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o ancient_n especial_o in_o those_o country_n to_o discover_v the_o superaboundance_n of_o their_o overflow_a affection_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o gesture_n one_o note_n upon_o this_o ver_fw-la that_o although_o all_o christ_n parable_n be_v very_o move_v to_o the_o affection_n that_o none_o carry_v so_o much_o in_o they_o as_o this_o do_v he_o run_v love_n be_v active_a it_o can_v stand_v still_o nor_o yet_o go_v soft_o where_o it_o see_v its_o object_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o speedy_a succour_n it_o shake_v off_o all_o sloth_n and_o rather_o seem_v to_o fly_v on_o wing_n than_o go_v he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n god_n take_v the_o sinner_n in_o his_o arm_n fall_v upon_o he_o i._n e._n with_o his_o distinguish_a grace_n and_n kiss_v he_o kiss_v be_v use_v among_o other_o thing_n to_o express_v 1._o intimacy_n and_o peculiar_a affection_n and_o then_o especial_o when_o dear_a friend_n meet_v after_o long_a absence_n thus_o moses_n and_o aaron_n exod._n 4._o 27._o 2._o reconciliation_n after_o some_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o injury_n and_o provocation_n thus_o david_n kiss_v absolom_n 2_o sam._n 14._o ult_n doct._n god_n manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o incomparable_a love_n to_o a_o sinner_n then_o when_o he_o convert_v he_o to_o himself_o here_o it_o be_v that_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v and_o such_o love_n as_o all_o comparison_n be_v but_o dark_a shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n indeed_o show_v a_o great_a deed_n of_o common_a favour_n to_o the_o world_n the_o goodnesss_n they_o ●●st_n of_o be_v call_v his_o hide_a treasure_n but_o all_o this_o fall_n incomparable_o short_a of_o that_o which_o he_o confer_v upon_o a_o elect_a person_n in_o his_o conversion_n this_o love_n of_o god_n be_v from_o eternity_n seal_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n it_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v publish_v and_o make_v know_v in_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o man_n have_v by_o his_o fall_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o himself_o and_o his_o progeny_n as_o be_v whisper_v in_o that_o first_o gospel_n promise_n gen._n 3._o 15._o he_o shall_v break_v thy_o head_n and_o more_o abundant_o shine_v forth_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v more_o general_a demonstration_n of_o it_o it_o more_o especial_o and_o particular_o first_o begin_v to_o appear_v to_o the_o sinner_n himself_o then_o when_o he_o be_v regenerate_v and_o eternal_a life_n begin_v in_o he_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n be_v then_o open_v when_o we_o consider_v the_o prodigal_n return_n that_o which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o love_n and_o how_o or_o wherein_o it_o express_v its_o self_n according_a to_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n i_o may_v here_o expatiate_v but_o i_o shall_v confine_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o word_n in_o our_o text_n by_o a_o reduction_n of_o they_o to_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n 1._o the_o first_o expression_n of_o this_o love_n be_v in_o that_o he_o ra●_n to_o he_o herein_o be_v intimate_v a_o twofold_a declaration_n of_o divine_a love_n one_o positive_a the_o other_o comparative_a 1._o positive_a it_o point_v out_o god_n come_v to_o the_o sinner_n where_o he_o be_v to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o he_o the_o sinner_n can_v never_o have_v go_v to_o god_n he_o therefore_o come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o can_v come_v no_o near_o the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n be_v high_a than_o he_o be_v though_o as_o to_o rational_a and_o common_a action_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o use_v mean_n yet_o as_o to_o spiritual_a life-action_n he_o be_v void_a of_o a_o principle_n of_o they_o like_o lazarus_n he_o be_v both_o dead_a and_o bind_v in_o his_o grave_a clothes_n god_n therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n come_v to_o his_o grave_n side_n to_o his_o pit_n mouth_n where_o he_o be_v perish_v and_o thence_o he_o fetch_v he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o wonderful_a love_n have_v not_o god_n come_v hither_o the_o sinner_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v ever_o have_v come_v to_o he_o that_o be_v emphatical_a zech._n 9_o 11._o i_o have_v send_v forth_o my_o prisoner_n out_o of_o the_o pit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o water_n 2._o comparative_a he_o not_o only_o come_v but_o he_o come_v in_o haste_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a die_a creature_n bis_n that_fw-mi qui_fw-la citò_fw-la that_fw-mi run_v be_v a_o note_n of_o speed_n and_o signify_v a_o great_a commotion_n of_o the_o affection_n god_n make_v great_a haste_n to_o bring_v relief_n to_o a_o perish_a sinner_n the_o heathen_a paint_a love_n with_o wing_n note_v the_o swiftness_n of_o this_o affection_n in_o its_o action_n here_o therefore_o god_n wonderful_a love_n to_o a_o sinner_n manifest_v it-self_n in_o that_o he_o come_v to_o he_o unsent_a for_o and_o bring_v his_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v unsought_a isa_n 63._o 1._o 2._o the_o next_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n be_v he_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n when_o man_n embrace_v each_o other_o in_o one_o another_o arm_n they_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v upon_o one_o another_o neck_n it_o note_v embrace_v and_o this_o serve_v to_o express_v the_o favour_n which_o god_n take_v a_o sinner_n into_o it_o hold_v out_o that_o union_n which_o in_o conversion_n be_v make_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n they_o which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n be_v now_o make_v near_o god_n do_v not_o only_o come_v and_o do_v something_o for_o his_o relief_n but_o he_o take_v he_o into_o his_o arm_n and_o now_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n be_v in_o mutual_a embrace_n such_o be_v the_o greeting_n between_o jacob_n and_o
strengthen_v the_o other_o he_o hate_v sin_n because_o he_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o set_v those_o affection_n on_o work_n and_o move_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n imply_v a_o sanctify_a change_n in_o they_o and_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o their_o so_o act_v 4._o the_o affection_n be_v handmaid_n of_o the_o will_n hence_o a_o change_n in_o they_o imply_v a_o change_n in_o the_o will_n and_o evidence_v that_o that_o be_v turn_v it_o signify_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o will_n exert_v itself_o in_o and_o by_o the_o affection_n when_o therefore_o we_o see_v a_o man_n true_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_n god_n we_o know_v that_o his_o will_n be_v set_v fix_a his_o choice_n be_v certain_o make_v and_o where_o the_o will_n be_v change_v there_o be_v conversion_n wrought_v where_o the_o soul_n have_v indeed_o choose_v god_n there_o be_v save_v grace_n david_n therefore_o assert_v his_o grace_n from_o this_o evidence_n psal_n 73._o 25._o 5._o repentance_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n it_o be_v practical_a holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o to_o be_v go_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n sanctification_n have_v two_o part_n in_o it_o mortification_n and_o vivification_n repentance_n comprehend_v they_o both_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o use_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o practice_n now_o sanctification_n be_v a_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o a_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n one_o of_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o and_o be_v wrought_v at_o conversion_n as_o have_v be_v clear_v reas_n 2._o because_o as_o in_o conversion_n the_o soul_n receive_v a_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o act_v repentance_n so_o by_o this_o effect_n of_o god_n wonderful_a love_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n abundant_a advantage_n for_o the_o help_a forward_o the_o more_o kindly_a exercise_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o evangelical_n motive_n to_o it_o be_v hence_o derive_v for_o 1._o convert_v grace_n make_v sin_n appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n the_o sun-light_n of_o save_a grace_n make_v sin_n look_v more_o ugly_a than_o ever_o beauty_n and_o deformity_n be_v not_o discern_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o candlelight_n of_o common_a conviction_n make_v but_o obscure_a discovery_n now_o he_o see_v it_o sin_n before_o he_o do_v not_o he_o have_v two_o discovery_n of_o it_o before_o viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n his_o law_n be_v against_o it_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o procure_a cause_n of_o misery_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o curse_n these_o two_o he_o see_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o grace_n discover_v sin_n to_o he_o 1._o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n opposite_a to_o his_o holiness_n hab._n 1._o 13._o 2._o hence_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o odious_a thing_n and_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o hell_n that_o follow_v he_o now_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o show_v he_o the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n 2._o god_n love_n manifest_v in_o conversion_n discover_v sin_n under_o divers_a aggravation_n which_o before_o be_v not_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v against_o that_o god_n who_o have_v love_v he_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n jer._n 31._o 3._o 2._o against_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n for_o his_o redemption_n from_o hell_n 3._o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o have_v so_o often_o strive_v with_o he_o have_v wait_v so_o long_o and_o leave_v not_o till_o he_o have_v turn_v he_o and_o now_o sin_n appear_v sinful_a which_o before_o appear_v only_o sorrowful_a use_v 1._o for_o information_n 1._o we_o have_v here_o a_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o save_a repentance_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o both_o it_o tell_v we_o of_o ahab_n repentance_n as_o well_o as_o of_o david_n it_o put_v one_o name_n upon_o thing_n vast_o different_a and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o here_o be_v it_o to_o be_v discern_v the_o one_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n the_o other_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o one_o be_v produce_v by_o terror_n the_o other_o by_o love_n the_o one_o confess_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n vomit_v up_o his_o morsel_n take_v upon_o he_o a_o profession_n of_o holiness_n drive_v to_o it_o by_o the_o dismal_a reflection_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o other_o be_v take_v into_o embrace_n of_o amity_n confirm_v with_o a_o kiss_n of_o favour_n and_o by_o this_o his_o heart_n be_v melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n in_o his_o father_n arm_n he_o bemoan_v himself_o the_o true_o break_a heart_n be_v a_o heart_n break_v with_o love_n 2._o here_o we_o see_v when_o be_v the_o genuine_a season_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v new_o convert_v be_v so_o full_a of_o bitterness_n complaint_n and_o self_n accusation_n if_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o bitter_o mourn_v for_o sin_n now_o when_o shall_v he_o before_o he_o can_v not_o in_o heaven_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o it_o god_n the_o father_n the_o great_a husband_n man_n of_o his_o vineyard_n deal_v in_o great_a skill_n with_o the_o soul_n for_o have_v break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o sow_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n in_o it_o he_o now_o send_v seasonable_a shower_n upon_o it_o to_o water_v the_o ridge_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o bring_v forth_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n psalm_n 126._o 5._o when_o shall_v shower_n more_o seasonable_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n than_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v cast_v in_o hence_o 1._o they_o mistake_v themselves_o great_o who_o think_v that_o after_o conversion_n the_o soul_n shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o rejoice_v as_o if_o there_o be_v now_o no_o room_n ●●r_fw-fr sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o self_n abasement_n because_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v whereas_o what_o do_v more_o break_v a_o ingenious_a heart_n than_o the_o pardon_v of_o so_o great_a offence_n and_o receive_v he_o to_o favour_n after_o such_o grievous_a provocation_n god_n therefore_o when_o he_o have_v make_v large_a promise_n of_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o his_o people_n tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o this_o love_n of_o he_o ezek_n 36._o 31._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o evil_a way_n and_o loathe_v yourselves_o 2._o let_v it_o be_v for_o caution_n to_o such_o as_o be_v new_o convert_v though_o now_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o mourn_v for_o it_o before_o god_n yet_o have_v a_o care_n of_o give_v satan_n advantage_n thereby_o to_o weaken_v your_o faith_n and_o undermine_v the_o consolation_n arise_v from_o your_o interest_n in_o this_o grace_n godly_a sorrow_n humility_n repentance_n be_v so_o to_o be_v exercise_v as_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o not_o become_v impediment_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o and_o activity_n of_o faith_n hence_o make_v that_o the_o great_a incentive_a to_o godly_a sorrow_n viz._n the_o consideration_n that_o be_v against_o that_o god_n that_o love_v you_o let_v divine_a love_n be_v set_v against_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v help_v both_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 3._o let_v other_o beware_v of_o irregular_a application_n to_o such_o as_o be_v mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o full_a of_o sorrow_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o dry_v up_o those_o tear_n be_v not_o trouble_v at_o they_o but_o rejoice_v it_o be_v a_o very_a pleasant_a sight_n a_o heart-comforting_a fight_n to_o see_v any_o true_o mourn_v for_o sin_n to_o give_v wise_a relief_n against_o despair_n be_v prudence_n but_o rather_o help_v and_o encourage_v godly_a sorrow_n though_o fair_a weather_n be_v pleasant_a yet_o shower_n may_v be_v more_o suitable_a and_o make_v the_o earth_n more_o fertile_a paul_n repent_v not_o to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o 3._o here_o we_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o have_v taste_v most_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o their_o soul_n be_v most_o low_a and_o vile_a in_o their_o eye_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o more_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o wonderful_a undeserved_a love_n of_o god_n it_o feel_v the_o more_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o its_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o vileness_n god_n large_a expression_n to_o david_n make_v he_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o lay_v himself_o very_o low_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 18_o 19_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o true_o convert_v and_o have_v receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v
own_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o 3._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o joyful_a reception_n of_o his_o prodigal_a son_n it_o be_v meet_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 32._o before_o i_o come_v to_o particular_a observation_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v these_o word_n from_o a_o objection_n i_o have_v in_o this_o discourse_n interpret_v the_o elder_a son_n to_o aim_v first_o at_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o so_o under_o they_o at_o hypocritical_a professor_n legal_a man_n and_o vain_a boaster_n but_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o scruple_n viz._n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o his_o father_n say_v all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o have_v unregenerate_a man_n a_o title_n to_o god_n spiritual_a grace_n and_o favour_n this_o objection_n seem_v at_o first_o blush_n to_o carry_v some_o force_n with_o it_o and_o have_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o some_o as_o to_o make_v they_o interpret_v this_o elder_a son_n to_o signify_v the_o godly_a who_o by_o a_o religious_a education_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o but_o be_v keep_v from_o such_o foul_a enormity_n and_o through_o infirmitiy_n be_v sometime_o stumble_v at_o such_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o then_o as_o great_a a_o scruple_n may_v arise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n shall_v the_o penitent_a prodigal_n have_v no_o portion_n again_o be_v not_o all_o repair_v in_o christ_n which_o we_o lose_v in_o adam_n be_v not_o paul_n though_o he_o have_v be_v a_o persecuter_n etc._n etc._n upon_o his_o conversion_n make_v a_o just_a heir_n but_o to_o come_v to_o some_o resolution_n it_o be_v certain_a christ_n must_v aim_v at_o the_o pharisee_n in_o this_o elder_a son_n else_o the_o scope_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o parable_n have_v be_v alien_a from_o his_o present_a design_n and_o so_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o his_o business_n be_v to_o silence_v their_o murmur_n you_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o parable_n verse_n 1._o 2._o hence_o the_o interpretation_n of_o every_o particular_a must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o general_a and_o may_v bear_v &_o suit_n with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o all_o expression_n in_o parable_n must_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o agree_v with_o other_o plain_a scripture_n refer_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n parable_n be_v similitude_n in_o which_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v familiarize_v to_o we_o by_o earthly_a thing_n by_o way_n of_o allusion_n now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n between_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a thing_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o those_o in_o these_o and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o we_o seek_v in_o a_o parable_n our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o pharisee_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o murmur_n and_o he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o argument_n â_fw-la majori_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_fw-la q._n d._n the_o son_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o plea_n against_o his_o father_n but_o indeed_o have_v none_o much_o less_o have_v you_o against_o i_o though_o his_o son_n have_v be_v faithful_a and_o careful_a and_o be_v heir_n yet_o his_o father_n can_v make_v a_o feast_n and_o receive_v his_o young_a son_n without_o detriment_n to_o the_o other_o much_o more_o may_v i_o entertain_v publican_n and_o sinner_n without_o injure_v you_o who_o deserve_v nothing_o who_o be_v holy_a only_o in_o pretence_n or_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n we_o know_v the_o pharisee_n think_v well_o of_o themselves_o but_o say_v our_o saviour_n put_v case_n you_o be_v the_o man_n you_o pretend_v yet_o what_o wrong_a be_v this_o be_v there_o not_o room_n leave_v for_o free_a grace_n to_o a_o prodigal_a so_o tertullian_n gloss_v it_o posuit_fw-la illos_fw-la in_o parabold_a non_fw-la quales_fw-la erant_fw-la sed_fw-la quales_fw-la esse_fw-la debuerant_fw-la except_o we_o take_v this_o rule_n we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v any_o parable_n but_o will_v involve_v we_o in_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o think_v because_o every_o labourer_n have_v his_o penny_n therefore_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n be_v all_o equal_a because_o the_o master_n bid_v the_o servant_n let_v the_o tare_n grow_v till_o harvest_n therefore_o church_n be_v to_o suffer_v manifest_a hypocrite_n without_o censure_v of_o they_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n doct._n 1._o there_o be_v never_o any_o occasion_n of_o special_a joy_n over_o a_o hypocrite_n son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o the_o father_n insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o do_v thing_n superfluous_o or_o without_o occasion_n and_o we_o may_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o joy_n among_o man_n now_o though_o man_n that_o be_v give_v to_o excess_n will_v make_v occasion_n of_o feast_v and_o great_a show_n of_o jocundity_n where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n yet_o as_o joy_n be_v a_o affection_n move_v by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o present_a good_a so_o the_o extraordinary_a signify_v of_o it_o by_o feast_n mirth_n great_a entertainment_n be_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v more_o than_o usual_a hence_o the_o most_o of_o those_o occasion_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v either_o 1._o the_o revolution_n of_o birth_n day_n so_o herod_n keep_v his_o birth_n day_n mat._n 14._o 6._o and_o pharach_n gen._n 40._o 20._o 2._o the_o time_n of_o wean_a child_n so_o abraham_n for_o isaak_n gen._n 21._o 8._o 3._o marriage_n christ_n honour_v with_o his_o presence_n a_o wedding_n feast_n and_o with_o his_o first_o miracle_n joh._n 2._o begin_v 4._o great_a victory_n and_o deliverance_n hence_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n appoint_v and_o hence_o the_o passover_n 5._o god_n signal_n blessing_n upon_o their_o labour_n in_o give_v they_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o the_o feast_n of_o ingather_v 6._o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n or_o occasional_a visitation_n of_o friend_n thus_o let_v make_v a_o feast_n for_o the_o angel_n gen._n 19_o 3._o and_o david_n for_o abner_n 2_o sam._n 3._o 20._o 7._o the_o find_n of_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v luk._n 15._o 6-9_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o respect_n in_o one_o or_o another_o kind_n on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n with_o a_o hypocrite_n whereupon_o god_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o joyful_a entertainment_n for_o 1._o he_o have_v no_o birth_n day_n be_v never_o bear_v again_o but_o life_n and_o lie_v in_o sin_n all_o his_o legal_a and_o moral_a duty_n be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la he_o be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v there_o be_v no_o gracious_a change_n wrought_v in_o he_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o mourn_v over_o he_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n than_o to_o rejoice_v over_o he_o as_o a_o live_a man_n to_o celebrate_v his_o funeral_n than_o his_o birth_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n eph._n 2._o 1._o 2._o he_o be_v never_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o vanity_n of_o it_o but_o still_o hang_v upon_o its_o breast_n seek_v his_o contentment_n among_o creature_n and_o to_o satisfy_v his_o appetite_n upon_o these_o thing_n his_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o earth_n he_o live_v upon_o lie_a vanity_n can_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 131._o 2._o i_o be_o like_o a_o wean_a child_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o marry_v to_o christ_n his_o league_n with_o sin_n and_o satan_n be_v never_o break_v he_o be_v never_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o he_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o a_o saviour_n how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o marriage_n feast_v without_o a_o marriage_n christ_n indeed_o have_v woo_v he_o but_o he_o never_o give_v his_o consent_n nor_o will_v leave_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o other_o lover_n never_o embrace_v that_o call_n jer._n 3._o 2._o 4._o he_o never_o be_v a_o conqueror_n over_o his_o lust_n nor_o get_v victory_n upon_o his_o corruption_n but_o remain_v a_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n lead_v about_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o serve_v divers_a lust_n sin_n rule_v he_o his_o chain_n be_v never_o knock_v off_o nor_o his_o prison_n door_n break_v open_a but_o he_o live_v under_o the_o power_n and_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n 5._o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n comfort_n be_v a_o dry_a heath_n and_o barren_a ground_n a_o fig_z tree_n which_o if_o it_o have_v the_o leaf_n of_o a_o profession_n yet_o have_v no_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n a_o vine_n which_o if_o it_o bear_v any_o grape_n they_o be_v sour_a wildgrape_n a_o figtree_n long_o wait_v on_o for_o fruit_n and_o ready_a for_o that_o sentence_n cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n luk._n 13._o 7._o