attend_v our_o child_n and_o those_o great_a infirmity_n which_o they_o often_o labour_v under_o and_o the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v humble_v when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o have_v lay_v a_o train_n of_o mischief_n in_o our_o body_n by_o our_o vice_n which_o will_v certain_o ruin_v and_o blow_v up_o our_o child_n we_o have_v create_v disease_n in_o our_o body_n by_o trespass_v too_o much_o upon_o nature_n and_o offer_v great_a violence_n to_o our_o constitution_n we_o have_v break_v and_o shatter_v our_o body_n by_o great_a excess_n by_o hard_a and_o unseasonable_a drink_n and_o that_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o we_o deliver_v down_o such_o a_o weak_a and_o crazy_a progeny_n we_o have_v turn_v our_o body_n into_o bog_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o putrefaction_n by_o our_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n and_o that_o may_v be_v a_o very_a proper_a reason_n why_o our_o child_n carry_v about_o they_o such_o a_o hospital_n of_o disease_n we_o have_v make_v our_o body_n sepulcher_n and_o bury_a place_n of_o wine_n and_o that_o may_v be_v another_o reason_n why_o our_o child_n become_v corpse_n so_o soon_o and_o go_v so_o early_o to_o their_o grave_n we_o eat_v and_o drink_v destruction_n to_o our_o child_n by_o our_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n we_o dig_v their_o grave_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o with_o our_o tooth_n and_o by_o swallow_v down_o overmuch_o we_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o devoration_n of_o the_o worm_n and_o it_o be_v not_o any_o whit_n probable_a or_o likely_a that_o our_o child_n shall_v prove_v sound_a and_o healthful_a when_o we_o distemper_v our_o body_n and_o treasure_n up_o disease_n and_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o we_o do_v propagate_v disease_n many_o time_n as_o well_o as_o our_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v disease_n which_o our_o posterity_n find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n run_v in_o a_o blood_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o parent_n who_o desire_v the_o good_a of_o their_o posterity_n and_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o child_n to_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o punctual_a in_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o in_o keep_v their_o body_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a forasmuch_o as_o by_o a_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a life_n we_o store_n up_o disease_n for_o posterity_n and_o transmit_v great_a evil_n to_o our_o generation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o great_a excess_n and_o impure_a mixture_n we_o do_v corrupt_v our_o blood_n and_o consequent_o must_v convey_v a_o taint_n to_o our_o offspring_n and_o a_o rot_a father_n seldom_o produce_v any_o other_o than_o a_o consumptive_a child_n and_o beside_o our_o vice_n be_v as_o communicable_a to_o our_o child_n as_o our_o disease_n and_o who_o know_v but_o that_o god_n may_v determine_v to_o take_v away_o david_n child_n for_o this_o very_a reason_n lest_o he_o shall_v patrissare_n take_v after_o his_o father_n he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o incontinent_a father_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o such_o unhallowed_a embrace_n and_o therefore_o when_o david_n be_v devote_v his_o enemy_n he_o make_v this_o one_o of_o his_o dreadful_a curse_n let_v the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o father_n be_v remember_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o let_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o mother_n be_v blot_v out_o in_o the_o 119._o ps_n and_o 14._o v_o and_o true_o i_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o ungodly_a father_n and_o mother_n in_o the_o world_n who_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n be_v such_o as_o that_o their_o child_n suffer_v for_o it_o deep_o be_v cover_v with_o sore_n and_o boil_n and_o have_v such_o disease_n break_v forth_o as_o be_v plain_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o their_o parent_n sin_n god_n visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n and_o not_o suffer_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v conceal_v nor_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o mother_n to_o be_v blot_v out_o and_o therefore_o those_o parent_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o any_o such_o great_a and_o foul_a sin_n as_o david_n be_v have_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o lament_v the_o disease_n and_o death_n of_o their_o child_n when_o they_o consider_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o bring_v all_o those_o misery_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o that_o their_o sin_n have_v have_v the_o great_a hand_n in_o their_o destruction_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o observation_n that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v never_o see_v that_o the_o son_n die_v before_o the_o father_n but_o the_o old_a always_o go_v first_o but_o then_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n grow_v great_a and_o their_o pride_n so_o great_a that_o they_o be_v too_o high_a for_o their_o station_n and_o will_v needs_o be_v build_v castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o climb_v up_o to_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n it_o happen_v present_o afterward_o that_o terahs_n son_n die_v before_o his_o father_n and_o there_o be_v a_o special_a note_n and_o mark_v set_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o wonder_n in_o the_o 9_o of_o genesis_n and_o 28._o v_o and_o haran_n die_v before_o his_o father_n terah_n in_o the_o land_n of_o his_o nativity_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o father_n be_v enough_o to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o shorten_v his_o child_n day_n and_o to_o accelerate_v their_o death_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o dust_n before_o their_o time_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o long_o on_o this_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o sin_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o what_o a_o fatal_a mischief_n they_o do_v their_o child_n by_o their_o wickedness_n in_o that_o they_o bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o their_o family_n and_o by_o their_o sin_n occasion_n the_o death_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o innocent_a child_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a in_o this_o one_o instance_n of_o david_n child_n be_v take_v away_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o father_n and_o we_o may_v also_o remember_v what_o a_o grievous_a curse_n god_n entail_v upon_o old_a eli_n family_n and_o posterity_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o age_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o their_o very_a prime_n and_o that_o chief_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o old_a eli._n and_o therefore_o parent_n have_v need_n take_v a_o care_n to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o they_o do_v commit_v no_o great_a offence_n and_o to_o keep_v from_o great_a transgression_n that_o so_o their_o child_n may_v not_o repent_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o they_o and_o suffer_v sad_o for_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o indeed_o all_o parent_n that_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o their_o child_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v live_v long_o and_o see_v good_a day_n be_v concern_v to_o live_v a_o pure_a and_o unspotted_a life_n to_o possess_v their_o vessel_n in_o sanctification_n and_o honour_n not_o in_o the_o lust_n of_o concupiscence_n otherwise_o they_o may_v bring_v great_a misery_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o perhaps_o a_o sudden_a death_n and_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v their_o debauchery_n and_o lewd_a amour_n they_o have_v even_o as_o good_a strangle_v their_o child_n when_o they_o be_v new_o bear_v and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mercy_n to_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n as_o medea_n do_v her_o brother_n absyrtus_n rather_o than_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o inherit_v their_o phthisicks_n consumption_n and_o loathsome_a disease_n and_o to_o be_v plague_v all_o their_o life_n long_o with_o the_o miserable_a effect_n of_o their_o parent_n sin_n and_o true_o all_o vicious_a and_o ungodly_a parent_n have_v the_o same_o ground_n that_o david_n have_v to_o lament_v over_o their_o child_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o sick_a of_o their_o disease_n consume_v with_o their_o lust_n and_o expire_a under_o the_o curse_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o if_o parent_n will_v but_o take_v care_n to_o live_v better_o and_o more_o virtuous_o possible_o their_o child_n will_v not_o prove_v so_o sickly_a and_o may_v live_v long_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o david_n child_n be_v sick_a and_o die_v so_o soon_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o father_n second_o david_n great_a grief_n and_o mourning_n for_o his_o child_n during_o the_o time_n of_o its_o sickness_n be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a upon_o another_o account_n as_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o result_n of_o a_o natural_a affection_n for_o our_o religion_n have_v not_o like_o the_o stoic_a seal_v up_o the_o fountain_n of_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o away_o from_o our_o eye_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o bitter_a anchor_n
and_o valley_n of_o tear_n but_o have_v give_v we_o liberty_n to_o vent_v our_o sorrow_n and_o ease_v the_o inward_a grief_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o reasonable_a measure_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o humanity_n and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o and_o not_o contradictory_n to_o our_o christian_a hope_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o grieve_v immoderate_o be_v unlike_o a_o christian_a so_o not_o to_o grieve_v at_o all_o be_v unlike_o a_o man_n so_o that_o david_n sorrow_v for_o his_o child_n when_o he_o see_v it_o in_o pain_n and_o anguish_n be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a passion_n become_v he_o as_o a_o man_n in_o sympathize_v with_o the_o suffering_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o much_o more_o become_v he_o as_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n who_o bowel_n if_o he_o have_v any_o must_v needs_o move_v and_o yearn_v over_o a_o sick_a and_o languish_a child_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o such_o real_a matter_n of_o wonder_n as_o the_o spectator_n of_o david_n sorrow_n think_v it_o to_o see_v he_o involve_v in_o tear_n and_o make_v his_o bed_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o true_a mourner_n whilst_o his_o child_n be_v alive_a for_o he_o see_v it_o restless_a and_o tumble_v up_o and_o down_o for_o ease_n and_o can_v find_v none_o he_o see_v it_o in_o great_a pain_n and_o anguish_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o help_v of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o physician_n be_v of_o no_o value_n and_o all_o they_o can_v do_v can_v do_v no_o good_a he_o see_v the_o child_n lie_v pant_v and_o heave_v and_o bemoan_v itself_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o be_v unutterable_a he_o see_v it_o in_o sore_a conflict_n and_o struggle_v for_o life_n and_o in_o the_o pang_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n and_o how_o can_v a_o father_n forbear_v weep_v and_o make_v great_a lamentation_n over_o a_o child_n in_o such_o a_o deplorable_a and_o sad_a condition_n he_o see_v also_o the_o mother_n wring_v of_o her_o hand_n and_o beat_v her_o breast_n and_o with_o flood_n of_o tear_n run_v down_o her_o cheek_n and_o cry_v out_o what_o shall_v i_o do_v for_o my_o child_n lord_n spare_v my_o child_n lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o my_o child_n he_o see_v likewise_o the_o attendant_n that_o stand_v about_o not_o well_o able_a to_o endure_v the_o room_n for_o the_o hollow_a sigh_n and_o sob_n and_o the_o pierce_a groan_n of_o a_o child_n that_o be_v draw_v on_o and_o breathe_v out_o its_o last_o and_o last_o he_o see_v the_o servant_n of_o his_o house_n very_o much_o cloud_v and_o hang_v down_o and_o go_v mourning_n and_o heavy_o &_o quis_fw-la talia_fw-la fando_fw-la temperet_fw-la à _fw-la lachrymis_fw-la who_o can_v possible_o forbear_v weep_v almost_o at_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o such_o a_o large_a scene_n of_o sorrow_n how_o can_v a_o father_n restrain_v his_o tear_n when_o he_o behold_v his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n to_o be_v in_o such_o great_a affliction_n how_o can_v he_o endure_v to_o see_v his_o own_o bowel_n tear_v from_o he_o without_o a_o deep_a and_o sorrowful_a resentment_n how_o can_v he_o look_v upon_o a_o child_n a_o innocent_a child_n roll_a about_o in_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o torment_n without_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heavy_a and_o sorrowful_a even_o to_o death_n will_v it_o not_o melt_v a_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o draw_v tear_n from_o a_o marble_n to_o behold_v such_o a_o spectacle_n of_o pain_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o david_n take_v on_o so_o heavy_o for_o his_o child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o sickness_n be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o justifiable_a too_o forasmuch_o as_o tear_n be_v the_o natural_a tribute_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o mankind_n and_o much_o more_o do_v we_o owe_v they_o to_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o our_o dear_a child_n and_o such_o as_o be_v part_n of_o ourselves_o but_o then_o if_o david_n be_v such_o a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o take_v on_o so_o grievous_o for_o his_o child_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o sickness_n and_o whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o alive_a sure_o we_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o in_o a_o desperate_a condition_n and_o ready_a to_o sink_v into_o the_o grave_a with_o it_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o its_o departure_n certain_o he_o that_o be_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o see_v his_o child_n in_o pain_n must_v be_v in_o the_o great_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n when_o he_o hear_v it_o be_v dead_a he_o that_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v it_o in_o misery_n how_o will_v he_o bear_v the_o loss_n of_o it_o he_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o kill_v himself_o with_o grief_n for_o his_o child_n when_o he_o be_v sick_a sure_o can_v live_v when_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o past_o all_o recovery_n this_o be_v that_o indeed_o which_o his_o servant_n and_o all_o that_o be_v about_o he_o expect_v they_o suppose_v see_v their_o master_n have_v lay_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o child_n so_o much_o to_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v be_v in_o strange_a confusion_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v comfort_v when_o he_o hear_v of_o its_o death_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o scene_n be_v much_o alter_v and_o change_v and_o the_o expectation_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v much_o deceive_v for_o instead_o of_o extreme_a mourning_n for_o the_o child_n when_o it_o be_v dead_a he_o begin_v to_o revive_v and_o take_v heart_n and_o fall_v to_o his_o meat_n and_o take_v those_o refreshment_n which_o he_o have_v late_o refuse_v which_o action_n and_o carriage_n of_o david_n show_v very_o strange_a and_o a_o wonder_n to_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o 21._o v._n but_o he_o present_o remove_v the_o wonder_n and_o tell_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o mourn_v no_o long_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v at_o the_o news_n of_o the_o child_n death_n and_o he_o say_v while_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o alive_a i_o fast_v and_o weep_v for_o i_o say_v who_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v gracious_a to_o i_o that_o the_o child_n may_v live_v but_o now_o he_o be_v dead_a wherefore_o shall_v i_o fast_v can_v i_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o i_o in_o which_o expression_n david_n do_v signify_v and_o declare_v the_o reason_n why_o his_o carriage_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n differ_v so_o much_o from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v sick_a and_o yet_o alive_a for_o i_o say_v who_o can_v tell_v whether_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v gracious_a to_o i_o that_o the_o child_n may_v live_v that_o be_v though_o the_o child_n be_v desperate_o ill_a and_o past_a all_o hope_n as_o to_o outward_a appearance_n yet_o who_o know_v but_o god_n may_v hear_v my_o prayer_n for_o he_o if_o they_o be_v make_v with_o true_a fervour_n and_o devotion_n with_o zeal_n and_o integrity_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o upon_o my_o humble_a petition_n and_o earnest_a intercession_n for_o the_o child_n god_n may_v spare_v he_o to_o i_o and_o give_v a_o further_a grant_n of_o his_o life_n and_o recall_v the_o black_a sentence_n and_o warrant_n for_o his_o death_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o due_a application_n make_v to_o he_o for_o whilst_o there_o be_v life_n there_o be_v hope_n and_o there_o be_v mercy_n always_o with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v and_o supplicate_v unto_o and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v expedient_a and_o useful_a to_o continue_v my_o prayer_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o my_o penitential_a sorrow_n and_o thus_o do_v david_n argue_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o sorrow_n and_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n for_o the_o child_n whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o true_o it_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a thing_n in_o all_o parent_n to_o follow_v this_o example_n of_o david_n so_o as_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o use_v the_o deep_a humiliation_n when_o their_o relation_n and_o child_n happen_v to_o be_v under_o the_o rod_n and_o hand_n of_o a_o afflict_a providence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n as_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a prayer_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o say_v st._n james_n in_o the_o 5._o c._n and_o 16._o v._n there_o be_v more_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o prayer_n than_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o believe_v and_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sovereign_a power_n to_o cure_v all_o malady_n than_o the_o best_a prescription_n this_o be_v the_o panaceavera_n and_o the_o great_a catholicon_n surpass_v all_o those_o of_o humane_a art_n and_o invention_n which_o some_o have_v so_o vain_o boast_v to_o find_v out_o prayer_n be_v the_o universal_a remedy_n and_o
yet_o there_o may_v be_v way_n of_o unhallow_a marriage_n and_o turn_v that_o into_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v at_o first_o ordain_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n for_o if_o only_a interest_n or_o humour_n or_o lust_n be_v the_o chief_a foundation_n and_o ingredient_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o if_o some_o sinful_a pre-ingagement_n or_o lewd_a amour_n make_v marriage_n necessary_a for_o the_o hide_v our_o shame_n or_o if_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n do_v cause_v a_o contract_n or_o make_v up_o the_o match_n we_o may_v expect_v that_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v blast_v and_o curse_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o flesh_n too_o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o god_n decree_a the_o death_n of_o david_n child_n which_o though_o it_o be_v bear_v in_o marriage_n yet_o god_n utter_o dislike_v the_o conjunction_n the_o first_o occasion_n and_o ground_n thereof_o be_v lay_v in_o adulterous_a embrace_n david_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o murder_v the_o husband_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o wife_n but_o when_o david_n hear_v that_o heavy_a sentence_n against_o his_o child_n that_o he_o shall_v sure_o die_v for_o his_o sin_n may_v not_o he_o have_v confess_v himself_o altogether_o in_o the_o fault_n and_o desire_v to_o suffer_v whole_o himself_o and_o have_v say_v as_o in_o another_o case_n 1_o chron._n 21._o 17._o it_o be_v i_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v evil_a indeed_o but_o as_o for_o this_o lamb_n this_o innocent_a babe_n what_o have_v it_o do_v let_v thy_o hand_n be_v upon_o i_o or_o my_o father_n house_n and_o not_o on_o this_o child_n that_o that_o shall_v be_v plague_v i_o say_v one_o will_v think_v that_o david_n shall_v have_v set_v himself_o to_o deprecate_v god_n displeasure_n against_o his_o child_n upon_o his_o account_n and_o desire_v to_o have_v sustain_v the_o burden_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o sentence_n be_v go_v out_o and_o what_o be_v write_v be_v write_v and_o there_o be_v no_o reverse_v the_o decree_n and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o intend_v to_o change_v their_o condition_n and_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v leave_v their_o inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n have_v best_o look_v to_o it_o and_o have_v a_o care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v lust_n or_o any_o sinful_a pre-ingagement_n a_o preamble_n and_o introduction_n to_o marriage_n for_o fear_n god_n disappoint_v they_o in_o their_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o either_o write_v they_o childless_a or_o take_v away_o their_o child_n in_o wrath_n for_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n for_o though_o god_n spare_v david_n and_o give_v he_o a_o grant_n of_o his_o own_o life_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o beg_v the_o life_n of_o his_o child_n the_o prophet_n read_v its_o destiny_n the_o child_n that_o be_v bear_v shall_v sure_o die_v so_o that_o for_o people_n to_o couple_v together_o in_o a_o scandalous_a and_o sinful_a way_n and_o to_o make_v lust_n the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o marriage_n be_v to_o murder_v their_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o predestine_v they_o to_o destruction_n but_o then_o when_o david_n hear_v that_o his_o child_n shall_v not_o live_v but_o be_v under_o a_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o present_o fall_v sick_a and_o be_v desperate_o ill_a how_o then_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o true_o like_o a_o very_a kind_n and_o indulgent_a father_n for_o it_o be_v no_o soon_o strike_v with_o sickness_n but_o david_n beseech_v god_n for_o the_o child_n and_o david_n fast_v and_o go_v in_o and_o lay_v all_o night_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o house_n arise_v and_o go_v to_o he_o to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o will_v not_o neither_o do_v he_o eat_v bread_n with_o they_o in_o the_o 16_o and_o 17._o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n here_o we_o see_v david_n in_o a_o sad_a and_o mournful_a posture_n express_v all_o the_o symptom_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o mighty_a sorrow_n and_o be_v earnest_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o it_o which_o if_o all_o parent_n will_v do_v the_o like_a upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n when_o their_o child_n be_v sick_a or_o any_o way_n afflict_v they_o will_v find_v their_o prayer_n to_o be_v a_o more_o efficacious_a way_n than_o all_o the_o drug_n of_o the_o apothecary_n or_o the_o numberless_a prescription_n of_o the_o physician_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o their_o child_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o but_o then_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o david_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o bewail_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o child_n as_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o second_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o natural_a affection_n first_o he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o grieve_v and_o be_v trouble_v at_o the_o sickness_n of_o his_o child_n it_o be_v send_v as_o a_o punishment_n for_o his_o own_o personal_a sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v it_o in_o misery_n and_o pain_n and_o great_a anguish_n and_o consider_v that_o it_o suffer_v all_o this_o principal_o for_o his_o sake_n that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a hand_n in_o bring_v all_o this_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a actor_n in_o the_o tragedy_n and_o this_o his_o sin_n occasion_v this_o great_a scene_n of_o sorrow_n how_o can_v he_o do_v otherwise_o than_o lie_v the_o sickness_n of_o it_o to_o heart_n and_o take_v on_o bitter_o to_o think_v that_o by_o the_o murder_n of_o vriah_n he_o have_v cause_v the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n and_o that_o by_o commit_v folly_n with_o bathsheba_n he_o have_v bring_v such_o a_o affliction_n upon_o their_o issue_n i_o say_v such_o a_o consideration_n must_v needs_o wound_v david_n to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o make_v great_a lamentation_n over_o the_o child_n and_o true_o the_o same_o sorrow_n will_v become_v even_o the_o best_a parent_n and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o they_o to_o make_v some_o like_a reflection_n for_o the_o parent_n be_v general_o apt_a to_o impute_v the_o distemper_n the_o sickness_n the_o death_n of_o their_o child_n either_o to_o want_v of_o due_a care_n in_o their_o nurse_n or_o to_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o air_n or_o the_o unwholesomeness_n of_o the_o season_n or_o ill_a diet_n or_o the_o irregular_a course_n of_o the_o physician_n i_o say_v though_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v the_o sickness_n and_o death_n of_o our_o child_n to_o these_o outward_a and_o secondary_a cause_n yet_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o suspect_v our_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o affliction_n of_o such_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a creature_n sure_o the_o parent_n have_v sin_v though_o these_o poor_a lamb_n suffer_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a and_o convenient_a that_o all_o parent_n do_v examine_v themselves_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o need_v go_v any_o further_a than_o themselves_o to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o original_n of_o those_o many_o weakness_n and_o distemper_n which_o they_o see_v in_o their_o child_n and_o for_o which_o they_o seem_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o trouble_v how_o mighty_o be_v some_o parent_n trouble_v to_o see_v their_o child_n grow_v crooked_a and_o deform_v and_o yet_o little_o consider_v that_o possible_o their_o child_n be_v the_o unhandsome_a for_o their_o be_v so_o proud_a of_o themselves_o and_o glory_v in_o their_o beauty_n other_o be_v grieve_v to_o see_v their_o child_n prove_v such_o puny_n so_o feeble_a and_o infirm_a and_o of_o such_o a_o weak_a constitution_n and_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o the_o debauchery_n of_o their_o life_n and_o how_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o strength_n in_o dalilahs_n lap._n and_o it_o be_v a_o general_a complaint_n and_o observation_n that_o every_o age_n decline_v more_o and_o more_o in_o strength_n and_o virility_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v dwindle_a almost_o into_o pigmy_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v former_o and_o yet_o man_n do_v little_a consider_v that_o luxury_n and_o riotous_a live_n may_v be_v assign_v as_o the_o grand_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a degeneracy_n and_o we_o also_o see_v that_o new_a and_o strange_a disease_n do_v creep_v up_o daily_o and_o multiply_v and_o invade_v humane_a body_n and_o yet_o we_o seldom_o impute_v these_o decay_n and_o break_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o our_o progenitor_n whereas_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o grieve_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o many_o disease_n which_o
have_v perform_v great_a cure_n and_o great_a recovery_n and_o do_v great_a wonder_n than_o all_o the_o elixir_n or_o proprietates_fw-la or_o nostrum_n of_o the_o most_o skilful_a and_o renown_a physician_n it_o be_v prayer_n that_o restore_v hezekiah_n from_o a_o dangerous_a sickness_n and_o prolong_v his_o day_n it_o be_v prayer_n which_o support_v david_n under_o all_o his_o trouble_n and_o give_v he_o ease_v in_o his_o great_a extremity_n it_o be_v prayer_n that_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o eject_v the_o devil_n and_o do_v the_o most_o glorious_a thing_n to_o all_o admiration_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o specific_a remedy_n in_o affliction_n we_o must_v be_v fervent_a and_o frequent_a and_o importunate_a in_o prayer_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_a to_o we_o that_o our_o friend_n may_v live_v but_o then_o may_v some_o reply_n and_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o david_n to_o use_v prayer_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o he_o to_o expect_v the_o recovery_n of_o his_o child_n or_o that_o god_n shall_v answer_v he_o though_o he_o pray_v never_o so_o much_o for_o he_o know_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n and_o tell_v he_o in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o can_v be_v by_o his_o prophet_n that_o the_o child_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v david_n flatter_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o can_v do_v the_o child_n any_o good_a by_o his_o prayer_n or_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o his_o recovery_n why_o shall_v he_o use_v that_o dubious_a language_n as_o who_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v possible_a or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v gracious_a to_o i_o that_o the_o child_n may_v live_v why_o shall_v he_o stand_v doubt_v or_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o thing_n when_o god_n have_v positive_o declare_v the_o contrary_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n jonah_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o ninevite_n and_o prefix_v the_o time_n to_o just_a forty_o day_n and_o this_o be_v declare_v with_o as_o great_a positiveness_n as_o the_o death_n of_o david_n child_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n and_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n try_v and_o say_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o 3._o of_o jonah_n and_o 4._o v_o and_o yet_o after_o the_o delivery_n and_o promulgation_n of_o this_o sentence_n the_o ninevite_n do_v not_o despond_v or_o utter_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n but_o fall_v to_o repentance_n and_o humble_v themselves_o and_o put_v the_o success_n to_o the_o same_o venture_n that_o david_n do_v and_o much_o in_o the_o same_o language_n say_v in_o the_o 9_o v._n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v return_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o fierce_a anger_n that_o we_o perish_v not_o and_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o humiliation_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n they_o can_v to_o divert_v god_n judgement_n why_o the_o issue_n be_v that_o by_o their_o repentance_n they_o stave_v off_o the_o judgement_n and_o put_v it_o back_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o 10._o and_o last_o ver_fw-la and_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o do_v it_o not_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 20._o ch._n of_o the_o 2._o of_o king_n god_n order_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o go_v and_o carry_v to_o hezekiah_n the_o same_o message_n of_o death_n and_o to_o acquaint_v he_o that_o he_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o than_o death_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o absolute_a and_o positive_a than_o these_o word_n and_o yet_o hezekiah_n instead_o of_o melancholize_v himself_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n or_o expect_v it_o every_o hour_n turn_v his_o face_n to_o the_o wall_n and_o pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n remember_v now_o how_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o hezekiah_n weep_v sore_o in_o the_o 3._o ver_fw-la and_o what_o good_a will_v you_o say_v can_v hezekiah_n pray_v and_o weep_v and_o appeal_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n do_v he_o can_v it_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o save_v he_o and_o prevent_v his_o die_a when_o god_n have_v so_o solemn_o decree_v yes_o true_o his_o prayer_n and_o repentance_n do_v he_o so_o much_o good_a as_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o grant_v he_o a_o long_a lease_n of_o his_o life_n and_o order_v the_o same_o prophet_n that_o have_v just_a now_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o death_n to_o return_v forthwith_o and_o acquaint_v he_o also_o that_o he_o have_v reverse_v the_o fatal_a sentence_n turn_v again_o and_o tell_v hezekiah_n the_o captain_n of_o my_o people_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o david_n thy_o father_n i_o have_v hear_v thy_o prayer_n i_o have_v see_v thy_o tear_n behold_v i_o will_v heal_v thou_o on_o the_o three_o day_n thou_o shall_v go_v up_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v add_v unto_o thy_o day_n fifteen_o year_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o change_n in_o the_o divine_a decree_n or_o any_o inconstancy_n in_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o his_o word_n when_o he_o thus_o positive_o denounce_v judgement_n and_o yet_o suspend_v it_o god_n forbid_v say_v the_o apostle_n yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n as_o it_o be_v write_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v justify_v in_o thy_o say_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o god_n from_o all_o imputation_n of_o falsehood_n or_o mutability_n in_o these_o instance_n of_o his_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n without_o any_o actual_a execution_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o those_o threaten_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n which_o run_v in_o a_o absolute_a form_n have_v a_o condition_n imply_v that_o be_v nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o hezekiah_n shall_v die_v except_o they_o repent_v so_o that_o god_n do_v still_o reserve_v a_o power_n of_o revocation_n and_o put_v in_o a_o conditional_a clause_n of_o repentance_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v yet_o be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o therefore_o where_o god_n threaten_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n seem_v most_o peremptory_a and_o final_a we_o be_v yet_o to_o attempt_v the_o divert_v and_o prevent_v they_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o repentance_n we_o be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o as_o we_o say_v leave_v the_o success_n to_o god_n for_o who_o know_v but_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v gracious_a but_o if_o god_n will_v not_o hear_v our_o prayer_n nor_o accept_v our_o repentance_n as_o he_o do_v neither_o in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o david_n child_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o use_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n and_o to_o try_v all_o the_o way_n imaginable_a to_o pacify_v god_n anger_n and_o to_o appease_v his_o wrath_n and_o still_o to_o go_v on_o pray_v and_o repent_v as_o david_n do_v we_o be_v not_o to_o despond_v of_o mercy_n or_o to_o despair_v of_o success_n but_o at_o the_o very_a last_o push_n and_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n of_o affliction_n to_o say_v who_o can_v tell_v but_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o the_o just_a reason_n why_o david_n mourn_v so_o exceed_o for_o his_o child_n when_o it_o lay_v upon_o a_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o languish_v as_o first_o consider_v that_o his_o own_o sin_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o declare_a cause_n of_o his_o child_n be_v grievous_a and_o desperate_a sickness_n and_o second_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o natural_a affection_n which_o be_v in_o all_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n which_o move_v their_o bowel_n to_o pity_n and_o bewail_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o distress_n but_o then_o the_o great_a wonder_n be_v that_o the_o father_n which_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o deep_o immerse_v in_o sorrow_n for_o the_o sickness_n of_o his_o child_n shall_v give_v over_o mourning_n upon_o the_o death_n and_o loss_n of_o it_o that_o his_o sorrow_n shall_v expire_v and_o be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o child_n be_v depart_v and_o have_v give_v up_o the_o ghost_n but_o now_o he_o be_v dead_a why_o
shall_v i_o fast_v why_o shall_v i_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v myself_o any_o long_o but_o how_o odd_o and_o strange_o may_v some_o say_v do_v this_o look_n in_o a_o father_n to_o dry_v his_o eye_n and_o clear_v up_o his_o countenance_n present_o upon_o the_o death_n and_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n be_v not_o this_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o course_n and_o a_o very_a strange_a temper_n to_o sorrow_n so_o much_o for_o the_o child_n when_o it_o be_v sick_a and_o to_o cease_v sorrow_v when_o it_o be_v absolute_o dead_a and_o go_v sure_o this_o give_v over_o mourning_n at_o the_o death_n of_o so_o near_a and_o dear_a a_o relation_n as_o a_o child_n must_v needs_o proceed_v fromhard-heartedness_n or_o the_o want_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o of_o common_a humanity_n but_o then_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o david_n both_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v his_o not_o mourn_v for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n nor_o take_v on_o so_o grievous_o as_o he_o do_v before_o allege_v these_o good_a and_o substantial_a reason_n as_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o die_v and_o second_o the_o impossibility_n of_o his_o child_n come_v to_o life_n again_o and_o we_o may_v also_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v some_o further_a consideration_n at_o that_o time_n which_o help_v to_o allay_v and_o silence_v his_o sorrow_n as_o namely_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o child_n die_v in_o its_o age_n of_o innocency_n second_o that_o it_o be_v go_v out_o of_o a_o wicked_a and_o troublesome_a world_n three_o that_o it_o be_v free_v from_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o this_o mortal_a condition_n four_o that_o it_o be_v release_v from_o those_o pain_n and_o misery_n which_o it_o undergo_v and_o five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o all_o these_o consideration_n though_o not_o verbal_o express_v may_v occur_v to_o david_n mind_n or_o any_o man_n else_o upon_o the_o like_a emergency_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o david_n sorrow_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n and_o that_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o die_v can_v i_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o david_n consider_v that_o death_n be_v common_a to_o all_o and_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n in_o the_o 89._o ps_n and_o 48._o v_o and_o i_o know_v say_v job_n that_o thou_o will_v bring_v i_o to_o death_n and_o to_o the_o house_n appoint_v for_o all_o the_o live_n and_o so_o david_n be_v convince_v that_o he_o must_v as_o sure_o die_v as_o he_o be_v then_o alive_a and_o that_o life_n be_v but_o a_o short_a preamble_n to_o death_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v he_o grieve_v and_o torment_v himself_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n when_o nothing_o have_v happen_v to_o that_o but_o what_o must_v also_o happen_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o man_n live_v for_o he_o be_v only_o go_v the_o way_n of_o all_o flesh_n and_o have_v pay_v that_o debt_n to_o nature_n which_o every_o one_o must_v do_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o soon_o or_o late_a his_o child_n indeed_o be_v dead_a but_o that_o be_v but_o a_o common_a natural_a and_o unavoidable_a thing_n and_o the_o beat_a road_n to_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n he_o consider_v wise_o with_o himself_o that_o his_o child_n be_v only_o go_v before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o must_v prepare_v to_o follow_v that_o his_o death_n indeed_o be_v somewhat_o early_o and_o immature_n and_o soon_o than_o ordinary_a but_o the_o father_n must_v not_o stay_v long_o behind_o he_o see_v that_o sometime_o the_o bud_n and_o blossom_n be_v nip_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o that_o ripe_a fruit_n will_v certain_o drop_v off_o he_o observe_v that_o sometime_o the_o lamb_n go_v to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o escape_n for_o the_o old_a sheep_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v trouble_v at_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v past_a and_o go_v and_o can_v not_o be_v help_v and_o which_o all_o must_v submit_v to_o young_a and_o old_a the_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o child_n and_o what_o though_o it_o be_v a_o princely_a babe_n and_o heir_n to_o a_o crown_n and_o if_o it_o have_v live_v may_v have_v be_v value_v at_o as_o great_a a_o rate_n as_o his_o father_n worth_a ten_o thousand_o of_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n yet_o death_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n make_v no_o distinction_n and_o take_v the_o ignoble_a and_o noble_a the_o prince_n and_o the_o peasant_n and_o sweep_v away_o all_o alike_o it_o be_v not_o a_o crown_n or_o a_o great_a inheritance_n that_o will_v purchase_v life_n or_o deliver_v from_o death_n it_o be_v not_o a_o high_a descent_n or_o be_v of_o the_o royal_a blood_n that_o will_v privilege_v or_o exempt_v from_o the_o grave_a but_o david_n himself_o must_v surrender_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o his_o sceptre_n at_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n which_o have_v so_o late_o cut_v off_o and_o prevent_v his_o son_n inherit_v the_o father_n glory_n the_o branch_n be_v now_o lop_v off_o and_o ere_o long_o the_o root_n will_v be_v take_v up_o and_o carry_v away_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o long_a say_v david_n before_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o same_o place_n and_o be_v lay_v equal_a with_o my_o child_n in_o the_o dust_n he_o have_v only_o make_v the_o first_o hancel_n of_o my_o tomb_n and_o take_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o my_o grave_n he_o have_v have_v the_o misfortune_n or_o rather_o privilege_n to_o go_v before_o i_o but_o i_o be_o go_v apace_o to_o meet_v he_o he_o be_v snatch_v away_o betimes_o and_o i_o only_o wait_v god_n leisure_n and_o look_v when_o my_o change_n will_v come_v and_o expect_v every_o day_n to_o be_v call_v away_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o embitter_v this_o short_a life_n or_o to_o make_v myself_o uneasy_a and_o uncomfortable_a the_o rest_n of_o my_o day_n by_o a_o great_a and_o violent_a sorrow_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o child_n when_o i_o know_v that_o i_o have_v not_o much_o long_a to_o live_v and_o that_o the_o day_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n will_v short_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o that_o his_o condition_n will_v short_o be_v i_o and_o we_o shall_v both_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o be_v fellow_n lodger_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o sleep_v together_o in_o the_o same_o chamber_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o say_v david_n why_o shall_v i_o fast_v why_o shall_v i_o macerate_v and_o waste_v myself_o why_o shall_v i_o grieve_v and_o pine_v away_o why_o shall_v i_o go_v and_o throw_v away_o my_o life_n in_o sorrow_v for_o the_o death_n of_o my_o child_n when_o i_o know_v that_o all_o the_o sorrow_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v no_o good_a and_o that_o my_o child_n have_v pass_v those_o gate_n of_o death_n which_o i_o myself_o must_v after_o a_o little_a while_n strive_v and_o struggle_v to_o get_v through_o and_o that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o his_o grave_n out_o of_o which_o i_o can_v keep_v long_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v i_o fast_v can_v i_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o i_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o i_o that_o be_v another_o consideration_n which_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o pacify_v david_n sorrow_n and_o discontent_n at_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n namely_o the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o come_n to_o life_n again_o or_o return_v to_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o former_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o but_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v to_o i_o death_n be_v that_o which_o put_v a_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a end_n to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o when_o we_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o dust_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o break_v forth_o no_o expect_v our_o liberty_n or_o enlargement_n till_o the_o day_n of_o the_o general_a resurrection_n we_o be_v prisoner_n of_o hope_n say_v the_o prophet_n that_o be_v though_o we_o have_v a_o promise_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o rise_n again_o and_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o grave_a yet_o still_o we_o be_v prisoner_n till_o the_o time_n of_o our_o redemption_n come_v and_o consequent_o must_v remain_v in_o hold_n and_o under_o the_o strict_a custody_n and_o durance_n of_o the_o grave_a death_n be_v a_o total_a privation_n of_o life_n and_o à _fw-la totali_fw-la privatione_fw-la ad_fw-la
we_o and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o proverb_n we_o may_v be_v easy_o convince_v and_o observe_v how_o we_o read_v there_o that_o child_n be_v not_o always_o such_o blessing_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v so_o much_o their_o live_n for_o they_o may_v be_v curse_n as_o well_o as_o blessing_n to_o we_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v prove_v a_o wise_a son_n make_v a_o glad_a father_n but_o a_o foolish_a son_n be_v the_o heaviness_n of_o his_o mother_n prov._n 10._o 1._o and_o in_o the_o 23._o of_o prov._n and_o 24._o v_o the_o father_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v great_o rejoice_v and_o he_o that_o beget_v a_o wise_a child_n shall_v have_v joy_n of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o 17._o ch_z and_o 21._o v._n he_o that_o beget_v a_o fool_n do_v it_o to_o his_o sorrow_n and_o the_o father_n of_o a_o fool_n have_v no_o joy_n and_o in_o the_o 25._o v_o a_o foolish_a son_n be_v a_o grief_n to_o his_o father_n and_o a_o bitterness_n to_o she_o that_o bear_v he_o in_o all_o which_o expression_n we_o may_v see_v that_o a_o man_n be_v much_o happy_a in_o have_v no_o child_n than_o such_o as_o be_v foolish_a and_o vicious_a and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a grief_n and_o dishonour_n to_o parent_n than_o to_o have_v silly_a and_o wicked_a child_n what_o comfort_n be_v there_o in_o have_v such_o lewd_a and_o profane_a son_n as_o old_a eli_n who_o bring_v a_o scandal_n upon_o their_o father_n and_o a_o curse_n upon_o their_o family_n the_o whole_a generation_n oâ—_n what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a grief_n to_o a_o father_n than_o to_o have_v such_o a_o son_n as_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la who_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n that_o be_v one_o that_o shalâ—_n prove_v the_o pest_n of_o the_o age_n and_o theâ—_n bane_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v so_o greedy_a and_o desirous_a of_o child_n or_o so_o loath_a to_o parâ—_n with_o they_o when_o we_o have_v they_o unless_o we_o can_v have_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o assure_o know_v that_o they_o will_v prove_v comfort_n and_o ornament_n to_o we_o by_o theiâ—_n wisdom_n and_o good_a conversation_n anâ—_n therefore_o david_n may_v well_o comfort_v himself_o and_o take_v heart_n after_o the_o loâ—â—_n of_o his_o child_n to_o think_v that_o though_o he_o have_v lose_v a_o child_n yet_o it_o be_v aâ—_n innocent_a child_n one_o that_o have_v nâ—_n great_a sin_n if_o any_o to_o answer_v for_o onâ—_n that_o have_v not_o sully_v its_o soul_n with_o the_o least_o tincture_n of_o any_o actual_a sin_n or_o transgression_n and_o that_o it_o go_v as_o pure_a out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o come_v into_o it_o whereas_o if_o it_o have_v live_v to_o maturity_n it_o may_v have_v be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o die_v with_o some_o great_a sin_n upon_o it_o unrepented_a of_o as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o his_o child_n have_v do_v and_o true_o the_o same_o consideration_n may_v well_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o parent_n to_o bring_v they_o quiet_o to_o sustain_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o child_n when_o they_o die_v in_o their_o nonage_n and_o very_o young_a and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o comfortable_a consideration_n than_o for_o parent_n under_o such_o loss_n to_o think_v that_o their_o child_n virtue_n if_o they_o have_v live_v be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o that_o vice_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v that_o sin_n reign_v more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o goodness_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v stark_a naught_o and_o that_o but_o few_o continue_v in_o it_o but_o contract_v some_o spot_n or_o stain_v and_o none_o that_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mercy_n to_o their_o child_n to_o be_v set_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o have_v such_o a_o early_a translation_n to_o heaven_n before_o they_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o hazard_v their_o salvation_n or_o to_o forfeit_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n well_o may_v parent_n pronounce_v their_o child_n bless_v when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o innocency_n for_o of_o such_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n four_o another_o consideration_n which_o pacify_v david_n sorrow_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n may_v very_o well_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n this_o world_n god_n know_v be_v but_o a_o troublesome_a place_n at_o the_o best_a to_o live_v in_o and_o no_o man_n must_v think_v to_o go_v scotfree_a from_o trouble_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o the_o thracian_n as_o cicero_n report_v out_o of_o herodotus_n be_v wont_a to_o weep_v at_o the_o birth_n and_o nativity_n of_o their_o child_n to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a and_o troublesome_a theatre_n they_o enter_v upon_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bear_v to_o know_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o their_o departure_n and_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n to_o think_v that_o they_o then_o retire_v from_o the_o distract_n care_v and_o inquietude_n of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n and_o be_v pass_v the_o reach_n and_o grievance_n of_o all_o misfortune_n this_o world_n be_v too_o low_a a_o region_n to_o be_v free_a from_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o there_o be_v no_o expect_v a_o perfect_a serenity_n but_o above_o the_o cloud_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v here_o as_o a_o freedom_n from_o all_o misery_n and_o trouble_n he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n at_o present_a that_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o trouble_n or_o perplexity_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n of_o experience_n in_o the_o world_n need_v to_o be_v tell_v that_o all_o here_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o whoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o great_a change_n of_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n from_o war_n to_o pestilence_n from_o pestilence_n to_o fire_n from_o fire_n to_o great_a confusion_n which_o have_v happen_v not_o only_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o many_o but_o in_o our_o day_n and_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o moreover_o what_o great_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n be_v continual_o impend_v over_o our_o head_n and_o full_a upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o their_o wickedness_n be_v great_a and_o also_o the_o continual_a loss_n and_o cross_n the_o sorrow_n and_o disappointment_n which_o come_v of_o course_n and_o happen_v according_a to_o the_o mutable_a condition_n of_o thing_n below_o whoever_o i_o say_v shall_v serious_o consider_v this_o sad_a revolution_n and_o mixture_n of_o sorrow_n can_v judge_v it_o in_o reason_n good_a be_v here_o or_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o a_o desirable_a place_n to_o live_v in_o much_o less_o think_v his_o child_n or_o relation_n the_o happy_a for_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o david_n may_v well_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o mourn_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v go_v out_o of_o a_o cross_n and_o troublesome_a world_n where_o the_o high_a and_o most_o advantageous_a condition_n as_o himself_o have_v find_v by_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n can_v not_o exempt_v a_o man_n from_o great_a calamity_n when_o he_o who_o be_v his_o father_n and_o a_o king_n be_v force_v from_o his_o throne_n and_o put_v to_o his_o shift_n and_o drive_v from_o post_n to_o pillar_n and_o perhaps_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o great_a strait_n and_o extremity_n that_o he_o will_v have_v exchange_v his_o condition_n with_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o subject_n how_o can_v he_o mourn_v for_o the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o calamity_n as_o himself_o and_o perhaps_o may_v prove_v every_o whit_n as_o unfortunate_a in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v live_v to_o succeed_v he_o and_o may_v have_v inherit_v his_o trouble_n as_o well_o as_o his_o crown_n and_o therefore_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o kind_a providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o happy_o prevent_v the_o child_n see_v any_o of_o those_o misery_n which_o the_o father_n have_v feel_v and_o think_v it_o a_o singular_a happiness_n and_o favour_n of_o heaven_n that_o his_o child_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o know_v or_o be_v sensible_a what_o a_o trouble_n mean_v whereas_o himself_o have_v be_v sufficient_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o upon_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n and_o miserable_o break_v with_o the_o care_n and_o inquietude_n of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n and_o know_v the_o world_n better_o than_o to_o esteem_v it_o the_o best_a or_o happy_a place_n that_o his_o child_n can_v be_v
to_o heart_n the_o death_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o pine_v away_o mere_o for_o sorrow_n that_o they_o be_v go_v whereas_o they_o be_v now_o free_v from_o all_o the_o sorrow_n and_o contagion_n of_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o have_v escape_v those_o sore_a burden_n which_o we_o be_v like_a to_o feel_v and_o suffer_v if_o we_o stay_v here_o methinks_v we_o shall_v rather_o comfort_v ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v david_n do_v to_o think_v that_o our_o relation_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v be_v past_o the_o shock_n and_o fury_n of_o a_o disease_n that_o they_o have_v endure_v one_o brunt_n for_o all_o that_o they_o have_v charge_v that_o enemy_n home_o which_o we_o so_o much_o fear_v and_o must_v expect_v every_o day_n to_o encounter_v withal_o so_o that_o consider_v how_o we_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o be_v to_o run_v the_o gauntlet_n through_o troop_n of_o sorrow_n and_o to_o pass_v the_o pike_n of_o a_o thousand_o disease_n it_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o mourn_v and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o dead_a they_o be_v past_o all_o possibility_n of_o disease_n and_o far_o remove_v from_o this_o climate_n of_o sickness_n and_o death_n six_o another_o thing_n which_o may_v restrain_v david_n sorrow_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o child_n may_v be_v this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v release_v from_o the_o great_a pain_n and_o misery_n which_o it_o late_o feel_v and_o endure_v it_o be_v certain_a and_o indubitable_a that_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o quit_v its_o mansion_n of_o the_o body_n without_o great_a strive_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o though_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o child_n be_v but_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o new_o in_o possession_n of_o life_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n have_v contract_v but_o a_o late_a acquaintance_n and_o that_o the_o friendship_n be_v very_o new_a yet_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strict_a conjunction_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n though_o but_o for_o a_o moment_n of_o time_n the_o separation_n can_v be_v without_o great_a grief_n and_o sorrow_n where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o close_a union_n and_o intimacy_n there_o be_v no_o part_n without_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o consequent_o though_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o child_n be_v now_o just_o enter_v into_o its_o new_a tenement_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o firm_o settle_v and_o have_v take_v that_o deep_a root_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v remove_v or_o eject_v out_o of_o possession_n without_o great_a disturbance_n and_o therefore_o to_o see_v a_o child_n struggle_v for_o life_n and_o to_o have_v only_a breath_n enough_o to_o entitle_v it_o to_o life_n can_v not_o but_o wonderful_o affect_v and_o produce_v great_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o man_n have_v natural_o that_o compassion_n as_o to_o pity_v even_o a_o brute_n when_o it_o lie_v in_o pain_n and_o misery_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o dispatch_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o therefore_o david_n see_v his_o child_n in_o that_o extreme_a anguish_n and_o distress_n in_o that_o sickness_n to_o death_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o ease_v and_o relieve_v it_o can_v not_o but_o reflect_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o singular_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o take_v away_o the_o child_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o such_o a_o painful_a and_o miserable_a life_n david_n can_v not_o forbear_v weep_v and_o sad_o lament_v over_o his_o child_n when_o he_o see_v it_o in_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n and_o in_o those_o frightful_a convulsion_n which_o be_v precedaneous_a to_o its_o dissolution_n but_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o seal_v up_o its_o breath_n and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o this_o troublesome_a world_n than_o david_n begin_v to_o be_v better_o satisfy_v and_o to_o be_v somewhat_o comfort_v with_o the_o consideration_n that_o god_n have_v in_o mercy_n release_v his_o child_n from_o that_o pain_n and_o misery_n which_o it_o late_o undergo_v and_o the_o sight_n whereof_o will_v have_v pierce_v the_o hard_a heart_n live_v so_o that_o all_o those_o that_o have_v the_o sad_a opportunity_n of_o stand_v by_o their_o relation_n and_o friend_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o sick_a bed_n and_o in_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n and_o there_o to_o observe_v what_o a_o tumult_n and_o commotion_n nature_n be_v in_o at_o that_o time_n and_o with_o what_o pain_n and_o trouble_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n take_v their_o leave_n one_o of_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o conclude_v their_o part_n and_o separation_n to_o be_v a_o more_o dismal_a and_o amaze_a sight_n than_o a_o divorce_n between_o the_o most_o desperate_a lover_n let_v we_o but_o be_v present_a with_o our_o friend_n in_o the_o heat_n and_o rage_n of_o their_o distemper_n or_o in_o the_o ultimate_a effort_n of_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v then_o see_v a_o tremendous_a and_o ghastly_a spectacle_n which_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v relate_v without_o tear_n and_o can_v be_v see_v without_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n o_o the_o hollow_a sigh_n and_o the_o deep_a sob_n and_o piercing_a groan_n of_o our_o die_a friend_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o wound_v any_o heart_n live_v and_o to_o strike_v that_o dread_n upon_o we_o that_o the_o sound_n of_o their_o cry_n and_o groan_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v and_o can_v we_o pretend_v to_o pity_v they_o when_o we_o see_v they_o in_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o distress_n and_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o misery_n and_o shall_v we_o so_o contradict_v our_o pretence_n to_o sorrow_n and_o our_o compassion_n for_o they_o in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n as_o to_o be_v trouble_v when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o misery_n and_o to_o deplore_v their_o go_n to_o rest_n shall_v we_o weep_v and_o mourn_v to_o see_v our_o friend_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o in_o great_a torment_n and_o shall_v we_o take_v on_o the_o more_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o any_o pain_n how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v this_o posthumous_n passion_n to_o common_a reason_n or_o can_v we_o think_v to_o persuade_v people_n that_o we_o love_v our_o relation_n dear_o when_o they_o see_v we_o grieve_v when_o they_o be_v in_o misery_n but_o to_o grieve_v more_o when_o they_o be_v step_v into_o happiness_n in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v yield_v to_o the_o melt_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o tenderness_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o gratify_v our_o compassion_n in_o mourning_n for_o our_o friend_n when_o they_o be_v in_o great_a misery_n and_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n for_o a_o compassionate_a grief_n be_v both_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o good_a nature_n we_o can_v but_o be_v mollify_v at_o the_o mournful_a accent_n of_o the_o most_o despicable_a creature_n when_o it_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o great_a extremity_n but_o then_o to_o mourn_v excessive_o for_o our_o friend_n when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o pain_n and_o the_o bitterness_n of_o death_n be_v past_a be_v both_o unreasonable_a and_o unchristian_a unreasonable_a because_o they_o have_v endure_v and_o pass_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v perfect_o discharge_v from_o those_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n which_o those_o that_o remain_v alive_a be_v subject_a unto_o and_o it_o be_v unchristian_a because_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o people_n to_o suspect_v our_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o a_o future_a life_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o real_o persuade_v that_o our_o friend_n be_v remove_v for_o the_o better_a and_o much_o for_o their_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o thessaly_n 4._o ch_z and_o 13._o v._n admonish_v christian_n not_o to_o grieve_v and_o take_v on_o for_o the_o dead_a as_o other_o which_o have_v no_o hope_n lest_o they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n scandalize_v their_o religion_n and_o render_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n suspect_v and_o dubitable_a so_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v as_o christian_n and_o as_o we_o tender_v the_o reputation_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n not_o to_o be_v lavish_a of_o our_o tear_n nor_o over_o profuse_a in_o our_o expense_n of_o sorrow_n for_o the_o dead_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v suspect_v of_o believe_v our_o friend_n happy_a here_o than_o they_o will_v be_v hereafter_o but_o we_o shall_v rather_o in_o a_o manner_n rejoice_v at_o the_o departure_n of_o those_o who_o have_v live_v well_o and_o innocent_o and_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o shall_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v away_o from_o their_o eye_n revel_v 7._o 17._o and_o we_o shall_v as_o our_o church_n wise_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o office_n for_o the_o burial_n of_o