without_o any_o humane_a restraint_n and_o who_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o he_o withhold_v not_o his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n and_o who_o among_o other_o delight_n have_v great_a number_n of_o wife_n and_o concubine_n to_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o hundred_o wife_n that_o be_v princess_n 11.3_o 1_o king_n 11.3_o and_o three_o hundred_o concubine_n and_o these_o the_o fair_a doubtless_o that_o can_v be_v meet_v with_o variety_n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o take_v off_o all_o possibility_n of_o loathe_v and_o desire_n of_o change_n but_o now_o what_o say_v solomon_n after_o so_o full_a and_o uncontrolled_a enjoyment_n of_o these_o carnal_a pleasure_n why_o true_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o book_n of_o proverb_n chap._n 2.18_o 19_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o house_n of_o the_o strange_a or_o whorish_a woman_n incline_v unto_o death_n and_o her_o path_n unto_o the_o dead_a none_o that_o go_v unto_o her_o return_n again_o neither_o take_v they_o hold_v of_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o prov._n 5.3_o the_o lip_n of_o a_o strange_a woman_n drop_n as_o a_o honey_n comb_n and_o her_o mouth_n be_v smooth_a than_o oil_n but_o her_o end_n or_o the_o end_n of_o have_v to_o do_v with_o she_o be_v bitter_a as_o wormwood_n sharp_a as_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n very_o frequent_a be_v his_o invective_n against_o this_o vice_n and_o deliver_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a earnestness_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o ecclesiastes_n the_o book_n of_o his_o recantation_n he_o public_o declare_v that_o he_o find_v as_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n he_o find_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n the_o woman_n who_o heart_n be_v snare_n and_o her_o hand_n as_o band_n whoso_o please_v god_n shall_v escape_v from_o she_o but_o the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o she_o verse_n 26._o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v a_o good_a man_n from_o fall_v into_o so_o great_a a_o mischief_n and_o that_o he_o suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o be_v ensnare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o severe_a punishment_n and_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n behold_v say_v the_o preacher_n this_o have_v i_o find_v count_v one_o by_o one_o to_o find_v out_o the_o account_n which_o yet_o my_o soul_n seek_v but_o i_o find_v not_o one_o man_n among_o a_o thousand_o have_v i_o find_v but_o a_o woman_n among_o all_o those_o have_v i_o not_o find_v that_o be_v he_o do_v at_o last_o meet_v with_o a_o man_n that_o answer_v his_o expectation_n as_o a_o friend_n or_o faithful_a servant_n but_o among_o all_o his_o concubine_n not_o one_o but_o who_o balk_v and_o disappoint_v his_o fond_a hope_n of_o happiness_n from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o she_o and_o deprive_v he_o of_o more_o satisfaction_n than_o she_o give_v he_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o solomon_n himself_o who_o gratify_v his_o carnal_a appetite_n to_o the_o full_a and_o experience_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n can_v afford_v that_o this_o sort_v of_o pleasure_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o dishonour_v and_o disappointment_n always_o and_o not_o seldom_o diseae_n and_o death_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o the_o pleasure_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o intemperate_a drink_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o it_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o taste_n and_o palate_n for_o as_o for_o true_a nourishment_n high_a feeding_n fall_v far_o short_a of_o more_o ordinary_a diet_n and_o as_o for_o refresh_v and_o cherish_v the_o spirit_n a_o moderate_a quantity_n of_o wine_n be_v sufficient_a and_o what_o be_v more_o than_o that_o end_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o madness_n and_o impoverish_v nature_n now_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o palate_n make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v of_o very_o short_a continuance_n no_o soon_o taste_v but_o they_o vanish_v and_o the_o stomach_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o long_a repetition_n of_o this_o pleasure_n and_o be_v soon_o cloy_v and_o surfeit_v with_o what_o be_v of_o the_o rich_a gust_n and_o relish_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v this_o short-lived_a and_o very_a imperfect_a pleasure_n be_v great_a and_o of_o very_o long_a continuance_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n revenue_n to_o be_v so_o large_a that_o he_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o luxury_n without_o weaken_v his_o fortune_n in_o the_o least_o and_o so_o that_o very_o usual_a ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o can_v in_o this_o case_n be_v charge_v upon_o it_o yet_o other_o full_a as_o great_a may_v as_o first_o the_o more_o a_o man_n indulge_v his_o palate_n the_o hard_a he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v please_v and_o at_o length_n it_o will_v grow_v so_o troublesome_o nice_a that_o its_o disgust_n will_v be_v more_o frequent_a than_o its_o pleasure_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o procure_v a_o constant_a gratification_n of_o the_o palate_n luxury_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v a_o man_n disrelish_v almost_o every_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o make_v his_o life_n a_o continual_a vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n and_o a_o ploughman_n with_o his_o coarse_a fare_n and_o no_o other_o sauce_n to_o it_o but_o a_o good_a stomach_n will_v experience_n far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a pleasure_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v than_o the_o great_a epicure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o luxury_n be_v indeed_o the_o wrong_a way_n to_o procure_v a_o entire_a gratification_n of_o the_o palate_n and_o destroy_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o create_v another_o very_a ill_a consequence_n of_o luxury_n be_v that_o it_o mighty_o weaken_v and_o impair_v health_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o live_a hospital_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o very_o often_o cut_v his_o day_n off_o in_o the_o midst_n and_o thus_o do_v a_o over-indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n cruciate_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o by_o a_o extravagant_a care_n to_o please_v the_o palate_n man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o a_o necessity_n of_o take_v such_o medicinal_a composition_n as_o be_v abundant_o more_o nauseous_a to_o it_o than_o ever_o the_o most_o artificial_a dish_n or_o rich_a wine_n be_v grateful_a and_o by_o this_o time_n we_o perceive_v what_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v amount_n to_o true_o no_o more_o than_o this_o a_o very_a short_a imperfect_a pleasure_n attend_v with_o great_a and_o durable_a ill_a consequence_n which_o abundant_o outweigh_v the_o pleasure_n and_o will_v do_v so_o be_v it_o great_a and_o more_o last_a than_o it_o be_v another_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mirth_n and_o jollity_n a_o thoughtless_a course_n of_o life_n spend_v in_o recreation_n in_o laughter_n and_o a_o airy_a facetious_a way_n of_o conversation_n and_o this_o be_v very_o take_v with_o abundance_n of_o people_n and_o he_o count_v the_o happy_a man_n that_o can_v spend_v his_o day_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v well_o then_o suppose_v a_o man_n so_o entire_o disengage_v from_o the_o fatigue_n of_o business_n as_o to_o have_v his_o time_n whole_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o brisk_a lively_a temper_n and_o free_a from_o all_o care_n and_o trouble_v and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v as_o sprightly_a as_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o day_n seem_v too_o short_a for_o their_o mirth_n and_o pleasantry_n their_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n suppose_v all_o this_o that_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v all_o of_o this_o kind_a of_o pleasure_n that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v we_o shall_v find_v upon_o a_o near_a view_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o alloy_n here_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n before_o mention_v solomon_n who_o be_v a_o very_a competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n make_v jollity_n his_o business_n and_o taste_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v be_v so_o much_o of_o this_o mind_n as_o to_o pronounce_v it_o not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n he_o give_v himself_o whole_o up_o to_o mirth_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o prov._n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o wine_n with_o agreeable_a company_n he_o plant_v beautiful_a garden_n vineyard_n and_o grove_n interweave_v with_o artificial_a stream_n to_o improve_v the_o relish_n of_o those_o his_o delight_n and_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o he_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o music_n attend_v he_o both_o vocal_a and_o instrumental_a so_o that_o he_o have_v whatever_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v to_o make_v himself_o happy_a this_o way_n if_o this_o can_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v
death_n though_o they_o dread_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o know_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o come_v and_o be_v uncertain_a how_o soon_o they_o make_v as_o little_a provision_n as_o if_o they_o be_v immortal_a as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n what_o a_o bundle_n of_o foolish_a inconsistency_n be_v here_o they_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o great_a of_o evil_n and_o yet_o regard_v it_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thing_n they_o know_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o they_o know_v the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o it_o surprise_v they_o unaware_o and_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v the_o next_o hour_n or_o minute_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o and_o by_o all_o art_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v such_o melancholy_a thought_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o avoid_v but_o suffer_v what_o they_o fear_v and_o secure_a to_o themselves_o the_o misery_n be_v consequent_a upon_o a_o untimely_a and_o unprepared_a death_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o just_a the_o same_o piece_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n as_o for_o a_o man_n because_o he_o great_o dread_v the_o plague_n therefore_o to_o run_v into_o a_o infect_a house_n because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o poverty_n therefore_o to_o grow_v prodigal_a and_o squander_v away_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o strange_o foolish_a and_o contradictious_a than_o this_o indeed_o a_o sinner_n whole_a life_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n but_o it_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a with_o relation_n to_o die_v for_o because_o a_o man_n love_v his_o body_n therefore_o so_o to_o indulge_v it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v eternal_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o and_o live_v in_o such_o a_o course_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n as_o will_v be_v repay_v with_o a_o double_a death_n be_v unaccountable_o foolish_a and_o against_o all_o the_o dictate_v even_o of_o natural_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o i_o think_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n of_o not_o make_v preparation_n for_o so_o great_a a_o change_n as_o death_n will_v effect_v in_o every_o man_n condition_n or_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o this_o parable_n of_o not_o keep_v oil_n in_o our_o lamp_n nor_o watch_v against_o the_o divine_a bridegroom_n come_v but_o slumber_v in_o a_o careless_a inadvertency_n to_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n death_n and_o judgement_n till_o they_o overtake_v we_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o not_o prepare_v for_o that_o time_n of_o terror_n and_o great_a concern_v to_o every_o man_n we_o may_v in_o a_o few_o word_n collect_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o summons_n of_o our_o great_a lord_n with_o cheerfulness_n for_o in_o short_a to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o die_v when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o it_o of_o make_v a_o constant_a due_a provision_n against_o the_o great_a and_o most_o concern_v change_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o and_o which_o we_o must_v certain_o undergo_v and_o how_o soon_o we_o know_v not_o and_o that_o but_o once_o neither_o and_o which_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o the_o final_a judgement_n without_o any_o new_a opportunity_n be_v afford_v wherein_o to_o amend_v the_o error_n of_o our_o then_o irrecoverable_o past_o life_n it_o be_v to_o make_v such_o a_o preparation_n for_o this_o great_a change_n as_o may_v render_v it_o advantageous_a to_o we_o whenever_o it_o shall_v come_v than_o which_o no_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n can_v be_v imagine_v for_o that_o certain_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n that_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n since_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o the_o judgement_n or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o this_o parable_n since_o jesus_n the_o divine_a bridegroom_n will_v one_o time_n come_v to_o summon_v every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n his_o mystical_a spouse_n to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n there_o to_o partake_v with_o he_o if_o ready_a and_o adorn_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o their_o lamp_n burn_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a felicity_n of_o this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n or_o else_o if_o not_o prepare_v to_o appear_v before_o he_o then_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v his_o presence_n and_o thrust_v into_o the_o dire_a abode_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n since_o this_o be_v so_o let_v we_o all_o make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a observation_n of_o those_o holy_a rule_n of_o live_v which_o our_o lord_n have_v mark_v out_o to_o we_o as_o the_o way_n to_o immortality_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o his_o appearance_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o go_v out_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n before_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o not_o hear_v that_o dismal_a sound_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniqutity_n and_o because_o this_o great_a come_v of_o the_o bridegroom_n will_v be_v but_o once_o for_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n but_o once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o but_o one_o final_a judgement_n let_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n trifle_v away_o this_o only_a opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o folly_n and_o impertinency_n much_o less_o in_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n but_o often_o reflect_v upon_o the_o agony_n we_o shall_v feel_v when_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o one_o only_a life_n which_o we_o have_v so_o wretched_o misspend_v draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o no_o hope_n of_o any_o further_a opportunity_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o in_o but_o just_a as_o we_o then_o be_v in_o that_o deplorable_a unprepared_a condition_n be_v hurry_v away_o to_o give_v account_n of_o our_o work_n lord_n what_o confusion_n must_v such_o wretch_n feel_v what_o horrid_a torture_n must_v needs_o pierce_v their_o soul_n to_o see_v hell_n gape_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o no_o possibility_n of_o escape_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reprieve_n but_o plunge_v they_o must_v into_o those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o yet_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o will_v if_o this_o be_v a_o case_n infinite_o deplorable_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o certain_o nothing_o be_v than_o it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o while_n we_o have_v time_n that_o be_v while_o this_o one_o only_a life_n do_v last_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o happy_a departure_n out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o circumspect_a conversation_n in_o it_o and_o because_o the_o time_n when_o this_o one_o only_a life_n shall_v end_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o our_o lord_n will_v come_v let_v this_o awaken_v we_o into_o serious_a thought_n and_o resolution_n of_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o remain_a portion_n of_o our_o life_n and_o break_v off_o immediate_o our_o sinful_a course_n of_o live_v lest_o the_o opportunity_n for_o so_o do_v be_v go_v before_o we_o think_v of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v surprise_v into_o endless_a misery_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a let_v we_o always_o keep_v our_o lamp_n burn_v our_o soul_n employ_v in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o ourselves_o in_o a_o readiness_n by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o all_o to_o die_v and_o that_o but_o once_o and_o after_o that_o the_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o summons_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o may_v with_o comfort_n wait_v for_o our_o dear_a lord_n appear_v and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o glorious_a jesus_n the_o saviour_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o mankind_n before_o who_o just_a tribunal_n we_o must_v all_o certain_o appear_v but_o when_o we_o know_v not_o and_o there_o give_v account_n of_o our_o work_n and_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o they_o assist_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o my_o chief_a care_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o comfort_n to_o obey_v thy_o summons_n to_o this_o great_a audit_n whenever_o thou_o shall_v call_v and_o to_o that_o end_n grant_v i_o may_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o my_o mortality_n how_o short_a and_o frail_a my_o life_n be_v here_o how_o inevitable_o and_o close_o judgement_n follow_v death_n and_o how_o certain_o the_o one_o will_v find_v i_o as_o the_o other_o leave_v
satisfy_v his_o justice_n some_o other_o way_n as_o a_o convict_v criminal_a we_o say_v have_v not_o satisfy_v or_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o law_n till_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o punishment_n for_o his_o crime_n which_o the_o law_n think_v fit_a to_o inflict_v or_o else_o find_v favour_n and_o have_v it_o remit_v he_o as_o for_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o mankind_n by_o his_o sin_n have_v thus_o contract_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n which_o according_a to_o our_o way_n of_o reckon_a be_v above_o a_o million_o of_o pound_n a_o vast_a sum_n this_o but_o yet_o far_o short_a of_o what_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o iniquity_n which_o be_v not_o only_o million_o but_o innumerable_a even_o as_o the_o star_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea-shore_n nor_o be_v they_o only_o numberless_a but_o very_o great_a not_o only_o many_o thousand_o but_o many_o thousand_o of_o talent_n every_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v a_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v weight_n enough_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o to_o sink_v a_o soul_n into_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n be_v the_o high_a authority_n and_o his_o law_n most_o just_a and_o equal_a and_o we_o have_v a_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o obey_v he_o both_o as_o his_o creature_n and_o dependent_n who_o live_v by_o his_o favour_n and_o bounty_n and_o have_v receive_v numberless_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n from_o he_o and_o likewise_o as_o rational_a creature_n that_o we_o may_v perfect_v our_o own_o nature_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o will_v conform_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o sin_n be_v a_o opposition_n to_o the_o high_a authority_n a_o violation_n of_o the_o best_a law_n a_o break_v through_o the_o strict_a bond_n those_o of_o submission_n to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o likewise_o of_o self-love_n and_o preservation_n in_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o advance_v our_o own_o nature_n to_o the_o similitude_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n which_o be_v our_o chief_a happiness_n sin_n be_v all_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v sinful_a and_o indeed_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o in_o no_o case_n eligible_a and_o therefore_o the_o often_o be_v repeat_v and_o the_o more_o of_o choice_n there_o be_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o the_o more_o heinous_a the_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v and_o the_o great_a obligation_n man_n be_v under_o by_o reason_n of_o god_n bounty_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o whether_o as_o to_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a endowment_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o the_o high_a proportionable_o rise_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o often_o and_o wilful_o commit_v great_a impiety_n notwithstanding_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_n which_o be_v and_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o sinner_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n justice_n not_o only_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n but_o ten_o thousand_o million_o of_o talent_n i_o e._n his_o debt_n be_v infinite_a and_o unless_o some_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n intervene_v the_o divine_a justice_n can_v be_v satisfy_v but_o by_o his_o undergo_n a_o infinite_a punishment_n and_o all_o the_o world_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o just_a that_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a possible_a evil_a shall_v be_v repay_v with_o the_o great_a possible_a that_o be_v eternal_a punishment_n so_o vast_a a_o debt_n then_o lie_v upon_o all_o mankind_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v most_o true_a in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o they_o of_o themselves_o ever_o to_o clear_v this_o debt_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n shall_v it_o have_v still_o remain_v upon_o account_n will_v have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a misery_n which_o be_v represent_v very_o lively_a in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n debtor_n have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o the_o king_n thereupon_o command_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v sell_v and_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o payment_n make_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o so_o use_v debtor_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v 4.1_o 2_o kin._n 4.1_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o mankind_n of_o themselves_o ever_o to_o have_v pay_v this_o vast_a debt_n because_o every_o individual_a mere_a man_n be_v deep_o engage_v and_o always_o will_v be_v so_o in_o the_o same_o account_n so_o deep_o that_o he_o can_v never_o clear_v himself_o much_o less_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n valuable_a enough_o in_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o nature_n to_o buy_v off_o this_o sentence_n just_a though_o sad_a the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n 6.6_o mic._n 6.6_o say_v the_o prophet_n micah_n when_o he_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o the_o people_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o wherewith_o shall_v i_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o every_o thing_n the_o lord_n and_o great_a proprietor_n of_o all_o already_o and_o who_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v infinite_o above_o even_o our_o most_o exalt_a thought_n and_o conception_n he_o be_v a_o idiot_n that_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o to_o redeem_v the_o forfeit_v soul_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o that_o must_v be_v let_v alone_o for_o ever_o all_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o man_n to_o give_v be_v far_o from_o sufficient_a to_o commute_v for_o the_o punishment_n his_o sin_n have_v deserve_v god_n justice_n must_v be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o undergo_n that_o punishment_n that_o be_v eternal_a death_n for_o ever_o die_v yet_o never_o dead_a extreme_o miserable_a and_o for_o ever_o so_o a_o punishment_n so_o inexpressible_o great_a that_o annihilation_n be_v much_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o it_o for_o who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n who_o can_v bear_v a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o confinement_n to_o the_o dire_a abode_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n those_o merciless_a executioner_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n who_o will_v exact_v the_o pain_n we_o be_v to_o suffer_v with_o the_o utmost_a cruelty_n who_o can_v bear_v the_o gnawing_n of_o that_o never_o die_a worm_n remorse_n of_o conscience_n for_o forfeit_v such_o infinite_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v ourselves_o headlong_o in_o such_o a_o bottomless_a misery_n and_o that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o what_o be_v always_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a even_o when_o we_o do_v enjoy_v it_o and_o who_o can_v bear_v the_o horror_n of_o despair_n of_o ever_o see_v a_o end_n of_o such_o torment_n as_o these_o which_o yet_o may_v have_v be_v entire_o avoid_v if_o we_o will_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o unconceivable_o miserable_a condition_n and_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v must_v have_v be_v involve_v in_o it_o have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n find_v out_o a_o mean_n both_o to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o miserable_a creature_n to_o forgive_v the_o debt_n to_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o yet_o to_o have_v full_a satisfaction_n make_v he_o for_o it_o it_o be_v what_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v it_o be_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o even_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o eternal_a hallelujah_n in_o heaven_n three_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wondrous_a compassion_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o pity_v our_o sad_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o forgive_a we_o all_o that_o debt_n which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v pay_v though_o we_o have_v suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n for_o those_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v move_v with_o compassion_n at_o the_o miserable_a
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n take_v up_o most_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n let_v such_o consider_v be_v that_o a_o excuse_v which_o be_v it_o self_n as_o great_a a_o fault_n as_o any_o will_v god_n accept_v such_o a_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v he_o not_o plain_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o too_o much_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v not_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whoso_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o plain_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n how_o strange_a a_o plea_n than_o be_v it_o for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o say_v we_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v soul_n to_o be_v save_v methinks_v we_o 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possible_o desire_v but_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n all_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o entire_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o happiness_n three_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_o conducive_a to_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n in_o it_o long_o life_n and_o health_n be_v that_o which_o all_o people_n natural_o covet_v and_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a blessing_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o long_a man_n live_v and_o the_o more_o vigorous_a they_o be_v the_o long_o and_o more_o full_o they_o enjoy_v or_o at_o least_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o with_o too_o many_o be_v the_o main_a consideration_n but_o 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and_o healthy_a life_n because_o it_o regulate_v the_o passion_n keep_v the_o soul_n quiet_a and_o in_o a_o calm_a which_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v very_o much_o affect_v the_o body_n be_v undeniable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v excessive_a nothing_o more_o shake_v and_o discompose_v the_o whole_a man._n even_o joy_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v innocent_a enough_o have_v sometime_o be_v so_o violent_a as_o to_o overcharge_v person_n and_o leave_v they_o dead_a and_o grief_n have_v be_v often_o fatal_a and_o envy_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o consumption_n and_o leave_v visible_a token_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o countenance_n and_o love_n have_v have_v many_o martyr_n and_o anger_n be_v a_o great_a impoverisher_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o oftentimes_o make_v a_o man_n his_o own_o executioner_n and_o engage_v in_o such_o scuffle_n and_o hot_a inconsiderate_a 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the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o 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thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
lamp_n and_o make_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a like_o a_o shine_a light_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o which_o when_o they_o fail_v spiritual_a darkness_n will_v follow_v as_o in_o a_o lamp_n go_v out_o and_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n say_v our_o lord_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n but_o the_o christian_a virtue_n be_v very_o apt_o represent_v by_o oil_n upon_o these_o further_a account_n first_o because_o oil_n be_v general_o reckonen_fw-mi in_o the_o eastern_a country_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o man_n riches_n and_o when_o they_o will_v express_v great_a wealth_n they_o do_v it_o by_o magnify_v the_o plenty_n of_o oil_n thus_o job_n when_o he_o reflect_v in_o his_o affliction_n upon_o his_o former_a opulent_a condition_n the_o rock_n or_o the_o stone_n jar_v that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preserve_v oil_n in_o say_v he_o pour_v i_o out_o river_n of_o oil_n job_n 29.6_o and_o the_o prophet_n micah_n when_o he_o represent_v the_o impossibility_n of_o appease_v his_o offend_a god_n even_o by_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o costly_a offer_v will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v say_v he_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n micah_n 6.7_o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o increase_n of_o oil_n signify_v the_o increase_n of_o riches_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o soul_n plentiful_o store_v with_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o lie_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o become_v rich_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a true_a and_o durable_a riches_n be_v very_o apt_o represent_v by_o have_v oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n and_o our_o lamp_n second_o oil_n be_v likewise_o among_o the_o eastern_n a_o symbol_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o bible_n where_o we_o read_v that_o at_o the_o solemn_a consecration_n and_o inauguration_n of_o king_n and_o priest_n oil_n be_v always_o use_v and_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v still_o in_o use_n with_o we_o at_o the_o coronation_n of_o our_o king_n and_o therefore_o very_o fit_a to_o represent_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o so_o high_o ennoble_v the_o soul_n as_o to_o render_v it_o like_v to_o god_n holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o whereby_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n we_o become_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n 1.6_o rev._n 1.6_o and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o three_o oil_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o much_o use_v therefore_o in_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o heathen_a writer_n but_o from_o holy_a scripture_n there_o we_o read_v of_o the_o oil_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o direction_n concern_v fast_v bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o make_v a_o vain_a glorious_a show_n of_o it_o by_o a_o affect_a sullenness_n and_o down_o look_v disfigure_v their_o face_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o say_v he_o anoint_v thy_o head_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o i._n e._n make_v semblance_n rather_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o a_o feast_n and_o david_n when_o he_o recount_v god_n goodness_n to_o he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n thou_o have_v prepare_v a_o table_n for_o i_o thou_o have_v anoint_v my_o head_n with_o oil_n and_o my_o cup_n run_v over_o psal_n 23.5_o which_o signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o condition_n in_o general_a as_o well_o as_o his_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n many_o other_o place_n there_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o fit_o those_o christian_a grace_n be_v express_v by_o oil_n which_o cause_n the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o holy_a soul_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o unspeakable_a delight_n sincere_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o cheer_v thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n a_o continual_a feast_n indeed_o to_o rejoice_v be_v only_o proper_a for_o a_o good_a christian_a who_o mind_n be_v clear_a and_o undisturbed_a and_o in_o constant_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v rack_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o deep_a gild_n and_o feel_v the_o lash_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n and_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o unexpressible_a fear_n of_o damnation_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o have_v joy_n or_o comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n oil_n therefore_o or_o the_o emblem_n of_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n be_v of_o nothing_o more_o apt_o expressive_a than_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n who_o way_n alone_o be_v indeed_o way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o joy_n by_o the_o virgin_n all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v be_v signify_v the_o inadvertency_n and_o frailty_n of_o even_o the_o best_a of_o men._n because_o this_o divine_a bridegroom_n delay_v his_o come_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o too_o apt_a to_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o think_v but_o little_a upon_o death_n and_o judgement_n as_o thing_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o for_o which_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o provide_v hereafter_o and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a advertency_n to_o these_o rouse_a subject_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v heavy_a in_o our_o religious_a performance_n and_o suffer_v spiritual_a drowsiness_n to_o creep_v too_o much_o upon_o we_o this_o make_v holy_a david_n call_v upon_o god_n so_o often_o to_o quicken_v he_o in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o st_n paul_n to_o exhort_v his_o corinthian_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o thus_o to_o rouse_v the_o ephesian_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v 5.14_o eph._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n though_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v in_o part_n be_v accept_v as_o our_o excuse_n by_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o know_v and_o pity_v our_o infirmity_n yet_o even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o too_o much_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o endanger_v the_o extinction_n of_o our_o lamp_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o many_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o frequent_a fall_n for_o this_o inadvertency_n to_o that_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o even_o the_o righteous_a fall_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n whereas_o will_v we_o often_o set_v our_o lord_n before_o we_o as_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o reflect_v that_o perhaps_o the_o next_o hour_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o he_o that_o give_v it_o and_o so_o a_o end_n put_v for_o ever_o 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he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v thus_o watch_v i_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n luke_n 12.35_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o bridegroom_n will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o i._n e._n will_v impart_v to_o they_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o watch_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n most_o addict_v to_o vanity_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o be_v youth_n and_o manhood_n bless_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v those_o servant_n and_o what_o the_o angel_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o be_v very_o
necessary_a advice_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v rev._n 16.15_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v behold_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o keep_v his_o garment_n lest_o he_o walk_v naked_a and_o they_o see_v his_o shame_n by_o a_o cry_n be_v make_v at_o midnight_n behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o move_o represent_v how_o unexpected_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v surprise_v the_o drowsy_a world_n and_o how_o sudden_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v tell_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o midnight_n be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a silence_n and_o destine_v to_o rest_n and_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o toil_v and_o trouble_v of_o the_o day_n and_o then_o sudden_a outcry_n and_o alarm_n be_v double_o scare_v and_o affright_v and_o seize_v with_o a_o inexpressible_a confusion_n horror_n and_o consternation_n and_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o spiritual_a night_n employ_v in_o deed_n of_o darkness_n give_v up_o to_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o forgetful_a of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n then_o shall_v that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n steal_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n the_o terrify_a cry_n shall_v be_v make_v behold_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n say_v the_o apostle_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o travail_n upon_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v 1_o thes_n 5.3_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n those_o that_o be_v think_v happy_a upon_o earth_n instead_o of_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v this_o judge_n hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v rev._n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n dread_v to_o go_v meet_v his_o angry_a judge_n and_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a with_o all_o his_o stain_n and_o pollution_n about_o he_o appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n who_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n have_v provoke_v he_o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o since_o 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the_o infinite_a glory_n sanctity_n and_o bliss_n of_o that_o heavenly_a world_n to_o which_o he_o then_o so_o sensible_o draw_v near_o inflame_v his_o desire_n of_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o wearisome_a journey_n to_o it_o and_o fit_v himself_o for_o the_o spiritual_a unspotted_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n by_o have_v as_o little_a commerce_n as_o be_v possible_a with_o this_o world_n below_o and_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o will_v so_o quick_o be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o everlasting_a abide_v by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n say_v to_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o be_v represent_v the_o want_n of_o preparation_n among_o the_o careless_a and_o inconsiderate_a for_o this_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a change_n and_o their_o mighty_a consternation_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o vain_a and_o insignificant_a course_n they_o will_v take_v in_o their_o surprise_n to_o make_v up_o if_o possible_a their_o 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virtue_n or_o merit_n upon_o they_o not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o ourselves_o and_o you_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n if_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o virtue_n enough_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o that_o through_o infinite_a mercy_n too_o and_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v there_o any_o leave_v for_o he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o other_o but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v much_o money_n into_o their_o coffer_n and_o therefore_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o maintain_v it_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n come_n while_o those_o foolish_a virgin_n go_v about_o so_o unlikely_a a_o employment_n as_o then_o immediate_o to_o furnish_v their_o lamp_n with_o oil_n which_o before_o be_v unregarded_a and_o suffer_v to_o go_v out_o and_o the_o door_n before_o 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what_o instruction_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n what_o plenty_n of_o religious_a discourse_n and_o exhortation_n he_o have_v enjoy_v and_o how_o frequent_o he_o have_v feel_v motion_n from_o within_o to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n he_o that_o have_v experience_v all_o this_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n that_o have_v have_v his_o pregnant_a natural_a capacity_n well_o cultivate_v by_o a_o early_a and_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n plain_o lay_v before_o he_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n duty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o be_v often_o and_o affectionate_o exhort_v to_o live_v according_o in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v frequent_o feel_v secret_a internal_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o this_o man_n have_v receive_v much_o more_o than_o one_o talon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o god_n will_v expect_v from_o he_o 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that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o see_v a_o great_a white_a throne_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o from_o who_o face_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n flee_v away_o and_o there_o be_v find_v no_o place_n for_o they_o he_o proceed_v i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o the_o sea_n give_v up_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o be_v the_o record_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a wherein_o 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to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o
of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v represent_v here_o by_o a_o prodigal_a youngman_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o ramble_a into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n with_o riotous_a live_n impatience_n of_o government_n and_o restraint_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v free_a and_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o propension_n be_v that_o which_o first_o prompt_v man_n with_o the_o young_a prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o leave_v their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o get_v as_o far_o from_o his_o government_n as_o they_o can_v and_o when_o they_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o religion_n then_o to_o take_v their_o swing_n and_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o with_o this_o fancy_a liberty_n they_o be_v at_o first_o mighty_o please_v and_o wish_v it_o can_v be_v always_o so_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o religion_n to_o awe_n and_o confine_v their_o desire_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o will_v the_o sole_a measure_n of_o their_o action_n for_o so_o the_o foolish_a youngman_n in_o the_o parable_n we_o read_v can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v till_o he_o have_v his_o fortune_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o dispose_v of_o as_o he_o list_v father_n give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o belong_v to_o i_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v it_o he_o get_v as_o far_o from_o his_o father_n as_o he_o can_v and_o then_o deny_v not_o his_o soul_n whatever_o it_o desire_v or_o as_o the_o parable_n have_v it_o not_o many_o day_n after_o the_o young_a son_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n with_o riotous_a live_n and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o sinner_n he_o find_v religion_n will_v oblige_v he_o to_o a_o serious_a and_o circumspect_a conversation_n and_o that_o if_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o family_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o must_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o deny_v his_o bodily_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o imitate_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a pure_a and_o perfect_a as_o he_o be_v because_o he_o abominate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v but_o these_o be_v hard_a say_n this_o be_v a_o servitude_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o unsufferable_a and_o he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v a_o much_o easy_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o live_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o which_o he_o belong_v to_o experience_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v once_o for_o all_o to_o shake_v off_o the_o gall_a yoke_n of_o religion_n and_o get_v as_o far_o from_o the_o government_n of_o his_o divine_a parent_n as_o he_o can_v and_o become_v his_o own_o master_n and_o then_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v happy_a so_o blind_v be_v sinner_n by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o shun_v happiness_n and_o embrace_v ruin_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a slavery_n and_o exchange_v it_o for_o the_o vile_a drudgery_n of_o vice_n to_o run_v from_o that_o bless_a be_v who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o insist_v in_o the_o track_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a ruin_n a_o unfortunate_a end_n be_v always_o the_o consequence_n of_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o as_o a_o ship_n without_o a_o helm_n or_o governor_n instead_o of_o arrive_v at_o the_o haven_n be_v soon_o split_v upon_o rock_n or_o overwhelm_v with_o quicksand_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o impatient_a of_o the_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o religion_n be_v resolve_v to_o quit_v it_o and_o take_v his_o own_o course_n but_o why_o shall_v man_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v so_o earnest_o to_o be_v at_o their_o own_o disposal_n be_v not_o religion_n the_o most_o reasonable_a service_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v not_o god_n the_o wise_a the_o most_o powerful_a and_o the_o most_o kind_a and_o indulgent_a be_v too_o and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o direct_v in_o the_o right_a track_n to_o happiness_n by_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o shield_v from_o danger_n by_o infinite_a power_n than_o to_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o blind_a force_n of_o brutish_a and_o unruly_a passion_n to_o our_o unhappiness_n and_o destruction_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n by_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o forfeit_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a certain_o if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v instead_o of_o desire_v with_o the_o prodigal_a son_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o government_n of_o this_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o to_o take_v their_o own_o course_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o they_o will_v say_v with_o holy_a david_n one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o confess_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n that_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o the_o silly_a young_a prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n soon_o find_v by_o a_o costly_a experience_n the_o difference_n between_o live_v under_o the_o mild_a and_o prudent_a government_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o ill_n instruct_v and_o green_a head_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o this_o consideration_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o fit_o vice_n be_v represent_v by_o prodigality_n prodigality_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v waste_v a_o man_n substance_n or_o estate_n in_o riotous_a or_o profuse_a and_o extravagant_a live_n or_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o future_a squandr_v away_o what_o he_o have_v in_o excessive_a luxury_n and_o therefore_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a prodigal_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o waste_v and_o destroy_v what_o be_v of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o esteem_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o profligate_v manner_n without_o any_o thought_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o only_o that_o he_o may_v gratify_v his_o present_a appetite_n and_o desire_n for_o first_o nothing_o be_v a_o more_o substantial_a good_a and_o more_o to_o be_v prize_v and_o careful_o preserve_v than_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n or_o those_o bless_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o man_n be_v inward_o incline_v to_o pursue_v what_o will_v make_v for_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o dissuade_v from_o and_o warn_v to_o avoid_v what_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o endless_a ruin_n now_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n turn_v into_o lasciviousness_n despise_v and_o neglect_v nay_o resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o close_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o vileness_n and_o impurity_n and_o do_v this_o so_o continual_o and_o with_o so_o much_o obstinacy_n that_o he_o daily_o waste_v that_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o more_o and_o more_o grieve_v that_o bless_a spirit_n and_o force_v he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o influence_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o desperate_a spiritual_a poverty_n succeed_v a_o utter_a want_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o they_o so_o profligate_o waste_v when_o they_o have_v it_o and_o no_o poverty_n certain_o so_o miserable_a as_o that_o which_o will_v starve_v and_o famish_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o therefore_o no_o prodigality_n like_o that_o which_o squander_v away_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a nourishment_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n be_v thus_o prodigal_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n namely_o the_o gratify_v a_o few_o brutish_a lust_n and_o the_o act_v such_o vice_n as_o bring_v no_o true_a satisfaction_n along_o with_o they_o but_o be_v full_a of_o vexation_n and_o disappointment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v at_o last_o sink_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n second_o time_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a substantial_a good_a and_o high_o to_o be_v value_v and_o careful_o improve_v because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a opportunity_n we_o have_v of_o
ruin_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n this_o eternal_a torment_n and_o death_n we_o will_v be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a to_o avoid_v this_o place_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o time_n and_o opportunity_n while_o we_o have_v it_o in_o provide_v for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n the_o end_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o eternity_n to_o he_o then_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o no_o more_o space_n for_o repentance_n and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o after_o the_o great_a change_n that_o death_n will_v make_v in_o our_o condition_n no_o more_o change_n from_o thence_o forward_o for_o ever_o no_o intermediate_v purgatory_n to_o cleanse_v our_o remain_a filthiness_n but_o as_o death_n leave_v a_o soul_n so_o shall_v judgement_n find_v it_o and_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o great_a truth_n can_v never_o be_v too_o often_o call_v to_o remembrance_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o to_o a_o wicked_a liver_n that_o whoever_o think_v at_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o husband_n well_o this_o his_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o immediate_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v himself_o from_o that_o gild_n which_o if_o he_o die_v in_o will_v make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o alleviation_n the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o powerful_o enough_o incline_v to_o avoid_v that_o future_a misery_n and_o secure_v his_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o persuasive_n to_o act_v according_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o have_v already_o be_v reveal_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v after_o he_o be_v sad_o assure_v by_o abraham_n that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o this_o abraham_n answer_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o miserable_a rich_a man_n and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o this_o abraham_n give_v this_o final_a answer_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v all_o the_o assurance_n give_v to_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v and_o the_o same_o obstinate_a and_o atheistick_a infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o manner_n that_o make_v man_n disbelieve_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v of_o another_o life_n will_v make_v they_o still_o disbelieve_v it_o though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a before_o the_o gospel_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o dark_o reveal_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v then_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o they_o by_o attend_v to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o confirm_a truth_n to_o we_o christian_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a term_n that_o can_v be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 1.8_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o when_o we_o discourse_v about_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n not_o to_o tremble_v at_o it_o as_o foelix_n do_v but_o with_o perverse_a infidelity_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o whether_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v it_o by_o one_o that_o come_v from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v experience_v what_o we_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o proof_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o laugh_v at_o this_o as_o a_o invention_n of_o 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this_o be_v end_v and_o all_o man_n than_o arise_v likewise_o and_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o work_n that_o this_o and_o the_o like_a strange_a passage_n they_o record_v of_o jesus_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o do_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o by_o art_n magic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o can_v it_o be_v make_v good_a will_v be_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n indeed_o and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n soon_o sink_v into_o ruin_n but_o in_o short_a for_o to_o enlarge_v here_o will_v far_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o single_a sermon_n a_o christian_n defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n may_v be_v this_o first_o though_o some_o have_v deny_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v yet_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o can_v prove_v it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a for_o 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call_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v genuine_a well_o but_o though_o this_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o they_o object_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o these_o man_n set_v down_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o that_o their_o relation_n be_v contradictious_a but_o to_o this_o we_o may_v return_v that_o though_o this_o have_v be_v by_o some_o man_n say_v yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v prove_v nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a several_a heathen_a writer_n as_o pliny_n tacitus_n lucian_n suetonius_n and_o other_o of_o great_a antiquity_n quote_v by_o 2._o by_o de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la christ_n rel._n lib._n 2._o grotius_n and_o initium_fw-la and_o demomstaâ—_n evangel_n propos_fw-fr 3._o prope_fw-la initium_fw-la haetius_n have_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o the_o christian_a side_n and_o though_o they_o 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in_o thing_n not_o material_a in_o the_o main_a there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a harmony_n which_o consider_v that_o four_o several_a man_n be_v the_o writer_n and_o that_o they_o write_v in_o different_a and_o distant_a place_n be_v no_o mean_a argument_n that_o what_o they_o so_o punctual_o and_o agreeable_o relate_v be_v true_a and_o indeed_o those_o little_a difference_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o pack_v business_n they_o will_v have_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o have_v differ_v in_o a_o title_n as_o for_o their_o last_o reserve_v that_o suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o they_o relate_v yet_o those_o strange_a thing_n that_o be_v record_v of_o jesus_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o art_n magic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o what_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o no_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o this_o we_o may_v return_v in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o cast_v so_o many_o evil_a spirit_n out_o of_o possess_v person_n and_o from_o their_o tremble_n at_o his_o presence_n and_o cry_v out_o for_o dread_a and_o from_o his_o teach_n so_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a a_o religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o weaken_v his_o infernal_a kingdom_n and_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n he_o wrought_v diverse_a and_o very_a amaze_a miracle_n and_o those_o high_o beneficial_a one_o too_o such_o as_o give_v sight_n to_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v long_o and_o desperate_a 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the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n when_o this_o be_v end_v wherein_o man_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o recompense_v according_a to_o their_o work_n for_o this_o be_v very_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o those_o write_n as_o every_o man_n know_v that_o have_v read_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o too_o great_a love_n of_o the_o sinful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n that_o make_v man_n deny_v their_o assent_n to_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o lead_v a_o more_o innocent_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o same_o obstinacy_n and_o infidel_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o vileness_n of_o manner_n will_v make_v they_o