will_v have_v return_v again_o to_o their_o dream_n of_o vanity_n when_o this_o their_o fright_a be_v a_o little_a over_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o think_v not_o of_o repentance_n till_o death_n and_o judgement_n stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n they_o be_v then_o wondrous_a sorry_a for_o have_v offend_v god_n because_o they_o see_v they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o punish_v for_o it_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o wish_v they_o have_v live_v better_a and_o beg_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o and_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o all_o this_o very_a seldom_o proceed_v from_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o holy_a religion_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o ever_o when_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a health_n but_o such_o repentance_n as_o this_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o mockery_n and_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v it_o must_v be_v a_o real_a and_o thorough_a change_n of_o mind_n express_v in_o a_o entire_a reformation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o will_v incline_v god_n to_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hurry_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n to_o get_v oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n upon_o this_o sudden_a notice_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v because_o their_o lamp_n be_v before_o suffer_v to_o go_v out_o we_o see_v the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n that_o be_v ready_a their_o go_v in_o with_o the_o bridegroom_n to_o the_o marriage_n feast_n be_v represent_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a who_o by_o holy_a live_n be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o their_o departure_n hence_o into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v as_o there_o be_v great_a preparation_n make_v to_o receive_v the_o bridegroom_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o eastern_n great_a joy_n and_o festivity_n and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n or_o those_o that_o attend_v the_o bridegroom_n do_v partake_v of_o sing_v epithalamium_n or_o nuptial_a song_n in_o praise_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o his_o bride_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o happiness_n and_o wish_v they_o long_a prosperity_n so_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n which_o be_v the_o marriage_n chamber_n of_o this_o divine_a bridegroom_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o society_n of_o innumerable_a saint_n and_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n be_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a holy_a life_n be_v ready_a to_o leave_v these_o earthly_a habitation_n and_o enter_v with_o he_o into_o that_o holy_a place_n where_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o most_o blissful_a eternity_n for_o ever_o sing_v halleluja'_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o glorious_a name_n in_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bless_v praise_v god_n and_o say_n 9_o rev._n 19.7_o 9_o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v and_o his_o wife_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o which_o be_v call_v to_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o well_o be_v that_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o holy_a preparation_n repay_v which_o will_v procure_v a_o entrance_n into_o that_o holy_a place_n where_o christ_n be_v sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o sharer_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o angel_n and_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n in_o the_o last_o place_n by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v after_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o his_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o be_v express_v the_o sad_a and_o remidiless_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o death_n and_o judgement_n surprise_v unaware_o and_o that_o be_v not_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o may_v cry_v lord_n lord_n long_o enough_o in_o the_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v teach_v in_o their_o street_n and_o the_o like_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o without_o a_o constant_a persevere_v piety_n christ_n will_v tell_v they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n and_o what_o inconceivable_a agony_n will_v those_o exclude_v wretch_n then_o be_v in_o what_o horror_n and_o despair_n will_v then_o take_v seizure_n of_o their_o soul_n what_o outcry_n what_o hideous_a wail_n will_v there_o be_v how_o will_v some_o frame_v fruitless_a excuse_n lord_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n etc._n etc._n while_o other_o with_o deep_a sigh_n in_o vain_a beg_v pity_n and_o commiseration_n of_o he_o who_o never_o before_o deny_v it_o what_o intolerable_a anguish_n will_v they_o feel_v to_o see_v those_o who_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v on_o earth_n then_o enter_v into_o the_o glorious_a marriage_n chamber_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o themselves_o they_o who_o be_v prosperous_a here_o and_o to_o all_o appearance_n the_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o the_o divine_a bridegroom_n eternal_o shut_v out_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o those_o celestial_a region_n and_o leave_v behind_o in_o unconceivable_a torment_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o malicious_a fiend_n and_o devil_n to_o linger_v under_o a_o eternity_n of_o misery_n no_o word_n can_v ever_o reach_v those_o horror_n nor_o can_v our_o thought_n conceive_v they_o and_o may_v none_o of_o we_o ever_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o feel_v they_o but_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v ready_a and_o have_v our_o lamp_n burn_v and_o ourselves_o always_o prepare_v for_o this_o great_a come_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o particular_a plain_a and_o practical_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n whereof_o five_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o foolish_a and_o show_v as_o i_o go_v along_o 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 i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v to_o urge_v that_o watchfulness_n and_o preparation_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a live_n against_o this_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o joy_n and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a the_o wisdom_n of_o so_o do_v be_v and_o how_o great_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n be_v call_v wise_a virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o their_o lamp_n out_o be_v call_v foolish_a as_o for_o the_o folly_n of_o not_o take_v care_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v against_o that_o great_a change_n of_o death_n shall_v come_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n just_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o man_n who_o know_v that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o must_v sure_o die_v and_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o that_o they_o must_v die_v but_o once_o and_o that_o without_o any_o any_o further_a probation_n after_o death_n come_v judgement_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o those_o who_o know_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a as_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o do_v shall_v live_v so_o much_o at_o random_n and_o be_v so_o foolish_o careless_a in_o manage_v their_o last_o stake_n so_o heedless_a in_o do_v that_o well_o which_o admit_v of_o no_o repetition_n and_o which_o if_o do_v ill_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o folly_n this_o and_o which_o one_o will_v think_v a_o man_n of_o any_o sense_n can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n be_v more_o afraid_a of_o than_o die_a and_o yet_o so_o strange_o contradictious_a be_v they_o to_o themselves_o they_o make_v the_o least_o provision_n against_o this_o great_a evil._n in_o other_o matter_n man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v themselves_o against_o their_o fear_n they_o provide_v against_o poverty_n by_o diligence_n and_o parsimony_n against_o pain_n and_o disease_n by_o proper_a antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o the_o approach_n of_o enemy_n by_o the_o best_a defence_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o many_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o a_o probability_n of_o these_o evil_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o against_o
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
secure_v our_o main_a interest_n the_o happiness_n of_o eternity_n and_o when_o time_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o be_v to_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o death_n shall_v put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o life_n then_o come_v that_o night_n in_o which_o no_o man_n can_v work_v than_o the_o opportunity_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o at_o a_o end_n and_o according_a as_o man_n have_v improve_v or_o waste_v their_o time_n in_o this_o world_n so_o shall_v their_o eternity_n be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o very_o foolish_o prodigal_a who_o without_o any_o thought_n of_o hereafter_o waste_v this_o precious_a treasure_n this_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n in_o please_v and_o humour_v his_o body_n and_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a secure_v to_o himself_o eternal_a misery_n and_o this_o do_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n when_o with_o the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n he_o waste_v this_o his_o substance_n in_o luxurious_a and_o riotous_a live_n and_o study_v nothing_o but_o how_o to_o gratify_v the_o low_a life_n look_v no_o further_a than_o this_o present_a world_n for_o happiness_n till_o his_o opportunity_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o he_o be_v surprise_v into_o a_o unchangeable_o miserable_a condition_n because_o when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o make_v himself_o happy_a if_o he_o will_v he_o neglect_v it_o and_o choose_v the_o track_n to_o ruin_n three_o the_o glorious_a reversion_n of_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v a_o treasure_n likewise_o that_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o value_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o now_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v and_o who_o it_o be_v to_o bestow_v shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o sincere_a religion_n all_o this_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v all_o this_o to_o be_v so_o prodigal_o to_o throw_v away_o all_o expectation_n of_o and_o title_n to_o such_o a_o reversion_n as_o this_o upon_o such_o low_a and_o profligate_v account_n as_o the_o wallow_n in_o the_o filthy_a pleasure_n of_o a_o goat_n or_o a_o swine_n or_o the_o heap_v up_o treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v as_o unsatisfy_v as_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o perish_a or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a empty_a honour_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o profligate_v extravagancy_n and_o such_o as_o one_o will_v think_v no_o sensible_a man_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o nay_o indeed_o all_o account_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o great_a prodigal_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o waste_v and_o throw_v away_o what_o be_v of_o high_a value_n to_o a_o man_n and_o that_o for_o what_o be_v no_o better_a than_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o great_a extravagancy_n of_o ungodly_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 grow_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n like_o the_o prodigal_a son_n they_o waste_v their_o most_o precious_a substance_n in_o riotous_a and_o profligate_v live_v the_o second_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o sad_a condition_n such_o man_n soon_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o by_o that_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o loose_v self-willed_a course_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o debauchery_n and_o riot_n and_o of_o follow_v so_o blind_a a_o guide_n as_o man_n unruly_a passion_n and_o lust_n for_o so_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o the_o prodigal_a young_a man_n have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n who_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v but_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o first_o ill_a consequence_n then_o of_o this_o prodigality_n or_o lawless_a extravagant_a live_n be_v spiritual_a want_n or_o a_o scarcity_n and_o famine_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o a_o famine_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o body_n as_o eternal_a misery_n and_o death_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o temporal_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v questionless_a the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o which_o if_o once_o withdraw_v will_v leave_v the_o soul_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n now_o a_o obstinate_a course_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n drive_v out_o that_o life-giving_a power_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o vital_a union_n with_o so_o pure_a a_o spirit_n and_o as_o a_o humane_a soul_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o body_n rot_a and_o waste_v and_o unapt_a any_o long_o to_o entertain_v it_o so_o this_o divine_a spirit_n be_v thrust_v out_o from_o a_o corrupt_a sinful_a soul_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o famine_n in_o that_o soul_n of_o that_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a condition_n that_o soul_n be_v in_o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o extremity_n of_o spiritual_a want_n as_o this_o how_o full_a of_o horror_n and_o despair_n as_o doom_v to_o endless_a misery_n and_o seal_v up_o to_o destruction_n which_o he_o see_v daily_o near_o and_o near_o approach_v and_o no_o way_n to_o escape_v but_o like_o a_o wretch_n immure_v between_o two_o wall_n there_o to_o be_v starve_v to_o death_n in_o continual_a expectation_n of_o her_o sad_a end_n no_o man_n that_o consider_v this_o with_o that_o seriousness_n he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o waste_v what_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o his_o spiritual_a subsistence_n i._n e._n by_o no_o mean_n grieve_v or_o resist_v or_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n by_o who_o all_o true_a religion_n live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v its_o be_v and_o which_o if_o neglect_v and_o oppose_v will_v be_v withdraw_v and_o that_o perhaps_o for_o ever_o if_o like_a esau_n we_o sell_v this_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n forfeit_v the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v indulge_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n we_o may_v fear_v that_o a_o spiritual_a famine_n will_v be_v our_o punishment_n and_o no_o place_n leave_v for_o repentance_n no_o blessing_n remain_v for_o we_o though_o we_o seek_v it_o earnest_o with_o tear_n as_o the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n when_o after_o he_o have_v waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n and_o then_o want_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o hunger_n so_o that_o he_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o mean_a and_o coarse_a fare_n will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v even_o that_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v for_o no_o man_n say_v the_o parable_n give_v unto_o he_o another_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o spiritual_a prodigality_n and_o loose_v wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o among_o a_o numerous_a train_n of_o they_o be_v that_o it_o extreme_o degrade_n and_o debase_v a_o man_n and_o engage_v he_o in_o the_o vile_a drudgery_n imaginable_a the_o serve_a bestial_a lust_n and_o devilish_a passion_n this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o prodigal_n being_n send_v into_o the_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n a_o thing_n the_o most_o abject_a in_o it_o self_n and_o the_o most_o detestable_a to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v the_o parable_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o law_n to_o esteem_v that_o creature_n among_o the_o most_o unclean_a and_o as_o low_a or_o low_a than_o this_o do_v he_o debase_v his_o nature_n who_o neglect_v the_o noble_a precept_n of_o religion_n make_v his_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n for_o what_o more_o beastly_a and_o detestable_a than_o ungoverned_a lust_n the_o wretch_n himself_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a public_o to_o commit_v it_o and_z takes_z advantage_n of_o holes_n and_o corner_n and_o
and_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n and_o all_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o attain_v what_o the_o world_n it_o self_n afford_v we_o have_v see_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a in_o it_o its_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o dominion_n be_v empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a and_o indeed_o the_o parent_n of_o nothing_o but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v the_o enquiry_n how_o far_o religion_n be_v conducive_a to_o these_o thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n even_o to_o become_v rich_a to_o live_v pleasant_o and_o with_o honour_n and_o respect_n and_o as_o for_o dominion_n to_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n which_o religion_n only_o teach_v be_v more_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n now_o as_o to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o indeed_o give_v a_o relish_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o for_o without_o they_o neither_o riches_n nor_o honour_n nor_o even_o health_n and_o life_n itself_o sit_v easy_a that_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o procure_v these_o great_a blessing_n and_o that_o both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a abroad_o with_o other_o and_o at_o home_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n will_v soon_o be_v evident_a as_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o our_o intercourse_n with_o other_o religion_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o procure_v that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o forbid_v the_o offer_v any_o injury_n 2_o because_o it_o forbid_v return_v any_o now_o that_o which_o embroil_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v the_o do_v and_o retaliate_a harm_n and_o ill_o turn_v and_o religion_n so_o strict_o command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o do_v to_o other_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o like_a circumstance_n we_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v from_o other_o and_o to_o forgive_v if_o any_o have_v do_v injurious_o by_o we_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v forgive_v by_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o be_v our_o holy_a religion_n sincere_o embrace_v and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshares_a and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n and_o need_v not_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o nothing_o will_v then_o hurt_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v what_o god_n at_o first_o design_v it_o a_o paradise_n of_o happiness_n and_o mankind_n a_o family_n of_o love_n and_o as_o for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a at_o home_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o peace_n will_v lose_v its_o relish_n religion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v that_o blessing_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n which_o there_o will_v be_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n it_o will_v do_v its_o office_n free_o and_o impartial_o and_o lash_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o it_o sin_n and_o fill_v it_o full_a of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o soul_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v and_o who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n but_o a_o good_a man_n breast_n be_v quiet_a and_o serene_a full_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o innocence_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o as_o peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o only_a without_o contentment_n of_o mind_n no_o condition_n how_o good_a soever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v please_v and_o with_o it_o every_o condition_n be_v for_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o object_n to_o the_o desire_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v if_o he_o desire_v still_o more_o and_o think_v his_o present_a condition_n not_o good_a enough_o be_v by_o many_o degree_n less_o happy_a than_o he_o that_o must_v drudge_n for_o his_o live_n but_o yet_o be_v content_v with_o his_o lot_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o abundance_n he_o only_o be_v indeed_o a_o happy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o enjoy_v his_o present_a portion_n and_o know_v how_o patient_o to_o endure_v a_o worse_a condition_n and_o dread_v a_o base_a and_o wicked_a action_n however_o gainful_a and_o advantageous_a it_o may_v be_v even_o worse_o than_o death_n and_o he_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o slave_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o the_o content_a man_n be_v always_o easy_a under_o his_o present_a lot_n and_o if_o his_o fortune_n will_v not_o rise_v to_o what_o he_o can_v desire_v he_o will_v bring_v his_o desire_n down_o to_o his_o fortune_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a of_o happiness_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o desire_n and_o his_o fortune_n bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o true_o so_o various_a be_v the_o turn_v of_o fortune_n here_o so_o many_o unexpected_a accident_n that_o make_v great_a change_n for_o the_o worse_a in_o man_n circumstance_n of_o life_n and_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o so_o as_o to_o amend_v that_o be_v there_o not_o this_o remedy_n of_o make_v our_o mind_n comply_v with_o the_o event_n and_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n and_o venom_n of_o it_o by_o acquiescence_n and_o contentment_n and_o contraction_n of_o our_o desire_n man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o that_o have_v learned_a and_o can_v apply_v this_o remedy_n whatever_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o without_o have_v a_o power_n still_o ready_a of_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a and_o though_o he_o can_v prevent_v the_o accident_n yet_o he_o can_v prevent_v its_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n now_o this_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n religion_n best_o of_o all_o teach_v we_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o exact_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n dispose_v all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o event_n be_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a account_n order_v for_o the_o best_a for_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o amend_v what_o be_v do_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o second_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o interest_n do_v least_o of_o all_o lie_n in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o our_o treasure_n and_o inheritance_n be_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o which_o ever_o long_o we_o shall_v be_v recall_v and_o our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n there_o be_v the_o more_o increase_v as_o we_o have_v more_o patient_o and_o content_o submit_v to_o god_n pleasure_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o a_o hearty_a through_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v certain_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o know_v with_o st._n paul_n how_o to_o abound_v and_o how_o to_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a and_o for_o this_o christianity_n give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v to_o learn_v that_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o irreligion_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o content_a and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o continual_a vexation_n and_o make_v every_o cross_a accident_n double_o evil_a by_o impatience_n for_o first_o the_o ungodly_a have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o second_o cause_n and_o look_v upon_o thing_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o so_o when_o cross_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o ill_a fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o grow_v querulous_a and_o out_o of_o all_o patience_n and_o as_o for_o divine_a providence_n that_o be_v whole_o unregarded_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o revile_v it_o and_o impious_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o its_o disposal_n and_o so_o that_o which_o in_o affliction_n be_v the_o great_a cordial_n of_o all_o irreligion_n
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
amends_o for_o if_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n will_v certain_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a and_o better_a if_o it_o will_v clear_v his_o apprehension_n or_o strengthen_v his_o memory_n or_o improve_v his_o reason_v if_o it_o will_v make_v he_o more_o prudent_a and_o discreet_a and_o of_o a_o ripe_a judgement_n if_o it_o will_v increase_v piety_n and_o religion_n and_o promote_v a_o godlike_a frame_n of_o spirit_n nay_o if_o it_o will_v but_o so_o much_o as_o refine_v a_o man_n temper_n and_o make_v he_o of_o more_o sweet_a and_o oblige_a behaviour_n or_o regulate_v the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o help_v he_o to_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o cure_v anger_n and_o pride_n and_o envy_n and_o lust_n and_o revenge_n or_o the_o like_a if_o abundance_n of_o riches_n will_v work_v any_o of_o these_o good_a effect_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a while_n earnest_o to_o desire_v they_o and_o industrious_o to_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v they_o but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o the_o direct_a contrary_n be_v general_a observable_a in_o those_o that_o have_v great_a riches_n in_o possession_n it_o must_v i_o think_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o endure_v so_o much_o for_o what_o when_o he_o have_v it_o will_v not_o countervail_v but_o though_o greedy_a worldling_n may_v own_v that_o great_a riches_n have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o the_o happiness_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o because_o a_o man_n have_v a_o body_n as_o well_o as_o a_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o great_o desirous_a of_o much_o wealth_n because_o it_o will_v help_v they_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o much_o of_o this_o world_n happiness_n and_o acquire_v what_o will_v high_o please_v and_o gratify_v the_o body_n as_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v they_o may_v take_v their_o ease_n eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a when_o they_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n show_v the_o folly_n of_o expect_v even_o this_o world_n happiness_n from_o abundance_n of_o riches_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n be_v general_o observe_v to_o be_v more_o sickly_a and_o deprave_a in_o rich_a than_o poor_a person_n their_o sleep_n worse_a rather_o than_o better_a than_o other_o man_n 5.12_o eccl._n 5.12_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o rich_a will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o sleep_v say_v solomon_n but_o the_o sleep_n of_o the_o labour_a man_n be_v sweet_a eat_v he_o little_a or_o eat_v he_o much_o and_o that_o health_n be_v much_o more_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o rich_a than_o to_o the_o mean_a sort_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o have_v a_o body_n vigorous_a and_o active_a without_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o weakness_n and_o disease_n almost_o engross_v by_o the_o labour_a poor_a beside_o this_o which_o yet_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o expect_v even_o this_o world_n happiness_n from_o abundance_n of_o riches_n for_o without_o health_n which_o luxury_n destroy_v the_o most_o of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o taste_n or_o relish_v in_o any_o other_o of_o its_o enjoyment_n there_o be_v this_o one_o reason_n more_o among_o other_o that_o will_v far_o and_o i_o think_v evident_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v happy_a even_o in_o this_o world_n by_o grow_v rich_a and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o riches_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o unsatisfy_a and_o the_o most_o perplex_v other_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n satisfy_v and_o man_n be_v often_o cloy_v with_o pleasure_n have_v enough_o of_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n of_o recreation_n and_o diversion_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o mind_n be_v for_o a_o while_n ease_v and_o refresh_v by_o they_o but_o as_o for_o riches_n as_o they_o increase_v the_o desire_n of_o still_o more_o increase_v proportionable_o nay_o rather_o disproportionable_o with_o they_o and_o it_o be_v never_o yet_o know_v that_o a_o worldly-minded_n man_n ever_o think_v he_o have_v enough_o but_o that_o his_o appetite_n grow_v keen_a after_o wealth_n the_o more_o it_o be_v feed_v with_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o hear_v the_o great_a complaint_n murmur_n and_o repine_n from_o the_o rich_a men._n and_o as_o for_o the_o perplexity_n that_o attend_v abundance_n of_o wealth_n that_o likewise_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o common_a observation_n the_o more_o a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o care_n he_o must_v take_v to_o preserve_v it_o the_o more_o quarrel_n and_o law-suit_n will_v he_o be_v embroil_v in_o and_o when_o there_o be_v trouble_n and_o commotion_n in_o the_o state_n and_o time_n grow_v dangerous_a and_o uncertain_a then_o be_v the_o great_a worldling_n full_a of_o fear_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n and_o not_o only_o real_a but_o imaginary_a danger_n terrify_v their_o unman_v soul_n thing_n always_o appear_v with_o the_o worst_a aspect_n to_o their_o trouble_a fancy_n who_o have_v make_v gold_n their_o deity_n and_o tie_v up_o their_o happiness_n in_o their_o bag_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o perplex_v to_o a_o man_n mind_n than_o such_o great_a fear_n of_o lose_v that_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o which_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v concentre_v and_o according_o solomon_n who_o have_v great_a possession_n above_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o gather_v he_o silver_n and_o gold_n in_o such_o abundance_n that_o silver_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n common_a as_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n 10.27_o 1_o king_n 10.27_o after_o all_o say_v he_o eccles_n 5.10_o 11._o he_o that_o love_v silver_n shall_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o silver_n nor_o he_o that_o love_v abundance_n with_o increase_n and_o what_o good_a be_v there_o to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o it_o with_o their_o eye_n and_o even_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v neither_o and_o st._n paul_n say_v very_o plain_o that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n 10._o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o that_o contentment_n with_o only_a food_n and_o raiment_n be_v a_o far_o great_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o good_a reason_n have_v the_o wise_a king_n to_o say_v after_o all_o his_o increase_n and_o the_o abundance_n he_o have_v amass_v together_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n eccles_n 2.11_o now_o that_o which_o can_v never_o satisfy_v and_o as_o it_o increase_v increase_v a_o man_n trouble_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v true_a we_o see_v of_o riches_n be_v no_o doubt_n far_o from_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o depend_v upon_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n for_o happiness_n for_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o cause_n of_o much_o trouble_n and_o disquietude_n or_o however_o god_n may_v sudden_o deprive_v a_o rich_a worldling_n of_o all_o he_o have_v by_o death_n and_o say_v as_o in_o the_o parable_n thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o than_o who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v which_o thou_o have_v provide_v for_o as_o we_o bring_v nothing_o into_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v carry_v nothing_o out_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o folly_n of_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n in_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n from_o abundance_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o show_v the_o vileness_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o covetousness_n and_o of_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n in_o great_a store_n of_o wealth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a vile_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n immoderate_o to_o covet_v riches_n and_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o life_n in_o abundance_n of_o they_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a if_o we_o brief_o consider_v what_o a_o man_n be_v and_o what_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n be_v and_o what_o little_a or_o no_o proportion_n the_o one_o bear_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o other_o a_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endow_v with_o a_o rational_a and_o immortal_a soul_n capable_a of_o know_v admire_v love_v and_o enjoy_v god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o the_o centre_n of_o felicity_n as_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v a_o adopt_a son_n of_o god_n coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o design_v to_o participate_v of_o those_o river_n of_o divine_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right-hand_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o as_o for_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 churchman_n and_o no_o better_a than_o a_o religious_a cheat._n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a they_o say_v that_o the_o write_n which_o we_o affirm_v be_v divine_o inspire_v do_v very_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o place_v before_o the_o almighty_a judge_n and_o consign_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n and_o consequent_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o assert_v of_o this_o nature_n our_o business_n therefore_o must_v be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o that_o still_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o live_v according_o will_v neither_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v in_o this_o instance_n though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o opposition_n antiscripturists_a make_v against_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v in_o short_a this_o either_o they_o will_v deny_v that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o set_v down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o pick_v out_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o their_o relation_n and_o if_o beat_v from_o that_o post_n they_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o what_o strange_a occurrence_n they_o record_v of_o their_o master_n jesus_n as_o of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n after_o 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 many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o by_o man_n of_o very_o different_a religion_n and_o persuasion_n and_o that_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n there_o teach_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o glad_a to_o have_v prove_v the_o whole_a a_o forgery_n if_o they_o can_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o when_o it_o be_v so_o much_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o can_v not_o and_o since_o they_o be_v to_o this_o day_n approve_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n as_o genuine_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v for_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v either_o throw_v aside_o all_o book_n as_o spurious_a or_o believe_v this_o which_o we_o