ever_o and_o psal_n 118.8_o 9_o it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o the_o great_a or_o the_o best_a of_o men._n and_o if_o man_n will_v be_v so_o diligent_a to_o please_v a_o landlord_n a_o justice_n a_o master_n or_o a_o father_n how_o much_o more_o careful_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o please_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 12.9_o we_o have_v have_v father_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o we_o give_v they_o reverence_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o rather_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o live_v and_o god_n himself_o mal._n 1.6_o and_o so_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n no_o study_v or_o contrivance_n of_o the_o head_n no_o labour_n nor_o travel_v of_o the_o hand_n or_o foot_n be_v think_v too_o much_o how_o do_v jacob_n serve_v for_o rachel_n see_v how_o he_o describe_v his_o diligence_n gen._n 31.40_o in_o the_o day_n the_o drought_n consume_v i_o and_o the_o frost_n by_o night_n and_o my_o sleep_n depart_v from_o mineeye_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o find_v a_o hundred_o follow_v he_o in_o this_o than_o two_o or_o three_o in_o his_o wrestle_a with_o god_n and_o not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o they_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n most_o man_n be_v serious_a about_o trifle_n and_o only_o trifle_v and_o dally_v about_o this_o serious_a work_n the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a spend_v their_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o their_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfy_v not_o isa_n 55.2_o forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_v water_n and_o hew_v out_o break_v cistern_n that_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n jer._n 2.13_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o void_a of_o knowledge_n to_o do_v good_n compare_v thyself_o with_o other_o man_n how_o many_o young_a than_o thyself_o have_v get_v more_o knowledge_n how_o many_o poor_a than_o thyself_o can_v spare_v more_o time_n to_o read_v and_o meditate_v and_o pray_v how_o many_o of_o weak_a part_n and_o under_o small_a help_n and_o entrust_v with_o few_o talent_n yet_o have_v far_o outstrip_v thou_o in_o your_o common_a master_n work_n and_o thou_o will_v say_v it_o be_v like_a it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o they_o and_o thy_o judgement_n approve_v and_o praise_v they_o for_o shame_v then_o practise_v thyself_o what_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o applaud_v in_o other_o yea_o let_v shame_n to_o find_v thyself_o outstrip_v by_o so_o many_o that_o be_v once_o behind_o thou_o and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o many_o respect_n quicken_v thou_o to_o double_v thy_o diligence_n till_o thou_o recover_v and_o overtake_v they_o yea_o get_v again_o before_o they_o again_o compare_v thyself_o with_o god_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o so_o unequal_a a_o comparison_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n a_o worm_n a_o clod_n a_o bubble_n a_o shadow_n yea_o man_n in_o honour_n be_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o in_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n and_o yet_o as_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o thing_n as_o thou_o be_v thou_o stand_v upon_o it_o thou_o will_v have_v it_o thus_o and_o thus_o and_o thy_o will_n must_v be_v do_v with_o diligence_n and_o thy_o work_n with_o care_n and_o with_o exactness_n and_o be_v present_o upbraid_v those_o about_o thou_o for_o the_o least_o neglect_v with_o what_o do_v i_o keep_v you_o for_o and_o will_v rid_v thyself_o of_o such_o unprofitable_a encumbrance_n and_o will_v not_o retain_v a_o idle_a faithless_a servant_n in_o thy_o family_n a_o jade_n in_o thy_o stable_a a_o barren_a or_o unthristy_a creature_n among_o thy_o caâ—ttle_n or_o a_o fruitless_a tree_n in_o thy_o orchard_n and_o how_o dare_v thou_o be_v such_o towards_o the_o great_a king_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o thou_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o of_o thy_o fellow-creature_n to_o be_v towards_o thyself_o who_o be_v so_o far_o below_o he_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o once_o more_o compare_v the_o sweet_a and_o easy_a indulgence_n the_o gospel_n have_v provide_v for_o thou_o in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n with_o the_o hard_a service_n impose_v and_o exact_v under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n offer_v and_o communicate_v under_o this_o dispensation_n with_o the_o little_a help_n afford_v then_o how_o chargeable_a and_o costly_a be_v the_o sacrifice_n how_o long_o and_o tire_v the_o journey_n be_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n how_o insupportable_a the_o yoke_n of_o those_o observance_n and_o how_o small_a the_o aid_n afford_v what_o will_v thou_o have_v do_v then_o if_o thou_o stick_v if_o thou_o grudge_v if_o thou_o repine_v at_o what_o be_v now_o expect_v and_o shall_v be_v accept_v as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v wise_o to_o their_o master_n my_o father_n if_o the_o prophet_n have_v bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o thou_o wash_v and_o be_v clean_a 2_o king_n 5.13_o if_o god_n if_o christ_n have_v bid_v thou_o do_v some_o hard_a work_n will_v thou_o not_o do_v it_o to_o save_v thy_o soul_n for_o ever_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o way_n more_o easy_a than_o of_o old_a and_o offer_v and_o assure_v great_a help_n than_o then_o to_o enable_v thou_o to_o do_v it_o last_o compare_v thy_o work_n for_o the_o true_a god_n with_o what_o idolater_n and_o hypocrite_n perform_v to_o false_a one_o or_o to_o the_o true_a one_o false_o that_o you_o may_v be_v move_v to_o jealousy_n with_o those_o which_o be_v not_o a_o people_n and_o provoke_v by_o a_o foolish_a nation_n deut._n 32.21_o how_o do_v the_o worshipper_n of_o baal_n cry_v whole_a day_n and_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o how_o do_v the_o profelyte_n of_o rome_n whip_v themselves_o pour_v out_o their_o money_n to_o their_o wily_a priest_n which_o make_v merchandise_n of_o they_o for_o mass_n indulgence_n &_o c._n how_o do_v they_o lavish_a out_o gold_n and_o impoverish_v themselves_o and_o family_n to_o enrich_v the_o shrine_n of_o dead_a and_o dumb_a idol_n and_o undergo_v hard_a penance_n and_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n and_o all_o in_o vain_a lead_v only_o by_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o merit_v by_o what_o god_n will_v despise_v and_o how_o profuse_a will_n hypocrite_n be_v thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n yea_o what_o be_v dear_a still_o the_o first-born_a of_o their_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o soul_n mich._n 6._o how_o shall_v not_o only_o the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n but_o the_o great_a whore_n of_o the_o west_n rise_v up_o against_o you_o and_o condemn_v your_o sloth_n five_o we_o be_v under_o many_o great_a and_o indispensible_a engagement_n to_o diligence_n in_o this_o work_n we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o must_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n upon_o receive_v so_o many_o talent_n and_o opportunity_n by_o which_o we_o may_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o point_n of_o interest_n our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n if_o we_o will_v thus_o work_v a_o word_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o may_v serve_v first_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o authority_n who_o be_v our_o lord_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o keep_v his_o precept_n diligent_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n be_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n and_o life_n of_o this_o work_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n with_o all_o our_o may_v and_o all_o our_o strength_n every_o step_n in_o this_o way_n must_v be_v tread_v heedful_o see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a not_o at_o peradventure_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n prov._n 4.24_o joshua_n word_n be_v very_o press_v chap._n 22.5_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o do_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o law_n which_o moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n charge_v you_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o all_o your_o soul_n as_o we_o must_v agree_v quick_o with_o our_o adversary_n so_o we_o must_v give_v diligence_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o he_o we_o must_v not_o only_a work_n at_o but_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n as_o we_o must_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n so_o we_o must_v take_v most_o diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o
have_v bring_v it_o to_o perfection_n rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o have_v receive_v their_o wage_n why_o stand_v you_o here_o all_o the_o day_n idle_a matth._n 20_o 6._o who_o can_v plead_v the_o excuse_n of_o those_o who_o answer_v no_o man_n have_v hire_v we_o for_o you_o have_v be_v call_v to_o work_v a_o hundred_o yea_o a_o thousand_o time_n why_o be_v you_o slack_a to_o go_v up_o to_o possess_v the_o land_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v be_v it_o not_o a_o land_n that_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n that_o abound_v with_o river_n of_o pleasure_n and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n o_o fool_n that_o be_v so_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o great_a fool_n if_o you_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o lie_v still_o and_o with_o the_o sluggard_n cry_v a_o little_a more_o sleep_n a_o little_a more_o slumber_n a_o little_a more_o fold_v of_o the_o arm_n to_o sleep_n till_o death_n and_o judgement_n take_v you_o nap_v can_v thou_o sleep_v so_o secure_o on_o both_o ear_n as_o never_o to_o hear_v or_o be_v affright_v with_o a_o dream_n of_o those_o upbraid_a word_n matth._n 25.26_o thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n take_v from_o he_o the_o talon_n and_o cast_v you_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n verse_n 30._o how_o will_v thy_o mouth_n be_v stop_v when_o thy_o lord_n shall_v say_v to_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v thou_o thou_o wicked_a slothful_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n luk._n 19.22_o thou_o know_v that_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o work_n to_o do_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o that_o i_o will_v certain_o call_v thou_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n concern_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o why_o then_o do_v thou_o not_o attend_v it_o as_o it_o become_v thou_o as_o it_o concern_v thou_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o be_v condemn_v by_o another_o but_o to_o be_v self-condemned_a be_v of_o all_o the_o sad_a and_o such_o will_v be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o one_o who_o under_o such_o opportunity_n as_o thou_o enjoy_v neglect_v the_o work_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o do_v and_o give_v he_o so_o frequent_a and_o so_o faithful_a warning_n to_o dispatch_v in_o time_n the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o he_o be_v not_o '_o ware_n and_o will_v cut_v he_o in_o sunder_o and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o unbeliever_n and_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n st._n luk._n 12.46_o 47._o the_o three_o and_o last_o use_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v improve_v this_o truth_n be_v exhortation_n and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n suffer_v i_o with_o all_o possible_a earnestness_n to_o exhort_v you_o and_o with_o all_o humble_a importunity_n to_o entreat_v you_o to_o use_v the_o speed_n and_o diligence_n about_o this_o work_n which_o the_o case_n require_v yea_o excite_v and_o provoke_v yourselves_o and_o one_o another_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o work_n and_o shortness_n of_o your_o time_n by_o conscience_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o sense_n of_o your_o interest_n to_o acquit_v yourselves_o as_o become_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o a_o affair_n of_o such_o infinite_a consequence_n and_o because_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o most_o direct_a yea_o its_o primary_n aspect_n upon_o we_o minister_n with_o all_o submiss_a and_o inoffensive_a modesty_n i_o beg_v it_o of_o you_o first_o holy_a brethren_n suffer_v this_o word_n of_o exhortation_n what_o ever_o other_o do_v let_v we_o mind_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v we_o as_o become_v we_o and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o master_n be_v there_o a_o must_v for_o he_o be_v there_o a_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o a_o woe_n to_o he_o if_o he_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n be_v there_o a_o curse_n denounce_v against_o he_o that_o do_v god_n be_v work_n deceitful_o negligent_o slight_o and_o be_v those_o epithet_n so_o odious_a dumb_a dog_n greedy_a dog_n we_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o hear_v they_o though_o god_n himself_o impose_v they_o do_v a_o sleepy_a watchman_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n and_o be_v it_o most_o intolerable_a for_o the_o steward_n to_o be_v find_v unfaithful_a beyond_o all_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o family_n and_o yet_o shall_v we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o brand_a ourselves_o with_o these_o hateful_a character_n if_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a will_v that_o darkness_n be_v iâ—_n the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v vnsavoury_a whaâ—_n be_v it_o good_a for_o or_o wherewith_o shall_v it_o be_v season_v i_o question_v not_o but_o you_o have_v often_o read_v the_o three_o last_o verse_n of_o zech._n 11._o and_o will_v to_o god_n you_o will_v read_v they_o once_o a_o day_n at_o least_o that_o you_o will_v dwell_v upon_o the_o meditation_n of_o they_o one_o retire_a hour_n not_o to_o vex_v the_o word_n with_o force_a interpretation_n nor_o to_o vex_v your_o head_n with_o study_v evasion_n but_o to_o awaken_v your_o heart_n to_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o escape_v your_o danger_n i_o will_v transcribe_v the_o word_n faithful_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o take_v unto_o thou_o yet_o the_o instrument_n of_o a_o foolish_a shepherd_n for_o lo_o i_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o shepherd_n in_o the_o land_n which_o shall_v not_o visit_v those_o that_o be_v cut_v off_o neither_o shall_v seek_v the_o young_a one_o nor_o heal_v that_o that_o be_v break_v nor_o feed_v that_o that_o stand_v still_o but_o he_o shall_v eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o fat_a and_o tear_v their_o claw_n in_o piece_n wo_n to_o the_o idol_n shepherd_n that_o leave_v the_o flock_n the_o sword_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o arm_n and_o his_o right_a eye_n his_o arm_n shall_v be_v clean_o dry_v up_o and_o his_o right_a eye_n shall_v be_v utter_o darken_v however_o other_o may_v think_v good_a to_o treat_v i_o i_o will_v reproach_v no_o man_n expose_v no_o man_n provoke_v no_o man_n grieve_v no_o man_n they_o that_o be_v guiltless_a be_v not_o concern_v if_o any_o be_v guilty_a and_o be_v so_o be_v convince_v awaken_v quicken_v to_o their_o duty_n they_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o be_v thankful_a than_o to_o be_v angry_a of_o all_o man_n live_v we_o minister_n have_v most_o cause_n to_o mind_v our_o wâ—â—k_n with_o speed_n and_o diligence_n both_o as_o man_n and_z as_o minister_n first_o as_o men._n we_o have_v soul_n to_o save_v as_o well_o as_o our_o people_n and_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o our_o self_n that_o our_o self_n may_v be_v save_v and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o have_v need_n take_v care_n to_o be_v good_a betimes_o for_o it_o be_v a_o old_a observation_n that_o of_o all_o order_n of_o man_n wicked_a minister_n be_v most_o hardly_o and_o most_o rare_o reclaim_v and_o convert_v for_o which_o many_o obvious_a and_o convince_v reason_n be_v give_v which_o i_o will_v not_o digress_v to_o enumerate_v god_n will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o and_o they_o must_v be_v holy_a which_o bear_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o as_o minister_n give_v no_o offence_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o ministry_n be_v not_o blame_v but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.3_o 4._o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o deacon_n all_o must_v be_v blameless_a 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o how_o shall_v we_o quicken_v other_o if_o we_o be_v dull_a ourselves_o or_o lay_v those_o burden_n upon_o other_o which_o ourselves_o will_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o least_o of_o our_o finger_n thou_o that_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o thou_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do'â—â—â—hou_fw-mi steal_v etc._n etc._n see_v rom._n 2._o from_o the_o 18_o to_o the_o 25_o a_o careless_a minister_n provide_v excuse_n for_o his_o people_n and_o reproach_n for_o himself_o admit_v the_o meat_n be_v wholesome_a yet_o it_o will_v turn_v man_n stomach_n if_o it_o be_v dress_v with_o unclean_a or_o leprous_a hand_n the_o snuffer_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v to_o be_v of_o pure_a gold_n the_o iniquity_n of_o eli_n son_n make_v man_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o example_n of_o a_o careless_a life_n will_v pull_v down_o more_o in_o one_o day_n than_o the_o warm_a exhortation_n can_v build_v up_o in_o ten._n will_v thou_o therefore_o promote_v god_n
their_o duty_n and_o their_o wisdom_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o improve_v their_o opportunity_n speedy_o for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o i_o can_v make_v good_a by_o more_o than_o twenty_o of_o the_o best_a expositor_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o grasp_v the_o strength_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n into_o one_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a observation_n always_o useful_a and_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n very_o seasonable_a take_v it_o in_o these_o plain_a word_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o time_n allow_v and_o limit_v for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o in_o indispensable_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a speed_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o do_v of_o it_o i_o conceive_v these_o expression_n be_v fair_o commensurate_a with_o the_o text_n and_o as_o they_o leave_v out_o nothing_o which_o be_v material_a in_o it_o so_o they_o add_v nothing_o to_o it_o but_o what_o be_v evident_o comprehend_v in_o it_o as_o will_v be_v far_o manifest_v by_o explain_v these_o three_o particular_n 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o work_n we_o have_v to_o do_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o time_n or_o season_n allow_v to_o do_v it_o in_o call_v in_o the_o text_n a_o day_n or_o while_o it_o be_v day_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o limitation_n by_o which_o this_o time_n be_v bound_v and_o to_o which_o it_o be_v restrain_v which_o be_v partly_o imply_v in_o call_v it_o a_o day_n which_o be_v a_o definite_a and_o measure_a portion_n of_o time_n partly_o express_v in_o the_o word_n night_n which_o put_v a_o end_n and_o period_n to_o the_o day_n these_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o touch_v because_o he_o first_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o shall_v after_o whole_o wave_v and_o supersede_n be_v as_o to_o his_o work_n to_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a the_o promise_a messiah_n to_o reveal_v the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o his_o father_n to_o the_o world_n to_o show_v to_o man_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o declare_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o manifest_a both_o himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n by_o work_v many_o and_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o by_o speak_v as_o never_o any_o other_o man_n speak_v and_o do_v such_o work_n as_o never_o any_o other_o man_n do_v and_o approve_v himself_o mighty_a both_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n luk._n 24.19_o till_o he_o have_v confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o leave_v the_o incredulous_a and_o obstinate_a without_o excuse_n and_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a record_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v upon_o that_o occasion_n second_o for_o his_o day_n it_o be_v the_o time_n allot_v he_o of_o his_o father_n to_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n the_o season_n of_o his_o ministry_n the_o space_n in_o which_o a_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n from_o hinder_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o that_o be_v foretold_v concern_v he_o and_o to_o accomplish_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v do_v for_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o his_o people_n salvation_n before_o his_o last_o suffer_v three_o the_o night_n be_v his_o death_n and_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n the_o hour_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a in_o his_o passion_n st._n luk._n 22.53_o in_o which_o according_a to_o his_o father_n determinate_a counsel_n he_o do_v voluntary_o suspend_v his_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o will_v not_o deliver_v himself_o but_o suffer_v himself_o first_o to_o be_v apprehend_v and_o then_o condemn_v to_o die_v and_o then_o by_o wicked_a hand_n to_o be_v crucify_a and_o slay_v act._n 2.23_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o glance_v at_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n to_o who_o they_o be_v primary_o apply_v that_o this_o may_v facilitate_v the_o understanding_n of_o they_o as_o applicable_a to_o our_o ourselves_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o in_o the_o handle_n and_o improve_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v as_o it_o concern_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v st._n chrysostome_n from_o joh._n 6.28_o 29._o what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v that_o be_v the_o work_n he_o have_v enjoin_v we_o according_a to_o 1_o joh._n 3.23_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o you_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o work_n be_v to_o repent_v sincere_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n with_o our_o whole_a heart_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n thus_o gregory_n the_o great_a upon_o the_o four_o penitential_a psalm_n what_o be_v these_o work_n of_o his_o father_n which_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o day_n and_o not_o by_o night_n nisi_fw-la agri_fw-la intellectualis_fw-la cultura_fw-la the_o tillage_n and_o cultivate_v of_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n description_n of_o repentance_n agree_v well_o with_o jer._n 4.3_o 4._o break_v up_o your_o fallow_a ground_n and_o sow_v not_o among_o thorn_n circumcise_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v away_o the_o foreskin_n of_o your_o heart_n kill_v the_o thorn_n and_o weed_n of_o your_o lust_n and_o corruption_n by_o plough_v up_o the_o root_n of_o they_o by_o the_o plough_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n mortification_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n this_o work_n be_v to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v phil._n 2.12_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o become_v good_a man_n good_a christian_n and_o to_o live_v as_o become_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v such_o to_o get_v our_o peace_n make_v with_o heaven_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o die_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o save_v our_o own_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o work_n god_n have_v send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n for_o second_o the_o time_n the_o season_n allow_v we_o to_o do_v this_o work_n in_o be_v the_o day_n of_o our_o natural_a life_n as_o a_o good_a expositor_n upon_o the_o word_n the_o space_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v his_o day_n therefore_o as_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o day_n quicken_v workman_n to_o industry_n and_o sedulity_n lest_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n shall_v overtake_v they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o before_o their_o work_n be_v finish_v so_o we_o know_v the_o time_n of_o our_o life_n be_v but_o short_a shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o loiter_v and_o freeze_v in_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n and_o must_v not_o delay_v at_o all_o lest_o our_o opportunity_n slip_v from_o we_o past_a recovery_n and_o far_o our_o day_n be_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n while_o we_o have_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o while_o we_o have_v god_n ordinance_n without_o and_o the_o motion_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n within_o before_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v take_v from_o we_o or_o the_o blessing_n be_v take_v from_o the_o mean_n and_o god_n bless_a spirit_n for_o our_o often_o quench_v grieve_v and_o resist_v of_o he_o and_o refuse_v his_o proffer_a aid_n and_o gracious_a help_n withdraw_v and_o leave_v we_o and_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n over-shade_n yea_o over-whelm_a our_o mind_n as_o the_o dreadful_a beginning_n of_o eternal_a night_n three_o by_o night_n which_o limit_n our_o day_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o these_o two_o the_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o day_n and_o therefore_o it_o signify_v our_o natural_a death_n or_o any_o notable_a degree_n or_o tendency_n towards_o it_o loss_n of_o our_o sense_n reason_n or_o such_o decay_n of_o they_o as_o make_v we_o incapable_a of_o act_v as_o man_n in_o our_o great_a concern_v or_o the_o set_n of_o the_o gospel_n sun_n the_o removal_n of_o god_n kingdom_n and_o candlestick_n god_n departure_n from_o we_o and_o take_v away_o his_o light_n and_o guidance_n his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n without_o which_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o wander_v and_o wild_a and_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o do_v no_o work_n but_o what_o have_v death_n for_o its_o wage_n and_o find_v no_o
our_o all._n and_o if_o it_o honour_v he_o so_o much_o it_o can_v please_v he_o a_o little_a and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o sure_a a_o exceed_a great_a and_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n for_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o very_a cornerstone_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v heb._n 11.6_o the_o next_o head_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v draw_v motive_n to_o diligence_n be_v the_o evil_a of_o sloth_n for_o contrary_n expel_v each_o other_o now_o sloathfulness_n be_v out_o of_o measure_n evil._n the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d malus_n wicked_a as_o we_o common_o render_v it_o in_o its_o primary_n signification_n be_v ignavus_fw-la slothful_a to_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o sloth_n be_v the_o root_n and_o mother_n of_o all_o evil._n matth._n 25.26_o thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n the_o slothful_a servant_n be_v the_o wicked_a servant_n sloth_n be_v the_o devil_n anvil_n he_o forge_v and_o fashion_n all_o his_o temptation_n on_o it_o and_o thence_o produce_v and_o by_o it_o induce_v man_n into_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o danger_n as_o of_o idleness_n come_v no_o goodness_n so_o all_o evil_a issue_n from_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v cast_v out_o yet_o upon_o return_n find_v the_o house_n empty_a he_o reentered_n with_o seven_o worse_a than_o himself_o matth._n 12.44_o and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o first_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v convince_v and_o begin_v to_o leave_v thy_o wicked_a way_n and_o set_v thyself_o to_o be_v religious_a but_o be_v cold_a remiss_a formal_a slothful_a in_o it_o the_o devil_n will_v return_v upon_o thou_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o revenge_n for_o quit_v his_o work_n and_o make_v a_o escape_n and_o will_v clap_v more_o bolâ—s_n and_o strong_a iron_n on_o thou_o if_o a_o prisoner_n shall_v break_v the_o goal_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v out_o stand_v beg_v at_o the_o next_o door_n fit_a tipple_a at_o the_o next_o alehouse_n lie_v down_o and_o sleep_v by_o the_o high-way-side_n what_o will_v his_o escape_n avail_v he_o but_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o fast_o and_o be_v watch_v more_o narrow_o and_o be_v use_v more_o hardly_o though_o thou_o have_v escape_v from_o they_o who_o live_v in_o error_n and_o be_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o resolve_v to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n yet_o if_o thou_o be_v either_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o be_v zealous_a in_o religion_n will_v not_o add_v the_o power_n to_o the_o form_n will_v not_o be_v true_a in_o thy_o practice_n of_o thy_o true_a principle_n it_o will_v avail_v thou_o nothing_o read_v with_o attention_n 2_o pet._n 2._o three_o last_o verse_n if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o late_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v happen_v to_o they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a proverb_n the_o dog_n be_v turn_v to_o his_o own_o vomit_n again_o and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n i_o will_v touch_v the_o evil_a of_o sloth_n as_o i_o do_v the_o good_a of_o diligence_n with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o to_o other_o to_o god._n first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o mischievous_a yea_o destructive_a to_o thyself_o to_o be_v slothful_a in_o religion_n and_o deal_v in_o god_n work_n with_o a_o slack_a hand_n there_o be_v a_o passage_n in_o prov._n 18.9_o which_o well_o consider_v may_v mighty_o awaken_v we_o he_o that_o be_v slothful_a in_o his_o work_n be_v brother_n to_o he_o that_o be_v a_o great_a waster_n let_v we_o understand_v this_o as_o a_o spiritual_a aphorism_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o work_n which_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o than_o it_o imply_v thus_o much_o by_o the_o great_a waster_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v a_o flagtious_a wicked_a sinner_n who_o live_v in_o sinâ—_n which_o waste_n conscience_n as_o the_o school_n express_o call_v gross_a scandalous_a sin_n commit_v against_o common_a light_n peccata_fw-la vastantia_fw-la conscientiam_fw-la blasphemy_n swear_v damn_v whoredom_n debauchery_n malicious_a slander_v those_o who_o be_v good_a etc._n etc._n by_o the_o slothful_a in_o business_n be_v mean_v one_o who_o though_o he_o be_v free_a from_o profaneness_n and_o the_o open_a excess_n of_o the_o great_a waster_n yet_o have_v no_o heart_n no_o life_n no_o love_n no_o care_n to_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n or_o mind_n the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o go_v on_o a_o dream_v pace_n perform_v a_o few_o customary_a duty_n of_o religion_n for_o fashion-sake_n to_o be_v brother_n to_o one_o signify_v to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n bear_v to_o the_o same_o inheritance_n child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n member_n of_o the_o same_o family_n now_o the_o result_n of_o this_o be_v to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o these_o be_v alike_o miserable_a alike_o hateful_a to_o god_n and_o dangerous_a to_o themselves_o alike_o i_o mean_v for_o kind_a though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o for_o degree_n he_o that_o be_v busy_a in_o the_o devil_n work_n and_o he_o that_o be_v slothful_a in_o god_n work_n the_o tree_n which_o bring_v forth_o bad_a fruit_n and_o the_o tree_n which_o bear_v no_o good_a fruit_n he_o that_o be_v against_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o for_o god_n he_o that_o profane_v his_o name_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o glorify_v his_o name_n be_v both_o of_o the_o black_a regiment_n though_o they_o may_v be_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o their_o pay_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o same_o quarter_n provide_v for_o they_o the_o one_o may_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o more_o infamy_n enter_v the_o foregate_n in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o man_n the_o other_o may_v slip_v in_o at_o the_o back_n door_n with_o less_o noise_n or_o notice_n but_o they_o will_v certain_o meet_v there_o they_o be_v own_o brother_n and_o have_v title_n to_o the_o same_o inheritance_n though_o the_o spiritual_a hector_n which_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o restraint_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o a_o elder_a brother_n that_o be_v a_o double_a portion_n yet_o the_o other_o will_v undoubted_o come_v in_o for_o a_o child_n portion_n also_o now_o this_o negligence_n will_v hurt_v yea_o ruin_n man_n two_o way_n naturally_n or_o necessary_o moral_o or_o meritorious_o first_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o negligence_n be_v poverty_n and_o want_n the_o desire_n of_o the_o slothful_a kill_v he_o for_o his_o hand_n refuse_v to_o labour_n the_o sluggard_n will_v not_o plough_n by_o reason_n of_o cold_a therefore_o shall_v he_o beg_v in_o harvest_n and_o have_v nothing_o the_o grasshopper_n which_o sing_v away_o its_o summer_n die_v for_o hunger_n when_o the_o cold_a come_v i_o go_v by_o the_o field_n of_o tke_v slothful_a and_o by_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o man_n void_a of_o understanding_n and_o lo_o it_o be_v grow_v over_o with_o thorn_n and_o nettle_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n thereof_o and_o the_o stone-wall_n thereof_o be_v break_v down_o then_o i_o see_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o receive_v instruction_n yet_o a_o little_a sleep_n a_o little_a slumber_n a_o little_a fold_v of_o the_o hand_n to_o sleep_v so_o shall_v thy_o poverty_n come_v as_o one_o that_o travel_v and_o thy_o want_n as_o a_o arm_a man_n prov._n 25.30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o second_o it_o ruin_v meritorious_o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v as_o a_o just_a punishment_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o command_n that_o require_v diligence_n if_o any_o man_n will_v not_o labour_v neither_o let_v he_o eat_v 2_o thes_n 3.10_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v burn_v who_o will_v not_o hasten_v out_o of_o that_o house_n which_o be_v on_o fire_n about_o he_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a place_n jer._n 48.10_o curse_a be_v he_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n deceitful_o and_o mal._n 1._o be_v so_o large_a and_o so_o full_a to_o this_o purpose_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o it_o be_v too_o large_a to_o transcribe_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o turn_v your_o bibles_n and_o read_v it_o considerate_o to_o the_o end_n especial_o from_o the_o six_o verse_n it_o conclude_v thus_o after_o rebuke_v they_o for_o despise_v his_o name_n in_o offer_v pollute_a bread_n and_o the_o
care_n be_v that_o his_o child_n be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o become_v fruitful_a in_o the_o work_v of_o righteousness_n and_o to_o coerce_v and_o restrain_v those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o david_n have_v declare_v his_o resolution_n psal_n ci_fw-fr ult_n i_o will_v early_o destroy_v all_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o land_n that_o i_o may_v cut_v off_o all_o evil_a doer_n from_o the_o city_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o the_o three_o opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v every_o good_a man_n in_o the_o church_n which_o pray_v for_o other_o as_o st._n august_n bone_fw-la cultor_fw-la omnis_fw-la sanctus_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la qui_fw-la orat_fw-la etc._n etc._n or_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o allusion_n every_o man_n own_o conscience_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o vineyard_n conscience_n the_o keeper_n of_o it_o they_o make_v i_o keeper_n of_o the_o vineyard_n but_o my_o own_o vineyard_n have_v i_o not_o keep_v cant._n i._n 6._o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o god_n to_o convince_v man_n conscience_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o unfruitfulness_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n which_o be_v congruous_o express_v here_o o_o sinner_n i_o have_v come_v three_o year_n seek_v for_o fruit_n on_o thou_o and_o find_v none_o and_o thereupon_o bid_v conscience_n do_v its_o office_n check_n rebuke_v and_o even_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o four_o but_o the_o most_o receive_a opinion_n and_o what_o may_v seem_v most_o proper_a be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o ordinary_a gloss_n make_v it_o the_o apostle_n st._n gregory_n ordo_fw-la praepositorum_fw-la it_o be_v proper_o their_o work_n to_o plant_v and_o to_o water_v what_o be_v plant_v to_o dig_v and_o to_o manure_v the_o lord_n garden_n i_o have_v plant_v apollo_n water_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n three_o 6._o now_o there_o may_v be_v these_o reason_n why_o god_n direct_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o people_n fault_n 1._o to_o awaken_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n if_o they_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o they_o as_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v we_o too_o often_o be_v 2._o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n that_o they_o may_v not_o contract_v guilt_n by_o their_o negligence_n what_o god_n speak_v to_o ezekiel_n in_o another_o comparison_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v in_o this_o eze._n iii._o 17_o 18_o 19_o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o watchman_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n therefore_o hear_v the_o word_n from_o my_o mouth_n and_o give_v they_o warning_n from_o i_o when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o thou_o give_v he_o not_o warning_n nor_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n to_o save_v his_o life_n the_o same_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n yet_o if_o thou_o warn_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o turn_v not_o from_o his_o wickedness_n nor_o from_o his_o wicked_a way_n he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o thou_o have_v deliver_v thy_o soul_n so_o here_o i_o have_v make_v thou_o the_o dresser_n of_o my_o vineyard_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o thy_o duty_n to_o make_v the_o tree_n fruitful_a they_o shall_v be_v cut_v down_o for_o their_o unfruitfulness_n but_o i_o will_v lay_v their_o unfruitfulness_n to_o thy_o charge_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v barren_a notwithstanding_o thou_o have_v do_v thy_o part_n to_o make_v they_o bear_v fruit_n they_o shall_v be_v cut_v down_o but_o thou_o have_v deliver_v thy_o own_o soul_n 3._o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o god_n love_v to_o have_v intercession_n make_v for_o his_o people_n and_o wonder_n when_o none_o will_v do_v it_o isa_n lix_o 16._o he_o wonder_v there_o be_v no_o intercessor_n ezek._n xxii_o 30._o i_o seek_v for_o a_o man_n among_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v up_o the_o hedge_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n before_o i_o for_o the_o land_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o destroy_v it_o and_o i_o find_v none_o therefore_o i_o lower_v out_o my_o indignation_n upon_o they_o and_o consume_v they_o and_o joel_n two_o 17._o it_o be_v enjoin_v express_o let_v the_o priest_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n weep_v between_o the_o porch_n and_o the_o altar_n and_o let_v they_o say_v spare_v thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o give_v not_o thy_o heritage_n to_o reproach_n when_o sodom_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v with_o and_o god_n come_v down_o to_o see_v whether_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v he_o will_v first_o acquaint_v abraham_n with_o it_o that_o he_o may_v pray_v and_o plead_v for_o they_o and_o never_o leave_v grant_v till_o he_o leave_v ask_v on_o their_o behalf_n and_o when_o god_n threaten_v to_o consume_v the_o israelite_n as_o in_o a_o moment_n moses_n and_o aaron_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n num._n xuj_o 45._o and_o aaron_n at_o moses_n direction_n take_v a_o censer_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o put_v on_o incense_n the_o type_n of_o prayer_n and_o stand_v between_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a and_o make_v atonement_n and_o the_o plague_n be_v stay_v and_o psal_n cvi_fw-la 23._o he_o say_v he_o will_v have_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o here_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n hear_v the_o doom_n cut_v it_o down_o he_o fall_v to_o intercede_v lord_n let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o and_o indeed_o mutual_a prayer_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v exceed_o needful_a and_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n see_v eph._n iii._o 14_o 20._o col._n i._n 9_o 12._o 1_o thessaly_n v._o 23._o and_o 2_o thessaly_n iii._o 1._o brethren_n pray_v for_o we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v free_a course_n heb._n xiii_o 18._o rom._n xv_o 30._o and_o i_o just_o fear_v the_o neglect_n or_o cold_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o small_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o people_n i_o exhort_v and_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o that_o it_o may_v be_v mend_v second_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o verse_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o three_o year_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o interpretation_n give_v of_o they_o to_o touch_v but_o a_o few_o eman._n sa_o out_o of_o st._n ambrose_n expound_v it_o thus_o he_o come_v to_o abraham_n in_o circumcision_n to_o moses_n in_o the_o law_n to_o mary_n in_o his_o incarnation_n that_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o these_o but_o they_o be_v not_o purify_v by_o circumcision_n because_o they_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n not_o sanctify_v by_o the_o law_n because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o virtue_n not_o justify_v because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o repent_v itaque_fw-la nullus_fw-la in_o synagoga_fw-la fructus_fw-la inventus_fw-la st._n gregory_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o write_a law_n and_o the_o gospel_n other_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o government_n by_o which_o god_n discipline_v that_o people_n to_o obedience_n judge_n king_n h._n priest_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a theophilact_fw-mi of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o period_n of_o man_n age_n youth_n manhood_n old_a age._n or_o rather_o thus_o childhood_n youth_n and_o the_o mature_a estate_n of_o manhood_n then_o remain_v only_o the_o four_o of_o old_a age_n and_o if_o the_o error_n and_o unfruitfulness_n of_o those_o be_v not_o redeem_v by_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o this_o then_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n but_o down_o it_o must_v for_o ever_o other_o literal_o of_o the_o three_o year_n of_o christ_n public_a ministry_n i_o will_v name_v no_o more_o nor_o stay_v to_o censure_v these_o but_o i_o rather_o suppose_v the_o true_a meaning_n to_o be_v without_o any_o mystery_n in_o the_o number_n that_o it_o signify_v many_o time_n a_o definite_a number_n be_v put_v for_o a_o indefinite_a i_o have_v come_v again_o and_o again_o and_o again_o that_o be_v very_o often_o and_o there_o be_v a_o conjecture_n why_o he_o pitch_v upon_o three_o year_n draw_v from_o a_o observation_n which_o naturalist_n make_v that_o if_o the_o figtree_n begin_v not_o to_o bear_v within_o three_o year_n after_o its_o plant_n it_o will_v never_o bear_v after_o but_o to_o pass_v that_o also_o as_o a_o uncertain_a thing_n and_o so_o anicity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o interpret_v it_o for_o often_o the_o ternary_a number_n be_v use_v so_o almost_o proverbial_o si_fw-mi ter_z pulsanti_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o
jesus_n christ_n to_o make_v a_o barren_a heart_n fruitful_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v first_o well_o dig_v about_o by_o the_o spade_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o root_n of_o it_o lay_v bare_a and_o open_a to_o receive_v the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o will_v or_o do_v intercede_v to_o have_v a_o barren_a a_o impenitent_a people_n spare_v must_v add_v to_o his_o prayer_n for_o they_o his_o best_a his_o utmost_a endeavour_n with_o they_o to_o dig_v about_o they_o first_o by_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n rebuke_v and_o reprove_v they_o cutting_o till_o like_o st._n peter_n hearer_n act_v two_o they_o be_v trick_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o denounce_v the_o law_n curse_n and_o god_n judgement_n by_o show_v they_o their_o lose_a and_o undo_v condition_n by_o strip_v they_o of_o all_o their_o excuse_n and_o false_a confidence_n by_o teach_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o by_o urge_v and_o press_v they_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_z removing_z all_o their_o presumption_n of_o peace_n and_o safety_n while_o they_o continue_v ignorant_a and_o destitute_a of_o god_n righteousness_n which_o lie_v like_o cold_a earth_n and_o clungy_a sullen_a loam_n about_o their_o heart_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o draw_v any_o nourishment_n which_o may_v make_v they_o thrive_v or_o bear_v the_o fruit_n which_o god_n expect_v and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v then_o lay_v fresh_a mould_n and_o mellow_a tender_a earth_n about_o they_o then_o offer_v and_o apply_v unto_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n peace_n and_o life_n through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n exhort_v invite_a persuade_v beseech_v allure_a and_o by_o the_o holy_a violence_n of_o love_n even_o constrain_a and_o compel_v they_o to_o turn_v come_v in_o and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v a_o barren_a tree_n bear_v fruit_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v a_o stubborn_a and_o a_o harden_a sinner_n yield_v and_o relent_v repent_v and_o amend_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o god_n this_o will_v do_v it_o and_o if_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o and_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o this_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n contain_v the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n submiss_a concession_n and_o willing_a yield_n to_o the_o put_v the_o sentence_n of_o excision_n and_o cut_v the_o fruitless_a tree_n down_o as_o most_o equitable_a and_o just_a if_o it_o still_o continue_v fruitless_a after_o more_o patience_n and_o more_o pain_n and_o cost_n allow_v it_o and_o bestow_v upon_o it_o in_o vain_a if_o it_o bear_v fruit._n it_o be_v a_o imperfect_a speech_n in_o which_o somewhat_o be_v express_v and_o somewhat_o suppress_v which_o be_v ta_fw-fr be_v supply_v and_o understand_v a_o form_n of_o speak_v which_o man_n use_v when_o they_o speak_v with_o emotion_n vehemency_n and_o a_o great_a pathos_n aposiopesis_fw-la or_o anantopodoton_n a_o figure_n proper_a to_o and_o of_o frequent_a use_n in_o the_o attic_a dialect_n it_o be_v seldom_o hard_a to_o supply_v it_o and_o make_v the_o sense_n perfect_a in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o obvious_a thou_o shall_v suffer_v it_o to_o stand_v and_o not_o cut_v it_o down_o our_o translatour_n have_v do_v it_o brief_o yet_o sufficient_o well_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v when_o we_o exhort_v persuade_v threaten_v promise_n with_o a_o employ_v condition_n if_o you_o will_v do_v so_o or_o so_o well_o and_o good_a if_o not_o then_o take_v what_o follow_v so_o here_o if_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n will_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n than_o god_n will_v put_v all_o his_o past_a iniquity_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n and_o will_v spare_v and_o not_o destroy_v he_o and_o there_o be_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v a_o great_a efficacy_n in_o the_o suppress_n of_o the_o answer_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n give_v consent_n by_o his_o silence_n and_o say_v much_o by_o say_v nothing_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v he_o yield_v and_o be_v content_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o annuit_fw-la such_o a_o gracious_a hold_v of_o his_o peace_n be_v as_o significative_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v as_o elsewhere_o say_v to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o and_o this_o manner_n of_o intimate_v have_v mind_n have_v its_o great_a usefulness_n it_o give_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n never_o doubt_v it_o question_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o no_o man_n plant_n tree_n in_o his_o orchard_n mere_o to_o make_v fuel_n of_o but_o to_o bear_v fruit_n and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o they_o shall_v stand_v to_o answer_v that_o end_n than_o cut_v they_o down_o to_o be_v burn_v and_o when_o they_o answer_v his_o first_o desire_n and_o design_n will_v never_o do_v it_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o rather_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o the_o tree_n which_o have_v be_v long_o barren_a the_o christian_n which_o have_v be_v long_o unfruitful_a yet_o if_o upon_o dig_v and_o dung_v if_o upon_o new_a endeavour_n and_o fresh_a application_n make_v to_o he_o he_o bear_v fruit_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v it_o you_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a on_o it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v he_o shall_v be_v spare_v and_o not_o cut_v down_o he_o shall_v sure_o live_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v ezeck_n xviii_o 21._o but_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o if_o it_o do_v not_o bear_v fruit_n after_o all_o this_o patience_n with_o it_o in_o spare_v it_o another_o year_n and_o all_o the_o cost_n and_o pain_n of_o dig_v and_o dung_v it_o then_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o spare_v not_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v for_o it_o i_o will_v never_o speak_v word_n more_o in_o its_o behalf_n they_o who_o after_o long_a barrenness_n add_v a_o secure_a and_o obstinate_a unfruitfulness_n against_o a_o fresh_a indulge_v patience_n and_o renew_v call_v warning_n and_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n shall_v be_v sure_o sudden_o severe_o cut_v down_o without_o excuse_n apology_n or_o pity_n according_a to_o that_o of_o solomon_n proverb_n xxix_o 1._o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n he_o flee_v to_o the_o pit_n let_v no_o man_n stay_v he_o we_o may_v sum_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o two_o verse_n in_o this_o short_a recapitulation_n by_o way_n of_o paraphrase_n as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v plain_o to_o this_o sense_n o_o lord_n i_o humble_o acknowledge_v thou_o have_v exercise_v great_a long-suffering_a and_o show_v much_o mercy_n already_o to_o this_o sinful_a people_n to_o this_o and_o that_o impenitent_a man_n and_o woman_n yet_o i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o thy_o mere_a mercy_n sake_n spare_v they_o a_o little_a long_o try_v they_o yet_o once_o more_o and_o give_v i_o leave_v opportunity_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o danger_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o and_o i_o promise_v and_o engage_v myself_o by_o thy_o grace_n to_o do_v all_o that_o art_n and_o industry_n can_v do_v all_o that_o christian_a charity_n and_o my_o ministerial_a compassion_n and_o office_n can_v do_v proportionable_a to_o those_o talent_n and_o ability_n thou_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o intrust_v i_o with_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o by_o thy_o blessing_n those_o endeavour_n succeed_v and_o prosper_v i_o know_v o_o lord_n thou_o will_v of_o thy_o goodness_n pardon_v what_o be_v past_a and_o spare_v they_o and_o repeal_v thy_o sentence_n and_o repent_v thou_o of_o the_o evil_n denounce_v against_o they_o but_o if_o after_o thy_o grant_v what_o i_o have_v pray_v and_o my_o perform_v what_o i_o have_v promise_v they_o will_v take_v no_o warning_n but_o continue_v secure_a and_o obstinate_a as_o hitherto_o then_o lord_n do_v with_o they_o as_o thou_o please_v execute_v upon_o they_o what_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n thy_o justice_n will_v be_v clear_a i_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o their_o blood_n they_o will_v be_v without_o excuse_n and_o all_o the_o fault_n and_o guilt_n will_v light_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n cut_v they_o down_o and_o spare_v not_o i_o will_v not_o i_o can_v speak_v one_o word_n more_o in_o their_o
strike_v he_o down_o and_o he_o rise_v up_o a_o paul_n lord_n let_v we_o humble_o claim_v what_o thou_o have_v so_o gracious_o proclaim_v and_o thou_o have_v proclaim_v thy_o name_n thy_o own_o name_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n even_o the_o lord_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n exod._n xxxiv_o 6._o yea_o so_o long-suffering_a that_o thou_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 2_o pet._n three_o 9_o to_o prevent_v their_o perish_v in_o this_o sense_n we_o will_v and_o to_o this_o sense_n do_v all_o good_a and_o faithful_a minister_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o their_o people_n but_o we_o must_v not_o only_o intercede_v for_o you_o but_o we_o must_v also_o intercede_v with_o you_o in_o god_n behalf_n for_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n v._o 20._o and_o we_o must_v not_o only_o entreat_v you_o but_o we_o must_v treat_v with_o you_o argue_v debate_n and_o reason_n out_o the_o case_n with_o you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v why_o will_v you_o not_o return_v why_o will_v you_o forsake_v your_o own_o mercy_n why_o will_v you_o lay_v out_o your_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o strength_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o why_o will_v you_o prefer_v a_o break_a cistern_n which_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n before_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n itself_o why_o will_v you_o choose_v the_o puddle_n of_o the_o empoison_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n before_o the_o heal_n crystal_a stream_n those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right-hand_n for_o ever_o more_o yea_o we_o must_v add_v our_o hard_a labour_n to_o our_o soft_a prayer_n and_o our_o dear_a cost_n to_o our_o cheap_a request_n we_o must_v dig_v about_o you_o and_o manure_v you_o you_o be_v god_n husbandry_n and_o building_n and_o we_o must_v till_o and_o dress_v you_o and_o build_v you_o up_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o out_o skill_n and_o industry_n and_o though_o this_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o hour_n or_o a_o day_n but_o of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o ministry_n yet_o suffer_v i_o to_o attempt_v it_o so_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v bear_v and_o first_o i_o must_v dig_v about_o you_o that_o be_v loosen_v and_o remove_v the_o cling_v the_o cold_a the_o hard_a and_o clutchy_n loam_n and_o hungry_a earth_n from_o about_o your_o root_n which_o chill_a and_o stunt_fw-la and_o starve_v you_o that_o you_o bear_v no_o fruit_n in_o god_n vineyard_n that_o be_v your_o indulge_v lust_n and_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o gnaw_v at_o your_o heart_n spoil_v both_o your_o growth_n and_o fruitfulness_n your_o carnal_a security_n your_o ignorant_a and_o bold_a presumption_n your_o trust_n in_o your_o outward_a privilege_n and_o false_a confidence_n in_o your_o formal_a duty_n and_o customary_a performance_n and_o self-flattery_n as_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o your_o attainment_n and_o good_a progress_n you_o reckon_v you_o have_v make_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o have_v a_o unhappy_a aptitude_n to_o hinder_v your_o bear_a fruit_n and_o make_v you_o barren_a in_o some_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o rock_n prevent_v the_o take_a root_n in_o other_o the_o thorn_n draw_v away_o the_o good_a nourishment_n or_o grow_v up_o about_o it_o shade_n and_o over_o drop_v it_o keep_v away_o the_o sun_n and_o wether_n and_o stifle_v and_o pinch_v it_o up_o it_o have_v no_o room_n to_o spread_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n choke_v the_o seed_n and_o the_o plant_n that_o they_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n mark_v four_o 19_o in_o other_o the_o over-value_a of_o their_o outward_a privilege_n as_o those_o jew_n jeremiah_n write_v of_o chap._n seven_o who_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o those_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n st._n john_n viij_o we_o be_v abraham_n seed_n we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n or_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o attainment_n like_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n rev._n iii._o who_o say_v she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v in_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o or_o boast_v in_o their_o formal_a duty_n as_o that_o pharisee_fw-mi luk._n xviii_o i_o fast_o twice_o a_o week_n i_o pay_v tithe_n of_o all_o i_o possess_v or_o proud_a compare_v yourselves_o with_o some_o notorious_a flagitious_a sinner_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o not_o like_o such_o a_o one_o nor_o do_v like_o such_o a_o one_o nor_o like_o that_o publican_n some_o of_o these_o or_o something_o like_o these_o lie_v at_o the_o root_n of_o most_o man_n heart_n and_o chill_v or_o starve_v or_o bind_v or_o choke_v they_o that_o they_o bear_v no_o fruit_n nor_o answer_v god_n expectation_n though_o they_o have_v a_o stand_n in_o his_o church_n so_o many_o now_o a_o day_n and_o it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o yourselves_o be_v prone_a to_o say_v we_o be_v good_a protestant_n we_o be_v no_o papist_n no_o nor_o we_o be_v no_o fanatic_n but_o we_o be_v true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v be_v baptize_v we_o keep_v our_o church_n we_o say_v our_o prayer_n we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o if_o the_o outward_a wash_n will_v save_v you_o without_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o make_v your_o covenant_n with_o god_n without_o the_o keep_n of_o it_o or_o come_v to_o church_n without_o learning_n or_o practise_v what_o you_o be_v here_o teach_v or_o call_v upon_o god_n without_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n though_o they_o be_v full_a of_o blood_n bribe_n or_o oppression_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n or_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v or_o stand_v in_o the_o vineyard_n without_o bear_v fruit._n when_o that_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o god_n controversy_n with_o you_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o hasten_v your_o ruin_n and_o you_o may_v stand_v long_o in_o a_o hedg-row_n or_o on_o a_o common_a than_o in_o god_n enclosure_n now_o as_o when_o the_o gardener_n dig_v about_o a_o tree_n it_o be_v to_o loosen_v the_o cling_v earth_n take_v away_o the_o bad_a lie_v open_a the_o root_n that_o he_o may_v lay_v better_o to_o they_o as_o be_v touch_v before_o such_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o spiritual_a our_o ministerial_a dig_v about_o your_o heart_n and_o as_o i_o conceive_v this_o expression_n be_v equivalent_a to_o that_o of_o break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o plough_v up_o the_o weed_n and_o thorn_n and_o make_v it_o mellow_a and_o tender_a to_o receive_v the_o seed_n as_o that_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o plough_n of_o the_o law_n so_o must_v this_o with_o the_o spade_n of_o the_o law_n docendo_fw-la monendo_fw-la convincendo_fw-la redarguendo_fw-la by_o teach_v admonish_a convince_a reprove_v threaten_a as_o a_o good_a expositor_n express_v it_o which_o be_v all_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o law_n that_o we_o may_v therefore_o apply_v ourselves_o right_o to_o this_o work_n in_o the_o 29_o of_o deuteronomy_n verse_n 18._o we_o read_v of_o a_o root_n bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n very_o bad_a very_o bitter_a fruit_n and_o the_o next_o verse_n describe_v he_o to_o be_v one_o that_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o say_v he_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o he_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n and_o the_o 12._o verse_n before_o and_o the_o 25._o after_o seem_v to_o intimate_v the_o ground_n or_o occasion_n of_o that_o his_o confidence_n because_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o if_o that_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o danger_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o observe_v with_o what_o spade_n moses_n himself_o dig_v about_o this_o root_n verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v separate_v he_o unto_o evil_n out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o law_n read_v what_o follow_v at_o your_o leisure_n as_o also_o deut._n xxviii_o more_o large_o from_o verse_n xv_o to_o the_o end_n which_o contain_v 54._o verse_n and_o many_o more_o