the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
be_v plant_v wherever_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v he_o expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o seed_n be_v good_a and_o most_o of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soil_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o for_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o therefore_o most_o natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o great_a plenty_n there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o god_n word_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v water_v sufficient_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o man_n that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o at_o our_o peril_n we_o must_v all_o be_v fruitful_a none_o of_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o our_o great_a lord_n empty_a lest_o the_o punishment_n of_o barrenness_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o we_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n this_o seed_n then_o or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o actual_o sow_o the_o christian_a religion_n plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n do_v on_o god_n part_n in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v fruitful_a and_o which_o according_o he_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o nothing_o make_v it_o otherwise_o that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o or_o scatter_v by_o the_o way_n side_n which_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n we_o must_v not_o be_v think_v less_o and_o inconsiderate_a after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v like_o a_o highway_n lay_v open_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o comer_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o wander_a useless_a and_o wicked_a thought_n which_o throng_v in_o abundance_n will_v trample_v down_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o more_o appear_v be_v no_o more_o think_v of_o or_o remember_v by_o we_o nor_o must_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o legion_n who_o like_o bird_n of_o prey_n hover_v over_o we_o continual_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o catch_v away_o immediate_o those_o good_a instruction_n instill_a into_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v grow_v into_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o which_o they_o see_v lie_v scatter_v and_o unregarded_a by_o we_o and_o unobserved_a throw_v in_o their_o place_n the_o seed_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o like_o ill_a weed_n will_v flourish_v any_o where_n and_o grow_v apace_o thus_o heedless_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n must_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v but_o by_o recollection_n of_o thought_n advert_v close_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exclude_v all_o wander_a and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o careful_o gather_v up_o those_o notion_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v scatter_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o some_o order_n and_o connexion_n and_o infix_v they_o by_o meditation_n still_o deep_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o dry_a barren_a and_o common_a way_n for_o all_o temptation_n and_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o numerous_a and_o vain_a and_o incoherent_a fancy_n we_o shall_v by_o serious_a attention_n to_o those_o concern_v truth_n that_o we_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v make_v our_o soul_n as_o solomon_n express_v it_o a_o garden_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o 4.12_o cant._n 4.12_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v and_o then_o no_o fear_n of_o the_o seed_n be_v tread_v down_o or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o it_o will_v remain_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o will_v bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n second_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o in_o stony_a and_o rocky_a place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n lest_o it_o spring_v up_o too_o hasty_o and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v hot_a it_o be_v scorch_a and_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n that_o be_v as_o our_o lord_n interpret_v it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o have_v a_o extempore_o superficial_a religion_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v only_o for_o a_o while_n but_o likewise_o to_o endure_v and_o not_o be_v offend_v or_o discourage_v though_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o rocky_a hearer_n that_o perhaps_o be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v handsomse_o tell_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o hear_v a_o well-penned_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o present_a ready_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o be_v discourse_v to_o they_o and_o believe_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o rejoice_v at_o the_o news_n of_o be_v freeed_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o be_v make_v child_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n immediate_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o infinite_o reward_v and_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o conducive_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o such_o endless_a bliss_n hereafter_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o please_v in_o the_o theory_n to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o hearer_n that_o like_o rocky_a place_n have_v only_o a_o surface_n of_o good_a earth_n and_o retain_v this_o good_a affection_n to_o religion_n but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n be_v impenetrable_a as_o a_o rock_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o shoot_v so_o deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o take_v so_o firm_a a_o root_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n their_o spring_n be_v quick_o over_o a_o blade_n or_o a_o stalk_v be_v the_o far_a progress_n their_o religion_n make_v and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o or_o any_o opposition_n to_o it_o either_o without_o from_o man_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n temptation_n within_o for_o want_v of_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o moisture_n they_o fall_v and_o wither_v away_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o promise_n they_o will_v with_o joy_n indeed_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a nay_o that_o happiness_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a that_o at_o present_a they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o for_o a_o spurt_n set_v cheerful_o about_o it_o and_o a_o shallow_a crust_n of_o earth_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n but_o unless_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o pliable_a and_o there_o be_v deepness_n of_o earth_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v that_o this_o divine_a seed_n shall_v take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o likewise_o the_o moisture_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o our_o former_a barrenness_n and_o stony_a hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o word_n will_v take_v but_o shallow_a root_n for_o all_o our_o sudden_a rapture_n and_o upon_o upon_o every_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o languish_v and_o wither_v especial_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n strike_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o too_o often_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o man_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o insensible_a than_o ever_o those_o therefore_o that_o find_v themselves_o of_o this_o rocky_a temper_n so_o difficult_a to_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o so_o ready_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o theory_n of_o it_o admire_v the_o promise_n of_o christianity_n but_o find_v great_a resistance_n in_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o fruitful_a piety_n these_o person_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v still_o
prevent_v their_o run_n into_o course_n ruinous_a and_o to_o shield_v they_o from_o the_o mischievous_a assault_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o before_o or_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v observe_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v teach_v he_o without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v angel_n then_o present_a as_o observer_n and_o witness_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v and_o discourse_v it_o be_v then_o thus_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v observer_n of_o man_n life_n and_o action_n especial_o of_o those_o of_o christian_n as_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o as_o minister_n of_o his_o divine_a government_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o make_v curious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n appoint_v angel_n to_o observe_v and_o minister_v to_o we_o since_o nothing_o escape_v his_o own_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o his_o own_o almighty_a arm_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o all_o deep_a place_n nor_o of_o what_o rank_n and_o order_n those_o angel_n be_v and_o how_o many_o that_o be_v thus_o employ_v and_o whether_o every_o man_n have_v a_o particular_a angel_n assign_v he_o as_o his_o guardian_n and_o the_o inspector_n of_o his_o action_n which_o thing_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o mortal_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o they_o but_o shall_v make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o this_o particular_a relate_n to_o our_o practice_n that_o since_o we_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o who_o concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n be_v very_o great_a since_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o most_o secret_a action_n and_o though_o invisible_a and_o unobserved_a themselves_o be_v our_o curious_a observer_n methinks_v we_o that_o be_v ourselves_o but_o in_o one_o rank_n of_o be_v below_o they_o here_o and_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o shall_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v find_v by_o they_o wallow_v like_o swine_n in_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n degrade_n ourselves_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o in_o base_a hypocrisy_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n when_o indeed_o we_o act_v like_o infidel_n nay_o too_o often_o like_o devil_n incarnate_a how_o do_v those_o good_a spirit_n though_o they_o may_v pity_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n yet_o withal_o despise_v and_o abominate_a the_o servile_a baseness_n of_o such_o excellent_a nature_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n yet_o quit_v their_o heavenly_a reversion_n for_o the_o low_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o contemptible_a earth_n methinks_v shame_n shall_v deter_v we_o from_o vile_a and_o impious_a action_n if_o nothing_o else_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n not_o suffer_v we_o to_o act_v so_o much_o beneath_o ourselves_o and_o a_o man_n not_o brutish_o impudent_a shall_v not_o endure_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o angel_n in_o such_o vile_a circumstance_n as_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v find_v in_o by_o any_o man_n he_o reverence_v and_o respect_n nay_o by_o a_o servant_n or_o a_o child_n and_o as_o the_o angel_n be_v observer_n of_o human_a action_n so_o be_v they_o god_n intelligencer_n to_o give_v he_o account_v of_o they_o not_o that_o god_n need_v such_o information_n for_o every_o thing_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o own_o all_o see_a eye_n but_o for_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decorum_n of_o his_o government_n and_o this_o their_o office_n they_o perform_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o tare_n discern_v by_o they_o to_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn_n the_o formal_a empty_a christian_n to_o be_v intermix_v with_o the_o sincere_o good_a but_o they_o hasten_v to_o give_v account_n of_o it_o to_o their_o great_a master_n and_z as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o great_a dishonour_n reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o pure_a of_o religion_n by_o their_o base_a hypocrisy_n and_o impious_a conversation_n they_o offer_v with_o his_o permission_n to_o remove_v those_o evil_a doer_n those_o not_o only_o unprofitable_a but_o wicked_a servant_n as_o unworthy_a to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o so_o sacred_a a_o society_n as_o that_o of_o christian_n will_v thou_o that_o we_o gather_v they_o up_o say_v they_o will_v thou_o permit_v we_o to_o weed_v this_o thy_o great_a field_n of_o those_o noxious_a tare_n to_o cull_v out_o the_o empty_a nominal_a christian_n and_o exert_v that_o power_n thou_o have_v give_v we_o to_o their_o deserve_a ruin_n that_o the_o residue_n of_o thy_o servant_n may_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o keep_v from_o their_o abomination_n and_o that_o those_o bless_a spirit_n that_o angelic_a host_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v this_o service_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o remember_v how_o one_o angel_n in_o one_o night_n destroy_v all_o the_o first-born_a in_o egypt_n now_o this_o their_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n shall_v put_v we_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o do_v god_n will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v that_o we_o who_o here_o on_o earth_n 20.36_o luk._n 20.36_o be_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o shall_v in_o heaven_n be_v equal_a to_o they_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_v they_o as_o we_o can_v and_o with_o the_o utmost_a cheerfulness_n alacrity_n and_o diligence_n perform_v the_o duty_n our_o great_a governor_n have_v set_v we_o and_o with_o a_o prudent_a zeal_n endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a station_n by_o discountenance_v vice_n and_o encourage_v and_o promote_a virtue_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o reputation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n if_o magistrate_n will_v take_v due_a notice_n of_o those_o that_o live_v scandalous_o and_o wicked_o and_o not_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil-doer_n and_o praise_n and_o encourage_v those_o that_o do_v well_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v style_v angel_n in_o scripture_n will_v act_v like_o the_o angel_n in_o this_o parable_n and_o curious_o inspect_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o by_o such_o method_n as_o the_o law_n allow_v either_o turn_v the_o tare_n into_o good_a seed_n which_o though_o impossible_a in_o nature_n yet_o may_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v often_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n or_o pluck_v they_o up_o if_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a if_o governor_n of_o private_a family_n warm_v with_o the_o like_a holy_a zeal_n will_v take_v the_o like_a measure_n and_o either_o reform_v their_o irreligious_a servant_n and_o dependent_n or_o else_o rid_v themselves_o of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o due_a legal_a punishment_n if_o this_o wholesome_a course_n be_v take_v with_o due_a diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o prudence_n vice_n will_v soon_o be_v dishearten_v and_o virtue_n more_o and_o more_o thrive_v and_o increase_v god_n honour_n will_v be_v vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n redeem_v our_o own_o temporal_a happiness_n advance_v and_o innumerable_a soul_n save_v that_o otherwise_o will_v for_o ever_o have_v perish_v and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o work_n true_o worthy_a of_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o angelic_a undertake_n and_o every_o man_n that_o pray_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v bind_v in_o his_o own_o sphere_n and_o according_a to_o his_o best_a ability_n to_o promote_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o petition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o expect_v and_o hope_n to_o have_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o follow_a petition_n and_o receive_v his_o daily_a bread_n and_o have_v his_o trespass_n forgive_v he_o and_o to_o be_v preserve_v or_o support_v in_o temptation_n and_o deliver_v from_o evil._n the_o five_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n as_o yet_o to_o gather_v out_o the_o tare_n from_o among_o the_o good_a seed_n to_o discriminate_a hypocritical_a from_o sincere_a christian_n and_o give_v they_o their_o due_a punishment_n namely_o lest_o while_o they_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n they_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o reason_n of_o
god_n forbearance_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n those_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o what_o they_o deserve_v be_v his_o great_a care_n and_o tenderness_n even_o of_o the_o temporal_a quiet_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o intermixture_n with_o the_o wicked_a here_o will_v at_o least_o be_v very_o much_o disturb_v through_o the_o root_n up_o a_o wicked_a generation_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o miracle_n many_o a_o good_a man_n may_v perish_v in_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n but_o miracle_n we_o find_v god_n have_v never_o think_v fit_a to_o work_v but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n when_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v secure_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o punish_v the_o wicked_a by_o destroy_v they_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o consequent_o of_o miraculous_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v true_o good_a from_o a_o general_a ruin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o both_o may_v live_v together_o until_o then_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a lest_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v come_v into_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a do_v general_o restrain_v the_o zeal_n of_o those_o bless_a spirit_n the_o angel_n and_o forbear_v the_o tare_n till_o that_o universal_a harvest_n when_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o its_o burden_n and_o then_o the_o good_a seed_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o the_o tare_n leave_v to_o be_v consume_v in_o that_o great_a conflagration_n when_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o it_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o when_o in_o case_n of_o almost_o a_o total_a corruption_n of_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o other_o and_o convince_v the_o obdurate_a world_n that_o god_n see_v and_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v obstinate_a and_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o suffer_v his_o bright_a host_n of_o angel_n utter_o to_o destroy_v such_o wicked_a place_n as_o sometime_o we_o know_v he_o have_v do_v we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n of_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o 91._o psal_n 91._o though_o thousand_o have_v fall_v by_o their_o side_n the_o destruction_n have_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n of_o this_o great_a care_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o good_a either_o in_o preserve_v for_o their_o sake_n community_n destine_v to_o ruin_n or_o else_o cover_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o providence_n and_o shield_v they_o from_o danger_n till_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o there_o be_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o by_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v abraham_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n which_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v for_o the_o abominable_a and_o incurable_a wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v with_o what_o he_o think_v will_v most_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v the_o place_n and_o tell_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v hazard_v and_o that_o they_o will_v share_v in_o the_o common_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o lest_o he_o shall_v slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o he_o know_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v far_o from_o do_v he_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o a_o small_a number_n one_o will_v think_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o populous_a though_o wicked_a place_n and_o at_o length_n be_v encourage_v by_o god_n wondrous_a goodness_n who_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o every_o request_n and_o as_o he_o sink_v the_o number_n promise_v he_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v he_o by_o degree_n descend_v to_o ten_o which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o his_o modesty_n will_v reach_v and_o one_o will_v think_v far_o enough_o to_o secure_v the_o most_o wicked_a city_n upon_o earth_n peradventure_o ten_o be_v find_v there_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o ten_o be_v sake_n rather_o than_o those_o ten_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o perish_v in_o the_o general_a ruin_n he_o will_v recall_v the_o destroy_a angel_n and_o at_o least_o respite_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n reprieve_v the_o condemn_a place_n of_o their_o abide_v and_o when_o through_o the_o extreme_a wickedness_n of_o those_o city_n that_o small_a number_n of_o good_a man_n be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o and_o god_n therefore_o proceed_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o fiery_a indignation_n upon_o they_o yet_o he_o remember_v righteous_a lot_n and_o his_o small_a family_n and_o send_v two_o angel_n to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o out_o of_o that_o accurse_a place_n who_o hasten_v lot_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v consume_v in_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o city_n and_o upon_o his_o request_n spare_v zoar_v which_o he_o flee_v to_o and_o bid_v he_o make_v haste_n thither_o for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o danger_n as_o you_o may_v read_v gen._n 19.22_o and_o what_o a_o boundless_a ocean_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o gracious_o accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o to_o take_v they_o into_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n likewise_o that_o destruction_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v nigh_o their_o dwelling_n to_o spare_v those_o that_o have_v just_o merit_v the_o severe_a express_v of_o his_o displeasure_n this_o do_v indeed_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o true_a holiness_n which_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o security_n in_o perilous_a time_n both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o hate_v and_o despise_v and_o afflict_v the_o good_a who_o yet_o be_v as_o so_o many_o guardian_n angel_n to_o it_o and_o shield_v it_o from_o the_o express_v of_o god_n just_a vengeance_n so_o it_o will_v silence_v that_o objection_n against_o providence_n draw_v from_o the_o continue_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o their_o live_n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o command_n for_o we_o see_v they_o be_v but_o reprieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o ruin_n pour_v upon_o the_o ungodly_a their_o punishment_n be_v but_o respite_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o at_o the_o great_a assize_n god_n justice_n will_v have_v its_o full_a course_n and_o sink_v they_o into_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n may_v observe_v the_o tare_n be_v among_o his_o good_a corn_n and_o resolve_v at_o length_n to_o bind_v they_o up_o in_o bundle_n and_o burn_v they_o though_o his_o prudential_a care_n of_o the_o good_a corn_n incline_v he_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n and_o not_o pluck_v they_o up_o whilst_o the_o good_a corn_n be_v stand_v and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n lest_o it_o be_v root_v up_o together_o with_o they_o so_o god_n see_v and_o resolve_v in_o due_a time_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n the_o vile_a hypocritical_a christian_n but_o in_o a_o wise_a and_o tender_a regard_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a withhold_v his_o judgement_n during_o their_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v sure_o repay_v the_o wicked_a wretch_n what_o they_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o though_o these_o vile_a unhappy_a tare_n be_v forbear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o let_v pass_v without_o bear_v any_o public_a mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n of_o discrimination_n even_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n 3.18_o mal._n 3.18_o and_o then_o shall_v all_o man_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o for_o then_o will_v the_o great_a husbandman_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n
may_v i_o always_o so_o attend_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o constant_a inspection_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorious_a self_n in_o all_o my_o way_n as_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o thy_o presence_n who_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o expose_v my_o vileness_n to_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o goat_n and_o the_o swine_n shall_v be_v discover_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o o_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o alacrity_n of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n in_o thy_o service_n and_o for_o thy_o glory_n may_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o so_o when_o the_o great_a harvest_n shall_v come_v and_o thou_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o angelic_a reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v my_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n i_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o terrible_a day_n and_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o bless_a jesus_n i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o amen_n parable_n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matth._n xiii_o 45_o 46_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o by_o this_o and_o the_o parable_n immediate_o before_o it_o of_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v represent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o be_v without_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o pearl_n of_o so_o great_a price_n so_o immense_a a_o treasure_n that_o nothing_o here_o below_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o david_n express_v it_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o than_o much_o find_v gold_n and_o he_o profess_v that_o himself_o have_v more_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n than_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o riches_n and_o solomon_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o word_n of_o these_o parable_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o of_o find_v gold_n etc._n prov._n 3.13_o etc._n etc._n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n such_o great_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o best_o know_v its_o excellency_n and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o very_o backward_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o prefer_v every_o little_a worldly_a good_a before_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o comparable_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v so_o fatal_a no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o by_o due_a consideration_n to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o long_o childish_o dote_v upon_o empty_a gaye_n and_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v what_o be_v of_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a good_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n above_o recite_v to_o weigh_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n that_o upon_o a_o fair_a experiment_n we_o may_v see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a and_o according_o be_v convince_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o then_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v our_o affection_n for_o the_o world_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o deserve_v to_o feel_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a choice_n and_o taste_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o this_o unsatisfy_a empty_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a when_o we_o may_v first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o eph._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o these_o three_o may_v be_v reduce_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v valuable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v pleasure_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n riches_n great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n this_o be_v that_o trinity_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n adore_v and_o impatient_o desire_v and_o place_v their_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o will_v now_o inquire_v what_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v general_o first_fw-mi in_o man_n esteem_n and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v often_o content_a to_o part_v with_o the_o other_o two_n now_o these_o may_v be_v rank_v in_o this_o order_n viz._n the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v and_o of_o great_a jollity_n and_o mirth_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o high_o grateful_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v this_o in_o general_a of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o the_o more_o insipid_a still_o they_o grow_v to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o empty_a nature_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o consequent_a disability_n to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o old_a barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n 19.35_o 2_o sam._n 19.35_o can_v i_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o invite_v he_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court._n and_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o unsatisfy_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v it_o not_o after_o a_o few_o year_n we_o shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n whatever_o man_n expectation_n may_v be_v of_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n from_o they_o they_o can_v but_o find_v by_o their_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o disappointment_n in_o they_o and_o the_o pleasure_n much_o great_a in_o imagination_n than_o reality_n they_o be_v indeed_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o often_o make_v man_n miserable_a even_o here_o but_o never_o happy_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n only_o say_v not_o prove_v and_o the_o cinical_a conclusion_n of_o a_o freeze_a dispirited_a student_n who_o narrow_a course_n of_o life_n have_v make_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o give_v a_o worse_a character_n of_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v i_o shall_v vouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n who_o fill_v the_o throne_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o flourish_a kingdom_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o his_o desire_n perfect_o
to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n a_o pleasure_n very_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a for_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o which_o their_o mean_a servant_n may_v have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o content_a be_v least_o of_o all_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n he_o that_o have_v much_o will_v still_o have_v more_o and_o be_v in_o frequent_a fear_n of_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v for_o riches_n be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_o take_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o and_o to_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n and_o yet_o dissatisfy_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o carry_v much_o more_o of_o uneasiness_n with_o it_o than_o the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o one_o eye_n do_v of_o pleasure_n and_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o servant_n may_v take_v not_o only_o as_o much_o but_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sight_n that_o have_v none_o of_o the_o inward_a discontent_n than_o the_o proprietor_n and_o master_n that_o have_v so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 10._o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o contentment_n with_o only_a food_n and_o raiment_n be_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n to_o so_o very_o little_a in_o reality_n do_v arise_v the_o second_o thing_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratification_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n even_o to_o nothing_o but_o dissatisfaction_n and_o disquiet_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n come_v we_o now_o to_o examine_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o world_n treasure_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n or_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n and_o very_o fit_o be_v this_o style_v the_o pride_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o most_o man_n to_o be_v great_a to_o command_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o have_v much_o of_o honour_n and_o respect_v pay_v to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o pride_n themselves_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o worldly_a good_a that_o they_o possess_v but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o a_o man_n can_v just_o value_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v without_o control_v from_o any_o one_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o every_o man_n beside_o suppose_v many_o inferior_a prince_n tributary_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honour_v like_o a_o mortal_a god_n suppose_v all_o this_o yet_o however_o glorious_a it_o may_v appear_v at_o a_o distance_n we_o shall_v find_v upon_o a_o close_a inspection_n that_o this_o likewise_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n for_o as_o for_o even_o a_o universal_a dominion_n unless_o the_o subject_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o obey_v as_o the_o monarch_n be_v desirous_a to_o govern_v a_o catholic_a crown_n will_v sit_v as_o uneasy_a nay_o more_o so_o than_o that_o of_o lesser_a prince_n the_o further_a a_o man_n dominion_n extend_v the_o more_o difficulty_n in_o government_n will_v occur_v the_o more_o ambitious_a and_o discontent_a spirit_n will_v there_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n the_o more_o secret_a conspiracy_n and_o undermine_n of_o man_n aggrieve_v and_o disoblige_v and_o that_o be_v as_o desirous_a of_o government_n as_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o throne_n can_v be_v and_o which_o will_v often_o break_v out_o to_o shake_v and_o discompose_v if_o not_o to_o overturn_v the_o present_a establishment_n and_o the_o more_o extensive_a a_o prince_n dominion_n be_v the_o more_o must_v there_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o and_o those_o man_n of_o different_z interest_n and_o inclination_n jealous_a of_o one_o another_o and_o envious_a at_o the_o supreme_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o carve_v for_o themselves_o and_o advance_v their_o own_o family_n than_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o master_n this_o be_v find_v very_o true_a and_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o prince_n that_o have_v affair_n more_o in_o their_o own_o view_n than_o this_o universal_a monarch_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o dangerous_o must_v he_o sit_v than_o they_o and_o receive_v much_o more_o disquietude_n and_o trouble_v if_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o great_a orb_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o where_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o govern_v so_o that_o the_o most_o ample_a dominion_n be_v thick_a set_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n while_o enjoy_v and_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o a_o ruin_n which_o must_v perplex_v he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o with_o numberless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n and_o anxious_a thought_n how_o to_o secure_v his_o throne_n and_o he_o that_o be_v careless_a and_o unsensible_a and_o leave_v the_o fatigue_n of_o government_n to_o other_o and_o spend_v his_o day_n in_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o luxury_n be_v a_o emperor_n in_o title_n only_o and_o may_v soon_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o the_o one_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o vanity_n the_o other_o of_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o govern_v be_v a_o usual_a and_o very_a true_a say_v and_o will_v be_v so_o be_v throne_n not_o near_o so_o slippery_a as_o they_o be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v very_o much_o happy_a for_o a_o man_n never_o to_o have_v have_v such_o height_n of_o power_n and_o dominion_n than_o ever_o to_o see_v himself_o throw_v down_o and_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n the_o very_a danger_n of_o so_o great_a a_o fall_n be_v enough_o to_o fill_v one_o breast_n with_o great_a disorder_n so_o great_a as_o that_o all_o the_o gaudery_n of_o grandeur_n shall_v lose_v their_o taste_n and_o become_v insipid_a to_o he_o and_o actual_o to_o fall_v as_o many_o glorious_a prince_n have_v already_o do_v be_v the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v experience_v upon_o earth_n the_o short_a be_v empire_n and_o dominion_n fancy_v it_o how_o great_a soever_o be_v at_o best_a very_o troublesome_a and_o disquiet_v and_o so_o uncertain_a as_o that_o it_o not_o seldom_o end_v in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o ruin_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o glorious_a title_n low_a obeisance_n and_o the_o like_a all_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o perfect_o empty_a and_o utter_o ineffective_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o despicable_a and_o of_o least_o regard_n and_o though_o it_o be_v fit_a inferior_n shall_v pay_v it_o where_o it_o be_v due_a yet_o unless_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o the_o mind_n attend_v that_o outward_a respect_n of_o the_o body_n a_o great_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v honour_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n and_o abuse_v that_o can_v be_v and_o because_o no_o great_a man_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o be_v inward_o reverence_v or_o no_o neither_o can_v force_v any_o man_n so_o to_o honour_v he_o against_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a weakness_n for_o he_o to_o set_v any_o great_a value_n upon_o outward_a respect_n which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v nay_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v be_v a_o affront_n rather_o than_o a_o honour_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v what_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n amount_v to_o have_v thus_o give_v in_o a_o impartial_a account_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o solomon_n who_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a of_o the_o sum_n total_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o any_o worth_a and_o esteem_n by_o examine_v the_o three_o particular_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v valuable_a in_o it_o namely_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n let_v we_o now_o weigh_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a which_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a good_a and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v wise_o or_o no_o in_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o he_o may_v purchase_v this_o pearl_n and_o be_v master_n of_o this_o treasure_n and_o we_o shall_v consider_v religion_n in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n what_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n than_o peace_n and_o quietness_n contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o
scripture_n exhort_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o holy_a profession_n ephes_n 4.1_o 2d_o phil._n 1_o 2d_o and_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o agreeable_o say_v our_o lord_n to_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v as_o harbinger_n to_o the_o place_n whither_o he_o himself_o intend_v to_o come_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o it_o be_v in_o some_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sincere_a believer_n christianity_n be_v a_o most_o honourable_a profession_n and_o what_o david_n say_v to_o saul_n when_o he_o offer_v he_o his_o elder_a daughter_n to_o wife_n for_o his_o great_a service_n 18.18_o â—_o sam._n 18.18_o who_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o life_n or_o my_o father_n family_n in_o israel_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v son_n in-law_n to_o a_o king_n may_v with_o infinite_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v by_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o life_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n no_o title_n comparable_a to_o this_o no_o relation_n so_o much_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o nor_o any_o care_n too_o great_a to_o live_v up_o to_o so_o augu_v a_o character_n but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n as_o to_o a_o participation_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o likewise_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o a_o husband_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o wife_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o quality_n and_o make_v she_o a_o sharer_n in_o his_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n so_o will_v christ_n confer_v upon_o sincere_a believer_n a_o plentiful_a share_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n thus_o 3._o john_n 14.2_o 3._o a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n in_o my_o father_n house_n say_v he_o be_v many_o mansion_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o to_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o and_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n john_n 17.22_o the_o glory_n say_v he_o which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o and_o verse_n 24._o father_n i_o will_v that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v thy_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o i._n e._n may_v share_v in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n which_o be_v the_o summit_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o rom._n 8.17_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o be_v joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o i.e._n still_o continue_v faithful_a believer_n notwithstanding_o the_o discouragement_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v together_o and_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o immortal_a bliss_n which_o suppose_v a_o general_a harvest_n to_o follow_v christ_n the_o first_o fruit_n afterward_o those_o that_o be_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n for_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o arch-augel_a and_o with_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v be_v raise_v first_o then_o we_o which_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o together_o with_o they_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 4.16.17_o and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o add_v that_o this_o intimate_a union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o wife_n with_o her_o husband_n and_o these_o immense_a privilege_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o will_v be_v everlasting_a that_o nothing_o can_v put_v a-sunder_o who_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a mercy_n join_v thus_o close_o together_o but_o our_o wilful_a unfaithfulness_n to_o this_o our_o divine_a husband_n as_o it_o will_v make_v up_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v in_o return_n make_v we_o all_o over_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o that_o good_a god_n who_o have_v do_v such_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o so_o it_o shall_v make_v we_o exceed_o careful_a upon_o no_o consideration_n whatever_o to_o divorce_v ourselves_o from_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n but_o for_o ever_o pay_v all_o possible_a love_n and_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o he_o which_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o as_o the_o gospel_n effect_n the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o like_a privilege_n so_o it_o oblige_v likewise_o to_o the_o like_a duty_n and_o first_o as_o a_o wife_n be_v bind_v to_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o her_o husband_n so_o be_v every_o believer_n bind_v to_o demean_v himself_o towards_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v entire_o he_o not_o to_o suffer_v his_o affection_n to_o wander_v after_o strange_a love_n such_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o not_o to_o be_v debauch_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o temptation_n and_o share_v his_o heart_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n but_o since_o his_o maker_n be_v his_o husband_n 54.5_o isa_n 54.5_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n express_v it_o to_o be_v entire_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o admit_v no_o creature_n to_o that_o dearness_n of_o affection_n which_o he_o alone_o shall_v have_v for_o this_o be_v that_o crime_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v spiritual_a fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n he_o begin_v to_o fear_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o say_v he_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n but_o i_o fear_v lest_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n or_o purity_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v towards_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 2._o this_o be_v that_o fornication_n for_o which_o christ_n will_v give_v we_o a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n and_o for_o ever_o put_v we_o away_o from_o he_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n mat._n 25.41_o this_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o these_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o carnal_a whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o inestimable_a privilege_n so_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o bear_v a_o entire_a and_o unspotted_a love_n to_o he_o for_o he_o have_v hought_v we_o with_o a_o price_n therefore_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o body_n and_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o second_o as_o a_o wife_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v herself_o to_o her_o husband_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o government_n and_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o authority_n so_o and_o much_o more_o be_v every_o believer_n bind_v to_o do_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n to_o reverence_v all_o the_o express_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o his_o holy_a discipline_n to_o have_v one_o will_v with_o he_o the_o same_o like_v and_o dislike_v and_o in_o no_o case_n to_o oppose_v or_o resist_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o apostle_n command_v from_o a_o woman_n to_o her_o husband_n as_o every_o one_o that_o have_v read_v their_o write_n know_v very_o well_o and_o that_o though_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o frail_a sinful_a mortal_n much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o bear_v the_o profound_a reverence_n to_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o who_o beside_o be_v most_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a to_o we_o and_o his_o government_n direct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n three_o as_o a_o wife_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o disposal_n of_o her_o husband_n and_o
necessary_a advice_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v rev._n 16.15_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v behold_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o keep_v his_o garment_n lest_o he_o walk_v naked_a and_o they_o see_v his_o shame_n by_o a_o cry_n be_v make_v at_o midnight_n behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o move_o represent_v how_o unexpected_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v surprise_v the_o drowsy_a world_n and_o how_o sudden_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v tell_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o midnight_n be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a silence_n and_o destine_v to_o rest_n and_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o toil_v and_o trouble_v of_o the_o day_n and_o then_o sudden_a outcry_n and_o alarm_n be_v double_o scare_v and_o affright_v and_o seize_v with_o a_o inexpressible_a confusion_n horror_n and_o consternation_n and_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o spiritual_a night_n employ_v in_o deed_n of_o darkness_n give_v up_o to_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o forgetful_a of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n then_o shall_v that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n steal_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n the_o terrify_a cry_n shall_v be_v make_v behold_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n say_v the_o apostle_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o travail_n upon_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v 1_o thes_n 5.3_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n those_o that_o be_v think_v happy_a upon_o earth_n instead_o of_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v this_o judge_n hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v rev._n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n dread_v to_o go_v meet_v his_o angry_a judge_n and_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a with_o all_o his_o stain_n and_o pollution_n about_o he_o appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n who_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n have_v provoke_v he_o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o since_o all_o this_o be_v so_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o that_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o be_v thus_o surprise_v and_o hurry_v into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o so_o quick_a and_o unforeseen_a a_o summons_n which_o no_o man_n be_v sure_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o case_n since_o many_o have_v be_v call_v away_o with_o little_a or_o not_o warn_v that_o have_v no_o more_o expect_v than_o we_o do_v now_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v sure_o be_v move_v by_o such_o consideration_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o fatal_a drowsiness_n which_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o departure_n hence_o be_v ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o great_a master_n call_n whether_o at_o even_o or_o at_o midnight_n or_o at_o the_o cockcrow_n or_o in_o the_o morning_n lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v he_o sleep_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n when_o that_o midnight_n cry_v be_v make_v be_v represent_v the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n that_o even_o good_a person_n ought_v to_o take_v when_o by_o age_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o any_o distemper_n the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n hence_o seem_v to_o be_v near_o approach_v to_o enliven_v their_o piety_n and_o by_o put_v a_o recruit_v of_o oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n acquire_v new_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n and_o warm_v their_o soul_n with_o great_a ardour_n of_o devotion_n and_o holy_a love_n prepare_v to_o go_v cheerful_o to_o meet_v their_o lord_n then_o be_v the_o time_n when_o every_o sincere_a christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o adorn_v his_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a religion_n he_o profess_v to_o improve_v every_o remain_a minute_n of_o his_o time_n to_o this_o best_a of_o purpose_n to_o redeem_v the_o many_o hour_n former_o misspend_v in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o by_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a glory_n sanctity_n and_o bliss_n of_o that_o heavenly_a world_n to_o which_o he_o then_o so_o sensible_o draw_v near_o inflame_v his_o desire_n of_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o wearisome_a journey_n to_o it_o and_o fit_v himself_o for_o the_o spiritual_a unspotted_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n by_o have_v as_o little_a commerce_n as_o be_v possible_a with_o this_o world_n below_o and_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o will_v so_o quick_o be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o everlasting_a abide_v by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n say_v to_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o be_v represent_v the_o want_n of_o preparation_n among_o the_o careless_a and_o inconsiderate_a for_o this_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a change_n and_o their_o mighty_a consternation_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o vain_a and_o insignificant_a course_n they_o will_v take_v in_o their_o surprise_n to_o make_v up_o if_o possible_a their_o own_o defect_n by_o borrow_v of_o other_o that_o have_v soul_n better_o furnish_v with_o piety_n than_o they_o and_o by_o the_o wise_a answer_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o and_o bid_v they_o go_v rather_o and_o buy_v for_o themselves_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o groundless_a to_o expect_v at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o retribution_n when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n to_o fare_v the_o better_a for_o the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o lamp_n alive_a with_o his_o own_o oil_n must_v nourish_v his_o soul_n with_o his_o own_o virtue_n for_o there_o be_v never_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v any_o mere_a man_n so_o holy_a and_o excellent_a but_o must_v return_v this_o same_o answer_n as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n do_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v beg_v they_o to_o bestow_v some_o of_o their_o 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that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n 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what_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n with_o the_o pound_n his_o lord_n leave_v with_o he_o be_v give_v authority_n over_o as_o many_o city_n and_o so_o to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v five_o proportionable_o authority_n over_o five_o which_o i_o think_v can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o different_a degree_n award_v of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o christian_n improvement_n here_o there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o though_o every_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v as_o clear_v and_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o partake_v in_o a_o agreeable_a measure_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o will_v flow_v from_o such_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o saint_n will_v not_o be_v equal_a some_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o enlarge_v than_o other_o and_o able_a to_o receive_v more_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o so_o though_o every_o of_o those_o vessel_n of_o honour_n shall_v be_v full_a yet_o all_o will_v not_o hold_v alike_o and_o one_o star_n there_o will_v differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v then_o be_v clarify_v and_o refine_a purge_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o soil_v contract_v during_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o render_v more_o agile_a and_o expedite_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o several_a faculty_n and_o its_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n vast_o improve_v but_o that_o soul_n of_o less_o improvement_n here_o shall_v immediate_o upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n receive_v extraordinary_a new_a addition_n to_o equalise_v they_o to_o those_o of_o high_a attainment_n be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v and_o will_v mighty_o discourage_v the_o generous_a endeavour_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o exemplary_a religion_n but_o when_o every_o man_n shall_v in_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n above_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o eminent_a sanctity_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v mighty_o encourage_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o forget_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v on_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o always_o aim_v at_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n the_o improvement_n of_o this_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n upon_o earth_n we_o will_v run_v with_o diligence_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o not_o pretend_v difficulty_n when_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a and_o shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o virtue_n for_o can_v we_o be_v too_o happy_a can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n can_v our_o crown_n be_v too_o glorious_a and_o resplendent_a away_o then_o with_o that_o mean-spirited_n religion_n which_o thus_o lessen_v and_o confine_n our_o happiness_n let_v we_o unfold_v our_o hand_n and_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o bosom_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o a_o excellent_a piety_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v so_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o good_a use_v make_v of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n that_o god_n be_v often_o charge_v with_o such_o unreasonable_a severity_n by_o man_n that_o care_v not_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n be_v too_o true_a to_o be_v question_v and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o indulge_v their_o vile_a
riches_n or_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o which_o nowadays_o we_o esteem_v riches_n chief_o to_o consist_v they_o be_v real_o no_o better_o than_o heap_n of_o earth_n of_o different_a colour_n impress_v with_o different_a stamp_n and_o make_v of_o different_a size_n and_o to_o which_o man_n have_v give_v a_o different_a value_n and_o esteem_n according_a to_o their_o different_a colour_n size_n and_o impression_n and_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v good_a for_o little_a but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o which_o he_o that_o will_v live_v must_v part_v with_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o exchange_n for_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o subsistence_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o base_a than_o for_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n so_o far_o to_o degrade_v himself_o as_o to_o employ_v his_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n and_o desire_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n which_o be_v original_o make_v for_o he_o to_o tread_v upon_o and_o produce_v thing_n for_o his_o food_n and_o pleasure_n to_o make_v that_o his_o master_n nay_o his_o god_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o dote_v upon_o a_o senseless_a clod_n to_o neglect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o infinite_o perfect_a maker_n and_o admire_v one_o of_o the_o low_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o desire_v a_o piece_n of_o earth_n with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o have_v no_o value_n for_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o very_a much_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o his_o happiness_n to_o bestow_v no_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o abject_a than_o this_o what_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n where_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v a_o trifle_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n disregard_v that_o which_o be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o where_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v be_v redeem_v not_o by_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n where_o be_v his_o religion_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o make_v silver_n and_o gold_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o admire_v mammon_n more_o than_o his_o saviour_n what_o more_o vile_a and_o brutish_a than_o this_o what_o more_o stupid_o ungrateful_a this_o be_v to_o come_v down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o it_o be_v to_o sink_v much_o low_a for_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o choose_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o serve_v he_o obedient_o in_o that_o rank_n of_o be_v in_o which_o he_o have_v place_v they_o but_o that_o man_n much_o more_o that_o christian_a that_o make_v perish_v riches_n the_o main_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o degenerate_v many_o degree_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n disobey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creator_n slight_v the_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o his_o saviour_n despise_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o a_o vile_a muckworm_n delight_v in_o nothing_o noble_a and_o excellent_a but_o grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v more_o vilify_v and_o degrade_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o such_o base_a affection_n as_o these_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o vile_a degeneracy_n and_o render_v a_o man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o universe_n both_o to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a men._n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n as_o in_o they_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o beside_o that_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n they_o cause_n mention_v before_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1_o it_o mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 2._o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n first_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n do_v mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v remember_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o matt._n 13.22_o say_v that_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n like_o thorn_n that_o spring_v up_o with_o seed_n choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o in_o another_o parable_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v at_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n 14.18_o matt._n 22._o luk._n 14.18_o by_o which_o as_o be_v discourse_v upon_o that_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o glad_a tiding_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o detain_v man_n from_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v after_o and_o ox_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n and_o according_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o can_v be_v matt._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o first_o nothing_o so_o much_o distract_v a_o man_n thought_n as_o a_o eager_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n for_o riches_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o be_v acquire_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o very_o slippery_a when_o gain_v that_o as_o to_o get_v they_o will_v exercise_v all_o a_o man_n contrivance_n employ_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o attention_n and_o consume_v his_o whole_a time_n so_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o once_o get_v will_n to_o a_o man_n that_o know_v the_o hardship_n of_o get_v they_o and_o how_o soon_o they_o be_v lose_v again_o engage_v he_o in_o constant_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o watch_v his_o idol_n lest_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o his_o mind_n become_v distract_v with_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o leisure_n for_o no_o other_o thought_n than_o how_o to_o secure_v his_o riches_n and_o this_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n much_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n may_v soon_o perceive_v by_o their_o careful_a anxious_a look_n and_o distrustful_a timorous_a discourse_n now_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n thus_o engross_a a_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o likewise_o require_v time_n and_o diligence_n and_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attend_v close_o to_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o he_o that_o eager_o love_v riches_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n prepossess_v with_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o they_o and_o all_o his_o faculty_n before_o engage_v in_o their_o pursuit_n must_v move_v very_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o move_v at_o all_o nay_o indeed_o rather_o move_v backward_o than_o forward_o and_o the_o more_o he_o love_v the_o world_n grow_v cold_a still_o in_o his_o affection_n to_o god_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o money_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o enchantment_n it_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v he_o less_o sensible_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o so_o dull_v and_o stupefy_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v very_o little_o move_v with_o the_o sermon_n of_o
the_o great_a riches_n when_o possess_v and_o that_o they_o be_v often_o very_o sudden_o lose_v again_o and_o then_o the_o grief_n for_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o will_v fill_v the_o soul_n with_o abundant_o great_a trouble_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o do_v with_o pleasure_n and_o we_o have_v see_v as_o the_o folly_n so_o the_o vileness_n of_o covetousness_n how_o much_o a_o christian_n be_v debase_v by_o thus_o grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o he_o and_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o be_v of_o infinite_o great_a value_n than_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o ten_o thousand_o world_n we_o have_v see_v likewise_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o covetousness_n what_o a_o great_a hindrance_n it_o be_v to_o nay_o destroyer_n of_o religion_n how_o it_o indispose_v a_o man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o endanger_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n his_o steady_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o much_o better_a way_n of_o dispose_v our_o abundance_n when_o we_o be_v bless_v with_o it_o than_o either_o in_o hoard_v it_o up_o or_o waste_v it_o in_o luxury_n and_o excess_n namely_o in_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a steward_n even_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o we_o have_v see_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o a_o content_a mind_n the_o blessedness_n of_o not_o overvalue_v riches_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v be_v make_v by_o the_o charitable_a disposal_n of_o they_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o man_n work_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o excellent_a exhortation_n of_o our_o lord_n immediate_o after_o my_o text_n let_v none_o of_o we_o take_v anxious_a and_o perplex_v think_v for_o our_o life_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v nor_o for_o the_o body_n what_o we_o shall_v put_v on_o for_o the_o life_n be_v more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n and_o he_o that_o give_v the_o great_a will_n no_o question_n provide_v the_o lesser_a let_v we_o consider_v the_o raven_n for_o they_o neither_o sow_n nor_o reap_v have_v neither_o store-house_n nor_o barn_n and_o god_n feed_v they_o how_o much_o better_a be_v we_o than_o the_o fowl_n and_o which_o of_o we_o by_o take_v thought_n can_v add_v one_o cubit_n unto_o his_o stature_n if_o we_o then_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v what_o be_v least_o why_o take_v we_o think_v for_o the_o rest_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o lily_n how_o they_o grow_v they_o toil_v not_o they_o spin_v not_o and_o yet_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o if_o then_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o clothe_v we_o who_o very_o much_o betray_v our_o little_a faith_n in_o doubt_v it_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o immoderate_o seek_v what_o we_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v or_o wherewithal_o be_v clothe_v neither_o be_v of_o doubtful_a or_o anxious_a and_o too_o careful_a mind_n for_o our_o father_n know_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n know_v to_o be_v best_a for_o we_o remember_v that_o as_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool_n in_o this_o parable_n that_o trust_v in_o his_o riches_n and_o propose_v to_o himself_o much_o happiness_n from_o a_o luxurious_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o be_v sudden_o snatch_v from_o they_o to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o every_o one_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o he_o self_n and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n the_o prayer_n oeternal_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o thy_o providence_n be_v infinite_a grant_v i_o the_o wisdom_n to_o be_v content_v with_o my_o present_a lot_n and_o satisfy_v with_o a_o moderate_a proportion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a in_o my_o pursuit_n even_o of_o that_o for_o ever_o preserve_v i_o i_o entreat_v thou_o from_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n and_o may_v i_o be_v so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o riches_n both_o in_o the_o get_n and_o the_o keep_n how_o unsatisfy_v they_o be_v when_o possess_v and_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o attend_v they_o as_o always_o to_o preserve_v a_o great_a indifferency_n to_o they_o and_o make_v it_o my_o chief_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o real_a happiness_n of_o a_o content_a spirit_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o sensible_a how_o vile_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o place_v my_o felicity_n in_o what_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o i_o as_o these_o perish_a riches_n be_v and_o which_o instead_o of_o improve_n i_o in_o what_o be_v real_o valuable_a tend_v to_o betray_v i_o into_o many_o vile_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n retard_v my_o progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o too_o often_o betray_v into_o apostasy_n from_o thy_o truth_n o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v act_v like_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v it_o my_o chief_a aim_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o thou_o my_o god_n and_o to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o if_o through_o thy_o bountiful_a goodness_n riches_n here_o increase_v give_v i_o grace_n i_o entreat_v thou_o not_o to_o set_v my_o heart_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o so_o as_o may_v most_o conduce_v to_o thy_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n that_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n according_a to_o thy_o bless_a will_n when_o these_o fade_a riches_n shall_v fail_v and_o be_v leave_v behind_o i_o my_o charity_n may_v procure_v for_o i_o a_o reception_n into_o these_o everlasting_a habitation_n where_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o glorious_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o where_o neither_o rust_n nor_o moth_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v not_o through_o and_o steal_v and_o where_o my_o happiness_n shall_v be_v ineffable_a full_o satisfy_v and_o eternal_a amen_n bless_a god_n amen_o amen_n parable_n x._o of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n xiii_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o a_o certain_a man_n have_v a_o figtree_n plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o come_v and_o seek_v fruit_n thereon_o and_o find_v none_o then_o say_v he_o to_o the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n behold_v these_o three_o year_n i_o come_v seek_v fruit_n on_o this_o figtree_n and_o find_v none_o cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o answer_v say_v unto_o he_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o till_o i_o shall_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n 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 parable_n be_v speak_v upon_o the_o news_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o lord_n of_o the_o sad_a fate_n of_o some_o factious_a galilean_n who_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n have_v set_v upon_o and_o destroy_v mingle_v their_o blood_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n they_o be_v offer_v to_o this_o our_o lord_n first_o make_v this_o answer_n suppose_v you_o that_o those_o galilean_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v or_o those_o eighteen_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o another_o sad_a accident_n that_o have_v late_o happen_v think_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o then_o he_o add_v this_o parable_n that_o he_o may_v further_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n in_o all_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o escape_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o next_o from_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n upon_o the_o sad_a fate_n of_o the_o galilean_n and_o those_o slay_v by_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n think_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v
that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o that_o fierce_a anger_n from_o he_o which_o he_o be_v very_o sensible_a he_o have_v but_o too_o much_o deserve_v thus_o david_n frame_v a_o psalm_n on_o purpose_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v his_o great_a transgression_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n he_o than_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o he_o and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o his_o former_a excellent_a piety_n shall_v cover_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o foul_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o search_v for_o excuse_n and_o endeavour_v to_o extenuate_v his_o gild_n but_o like_o a_o true_o humble_a penitent_n change_v his_o usual_a strain_n of_o praise_n and_o thansgiving_n for_o the_o accent_n of_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o better_a remorse_n acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n ever_o before_o he_o and_o with_o the_o most_o pathetic_a earnestness_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n beg_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v again_o great_a in_o he_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o as_o if_o those_o his_o great_a wickedness_n have_v not_o only_o pollute_v all_o that_o before_o be_v good_a in_o he_o but_o quite_o destroy_v the_o rectitude_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o david_n so_o s._n peter_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a baseness_n of_o deny_v his_o divine_a master_n and_o saviour_n his_o spirit_n be_v so_o true_o humble_v that_o without_o endeavour_v in_o the_o least_o to_o conceal_v or_o palliate_v his_o fault_n he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o so_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o parable_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o and_o with_o great_a compunction_n of_o spirit_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v viz._n a_o not_o overvalue_a our_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o ourselves_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o nor_o despise_v other_o as_o less_o holy_a but_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v nor_o undervalue_v or_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v and_o extenuate_v our_o wickedness_n but_o a_o impartial_a consider_v the_o vileness_n and_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o sincere_a humble_v ourselves_o for_o they_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o show_v how_o excellent_a and_o beneficial_a this_o virtue_n be_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o this_o virtue_n be_v very_o excellent_a and_o of_o great_a benefit_n to_o christian_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o beatitude_n which_o he_o begin_v thus_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n like_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n low_a of_o a_o building_n that_o be_v to_o reach_v so_o very_o high_a and_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n must_v be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v advance_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n piety_n without_o humility_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n top-heavy_a and_o overset_a like_o a_o ship_n without_o her_o ballast_n it_o be_v this_o that_o preserve_v the_o soul_n unshaken_a amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o make_v a_o ship_n sail_v sure_a and_o steady_a amid_o the_o mighty_a billow_n the_o house_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o sandy_a surface_n of_o the_o earth_n soon_o yield_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o tempest_n and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o our_o lord_n therefore_o begin_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o basis_n and_o great_a security_n of_o all_o his_o other_o building_n which_o he_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v be_v to_o undergo_v the_o shock_n of_o many_o a_o furious_a storm_n and_o contend_v with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n but_o more_o particular_o this_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a that_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n nor_o render_v he_o more_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n first_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a affair_n that_o nothing_o make_v man_n more_o industrious_a than_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n and_o the_o poorness_n of_o their_o stock_n whereas_o when_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v abundance_n he_o be_v general_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o impoverishment_n become_v his_o lot_n rather_o than_o a_o far_a improvement_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o double_o diligent_a and_o consequent_o to_o improve_v great_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n but_o haughty_a conceitedness_n will_v certain_o make_v he_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o nay_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o humble_a mind_a man_n improvement_n for_o it_o be_v always_o find_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o more_o real_a virtue_n increase_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n the_o more_o and_o great_a the_o defect_n of_o his_o virtue_n appear_v to_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v his_o diligence_n be_v quicken_v and_o spur_v on_o as_o st._n paul_n the_o far_o he_o advance_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n the_o more_o conscious_a he_o grow_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o apprehend_v what_o he_o endeavour_v after_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a and_o that_o make_v he_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o reach_v out_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o what_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o and_o eager_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a diligence_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a growth_n and_o increase_n and_o so_o still_o onward_o in_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n till_o he_o finish_v his_o virtuous_a race_n and_o be_v perfect_a as_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n make_v a_o man_n move_v swift_o in_o the_o christian_a course_n so_o it_o make_v he_o tread_v sure_o too_o it_o balance_n he_o and_o keep_v he_o upon_o his_o centre_n and_o secure_v he_o from_o those_o dangerous_a fall_n which_o too_o often_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o high-minded_a and_o proud_a for_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v that_o ruine_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o his_o accomplice_n but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o subtle_a art_n of_o the_o tempter_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a lowly_a jesus_n and_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o most_o of_o all_o apt_a for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o infinite_a value_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o entitle_v a_o man_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n for_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a second_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o a_o christian_a so_o do_v it_o render_v he_o high_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n all_o man_n love_v a_o humble_a man_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o he_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o it_o nor_o despise_v or_o haughty_o reflect_v upon_o other_o that_o live_v more_o at_o large_a than_o he_o do_v but_o advise_v they_o better_o seasonable_o and_o with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n such_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n that_o see_v his_o good_a work_n mix_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v so_o lovely_a a_o example_n and_o glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n and_o as_o for_o god_n s._n peter_n and_o s._n james_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n all_o agree_v that_o he_o resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o our_o lord_n himself_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o 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conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_o