of_o his_o bosom_n for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n now_o from_o the_o particular_n hitherto_o discourse_v of_o we_o may_v infer_v and_o learn_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o excellency_n and_o value_v of_o friendship_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o great_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o this_o virtue_n and_o condescend_v to_o be_v a_o man_n only_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o friend_n our_o creator_n our_o lord_n and_o king_n he_o be_v before_o but_o he_o will_v needs_o come_v down_o from_o all_o this_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n become_v our_o equal_a that_o he_o may_v partake_v of_o that_o noble_a quality_n that_o be_v proper_o between_o equal_n christ_n take_v not_o upon_o he_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o he_o may_v conquer_v and_o rule_v nation_n lead_v army_n or_o possess_v palace_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o relent_a the_o tenderness_n and_o the_o compassion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o render_v it_o proper_o capable_a of_o friendship_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o may_v have_v our_o heart_n and_o we_o have_v his._n god_n himself_o set_v friendship_n above_o all_o consideration_n of_o kindred_n or_o consanguinity_n as_o the_o great_a ground_n and_o argument_n of_o mutual_a endearment_n in_o deut._n 15._o 6._o if_o thy_o brother_n the_o son_n of_o thy_o mother_n or_o thy_o son_n or_o thy_o daughter_n or_o the_o wife_n of_o thy_o bosom_n or_o thy_o friend_n which_o be_v as_o thy_o own_o soul_n entice_v thou_o to_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o consent_v unto_o he_o the_o emphasis_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v very_o remarkable_a it_o be_v a_o gradation_n or_o ascent_n by_o several_a degree_n of_o dearness_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o neither_o wife_n nor_o brother_n son_n nor_o daughter_n though_o the_o near_a in_o cognation_n be_v allow_v to_o stand_v in_o competion_n with_o a_o friend_n who_o if_o he_o full_o answer_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o great_a relation_n be_v indeed_o better_a and_o more_o valuable_a than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o and_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o they_o so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v a_o firm_a a_o worthy_a and_o sincere_a friend_n may_v want_v all_o the_o rest_n without_o miss_v they_o that_o which_o lie_v in_o a_o man_n bosom_n shall_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o but_o that_o which_o lie_v within_o his_o heart_n aught_o to_o be_v much_o dear_a 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o high_a advantage_n of_o be_v true_o pious_a and_o religious_a when_o we_o have_v say_v and_o do_v all_o it_o be_v only_o the_o true_a christian_a and_o the_o religious_a person_n who_o be_v or_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o a_o friend_n sure_a of_o obtain_v sure_a of_o keep_v he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v to_o make_v one_o his_o friend_n employ_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o wit_n and_o labour_n beat_v his_o brain_n and_o empty_v his_o purse_n to_o create_v a_o endearment_n between_o he_o and_o the_o person_n who_o friendship_n he_o desire_v he_o may_v in_o the_o end_n upon_o all_o these_o endeavour_n and_o attempt_n be_v force_v to_o write_v vanity_n and_o frustration_n for_o by_o they_o all_o he_o may_v at_o last_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o get_v into_o the_o other_o heart_n than_o he_o be_v to_o thrust_v his_o hand_n into_o a_o pillar_n of_o brass_n the_o man_n affection_n amid_o all_o these_o kindness_n do_v he_o remain_v whole_o unconcern_v and_o impregnable_a just_o like_o a_o rock_n which_o be_v ply_v continual_o by_o the_o wave_n still_o throw_v they_o back_o again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o send_v they_o but_o be_v not_o at_o all_o move_v by_o any_o of_o they_o people_n at_o first_o while_o they_o be_v young_a and_o raw_a and_o soft_a nature_a be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n to_o gain_v love_n and_o reckon_v their_o own_o friendship_n a_o sure_a price_n of_o another_o man_n but_o when_o experience_n shall_v have_v once_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o show_v they_o the_o hardness_n of_o most_o heart_n the_o hollowness_n of_o other_o and_o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o almost_o all_o they_o will_v then_o find_v that_o a_o friend_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o who_o make_v heart_n can_v unite_v they_o for_o it_o be_v he_o who_o create_v those_o sympathy_n and_o sutableness_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a friendship_n and_o then_o by_o his_o providence_n bring_v person_n so_o affect_v together_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n frequent_a in_o scripture_n but_o infinite_o more_o insignificant_a than_o at_o first_o it_o be_v usual_o observe_v to_o be_v namely_o that_o god_n give_v such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n grace_n or_o favour_n in_o another_o eye_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o genes_n 39_o 21._o it_o be_v say_v of_o joseph_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o he_o and_o give_v he_o favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o prison_n still_o it_o be_v a_o invisible_a hand_n from_o heaven_n that_o tie_v this_o knot_n and_o mingle_v heart_n and_o soul_n by_o strange_a secret_a and_o unaccountable_a conjunction_n that_o heart_n shall_v surrender_v itself_o and_o its_o friendship_n to_o one_o man_n at_o first_o view_n which_o another_o have_v in_o vain_a be_v lay_v siege_n to_o for_o many_o year_n by_o all_o the_o repeat_v act_n of_o kindness_n imaginable_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v friendship_n from_o be_v of_o any_o humane_a production_n that_o unless_o nature_n be_v pre-disposed_n to_o it_o by_o its_o own_o propensity_n or_o inclination_n no_o art_n of_o obligation_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o abate_v the_o secret_a hatred_n and_o hostility_n of_o some_o person_n towards_o other_o no_o friendly_a office_n no_o address_n no_o benefit_n whatsoever_o shall_v ever_o alter_v or_o allay_v that_o diabolical_a rancour_n that_o fret_v and_o ferment_n in_o some_o hellish_a breast_n but_o that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n it_o will_v foam_v out_o at_o its_o foul_a mouth_n in_o slander_n and_o invective_n and_o sometime_o bite_v too_o in_o a_o shrewd_a turn_v or_o a_o secret_a blow_n this_o be_v true_a and_o undeniable_a upon_o frequent_a experience_n and_o happy_a those_o who_o can_v learn_v it_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o other_o man_n but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o who_o will_v give_v up_o his_o name_n to_o christ_n in_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o righteous_a law_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v love_n for_o love_n and_o friendship_n for_o friendship_n the_o success_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a and_o none_o ever_o yet_o miscarry_v in_o the_o attempt_n for_o christ_n free_o offer_v his_o friendship_n to_o all_o and_o set_v no_o other_o rate_n upon_o so_o vast_a a_o purchase_n but_o only_o that_o we_o will_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v our_o friend_n thou_o perhaps_o spend_v thy_o precious_a time_n in_o wait_v upon_o such_o a_o great_a one_o and_o thy_o estate_n in_o present_v he_o and_o probable_o after_o all_o have_v no_o other_o reward_n but_o sometime_o to_o be_v smile_v upon_o and_o always_o to_o be_v smile_v at_o and_o when_o thy_o great_a and_o most_o press_a occasion_n shall_v call_v for_o succour_n and_o relief_n then_o to_o be_v desert_v and_o cast_v off_o and_o not_o know_v now_o i_o say_v turn_v the_o stream_n of_o thy_o endeavour_n another_o way_n and_o bestow_v but_o half_a that_o hearty_a sedulous_a attendance_n upon_o thy_o saviour_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o mortification_n and_o be_v at_o half_a that_o expense_n in_o charitable_a work_n by_o relieve_v christ_n in_o his_o poor_a member_n and_o in_o a_o word_n study_v as_o much_o to_o please_v he_o who_o die_v for_o thou_o and_o thou_o do_v to_o court_n and_o humour_n thy_o great_a patron_n who_o care_v not_o for_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v make_v he_o thy_o friend_n for_o ever_o a_o friend_n who_o shall_v own_v thou_o in_o thy_o low_a condition_n speak_v comfort_n to_o thou_o in_o all_o thy_o sorrow_n counsel_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o doubt_n answer_v all_o thy_o want_n and_o in_o a_o word_n never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o but_o when_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o thou_o have_v raise_v upon_o the_o promise_n or_o suppose_a kindness_n of_o the_o fastidious_a and_o fallacious_a great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v fail_v and_o upbraid_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n he_o shall_v then_o take_v thou_o into_o his_o bosom_n embrace_v cherish_v and_o support_v thou_o and_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o he_o shall_v
may_v have_v give_v thou_o riches_n and_o honour_n health_n and_o power_n with_o a_o curse_n and_o if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v find_v but_o a_o poor_a comfort_n to_o have_v have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o share_n of_o god_n bounty_n without_o his_o blessing_n but_o have_v he_o at_o any_o time_n keep_v thou_o from_o thy_o sin_n stop_v thou_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o thy_o lust_n defeat_v the_o malicious_a art_n and_o stratagem_n of_o thy_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o tempter_n and_o do_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o move_n and_o affect_v thy_o heart_n more_o than_o all_o the_o former_a instance_n of_o temporal_a prosperity_n which_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o his_o common_a providence_n while_o these_o be_v the_o distinguish_a kindness_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n a_o true_o pious_a mind_n have_v certain_o another_o kind_n of_o relish_n and_o taste_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o receive_v a_o temporal_a blessing_n with_o gratitude_n it_o receive_v a_o spiritual_a one_o with_o ecstasy_n and_o transport_v david_n a_o heroic_a instance_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n overlook_v the_o rich_a and_o seasonable_a present_n of_o abigail_n though_o press_v with_o hunger_n and_o travel_n but_o her_o advice_n which_o disarm_v his_o rage_n and_o calm_v his_o revenge_n draw_v forth_o those_o high_a and_o affectionate_a gratulation_n from_o he_o bless_a be_v thy_o advice_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o who_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o shed_v blood_n and_o avenge_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n these_o be_v his_o joyful_a and_o glorious_a trophy_n not_o that_o he_o triumph_v over_o his_o enemy_n but_o that_o he_o insult_v over_o his_o revenge_n that_o he_o escape_v from_o himself_o and_o be_v deliver_v from_o his_o own_o fury_n and_o whosoever_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o david_n piety_n will_v be_v perpetual_o play_v the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o suchlike_a acknowledgement_n as_o bless_a be_v that_o providence_n which_o deliver_v i_o from_o such_o a_o lewd_a company_n and_o such_o a_o vicious_a acquaintance_n which_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o person_n and_o bless_a be_v that_o god_n who_o cast_v rub_n and_o stop_n and_o hindrance_n in_o my_o way_n when_o i_o be_v attempt_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o sin_n who_o take_v i_o out_o of_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n such_o a_o place_n or_o such_o a_o employment_n which_o be_v a_o continual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o i_o and_o bless_a be_v such_o a_o preacher_n and_o such_o a_o friend_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o my_o wicked_a heart_n and_o so_o turn_v i_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o save_v i_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o myself_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n shall_v remember_v with_o joy_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n such_o as_o shall_v cheer_v and_o warm_v his_o heart_n even_o in_o that_o last_o and_o bitter_a agony_n when_o many_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v wish_v that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a or_o powerful_a and_o reflect_v with_o anguish_n and_o remorse_n upon_o those_o splendid_a occasion_n of_o sin_n which_o serve_v they_o for_o little_a but_o to_o heighten_v their_o gild_n and_o at_o best_a to_o inflame_v their_o account_n at_o that_o great_a tribunal_n which_o they_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v before_o 3._o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a reasonableness_n of_o not_o only_o a_o content_a but_o also_o a_o thankful_a acquiescence_n in_o any_o condition_n and_o under_o the_o cross_a and_o severe_a passage_n of_o providence_n which_o can_v possible_o befall_v we_o since_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o these_o but_o may_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o preventing-grace_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o those_o course_n which_o will_v otherwise_o assure_o end_v in_o our_o confusion_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o enjoyment_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v either_o desirous_a or_o capable_a of_o but_o may_v be_v to_o he_o a_o direct_a inducement_n to_o sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v big_a with_o mischief_n and_o carry_v death_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o assertion_n more_o particular_a and_o thereby_o more_o convince_a let_v we_o take_v a_o account_n of_o it_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o three_o great_a and_o deserve_o most_o value_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o health_n 2_o reputation_n and_o 3_o wealth_n first_o and_o first_o for_o health_n have_v god_n make_v a_o breach_n upon_o that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v build_v up_o thy_o soul_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o thy_o body_n have_v he_o bereave_v thou_o of_o the_o use_n and_o vigour_n of_o thy_o limb_n possible_o he_o see_v that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o thy_o lust_n and_o the_o active_a minister_n of_o thy_o debauchery_n perhaps_o thy_o languish_a upon_o thy_o bed_n have_v keep_v thou_o from_o rot_v in_o a_o gaol_n or_o in_o a_o worse_a place_n god_n see_v it_o necessary_a by_o such_o mortification_n to_o quench_v the_o boiling_n of_o a_o furious_a overflow_a appetite_n and_o the_o boundless_a rage_n of_o a_o insatiable_a intemperance_n to_o make_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o physic_n and_o restaurative_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o a_o word_n rather_o to_o save_v thou_o disease_a sickly_a and_o deform_v than_o to_o let_v strength_n health_n and_o beauty_n drive_v thou_o headlong_o as_o they_o have_v do_v many_o thousand_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n second_o have_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n think_v fit_a to_o drop_v a_o blot_n upon_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o blast_v thy_o reputation_n he_o see_v perhaps_o that_o the_o breath_n of_o popular_a air_n be_v grow_v infectious_a and_o will_v have_v derive_v a_o contagion_n upon_o thy_o better_a part_n pride_n and_o vainglory_n have_v mount_v thou_o too_o high_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o mercy_n to_o take_v thou_o down_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a fall_n a_o good_a name_n be_v indeed_o better_a than_o life_n but_o a_o sound_a mind_n be_v better_a than_o both_o praise_n and_o applause_n have_v swell_v thou_o to_o a_o proportion_n ready_a to_o burst_v it_o have_v vitiate_a all_o thy_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o air_n and_o to_o surfeit_v upon_o the_o wind_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o starve_v thy_o soul_n only_o to_o pamper_v thy_o imagination_n and_o now_o if_o god_n make_v use_v of_o some_o poignant_a disgrace_n to_o prick_v this_o enormous_a bladder_n and_o to_o let_v out_o the_o poisonous_a vapour_n be_v not_o the_o mercy_n great_a than_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o cure_n cover_v they_o with_o shame_n say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v thy_o name_n fame_n and_o glory_n transport_v a_o man_n out_o of_o himself_o and_o like_o a_o violent_a wind_n though_o it_o may_v bear_v he_o up_o for_o a_o while_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o let_v he_o fall_v at_o last_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n loose_a and_o garish_a scatter_v the_o spirit_n and_o leave_v a_o kind_n of_o dissolution_n upon_o all_o the_o faculty_n whereas_o shame_n on_o the_o contrary_n as_o all_o grief_n do_v natural_o contract_n and_o unite_v and_o thereby_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n fix_v the_o rambling_n of_o fancy_n and_o so_o reduce_v and_o gather_v the_o man_n into_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o sovereign_a effect_n of_o a_o bitter_a potion_n administer_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n and_o what_o hurt_n can_v there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o slander_n obloquy_n and_o disgrace_n of_o this_o world_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o providence_n to_o shame_v we_o into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o but_o then_o three_o and_o last_o have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o cast_v thy_o lot_n among_o the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o either_o by_o deny_v thou_o any_o share_n of_o the_o plenty_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v something_o grievous_a or_o by_o take_v they_o away_o which_o be_v much_o more_o so_o yet_o still_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o prevent_v mercy_n for_o so_o much_o mischief_n as_o riches_n have_v do_v and_o may_v do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o much_o mercy_n may_v there_o be_v in_o take_v they_o away_o for_o do_v not_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n next_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o riches_n keep_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o eccles._n 5._o 13._o and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o intolerable_a difficulty_n which_o they_o cause_n in_o man_n passage_n to_o
the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o boldness_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o welcome_n god_n recognize_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n intercede_v within_o he_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o follow_v but_o even_o prevent_v with_o a_o answer_n 2_o a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o show_v itself_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o some_o notable_a trial_n or_o sharp_a affliction_n when_o a_o man_n friend_n shall_v desert_v he_o his_o relation_n disow_v he_o and_o all_o dependency_n fail_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a world_n frown_v upon_o he_o certain_o it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o some_o moment_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o speak_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o than_o all_o these_o together_o can_v declaim_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o height_n of_o honour_n nor_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n can_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o be_v miserable_a nor_o indeed_o contemptible_a when_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n shall_v fly_v at_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o no_o temporal_a adversity_n can_v cut_v off_o those_o inward_a secret_a invincible_a supply_n of_o comfort_n which_o conscience_n shall_v pour_v in_o upon_o distress_a innocence_n in_o spite_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o worldly_a calamity_n naturalist_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o frost_n seize_v upon_o wine_n they_o be_v only_o the_o slight_a and_o more_o waterish_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v congeal_v but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n which_o can_v retreat_v into_o itself_o and_o there_o within_o its_o own_o compass_n lie_v secure_a from_o the_o freeze_a impression_n of_o the_o element_n round_o about_o it_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n while_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v it_o firm_a and_o impenetrable_a a_o outward_a affliction_n can_v no_o more_o benumb_v or_o quell_v it_o than_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n can_v freeze_v up_o the_o blood_n in_o a_o man_n vein_n or_o a_o little_a shower_n of_o rain_n soak_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o there_o quench_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n itself_o take_v the_o two_o great_a instance_n of_o misery_n which_o i_o think_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o wit_n poverty_n and_o shame_n and_o i_o dare_v oppose_v conscience_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o for_o poverty_n suppose_v a_o man_n strip_v of_o all_o driven_z out_o of_o house_n and_o home_n and_o perhaps_o out_o of_o his_o country_n too_o which_o have_v within_o our_o memory_n happen_v to_o so_o many_o may_v too_o easy_o god_n know_v be_v suppose_v again_o yet_o if_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o failure_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n but_o from_o the_o success_n of_o another_o villainy_n that_o all_o this_o befall_v he_o why_o then_o his_o banishment_n become_v his_o preferment_n his_o rag_n his_o trophy_n his_o nakedness_n his_o ornament_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o innocence_n be_v his_o repast_n he_o feast_v and_o banquet_n upon_o bread_n and_o water_n he_o have_v disarm_v his_o affliction_n unstung_a his_o misery_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o great_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o confusion_n be_v force_v into_o foreign_a country_n for_o their_o unshaken_a firmness_n and_o fidelity_n to_o the_o oppress_a cause_n of_o majesty_n and_o religion_n whether_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o like_o a_o fidus_n achates_n still_o bear_v they_o company_n stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o suggest_v comfort_n even_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v invisible_a and_o in_o a_o word_n verify_v that_o great_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o mouth_n we_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o man_n abridgement_n in_o his_o external_n accommodation_n which_o make_v he_o miserable_a but_o when_o his_o conscience_n shall_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o tooth_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o folly_n which_o bring_v he_o under_o these_o abridgement_n that_o his_o present_a scanty_a meal_n be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o former_a over_o full_a one_o that_o it_o be_v his_o tailor_n and_o his_o cook_n his_o fine_a fashion_n and_o his_o french_a ragou's_fw-fr which_o sequester_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o come_v by_o his_o poverty_n as_o sinful_o as_o some_o usual_o do_v by_o their_o riches_n and_o consequent_o that_o providence_n treat_v he_o with_o all_o these_o severity_n not_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o revenge_n the_o mind_n sure_o of_o itself_o can_v feel_v none_o of_o the_o burn_n of_o a_o fever_n but_o if_o my_o fever_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o surfeit_n and_o that_o surfeit_v cause_v by_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fiery_a disease_n and_o rage_n to_o the_o distemper_n 2_o lie_n let_v we_o consider_v also_o the_o case_n of_o calumny_n and_o disgrace_n doubtless_o the_o sting_n of_o every_o reproachful_a speech_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v conscious_a be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n and_o keenness_n to_o the_o invective_n otherwise_o when_o conscience_n shall_v plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o charge_n a_o man_n entertain_v it_o not_o as_o a_o endictment_n but_o as_o a_o libel_n he_o hear_v all_o such_o calumny_n with_o a_o generous_a unconcernment_n and_o receive_v they_o at_o one_o ear_n give_v they_o a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n through_o the_o other_o they_o fall_v upon_o he_o like_o rain_n or_o hail_n upon_o a_o oil_a garment_n they_o may_v make_v a_o noise_n indeed_o but_o can_v find_v no_o entrance_n the_o very_a whisper_v of_o a_o acquit_v conscience_n will_v drown_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o loud_a slander_n what_o a_o long_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o many_o other_o base_a thing_n do_v iob_n friend_n draw_v up_o against_o he_o but_o he_o regard_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o dunghill_n which_o he_o sit_v upon_o while_o his_o conscience_n enable_v he_o to_o appeal_v even_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o spite_n of_o calumny_n to_o assert_v and_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n and_o do_v not_o joseph_n lie_v under_o as_o black_a a_o infamy_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o the_o lewd_a villainy_n can_v fasten_v upon_o he_o yet_o his_o conscience_n raise_v he_o so_o much_o above_o it_o that_o he_o scorn_v so_o much_o as_o to_o clear_v himself_o or_o to_o recriminate_a the_o strumpet_n by_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a story_n such_o confidence_n such_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n do_v a_o clear_a conscience_n give_v a_o man_n always_o make_v he_o more_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n than_o concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o last_o instance_n in_o which_o above_o all_o other_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n which_o sure_o give_v the_o grand_a opportunity_n of_o try_v both_o the_o strength_n and_o worth_a of_o every_o principle_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v just_a about_o to_o quit_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n to_o put_v off_o his_o mortality_n and_o to_o deliver_v up_o his_o last_o account_n to_o god_n at_o which_o sad_a time_n his_o memory_n shall_v serve_v he_o for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o terrify_v he_o with_o a_o frightful_a review_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o his_o former_a extravagance_n strip_v of_o all_o their_o pleasure_n but_o retain_v their_o gild_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v promise_v he_o a_o fair_a passage_n into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o a_o comfortable_a appearance_n before_o his_o dreadful_a judge_n when_o he_o be_v there_o not_o all_o the_o friend_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n under_o heaven_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o a_o word_n for_o he_o or_o one_o word_n of_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o that_o condition_n they_o may_v possible_o reproach_n but_o they_o can_v relieve_v he_o no_o at_o this_o disconsolate_a time_n when_o the_o busy_a tempter_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o usual_o apt_a to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v he_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o die_a body_n to_o hinder_v and_o discompose_v he_o
unborn_a though_o he_o have_v no_o positive_a perfection_n to_o present_v and_o set_v he_o off_o to_o christ_n view_n yet_o he_o be_v at_o least_o negative_o clear_a and_o like_o unwritten_a paper_n though_o it_o have_v no_o draught_n to_o entertain_v yet_o neither_o have_v it_o any_o blot_n to_o offend_v the_o eye_n but_o be_v white_a and_o innocent_a and_o fair_a for_o a_o after-inscription_n but_o man_n once_o fall_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o great_a blur_v nothing_o but_o a_o total_a universal_a pollution_n and_o not_o to_o be_v reform_v by_o any_o thing_n under_o a_o new_a creation_n yet_o see_v here_o the_o ascent_n and_o progress_n of_o christ_n love_n for_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o such_o a_o loathsome_a and_o provoke_a condition_n be_v it_o not_o love_n enough_o that_o he_o be_v spare_v and_o permit_v to_o enjoy_v a_o be_v since_o not_o to_o put_v a_o traitor_n to_o death_n be_v a_o singular_a mercy_n but_o then_o not_o only_o to_o continue_v his_o be_v but_o to_o adorn_v it_o with_o privilege_n and_o from_o the_o number_n of_o subject_n to_o take_v he_o into_o the_o retinue_n of_o servant_n this_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a love_n for_o every_o one_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o prince_n dominion_n be_v not_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o family_n nor_o be_v any_o prince_n court_n to_o be_v commensurate_a to_o his_o kingdom_n but_o then_o far_o to_o advance_v he_o from_o a_o servant_n to_o a_o friend_n from_o only_o live_v in_o his_o house_n to_o lie_v in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o favour_n above_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o create_a goodness_n a_o act_n for_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o miracle_n to_o love_v supernatural_o and_o to_o pardon_v infinite_o and_o even_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o sovereign_n while_o he_o assume_v the_o saviour_n the_o text_n speak_v the_o win_a behaviour_n and_o gracious_a condescension_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o own_v they_o for_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o honour_v by_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o still_o these_o word_n of_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o according_a to_o the_o bare_a rigour_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o art_n and_o allowance_n of_o expression_n not_o as_o if_o the_o relation_n of_o friend_n have_v actual_o discharge_v they_o from_o that_o of_o servant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o two_o relation_n christ_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_a the_o mean_a and_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o that_o to_o entitle_v and_o denominate_v they_o sole_o from_o the_o more_o honourable_a for_o the_o further_a illustration_n of_o which_o we_o must_v premise_v this_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o so_o far_o as_o service_n import_v duty_n and_o subjection_n all_o create_a being_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n bear_v the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a relation_n of_o servant_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o relation_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o god_n himself_o can_v dispense_v with_o it_o nor_o discharge_v a_o rational_a creature_n from_o it_o for_o although_o consequential_o indeed_o he_o may_v do_v so_o by_o the_o annihilation_n of_o such_o a_o creature_n and_o the_o take_v away_o his_o be_v yet_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o be_v god_n can_v effect_v that_o a_o creature_n which_o have_v his_o be_v from_o and_o his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v he_o the_o utmost_a service_n that_o his_o nature_n enable_v he_o to_o do_v for_o to_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a will_v be_v irregular_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o fix_a unalterable_a relation_n of_o one_o nature_n to_o another_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n even_o by_o god_n himself_o indispensable_a forasmuch_o as_o have_v once_o make_v a_o creature_n he_o can_v cause_v that_o that_o creature_n shall_v not_o owe_v a_o natural_a relation_n to_o his_o maker_n both_o of_o subjection_n and_o dependence_n the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o creature_n import_v so_o much_o to_o which_o relation_n if_o he_o behave_v himself_o unsutable_o he_o go_v contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o which_o god_n the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v warrant_v without_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o even_o in_o our_o high_a estate_n of_o sanctity_n and_o privilege_n we_o yet_o retain_v the_o unavoidable_a obligation_n of_o christ_n servant_n though_o still_o with_o a_o advantage_n as_o great_a as_o the_o obligation_n where_o the_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n so_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o lord_n to_o serve_v and_o to_o be_v free_a be_v term_n not_o consistent_a only_o but_o absolute_o equivalent_a nevertheless_o since_o the_o name_n of_o servant_n have_v of_o old_a be_v reckon_v to_o imply_v a_o certain_a meanness_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o lowness_n of_o condition_n and_o the_o ill_a quality_n of_o many_o who_o serve_v have_v render_v the_o condition_n itself_o not_o very_o creditable_a especial_o in_o those_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o servant_n be_v extreme_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o among_o we_o they_o be_v general_o slave_n and_o such_o as_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v for_o money_n and_o consequent_o reckon_v but_o among_o the_o other_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o their_o lord_n or_o master_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o christ_n think_v fit_a to_o wave_v the_o appellation_n of_o servant_n here_o as_o according_a to_o the_o common_a use_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o that_o time_n most_o nation_n beside_o import_v these_o three_o qualification_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o of_o christ_n disciple_n 1._o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n a_o utter_a unacquaintance_n with_o his_o master_n design_n in_o these_o word_n the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o lord_n do_v for_o seldom_o do_v any_o man_n of_o sense_n make_v his_o servant_n his_o counsellor_n for_o fear_v of_o make_v he_o his_o governor_n too_o a_o master_n for_o the_o most_o part_n keep_v his_o choice_a good_n lock_v up_o from_o his_o servant_n but_o much_o more_o his_o mind_n a_o servant_n be_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o his_o master_n command_n and_o in_o these_o also_o not_o to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o stand_v aloof_o off_o from_o his_o counsel_n only_o but_o sometime_o from_o his_o presence_n also_o and_o so_o far_o as_o decency_n be_v duty_n it_o be_v sometime_o his_o duty_n to_o avoid_v he_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n be_v come_v to_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n staff_n he_o off_o to_o a_o distance_n but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v nothing_o but_o allurement_n attractive_n and_o invitation_n the_o magisterial_a law_n bid_v the_o person_n under_o it_o go_v and_o he_o must_v go_v but_o the_o gospel_n say_v to_o every_o believer_n come_v and_o he_o come_v a_o servant_n dwell_v remote_a from_o all_o knowledge_n of_o his_o lord_n purpose_n he_o live_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o foreigner_n under_o the_o same_o roof_n a_o domestic_a and_o yet_o a_o stranger_n too_o two_o the_o name_n of_o servant_n import_v a_o slavish_a and_o degenerous_a awe_n of_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v in_o rom._n 8._o 5._o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v he_o who_o serve_v have_v still_o the_o low_a and_o ignoble_a restraint_n of_o dread_a upon_o his_o spirit_n which_o in_o business_n and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o action_n cramp_n and_o tie_v up_o his_o activity_n he_o fear_v his_o master_n anger_n but_o design_n not_o his_o favour_n quicken_v i_o say_v david_n with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v worth_a and_o life_n to_o the_o performance_n but_o a_o servant_n common_o be_v less_o free_a in_o mind_n than_o in_o condition_n his_o very_a will_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o bond_n and_o shackle_n and_o desire_v itself_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o durance_n and_o captivity_n in_o all_o that_o a_o servant_n do_v he_o be_v scarce_o a_o voluntary_a agent_n but_o when_o he_o serve_v himself_o all_o his_o service_n otherwise_o not_o flow_v natural_o from_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n but_o be_v draw_v and_o force_v from_o he_o by_o terror_n and_o coaction_n in_o any_o work_n he_o be_v put_v to_o let_v the_o master_n withdraw_v his_o eye_n and_o he_o will_v quick_o take_v
their_o great_a judge_n and_o demur_v to_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o sentence_n have_v they_o be_v condemn_v by_o he_o but_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v man_n inexcusable_a be_v not_o therefore_o sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o it_o be_v not_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o one_o else_o that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o heathen_n the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o so_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o god_n will_v save_v none_o of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o reach_v though_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o he_o do_v save_v any_o of_o they_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o that_o ordinary_a state_v appoint_a method_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o which_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o heathen_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o both_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o such_o a_o be_v yet_o what_o principle_n of_o mere_a reason_n can_v assure_v they_o that_o this_o god_n will_v be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o such_o as_o diligent_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o reward_v any_o service_n of_o his_o creature_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o that_o the_o creature_n can_v do_v be_v but_o duty_n and_o even_o now_o at_o this_o time_n god_n have_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o he_o but_o his_o own_o free_a promise_n to_o reward_v the_o piety_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o promise_v reason_n of_o itself_o can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o till_o god_n make_v it_o know_v by_o revelation_n and_o moreover_o what_o principle_n of_o reason_n can_v assure_v a_o man_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v sinner_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o possible_o it_o may_v know_v that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o but_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o depend_v upon_o and_o then_o last_o of_o all_o as_o for_o the_o way_n of_o his_o pardon_v sinner_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o upon_o a_o satisfaction_n pay_v to_o his_o justice_n by_o such_o a_o saviour_n as_o shall_v be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o find_v out_o for_o that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o common_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o be_v learn_v by_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o some_o have_v fond_o not_o to_o say_v profane_o enough_o assert_v it_o be_v infinite_o sottish_a to_o imagine_v and_o can_v indeed_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wanton_a and_o unreasonable_a proposition_n it_o be_v clear_a therefore_o that_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o that_o way_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o expect_v salvation_n so_o that_o all_o the_o hope_n which_o we_o can_v have_v for_o they_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v the_o utmost_a limit_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n but_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n may_v overflow_v and_o run_v over_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o reach_v even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v invincible_o ignorant_a of_o he_o but_o whether_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o god_n alone_o know_v who_o only_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n it_o be_v a_o secret_a hide_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v hope_v compassionate_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o can_v pronounce_v nothing_o certain_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o god_n have_v assert_v his_o justice_n even_o in_o his_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o he_o treat_v not_o upon_o term_n of_o evangelical_n mercy_n so_o that_o such_o person_n can_v neither_o excuse_v themselves_o nor_o yet_o accuse_v he_o who_o in_o the_o severe_a sentence_n that_o he_o can_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o sinner_n will_v as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o be_v justify_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o clear_v when_o he_o be_v judge_v 2_o lie_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o gather_v hence_o the_o unspeakable_o wretched_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o sun_n of_o mercy_n have_v shine_v too_o long_o and_o too_o bright_a upon_o such_o to_o leave_v they_o any_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n for_o let_v they_o argue_v over_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o human_a weakness_n and_o whatsoever_o other_o pretence_n poor_a sink_v sinner_n be_v apt_a to_o catch_v at_o to_o support_v and_o save_v themselves_o by_o yet_o how_o trifle_a must_v be_v their_o plea_n how_o impertinent_a their_o defence_n for_o admit_v a_o impenitent_a heathen_a to_o plead_v that_o albeit_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v yet_o it_o can_v not_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v any_o provision_n of_o mercy_n for_o he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o know_v not_o whether_o amendment_n of_o life_n will_v be_v accept_v after_o the_o law_n be_v once_o break_v or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o righteousness_n to_o atone_v or_o merit_n for_o he_o but_o his_o own_o but_o no_o christian_a who_o have_v be_v take_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o plausible_a word_n for_o his_o impenitence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o who_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n without_o a_o wedding-garment_n that_o be_v charge_v and_o apprehend_v for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v speechless_a strike_v with_o shame_n and_o silence_n the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o overpower_v gild_n too_o manifest_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o too_o gross_a to_o be_v defend_v his_o reason_n desert_v and_o his_o voice_n fail_v he_o find_v himself_o arraign_v convict_a and_o condemn_v in_o the_o court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o his_o great_a judge_n have_v free_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o can_v allege_v or_o say_v for_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v judgement_n to_o die_v eternal_o and_o sentence_n to_o be_v award_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n he_o can_v not_o in_o this_o forlorn_a case_n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o very_a last_o plea_n of_o a_o cast_v criminal_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o have_v cry_v mercy_n lord_n mercy_n for_o still_o his_o conscience_n will_v have_v reply_v upon_o he_o that_o mercy_n have_v be_v offer_v and_o abuse_v and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v now_o past_a and_o so_o under_o this_o overwhelm_a conviction_n every_o gospel-sinner_n must_v pass_v to_o his_o eternal_a execution_n take_v the_o whole_a load_n of_o his_o own_o damnation_n sole_o and_o entire_o upon_o himself_o and_o acquit_v the_o most_o just_a god_n who_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sacramental_a preparation_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o matthew_n xxii_o 12._o preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n on_o the_o 8_o the_o of_o april_n 1688._o be_v palm-sunday_n matthew_n xxii_o 12._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding-garment_n the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o these_o word_n be_v figurative_a as_o be_v a_o parabolical_a description_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n the_o invaluable_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o king_n with_o great_a magnificence_n solemnize_n his_o son_n marriage_n and_o with_o equal_a bounty_n bid_v and_o invite_v all_o about_o he_o to_o that_o royal_a solemnity_n together_o with_o his_o severe_a animadversion_n both_o upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o come_v and_o upon_o one_o who_o do_v come_v in_o a_o very_a unbeseeming_a manner_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o parable_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o second_o the_o circumstantial_a passage_n serve_v only_o to_o complete_a and_o make_v up_o the_o narration_n according_o in_o our_o application_n of_o any_o parable_n to_o the_o thing_n design_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o