practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o gospel_n print_a mdcxcix_o to_o the_o reader_n morality_n be_v my_o business_n morality_n improve_v exalt_v and_o raise_v near_a heaven_n by_o religion_n if_o controversy_n ever_o happen_v to_o lie_v fair_o in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v as_o fair_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o desirous_a to_o dispute_v with_o my_o reader_n but_o to_o do_v he_o good_a which_o i_o believe_v be_v seldom_o do_v by_o argue_v and_o dispute_v the_o best_a thing_n that_o controversy_n can_v do_v be_v to_o show_v we_o clear_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o i_o presume_v all_o party_n be_v agree_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a point_n or_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o quarrel_v so_o fierce_o and_o so_o obstinate_o about_o it_o but_o yet_o when_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v only_o begin_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o save_v we_o without_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o best_a morality_n the_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n must_v always_o go_v together_o the_o creed_n and_o the_o commandment_n must_v never_o upon_o any_o term_n be_v part_v the_o first_o part_n will_v not_o do_v without_o the_o second_o it_o be_v always_o defective_a and_o want_v the_o other_o half_n to_o make_v up_o a_o whole_a christian_a i_o may_v therefore_o bold_o say_v the_o subject_a which_o i_o treat_v of_o be_v the_o best_a i_o can_v have_v choose_v i_o know_v no_o entertainment_n better_a for_o a_o christian_a than_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o for_o the_o style_n and_o method_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o usual_a employment_n of_o my_o morning-thought_n intend_v chief_o for_o my_o own_o private_a improvement_n and_o though_o i_o be_o far_o from_o admire_v they_o yet_o have_v find_v some_o benefit_n in_o the_o write_n i_o do_v not_o quite_o despair_v but_o that_o some_o few_o may_v find_v the_o like_a in_o read_v they_o my_o friend_n perhaps_o may_v wonder_v to_o see_v i_o again_o in_o print_n especial_o after_o have_v public_o declare_v that_o i_o have_v now_o do_v scribble_n but_o however_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o accuse_v i_o of_o inconstancy_n when_o i_o assure_v they_o that_o my_o judgement_n and_o my_o inclination_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o advice_n that_o i_o have_v change_v my_o resolution_n they_o may_v also_o please_v to_o reflect_v that_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o prove_v in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o security_n of_o blind_a obedience_n it_o will_v look_v a_o little_a strange_o if_o i_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o practise_v it_o the_o content_n discourse_n i._o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n discourse_n ii_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n discourse_n iii_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o world_n discourse_n iv_o of_o worldly_a policy_n and_o christian_a prudence_n discourse_n v._o of_o christian_a humility_n discourse_n vi_o of_o christian_a marriage_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o sanctify_v it_o discourse_n vii_o of_o true_a repentance_n discourse_v viii_o of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o the_o elect._n discourse_n i._o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o many_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o make_v haste_n out_o of_o the_o city_n to_o come_v to_o jesus_n he_o speak_v by_o a_o parable_n the_o sower_n go_v out_o to_o sow_v his_o seed_n and_o as_o he_o sow_v some_o fall_v by_o the_o way_n and_o it_o be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n devour_v it_o and_o some_o fall_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o be_v spring_v up_o it_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o want_v moisture_n and_o some_o fall_v among_o thorn_n and_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o with_o it_o choke_v it_o and_o the_o other_o fall_v upon_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v spring_v up_o bear_v fruit_n a_o hundred-fold_n and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v these_o thing_n he_o cry_v he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v whereupon_o his_o disciple_n ask_v he_o what_o this_o parable_n may_v be_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o to_o other_o in_o parable_n that_o see_v they_o may_v not_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o may_v not_o understand_v now_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o who_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o way_n be_v they_o that_o hear_v and_o then_o come_v the_o devil_n and_o take_v the_o word_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n lest_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v they_o who_o seed_n fall_v upon_o the_o rock_n be_v they_o who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o these_o have_v no_o root_n who_o for_o a_o time_n believe_v and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n fall_v away_o and_o that_o which_o fall_v among_o thorn_n be_v they_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o go_v forth_o be_v choke_v with_o care_n and_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o bring_v no_o fruit._n but_o that_o which_o fall_v on_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v they_o who_o in_o a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n luk._n 8._o ver_fw-la 4_o to_o 16._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o salvation_n the_o seed_n of_o those_o virtue_n by_o which_o we_o save_v our_o soul_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o ground_n in_o which_o this_o seed_n be_v sow_o and_o if_o the_o ground_n be_v good_a it_o will_v receive_v the_o seed_n and_o keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v we_o to_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o only_o because_o we_o can_v serve_v he_o unless_o we_o first_o prepare_v our_o heart_n and_o fit_v they_o for_o his_o service_n it_o be_v not_o grace_n alone_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o saint_n and_o sinner_n the_o very_a same_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o some_o be_v many_o time_n refuse_v by_o other_o and_o the_o receive_v or_o refuse_v of_o it_o very_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o preparation_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o seed_n miscarry_v three_o several_a way_n it_o be_v devour_v wither_a and_o choke_v not_o because_o there_o be_v three_o fort_n of_o seed_n but_o because_o the_o same_o seed_n fall_v upon_o three_o sort_n of_o ground_n the_o first_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o the_o second_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o the_o third_z brought_z no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n i._o the_o first_o ground_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o it_o be_v total_o neglect_v and_o continual_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o husbandman_n be_v idle_a and_o never_o offer_v to_o cultivate_v it_o the_o passenger_n be_v ever_o busy_a to_o and_o fro_o and_o make_v it_o too_o hard_a for_o any_o seed_n to_o enter_z and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a case_n of_o many_o people_n heart_n 1._o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prepare_v they_o 2._o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n to_o harden_n they_o 1._o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o prepare_v their_o heart_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o never_o make_v it_o any_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o business_n to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o if_o they_o read_v it_o or_o hear_v it_o it_o be_v either_o curiosity_n or_o custom_n it_o be_v not_o inclination_n that_o prompt_v they_o to_o it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o seldom_o or_o never_o serious_o consider_v it_o for_o want_v of_o a_o free_a acquaintance_n with_o it_o they_o never_o know_v how_o lovely_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o love_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v they_o give_v it_o a_o very_a cold_a reception_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o none_o at_o all_o in_o their_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o ear_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o in_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o but_o never_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n till_o they_o love_v it_o hatred_n indeed_o belong_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o love_n but_o hatred_n banish_v and_o drive_v it_o away_o it_o be_v only_a love_n receive_v it_o and_o embrace_v it_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o love_v it_o without_o know_v the_o value_n of_o it_o or_o how_o shall_v they_o right_o understand_v it_o without_o converse_v free_o and_o familiar_o with_o it_o as_o partial_a as_o we_o be_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v reasonable_o
of_o our_o neighbour_n sin_n not_o we_o the_o cover_n of_o our_o own_o avail_v we_o nothing_o unless_o we_o repent_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o proverb_n that_o he_o who_o cover_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o whosoever_o confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v have_v mercy_n 9_o other_o presume_v upon_o their_o be_v child_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o say_v within_o themselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n for_o our_o father_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o we_o catholic_n to_o say_v we_o have_v the_o church_n for_o our_o mother_n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n fruit_n worthy_a of_o true_a repentance_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o for_o our_o presumption_n no_o pardon_n to_o be_v obtain_v no_o mercy_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o a_o thorough-paced_n amendment_n ii_o when_o faith_n have_v once_o level_v these_o mountain_n of_o presumption_n and_o pride_n the_o next_o affair_n in_o hand_n be_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o make_v it_o straight_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o crooked_a as_o self-love_n it_o make_v we_o crooked_a in_o all_o our_o way_n it_o invent_v a_o thousand_o turn_n wind_n and_o byway_n to_o compass_v its_o design_n it_o never_o engage_v in_o any_o thing_n abroad_o without_o contrive_v to_o bring_v something_o home_n it_o begin_v from_o itself_o it_o tend_v to_o itself_o it_o bend_v till_o both_o end_n meet_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o crooked_a on_o the_o contrary_a the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v straight_o it_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o that_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o make_v we_o it_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o god_n that_o we_o may_v serve_v he_o only_o it_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n within_o we_o that_o every_o loyal_a heart_n may_v be_v the_o throne_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n that_o all_o our_o passion_n inclination_n and_o humour_n may_v be_v faithful_a subject_n to_o he_o in_o do_v his_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o his_o love_n may_v not_o only_o live_v but_o reign_v in_o we_o and_o not_o only_o now_o but_o for_o ever_o his_o love_n must_v begin_v to_o live_v before_o it_o begin_v to_o reign_v in_o we_o it_o must_v first_o move_v we_o to_o repent_v before_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o always_o be_v at_o hand_n can_v be_v establish_v in_o our_o heart_n our_o penitential_a tear_n will_v never_o sufficient_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o our_o lord_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n begin_v to_o move_v the_o water_n our_o self-love_n may_v cry_v its_o eye_n out_o and_o almost_o break_v its_o heart_n with_o grief_n alas_o this_o crooked_a love_n can_v never_o make_v the_o way_n straight_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o be_v all_o truth_n all_o justice_n and_o all_o holiness_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o can_v make_v all_o straight_a by_o make_v we_o true_o repent_v and_o move_v we_o to_o detest_v and_o hate_v all_o falsehood_n all_o injustice_n and_o all_o wickedness_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o the_o 6._o ch_z of_o the_o 6._o session_n describe_v repentance_n such_o as_o always_o be_v and_o now_o be_v requisite_a as_o well_o before_o baptism_n as_o before_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n lay_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o penitential_a disposition_n in_o this_o natural_a order_n it_o mention_n 1._o our_o fear_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n 2._o our_o hope_n of_o mercy_n through_o christ_n 3._o our_o beginning_n to_o love_n god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o righteousness_n 4._o our_o be_v therefore_o move_v with_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o our_o sin_n 5._o our_o purpose_v to_o begin_v a_o new_a life_n by_o keep_v the_o divine_a commandment_n and_o again_o in_o the_o 4._o ch_z of_o the_o 14._o session_n the_o same_o council_n declare_v that_o all_o true_a repentance_n include_v not_o only_o a_o cessation_n from_o sin_n but_o also_o a_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o old_a one_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v a_o little_a this_o doctrine_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o clear_a and_o rational_a as_o not_o to_o need_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o council_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o 1._o when_o sinner_n sleep_v secure_o they_o dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o sensual_a satisfaction_n and_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n but_o when_o they_o once_o be_v rouse_v and_o thorough_o awaken_v with_o a_o strong_a belief_n and_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o god_n justice_n will_v eternal_o deprive_v they_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o punish_v they_o severe_o with_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a than_o to_o be_v strike_v with_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o punishment_n and_o although_o they_o see_v it_o by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n they_o dread_v it_o with_o a_o natural_a fear_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o quote_v aquinas_n for_o this_o truth_n it_o be_v as_o evident_o natural_a to_o to_o fear_v the_o pain_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o love_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o uneasiness_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v troublesome_a to_o we_o and_o when_o it_o be_v great_a we_o dare_v not_o shake_v it_o off_o as_o usual_o we_o do_v our_o creditor_n who_o we_o refuse_v to_o speak_v with_o when_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n the_o fear_n of_o be_v arrefted_a and_o eternal_o confine_v from_o all_o that_o ever_o please_v we_o when_o it_o once_o look_v big_a and_o terrible_a upon_o we_o it_o soon_o bring_v down_o our_o stomach_n and_o make_v we_o content_v now_o to_o think_v how_o merciful_a god_n be_v and_o seek_v for_o hope_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n 3._o when_o we_o be_v thus_o consider_v how_o good_a god_n be_v and_o how_o bad_a we_o be_v how_o great_a his_o mercy_n be_v and_o how_o little_a we_o deserve_v it_o how_o severe_a his_o justice_n be_v and_o how_o much_o we_o have_v provoke_v it_o when_o we_o be_v waver_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o ponder_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n admire_v that_o incomprehensible_a mercy_n which_o move_v the_o most_o high_a god_n to_o send_v his_o only_a son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o inexorable_a justice_n which_o will_v not_o be_v atone_v by_o any_o other_o sacrifice_n when_o we_o compare_v the_o crookedness_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o straight_a path_n of_o virtue_n the_o truth_n the_o purity_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n law_n with_o our_o hypocrisy_n uncleanness_n and_o iniquity_n when_o we_o study_v the_o charm_a feature_n of_o his_o divine_a beauty_n and_o in_o his_o own_o light_n see_v our_o horrible_a deformity_n it_o be_v then_o that_o we_o begin_v to_o love_v he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o righteousness_n and_o because_o we_o love_v he_o therefore_o we_o detest_v and_o hate_v our_o sin_n by_o which_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o it_o be_v then_o that_o we_o be_v sensible_a what_o fool_n we_o have_v be_v to_o forsake_v our_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o live_v water_n and_o seek_v our_o happiness_n among_o his_o creature_n by_o hew_v out_o cistern_n break_a cistern_n which_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n it_o be_v then_o our_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v with_o grief_n to_o think_v that_o we_o have_v err_v from_o the_o straight_a way_n of_o truth_n and_o we_o try_v ourselves_o in_o the_o crooked_a way_n of_o wickedness_n and_o destruction_n it_o be_v then_o i_o say_v we_o firm_o purpose_v to_o begin_v a_o new_a life_n because_o we_o hate_v the_o old_a one_o and_o then_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n we_o cast_v away_o from_o we_o all_o our_o transgression_n because_o we_o have_v now_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n we_o love_v our_o god_n who_o hitherto_o we_o slight_v and_o for_o his_o sake_n we_o hate_v the_o vice_n which_o former_o we_o love_v and_o love_v the_o virtue_n which_o heretofore_o we_o hate_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_v a_o very_a important_a question_n whether_o sorrow_n arise_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n alone_o may_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o and_o declare_v
because_o it_o only_o discover_v to_o they_o a_o heaven_n which_o they_o do_v not_o relish_v and_o disturb_v they_o with_o unwelcome_a thought_n of_o a_o hell_n which_o make_v they_o tremble_v their_o heart_n be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_o deaf_a and_o therefore_o they_o see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v hear_v not_o our_o saviour_n thus_o describe_v they_o in_o the_o thirteen_o of_o s._n matthew_n their_o heart_n be_v gross_a their_o ear_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n for_o fear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_n they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o afraid_a of_o understanding_n with_o their_o mind_n because_o the_o mind_n only_o preach_v it_o be_v the_o heart_n that_o practice_n their_o great_a fear_n be_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v understand_v with_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v not_o patience_n to_o think_v of_o any_o real_a and_o effectual_a change_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a of_o change_v their_o foolish_a heart_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v begin_v to_o love_v it_o take_v delight_n in_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o watchful_a to_o take_v the_o word_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o keep_v it_o always_o out_o he_o take_v it_o out_o for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v they_o keep_v it_o out_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o heal_v the_o devil_n fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v save_v and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o of_o his_o mind_n so_o full_o in_o his_o power_n and_o so_o lead_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v not_o more_o afraid_a of_o it_o than_o they_o be_v ii_o when_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o double_o harden_v from_o without_o and_o from_o within_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o it_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o wonder_n i_o say_v that_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v by_o the_o way_n be_v tread_v down_o and_o present_o devour_v but_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o ground_n be_v something_o better_a than_o the_o first_o though_o it_o be_v stony_a underneath_o yet_o it_o be_v cover_v over_o with_o some_o little_a earth_n which_o ready_o receive_v the_o seed_n and_o help_v it_o to_o spring_v up_o although_o it_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o nor_o allow_v it_o any_o root_n s._n luke_n say_v it_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o want_v moisture_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a tear_n of_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o mollify_v the_o hard_a heart_n and_o soften_v all_o the_o stony_a place_n in_o it_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n that_o heavenly_a moisture_n which_o nourish_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o help_v the_o seed_n to_o enter_v deep_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v scorch_v and_o wither_a in_o the_o thirteen_o of_o s._n matthew_n we_o read_v that_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o stony_a place_n spring_v up_o immediate_o because_o it_o have_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o present_o wither_a away_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n it_o be_v soon_o up_o for_o want_v of_o depth_n and_o soon_o down_o for_o want_v of_o root_n the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o prefer_v it_o before_o god_n and_o do_v not_o know_v they_o do_v so_o be_v like_o a_o rock_n under_o ground_n the_o soil_n seem_v good_a and_o so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v it_o real_o be_v so_o but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o it_o it_o be_v little_a better_o than_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v not_o deep_a enough_o to_o be_v fruitful_a the_o seed_n immediate_o enter_v but_o be_v little_o cover_v and_o less_o root_v be_v present_o wither_a with_o the_o first_o heat_n that_o scorch_v it_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v strange_o in_o love_n with_o this_o foolish_a world_n and_o violent_o fond_a of_o transitory_a thing_n belong_v to_o this_o present_a life_n their_o worldly_a honour_n wealth_n and_o pleasure_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o life_n and_o this_o life_n dear_a to_o they_o than_o the_o next_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o next_o and_o be_v awaken_v with_o a_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n where_o everlasting_a happiness_n attend_v they_o if_o they_o please_v they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o understand_v that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v be_v happy_a here_o they_o may_v perhaps_o begin_v to_o be_v so_o there_o they_o be_v not_o very_o much_o charm_v with_o what_o they_o hear_v of_o heaven_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o relish_v those_o spiritual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v too_o refine_v for_o sensual_a and_o carnal_a soul_n but_o however_o they_o presume_v that_o god_n who_o can_v but_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o must_v needs_o know_v how_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a when_o he_o take_v they_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o when_o their_o own_o felicity_n be_v spend_v which_o they_o desire_v may_v last_v as_o long_o as_o possible_a they_o then_o be_v willing_a to_o try_v what_o heaven_n be_v and_o see_v if_o it_o can_v make_v amends_o for_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o they_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o seem_v to_o love_n god_n pretty_a well_o but_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a they_o love_v themselves_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o and_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o matter_n the_o plain_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v they_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o hell_n which_o drive_v they_o into_o a_o desire_n of_o heaven_n fear_n be_v a_o troublesome_a passion_n and_o hell_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o terrible_a that_o even_o those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a in_o themselves_o when_o they_o admit_v a_o serious_a thought_n of_o it_o it_o sour_v all_o worldly_a comfort_n and_o embitter_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o for_o their_o own_o dear_a sake_n that_o they_o may_v love_v the_o world_n secure_o and_o enjoy_v it_o with_o a_o undisturbed_a and_o quiet_a mind_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o a_o composition_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o all_o the_o exterior_a duty_n of_o religion_n provide_v they_o may_v keep_v their_o heart_n to_o themselves_o and_o bestow_v it_o where_o they_o please_v without_o be_v oblige_v to_o wean_v it_o from_o the_o world_n and_o disengage_v it_o from_o the_o treacherous_a endearment_n of_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o be_v very_o exact_a in_o all_o their_o parish-devotion_n punctual_a in_o their_o time_n of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n diligent_a in_o hear_v sermon_n cheerful_a in_o give_v alm_n and_o charitable_a in_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a all_o this_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o do_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o love_v and_o enjoy_v themselves_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o humour_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o all_o this_o they_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o do_v because_o it_o pacify_v the_o troublesome_a remorse_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o cheat_v they_o into_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v better_a than_o they_o be_v it_o make_v they_o hope_v they_o love_v god_n better_o than_o they_o do_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o very_o fond_a of_o any_o worldly_a satisfaction_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o all_o for_o god_n sake_n when_o occasion_n require_v the_o outside_n of_o their_o piety_n amuse_n they_o but_o the_o inside_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v always_o hide_a from_o they_o they_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o search_v the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o to_o discover_v the_o wretched_a corruption_n of_o their_o misplace_a affection_n because_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a thing_n in_o which_o they_o be_v full_o determine_v never_o to_o practice_v any_o self-denial_n they_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v resolve_v upon_o the_o point_n that_o such_o thing_n must_v and_o shall_v be_v reasonable_a because_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n they_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o other_o matter_n where_o their_o strong_a passion_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v they_o can_v comply_v with_o ease_n they_o can_v read_v and_o pray_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o joy_n they_o can_v
conceive_v some_o good_a desire_n they_o can_v be_v very_o much_o please_v with_o a_o little_a sensible_a devotion_n for_o the_o present_a but_o when_o these_o pious_a thought_n begin_v to_o sink_v a_o little_a deep_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o contrive_v a_o real_a and_o effectual_a reformation_n of_o their_o life_n when_o the_o seed_n begin_v to_o take_v root_n it_o be_v then_o it_o meet_v with_o great_a and_o unexpected_a resistance_n and_o find_v under_o a_o tender_a surface_n nothing_o but_o the_o hardness_n of_o a_o rock_n their_o worldly_a honour_n their_o estate_n their_o ease_n be_v thing_n which_o must_v not_o upon_o any_o term_n be_v call_v in_o question_n they_o be_v harden_v in_o a_o selfish_n proud_a and_o sullen_a resolution_n of_o never_o part_v with_o they_o and_o till_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n come_v they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o hard_o their_o obstinacy_n be_v when_o all_o go_v prosperous_o on_o and_o danger_n look_v upon_o they_o at_o a_o distance_n almost_o out_o of_o sight_n they_o then_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n in_o a_o kind_a fit_a to_o offer_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o almighty_a and_o address_v his_o infinite_a majesty_n with_o the_o usual_a compliment_n of_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o stand_v by_o he_o with_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o these_o dutiful_a expression_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v no_o root_n in_o their_o heart_n these_o loyalist_n endure_v but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o afterward_o when_o any_o persecution_n or_o affliction_n arise_v they_o find_v in_o time_n of_o temptation_n how_o much_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o themselves_o immediate_o they_o fall_v away_o iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o ground_n receive_v the_o seed_n and_o keep_v it_o it_o keep_v it_o warm_a and_o deep_a and_o help_v it_o to_o take_v root_n but_o because_o the_o thorn_n take_v deep_a root_n spread_v far_o and_o rise_v high_o therefore_o the_o seed_n be_v choke_v and_o bring_v no_o fruit._n these_o thorn_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n as_o for_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o can_v be_v too_o careful_a of_o it_o we_o can_v love_v god_n too_o much_o we_o can_v have_v too_o great_a a_o passion_n for_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o as_o for_o this_o poor_a earth_n this_o dirt_n which_o only_a foul_n and_o clog_n our_o foot_n this_o clay_n in_o which_o we_o often_o stick_v so_o fast_o alas_o this_o miserable_a world_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o deserve_v our_o care_n except_o it_o be_v get_v well_o out_o of_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o safe_a passage_n to_o a_o better_a whatever_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v be_v careful_a of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o any_o thing_n else_o belong_v to_o this_o wretched_a life_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o warning_n to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o needless_a and_o pernicious_a care_n which_o hinder_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v fruitful_a in_o our_o heart_n the_o danger_n be_v the_o great_a because_o these_o care_n be_v of_o a_o early_a growth_n the_o root_n of_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o they_o take_v possession_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o several_a year_n before_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n have_v prepare_v we_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o read_v that_o the_o seed_n fall_v among_o thorn_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o the_o thorn_n be_v first_o possessor_n of_o the_o ground_n but_o yet_o if_o they_o have_v be_v extirpate_v before_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_o it_o may_v have_v spring_v up_o safe_o by_o itself_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o thorn_n to_o spring_v up_o with_o it_o and_o choke_v it_o the_o thorn_n have_v great_a advantage_n over_o the_o seed_n not_o only_o their_o growth_n be_v early_o but_o quick_a and_o more_o natural_a the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v like_o the_o rankness_n of_o a_o soil_n to_o which_o they_o easy_o take_v and_o where_o they_o thrive_v at_o a_o strange_a rate_n there_o need_v no_o plant_n water_v or_o take_v any_o care_n of_o they_o it_o be_v but_o let_v they_o alone_o they_o grow_v apace_o and_o spring_v up_o of_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o piety_n and_o virtue_n there_o must_v be_v sow_v plant_v cultivate_v no_o pain_n must_v be_v spare_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o good_a order_n and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o make_v they_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n although_o there_o be_v no_o thorn_n to_o hinder_v they_o i_o tremble_v when_o i_o think_v how_o sad_o true_a this_o be_v experience_n teach_v it_o the_o gospel_n itself_o confirm_v it_o and_o our_o conscience_n can_v deny_v it_o we_o daily_o see_v how_o careful_a most_o man_n be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o how_o careless_a of_o the_o next_o they_o lay_v up_o riches_n and_o provide_v for_o pleasure_n these_o be_v their_o principal_a care_n which_o our_o saviour_n mention_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v very_o high_o concern_v for_o live_v long_o with_o all_o their_o plenty_n and_o their_o ease_n about_o they_o but_o as_o for_o live_v well_o and_o lay_v in_o provision_n for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n they_o entertain_v these_o thought_n with_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n the_o least_o prospect_n of_o danger_n attend_v their_o worldly_a riches_n or_o their_o pleasure_n be_v enough_o to_o break_v their_o sleep_n the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o a_o momentary_a poverty_n or_o misery_n though_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v enough_o to_o put_v their_o mind_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o torture_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o they_o but_o as_o for_o eternal_a riches_n and_o heavenly_a pleasure_n though_o these_o be_v perhaps_o in_o great_a danger_n they_o can_v sleep_v secure_o all_o the_o cruel_a poverty_n and_o everlasting_a misery_n of_o hell_n itself_o though_o they_o be_v loud_o threaten_v with_o its_o being_n near_o than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o all_o this_o will_v not_o rouse_v they_o and_o awake_v they_o into_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a our_o nature_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n which_o regard_v the_o other_o world_n and_o yet_o so_o vigorous_a so_o active_a and_o so_o busy_a in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o the_o consequence_n be_v natural_a and_o plain_a there_o be_v no_o excuse_n can_v be_v admit_v in_o the_o case_n we_o must_v consider_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o danger_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o folly_n of_o these_o worldly_a care_n we_o must_v go_v to_o work_v with_o both_o our_o hand_n and_o labour_n with_o all_o our_o strength_n to_o pull_v they_o up_o by_o the_o root_n without_o this_o all_o our_o other_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a we_o may_v confess_v our_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v sorry_a for_o they_o we_o may_v purpose_v to_o amend_v but_o all_o these_o pious_a endeavour_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o without_o effect_n we_o shall_v immediate_o relapse_n again_o our_o sorrow_n and_o our_o purpose_n will_v never_o be_v victorious_a whilst_o our_o worldly_a care_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o prevalent_a we_o must_v therefore_o lay_v this_o matter_n serious_o to_o heart_n eternity_n depend_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v it_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o meet_v with_o people_n who_o wonder_v strange_o at_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o long_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o pain_n which_o they_o have_v often_o take_v to_o amend_v their_o life_n but_o yet_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v never_o wonder_v that_o people_n lose_v their_o labour_n when_o they_o go_v the_o wrong_a way_n to_o work_v if_o they_o will_v not_o take_v advice_n when_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o give_v it_o they_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o help_v it_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o whilst_o they_o sow_v among_o thorn_n the_o seed_n will_v never_o bring_v forth_o fruit._n and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a warn_v to_o they_o to_o begin_v the_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n by_o labour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o root_v out_o all_o these_o thorn_n all_o worldly_a passion_n and_o affection_n whatsoever_o from_o whence_o those_o care_n arise_v which_o choke_v the_o seed_n obstruct_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o descend_v to_o particular_n because_o the_o case_n be_v general_a and_o without_o the_o least_o exception_n no_o love_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o must_v ever_o dare_v to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o creator_n all_o other_o love_n must_v be_v resign_v and_o moderate_a submissive_a to_o god_n