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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n bring_v fruit_n word_n 3,570 5 4.8691 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29181 Practical discourses upon the parables of our blessed Saviour with prayers annexed to each discourse / by Francis Bragge ... Bragge, Francis, 1664-1728. 1694 (1694) Wing B4201; ESTC R35338 242,722 507

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p._n 91._o l._n 17._o r._n to_o p._n 111._o l._n 10._o r._n eternal_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o deal_n the._n p._n 129._o l._n 17._o r._n have_v p._n 133._o l._n 15._o r._n affect_v ib_o antip_v r._n their_o p._n 141._o l._n 3._o r._n then_o p._n 142._o l._n 7._o deal_n we_o 144._o l._n 20._o r._n if_o 162._o l._n 7._o r._n own_o p._n 171._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n p._n 185._o l._n 20._o deal_n and._n p._n 186._o l._n 23._o r._n us_o as_o 202._o l._n 10._o r._n slight_v p._n 223._o l._n 3._o r._n be_v p._n 227._o l._n 13._o r._n his_o 228._o l._n 28._o r._n break_v p._n 234._o l._n 12._o r._n strike_v so_o p_o 239._o l._n 6._o r._n behaviour_n p._n 241._o l._n 16._o deal_n such_o ib._n l._n 17._o r._n which_o 245._o l._n 17._o r._n that_o p._n 252._o l._n 12_o r._n mankind_n p._n 257._o l._n 29._o r._n general_a 266._o l._n 12._o r._n relief_n p._n 284._o l._n 14._o r._n of_o p._n 289._o l._n 23._o r._n from_o p._n 328._o l._n 13._o r._n indignus_fw-la ibid._n l._n 15._o r._n charae_fw-la p._n 329._o l._n 6._o r._n according_o p._n 332._o l._n 3._o r._n sleep_n p._n 333._o l._n 6._o r._n unspeakable_o p._n 335._o l._n 12._o r._n we_o p._n 342._o l._n 28._o r._n dewes_n p._n 355._o l._n 29._o deal_n public_a p._n 361._o l._n 25._o r._n your_o p._n 374._o l._n 18_o 19_o for_o they_o r._n he_o p._n 378._o l_o 10._o r._n she_o p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n those_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n passion_n p._n 382._o deal_n crysippi_n porticus_fw-la &_o grex_fw-la ibid._n r._n prava_fw-la p._n 392._o l._n 4._o for_o saviour_n r._n father_n 404._o l._n 3._o r._n in_o the_o favour_n 405._o l._n 27._o r._n make_v p._n 415._o l._n 27._o r._n can_v not_o p._n 416._o l._n 26._o r._n irreconcilable_a p._n 430._o l._n 2._o r._n numb_v p._n 441._o l._n 25_o r._n encourager_n p._n 457._o l._n 23._o r._n favour_n p._n 470._o l._n 25._o r._n bitter_a p._n 475_o l._n 29._o r._n depreciate_n parable_n i._o of_o the_o sour_a that_o go_v forth_o to_o sow_v his_o seed_n matth._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o behold_v a_o sower_n go_v forth_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o he_o sow_v some_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o way-side_n and_o the_o foul_n come_v and_o devour_v they_o up_o some_o fall_v upon_o sttony_n place_n where_o they_o have_v not_o much_o earth_n and_o forthwith_o they_o spring_v up_o because_o they_o have_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v up_o they_o be_v scorch_v and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o root_n they_o wither_v away_o and_o some_o fall_v among_o thorn_n and_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v they_o but_o other_o fell_a into_o good_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n some_o a_o hundred-fold_a some_o sixty-fold_a some_o thirty-fold_a this_o parable_n be_v very_o fit_o place_v first_o as_o giving_z account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n fruitfulness_n or_o unfruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o direct_v to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v better_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o will_v be_v christian_n indeed_o our_o lord_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n 8.11_o matth._n 13.19_o mark_v 4.14_o luk._n 8.11_o from_o a_o collation_n of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o record_v it_o be_v this_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n the_o religion_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n when_o any_o one_o hear_v this_o word_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o wicked_a one_o or_o satan_n immediate_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v he_o who_o receive_v seed_n by_o the_o way-side_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o rocky_a or_o stony_a place_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o present_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v not_o root_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o endure_v or_o believe_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v soon_o offend_v or_o discourage_v and_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n he_o also_o that_o receive_a seed_n among_o the_o thorn_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o go_v forth_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a or_o at_o best_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v seed_n into_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n understand_v or_o consider_v it_o and_o receive_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a from_o the_o parable_n thus_o interpret_v by_o its_o divine_a author_n it_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n improve_n or_o not_o improve_n under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o avoid_v and_o what_o to_o embrace_v and_o endeavour_v after_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v fruitful_a under_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n we_o enjoy_v we_o shall_v now_o consider_v each_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n with_o its_o interpretation_n the_o first_o be_v behold_v a_o sower_n go_v forth_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o he_o sow_v some_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o wayes-side_n and_o be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o devour_v they_o up_o the_o interpretation_n be_v that_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o any_o one_o hear_v this_o word_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o wicked_a one_o immediate_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v he_o that_o receive_v seed_n by_o the_o way-side_n or_o this_o be_v that_o seed_n which_o fall_v by_o the_o way-side_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o seed_n because_o of_o its_o fructify_a grow_a and_o increase_a nature_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v when_o sow_o unless_o kill_v and_o make_v unfruitful_a by_o accidental_a injury_n spring_v up_o into_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o in_o great_a abundance_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nourish_a strengthen_v nav_v the_o immortalise_a of_o man_n for_o of_o this_o divine_a seed_n consist_v that_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o whoso_o eat_v of_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o seed_n that_o bring_v forth_o those_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v it_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o object_n our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v this_o that_o be_v its_o preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o a_o earnest_a of_o that_o immortal_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n for_o wheresoever_o that_o seed_n be_v sow_o 6.22_o rom._n 6.22_o and_o spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_v most_o certain_o will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o for_o these_o reason_n compare_v to_o seed_n but_o to_o seed_n sow_o it_o be_v not_o only_o potential_o fruitful_a but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v now_o call_v forth_o into_o act_n it_o be_v actual_o sow_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n its_o excellent_a precept_n be_v open_o declare_v and_o plant_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o infinite_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o such_o as_o do_v or_o do_v not_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o this_o seed_n thus_o sow_o be_v water_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o distillation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n which_o be_v in_o sufficient_a plenty_n afford_v to_o every_o man_n so_o that_o god_n the_o great_a husbandman_n be_v not_o want_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o flourish_a and_o increase_n of_o that_o seed_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o commit_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o he_o expect_v and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v to_o see_v it_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n wherever_o it_o
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n take_v up_o most_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n let_v such_o consider_v be_v that_o a_o excuse_v which_o be_v it_o self_n as_o great_a a_o fault_n as_o any_o will_v god_n accept_v such_o a_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v he_o not_o plain_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o too_o much_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v not_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whoso_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o plain_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n how_o strange_a a_o plea_n than_o be_v it_o for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o say_v we_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v soul_n to_o be_v save_v methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n a_o moderate_a industry_n such_o as_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n entrench_v upon_o religion_n be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o their_o take_a care_n of_o lesser_a matter_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n and_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n and_o moderation_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n
it_o be_v true_a but_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v still_o more_o unnaturaly_a cruel_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n say_v make_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n unfruitful_a and_o therefore_o those_o shall_v with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o application_n possible_a be_v provide_v against_o nothing_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o as_o the_o flourish_a and_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v make_v this_o holy_a seed_n to_o thrive_v and_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o which_o course_n consequent_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v barren_a under_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o we_o enjoy_v our_o lord_n express_v it_o thus_o but_o other_o seed_n fall_v into_o good_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n some_o a_o hundred-fold_a some_o sixty_o and_o some_o thirty_o that_o be_v he_o that_o receive_v seed_n into_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n understand_v it_o and_o receive_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n there_o be_v five_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o good_a ground_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n second_o that_o that_o which_o infix_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o good_a ground_n be_v consideration_n translate_v understand_v the_o word_n three_o that_o the_o seed_n so_o plant_v in_o this_o good_a ground_n must_v be_v diligent_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o four_o that_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o with_o patience_n and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o fruit_n come_v to_o perfection_n and_o last_o that_o this_o increase_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a first_o the_o good_a ground_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n that_o be_v a_o heart_n sincere_o desirous_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o its_o duty_n and_o that_o cordial_o propose_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o of_o a_o modest_a teachable_a temper_n st._n 6._o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o he_o plant_n and_o apollo_n water_n yet_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o give_v the_o increase_n now_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n will_v make_v that_o effectual_a to_o our_o good_a which_o we_o despise_v and_o value_v not_o and_o force_v those_o favour_n upon_o we_o which_o we_o neither_o now_o desire_n nor_o if_o we_o have_v they_o shall_v do_v other_o than_o neglect_n the_o grace_n of_o religion_n be_v too_o precious_a to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o such_o brutish_a nature_n and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v heart_n earnest_o desirous_a of_o his_o divine_a assistance_n that_o they_o may_v be_v purify_v and_o renew_v by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o instruct_v in_o his_o holy_a will_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o pay_v a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n to_o he_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v such_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n can_v expect_v the_o word_n shall_v flourish_v and_o grow_v fruitful_a and_o they_o only_o that_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v fill_v and_o this_o those_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o frequent_a our_o religious_a assembly_n in_o compliance_n to_o custom_n only_o and_o because_o their_o neighbour_n do_v or_o to_o learn_v new_a mode_n and_o dress_n or_o to_o show_v their_o own_o or_o to_o while_o away_o the_o time_n that_o lie_v useless_a upon_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o meet_v a_o friend_n or_o please_v their_o ear_n with_o some_o new_a notion_n or_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n or_o the_o like_a let_v not_o such_o person_n be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v let_v not_o such_o think_v they_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o displeasure_n for_o their_o profane_v to_o such_o vile_a purpose_n what_o he_o intend_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o their_o salvation_n those_o only_a shall_v receive_v advantage_n by_o god_n word_n that_o sincere_o and_o earnest_o desire_v its_o nourishment_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o this_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n be_v likewise_o modest_a and_o teachable_a and_o indeed_o this_o disposition_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n for_o pride_n and_o conceitedness_n be_v natural_o the_o great_a hinderer_n of_o improvement_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o acquirement_n whatever_o but_o in_o religion_n they_o do_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o all_o and_o be_v the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o whatever_o be_v religious_a and_o good_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o one_o own_o present_a endowment_n cut_v off_o all_o endeavour_n of_o grow_v better_a and_o render_v all_o spiritual_a advice_n barren_a to_o he_o that_o think_v he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o reproof_n fret_v and_o enrage_v one_o that_o think_v commendation_n rather_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o instruction_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n be_v throw_v away_o upon_o a_o man_n that_o think_v himself_o wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n beside_o these_o and_o several_a other_o natural_a ill_a consequence_n of_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o one_o self_n which_o may_v be_v mention_v there_o be_v this_o yet_o above_o all_o that_o it_o utter_o bar_n and_o shut_v out_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o gracious_a influence_n and_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o benediction_n from_o water_v our_o heart_n 16.5_o prov._n 16.5_o for_o pride_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n a_o thing_n that_o he_o hate_v and_o detest_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o instead_o of_o assist_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a 4.7_o jam._n 4.7_o be_v his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o that_o soul_n be_v barren_a which_o be_v thus_o curse_a of_o god_n and_o deny_v those_o refresh_a dew_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o fruitful_a let_v we_o therefore_o lay_v our_o foundation_n low_a in_o modesty_n sincerity_n and_o humility_n and_o god_n will_v build_v we_o up_o to_o life_n everlasting_a we_o shall_v then_o be_v like_o tree_n plant_v and_o deep_o root_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o their_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n our_o leaf_n shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v it_o shall_v prosper_v psal_n 1.3_o second_o that_o which_o infix_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n be_v consideration_n and_o meditation_n render_v in_o our_o translation_n understand_v the_o word_n the_o word_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d original_a signify_v weigh_v ponder_a and_o consider_v and_o st._n james_n say_v agreeable_o whoso_o look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n and_o continue_v therein_o that_o be_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v have_v look_v close_a and_o dwell_v upon_o it_o by_o serious_a meditation_n he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o do_v jam._n 1.25_o he_o therefore_o that_o desire_v the_o word_n shall_v increase_v and_o multiply_v must_v not_o only_o receive_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n but_o infix_v it_o there_o by_o serious_a consideration_n and_o be_v not_o like_o those_o compare_v to_o thorny_a ground_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n go_v forth_o and_o think_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o suffer_v the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n to_o enter_v immediate_o into_o their_o mind_n and_o choke_v the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a but_o by_o after_o meditation_n and_o recollection_n of_o thought_n make_v it_o sink_v still_o deep_o into_o their_o soul_n and_o strike_v a_o root_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o indeed_o without_o such_o consideration_n there_o can_v
be_v very_o little_a hope_n if_o any_o of_o its_o fruitfulness_n for_o in_o all_o learning_n it_o be_v meditation_n that_o give_v a_o root_n to_o what_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v and_o fix_v it_o deep_a in_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o man_n be_v own_o and_o serviceable_a to_o he_o upon_o occasion_n and_o without_o it_o the_o most_o accurate_a discourse_n will_v tickle_v the_o ear_n only_o not_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o true_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o less_o beneficial_a unless_o it_o be_v weigh_v and_o examine_v by_o a_o serious_a and_o near_a inspection_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a word_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n be_v seldom_o embrace_v as_o such_o by_o person_n of_o a_o trifle_a unthinking_a spirit_n but_o rather_o appear_v harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a or_o at_o best_o be_v but_o faint_o approve_v of_o and_o for_o a_o short_a continuance_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n like_o other_o chief_a excellency_n be_v not_o to_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o full_o discover_v by_o a_o slight_a and_o cursory_a glance_n but_o by_o a_o diligent_a and_o curious_a search_n like_o gold_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o lie_v further_o in_o and_o be_v treasure_v up_o within_o her_o bowel_n wherefore_o as_o we_o tender_v our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v not_o think_v our_o task_n be_v over_o when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o always_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a to_o meditate_v and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o frequent_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o tendency_n its_o nature_n and_o its_o happy_a and_o glorious_a effect_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v our_o most_o reasonable_a service_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n our_o interest_n to_o practice_v its_o divine_a precept_n and_o that_o it_o flourish_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o abundance_n three_o this_o seed_n so_o plant_v and_o fix_v in_o this_o good_a ground_n must_v be_v likewise_o diligent_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o sloth_n and_o idle_a carelessness_n always_o have_v a_o ill_a effect_n and_o many_o hopeful_a beginning_n be_v nip_v and_o crush_v and_o come_v to_o very_o deplorable_a conclusion_n for_o want_v of_o that_o care_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o promote_v and_o further_o they_o to_o perfection_n but_o above_o all_o they_o be_v most_o dangerous_a in_o religion_n for_o beside_o that_o they_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v virtue_n weak_a and_o degenerate_a they_o give_v a_o fair_a occasion_n to_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o assault_v we_o that_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n who_o be_v ready_a immediate_o to_o catch_v away_o the_o good_a seed_n if_o unregarded_a and_o throw_v his_o wicked_a suggestion_n into_o their_o place_n and_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v we_o thus_o weak_a and_o unarm_v and_o careless_a of_o our_o safety_n and_o be_v too_o wise_a not_o to_o improve_v such_o opportunity_n to_o his_o best_a advantage_n and_o what_o hope_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v shameful_o plunder_v of_o that_o precious_a seed_n which_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v spring_v up_o to_o immortality_n when_o we_o be_v thus_o careless_a and_o negligent_a and_o unable_a to_o make_v any_o great_a resistance_n therefore_o the_o wise_a man_n advise_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n 4.23_o prov._n 4.23_o and_o st._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o peter_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v and_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o 13.25_o mat._n 13.25_o in_o the_o next_o parable_n to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v while_n man_n sleep_v that_o the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n wherefore_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n 3.8_o 1_o cor._n 15.34_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v sober_a be_v vigilant_a say_v st._n peter_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n as_o st._n paul_n advise_v timothy_n 6.2_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a lest_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o innocent_a as_o dove_n lest_o when_o the_o word_n have_v begin_v to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v at_o length_n root_v out_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n and_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n four_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o this_o good_a seed_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o fruit_n come_v to_o full_a maturity_n we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o this_o good_a seed_n with_o patience_n because_o all_o improvement_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o time_n man_n can_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n even_o in_o vice_n in_o a_o instant_n much_o less_o in_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o intermedial_a step_n and_o advances_n to_o it_o and_o as_o when_o seed_n be_v sow_o there_o first_o appear_v but_o a_o tender_a blade_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n improve_v to_o a_o stalk_v which_o every_o day_n grow_v tall_a and_o strong_a and_o at_o length_n appear_v the_o ear_n and_o the_o grain_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o even_o after_o that_o complete_a formation_n of_o the_o plant_n there_o be_v yet_o some_o considerable_a time_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfect_a ripeness_n and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o husbandman_n wait_v with_o patience_n till_o the_o time_n come_v of_o gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v gradual_a advances_n to_o perfection_n the_o beginning_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o sprouting_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n be_v and_o will_v be_v tender_a and_o unconfirmed_a but_o time_n will_v strengthen_v and_o improve_v they_o every_o day_n will_v make_v some_o advance_n to_o perfection_n where_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n but_o these_o advances_n may_v be_v very_o leisurely_o and_o like_o the_o growth_n of_o plant_n scarce_o discernible_a in_o their_o progress_n and_o yet_o at_o length_n the_o word_n of_o god_n bring_v forth_o its_o genuine_a fruit_n in_o great_a abundance_n and_o this_o though_o perhaps_o slow_a pace_n in_o religion_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_n for_o in_o due_a time_n for_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o this_o those_o shall_v consider_v who_o expect_v to_o be_v complete_a christian_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o be_v impatient_a of_o delay_n and_o dishearten_v by_o every_o rub_n and_o difficulty_n and_o because_o their_o practice_n can_v keep_v pace_n with_o their_o too_o forward_a and_o passionate_a wish_n and_o desire_n be_v apt_a to_o despair_v of_o ever_o come_v to_o that_o ripeness_n of_o christianity_n which_o will_v fit_v they_o for_o their_o great_a master_n garner_n and_o too_o often_o let_v slip_v what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v and_o give_v over_o in_o much_o dejection_n after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a hopeful_a progress_n but_o this_o be_v a_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o aught_o with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a to_o be_v provide_v against_o and_o a_o man_n best_a defence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v patience_n or_o a_o calm_a and_o resign_v expectation_n of_o increase_n and_o blessing_n from_o god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o own_o best_a endeavour_n a_o wait_a god_n leisure_n a_o confide_n in_o his_o goodness_n who_o only_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o as_o st._n 5.7_o jam._n 5.7_o james_n express_v it_o as_o the_o husbandman_n wait_v for_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v long_a patience_n for_o it_o until_o he_o receive_v the_o early_a and_o latter_a rain_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v also_o patient_a and_o in_o patience_n possess_v our_o soul_n and_o establish_v our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v a_o latter_a distillation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v early_o and_o at_o first_o and_o which_o when_o god_n please_v to_o afford_v it_o we_o shall_v then_o grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n and_o though_o sometime_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o plentiful_o shower_v down_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v yet_o will_v not_o be_v
deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o enrich_v his_o industrious_a brother_n and_o add_v to_o his_o abundance_n what_o grace_n he_o have_v before_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v and_o he_o naked_a and_o defenseless_a leave_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n shall_v no_o long_o drop_v upon_o his_o barren_a soul_n but_o parch_a and_o sapless_a it_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o eternal_a burn_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o be_v unfruitful_a under_o all_o his_o care_n and_o fatherly_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n lest_o at_o length_n he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o and_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v still_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n if_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o receive_v it_o into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n that_o be_v obey_v and_o practise_v it_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o we_o remain_v still_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n it_o become_v we_o all_o therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o not_o be_v like_o the_o high-way-side_n suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v from_o the_o instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o leave_v the_o good_a seed_n unregarded_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o expose_v our_o mind_n as_o a_o common_a tract_n to_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o diabolical_a suggestion_n nor_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n impenetrable_a to_o any_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o like_o that_o overrun_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o noxious_a weed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o care_n and_o deceitful_a riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v choke_v the_o word_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a but_o that_o we_o treasure_n up_o this_o divine_a word_n in_o our_o memory_n ponder_v and_o consider_v it_o and_o set_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n now_o 9.10_o 2_o cor._n 9.10_o he_o that_o minister_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a both_o give_v we_o this_o heavenly_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o multiply_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o good_a thing_n to_o all_o bountifulness_n there_o may_v be_v give_v through_o we_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n amen_o amen_n the_o prayer_n i._o most_o holy_a jesus_n thou_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n who_o have_v in_o great_a plenty_n sow_o among_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n even_o thy_o holy_a word_n and_o water_v it_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o be_v want_v in_o nothing_o on_o thy_o part_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o abundant_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n unfeigned_o bless_v this_o thy_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o must_v with_o shame_n confess_v that_o hitherto_o thy_o care_n have_v be_v in_o too_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o my_o inconsiderateness_n and_o obstinacy_n my_o soul_n still_o remain_v barren_a as_o the_o high-way-side_n impenetrable_a to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o best_o flit_a and_o unconstant_a in_o religious_a purpose_n which_o have_v be_v short-lived_a as_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o else_o choke_v with_o the_o briar_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n with_o covetous_a and_o sensual_a desire_n thus_o have_v i_o court_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n but_o now_o be_v awaken_v by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n i_o be_o in_o and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o my_o barrenness_n continue_v i_o humble_o beg_v and_o earnest_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o from_o who_o be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n will_v aid_v i_o with_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n and_o help_v my_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v i_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o thy_o word_n may_v ever_o hereafter_o take_v so_o deep_a a_o root_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o produce_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n ii_o i_o be_o sad_o sensible_a o_o lord_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o do_v thou_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o our_o spirit_n purge_v my_o soul_n of_o all_o lurk_a hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n and_o make_v i_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o cherish_v it_o by_o create_v in_o i_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o sincere_a and_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v so_o serious_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n thy_o goodness_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o entire_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v my_o practice_n to_o my_o belief_n and_o may_v i_o always_o heedful_o preserve_v those_o divine_a instruction_n and_o move_a argument_n to_o a_o persevere_v piety_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o thy_o word_n lest_o the_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n deprive_v i_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o in_o its_o room_n plant_v devilish_a affection_n and_o o_o that_o patience_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o thou_o for_o direction_n and_o defence_n may_v be_v my_o support_n in_o this_o my_o pilgrimage_n that_o so_o cheerful_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o early_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n in_o my_o tender_a year_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o late_a distillation_n of_o thy_o grace_n which_o will_v bring_v my_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n and_o always_o endeavour_v of_o proportion_n my_o increase_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o it_o thy_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o i_o may_v at_o last_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o unfruitfulness_n and_o have_v my_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n through_o thy_o merit_n and_o mercy_n o_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matth._n xiii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o another_o parable_n put_v jesus_n forth_o unto_o they_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o so_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v not_o thou_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o the_o servant_n say_v unto_o he_o will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o he_o say_v nay_o lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o 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 the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v thus_o set_v down_o verse_n 37._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o
to_o redeem_v their_o misspend_a time_n and_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o rapture_n and_o of_o reach_v great_a height_n and_o eminency_n of_o piety_n when_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n a_o right_a hand_n must_v be_v cut_v off_o or_o a_o right_a eye_n put_v out_o i._n e._n some_o favourite_n vice_n must_v be_v cashier_v if_o they_o move_v any_o further_a and_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a say_v and_o the_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v a_o stifness_n seize_v their_o overheat_v limb_n and_o a_o senseless_a torpor_n invade_v every_o part_n of_o they_o 10.21_o mark_v 10.21_o and_o like_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o our_o lord_n begin_v to_o love_v for_o his_o discreet_a answer_n and_o towardly_a disposition_n when_o they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o riches_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o deny_v themselves_o their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v their_o saviour_n then_o they_o become_v sad_a and_o with_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n leave_v he_o and_o fold_v their_o hand_n and_o return_v again_o to_o their_o dream_n of_o vanity_n just_o like_o those_o in_o the_o former_a parable_n compare_v to_o stony_a ground_n who_o receive_v the_o word_n at_o first_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v not_o sufficient_a deepness_n of_o earth_n i.e._n for_o want_n of_o through_o consideration_n and_o behold_v the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n fall_v away_o and_o their_o forward_a piety_n become_v dry_a and_o wither_a or_o like_o those_o mention_v in_o another_o parable_n luke_n 14.28_o which_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n and_o which_o for_o its_o great_a affinity_n with_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o who_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o finish_v and_o so_o proceed_v no_o further_a than_o foundation_n become_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o men._n but_o second_o as_o a_o state_n of_o careless_a inadvertency_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v like_o sleep_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o beginning_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o in_o its_o progress_n and_o effect_n for_o like_o sleep_n it_o lock_v up_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o suspend_v their_o action_n it_o dull_v its_o apprehension_n and_o make_v it_o take_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_a it_o vitiate_v its_o reason_v and_o make_v it_o draw_v false_a and_o fantastic_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o corrupt_v its_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o make_v its_o choice_n strange_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a such_o as_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n a_o little_a ease_n and_o imperfect_a pleasure_n here_o before_z rivers_z of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o and_o the_o like_a the_o low_a life_n be_v in_o this_o case_n predomimant_n and_o wild_a dream_n and_o incoherent_a fancy_n make_v up_o such_o man_n divinity_n and_o their_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o short_a the_o life_n of_o such_o man_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n their_o notion_n like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o slumber_n dark_a hover_v and_o uncertain_a their_o discourse_n about_o religious_a marter_n break_a disjoint_v unconcluding_a full_a of_o fallacy_n and_o dangerous_a sophistry_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o of_o all_o expectation_n here_o and_o enjoyment_n hereafter_o of_o what_o be_v their_o great_a nay_o their_o only_a happiness_n their_o action_n be_v like_o those_o do_v in_o a_o dream_n too_o extravagant_a brutish_a and_o unaccountable_a startle_v at_o chimaera_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o danger_n and_o insensible_a of_o the_o approach_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a misery_n though_o just_o ready_a to_o overtake_v they_o fond_a of_o a_o bundle_n of_o feather_n in_o love_n with_o a_o airy_a nothing_o whilst_o their_o true_a interest_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n they_o be_v as_o deaf_a to_o all_o reproof_n as_o man_n asleep_a as_o little_o affect_v with_o good_a instruction_n and_o advice_n and_o so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o fancy_v sweetness_n of_o their_o slumber_n that_o they_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o be_v awaken_v and_o when_o by_o rudee_a application_n they_o be_v like_o man_n that_o have_v take_v too_o large_a a_o do_v of_o opium_n they_o be_v present_o overcome_v with_o heaviness_n and_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o conviction_n and_o fall_v asleep_a again_o and_o the_o final_a event_n be_v this_o that_o as_o natural_a drowsiness_n clothes_v a_o man_n with_o rag_n so_o the_o moral_n will_v clothe_v he_o with_o shame_n and_o utter_v confusion_n and_o now_o from_o this_o short_a parallel_n which_o i_o have_v draw_v between_o the_o sleep_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n as_o we_o may_v see_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o expression_n in_o the_o parable_n so_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o guard_n to_o keep_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v our_o infernal_a enemy_n sow_v his_o tare_n or_o make_v we_o become_v as_o such_o by_o his_o wicked_a insinuation_n and_o suggestion_n it_o be_v while_n man_n thus_o sleep_v be_v thus_o thoughtless_a and_o inadvertent_n to_o religion_n and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n which_o like_o pleasant_a dream_n entertain_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n with_o much_o delight_n but_o soon_o vanish_v and_o become_v utter_o unprofitable_a than_o it_o be_v that_o this_o subtle_a enemy_n make_v use_v of_o his_o opportunity_n and_o unobserved_a steal_v in_o his_o wicked_a injection_n which_o divert_v the_o soul_n still_o more_o and_o more_o from_o attend_v to_o her_o main_a interest_n and_o promote_v this_o spiritual_a slumber_n so_o long_o till_o too_o often_o it_o become_v chronical_a and_o habitual_a and_o a_o utter_a oblivion_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n a_o incurable_a numbness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o soul_n god_n know_v too_o often_o follow_v and_o man_n become_v like_o tare_n empty_a of_o all_o substantial_a goodness_n and_o at_o best_a but_o christian_n in_o name_n and_o show_v and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o when_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o be_v gather_v up_o from_o among_o the_o wheat_n and_o burn_v wherefore_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o to_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n divert_v by_o every_o feather_n and_o gay_a appearance_n but_o as_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n always_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o defence_n fix_v our_o attention_n upon_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o often_o reflect_v upon_o that_o intolerable_a misery_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o fatal_a slumbering_n and_o still_o press_v on_o with_o great_a courage_n as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n increase_v upon_o we_o and_o daily_o endeavour_v still_o more_o and_o more_o to_o shake_v off_o dead_a stupidity_n to_o religion_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o rouse_v up_o the_o faculty_n and_o employ_v they_o upon_o those_o noble_a of_o object_n patient_o receive_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n reject_v every_o notion_n and_o opinion_n that_o will_v destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o studious_o avoid_v idleness_n and_o sloth_n and_o according_a to_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o excellent_a advice_n add_v prayer_n to_o watchfulness_n that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o course_n if_o we_o take_v we_o shall_v defeat_v this_o general_o prevail_a stratagem_n of_o the_o subtle_a tempter_n and_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o resist_v he_o make_v he_o fly_v from_o we_o with_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n and_o our_o soul_n will_v then_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o piety_n and_o abound_v in_o it_o as_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o at_o length_n be_v grow_v ripe_a for_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n be_v gather_v in_o peace_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o repository_n of_o eternal_a rest_n and_o safety_n as_o in_o the_o bless_a garner_n of_o our_o lord_n three_o this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o time_n of_o discovery_n of_o the_o tare_n the_o hypocritical_a religionist_n namely_o the_o time_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n or_o when_o the_o grain_n appear_v in_o the_o ear_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o then_o appear_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o cockle_n which_o at_o first_o come_v up_o look_v as_o flourish_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