own_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o 3._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o joyful_a reception_n of_o his_o prodigal_a son_n it_o be_v meet_v etc._n etc._n and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 32._o before_o i_o come_v to_o particular_a observation_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v these_o word_n from_o a_o objection_n i_o have_v in_o this_o discourse_n interpret_v the_o elder_a son_n to_o aim_v first_o at_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o so_o under_o they_o at_o hypocritical_a professor_n legal_a man_n and_o vain_a boaster_n but_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o scruple_n viz._n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o his_o father_n say_v all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o have_v unregenerate_a man_n a_o title_n to_o god_n spiritual_a grace_n and_o favour_n this_o objection_n seem_v at_o first_o blush_n to_o carry_v some_o force_n with_o it_o and_o have_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o some_o as_o to_o make_v they_o interpret_v this_o elder_a son_n to_o signify_v the_o godly_a who_o by_o a_o religious_a education_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o but_o be_v keep_v from_o such_o foul_a enormity_n and_o through_o infirmitiy_n be_v sometime_o stumble_v at_o such_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o then_o as_o great_a a_o scruple_n may_v arise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n shall_v the_o penitent_a prodigal_n have_v no_o portion_n again_o be_v not_o all_o repair_v in_o christ_n which_o we_o lose_v in_o adam_n be_v not_o paul_n though_o he_o have_v be_v a_o persecuter_n etc._n etc._n upon_o his_o conversion_n make_v a_o just_a heir_n but_o to_o come_v to_o some_o resolution_n it_o be_v certain_a christ_n must_v aim_v at_o the_o pharisee_n in_o this_o elder_a son_n else_o the_o scope_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o parable_n have_v be_v alien_a from_o his_o present_a design_n and_o so_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o his_o business_n be_v to_o silence_v their_o murmur_n you_o have_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o parable_n verse_n 1._o 2._o hence_o the_o interpretation_n of_o every_o particular_a must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o general_a and_o may_v bear_v &_o suit_n with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o all_o expression_n in_o parable_n must_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o agree_v with_o other_o plain_a scripture_n refer_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n parable_n be_v similitude_n in_o which_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v familiarize_v to_o we_o by_o earthly_a thing_n by_o way_n of_o allusion_n now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n between_o heavenly_a and_o earthly_a thing_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o those_o in_o these_o and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o we_o seek_v in_o a_o parable_n our_o saviour_n design_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o pharisee_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o murmur_n and_o he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o argument_n â_fw-la majori_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_fw-la q._n d._n the_o son_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o plea_n against_o his_o father_n but_o indeed_o have_v none_o much_o less_o have_v you_o against_o i_o though_o his_o son_n have_v be_v faithful_a and_o careful_a and_o be_v heir_n yet_o his_o father_n can_v make_v a_o feast_n and_o receive_v his_o young_a son_n without_o detriment_n to_o the_o other_o much_o more_o may_v i_o entertain_v publican_n and_o sinner_n without_o injure_v you_o who_o deserve_v nothing_o who_o be_v holy_a only_o in_o pretence_n or_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v by_o way_n of_o concession_n we_o know_v the_o pharisee_n think_v well_o of_o themselves_o but_o say_v our_o saviour_n put_v case_n you_o be_v the_o man_n you_o pretend_v yet_o what_o wrong_a be_v this_o be_v there_o not_o room_n leave_v for_o free_a grace_n to_o a_o prodigal_a so_o tertullian_n gloss_v it_o posuit_fw-la illos_fw-la in_o parabold_a non_fw-la quales_fw-la erant_fw-la sed_fw-la quales_fw-la esse_fw-la debuerant_fw-la except_o we_o take_v this_o rule_n we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v any_o parable_n but_o will_v involve_v we_o in_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o think_v because_o every_o labourer_n have_v his_o penny_n therefore_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n be_v all_o equal_a because_o the_o master_n bid_v the_o servant_n let_v the_o tare_n grow_v till_o harvest_n therefore_o church_n be_v to_o suffer_v manifest_a hypocrite_n without_o censure_v of_o they_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n doct._n 1._o there_o be_v never_o any_o occasion_n of_o special_a joy_n over_o a_o hypocrite_n son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o the_o father_n insinuate_v that_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o do_v thing_n superfluous_o or_o without_o occasion_n and_o we_o may_v see_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o joy_n among_o man_n now_o though_o man_n that_o be_v give_v to_o excess_n will_v make_v occasion_n of_o feast_v and_o great_a show_n of_o jocundity_n where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n yet_o as_o joy_n be_v a_o affection_n move_v by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o present_a good_a so_o the_o extraordinary_a signify_v of_o it_o by_o feast_n mirth_n great_a entertainment_n be_v when_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v more_o than_o usual_a hence_o the_o most_o of_o those_o occasion_n record_v in_o scripture_n be_v either_o 1._o the_o revolution_n of_o birth_n day_n so_o herod_n keep_v his_o birth_n day_n mat._n 14._o 6._o and_o pharach_n gen._n 40._o 20._o 2._o the_o time_n of_o wean_a child_n so_o abraham_n for_o isaak_n gen._n 21._o 8._o 3._o marriage_n christ_n honour_v with_o his_o presence_n a_o wedding_n feast_n and_o with_o his_o first_o miracle_n joh._n 2._o begin_v 4._o great_a victory_n and_o deliverance_n hence_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n appoint_v and_o hence_o the_o passover_n 5._o god_n signal_n blessing_n upon_o their_o labour_n in_o give_v they_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n hence_o the_o feast_n of_o ingather_v 6._o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n or_o occasional_a visitation_n of_o friend_n thus_o let_v make_v a_o feast_n for_o the_o angel_n gen._n 19_o 3._o and_o david_n for_o abner_n 2_o sam._n 3._o 20._o 7._o the_o find_n of_o that_o which_o be_v lose_v luk._n 15._o 6-9_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o respect_n in_o one_o or_o another_o kind_n on_o a_o spiritual_a account_n with_o a_o hypocrite_n whereupon_o god_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o joyful_a entertainment_n for_o 1._o he_o have_v no_o birth_n day_n be_v never_o bear_v again_o but_o life_n and_o lie_v in_o sin_n all_o his_o legal_a and_o moral_a duty_n be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccata_fw-la he_o be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v there_o be_v no_o gracious_a change_n wrought_v in_o he_o there_o be_v more_o reason_n to_o mourn_v over_o he_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n than_o to_o rejoice_v over_o he_o as_o a_o live_a man_n to_o celebrate_v his_o funeral_n than_o his_o birth_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n eph._n 2._o 1._o 2._o he_o be_v never_o wean_v from_o the_o world_n and_o vanity_n of_o it_o but_o still_o hang_v upon_o its_o breast_n seek_v his_o contentment_n among_o creature_n and_o to_o satisfy_v his_o appetite_n upon_o these_o thing_n his_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o earth_n he_o live_v upon_o lie_a vanity_n can_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 131._o 2._o i_o be_o like_o a_o wean_a child_n 3._o he_o be_v not_o marry_v to_o christ_n his_o league_n with_o sin_n and_o satan_n be_v never_o break_v he_o be_v never_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o he_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o a_o saviour_n how_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o marriage_n feast_v without_o a_o marriage_n christ_n indeed_o have_v woo_v he_o but_o he_o never_o give_v his_o consent_n nor_o will_v leave_v play_v the_o harlot_n with_o other_o lover_n never_o embrace_v that_o call_n jer._n 3._o 2._o 4._o he_o never_o be_v a_o conqueror_n over_o his_o lust_n nor_o get_v victory_n upon_o his_o corruption_n but_o remain_v a_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n lead_v about_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o serve_v divers_a lust_n sin_n rule_v he_o his_o chain_n be_v never_o knock_v off_o nor_o his_o prison_n door_n break_v open_a but_o he_o live_v under_o the_o power_n and_o condemnation_n of_o sin_n 5._o he_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n to_o god_n or_o to_o his_o own_o soul_n comfort_n be_v a_o dry_a heath_n and_o barren_a ground_n a_o fig_z tree_n which_o if_o it_o have_v the_o leaf_n of_o a_o profession_n yet_o have_v no_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n a_o vine_n which_o if_o it_o bear_v any_o grape_n they_o be_v sour_a wildgrape_n a_o figtree_n long_o wait_v on_o for_o fruit_n and_o ready_a for_o that_o sentence_n cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n luk._n 13._o 7._o
to_o spend_v they_o upon_o our_o lust_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v god_n great_a love_n to_o deny_v we_o jam._n 4._o 3._o doct._n ii_o wicked_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o challenge_v special_a propriety_n in_o god_n the_o prodigal_n accost_v his_o father_n with_o a_o title_n of_o near_a relation_n the_o degenerate_a and_o profane_a jew_n that_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n yet_o must_v needs_o challenge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o father_n joh._n 8._o 41._o we_o have_v one_o father_n even_o god_n oftentimes_o there_o be_v none_o more_o confident_a than_o such_o god_n be_v their_o god_n they_o profess_v he_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o reas_n 1._o from_o the_o conviction_n which_o every_o natural_a man_n carry_v upon_o his_o mind_n of_o his_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o that_o he_o alone_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o although_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o man_n by_o his_o sinful_a course_n practical_o contradict_v and_o a_o light_n which_o he_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o extinguish_v it_o be_v yet_o so_o rivet_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v whole_o evade_v it_o it_o stick_v as_o close_v to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o he_o neither_o love_v nor_o care_v for_o serve_v of_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v maintain_v a_o hope_n which_o may_v uphold_v his_o spirit_n from_o sink_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o rot_a hope_n reas_n 2._o from_o the_o carnal_a confidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o ungodly_a man_n they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v themselves_o such_o and_z so_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v but_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o the_o temple_n though_o fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n jer._n 7._o 4._o man_n build_v upon_o false_a ground_n and_o place_v their_o trust_n in_o lie_v word_n and_o suppose_v that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o fair_o dissemble_v with_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o believe_v they_o use_v this_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o it_o to_o try_v our_o hope_n and_o prove_v what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o confidence_n be_v ground_v upon_o we_o say_v we_o call_v god_n father_n and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v so_o right_o consider_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojcurn_v here_o in_o fear_n it_o will_v little_o avail_v we_o to_o challenge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o own_v we_o as_o his_o child_n and_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o image_n we_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n it_o be_v not_o verbal_a call_n of_o god_n our_o father_n but_o a_o careful_a do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o will_v render_v we_o bless_v 3._o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o demand_n itself_o give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o this_o i_o call_v his_o unreasonable_a demand_n for_o though_o at_o first_o blush_v it_o may_v look_v as_o if_o it_o be_v rational_a he_o ask_v but_o his_o portion_n his_o share_n that_o which_o fall_v to_o he_o by_o the_o right_n of_o sonship_n and_o he_o say_v give_v seem_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o father_n power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o bounty_n which_o he_o depend_v upon_o although_o the_o word_n give_v do_v not_o always_o intimate_v a_o free_a favour_n but_o sometime_o a_o deliver_n of_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n to_o another_o which_o be_v his_o by_o right_n but_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o demand_n appear_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o the_o positiveness_n of_o it_o though_o he_o call_v he_o father_n yet_o he_o ask_v in_o a_o way_n of_o challenge_n as_o though_o his_o father_n have_v stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o his_o ask_n as_o though_o the_o estate_n be_v he_o during_o his_o father_n life_n he_o do_v not_o beg_v but_o as_o it_o be_v command_v 2._o his_o ask_n be_v under_o the_o notion_n or_o consideration_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o he_o call_v it_o therefore_o the_o portion_n fall_v to_o he_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v quoth_v eont_v it_o that_o which_o befall_v he_o of_o itself_o q._n d._n that_o which_o providence_n have_v make_v i_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o beholen_v to_o his_o father_n courtesy_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o injury_n in_o his_o father_n to_o have_v deny_v he_o 3._o his_o discontent_n in_o be_v at_o his_o father_n disposal_n and_o provide_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n he_o seek_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o father_n government_n will_v be_v order_v by_o he_o no_o long_o and_o proud_o think_v himself_o wise_a than_o he_o he_o can_v order_v thing_n better_o for_o his_o own_o benefit_n than_o his_o father_n have_v do_v the_o substance_n be_v he_o will_v be_v from_o under_o command_n and_o have_v all_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n 4._o instead_o of_o relieve_v his_o father_n in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v he_o but_o leave_v he_o as_o poor_a and_o bare_a as_o he_o can_v will_v rake_v and_o scrape_v all_o from_o he_o that_o he_o can_v come_v at_o but_o do_v he_o no_o service_n at_o all_o what_o our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o by_o this_o portion_n be_v the_o main_a enquiry_n some_o there_o be_v who_o refer_v it_o to_o all_o that_o furniture_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n when_o he_o create_v he_o but_o this_o interpretation_n can_v suit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n which_o be_v here_o allude_v to_o though_o we_o have_v all_o in_o adam_n and_o bear_v the_o woeful_a punishment_n of_o his_o loss_n i_o rather_o judge_v it_o to_o aim_v at_o all_o that_o which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o natural_a man_n to_o some_o of_o who_o he_o give_v more_o and_o to_o some_o less_o it_o may_v include_v all_o god_n common_a favour_n all_o but_o save_v grace_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o do_v providential_o fall_v to_o their_o share_n in_o god_n sovereign_a distribution_n as_o wit_n understanding_n good_a natural_a disposition_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n aâ—â—_n health_n strength_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v god_n please_v to_o make_v the_o portion_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o this_o life_n psal_n 1â—_n 14_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n see_v how_o large_a it_o sometime_o be_v job_n 21._o begin_v psal_n 73._o begin_v hence_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v doct._n i._o that_o all_o the_o common_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o worldly_a favour_n which_o man_n enjoy_v iâ—_n this_o life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n the_o son_n however_o otherwise_o wicked_a yet_o in_o this_o do_v express_v that_o which_o be_v true_a by_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o father_n have_v his_o portion_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o at_o his_o dispose_n &_o that_o by_o a_o power_n of_o sovereignty_n although_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o as_o will_v be_v see_v in_o the_o next_o doctrine_n and_o true_o nature_n itself_o teach_v this_o lesson_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o unaccountable_a disposal_n of_o these_o thing_n evident_o affirm_v it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v first_o blot_v out_o the_o remain_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o experience_n before_o he_o can_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v god_n who_o give_v to_o man_n all_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o they_o he_o make_v not_o only_o the_o eye_n but_o the_o see_a eye_n man_n understanding_n and_o affection_n wit_n and_o will_n part_n and_o disposition_n and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n that_o in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v accommodate_v withal_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o god_n bounty_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n they_o be_v god_n gift_n in_o several_a respect_n 1._o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n form_v the_o eye_n he_o plant_v the_o ear_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 94._o 9_o god_n be_v under_o no_o natural_a obligation_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o owe_v he_o not_o so_o much_o as_o his_o be_v nor_o any_o either_o internal_a or_o external_a ornament_n of_o it_o he_o stand_v no_o more_o engage_v to_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wiseman_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o fool_n nabal_n have_v as_o much_o right_n and_o as_o good_a a_o claim_n to_o counsel_n and_o understanding_n as_o achitophel_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o man_n have_v they_o have_v
strengthen_v the_o other_o he_o hate_v sin_n because_o he_o love_v god_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o set_v those_o affection_n on_o work_n and_o move_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n imply_v a_o sanctify_a change_n in_o they_o and_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o their_o so_o act_v 4._o the_o affection_n be_v handmaid_n of_o the_o will_n hence_o a_o change_n in_o they_o imply_v a_o change_n in_o the_o will_n and_o evidence_v that_o that_o be_v turn_v it_o signify_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o will_n exert_v itself_o in_o and_o by_o the_o affection_n when_o therefore_o we_o see_v a_o man_n true_o to_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_n god_n we_o know_v that_o his_o will_n be_v set_v fix_a his_o choice_n be_v certain_o make_v and_o where_o the_o will_n be_v change_v there_o be_v conversion_n wrought_v where_o the_o soul_n have_v indeed_o choose_v god_n there_o be_v save_v grace_n david_n therefore_o assert_v his_o grace_n from_o this_o evidence_n psal_n 73._o 25._o 5._o repentance_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n it_o be_v practical_a holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o to_o be_v go_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n sanctification_n have_v two_o part_n in_o it_o mortification_n and_o vivification_n repentance_n comprehend_v they_o both_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o use_v and_o continue_v they_o in_o practice_n now_o sanctification_n be_v a_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o a_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n one_o of_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o and_o be_v wrought_v at_o conversion_n as_o have_v be_v clear_v reas_n 2._o because_o as_o in_o conversion_n the_o soul_n receive_v a_o principle_n and_o power_n of_o act_v repentance_n so_o by_o this_o effect_n of_o god_n wonderful_a love_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n abundant_a advantage_n for_o the_o help_a forward_o the_o more_o kindly_a exercise_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o evangelical_n motive_n to_o it_o be_v hence_o derive_v for_o 1._o convert_v grace_n make_v sin_n appear_v in_o its_o own_o colour_n the_o sun-light_n of_o save_a grace_n make_v sin_n look_v more_o ugly_a than_o ever_o beauty_n and_o deformity_n be_v not_o discern_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o candlelight_n of_o common_a conviction_n make_v but_o obscure_a discovery_n now_o he_o see_v it_o sin_n before_o he_o do_v not_o he_o have_v two_o discovery_n of_o it_o before_o viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n his_o law_n be_v against_o it_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o procure_a cause_n of_o misery_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o curse_n these_o two_o he_o see_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o grace_n discover_v sin_n to_o he_o 1._o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n opposite_a to_o his_o holiness_n hab._n 1._o 13._o 2._o hence_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o odious_a thing_n and_o that_o separate_a from_o the_o hell_n that_o follow_v he_o now_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o show_v he_o the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n 2._o god_n love_n manifest_v in_o conversion_n discover_v sin_n under_o divers_a aggravation_n which_o before_o be_v not_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v against_o that_o god_n who_o have_v love_v he_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n jer._n 31._o 3._o 2._o against_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n for_o his_o redemption_n from_o hell_n 3._o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o have_v so_o often_o strive_v with_o he_o have_v wait_v so_o long_o and_o leave_v not_o till_o he_o have_v turn_v he_o and_o now_o sin_n appear_v sinful_a which_o before_o appear_v only_o sorrowful_a use_v 1._o for_o information_n 1._o we_o have_v here_o a_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o legal_a and_o a_o save_a repentance_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o both_o it_o tell_v we_o of_o ahab_n repentance_n as_o well_o as_o of_o david_n it_o put_v one_o name_n upon_o thing_n vast_o different_a and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o here_o be_v it_o to_o be_v discern_v the_o one_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n the_o other_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o one_o be_v produce_v by_o terror_n the_o other_o by_o love_n the_o one_o confess_v 〈◊〉_d sin_n vomit_v up_o his_o morsel_n take_v upon_o he_o a_o profession_n of_o holiness_n drive_v to_o it_o by_o the_o dismal_a reflection_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o other_o be_v take_v into_o embrace_n of_o amity_n confirm_v with_o a_o kiss_n of_o favour_n and_o by_o this_o his_o heart_n be_v melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n in_o his_o father_n arm_n he_o bemoan_v himself_o the_o true_o break_a heart_n be_v a_o heart_n break_v with_o love_n 2._o here_o we_o see_v when_o be_v the_o genuine_a season_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v new_o convert_v be_v so_o full_a of_o bitterness_n complaint_n and_o self_n accusation_n if_o a_o soul_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o bitter_o mourn_v for_o sin_n now_o when_o shall_v he_o before_o he_o can_v not_o in_o heaven_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o it_o god_n the_o father_n the_o great_a husband_n man_n of_o his_o vineyard_n deal_v in_o great_a skill_n with_o the_o soul_n for_o have_v break_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o sow_o the_o seed_n of_o grace_n in_o it_o he_o now_o send_v seasonable_a shower_n upon_o it_o to_o water_v the_o ridge_n thereof_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o bring_v forth_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n psalm_n 126._o 5._o when_o shall_v shower_n more_o seasonable_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n than_o when_o the_o seed_n be_v cast_v in_o hence_o 1._o they_o mistake_v themselves_o great_o who_o think_v that_o after_o conversion_n the_o soul_n shall_v do_v nothing_o but_o rejoice_v as_o if_o there_o be_v now_o no_o room_n â—â—r_fw-fr sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o self_n abasement_n because_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v whereas_o what_o do_v more_o break_v a_o ingenious_a heart_n than_o the_o pardon_v of_o so_o great_a offence_n and_o receive_v he_o to_o favour_n after_o such_o grievous_a provocation_n god_n therefore_o when_o he_o have_v make_v large_a promise_n of_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o his_o people_n tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o this_o love_n of_o he_o ezek_n 36._o 31._o then_o shall_v you_o remember_v your_o evil_a way_n and_o loathe_v yourselves_o 2._o let_v it_o be_v for_o caution_n to_o such_o as_o be_v new_o convert_v though_o now_o they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o bitterness_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o mourn_v for_o it_o before_o god_n yet_o have_v a_o care_n of_o give_v satan_n advantage_n thereby_o to_o weaken_v your_o faith_n and_o undermine_v the_o consolation_n arise_v from_o your_o interest_n in_o this_o grace_n godly_a sorrow_n humility_n repentance_n be_v so_o to_o be_v exercise_v as_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o strengthen_n and_o not_o become_v impediment_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o and_o activity_n of_o faith_n hence_o make_v that_o the_o great_a incentive_a to_o godly_a sorrow_n viz._n the_o consideration_n that_o be_v against_o that_o god_n that_o love_v you_o let_v divine_a love_n be_v set_v against_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v help_v both_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 3._o let_v other_o beware_v of_o irregular_a application_n to_o such_o as_o be_v mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o full_a of_o sorrow_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o dry_v up_o those_o tear_n be_v not_o trouble_v at_o they_o but_o rejoice_v it_o be_v a_o very_a pleasant_a sight_n a_o heart-comforting_a fight_n to_o see_v any_o true_o mourn_v for_o sin_n to_o give_v wise_a relief_n against_o despair_n be_v prudence_n but_o rather_o help_v and_o encourage_v godly_a sorrow_n though_o fair_a weather_n be_v pleasant_a yet_o shower_n may_v be_v more_o suitable_a and_o make_v the_o earth_n more_o fertile_a paul_n repent_v not_o to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 9_o 10._o 3._o here_o we_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o have_v taste_v most_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o their_o soul_n be_v most_o low_a and_o vile_a in_o their_o eye_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o more_o a_o soul_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o the_o wonderful_a undeserved_a love_n of_o god_n it_o feel_v the_o more_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o its_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o vileness_n god_n large_a expression_n to_o david_n make_v he_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o lay_v himself_o very_o low_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 18_o 19_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o true_o convert_v and_o have_v receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v find_v
temptation_n now_o he_o be_v sometime_o at_o a_o stand_n his_o affection_n cool_v with_o carnal_a thing_n and_o his_o heart_n distract_v with_o worldly_a care_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o sometime_o hear_v god_n call_v his_o people_n back_o to_o their_o first_o love_n rev._n 2._o 5._o 3._o here_o also_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o believer_n have_v usual_o more_o ravishment_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o abound_a comfort_n at_o first_o conversion_n than_o afterward_o it_o be_v because_o the_o robe_n be_v now_o bring_v out_o to_o they_o and_o put_v on_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a entertainment_n they_o be_v ever_o at_o and_o they_o themselves_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o this_o feast_n last_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o therefore_o 1._o be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v thus_o at_o this_o time_n lay_v in_o against_o a_o time_n of_o want_n that_o may_v come_v before_o you_o think_v of_o it_o store_v yourselves_o now_o with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o love_n expression_n which_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o you_o in_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o time_n with_o you_o as_o you_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n while_o you_o live_v again_o 2._o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o in_o your_o christian_a race_n you_o meet_v with_o doubt_n and_o darkness_n and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o stand_n in_o regard_n of_o your_o spiritual_a state_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o day_n of_o espousal_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o garment_n the_o ring_n the_o fat_a calf_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 77._o 10._o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o awaken_v sinner_n in_o special_a to_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o god_n to_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o beg_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o confess_v your_o unworthiness_n oh_o long_o for_o the_o day_n of_o conversion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o joyful_a day_n god_n himself_o will_v rejoice_v in_o thou_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o delight_n he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o sinner_n return_v thou_o can_v not_o give_v he_o great_a content_n by_o any_o thing_n thou_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o be_v exceed_o satisfy_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n thou_o will_v glad_v the_o soul_n of_o glorify_a saint_n if_o not_o now_o because_o they_o know_v it_o not_o yet_o when_o thou_o shall_v go_v to_o they_o and_o thy_o presence_n in_o that_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v shall_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o it_o then_o will_v they_o magnify_v god_n for_o it_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o thou_o thou_o shall_v wondrous_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o militant_a saint_n thy_o godly_a parent_n faithful_a minister_n pious_a neighbour_n these_o shall_v have_v smile_n instead_o of_o tear_n and_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o many_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n thou_o will_v grieve_v none_o but_o devil_n and_o devilish_a man_n nay_o it_o be_v thy_o own_o concern_n thou_o be_v now_o mourn_a thou_o shall_v then_o rejoice_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o unspeakable_a gladness_n of_o heart_n nay_o god_n himself_o will_v make_v a_o feast_n for_o thou_o a_o wedding_n day_n shall_v be_v keep_v with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o thou_o thyself_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o triumph_n and_o song_n of_o joy_n oh_o then_o all_o forsake_v satan_n camp_n come_v over_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n then_o shall_v those_o that_o have_v be_v grieve_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o obstinancy_n have_v their_o heart_n refresh_v by_o you_o and_o all_o rejoice_v together_o with_o you_o in_o your_o conversion_n sermon_n xxv_o there_o be_v some_o other_o more_o particular_a useful_a observation_n may_v be_v here_o make_v viz._n doct._n 1._o god_n use_v his_o servant_n as_o instrument_n â—n_v bestow_v his_o spiritual_a blessing_n upon_o his_o child_n he_o do_v not_o usual_o dispense_v these_o thing_n immediate_o but_o in_o and_o with_o the_o mean_n we_o may_v here_o consider_v 1._o who_o be_v these_o servant_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o who_o be_v these_o servant_n answ_n touch_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v a_o truth_n heb._n 1._o 14._o yet_o the_o way_n be_v more_o secret_a and_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o do_v more_o for_o the_o saint_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o may_v be_v as_o active_a in_o suggestion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o satan_n that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v here_o to_o particularize_v therefore_o 2._o by_o these_o servant_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n to_o be_v labourer_n under_o christ_n for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o bring_v of_o they_o to_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o these_o be_v therefore_o call_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o now_o ambassador_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o manage_v foreign_a affair_n in_o their_o name_n and_o these_o do_v dispense_v for_o christ_n the_o gospel_n of_o reconciliation_n vers_fw-la 19_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v minister_n and_o steward_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o who_o work_n be_v to_o distribute_v their_o master_n estate_n according_a to_o order_n they_o be_v also_o call_v deacon_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o because_o as_o they_o do_v by_o office_n distribute_v the_o outward_a so_o do_v these_o the_o spiritual_a treasure_n 2._o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o clear_a light_n for_o this_o truth_n beside_o that_o allegorical_a direction_n cant._n 1._o 7_o 8._o see_v mal._n 2._o 7_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v ask_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o gospel_n time_n beside_o illustrious_a example_n add_v confirmation_n to_o it_o that_o of_o paul_n act._n 9_o 14_o of_o cornelius_n act_n 10_o of_o the_o eunuch_n act_n 8_o show_v what_o care_n god_n take_v to_o ratify_v this_o way_n though_o paul_n be_v enlighten_v and_o awaken_v extraordinary_o he_o must_v be_v confirm_v and_o comfort_v by_o a_o minister_n though_o a_o angel_n appear_v to_o comfort_n cornelius_n and_o counsel_n he_o yet_o his_o instruction_n and_o receive_v the_o spirit_n must_v be_v under_o peter_n ministry_n though_o god_n work_v a_o miracle_n upon_o philip_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o he_o yet_o the_o eunuch_n must_v receive_v the_o gospel_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o the_o ground_n be_v 1_o negative_o not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n in_o god_n he_o need_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n he_o sometime_o do_v without_o they_o though_o to_o keep_v up_o and_o credit_v his_o appoint_a order_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o 2_o positive_o god_n do_v it_o 1_o to_o suit_v our_o nature_n the_o people_n beg_v that_o moses_n may_v speak_v to_o they_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o familiar_o when_o he_o speak_v by_o man_n like_o ourselves_o 2_o to_o honour_v his_o servant_n it_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o any_o creature_n to_o be_v use_v by_o god_n in_o any_o service_n of_o he_o but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a work_n that_o be_v so_o much_o more_o this_o be_v it_o which_o so_o elevate_v paul_n eph_n 3_o 8_o to_o i_o who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v etc._n etc._n use_v 1_o for_o information_n 1_o see_v their_o folly_n who_o contemn_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n expect_v all_o their_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n to_o come_v from_o himself_o immediate_o they_o scorn_v to_o receive_v the_o best_a robe_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n servant_n but_o must_v have_v it_o from_o he_o without_o mean_n though_o shall_v god_n grant_v we_o our_o desire_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a that_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v helpful_a in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a frame_n in_o a_o prodigal_n that_o he_o will_v be_v limit_v his_o father_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v relieve_v he_o or_o not_o at_o all_o what_o can_v we_o not_o see_v the_o father_n love_n in_o the_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v send_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o messenger_n well_o if_o god_n own_o way_n can_v content_v man_n they_o be_v like_a to_o go_v without_o his_o blessing_n 2._o that_o those_o be_v likely_a to_o receive_v the_o great_a manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o their_o soul_n that_o be_v most_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o ordinance_n in_o heaven_n indeed_o we_o shall_v derive_v all_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o upon_o earth_n