seed_n by_o keep_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o shower_n from_o it_o so_o that_o it_o have_v neither_o necessary_a heat_n nor_o seasonable_a moisture_n thus_o likewise_o do_v the_o spiritual_a thorn_n keep_v from_o we_o the_o inlve_a heat_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o his_o word_n which_o otherwise_o will_v bring_v forth_o in_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o likewise_o turn_v away_o the_o seasonable_a shower_n of_o grace_n even_o as_o a_o violent_a wind_n do_v often_o drive_v a_o shower_n another_o way_n beside_o thorn_n do_v by_o intangle_a hinder_v the_o corn_n deny_v it_o a_o liberty_n of_o growth_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o will_v rise_v high_o thus_o likewise_o do_v care_n and_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n keep_v down_o the_o soul_n which_o otherwise_o may_v ascend_v to_o the_o cogitation_n of_o divine_a thing_n o_o then_o while_o we_o have_v time_n let_v we_o serious_o intend_v the_o husbandry_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n let_v we_o plough_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n let_v we_o provide_v ourselves_o of_o the_o best_a the_o weighty_a seed_n the_o immortal_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n and_o grace_n let_v we_o be_v sure_o also_o to_o prevent_v the_o weed_n and_o thorn_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v with_o those_o negligent_a husbandman_n fall_v a_o sleep_n and_o after_o the_o good_a seed_n have_v be_v sow_v suffer_v the_o envious_a man_n to_o come_v and_o sow_v tare_n but_o shall_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n be_v sow_v in_o vain_a o_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 12.15_o look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o and_o trouble_v we_o but_o alas_o how_o vast_a a_o multitude_n be_v there_o that_o be_v profound_o fall_v a_o sleep_n in_o this_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n nay_o that_o only_o prove_v themselves_o to_o have_v soul_n because_o they_o be_v a_o sleep_n that_o be_v not_o dead_a how_o many_o lie_n so_o sound_o a_o sleep_n that_o they_o be_v scarce_o awake_a to_o ambition_n while_o the_o devil_n do_v very_o methodical_o and_o gradual_o sow_v in_o they_o the_o tare_n of_o lust_n ignorance_n pride_n opression_n and_o blasphemous_a novelty_n but_o oh_o let_v we_o remember_v not_o only_o the_o prosperous_a growth_n but_o also_o the_o end_n of_o such_o tare_n which_o oftentimes_o be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v as_o long_o as_o the_o wheat_n even_o till_o the_o harvest_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o angel_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o a_o cloud_n like_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n apoc._n 14.15_o thrust_v in_o thy_o sickle_n and_o reap_v for_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o thou_o to_o reap_v for_o the_o harvest_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v ripe_a o_o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o we_o may_v be_v gather_v as_o the_o wheat_n into_o the_o barn_n and_o not_o as_o the_o tare_n to_o be_v make_v into_o bundle_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n the_o wicked_a say_v s._n austin_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o bundle_n the_o usurer_n say_v he_o shall_v with_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n who_o he_o nourish_v by_o usury_n be_v bind_v into_o one_o bundle_n the_o corrupt_a judge_n with_o his_o notary_n advocate_n and_o false_a witness_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o a_o other_o bundle_n the_o harlot_n and_o her_o lover_n and_o her_o servante_n with_o the_o contriver_n of_o their_o lust_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o a_o three_o bundle_n and_o thus_o shall_v they_o all_o all_o those_o tare_n be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n now_o though_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v merciful_a delay_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n such_o judgement_n we_o must_v not_o use_v unmerciful_a delay_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n our_o diligence_n true_a it_o be_v indeed_o as_o s._n chrysostome_n well_o observe_v that_o man_n be_v long_o in_o build_v but_o quick_o destroy_v but_o that_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a do_v quick_o build_v but_o be_v long_o ere_o he_o destroy_v so_o in_o the_o blessing_n of_o good_a ground_n god_n use_v speed_n but_o in_o the_o curse_v of_o bad_a ground_n he_o use_v delay_n the_o apostle_n express_v as_o much_o heb._n 6.7_o the_o earth_n which_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v oft_o upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n there_o you_o see_v be_v a_o present_a blessing_n of_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o brier_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n terra_fw-la reprobata_fw-la est_fw-la so_o the_o latin_a interpreter_n have_v it_o it_o be_v reprobate_a earth_n and_o be_v nigh_o unto_o curse_v it_o be_v not_o present_o curse_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v curse_v there_o be_v god_n merciful_a delay_n of_o his_o judgement_n but_o this_o increase_n of_o his_o mercy_n must_v increase_v in_o we_o a_o diligence_n in_o our_o husbandry_n and_o since_o that_o no_o crop_n can_v be_v without_o seed_n we_o must_v especial_o endeavour_v to_o be_v provide_v of_o good_a seed_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a part_n of_o our_o providence_n so_o must_v it_o likewise_o be_v of_o our_o thankfulness_n since_o this_o seed_n be_v both_o a_o necessary_a gift_n &_o a_o mere_a gift_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o may_v proportional_o learn_v from_o the_o earth_n which_o though_o it_o bring_v forth_o wheat_n yet_o it_o can_v unless_o there_o be_v seed_n bestow_v upon_o it_o no_o more_o can_v the_o heart_n though_o it_o have_v a_o possibility_n bring_v forth_o any_o fruit_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o bestow_v upon_o it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a gift_n we_o may_v as_o easy_o understand_v good_a ground_n in_o the_o parable_n luk._n 8._o be_v not_o good_a by_o nature_n but_o by_o grace_n good_a but_o not_o till_o grace_v be_v bestow_v upon_o it_o so_o grace_n both_o make_v it_o good_a and_o bring_v forth_o also_o good_a fruit_n it_o be_v not_o good_a according_a to_o any_o precedent_a quality_n but_o good_a according_a to_o god_n favour_n so_o true_o good_a ground_n be_v the_o elect_n not_o good_a before_o grace_n but_o by_o grace_n and_o as_o seed_v though_o cast_v into_o the_o earth_n send_v not_o forth_o the_o corn_n if_o it_o be_v not_o water_v with_o the_o seasonable_a shower_n of_o heaven_n so_o if_o the_o word_n receive_v be_v not_o nourish_v by_o grace_n we_o may_v right_o say_v it_o be_v never_o right_o receive_v and_o since_o this_o spiritual_a seed_n be_v sow_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o afterward_o water_v by_o the_o shower_n of_o grace_n frequent_o descend_v with_o their_o labour_n you_o must_v strive_v always_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o ground_n which_o receive_v the_o blessing_n and_o if_o you_o true_o receive_v it_o you_o will_v return_v thanks_o 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o first_o blessing_n of_o that_o blessing_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d fruit_n of_o good_a ground_n we_o must_v bring_v our_o firâ—â—_n fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o then_o the_o whole_a harvest_n will_v be_v blessed_v we_o must_v bring_v they_o betimes_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o even_o green_a which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o month_n in_o which_o they_o be_v offer_v it_o be_v call_v the_o month_n of_o abib_fw-la that_o be_v of_o the_o green_a ear_n of_o corn_n exod._n 13.4_o the_o grecian_n call_v the_o same_o month_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o then_o in_o the_o spring_n the_o earth_n begin_v to_o grow_v warm_a and_o so_o must_v every_o christian_a even_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o his_o conversion_n when_o he_o grow_v warm_a with_o the_o heat_n of_o grace_n make_v that_o the_o season_n of_o offer_v his_o first_o fruit_n yet_o afterward_o as_o he_o grow_v in_o age_n he_o must_v grow_v in_o fruitfulness_n for_o as_o some_o say_v of_o wheat_n that_o the_o long_o it_o stand_v it_o will_v yield_v the_o more_o so_o doubtless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o a_o godly_a man_n the_o long_o he_o live_v he_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o more_o fruit_n and_o as_o we_o must_v increase_v in_o store_n so_o we_o must_v also_o increase_v in_o true_a excellency_n we_o must_v look_v that_o we_o bring_v the_o best_a we_o can_v as_o much_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o name_n by_o which_o first_o fruit_n be_v call_v in_o another_o place_n namely_o leu._n 2.14_o where_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o translation_n render_v it_o green_a ear_n but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v ear_n of_o carmel_n that_o be_v such_o fresh_a and_o goodly_a ear_n of_o corn_n as_o grow_v
will_v burn_v the_o root_n of_o whatsoever_o come_v in_o it_o so_o be_v there_o some_o heat_n as_o of_o lust_n or_o wrath_n that_o do_v especial_o wrong_v the_o very_a root_n and_o disturb_v the_o growth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v also_o some_o ground_n that_o be_v still_o wet_a or_o weep_v as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o excess_n of_o moisture_n hinder_v it_o from_o bring_v forth_o such_o fruit_n as_o else_o it_o will_v so_o be_v there_o some_o soul_n that_o be_v so_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o tear_n of_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o be_v often_o hinder_v from_o a_o far_a progress_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n such_o therefore_o shall_v learn_v also_o a_o comfortable_a wisdom_n and_o drain_v such_o weep_a ground_n and_o by_o god_n far_a blessing_n it_o will_v prove_v more_o fruitful_a your_o hard_a ground_n indeed_o be_v common_o barren_a but_o a_o mellow_a ground_n that_o be_v quick_o resolve_v yet_o not_o excessive_o be_v both_o easy_o till_v and_o most_o fruitful_a so_o sure_o be_v the_o soft_a and_o tender_a heart_n it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o least_o labour_n and_o of_o most_o fruit_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v more_o full_o and_o skilful_o know_v the_o infallible_a sign_n of_o good_a ground_n he_o must_v know_v that_o if_o a_o clod_n sprinkle_v with_o water_n do_v when_o it_o be_v wrought_v with_o the_o hand_n prove_v somewhat_o clammy_a and_o cleave_v to_o the_o finger_n without_o break_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n it_o argue_v the_o fatness_n and_o richness_n of_o the_o mould_n so_o the_o soul_n which_o afflict_v with_o sorrow_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n do_v notwithstanding_o not_o fall_v away_o but_o cleave_v the_o fast_a unto_o god'â—_n hand_n that_o temper_v it_o will_v doubtless_o prove_v a_o rich_a a_o fruitful_a soul_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n also_o of_o good_a ground_n if_o after_o a_o shower_n of_o rain_n follow_v a_o great_a drought_n the_o ground_n yield_v a_o pleasant_a savour_n and_o so_o be_v it_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o righteous_a soul_n when_o have_v suffer_v a_o drought_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o afterward_o be_v water_v with_o the_o shower_n of_o his_o grace_n it_o yield_v a_o grateful_a savour_n of_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o of_o sâ—ch_n will_v god_n say_v as_o old_a isaac_n of_o jacob_n when_o he_o bless_v he_o gen._n 27.27_o the_o smell_n of_o my_o son_n be_v as_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o field_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v bless_v there_o be_v yet_o one_o sign_n more_o of_o good_a ground_n and_o that_o be_v if_o the_o crow_n and_o pie_n do_v in_o great_a number_n follow_v the_o plough_n scrape_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o plough_n man_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o godly_a soul_n when_o the_o fowl_n of_o prey_n wicked_a detractour_n do_v close_o attend_v the_o step_n the_o action_n of_o the_o righteous_a it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o bad_a ground_n if_o it_o bring_v forth_o loathsome_a and_o filthy_a weed_n but_o even_o in_o good_a ground_n some_o light_a weed_n may_v be_v find_v as_o the_o thistle_n or_o the_o bramble_n so_o that_o soul_n that_o have_v foul_a and_o loathsome_a sin_n as_o prophanesse_n drunkenness_n or_o lust_n be_v just_o to_o be_v term_v a_o foul_a and_o loathsome_a soul_n but_o even_o in_o a_o good_a soul_n there_o may_v be_v some_o light_a fault_n which_o like_o the_o thistle_n or_o the_o bramble_n may_v be_v sharp_a or_o catch_a &_o give_v offence_n and_o yet_o the_o true_a substance_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o ground_n be_v true_o good_a have_v not_o experience_n make_v all_o man_n confess_v that_o one_o kind_n of_o ground_n though_o never_o so_o good_a bear_v not_o all_o thing_n so_o one_o good_a man_n though_o very_o good_a have_v not_o all_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o leave_v imperfection_n in_o all_o create_a goodness_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v not_o imperfect_a it_o be_v not_o create_v how_o then_o can_v we_o marvel_v if_o in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v always_o find_v some_o infirmity_n grace_n do_v mend_v nature_n but_o it_o take_v it_o not_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o be_v to_o husband_n now_o we_o must_v see_v the_o husbandry_n itself_o or_o the_o labour_n we_o be_v to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v manifold_a yet_o it_o be_v chief_o twofold_a plough_v and_o sow_v since_o the_o bringing-in_a of_o the_o harvest_n be_v only_a god_n work_n but_o the_o two_o first_o be_v both_o he_o and_o we_o and_o the_o first_o of_o these_o our_o labour_n be_v about_o the_o plough_n which_o the_o prophet_n bid_v we_o employ_v in_o our_o spiritual_a husbandry_n while_o so_o earnest_o he_o bid_v we_o plow-up_a the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o our_o heart_n yet_o before_o this_o our_o labour_n there_o be_v one_o more_o which_o god_n himself_o do_v common_o make_v his_o work_n the_o better_a to_o prepare_v and_o enrich_v the_o ground_n for_o our_o spiritual_a labour_n your_o best_a husbandman_n lay_v soil_n upon_o their_o ground_n whereby_o they_o do_v deface_v and_o enrich_v it_o so_o do_v god_n most_o common_o by_o we_o when_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o fruitful_a he_o lay_v disgrace_n and_o other_o affliction_n on_o we_o whereby_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v heat_v with_o devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o become_v more_o fruitful_a but_o our_o spiritual_a labour_n begin_v with_o the_o blow_n now_o a_o chief_a time_n for_o plough_v as_o the_o husbandman_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o spring_n the_o ground_n be_v then_o mellow_a and_o therefore_o easy_o wrought_v and_o the_o weed_n be_v then_o turn_v up_o by_o the_o root_n before_o they_o have_v seed_v will_v not_o spring_v easy_o again_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o soul_n be_v best_a inform_v when_o it_o be_v young_a then_o be_v it_o yield_v and_o best_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o vice_n then_o be_v well_o pluck'd-up_a be_v never_o likely_a to_o grow_v again_o in_o the_o summer_n the_o ground_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v plow_v and_o in_o winter_n more_o foul_a so_o the_o soul_n in_o manly_a age_n be_v common_o too_o bold_a and_o obstinate_a against_o instruction_n and_o in_o old_a age_n it_o be_v too_o much_o trouble_v with_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n and_o as_o we_o must_v thus_o know_v the_o season_n so_o we_o must_v know_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o labour_n when_o the_o husbandman_n dress_v a_o vine_n or_o a_o olive-tree_n he_o deal_v gentle_o with_o it_o but_o when_o he_o be_v to_o get-up_a the_o weed_n in_o his_o ground_n he_o plowsdeep_o that_o he_o may_v fetch-up_a the_o very_a root_n so_o must_v we_o deal_v by_o our_o old_a and_o deepe-rooted_n sin_n we_o must_v use_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o industrious_a violence_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o as_o we_o must_v use_v violence_n so_o we_o must_v use_v diligence_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o weed_n be_v fulgrow_v if_o you_o plough_v so_o thick_a that_o you_o can_v scarce_o see_v where_o the_o coulter_n have_v go_v it_o utter_o destroy_v the_o weed_n so_o be_v it_o in_o a_o vicious_a soul_n if_o when_o the_o vice_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o high_a there_o be_v such_o exact_a labour_n use_v that_o every_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v careful_o plowd-up_a it_o will_v prove_v no_o doubt_n the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o vice_n yet_o with_o this_o violence_n and_o diligence_n we_o must_v use_v some_o skill_n if_o the_o crust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o plough_v be_v turn'd-up_a very_o broad_a it_o remain_v still_o whole_a whereby_o neither_o the_o weed_n be_v kill_v nor_o can_v the_o ground_n be_v well_o harrow_v so_o if_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v too_o broad_o layd-open_a his_o vice_n be_v not_o kill_v nor_o can_v he_o well_o be_v smooth_v again_o we_o must_v labour_v therefore_o rather_o to_o plough_v close_o that_o so_o the_o ground_n may_v be_v the_o more-fine_o break_a yet_o as_o in_o plough_v they_o common_o leave_v some_o balk_n which_o be_v the_o gross_a earth_n that_o have_v escape_v the_o plough_n so_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v many_o fault_n which_o though_o we_o search_v diligent_o yet_o escape_v our_o search_n when_o new_a ground_n be_v broken-up_a if_o it_o be_v rich_a and_o prepare_v for_o seed_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o plough_v it_o once_o and_o sow_v it_o immediate_o and_o harrow_v it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v gravelly_a ground_n you_o must_v trifallow_v it_o as_o they_o say_v plough_v it_o often_o so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o a_o towardly_a disposition_n one_o serious_a examination_n may_v happy_o serve_v but_o if_o he_o be_v dry_a and_o hard_a he_o must_v be_v more_o
do_v in_o every_o church_n keep_v a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o faster_n and_o well_o may_v they_o rejoice_v for_o will_v you_o escape_v god_n judgement_n fast_a and_o remember_v ahab_n remember_v the_o ninivites_n who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o proclaim_v their_o fast_a as_o they_o have_v proclaim_v god_n acceptance_n of_o it_o will_v you_o overcome_v and_o cast_v on_o it_o the_o devil_n fast_o by_o this_o our_o saviour_n cast_v he_o out_o nay_o some_o devil_n can_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v matt._n 17.21_o the_o proud_a devil_n can_v not_o be_v cast-out_a but_o by_o the_o humility_n of_o prayer_n and_o the_o unclean_a the_o lustful_a devil_n can_v not_o be_v cast-out_a but_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o fast_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o propose_v unto_o you_o the_o fast_o of_o moses_n of_o eliah_n of_o our_o saviour_n fast_n of_o forty_o day_n this_o be_v rather_o to_o bid_v you_o be_v miraculous_a then_o devout_a but_o i_o may_v bid_v you_o behold_v the_o holy_a anna_n the_o prophetess_n who_o have_v be_v a_o widow_n about_o fourscore_o and_o four_o year_n have_v renounce_v the_o world_n and_o departingnot_v from_o the_o temple_n night_n nor_o day_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o prayer_n and_o fasting_n luk._n 2.37_o be_v at_o last_o blessed_v in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o babe_n christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o temple_n a_o reverend_a monument_n of_o temperance_n whether_o we_o consider_v her_o sex_n her_o age_n or_o her_o devotion_n a_o most_o reverend_a monument_n of_o persevere_v temperance_n and_o of_o a_o temperance_n in_o all_o thing_n excellent_a be_v the_o temperance_n of_o those_o holy_a woman_n which_o do_v despise_v the_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o looking-glass_n when_o they_o bring_v they_o all_o to_o moses_n as_o be_v record_v exod._n 38.1_o of_o which_o devout_a woman_n it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o they_o do_v assemble_v by_o troop_n to_o the_o door_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n the_o chaldie_n interpreter_n say_v they_o come_v to_o pray_v the_o greek_a say_v that_o they_o fast_v and_o other_o render_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o do_v war_n and_o apt_o may_v it_o be_v render_v to_o war_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n spiritual_a warfare_n and_o service_n so_o moses_n speak_v of_o the_o levite_n that_o enterd-in_a to_o war_v the_o warfare_n as_o the_o margin_n show_v from_o the_o hebrew_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v the_o service_n and_o to_o do_v the_o work_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n numb_a 4.23_o so_o speak_v s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n that_o thou_o by_o they_o may_v war_v a_o good_a warfare_n 1_o tim._n 1.18_o and_o you_o may_v a_o little_a far_o note_v the_o blessing_n of_o those_o woman_n in_o some_o sort_n shadow'd-out_a in_o the_o gift_n which_o they_o do_v present_a for_o of_o their_o looking-glass_n as_o by_o custom_n of_o speech_n they_o be_v call_v though_o they_o be_v of_o brass_n as_o the_o margin_n note_v from_o the_o original_a as_o in_o these_o time_n we_o have_v some_o of_o steel_n moses_n make_v a_o laver_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o do_v adorn_v their_o body_n be_v change_v into_o a_o instrument_n whereby_o through_o faith_n they_o may_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n as_o the_o priest_n by_o wash_v in_o the_o same_o do_v purify_v his_o body_n and_o this_o temperance_n from_o outward_a thing_n in_o these_o holy_a woman_n do_v not_o it_o seem_v decay_n among_o the_o jew_n nay_o rather_o it_o increase_v even_o to_o a_o temperance_n from_o the_o most_o tempt_a pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n for_o so_o you_o may_v read_v of_o the_o virgin_n that_o be_v shutup_a in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o macchaby_n relate_v lib._n 2._o cap._n 3.19_o which_o virgin_n s._n ambrose_n say_v lib._n 3._o de_fw-la virginibus_fw-la be_v deputatae_fw-la dedicate_v to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o seem_v anna_n the_o prophetess_n be_v of_o the_o like_a devotion_n who_o do_v the_o more_o abstain_v from_o bodily_a food_n say_v tertullian_n ut_fw-la magis_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la deliciaretur_fw-la that_o she_o may_v the_o more_o exquisite_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o spiritual_a food_n she_o do_v indeed_o so_o devout_o diet_v herself_o as_o if_o be_v a_o prophetess_n she_o have_v foreknow_v that_o she_o be_v to_o run_v a_o long_a race_n no_o marvel_n then_o if_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v to_o exceed_v the_o jewish_a as_o much_o in_o purity_n of_o life_n as_o of_o knowledge_n take_v all_o occasion_n to_o imitate_v holy_a fast_n hence_o be_v the_o spring_n fast_o or_o fast_o of_o lent_n institute_v to_o imitate_v for_o our_o proportion_n our_o saviour_n abstinence_n not_o to_o attain_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o but_o the_o benefit_n indeed_o if_o he_o fast_v so_o that_o have_v no_o sin_n as_o s._n ambrose_n devotion_n argue_v how_o ought_v we_o to_o fast_o who_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o fast_v so_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o say_v s._n bernard_n how_o ought_v we_o to_o fast_o for_o our_o own_o sin_n the_o space_n of_o lent_n as_o the_o piety_n of_o some_o have_v observe_v be_v the_o ten_o of_o the_o year_n though_o strict_o somewhat_o more_o which_o if_o by_o holy_a exercise_n we_o sanctify_v unto_o god_n he_o will_v sanctify_v the_o other_o nine_o part_n unto_o we_o beside_o it_o will_v show_v our_o estimation_n of_o his_o fast_n and_o make_v we_o remember_v as_o s._n austin_n say_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o wound_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o fast_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o cure_n by_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o danger_n hence_o also_o do_v they_o institute_v their_o quarterly_a fast_n that_o at_o those_o season_n they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o fit_a both_o for_o prayer_n for_o the_o food_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o god_n blessing_n on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n at_o those_o time_n to_o be_v ordain_v as_o also_o for_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o food_n of_o our_o body_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o principal_o at_o those_o time_n be_v either_o in_o the_o seed_n or_o the_o blade_n or_o the_o ear_n either_o rot_a ripen_a or_o ripe_a and_o therefore_o crave_v god_n more_o instant_a and_o seasonable_a blessing_n hence_o also_o do_v they_o perform_v preparative_n fast_n against_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o saint_n saint_n regesterd_v in_o god_n word_n such_o as_o the_o attendant_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o life_n not_o but_o that_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v true_o saint_n as_o have_v true_a sanctity_n but_o neither_o of_o their_o degree_n nor_o of_o their_o glory_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n make_v they_o star_n of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n in_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o they_o do_v not_o only_o remember_v those_o great_a example_n of_o holiness_n but_o 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for_o our_o preparation_n unto_o a_o more_o holy_a celebrate_n of_o our_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o sure_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n to_o observe_v day_n and_o fast_n with_o superstition_n in_o belief_n of_o merit_n doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n unto_o god_n to_o observe_v they_o with_o devotion_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o fly_v all_o occasion_n of_o evil_n so_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n he_o imply_v that_o we_o must_v glad_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n of_o good_a all_o occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v make_v our_o soul_n more_o obedient_a unto_o god_n by_o make_v our_o body_n more_o obedient_a to_o our_o soul_n fast_o and_o see_v how_o good_a and_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v hence_o be_v those_o frequent_a and_o private_a fast_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n many_o
frequent_o and_o painful_o plowd-up_a than_o you_o must_v iterare_fw-la and_o tertiare_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n speak_v you_o must_v plough_v again_o and_o again_o indeed_o through_o many_o stir_n your_o fallow_a be_v bring_v to_o so_o fine_a a_o mould_n as_o it_o shall_v need_v very_o little_a or_o no_o harrow_n at_o all_o so_o through_o many_o examination_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o shall_v prove_v so_o smooth_a that_o without_o far_a labour_n it_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v the_o spiritual_a seed_n it_o be_v a_o receive_v say_v the_o often_o the_o ground_n be_v stir_v the_o better_a it_o bear_v but_o as_o such_o labour_n must_v be_v use_v upon_o some_o ground_n so_o in_o some_o ground_n it_o must_v be_v spare_v for_o you_o must_v not_o plough_v in_o wet_a ground_n nor_o in_o wet_a weather_n no_o more_o must_v the_o spiritual_a husbandman_n press_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v already_o overflow'n_v with_o the_o tear_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n 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do_v notwithstanding_o prove_v fruitless_a in_o his_o afterlife_n but_o latâ—_n sow_v i_o will_v not_o with_o the_o husbandman_n say_v do_v always-faile_a but_o sure_o though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o desperate_a it_o be_v always_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o it_o singular_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o he_o be_v instruct_v betimes_o and_o by_o such_o seasonable_a diligence_n not_o only_o the_o success_n shall_v be_v in_o our_o wise_a hope_n the_o sure_a but_o also_o the_o expense_n of_o seed_n and_o labour_n shall_v be_v the_o less_o for_o if_o you_o sow_v betimes_o you_o may_v sow_v the_o thin_a but_o if_o you_o sow_v late_o in_o the_o year_n you_o must_v spend_v the_o more_o seed_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n if_o you_o instruct_v he_o betimes_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o thin_o yet_o it_o may_v prove_v sufficient_a but_o if_o it_o be_v late_a ere_o he_o be_v instruct_v then_o must_v the_o recompense_n be_v necessary_o make_v 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crop_n every_o year_n so_o must_v the_o righteous_a soul_n be_v yearly_o sow_v &_o yearly_o fruitful_a nor_o must_v there_o be_v a_o care_n have_v only_o of_o the_o sow_v but_o also_o of_o the_o seed_n now_o the_o best_a seed_n be_v the_o weighty_a and_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n such_o be_v full_a thus_o also_o the_o weighty_a instruction_n the_o full_a instruction_n be_v that_o which_o will_v bring_v forth_o most_o fruit_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o spiritual_a seed_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v seed_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o for_o the_o virtue_n for_o the_o necessity_n since_o without_o this_o be_v sow_v there_o can_v be_v no_o fruit_n and_o for_o the_o virtue_n since_o it_o have_v the_o admirable_a power_n to_o produce_v fruit_n so_o that_o all_o the_o fruit_n be_v virtual_o in_o the_o seed_n and_o as_o the_o seed_n must_v be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o earth_n and_o take_v root_n and_o be_v conserve_v and_o ripen_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o sow_v in_o the_o heart_n then_o must_v it_o take_v root_n and_o be_v conserve_v and_o come_v to_o a_o maturity_n in_o the_o heart_n then_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o manifest_a fruit_n of_o both_o and_o the_o more_o happy_a it_o shall_v certain_o be_v if_o we_o strict_o keep_v the_o order_n of_o sow_v in_o which_o action_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o seed-lip_n they_o must_v sow_v with_o a_o equal_a hand_n let_v the_o foot_n especial_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o the_o hand_n go_v together_o so_o must_v the_o spiritual_a seedsman_n disperse_v his_o instruction_n but_o especial_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o his_o hand_n &_o his_o foot_n go_v together_o that_o his_o hand_n do_v not_o only_o sow_v the_o seed_n but_o also_o that_o his_o foot_n go_v with_o his_o hand_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v always_o attend_v by_o his_o life_n then_o be_v he_o a_o true_a a_o skilful_a seedsman_n and_o then_o that_o wise_a proverb_n will_v be_v true_a of_o the_o seedsman_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o master_n that_o the_o best_a soil_n for_o the_o field_n be_v the_o master_n foot_n yet_o be_v there_o also_o some_o other_o necessary_a labour_n of_o the_o husbandman_n since_o to_o the_o dress_n of_o ground_n be_v not_o only_o require_v that_o it_o be_v plow_v and_o sow_v but_o that_o also_o according_a to_o the_o season_n and_o order_n of_o the_o work_n it_o be_v harrow_v and_o rake_v and_o sometime_o roll_v for_o the_o break_n of_o the_o great_a and_o the_o stiff_a clod_n as_o also_o that_o in_o perfect_a husbandry_n it_o be_v thorough_o weed_v such_o likewise_o be_v the_o dress_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v fearch_v &_o turn_v up_o but_o it_o must_v usual_o be_v break_v under_o the_o threaten_n of_o of_o the_o law_n it_o must_v sometime_o suffer_v a_o more_o violent_a affliction_n and_o be_v both_o frequent_o and_o diligent_o weed_v but_o above_o all_o it_o must_v be_v provide_v that_o no_o thorn_n be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v where_o the_o seed_n be_v sow_v since_o these_o unhappy_o choke_v the_o seed_n no_o more_o must_v we_o suffer_v in_o the_o husbandry_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o care_v the_o riches_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n which_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o be_v dangerous_a thorn_n to_o spring_v up_o where_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v sow_v thorn_n choke_v the_o seed_n by_o draw_v away_o the_o moisture_n and_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o it_o so_o likewise_o those_o spiritual_a thorn_n injure_v the_o soul_n by_o draw_v away_o the_o love_n of_o our_o heart_n from_o god_n to_o they_o again_o they_o choke_v the_o