at_o the_o find_n of_o a_o sheep_n that_o have_v straggle_v away_o from_o its_o fellow_n and_o be_v give_v over_o for_o lose_v than_o for_o all_o the_o remain_a body_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o within_o the_o fold_n if_o this_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o ordinary_a concern_v of_o mankind_n who_o be_v general_o more_o move_v with_o something_o that_o surprise_v and_o be_v unexpected_a than_o with_o what_o be_v know_v and_o constant_a though_o real_o in_o itself_o of_o great_a value_n than_o the_o other_o then_o we_o have_v a_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o that_o expression_n when_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o spiritual_a matter_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o spiritual_a thing_n will_v admit_v of_o that_o therefore_o which_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n which_o repent_v etc._n etc._n be_v this_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o a_o true_a penitent_n be_v very_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o minister_a angel_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o joy_n in_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o how_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o surprise_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o those_o intelligent_a being_n be_v no_o part_n of_o solid_a divinity_n and_o we_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o holy_a without_o resolve_v of_o those_o intricacy_n we_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v found_v upon_o god_n pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o man_n and_o that_o it_o be_v god_n the_o son_n who_o transact_v all_o thing_n between_o the_o father_n and_o we_o and_o he_o have_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n which_o he_o covenant_v to_o do_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v see_v any_o such_o impropriety_n in_o the_o style_n and_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v when_o they_o attribute_v some_o kind_n of_o affection_n to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v consider_v and_o represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o what_o unsuitableness_n be_v there_o that_o a_o god_n incarnate_a or_o a_o god_n take_v humane_a nature_n upon_o he_o shall_v represent_v himself_o as_o clothe_v with_o the_o original_n and_o innocent_a inclination_n and_o affection_n of_o that_o humane_a nature_n he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v all_o the_o description_n of_o god_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o bible_n be_v either_o very_a majestical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n a_o exceed_a reverence_n and_o awe_n of_o his_o glorious_a nature_n or_o they_o be_v very_o gracious_a and_o lovely_a apt_a to_o take_v possession_n of_o our_o whole_a heart_n and_o to_o call_v forth_o all_o our_o gratitude_n we_o find_v none_o of_o the_o evil_a passion_n or_o such_o as_o have_v a_o immediate_a repugnancy_n to_o a_o good_a and_o wise_a be_v ever_o attribute_v to_o god_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o such_o passion_n as_o be_v virtue_n and_o perfection_n too_o and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o just_a and_o wise_a governor_n or_o a_o prudent_a and_o tender_a father_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v hardly_o able_a to_o conceive_v the_o action_n of_o god_n nature_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o a_o very_a humane_a way_n and_o when_o they_o find_v religious_a matter_n represent_v according_a to_o the_o best_a conception_n they_o have_v of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n they_o rest_v content_v and_o as_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o honesty_n of_o their_o design_n shall_v dispose_v they_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o practice_n and_o obedience_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o for_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o condescension_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o most_o and_o they_o who_o be_v of_o fine_a thought_n and_o nice_a inquiry_n have_v other_o way_n of_o satisfy_v themselves_o the_o expression_n therefore_o of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o a_o sinner_n that_o repent_v be_v design_v to_o enlarge_v our_o apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o return_v to_o virtue_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v ask_v question_n about_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o and_o be_v dispute_v the_o propriety_n of_o expression_n we_o shall_v go_v near_o to_o lose_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o forget_v that_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o comparison_n between_o a_o true_a penitent_n and_o a_o just_a person_n between_o one_o convert_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o a_o person_n constant_o and_o habitual_o good_a bring_v up_o in_o a_o early_a piety_n and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n in_o a_o even_a and_o steady_a progress_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o both_o these_o person_n and_o both_o these_o state_n be_v high_o commendable_a and_o though_o the_o penitent_a person_n in_o some_o respect_n may_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o just_a yet_o the_o just_a will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o he_o in_o more_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o sincere_a convert_n to_o choose_v virtue_n with_o true_a knowledge_n and_o deliberation_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n upon_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o its_o vanity_n to_o prefer_v humiliation_n and_o retirement_n before_o feast_v and_o laughter_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n before_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n such_o a_o preferrence_n as_o this_o bring_v a_o exceed_a honour_n to_o the_o gospel_n by_o make_v know_v to_o other_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n for_o what_o a_o weight_n must_v those_o motive_n carry_v with_o they_o that_o can_v break_v through_o the_o strong_a habit_n of_o vice_n and_o cast_v down_o those_o evil_a imagination_n that_o have_v mighty_o exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v be_v fortify_v by_o long_a and_o repeat_v custom_n what_o a_o sudden_a confusion_n must_v it_o bring_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n when_o such_o a_o person_n be_v bring_v over_o to_o virtue_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o many_o of_o the_o depth_n and_o mystery_n of_o that_o infernal_a court_n and_o who_o can_v now_o discover_v to_o other_o the_o wiles_n and_o art_n by_o which_o the_o empire_n of_o sin_n be_v uphold_v and_o promote_v what_o a_o addition_n must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o native_a honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o he_o who_o have_v experience_v and_o make_v a_o full_a trial_n of_o that_o false_a happiness_n which_o sinful_a pleasure_n boast_v of_o shall_v confess_v and_o deplore_v the_o delusion_n anxiety_n and_o horror_n of_o a_o vicious_a conversation_n and_o beg_v contentment_n from_o religion_n what_o new_a love_n of_o virtue_n and_o great_a detestation_n of_o sin_n must_v it_o cause_v in_o we_o when_o we_o find_v one_o who_o be_v notorious_a for_o a_o profane_a life_n bitter_o bewail_v the_o many_o scoff_v and_o derision_n which_o he_o have_v former_o cast_v upon_o holy_a thing_n and_o person_n and_o with_o the_o deep_a sense_n of_o his_o vile_a and_o unworthy_a action_n implore_v the_o absolution_n of_o the_o church_n what_o a_o joy_n must_v this_o be_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n what_o a_o triumph_n to_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n how_o glad_o will_v those_o minister_a spirit_n be_v employ_v to_o carry_v up_o to_o heaven_n the_o contrition_n of_o his_o repentance_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o vow_n and_o the_o fervour_n of_o his_o prayer_n and_o how_o joyful_o will_v they_o return_v with_o the_o message_n of_o pardon_n comfort_n and_o salvation_n with_o what_o demonstration_n of_o friendship_n and_o gladness_n will_v such_o a_o person_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n here_o below_o they_o will_v assist_v he_o in_o the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o new_a undertake_n abate_v the_o perplexity_n of_o his_o mind_n with_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o meek_o watch_v over_o his_o tender_a and_o scrupulous_a piety_n they_o will_v never_o upbraid_v he_o for_o his_o former_a action_n nor_o despise_v he_o for_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o will_v magnify_v that_o grace_n which_o over_o power_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o only_o repine_v that_o he_o be_v not_o soon_o they_o as_o the_o return_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o a_o vicious_a life_n bring_v great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o to_o
filthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o rise_v unto_o that_o degree_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n as_o those_o i_o now_o mention_v yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v to_o run_v into_o the_o notorious_a riot_n and_o excess_n of_o the_o age_n be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n do_v but_o little_o concern_v they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o open_a and_o public_a in_o their_o sin_n as_o other_o the_o noise_n of_o their_o sinful_a action_n do_v not_o furnish_v the_o discourse_n of_o people_n and_o the_o scene_n of_o their_o vice_n lie_v more_o inward_a and_o retire_v but_o yet_o all_o the_o while_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v full_a of_o covetousness_n vainglory_n and_o bitter_a zeal_n they_o may_v never_o yet_o have_v have_v any_o spiritual_a change_n and_o renovation_n within_o they_o and_o they_o may_v be_v very_o remote_a from_o true_a godliness_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o as_o these_o they_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o repentance_n as_o any_o of_o the_o prodigal_n and_o licentious_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o then_o 3_o there_o be_v some_o such_o just_a person_n as_o need_v no_o such_o repentance_n as_o the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v represent_v to_o have_v make_v they_o do_v not_o need_v a_o whole_a change_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n because_o they_o be_v such_o as_o through_o a_o good_a education_n and_o a_o early_a piety_n have_v be_v keep_v under_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o break_v out_o into_o any_o notorious_a sin_n and_o from_o live_v in_o any_o habitual_a filthiness_n either_o of_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n but_o yet_o even_a these_o stand_n in_o need_n of_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o aught_o to_o run_v parallel_n with_o all_o their_o virtuous_a action_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o day_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v they_o in_o their_o high_a attainment_n and_o to_o send_v they_o humble_o to_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o expiate_a the_o defect_n of_o their_o most_o perfect_a life_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o innocent_a and_o just_a person_n we_o always_o mean_v in_o a_o comparative_a way_n of_o speak_v as_o they_o excel_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v more_o constant_a and_o zealous_a in_o holy_a duty_n than_o other_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o perfection_n we_o take_v that_o word_n in_o a_o evangelical_n sense_n not_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o absoluteness_n of_o the_o term_n but_o in_o such_o a_o qualify_a meaning_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n we_o mean_v such_o a_o perfection_n as_o include_v many_o defect_n in_o it_o but_o yet_o be_v still_o carry_v we_o on_o to_o far_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o leave_v we_o continual_a matter_n for_o our_o humiliation_n and_o for_o our_o far_a endeavour_n after_o righteousness_n but_o do_v not_o suffer_v any_o sin_n to_o reign_v and_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n even_o in_o that_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o judaisme_n who_o be_v so_o just_a and_o perfect_a as_o to_o need_v no_o such_o repentance_n as_o john_n the_o baptist_n preach_v to_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n there_o be_v some_o true_a israelite_n who_o have_v live_v without_o guile_n and_o have_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o as_o to_o such_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o receive_v christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n who_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v without_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o their_o former_a opinion_n or_o for_o their_o former_a life_n they_o be_v already_o believer_n and_o virtuous_a according_a to_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o mean_v they_o be_v under_o be_v only_o to_o be_v instruct_v far_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v more_o confirm_v in_o the_o comfortable_a doctrine_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v improve_v and_o raise_v unto_o more_o perfection_n to_o high_a instance_n of_o duty_n and_o great_a degree_n of_o love_n but_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o astonish_a sermon_n and_o those_o terrible_a denunciation_n of_o present_a wrath_n and_o destruction_n which_o be_v to_o awake_v the_o grosser_n sinner_n nor_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o enter_v into_o those_o difficult_a and_o bitter_a part_n of_o repentance_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n so_o likewise_o under_o the_o settle_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v those_o who_o by_o the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o pious_a education_n and_o a_o governable_a temper_n have_v maintain_v a_o even_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o piety_n now_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o need_v any_o such_o repentance_n as_o signify_v a_o total_a change_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v already_o wrought_v that_o change_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o in_o a_o insensible_a way_n and_o by_o such_o undiscernible_a degree_n that_o they_o can_v assign_v the_o particular_a time_n of_o their_o conversion_n the_o baptismal_a efficacy_n unfold_v itself_o into_o sanctification_n and_o holiness_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o fit_a and_o their_o christianity_n and_o reason_n improve_v together_o but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o repentance_n for_o such_o as_o these_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o while_o they_o sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n for_o though_o they_o avoid_v all_o know_v and_o wilful_a sin_n and_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o their_o conscience_n can_v accuse_v they_o of_o any_o gross_a neglect_n or_o of_o any_o insincerity_n of_o heart_n yet_o evil_a thought_n irregular_a desire_n disorderly_a passion_n upon_o sudden_a provocation_n and_o a_o omission_n of_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o good_a purpose_n and_o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o good_a affection_n be_v breach_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n and_o need_v his_o pardon_n they_o must_v be_v resist_v and_o watch_v against_o and_o they_o must_v be_v cleanse_v by_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o make_v man_n true_o sorrowful_a for_o such_o impure_a adherency_n though_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v perfect_o free_a from_o they_o by_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o make_v they_o groan_v and_o mourn_v under_o they_o as_o burdensome_a infirmitite_n and_o ready_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o best_a method_n of_o remove_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n for_o though_o we_o can_v be_v perfect_o holy_a in_o this_o life_n yet_o we_o do_v know_v to_o what_o a_o height_n of_o piety_n we_o may_v arrive_v unless_o we_o try_v and_o contend_v after_o it_o and_o though_o we_o miss_v of_o some_o of_o those_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o we_o labour_v to_o attain_v yet_o we_o shall_v find_v such_o advantage_n in_o our_o spiritual_a life_n by_o our_o hearty_a endeavour_n to_o be_v quit_v of_o all_o infirmity_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o goodness_n perceive_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n more_o and_o more_o purify_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o a_o high_a state_n of_o glory_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o repentance_n for_o the_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a person_n continual_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o but_o then_o this_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o separate_a duty_n or_o a_o entrance_n upon_o religion_n as_o a_o continuance_n in_o it_o or_o a_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o a_o pass_n from_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o habit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o a_o proficiency_n in_o holiness_n under_o a_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mournful_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n and_o though_o this_o be_v continual_o carry_v on_o in_o some_o degree_n all_o the_o time_n of_o our_o life_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v increase_v as_o solemn_a occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o though_o the_o repentance_n of_o great_a sinner_n may_v cause_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o repentance_n of_o the_o just_a be_v of_o exceed_a esteem_n with_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v viz._n how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o expression_n of_o joy_n in_o heaven_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o the_o parable_n for_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o shepherd_n to_o rejoice_v more_o
a_o comparison_n between_o a_o sincere_a penitent_n and_o a_o just_a person_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v 8_o 1692_o 3._o by_o tho._n manningham_n d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n publish_a by_o her_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green_a dragon_n without_o temple-barr_n and_o s._n smith_n at_o the_o princes-arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxciii_o dr._n manningham_n be_v comparison_n between_o a_o sincere_a penitent_n and_o a_o just_a person_n st._n luke_n chap._n xv._o verse_n 7._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o likewise_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o year_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o abundant_o preach_v and_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v and_o wherein_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o motive_n and_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o way_n and_o life_n to_o a_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o spiritual_a recovery_n of_o themselves_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v at_o present_a to_o explain_v this_o portion_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o enlarge_v on_o its_o particular_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v give_v encouragement_n to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o yet_o secure_a the_o dignity_n and_o preference_n of_o those_o just_a and_o virtuous_a person_n who_o need_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a repentance_n that_o the_o most_o vicious_a and_o extravagant_a may_v be_v invite_v to_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o the_o devout_a and_o humble_a to_o go_v on_o more_o cheerful_o in_o their_o progress_n to_o perfection_n that_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n may_v be_v due_o magnify_v and_o yet_o without_o any_o derogation_n from_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o a_o habitual_a innocence_n of_o a_o early_a and_o constant_a course_n in_o piety_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o follow_a method_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n ii_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v etc._n etc._n iii_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o comparison_n between_o a_o true_a penitent_a and_o a_o just_a person_n and_o show_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o repentance_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n draw_v near_o to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n and_o that_o the_o pharisee_n and_o scribe_n murmur_v say_v this_o man_n receive_v sinner_n and_o eat_v with_o they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o three_o follow_a parable_n be_v speak_v with_o a_o particular_a reflection_n on_o those_o conceit_a and_o presumptuous_a person_n who_o think_v none_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a or_o have_v any_o title_n to_o heaven_n but_o themselves_o and_o who_o place_v a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o sanctimoniousness_n in_o a_o separation_n from_o other_o and_o in_o despise_v of_o poor_a publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o though_o the_o pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o those_o person_n be_v most_o vile_a and_o abominable_a and_o full_o merit_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o our_o saviour_n reproof_n and_o though_o he_o take_v many_o occasion_n of_o discover_v to_o the_o people_n the_o falseness_n covetousness_n censoriousness_n and_o malice_n of_o that_o pretend_v sect_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o seem_v in_o these_o parable_n to_o have_v reflect_v on_o they_o for_o here_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v the_o great_a sinner_n upon_o their_o timely_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o pleasure_n which_o his_o heavenly_a father_n take_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n though_o they_o have_v be_v very_o extravagant_o sinful_a but_o now_o what_o sort_n of_o expression_n have_v it_o be_v of_o god_n delight_n in_o true_a penitent_n if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o text_n that_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n who_o be_v so_o proud_a as_o to_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n to_o be_v sure_a this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sense_n intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n because_o the_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n which_o he_o then_o deliver_v be_v to_o magnify_v the_o graciousness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o hearty_a penitent_n but_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v a_o more_o improper_a way_n of_o do_v that_o than_o by_o prefer_v of_o they_o bare_o before_o the_o worst_a of_o hyprocrite_n as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o ninety_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o run_v upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o shall_v we_o conceive_v so_o many_o just_a person_n who_o live_v sober_a and_o regular_a life_n and_o that_o but_o one_o in_o a_o hundred_o shall_v prove_v extravagant_a the_o reduce_n of_o that_o one_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o more_o joy_n than_o the_o continuance_n of_o ninety_o nine_o in_o their_o wont_a obedience_n and_o duty_n but_o though_o the_o number_n of_o ninety_o nine_o just_a person_n in_o a_o hundred_o be_v a_o supposition_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v further_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o person_n so_o just_a as_o to_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v one_a that_o there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n go_v into_o the_o world_n whereby_o some_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o presumptuous_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o absolute_a unsinning_a perfection_n and_o this_o make_v they_o despise_v the_o solemn_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n that_o it_o deliver_v man_n up_o to_o blasphemous_a opinion_n and_o such_o distraction_n of_o mind_n that_o look_v very_o like_a unto_o real_a possession_n when_o the_o devil_n can_v prevail_v with_o some_o to_o run_v into_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v they_o up_o into_o his_o own_o nature_n if_o they_o can_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o be_v gross_o sinful_a than_o he_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o pure_a and_o perfect_a and_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o those_o cleansing_n and_o expiation_n which_o other_o look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a and_o constant_a duty_n that_o confession_n humiliation_n repentance_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o mean_a ordinance_n and_o beggarly_a element_n fit_a only_a to_o constitute_v the_o religion_n of_o great_a sinner_n and_o that_o they_o be_v already_o advance_v to_o such_o a_o near_a conformity_n with_o god_n that_o they_o want_v none_o of_o those_o help_n and_o supply_n which_o be_v suit_v only_o to_o a_o imperfect_a state_n this_o may_v look_v like_o a_o strange_a description_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o wiles_n and_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o with_o that_o mystery_n of_o ungodliness_n which_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o pride_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a truth_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o who_o have_v be_v wrought_v up_o into_o spiritual_a frenzy_n by_o entertain_v unusual_a confidence_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o neglect_v the_o humble_a way_n of_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o constant_a piety_n and_o fear_n in_o a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o good_a action_n in_o the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o wise_a and_o sober_a conduct_n of_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n it_o be_v a_o melancholy_a reflection_n to_o think_v how_o many_o of_o those_o poor_a creature_n who_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o spirit_n and_o light_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o very_a gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n now_o such_o as_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o they_o want_v it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o debauch_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o such_o than_o to_o spend_v the_o whole_a remainder_n of_o their_o day_n in_o mourning_n and_o debase_v of_o themselves_o and_o in_o use_v the_o best_a method_n of_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o the_o abominable_a pollution_n of_o pride_n and_o from_o the_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n so_o there_o be_v some_o virtue_n or_o some_o peculiarity_n of_o holiness_n in_o which_o true_a penitent_n do_v often_o excel_v there_o be_v general_o a_o excellent_a degree_n of_o humility_n that_o accompany_v all_o their_o pious_a duty_n and_o nothing_o usual_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o their_o temper_n than_o spiritual_a pride_n they_o be_v seldom_o guilty_a of_o any_o censoriousness_n or_o despise_v of_o other_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o return_v to_o wisdom_n and_o a_o better_a mind_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o virtuous_a and_o so_o happy_a as_o themselves_o they_o be_v always_o sensible_a of_o what_o they_o once_o be_v and_o most_o zealous_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o as_o know_v on_o what_o terrible_a precipice_n they_o continual_o walk_v beside_o they_o oftentimes_o arrive_v to_o a_o exceed_a measure_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o heat_n that_o vehemency_n of_o temper_n which_o once_o carry_v they_o into_o the_o excess_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v consecrate_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v for_o the_o future_a turn_v into_o the_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n if_o these_o with_o many_o more_o advantage_n of_o repentance_n be_v well_o weigh_v there_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o the_o great_a sinner_n to_o come_v in_o to_o enter_v their_o name_n among_o the_o happy_a penitent_n and_o by_o their_o timely_a conversion_n to_o cause_v great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n but_o then_o we_o be_v likewise_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o joy_n which_o be_v express_v for_o a_o convert_n be_v no_o derogation_n from_o the_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o such_o difficult_a no_o such_o bitter_a repentance_n it_o be_v well_o indeed_o for_o thousand_o of_o we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o privilege_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o return_v prodigal_n and_o that_o god_n have_v so_o signal_o declare_v his_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o upon_o our_o sincere_a repentance_n but_o yet_o the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o be_v early_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n a_o religious_a education_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o it_o be_v that_o which_o deliver_v we_o over_o to_o the_o especial_a care_n of_o god_n and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o very_a road_n of_o a_o happy_a predestination_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o prodigious_a perverseness_n of_o nature_n can_v break_v through_o but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o religious_a education_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v so_o soon_o finish_v do_v as_o some_o imagine_v if_o we_o will_v have_v it_o effectual_a it_o will_v ask_v a_o considerable_a time_n in_o perfect_v for_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o say_v a_o catechism_n by_o rote_n or_o in_o stand_v a_o little_a in_o awe_n of_o parent_n much_o less_o in_o learn_v some_o unnecessary_a accomplishment_n but_o in_o awaken_n the_o faculty_n and_o secret_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o may_v be_v in_o work_v of_o good_a habit_n into_o those_o power_n and_o make_v the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a very_o plain_a and_o manifest_a in_o enable_v young_a person_n to_o form_v a_o rational_a choice_n of_o virtue_n and_o bring_v they_o by_o degree_n to_o find_v a_o delight_n in_o religious_a duty_n to_o be_v sure_o they_o must_v never_o be_v trust_v to_o their_o own_o conduct_n till_o they_o be_v arrive_v to_o some_o moral_a wisdom_n and_o to_o some_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v to_o withstand_v those_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o assault_v they_o this_o some_o will_v say_v be_v a_o difficult_a task_n a_o employment_n much_o out_o of_o fashion_n and_o few_o parent_n care_v to_o have_v so_o much_o trouble_v with_o their_o child_n this_o i_o grant_v be_v too_o true_a but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o source_n of_o those_o number_n and_o swarm_n of_o the_o extravagant_o vicious_a which_o darken_v this_o age_n that_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o parable_n may_v be_v reverse_v upon_o we_o who_o have_v ninety_o nine_o sinner_n for_o one_o just_a person_n who_o need_v no_o such_o repentance_n though_o good_a education_n be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n and_o much_o disuse_v in_o these_o time_n of_o general_a licentiousness_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o important_a matter_n that_o either_o the_o state_n or_o the_o church_n can_v take_v into_o consideration_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o may_v perhaps_o so_o happen_v that_o after_o all_o our_o care_n some_o may_v get_v loose_a from_o the_o best_a education_n and_o run_v a_o wild_a course_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v but_o few_o such_o and_o they_o who_o do_v be_v common_o follow_v with_o such_o quick_a reflection_n and_o sharp_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v so_o haunt_v with_o the_o remain_v of_o their_o good_a education_n that_o they_o find_v but_o little_a quietness_n in_o their_o soul_n till_o they_o return_v to_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n and_o perhaps_o the_o first_o severe_a affliction_n bring_v they_o to_o themselves_o again_o so_o that_o still_o the_o extravagance_n of_o most_o people_n be_v owe_v either_o to_o their_o want_n of_o education_n or_o to_o some_o great_a defect_n in_o it_o either_o their_o first_o year_n be_v whole_o neglect_v and_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o contract_v ill_a habit_n before_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o instruction_n or_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o under_o such_o a_o indiscreet_a strictness_n and_o such_o sourness_n of_o principle_n and_o opinion_n as_o make_v religion_n frightful_a to_o they_o whereas_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o virtue_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v instill_a into_o tender_a mind_n and_o that_o with_o all_o the_o sweetness_n and_o endearment_n imaginable_a or_o perhaps_o their_o faculty_n be_v make_v too_o volatile_a and_o trivial_a with_o modish_a divertisement_n and_o they_o be_v teach_v more_o vanity_n than_o virtue_n in_o their_o young_a year_n or_o else_o they_o be_v too_o soon_o commit_v to_o the_o wide_a world_n before_o they_o be_v true_o form_v into_o any_o settle_a goodness_n or_o have_v any_o virtuous_a disposition_n improve_v and_o establish_v in_o they_o o_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n to_o set_v out_o innocent_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a progress_n of_o holiness_n to_o have_v only_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n to_o repent_v of_o and_o some_o few_o spot_n contract_v in_o common_a conversation_n to_o cleanse_v and_o wash_v away_o and_o so_o to_o increase_v daily_o in_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n and_o in_o favour_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n though_o the_o return_a sinner_n may_v run_v up_o to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o goodness_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o just_a person_n he_o will_v still_o be_v the_o hinder_a 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into_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n after_o a_o long_a course_n in_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o warn_v man_n of_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o delay_v their_o amendment_n but_o then_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o former_a life_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o diminish_v his_o reverence_n with_o some_o and_o to_o lessen_v the_o force_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o counsel_n but_o the_o just_a may_v rebuke_v and_o reprove_v with_o all_o authority_n and_o his_o unspotted_a life_n will_v add_v weight_n and_o moment_n to_o his_o word_n he_o who_o have_v forfeit_v that_o free_a and_o complete_a forgiveness_n that_o be_v dispense_v in_o baptism_n and_o after_o a_o notorious_a range_n in_o sin_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n again_o at_o the_o penitential_a door_n will_v have_v reason_n to_o be_v continual_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n with_o great_a fear_n and_o tremble_a he_o will_v have_v 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