go_v backward_o therefore_o will_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n against_o thou_o and_o deliver_v thou_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o repent_v by_o our_o obstinate_a impenitency_n we_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n against_o we_o and_o make_v he_o weary_a of_o repent_v 9.12_o and_o when_o his_o soul_n be_v thus_o depart_v from_o a_o people_n nothing_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o ruin_n wo_n unto_o they_o say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o therefore_o be_v thou_o instruct_v o_o jerusalem_n lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o lest_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v have_v give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v from_o they_o three_o thing_n well_o worth_a our_o consideration_n first_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o a_o sinful_a people_n and_o his_o great_a unwillingness_n to_o bring_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n upon_o they_o lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o lest_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v how_o loath_a be_v he_o that_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o extremity_n he_o be_v not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o violence_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o himself_o bring_v to_o this_o severe_a resolution_n his_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v rend_v and_o disjoint_v from_o they_o second_o you_o see_v here_o what_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n if_o they_o will_v be_v instruct_v and_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o will_v become_v wise_a and_o better_a than_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o he_o will_v not_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o desolation_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v three_o you_o have_v here_o intimate_v the_o miserable_a case_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o people_n when_o god_n take_v off_o his_o affection_n from_o they_o and_o give_v over_o all_o further_a care_n and_o concernment_n for_o they_o wo_n unto_o they_o when_o his_o soul_n depart_v from_o they_o for_o when_o god_n once_o leave_v they_o than_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n and_o calamity_n will_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o three_o observation_n from_o the_o text._n first_o i_o observe_v the_o infinite_a patience_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o a_o sinful_a people_n and_o his_o great_a unwillingness_n to_o bring_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n upon_o they_o lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o lest_o i_o make_v thou_o desolate_a a_o land_n not_o inhabit_v how_o loath_a be_v god_n that_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o he_o be_v very_o patient_a to_o particular_a person_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a and_o innumerable_a provocation_n god_n be_v strong_a and_o patient_a though_o man_n provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o much_o great_a be_v his_o patience_n to_o whole_a nation_n and_o great_a community_n of_o man_n how_o great_a be_v it_o to_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o do_v not_o expire_v till_o he_o see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v grow_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n not_o till_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o drown_v the_o world_n to_o cleanse_v it_o and_o to_o destroy_v mankind_n to_o reform_v it_o by_o begin_v a_o new_a world_n upon_o the_o only_a righteous_a family_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o all_o the_o last_o generation_n of_o the_o old_a for_o so_o god_n testify_v concern_v noah_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n say_v 7.1_o come_v thou_o and_o all_o thy_o house_n into_o the_o ark_n for_o thou_o that_o be_v thou_o only_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v great_a likewise_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o for_o when_o the_o cry_n of_o their_o sin_n have_v reach_v heaven_n and_o call_v loud_o for_o vengeance_n to_o be_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o to_o express_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n of_o god_n towards_o such_o grievous_a sinner_n though_o nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n yet_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n on_o purpose_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v altogether_o according_a to_o the_o cry_n that_o be_v come_v up_o to_o he_o and_o when_o he_o find_v thing_n as_o bad_a as_o be_v possible_a yet_o then_o be_v he_o willing_a to_o have_v come_v almost_o to_o the_o low_a term_n imaginable_a that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o ten_o righteous_a person_n in_o those_o wicked_a city_n he_o will_v not_o have_v destroy_v they_o for_o the_o ten_o be_v sake_n nay_o he_o seem_v to_o come_v to_o low_a term_n yet_o with_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n jer._n 5.1_o run_v you_o to_o and_o fro_o through_o the_o street_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o see_v now_o and_o know_v and_o seek_v in_o the_o broad_a place_n thereof_o if_o you_o can_v find_v a_o man_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o execute_v judgement_n and_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o will_v pardon_v it_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o slow_a and_o mild_a and_o merciful_a than_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n against_o a_o sinful_a people_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o take_v a_o long_a time_n to_o make_v ready_a his_o bow_n and_o to_o whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n before_o his_o hand_n take_v hold_v of_o vengeance_n as_o if_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o wrath_n lie_v by_o he_o blunt_a and_o rusty_a and_o unready_a for_o use_v many_o a_o time_n he_o threaten_v and_o many_o a_o time_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n before_o he_o give_v the_o fatal_a blow_n and_o how_o glad_a be_v he_o when_o any_o good_a man_n will_v step_v in_o and_o interpose_v to_o stay_v his_o hand_n as_o we_o read_v psal_n 106.23_o therefore_o he_o say_v speak_v of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o will_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o servant_n stand_v in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v they_o and_o how_o kind_o do_v god_n take_v it_o of_o phinehas_n as_o a_o most_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o service_n do_v to_o he_o and_o which_o he_o hardly_o know_v how_o sufficient_o to_o reward_v that_o he_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o his_o anger_n against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n insomuch_o that_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v account_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n to_o all_o generation_n for_o evermore_o i_o will_v recite_v the_o whole_a passage_n at_o large_a because_o it_o be_v remarkable_a when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v seduce_v into_o idolatry_n and_o whoredom_n by_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n phinehas_n in_o great_a zeal_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o zimri_n and_o cozbi_n in_o the_o very_a act_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o plague_n which_o be_v break_v out_o upon_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n be_v present_o stay_v hear_v what_o god_n say_v to_o moses_n concern_v this_o act_n of_o phinehas_n the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n say_v phinehas_n the_o son_n of_o eleazar_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n the_o priest_n have_v turn_v away_o my_o wrath_n from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n whilst_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o my_o sake_n that_o i_o consume_v they_o not_o wherefore_o say_v behold_v i_o give_v unto_o he_o my_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v it_o and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o even_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n because_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o his_o god_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o which_o god_n take_v so_o kind_o at_o his_o hand_n next_o to_o his_o zeal_n for_o he_o be_v that_o he_o pacify_v god_n wrath_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o thus_o do_v god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n deal_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o great_a example_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o merciful_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n towards_o a_o sinful_a nation_n and_o a_o example_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o purposely_o record_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v 10.11_o let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o astonish_a patience_n of_o god_n towards_o that_o perverse_a people_n after_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v in_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o for_o their_o support_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o notwithstanding_o
and_o that_o man_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o evil_a course_n be_v glad_a to_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o will_v assure_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o such_o term_n the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o apparent_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a can_v be_v true_a and_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o god_n by_o such_o pretence_n of_o service_n and_o obedience_n as_o no_o wise_a prince_n or_o father_n upon_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v delude_v withal_o by_o his_o subject_n or_o child_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v worthy_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o to_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o will_v be_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o his_o creature_n in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o make_v they_o happy_a upon_o his_o own_o term_n and_o that_o obedience_n to_o what_o he_o command_v be_v better_a and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o any_o other_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v which_o he_o have_v not_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o likewise_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o therefore_o that_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o live_v by_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a and_o certain_a mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n than_o any_o invention_n and_o device_n of_o our_o own_o three_o i_o observe_v that_o even_o the_o better_a and_o more_o considerate_a sort_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o careful_a and_o watchful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o death_n and_o judgement_n whilst_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v even_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o personal_o present_a with_o they_o and_o after_o a_o particular_a charge_n give_v they_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o enter_v into_o temptation_n yet_o do_v not_o keep_v that_o guard_n upon_o themselves_o as_o to_o watch_n with_o he_o for_o one_o hour_n in_o many_o thing_n say_v st._n james_n we_o offend_v all_o even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o some_o time_n or_o other_o remit_v of_o his_o vigilancy_n and_o care_n so_o as_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o advantage_n and_o to_o lie_v open_a to_o temptation_n for_o want_v of_o a_o continual_a guard_n upon_o himself_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v this_o that_o though_o they_o both_o sleep_v yet_o the_o wise_a do_v not_o let_v their_o lamp_n go_v out_o they_o neither_o quit_v their_o profession_n nor_o do_v they_o extinguish_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n and_o though_o when_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v sudden_o upon_o they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o actual_o prepare_v to_o meet_v he_o by_o a_o continual_a vigilancy_n yet_o they_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v by_o the_o good_a disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n their_o lamp_n may_v burn_v dim_a for_o want_v of_o continual_a trim_n but_o they_o have_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n to_o supply_v their_o lamp_n which_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n have_v take_v no_o care_n to_o provide_v but_o sure_o the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o all_o be_v to_o maintain_v a_o continual_a watchfulness_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o be_v in_o a_o confusion_n when_o death_n or_o judgement_n shall_v overtake_v we_o and_o bless_v be_v those_o servant_n and_o wise_a indeed_o who_o lamp_n always_o burn_v bright_a and_o who_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v watch_v and_o in_o a_o fit_a posture_n and_o preparation_n to_o meet_v he_o four_o i_o observe_v likewise_o how_o little_a be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o to_o any_o good_a purpose_n in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o preparation_n when_o it_o be_v defer_v and_o put_v off_o to_o the_o last_o and_o thus_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n do_v but_o what_o a_o sad_a confusion_n and_o hurry_n they_o be_v in_o at_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o they_o be_v not_o only_o asleep_a but_o when_o after_o they_o be_v awaken_v they_o find_v themselves_o altogether_o unprovided_a of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o a_o posture_n to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n when_o they_o want_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a at_o that_o very_a instant_n but_o can_v not_o be_v provide_v in_o a_o instant_n i_o say_v what_o a_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o be_v thus_o surprise_v the_o parable_n represent_v to_o we_o at_o large_a vers_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n that_o be_v they_o go_v about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v that_o be_v at_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o unseasonable_a time_n of_o all_o other_o when_o they_o be_v fast_o asleep_a and_o sudden_o awaken_v in_o great_a terror_n when_o they_o can_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a recollect_v themselves_o and_o consider_v what_o to_o do_v when_o the_o summons_n be_v so_o very_o short_a that_o they_o have_v neither_o time_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v nor_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n till_o they_o be_v surprise_v by_o death_n or_o judgement_n for_o it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o in_o the_o issue_n which_o of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o parable_n indeed_o seem_v more_o particular_o to_o point_n at_o our_o lord_n be_v come_v to_o judgement_n but_o the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v surprise_v by_o sudden_a death_n such_o as_o give_v they_o but_o little_a or_o not_o sufficient_a time_n for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n because_o such_o as_o death_n leave_v they_o judgement_n will_v certain_o find_v they_o and_o what_o a_o miserable_a confusion_n must_v they_o needs_o be_v in_o who_o be_v thus_o surprise_v either_o by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o how_o unfit_a shall_v we_o be_v if_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v upon_o we_o on_o the_o sudden_a to_o meet_v that_o great_a judge_n at_o his_o come_n if_o we_o have_v make_v no_o preparation_n for_o it_o before_o that_o time_n what_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o that_o great_a and_o universal_a consternation_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n when_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n turn_v into_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shake_v when_o all_o nature_n shall_v feel_v such_o violent_a pang_n and_o convulsion_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o combustion_n flame_v and_o crack_v about_o our_o ear_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shrivel_a up_o as_o a_o scroll_n when_o it_o be_v roll_v together_o and_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v toss_v from_o its_o centre_n and_o every_o mountain_n and_o island_n shall_v be_v remove_v what_o thought_n can_v the_o wise_a man_n than_o have_v about_o they_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o much_o noise_n and_o terror_n or_o if_o they_o can_v have_v any_o what_o time_n will_v there_o then_o be_v to_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o angel_n that_o stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o that_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o long_o as_o this_o dreadful_a day_n be_v describe_v rev._n 10.5_o 6._o and_o chap._n 6.15_o where_o sinner_n be_v represent_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o great_a judge_n not_o as_o fly_v to_o god_n in_o hope_n of_o mercy_n but_o as_o fly_v from_o he_o in_o utter_a despair_n of_o find_v mercy_n with_o he_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o great_a captain_n hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o den_n and_o in_o the_o rock_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v the_o big_a and_o the_o bold_a sinner_n
for_o their_o friend_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a score_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o may_v put_v the_o surplusage_n of_o their_o good_a work_n as_o a_o debt_n upon_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o public_a treasury_n of_o the_o church_n as_o so_o many_o bill_n of_o credit_n which_o the_o pope_n by_o his_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n may_v dispense_v and_o place_n to_o who_o account_n he_o please_v and_o out_o of_o this_o bank_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o rome_n those_o who_o never_o take_v care_n to_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v supply_v at_o reasonable_a rate_n to_o which_o they_o have_v add_v a_o further_a supply_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o need_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o devise_v as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o furnish_v such_o foolish_a virgin_n with_o oil_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v in_o the_o parable_n and_o thus_o by_o one_o device_n or_o other_o they_o have_v enervate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o have_v almost_o quite_o lose_v its_o true_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o real_a fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n it_o produce_v little_a else_o but_o superstition_n and_o folly_n or_o if_o it_o produce_v any_o real_a virtue_n yet_o even_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n spoil_v by_o their_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o merit_n and_o super-erogation_a and_o be_v render_v insignificant_a to_o themselves_o by_o their_o insolent_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n six_o and_o last_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o be_v so_o overgrow_v with_o goodness_n as_o to_o have_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assign_v and_o transfer_v of_o this_o overplus_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n from_o one_o man_n to_o another_o for_o we_o see_v that_o all_o the_o way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n of_o other_o do_v all_o prove_v ineffectual_a because_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n impracticable_a that_o one_o sinner_n who_o owe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o much_o more_o to_o god_n shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o spare_v wherewithal_o to_o merit_v for_o another_o indeed_o our_o b._n saviour_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o all_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o real_o and_o inherent_o righteous_a so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o warn_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o contrary_a conceit_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a if_o we_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n perfect_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v available_a with_o god_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o sincere_a though_o but_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o if_o we_o take_v no_o care_n to_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a ourselves_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a much_o less_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o any_o other_o man_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n can_v no_o more_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o his_o righteousness_n or_o repentance_n or_o any_o part_n of_o either_o to_o another_o that_o want_v it_o than_o a_o man_n can_v bequeath_v his_o wisdom_n or_o learn_v to_o his_o heir_n or_o his_o friend_n no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a man_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o physic_n which_o another_o man_n have_v take_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o think_v of_o be_v good_a by_o a_o deputy_n that_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v save_v the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o to_o be_v torment_v there_o in_o person_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o place_n of_o bliss_n only_o by_o proxy_n so_o that_o these_o good_a work_n with_o a_o hard_a name_n and_o the_o make_n over_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o to_o other_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o be_v all_o mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n in_o divinity_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o application_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o parable_n watch_v therefore_o 13._o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_o vigilant_a and_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n nor_o yet_o which_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o do_v any_o of_o we_o know_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o our_o own_o death_n either_o of_o these_o may_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n and_o come_v when_o we_o least_o expect_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o best_a and_o speedy_a provision_n that_o we_o can_v for_o another_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v continual_o upon_o our_o watch_n and_o trim_v our_o lamp_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o either_o of_o these_o neither_o by_o our_o own_o particular_a death_n nor_o by_o the_o general_a judgement_n 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consideration_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v provide_v store_n of_o oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n wherewith_o to_o supply_v our_o lamp_n that_o they_o may_v burn_v bright_a to_o the_o last_o i_o mean_v we_o shall_v improve_v the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n by_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o so_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o mean_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o those_o miserable_a and_o shark_a shift_n which_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v drive_v to_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n which_o will_v all_o fail_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o though_o the_o die_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o support_v himself_o with_o these_o false_a 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we_o be_v now_o so_o loath_a to_o think_v upon_o i_o say_v if_o we_o believe_v this_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o serious_a and_o happy_a that_o man_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o health_n have_v retire_v himself_o from_o the_o noise_n and_o tumult_n of_o this_o world_n and_o make_v that_o careful_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o a_o better_a life_n as_o may_v give_v he_o that_o constancy_n and_o firmness_n of_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o thought_n and_o approach_n of_o his_o great_a change_n without_o amazement_n and_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n almost_o equal_o poise_v between_o that_o strong_a inclination_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v we_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o that_o wise_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o willing_a and_o content_v to_o die_v whenever_o god_n think_v fit_a many_o of_o we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o clear_o discern_v these_o thing_n because_o our_o eye_n be_v dazzele_v with_o the_o false_a light_n and_o splendour_n of_o earthly_a felicity_n but_o this_o assure_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o to_o be_v able_a to_o possess_v our_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o to_o be_v at_o perfect_a peace_n with_o our_o own_o mind_n have_v our_o heart_n fix_v trust_v in_o god_n to_o have_v our_o account_n make_v up_o and_o estate_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o well_o settle_v and_o secure_v as_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n humane_a care_n and_o endeavour_v though_o mix_v with_o much_o humane_a frailty_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v this_o our_o first_o and_o great_a care_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v resolute_o disentangle_v ourselves_o from_o worldly_a care_n and_o encumbrance_n at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o we_o may_v have_v competent_a liberty_n and_o leisure_n to_o attend_v this_o great_a concernment_n and_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o fit_a posture_n and_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n that_o when_o sickness_n and_o death_n shall_v come_v we_o may_v not_o act_v our_o last_o part_n indecent_o and_o confuse_o and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n to_o do_v when_o we_o shall_v want_v both_o time_n and_o all_o other_o advantage_n to_o do_v it_o in_o whereby_o our_o soul_n when_o they_o will_v stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o comfort_n and_o support_v will_v unavoidable_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o tremble_a and_o disconsolate_a condition_n and_o in_o a_o anxious_a doubtfulness_n of_o mind_n what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o for_o ever_o to_o conclude_v this_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o neglect_v the_o very_a necessary_n of_o life_n so_o our_o lord_n teach_v we_o 33._o take_v no_o thought_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o eat_v or_o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o shall_v we_o be_v clothe_v but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o press_v and_o importunate_a that_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o delay_n or_o excuse_v whatsoever_o this_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o we_o by_o deny_v the_o disciple_n who_o he_o have_v call_v to_o follow_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v and_o bury_v his_o father_n let_v the_o dead_a say_v he_o bury_v their_o dead_a but_o do_v thou_o follow_v i_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n needful_a and_o that_o be_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o care_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o whatever_o else_o we_o neglect_v shall_v be_v careful_o mind_v and_o regard_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v wise_a that_o we_o understand_v this_o that_o we_o will_v consider_v our_o latter_a end_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell-torment_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n march_v 7._o 1689_o 90._o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell-torment_n matth_n 25.46_o and_o these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a among_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n those_o have_v the_o great_a force_n and_o power_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o another_o world_n and_o from_o the_o final_a state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o lively_a manner_n in_o that_o prospect_n which_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o give_v we_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n namely_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v gather_v before_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v separate_v into_o two_o great_a company_n the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a who_o shall_v stand_v the_o one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a of_o this_o great_a judge_n who_o shall_v pronounce_v sentence_n several_o upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o action_n which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v reward_v with_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o these_o that_o be_v the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o word_n be_v plain_a and_o need_v no_o explication_n for_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o one_o at_o first_o hear_v of_o they_o do_v clear_o apprehend_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o between_o endless_a happiness_n and_o misery_n but_o although_o these_o word_n be_v so_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v they_o can_v never_o be_v too_o much_o consider_v by_o we_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o different_a fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o their_o end_n there_o will_v be_v as_o different_a as_o their_o way_n and_o do_n have_v be_v here_o in_o this_o world_n the_o serious_a consideration_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n take_v from_o our_o great_a and_o most_o last_a interest_n our_o happiness_n or_o our_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n a_o concernment_n of_o that_o vast_a consequence_n that_o it_o must_v be_v the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v it_o this_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o as_o to_o one_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n every_o one_o glad_o admit_v it_o but_o many_o be_v loath_a that_o the_o other_o part_n shall_v be_v true_a concern_v the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o they_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o punish_v temporary_a crime_n with_o eternal_a torment_n because_o justice_n always_o observe_v a_o proportion_n between_o offence_n and_o punishment_n but_o between_o temporary_a sin_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n and_o as_o this_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o justice_n so_o much_o more_o with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o say_v that_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v that_o impenitent_a sinner_n shall_v be_v everlasting_o punish_v yet_o these_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v mollify_v and_o understand_v as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o full_a force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o clear_v if_o i_o can_v this_o difficult_a point_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n first_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o goodness_n