god_n forbearance_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n those_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o what_o they_o deserve_v be_v his_o great_a care_n and_o tenderness_n even_o of_o the_o temporal_a quiet_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o intermixture_n with_o the_o wicked_a here_o will_v at_o least_o be_v very_o much_o disturb_v through_o the_o root_n up_o a_o wicked_a generation_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o miracle_n many_o a_o good_a man_n may_v perish_v in_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n but_o miracle_n we_o find_v god_n have_v never_o think_v fit_a to_o work_v but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n when_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v secure_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o punish_v the_o wicked_a by_o destroy_v they_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o consequent_o of_o miraculous_o 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and_o convince_v the_o obdurate_a world_n that_o god_n see_v and_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v obstinate_a and_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o suffer_v his_o bright_a host_n of_o angel_n utter_o to_o destroy_v such_o wicked_a place_n as_o sometime_o we_o know_v he_o have_v do_v we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n of_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o 91._o psal_n 91._o though_o thousand_o have_v fall_v by_o their_o side_n the_o destruction_n have_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n of_o this_o great_a care_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o good_a either_o in_o preserve_v for_o their_o sake_n community_n destine_v to_o ruin_n or_o else_o cover_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o providence_n and_o shield_v they_o from_o danger_n till_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o there_o be_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o by_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v abraham_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n which_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v for_o the_o abominable_a and_o incurable_a wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v with_o what_o he_o think_v will_v most_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v the_o place_n and_o tell_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v hazard_v and_o that_o they_o will_v share_v in_o the_o common_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o lest_o he_o shall_v slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o he_o know_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v far_o from_o do_v he_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o a_o small_a number_n one_o will_v think_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o populous_a though_o 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have_v just_o merit_v the_o severe_a express_v of_o his_o displeasure_n this_o do_v indeed_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o true_a holiness_n which_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o security_n in_o perilous_a time_n both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o hate_v and_o despise_v and_o afflict_v the_o good_a who_o yet_o be_v as_o so_o many_o guardian_n angel_n to_o it_o and_o shield_v it_o from_o the_o express_v of_o god_n just_a vengeance_n so_o it_o will_v silence_v that_o objection_n against_o providence_n draw_v from_o the_o continue_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o their_o live_n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o command_n for_o we_o see_v they_o be_v but_o reprieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o ruin_n pour_v upon_o the_o ungodly_a their_o punishment_n be_v but_o respite_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o at_o the_o great_a assize_n god_n justice_n will_v have_v its_o full_a course_n and_o sink_v they_o into_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n may_v observe_v the_o tare_n be_v among_o his_o good_a corn_n and_o resolve_v at_o length_n to_o bind_v they_o up_o in_o bundle_n and_o burn_v they_o though_o his_o prudential_a care_n of_o the_o good_a corn_n incline_v he_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n and_o not_o pluck_v they_o up_o whilst_o the_o good_a corn_n be_v stand_v and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n lest_o it_o be_v root_v up_o together_o with_o they_o so_o god_n see_v and_o resolve_v in_o due_a time_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n the_o vile_a hypocritical_a christian_n but_o in_o a_o wise_a and_o tender_a regard_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a withhold_v his_o judgement_n during_o their_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v sure_o repay_v the_o wicked_a wretch_n what_o they_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o though_o these_o vile_a unhappy_a tare_n be_v forbear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o let_v pass_v without_o bear_v any_o public_a mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n of_o discrimination_n even_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n 3.18_o mal._n 3.18_o and_o then_o shall_v all_o man_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o for_o then_o will_v the_o great_a husbandman_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n
duty_n of_o a_o good_a steward_n be_v thus_o represent_v in_o the_o 42d_o verse_n of_o this_o 12_o of_o luke_n who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o be_v to_o give_v the_o family_n their_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n now_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v god_n great_a family_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o his_o family_n he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o as_o his_o steward_n and_o purveyor_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o have_v according_a entrust_v they_o with_o such_o a_o share_n of_o his_o revenue_n to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o have_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o order_v they_o to_o expend_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o household_n that_o every_o one_o be_v provide_v for_o according_a to_o his_o needs_o and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v and_o this_o he_o require_v shall_v be_v do_v faithful_o after_o a_o moderate_a provision_n first_o make_v for_o themselves_o and_o relative_n as_o they_o shall_v answer_v it_o at_o that_o great_a audit_n when_o every_o man_n must_v give_v account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n the_o rich_a man_n then_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o every_o other_o rich_a man_n be_v god_n steward_n to_o provide_v for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o necessity_n and_o want_n according_a to_o the_o abundance_n god_n have_v give_v he_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v the_o question_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o his_o great_a increase_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o lay_v my_o fruit_n why_o act_n like_o a_o good_a steward_n for_o thy_o great_a master_n and_o let_v the_o house_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v the_o granary_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o increase_n charity_n to_o the_o necessitous_a be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o bestow_v abundance_n and_o as_o many_o way_n as_o there_o be_v of_o express_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v innumerable_a so_o many_o way_n be_v there_o of_o dispose_n of_o what_o be_v more_o than_o needful_a for_o our_o own_o comfortable_a support_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o give_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a harbour_n to_o distress_a stranger_n clothes_n to_o the_o naked_a visit_v of_o comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o freedom_n to_o prisoner_n to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v to_o discharge_v a_o good_a stewardship_n this_o be_v what_o every_o rich_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v with_o his_o abundance_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o good_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v of_o a_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n his_o master_n will_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o will_v commit_v still_o more_o of_o his_o revenue_n to_o his_o management_n bless_v he_o with_o great_a prosperity_n and_o increase_n and_o at_o last_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n his_o great_a master_n in_o glory_n for_o ever_o whoever_o therefore_o have_v abundance_n need_v not_o much_o to_o perplex_v himself_o how_o he_o shall_v bestow_v it_o for_o the_o poor_a be_v always_o with_o we_o and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n not_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o luxurious_a desire_n must_v god_n extraordinary_a blessing_n be_v lay_v out_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n consider_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o nor_o eager_o pursue_v riches_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o religion_n direct_v if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o bless_v we_o with_o they_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o your_o heart_n upon_o they_o be_v excellent_a advice_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n psal_n 62.10_o and_o very_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n ephes_n 1.6_o 10._o that_o while_n some_o have_v covet_v after_o money_n they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o that_o godliness_n with_o content_a be_v great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o wise_a indeed_o be_v that_o man_n that_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o his_o present_a portion_n and_o by_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o more_o noble_a object_n escape_v the_o snare_n of_o covet_v after_o wealth_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o most_o dangerous_a passion_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o be_v secure_a of_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n amid_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o variety_n of_o fortune_n the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o a_o false_a and_o fickle_a world_n if_o poverty_n shall_v become_v his_o lot_n he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o stability_n in_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o value_v it_o according_o and_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a treasure_n in_o a_o better_a place_n of_o which_o none_o can_v deprive_v he_o and_o which_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v to_o eternity_n and_o upon_o that_o fix_v his_o affection_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o happy_a time_n when_o he_o shall_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o while_o he_o have_v a_o plentiful_a fortune_n he_o act_v like_o a_o good_a steward_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o by_o let_v those_o share_n with_o he_o that_o want_v a_o supply_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bless_a as_o to_o give_v rather_o than_o receive_v and_o in_o every_o respect_n make_v the_o best_a use_n he_o can_v of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a patron_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brethren_n and_o then_o can_v step_v secure_o though_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n threaten_v if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o divert_v they_o and_o continue_v to_o he_o what_o he_o have_v he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v it_o if_o not_o he_o know_v that_o all_o will_v end_v for_o the_o best_a at_o last_o and_o so_o cheerful_o resign_v what_o god_n before_o have_v lend_v he_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o abundance_n and_o that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o soul_n clear_a and_o unspotted_a and_o with_o that_o coarse_a fare_n will_v relish_v well_o and_o a_o homely_a garment_n sit_v easy_a upon_o he_o and_o such_o necessary_n as_o these_o he_o that_o feed_v the_o raven_n and_o clothes_n the_o lily_n will_v sure_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v must_v needs_o be_v in_o perpetual_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o wise_a consequent_o in_o take_v that_o course_n which_o help_v he_o to_o those_o inestimable_a blessing_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o dispose_n of_o abundance_n when_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o bless_v a_o man_n with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a there_o need_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o christian_n than_o for_o they_o to_o read_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o mat._n 25._o where_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o express_v of_o man_n charity_n shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o the_o charitable_a reward_v infinite_o with_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o uncharitable_a doom_v as_o accurse_a person_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o bliss_n into_o everlasting_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o if_o so_o to_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o hell_n and_o arrive_v at_o the_o unspeakable_a happy_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n then_o be_v it_o the_o great_a wisdom_n by_o a_o charitable_a disposal_n of_o man_n abundance_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o make_v provision_n against_o that_o great_a day_n of_o final_a retribution_n when_o charity_n shall_v be_v so_o particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o so_o high_o reward_v there_o remain_v nothing_o now_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o urge_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o man_n practice_n we_o have_v see_v in_o this_o discourse_n how_o great_a folly_n it_o be_v eager_o to_o desire_n and_o pursue_v abundance_n of_o wealth_n that_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o ever_o such_o desire_n shall_v be_v gratify_v or_o no_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
what_o instruction_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n what_o plenty_n of_o religious_a discourse_n and_o exhortation_n he_o have_v enjoy_v and_o how_o frequent_o he_o have_v feel_v motion_n from_o within_o to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n he_o that_o have_v experience_v all_o this_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n that_o have_v have_v his_o pregnant_a natural_a capacity_n well_o cultivate_v by_o a_o early_a and_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n plain_o lay_v before_o he_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n duty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o be_v often_o and_o affectionate_o exhort_v to_o live_v according_o in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v frequent_o feel_v secret_a internal_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o this_o man_n have_v receive_v much_o more_o than_o one_o talon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o god_n will_v expect_v from_o he_o a_o proportionable_a improvement_n and_o he_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a ability_n natural_o neither_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n nor_o the_o same_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n will_v abate_v proportionable_o in_o his_o expectation_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o one_o talon_n have_v he_o gain_v but_o one_o other_o with_o it_o will_v have_v be_v call_v a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n let_v we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n each_o in_o his_o station_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n faithful_o and_o industrious_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o each_o one_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n and_o call_v for_o every_o one_o particular_a account_n we_o may_v all_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a cheerful_o give_v it_o up_o and_o receive_v the_o immense_a reward_n of_o a_o sincere_a diligence_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o great_a lord_n will_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o every_o man_n improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deserve_a that_o there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n both_o of_o quick_a and_o dead_a when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o see_v a_o great_a white_a throne_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o from_o who_o face_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n flee_v away_o and_o there_o be_v find_v no_o place_n for_o they_o he_o proceed_v i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o the_o sea_n give_v up_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o be_v the_o record_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a wherein_o every_o man_n receipt_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v and_o those_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v find_v proportionable_o good_a according_a to_o the_o assistance_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o above_o or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v make_v a_o answerable_a improvement_n to_o the_o number_n of_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o those_o who_o can_v then_o give_v no_o good_a account_n of_o their_o talent_n show_v no_o suitable_a improvement_n in_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v shall_v never_o see_v life_n but_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n and_o because_o so_o very_a few_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v due_a preparation_n for_o this_o great_a day_n of_o account_n by_o improve_n the_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_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 may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n take_v up_o most_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n let_v such_o consider_v be_v that_o a_o excuse_v which_o be_v it_o self_n as_o great_a a_o fault_n as_o any_o will_v god_n accept_v such_o a_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v he_o not_o plain_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o too_o much_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v not_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whoso_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o plain_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n how_o strange_a a_o plea_n than_o be_v it_o for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o say_v we_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v soul_n to_o be_v save_v methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n a_o moderate_a industry_n such_o as_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n entrench_v upon_o religion_n be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o their_o take_a care_n of_o lesser_a matter_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n and_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n and_o moderation_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n
may_v i_o always_o so_o attend_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o constant_a inspection_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorious_a self_n in_o all_o my_o way_n as_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o thy_o presence_n who_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o expose_v my_o vileness_n to_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o goat_n and_o the_o swine_n shall_v be_v discover_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o o_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o alacrity_n of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n in_o thy_o service_n and_o for_o thy_o glory_n may_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o so_o when_o the_o great_a harvest_n shall_v come_v and_o thou_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o angelic_a reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v my_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n i_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o terrible_a day_n and_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o bless_a jesus_n i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o amen_n parable_n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matth._n xiii_o 45_o 46_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o by_o this_o and_o the_o parable_n immediate_o before_o it_o of_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v represent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o be_v without_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o pearl_n of_o so_o great_a price_n so_o immense_a a_o treasure_n that_o nothing_o here_o below_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o david_n express_v it_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o than_o much_o find_v gold_n and_o he_o profess_v that_o himself_o have_v more_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n than_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o riches_n and_o solomon_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o word_n of_o these_o parable_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o of_o find_v gold_n etc._n prov._n 3.13_o etc._n etc._n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n such_o great_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o best_o know_v its_o excellency_n and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o very_o backward_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o prefer_v every_o little_a worldly_a good_a before_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o comparable_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v so_o fatal_a no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o by_o due_a consideration_n to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o long_o childish_o dote_v upon_o empty_a gaye_n and_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v what_o be_v of_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a good_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n above_o recite_v to_o weigh_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n that_o upon_o a_o fair_a experiment_n we_o may_v see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a and_o according_o be_v convince_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o then_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v our_o affection_n for_o the_o world_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o deserve_v to_o feel_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a choice_n and_o taste_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o this_o unsatisfy_a empty_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a when_o we_o may_v first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o eph._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o these_o three_o may_v be_v reduce_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v valuable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v pleasure_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n riches_n great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n this_o be_v that_o trinity_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n adore_v and_o impatient_o desire_v and_o place_v their_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o will_v now_o inquire_v what_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v general_o first_fw-mi in_o man_n esteem_n and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v often_o content_a to_o part_v with_o the_o other_o two_n now_o these_o may_v be_v rank_v in_o this_o order_n viz._n the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v and_o of_o great_a jollity_n and_o mirth_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o high_o grateful_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v this_o in_o general_a of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o the_o more_o insipid_a still_o they_o grow_v to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o empty_a nature_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o consequent_a disability_n to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o old_a barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n 19.35_o 2_o sam._n 19.35_o can_v i_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o invite_v he_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court._n and_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o unsatisfy_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v it_o not_o after_o a_o few_o year_n we_o shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n whatever_o man_n expectation_n may_v be_v of_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n from_o they_o they_o can_v but_o find_v by_o their_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o disappointment_n in_o they_o and_o the_o pleasure_n much_o great_a in_o imagination_n than_o reality_n they_o be_v indeed_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o often_o make_v man_n miserable_a even_o here_o but_o never_o happy_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n only_o say_v not_o prove_v and_o the_o cinical_a conclusion_n of_o a_o freeze_a dispirited_a student_n who_o narrow_a course_n of_o life_n have_v make_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o give_v a_o worse_a character_n of_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v i_o shall_v vouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n who_o fill_v the_o throne_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o flourish_a kingdom_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o his_o desire_n perfect_o
and_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n and_o all_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o attain_v what_o the_o world_n it_o self_n afford_v we_o have_v see_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a in_o it_o its_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o dominion_n be_v empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a and_o indeed_o the_o parent_n of_o nothing_o but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v the_o enquiry_n how_o far_o religion_n be_v conducive_a to_o these_o thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n even_o to_o become_v rich_a to_o live_v pleasant_o and_o with_o honour_n and_o respect_n and_o as_o for_o dominion_n to_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n which_o religion_n only_o teach_v be_v more_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n now_o as_o to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o indeed_o give_v a_o relish_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o for_o without_o they_o neither_o riches_n nor_o honour_n nor_o even_o health_n and_o life_n itself_o sit_v easy_a that_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o procure_v these_o great_a blessing_n and_o that_o both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a abroad_o with_o other_o and_o at_o home_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n will_v soon_o be_v evident_a as_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o our_o intercourse_n with_o other_o religion_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o procure_v that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o forbid_v the_o offer_v any_o injury_n 2_o because_o it_o forbid_v return_v any_o now_o that_o which_o embroil_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v the_o do_v and_o retaliate_a harm_n and_o ill_o turn_v and_o religion_n so_o strict_o command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o do_v to_o other_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o like_a circumstance_n we_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v from_o other_o and_o to_o forgive_v if_o any_o have_v do_v injurious_o by_o we_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v forgive_v by_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o be_v our_o holy_a religion_n sincere_o embrace_v and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshares_a and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n and_o need_v not_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o nothing_o will_v then_o hurt_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v what_o god_n at_o first_o design_v it_o a_o paradise_n of_o happiness_n and_o mankind_n a_o family_n of_o love_n and_o as_o for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a at_o home_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o peace_n will_v lose_v its_o relish_n religion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v that_o blessing_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n which_o there_o will_v be_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n it_o will_v do_v its_o office_n free_o and_o impartial_o and_o lash_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o it_o sin_n and_o fill_v it_o full_a of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o soul_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v and_o who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n but_o a_o good_a man_n breast_n be_v quiet_a and_o serene_a full_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o innocence_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o as_o peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o only_a without_o contentment_n of_o mind_n no_o condition_n how_o good_a soever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v please_v and_o with_o it_o every_o condition_n be_v for_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o object_n to_o the_o desire_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v if_o he_o desire_v still_o more_o and_o think_v his_o present_a condition_n not_o good_a enough_o be_v by_o many_o degree_n less_o happy_a than_o he_o that_o must_v drudge_n for_o his_o live_n but_o yet_o be_v content_v with_o his_o lot_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o abundance_n he_o only_o be_v indeed_o a_o happy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o enjoy_v his_o present_a portion_n and_o know_v how_o patient_o to_o endure_v a_o worse_a condition_n and_o dread_v a_o base_a and_o wicked_a action_n however_o gainful_a and_o advantageous_a it_o may_v be_v even_o worse_o than_o death_n and_o he_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o slave_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o the_o content_a man_n be_v always_o easy_a under_o his_o present_a lot_n and_o if_o his_o fortune_n will_v not_o rise_v to_o what_o he_o can_v desire_v he_o will_v bring_v his_o desire_n down_o to_o his_o fortune_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a of_o happiness_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o desire_n and_o his_o fortune_n bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o true_o so_o various_a be_v the_o turn_v of_o fortune_n here_o so_o many_o unexpected_a accident_n that_o make_v great_a change_n for_o the_o worse_a in_o man_n circumstance_n of_o life_n and_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o so_o as_o to_o amend_v that_o be_v there_o not_o this_o remedy_n of_o make_v our_o mind_n comply_v with_o the_o event_n and_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n and_o venom_n of_o it_o by_o acquiescence_n and_o contentment_n and_o contraction_n of_o our_o desire_n man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o that_o have_v learned_a and_o can_v apply_v this_o remedy_n whatever_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o without_o have_v a_o power_n still_o ready_a of_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a and_o though_o he_o can_v prevent_v the_o accident_n yet_o he_o can_v prevent_v its_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n now_o this_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n religion_n best_o of_o all_o teach_v we_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o exact_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n dispose_v all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o event_n be_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a account_n order_v for_o the_o best_a for_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o amend_v what_o be_v do_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o second_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o interest_n do_v least_o of_o all_o lie_n in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o our_o treasure_n and_o inheritance_n be_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o which_o ever_o long_o we_o shall_v be_v recall_v and_o our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n there_o be_v the_o more_o increase_v as_o we_o have_v more_o patient_o and_o content_o submit_v to_o god_n pleasure_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o a_o hearty_a through_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v certain_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o know_v with_o st._n paul_n how_o to_o abound_v and_o how_o to_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a and_o for_o this_o christianity_n give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v to_o learn_v that_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o irreligion_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o content_a and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o continual_a vexation_n and_o make_v every_o cross_a accident_n double_o evil_a by_o impatience_n for_o first_o the_o ungodly_a have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o second_o cause_n and_o look_v upon_o thing_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o so_o when_o cross_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o ill_a fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o grow_v querulous_a and_o out_o of_o all_o patience_n and_o as_o for_o divine_a providence_n that_o be_v whole_o unregarded_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o revile_v it_o and_o impious_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o its_o disposal_n and_o so_o that_o which_o in_o affliction_n be_v the_o great_a cordial_n of_o all_o irreligion_n
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o bright_a for_o mind_n darken_v with_o flesh_n the_o splendour_n of_o it_o flash_n too_o strong_o upon_o our_o feeble_a sense_n now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o too_o long_o and_o close_o gaze_v on_o will_n rather_o dazzle_v than_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n no_o mortal_a man_n can_v see_v god_n face_n and_o live_v and_o therefore_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o indeed_o this_o include_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v of_o excellence_n and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o poor_a ignorant_a benight_a creature_n can_v imagine_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n all_o that_o be_v charm_v and_o true_o desirable_a in_o nature_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a creation_n be_v but_o a_o stream_n from_o this_o divine_a fountain_n and_o be_v in_o he_o ininfinite_o great_a excellency_n for_o he_o be_v beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o harmony_n itself_o and_o therefore_o since_o religion_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o chief_a good_a what_o can_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o value_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o can_v be_v value_v with_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n with_o the_o precious_a onyx_n or_o the_o saphire_n no_o mention_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o coral_n or_o pearl_n for_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n be_v above_o ruby_n job_n 28.13_o etc._n etc._n such_o then_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_o
wrong_n how_o great_a soever_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o and_o put_v up_o in_o silence_n by_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n of_o forgive_a injury_n it_o will_v be_v to_o betray_v the_o sheep_n to_o the_o wolf_n to_o expose_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o malice_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a world_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n christ_n jesus_n and_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n i._n e._n for_o the_o comfortable_a subsistence_n of_o his_o family_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n i._n e._n act_n contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o religion_n but_o he_o will_v soon_o ruin_v instead_o of_o support_v his_o family_n who_o suffer_v ill_a man_n without_o interruption_n to_o make_v what_o havoc_n they_o please_v of_o his_o person_n reputation_n or_o estate_n but_o now_o as_o for_o small_a injury_n in_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n such_o as_o make_v no_o great_a alteration_n in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o may_v be_v bear_v without_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n these_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o injury_n forgive_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o instance_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o lesser_a sort_n of_o injury_n such_o as_o a_o blow_n on_o the_o cheek_n the_o take_v away_o of_o a_o garment_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o be_v for_o being_n rigorous_a about_o a_o few_o penny_n that_o the_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v so_o wroth_a with_o his_o servant_n and_o rather_o than_o a_o christian_n shall_v embroil_v himself_o in_o law-suit_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n for_o such_o small_a matter_n he_o shall_v suffer_v a_o repetition_n of_o such_o injury_n and_o indeed_o as_o religion_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o great_a prudence_n so_o particular_o in_o forbid_v litigious_a quarrel_n unless_o a_o man_n whole_a interest_n or_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v at_o stake_n for_o law_n be_v now_o become_v a_o boundless_a ocean_n and_o general_o very_o rough_a and_o stormy_a and_o swell_v man_n passion_n to_o a_o exorbitant_a height_n and_o shipwreck_n their_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o estate_n and_o as_o to_o those_o great_a injury_n our_o saviour_n mention_n mat._n 5.44_o of_o man_n being_n our_o enemy_n profess_v and_o hate_v and_o curse_v and_o despiteful_o use_v and_o persecute_v we_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n there_o or_o any_o where_o else_o forbid_v christian_n endeavour_v in_o a_o legal_a manner_n to_o secure_v and_o defend_v themselves_o and_o recover_v their_o own_o but_o only_o not_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n and_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o purpose_n of_o revenge_n or_o retaliate_a such_o injury_n as_o rather_o to_o love_v and_o bless_v and_o pray_v for_o and_o do_v good_a to_o upon_o occasion_n those_o that_o deal_v so_o malicious_o by_o they_o and_o to_o manage_v the_o suit_n or_o contention_n with_o they_o with_o charity_n have_v no_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o person_n of_o their_o adversary_n that_o be_v in_o short_a our_o holy_a religion_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o lesser_a injury_n entire_o both_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n and_o forgive_v the_o offender_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v but_o in_o great_a injury_n of_o any_o sort_n where_o ruin_n or_o insupportable_a damage_n will_v follow_v though_o it_o permit_v nay_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v a_o legal_a reparation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o forgive_v the_o offence_n yet_o christian_n must_v as_o entire_o and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o measure_n forgive_v the_o offender_n as_o in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o wrong_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v become_v the_o child_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n who_o though_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n he_o forgive_v the_o world_n of_o sinner_n and_o moreover_o bestow_v on_o they_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v yet_o in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n their_o representative_a he_o severe_o express_v his_o displeasure_n against_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o persist_v in_o they_o afresh_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n beside_o those_o injury_n that_o terminate_v upon_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o own_o concern_v there_o be_v other_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o public_a which_o must_v not_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o animadvert_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o bloody_a villain_n murder_v a_o man_n friend_n or_o neighbour_n or_o relation_n and_o he_o know_v who_o be_v the_o murderer_n it_o may_v be_v he_o only_o in_o this_o case_n whatever_o inclination_n he_o may_v have_v to_o conceal_v it_o whether_o out_o of_o natural_a compassion_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o man_n execution_n since_o nothing_o can_v recall_v the_o murder_a person_n to_o life_n and_o the_o murderer_n may_v live_v to_o repent_v or_o the_o like_a because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o society_n and_o oblige_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o promote_v its_o safety_n and_o happiness_n which_o by_o such_o villain_n be_v much_o disturb_v and_o lessen_v and_o will_v be_v ruin_v shall_v such_o man_n pass_v unpunished_a it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o bring_v so_o heinous_a a_o offender_n to_o condign_a punishment_n that_o so_o corrupt_a a_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o community_n the_o health_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v better_o secure_v and_o so_o in_o all_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n always_o remember_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o private_a revenge_n be_v intermix_v it_o pollute_v the_o action_n and_o make_v the_o man_n double_o guilty_a of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o limit_n of_o forgive_a injury_n concern_v man_n only_o as_o private_a person_n as_o for_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o to_o be_v revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o praise_v and_o encourage_v those_o only_a that_o do_v well_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o forgiveness_n of_o public_a injury_n be_v the_o public_a good_a so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o obligation_n as_o magistrate_n as_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o common_a weal_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n they_o may_v and_o do_v well_o to_o incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o compassion_n but_o a_o foolish_a and_o a_o mercenary_a pity_n be_v a_o betray_v their_o trust_n a_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o such_o magistrate_n instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o country_n be_v indeed_o the_o perfidious_a destroyer_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a pattern_n god_n have_v set_v we_o with_o its_o general_a limit_n as_o for_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o copy_n after_o this_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o our_o merciful_a heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v twofold_a 1_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n 2_o to_o our_o self_n first_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n our_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v forgive_v we_o be_v very_o great_a because_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v will_v be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o as_o a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o he_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o to_o take_v delight_n in_o for_o so_o exod._n 33.19_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v his_o glory_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o goodness_n pass_v before_o he_o and_o chap._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n pass_v by_o before_o he_o and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o according_o st._n john_n give_v the_o definition_n of_o he_o god_n be_v love_n now_o certain_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v such_o infinite_a favour_n from_o this_o good_a god_n and_o have_v be_v forgive_v so_o vast_a a_o debt_n as_o we_o sinner_n have_v have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o please_v this_o their_o great_a benefactor_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o see_v the_o image_n and_o reflection_n of_o his_o
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
necessary_a advice_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v rev._n 16.15_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v behold_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o keep_v his_o garment_n lest_o he_o walk_v naked_a and_o they_o see_v his_o shame_n by_o a_o cry_n be_v make_v at_o midnight_n behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o move_o represent_v how_o unexpected_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v surprise_v the_o drowsy_a world_n and_o how_o sudden_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v tell_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o midnight_n be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a silence_n and_o destine_v to_o rest_n and_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o toil_v and_o trouble_v of_o the_o day_n and_o then_o sudden_a outcry_n and_o alarm_n be_v double_o scare_v and_o affright_v and_o seize_v with_o a_o inexpressible_a confusion_n horror_n and_o consternation_n and_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o spiritual_a night_n employ_v in_o deed_n of_o darkness_n give_v up_o to_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o forgetful_a of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n then_o shall_v that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n steal_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n the_o terrify_a cry_n shall_v be_v make_v behold_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n say_v the_o apostle_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o travail_n upon_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v 1_o thes_n 5.3_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n those_o that_o be_v think_v happy_a upon_o earth_n instead_o of_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v this_o judge_n hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_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 rev._n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n dread_v to_o go_v meet_v his_o angry_a judge_n and_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a with_o all_o his_o stain_n and_o pollution_n about_o he_o appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n who_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n have_v provoke_v he_o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o since_o all_o this_o be_v so_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o that_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o be_v thus_o surprise_v and_o hurry_v into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o so_o quick_a and_o unforeseen_a a_o summons_n which_o no_o man_n be_v sure_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o case_n since_o many_o have_v be_v call_v away_o with_o little_a or_o not_o warn_v that_o have_v no_o more_o expect_v than_o we_o do_v now_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v sure_o be_v move_v by_o such_o consideration_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o fatal_a drowsiness_n which_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o departure_n hence_o be_v ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o great_a master_n call_n whether_o at_o even_o or_o at_o midnight_n or_o at_o the_o cockcrow_n or_o in_o the_o morning_n lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v he_o sleep_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n when_o that_o midnight_n cry_v be_v make_v be_v represent_v the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n that_o even_o good_a person_n ought_v to_o take_v when_o by_o age_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o any_o distemper_n the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n hence_o seem_v to_o be_v near_o approach_v to_o enliven_v their_o piety_n and_o by_o put_v a_o recruit_v of_o oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n acquire_v new_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n and_o warm_v their_o soul_n with_o great_a ardour_n of_o devotion_n and_o holy_a love_n prepare_v to_o go_v cheerful_o to_o meet_v their_o lord_n then_o be_v the_o time_n when_o every_o sincere_a christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o adorn_v his_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a religion_n he_o profess_v to_o improve_v every_o remain_a minute_n of_o his_o time_n to_o this_o best_a of_o purpose_n to_o redeem_v the_o many_o hour_n former_o misspend_v in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o by_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a glory_n sanctity_n and_o bliss_n of_o that_o heavenly_a world_n to_o which_o he_o then_o so_o sensible_o draw_v near_o inflame_v his_o desire_n of_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o wearisome_a journey_n to_o it_o and_o fit_v himself_o for_o the_o spiritual_a unspotted_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n by_o have_v as_o little_a commerce_n as_o be_v possible_a with_o this_o world_n below_o and_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o will_v so_o quick_o be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o everlasting_a abide_v by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n say_v to_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 be_v represent_v the_o want_n of_o preparation_n among_o the_o careless_a and_o inconsiderate_a for_o this_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a change_n and_o their_o mighty_a consternation_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o vain_a and_o insignificant_a course_n they_o will_v take_v in_o their_o surprise_n to_o make_v up_o if_o possible_a their_o own_o defect_n by_o borrow_v of_o other_o that_o have_v soul_n better_o furnish_v with_o piety_n than_o they_o and_o by_o the_o wise_a answer_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o and_o bid_v they_o go_v rather_o and_o buy_v for_o themselves_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o groundless_a to_o expect_v at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o retribution_n when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n to_o fare_v the_o better_a for_o the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o lamp_n alive_a with_o his_o own_o oil_n must_v nourish_v his_o soul_n with_o his_o own_o virtue_n for_o there_o be_v never_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v any_o mere_a man_n so_o holy_a and_o excellent_a but_o must_v return_v this_o same_o answer_n as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n do_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v beg_v they_o to_o bestow_v some_o of_o their_o virtue_n or_o merit_n upon_o they_o not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o ourselves_o and_o you_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n if_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o virtue_n enough_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o that_o through_o infinite_a mercy_n too_o and_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v there_o any_o leave_v for_o he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o other_o but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v much_o money_n into_o their_o coffer_n and_o therefore_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o maintain_v it_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n come_n while_o those_o foolish_a virgin_n go_v about_o so_o unlikely_a a_o employment_n as_o then_o immediate_o to_o furnish_v their_o lamp_n with_o oil_n which_o before_o be_v unregarded_a and_o suffer_v to_o go_v out_o and_o the_o door_n before_o they_o be_v provide_v be_v shut_v be_v represent_v the_o invalidity_n general_o speak_v of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n that_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a when_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o those_o that_o will_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n must_v be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o previous_a course_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o that_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n this_o hurry_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n at_o that_o time_n to_o get_v oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o midnight_n call_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o they_o will_v have_v drouze_v on_o still_o in_o their_o thoughtless_a way_n of_o live_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v it_o prove_v a_o false_a alarm_n they_o
death_n though_o they_o dread_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o know_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o come_v and_o be_v uncertain_a how_o soon_o they_o make_v as_o little_a provision_n as_o if_o they_o be_v immortal_a as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n what_o a_o bundle_n of_o foolish_a inconsistency_n be_v here_o they_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o great_a of_o evil_n and_o yet_o regard_v it_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thing_n they_o know_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o they_o know_v the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o it_o surprise_v they_o unaware_o and_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v the_o next_o hour_n or_o minute_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o and_o by_o all_o art_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v such_o melancholy_a thought_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o avoid_v but_o suffer_v what_o they_o fear_v and_o secure_a to_o themselves_o the_o misery_n be_v consequent_a upon_o a_o untimely_a and_o unprepared_a death_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o just_a the_o same_o piece_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n as_o for_o a_o man_n because_o he_o great_o dread_v the_o plague_n therefore_o to_o run_v into_o a_o infect_a house_n because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o poverty_n therefore_o to_o grow_v prodigal_a and_o squander_v away_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o strange_o foolish_a and_o contradictious_a than_o this_o indeed_o a_o sinner_n whole_a life_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n but_o it_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a with_o relation_n to_o die_v for_o because_o a_o man_n love_v his_o body_n therefore_o so_o to_o indulge_v it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v eternal_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o and_o live_v in_o such_o a_o course_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n as_o will_v be_v repay_v with_o a_o double_a death_n be_v unaccountable_o foolish_a and_o against_o all_o the_o dictate_v even_o of_o natural_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o i_o think_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n of_o not_o make_v preparation_n for_o so_o great_a a_o change_n as_o death_n will_v effect_v in_o every_o man_n condition_n or_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o this_o parable_n of_o not_o keep_v oil_n in_o our_o lamp_n nor_o watch_v against_o the_o divine_a bridegroom_n come_v but_o slumber_v in_o a_o careless_a inadvertency_n to_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n death_n and_o judgement_n till_o they_o overtake_v we_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o not_o prepare_v for_o that_o time_n of_o terror_n and_o great_a concern_v to_o every_o man_n we_o may_v in_o a_o few_o word_n collect_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o summons_n of_o our_o great_a lord_n with_o cheerfulness_n for_o in_o short_a to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o die_v when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o it_o of_o make_v a_o constant_a due_a provision_n against_o the_o great_a and_o most_o concern_v change_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o and_o which_o we_o must_v certain_o undergo_v and_o how_o soon_o we_o know_v not_o and_o that_o but_o once_o neither_o and_o which_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o the_o final_a judgement_n without_o any_o new_a opportunity_n be_v afford_v wherein_o to_o amend_v the_o error_n of_o our_o then_o irrecoverable_o past_o life_n it_o be_v to_o make_v such_o a_o preparation_n for_o this_o great_a change_n as_o may_v render_v it_o advantageous_a to_o we_o whenever_o it_o shall_v come_v than_o which_o no_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n can_v be_v imagine_v for_o that_o certain_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n that_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n since_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o the_o judgement_n or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o this_o parable_n since_o jesus_n the_o divine_a bridegroom_n will_v one_o time_n come_v to_o summon_v every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n his_o mystical_a spouse_n to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n there_o to_o partake_v with_o he_o if_o ready_a and_o adorn_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o their_o lamp_n burn_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a felicity_n of_o this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n or_o else_o if_o not_o prepare_v to_o appear_v before_o he_o then_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v his_o presence_n and_o thrust_v into_o the_o dire_a abode_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n since_o this_o be_v so_o let_v we_o all_o make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a observation_n of_o those_o holy_a rule_n of_o live_v which_o our_o lord_n have_v mark_v out_o to_o we_o as_o the_o way_n to_o immortality_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o his_o appearance_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o go_v out_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n before_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o not_o hear_v that_o dismal_a sound_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniqutity_n and_o because_o this_o great_a come_v of_o the_o bridegroom_n will_v be_v but_o once_o for_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n but_o once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o but_o one_o final_a judgement_n let_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n trifle_v away_o this_o only_a opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o folly_n and_o impertinency_n much_o less_o in_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n but_o often_o reflect_v upon_o the_o agony_n we_o shall_v feel_v when_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o one_o only_a life_n which_o we_o have_v so_o wretched_o misspend_v draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o no_o hope_n of_o any_o further_a opportunity_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o in_o but_o just_a as_o we_o then_o be_v in_o that_o deplorable_a unprepared_a condition_n be_v hurry_v away_o to_o give_v account_n of_o our_o work_n lord_n what_o confusion_n must_v such_o wretch_n feel_v what_o horrid_a torture_n must_v needs_o pierce_v their_o soul_n to_o see_v hell_n gape_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o no_o possibility_n of_o escape_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reprieve_n but_o plunge_v they_o must_v into_o those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o yet_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o will_v if_o this_o be_v a_o case_n infinite_o deplorable_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o certain_o nothing_o be_v than_o it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o while_n we_o have_v time_n that_o be_v while_o this_o one_o only_a life_n do_v last_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o happy_a departure_n out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o circumspect_a conversation_n in_o it_o and_o because_o the_o time_n when_o this_o one_o only_a life_n shall_v end_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o our_o lord_n will_v come_v let_v this_o awaken_v we_o into_o serious_a thought_n and_o resolution_n of_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o remain_a portion_n of_o our_o life_n and_o break_v off_o immediate_o our_o sinful_a course_n of_o live_v lest_o the_o opportunity_n for_o so_o do_v be_v go_v before_o we_o think_v of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v surprise_v into_o endless_a misery_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a let_v we_o always_o keep_v our_o lamp_n burn_v our_o soul_n employ_v in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o ourselves_o in_o a_o readiness_n by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o all_o to_o die_v and_o that_o but_o once_o and_o after_o that_o the_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o summons_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o may_v with_o comfort_n wait_v for_o our_o dear_a lord_n appear_v and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o glorious_a jesus_n the_o saviour_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o mankind_n before_o who_o just_a tribunal_n we_o must_v all_o certain_o appear_v but_o when_o we_o know_v not_o and_o there_o give_v account_n of_o our_o work_n and_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o they_o assist_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o my_o chief_a care_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o comfort_n to_o obey_v thy_o summons_n to_o this_o great_a audit_n whenever_o thou_o shall_v call_v and_o to_o that_o end_n grant_v i_o may_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o my_o mortality_n how_o short_a and_o frail_a my_o life_n be_v here_o how_o inevitable_o and_o close_o judgement_n follow_v death_n and_o how_o certain_o the_o one_o will_v find_v i_o as_o the_o other_o leave_v
instrument_n of_o rescue_v other_o from_o misery_n and_o want_n from_o perish_v with_o hunger_n or_o by_o other_o calamity_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o life_n and_o comfort_n and_o health_n and_o liberty_n what_o delight_n more_o high_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o which_o will_v arise_v from_o our_o change_v the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lament_n of_o the_o miserable_a into_o rejoice_n and_o the_o curse_n and_o horrid_a blasphemy_n and_o impious_a reflection_n upon_o providence_n utter_v by_o those_o who_o extremity_n of_o poverty_n have_v make_v desperate_a into_o praise_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o care_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n what_o can_v cause_v great_a complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v as_o a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a not_o only_o in_o maintain_v they_o but_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o good_a and_o pious_a education_n and_o honest_a trade_n whereby_o these_o very_a child_n become_v man_n of_o probity_n and_o useful_a to_o the_o state_n who_o otherwise_o if_o leave_v at_o loose_a and_o unregarded_a will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v the_o pest_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o community_n miserable_a themselves_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n to_o other_o and_o what_o more_o grateful_a to_o a_o pious_a man_n than_o to_o relieve_v the_o forlorn_a poverty_n of_o such_o as_o be_v at_o once_o deprive_v of_o their_o husband_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n and_o to_o be_v bless_v by_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v and_o cause_v the_o widow_n heart_n to_o sing_v for_o joy_n 29.31_o job_n 29.31_o this_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n say_v st._n 1.27_o jam._n 1.27_o james_n to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o god_n himself_o 146.9_o psal_n 146.9_o who_o preserve_v the_o stranger_n and_o relieve_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o indeed_o every_o expression_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n resemble_v we_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o to_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n who_o so_o pity_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o leave_v his_o father_n glory_n and_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o pardon_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n and_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o certain_o to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o the_o great_a redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o glorious_a persection_n must_v needs_o fill_v a_o man_n breast_n with_o heavenly_a joy_n since_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o likeness_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.2_o 1_o joh._n 3.2_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o but_o second_o and_o which_o with_o some_o may_v be_v the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n there_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o charity_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o thrive_a of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o prosperity_n and_o a_o blessing_n david_n say_v express_o psal_n 37.25_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a and_o yet_o see_v never_o the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n bege_v their_o bread_n i._n e._n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o righteous_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o not_o only_a himself_o but_o his_o posterity_n be_v bless_v and_o this_o a_o learned_a author_n of_o our_o own_o 1_o dr._n hammond_n pract._n cat._n lib._n 3._o sect._n 1_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n and_o challenge_v any_o historian_n of_o past_a or_o observator_fw-la of_o present_a time_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n of_o any_o christian_a alm_n giver_n that_o ever_o bring_v himself_o or_o his_o posterity_n to_o want_v nay_o that_o do_v not_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v the_o better_a by_o that_o mean_n and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o solomon_n prov._n 11.24_o 25._o there_o be_v that_o scatter_v and_o yet_o increase_v and_o there_o be_v that_o withhold_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o poverty_n the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o he_o that_o water_v shall_v be_v water_v also_o himself_o that_o be_v as_o the_o same_o author_n have_v it_o unless_o by_o negligence_n or_o suretyship_n or_o some_o other_o sin_n that_o he_o live_v in_o he_o bring_v a_o curse_n and_o poverty_n upon_o himself_o and_o mercifulness_n prove_v not_o antidote_n sufficient_a against_o all_o other_o poison_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o assure_v of_o the_o peculiar_a care_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v always_o have_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v in_o recompense_n of_o his_o liberal_a charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a have_v questionless_a very_o great_a encouragement_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n and_o as_o for_o the_o unavoidable_a trouble_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v mix_v with_o the_o most_o perfect_a prosperity_n here_o as_o sickness_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n and_o temporal_a loss_n and_o such_o like_a 3._o psal_n 41.1_o 3._o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a say_v david_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o strengthen_v he_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o languish_v and_o make_v all_o his_o bed_n in_o his_o sickness_n and_o though_o many_o may_v be_v the_o trouble_n even_o of_o the_o thus_o righteous_a which_o god_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o for_o many_o excellent_a purpose_n yet_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o as_o for_o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o charity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o next_o world_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n when_o every_o man_n will_v stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o mercy_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v particular_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o one_o stewardship_n in_o point_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o indigent_a and_o calamitous_a and_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v declare_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n to_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n he_o will_v esteem_v the_o express_v of_o our_o charity_n to_o his_o necessitous_a servant_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o will_v reward_v the_o merciful_a not_o only_o with_o a_o public_a commendation_n at_o that_o general_n assembly_n of_o all_o the_o world_n but_o will_v receive_v they_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o his_o eternal_a kingdom_n say_v come_v you_o bless_a child_n of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 25.34_o and_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v want_v encouragement_n to_o the_o duty_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o infer_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o conclude_v this_o argument_n and_o first_o from_o the_o strict_a charge_n that_o god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o every_o capable_a person_n to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o that_o want_v relief_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o want_v of_o the_o needy_a and_o in_o a_o measure_n suitable_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o enforce_v this_o charge_n with_o the_o most_o prevail_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n of_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o instance_n for_o what_o will_v they_o have_v god_n do_v more_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o he_o have_v already_o do_v will_v they_o have_v he_o exercise_v his_o omnipotence_n in_o whole_o prevent_v poverty_n that_o be_v will_v they_o have_v he_o interpose_v in_o all_o the_o contingency_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o immediate_o command_v the_o sea_n for_o example_n to_o be_v calm_a when_o a_o vessel_n be_v in_o danger_n who_o wreck_n will_v be_v the_o undo_n of_o several_a or_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o steer_v she_o from_o shelf_n and_o quicksand_n to_o preserve_v she_o from_o pirate_n and_o conduct_v she_o in_o salety_n to_o the_o haven_n will_v they_o have_v the_o land_n miraculous_o secure_v from_o all_o misfortune_n too_o from_o the_o villainy_n of_o man_n from_o casual_a fire_n from_o inundation_n and_o earthquake_n and_o
wicked_a man_n and_o occasion_v much_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n o_o may_v i_o never_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o the_o steward_n only_o of_o that_o portion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a with_o which_o thou_o have_v entrust_v i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o great_a family_n and_o that_o thou_o will_v one_o day_n call_v i_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o my_o stewardship_n particular_o inquire_v into_o my_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o infinite_o reward_v i_o if_o i_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o trust_n and_o for_o ever_o punish_v i_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n if_o i_o be_v not_o and_o that_o i_o may_v abound_v the_o more_o in_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o charity_n assist_v i_o effectual_o and_o immediate_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o excess_n and_o vain_a superfluity_n of_o life_n and_o never_o let_v i_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o all_o piety_n and_o humanity_n as_o to_o suffer_v my_o poor_a fellow-servant_n to_o want_v necessary_n rather_o than_o retrench_v my_o vile_a extravagancy_n may_v this_o most_o excellent_a and_o royal_a law_n of_o thou_o be_v always_o present_a with_o i_o as_o my_o rule_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o i_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o like_a circumstance_n and_o in_o all_o the_o express_v of_o my_o charity_n let_v thy_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o my_o brethren_n and_o the_o public_a be_v my_o sole_a end_n and_o remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n this_o and_o whatever_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n grant_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n viii_o of_o the_o talent_n matth._n twenty-five_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o a_o man_n travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n who_o call_v his_o own_o servant_n and_o deliver_v unto_o they_o his_o good_n and_o unto_o one_o he_o give_v five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o several_a ability_n and_o straightway_o take_v his_o journey_n then_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o five_o talent_n go_v and_o trade_v with_o they_o and_o make_v they_o other_o five_o talent_n and_o likewise_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o he_o also_o gain_v other_o two_o but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v one_o go_v and_o dig_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o hide_v his_o lord_n money_n after_o a_o long_a time_n the_o lord_n of_o these_o servant_n come_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v five_o talent_n come_v and_o bring_v other_o five_o talent_n say_v lord_n thou_o deliver'd_v unto_o i_o five_o talent_n behold_v i_o have_v gain_v beside_o they_o five_o talent_n more_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n he_o also_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o talent_n come_v and_o say_v lord_n thou_o deliver'd_v unto_o i_o two_o talent_n behold_v i_o have_v gain_v two_o other_o talent_n beside_o they_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v the_o one_o talon_n come_v and_o say_v lord_n i_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n reap_v where_o thou_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o gather_v where_o thou_o have_v not_o strew_v and_o i_o be_v afraid_a and_o go_v and_o hide_v thy_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n lo_o there_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o his_o lord_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o reap_v where_o i_o do_v not_o sow_v and_o gather_v where_o i_o have_v not_o strew_v thou_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o 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his_o lord_n unimprove_v and_o excuse_v his_o unprofitableness_n by_o say_v that_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n unreasonable_o gripe_v expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o therefore_o he_o bring_v he_o his_o own_o again_o as_o he_o give_v it_o he_o fear_v to_o employ_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v have_v lose_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o his_o lord_n by_o this_o be_v represent_v the_o base_a thought_n too_o many_o have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n he_o exact_v such_o unreasonable_a service_n from_o we_o but_o this_o be_v only_o to_o excuse_v one_o wickedness_n by_o
the_o great_a riches_n when_o possess_v and_o that_o they_o be_v often_o very_o sudden_o lose_v again_o and_o then_o the_o grief_n for_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o will_v fill_v the_o soul_n with_o abundant_o great_a trouble_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o do_v with_o pleasure_n and_o we_o have_v see_v as_o the_o folly_n so_o the_o vileness_n of_o covetousness_n how_o much_o a_o christian_n be_v debase_v by_o thus_o grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o he_o and_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o be_v of_o infinite_o great_a value_n than_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o ten_o thousand_o world_n we_o have_v see_v likewise_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o covetousness_n what_o a_o great_a hindrance_n it_o be_v to_o nay_o destroyer_n of_o religion_n how_o it_o indispose_v a_o man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o endanger_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n his_o 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he_o clothe_v we_o who_o very_o much_o betray_v our_o little_a faith_n in_o doubt_v it_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o immoderate_o seek_v what_o we_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v or_o wherewithal_o be_v clothe_v neither_o be_v of_o doubtful_a or_o anxious_a and_o too_o careful_a mind_n for_o our_o father_n know_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n know_v to_o be_v best_a for_o we_o remember_v that_o as_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool_n in_o this_o parable_n that_o trust_v in_o his_o riches_n and_o propose_v to_o himself_o much_o happiness_n from_o a_o luxurious_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o be_v sudden_o snatch_v from_o they_o to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o every_o one_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o he_o self_n and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n the_o prayer_n oeternal_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o thy_o providence_n be_v infinite_a grant_v i_o the_o wisdom_n to_o be_v content_v with_o my_o present_a lot_n and_o satisfy_v with_o a_o moderate_a proportion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a in_o my_o pursuit_n even_o of_o that_o for_o ever_o preserve_v i_o i_o entreat_v thou_o from_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n and_o may_v i_o be_v so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o riches_n both_o in_o the_o get_n and_o the_o keep_n how_o unsatisfy_v they_o be_v when_o possess_v and_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o attend_v they_o as_o always_o to_o preserve_v a_o great_a indifferency_n to_o they_o and_o make_v it_o my_o chief_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o real_a happiness_n of_o a_o content_a spirit_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o sensible_a how_o vile_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o place_v my_o felicity_n in_o what_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o i_o as_o these_o perish_a riches_n be_v and_o which_o instead_o of_o improve_n i_o in_o what_o be_v real_o valuable_a tend_v to_o betray_v i_o into_o many_o vile_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n retard_v my_o progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o too_o often_o betray_v into_o apostasy_n from_o thy_o truth_n o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v act_v like_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v it_o my_o chief_a aim_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o thou_o my_o god_n and_o to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o if_o through_o thy_o bountiful_a goodness_n riches_n here_o increase_v give_v i_o grace_n i_o entreat_v thou_o not_o to_o set_v my_o heart_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o so_o as_o may_v most_o conduce_v to_o thy_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n that_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n according_a to_o thy_o bless_a will_n when_o these_o fade_a riches_n shall_v fail_v and_o be_v leave_v behind_o i_o my_o charity_n may_v procure_v for_o i_o a_o reception_n into_o these_o everlasting_a habitation_n where_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o glorious_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o where_o neither_o rust_n nor_o moth_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v not_o through_o and_o steal_v and_o where_o my_o happiness_n shall_v be_v ineffable_a full_o satisfy_v and_o eternal_a amen_n bless_a god_n amen_o amen_n parable_n x._o of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n xiii_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o a_o certain_a man_n have_v a_o figtree_n plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o come_v and_o seek_v fruit_n thereon_o and_o find_v none_o then_o say_v he_o to_o the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n behold_v these_o three_o year_n i_o come_v seek_v fruit_n on_o this_o figtree_n and_o find_v none_o cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o answer_v say_v unto_o he_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o till_o i_o shall_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o and_o if_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o and_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o this_o parable_n be_v speak_v upon_o the_o news_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o lord_n of_o the_o sad_a fate_n of_o some_o factious_a galilean_n who_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n have_v set_v upon_o and_o destroy_v mingle_v their_o blood_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n they_o be_v offer_v to_o this_o our_o lord_n first_o make_v this_o answer_n suppose_v you_o that_o those_o galilean_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v or_o those_o eighteen_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o another_o sad_a accident_n that_o have_v late_o happen_v think_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o then_o he_o add_v this_o parable_n that_o he_o may_v further_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n in_o all_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o escape_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o next_o from_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n upon_o the_o sad_a fate_n of_o the_o galilean_n and_o those_o slay_v by_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n think_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v
believe_v and_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v be_v so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o conducive_a to_o entire_a happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o that_o no_o man_n that_o due_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o either_o but_o will_v be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o assent_v to_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o and_o be_v no_o long_o a_o infidel_n or_o heretic_n or_o live_v a_o vicious_a irreligious_a life_n it_o be_v consideration_n make_v the_o prodigal_a son_n resolve_v to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o humble_v himself_o before_o he_o and_o can_v the_o sinner_n of_o this_o age_n be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n together_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o wise_a course_n to_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o former_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagance_n by_o repentance_n but_o what_o do_v this_o prodigal_n consider_v when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o that_o so_o powerful_o incline_v he_o to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n with_o such_o a_o humble_a and_o shameful_a confession_n of_o his_o extravagancy_n it_o be_v this_o how_o many_o of_o my_o father_n hire_a servant_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n he_o find_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n that_o however_o uneasy_a it_o be_v to_o he_o former_o to_o be_v under_o his_o father_n eye_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v by_o far_o a_o happy_a condition_n than_o that_o which_o by_o his_o prodigality_n he_o be_v then_o reduce_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o father_n servant_n be_v in_o happy_a circumstance_n than_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o his_o wise_a course_n to_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o a_o sinner_n will_v he_o but_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n together_o he_o will_v find_v by_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n if_o he_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o all_o his_o extravagance_n from_o which_o at_o first_o he_o expect_v to_o reap_v so_o much_o happiness_n be_v not_o only_a vanity_n empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a but_o likewise_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n full_a of_o trouble_n and_o misfortune_n attend_v with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n inward_a remorse_n and_o gripe_n of_o conscience_n and_o dire_a forboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v soon_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o much_o great_a happiness_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o have_v none_o of_o all_o this_o misery_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n inward_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o such_o consideration_n will_v be_v his_o resolution_n to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o with_o much_o 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long_o to_o insist_v in_o his_o former_a vile_a course_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v rouse_v and_o awaken_v from_o its_o spiritual_a sleep_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o discern_v his_o error_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o still_o persist_v in_o it_o he_o then_o sin_n against_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o a_o fault_n as_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o shall_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v become_v sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n immediate_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v it_o and_o return_v to_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o must_v he_o immediate_o put_v his_o resolution_n into_o practice_n for_o otherwise_o he_o do_v but_o mock_n god_n and_o deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v only_o increase_v his_o damnation_n a_o well-grounded_n resolution_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_a to_o amendment_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o preparative_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n we_o all_o of_o we_o i_o hope_v that_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n so_o far_o consider_v as_o to_o grieve_v and_o be_v ashamed_a for_o have_v offend_v our_o good_a god_n and_o be_v at_o that_o instant_n resolve_v never_o willing_o to_o transgress_v his_o holy_a will_n again_o let_v we_o but_o keep_v our_o resolution_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a for_o such_o as_o with_o the_o prodigal_n actual_o return_v to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o great_a expression_n of_o kindness_n to_o receive_v to_o his_o favour_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o such_o as_o repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o perform_v their_o resolve_n of_o amendment_n his_o readiness_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o extraordinary_a joy_n for_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o return_v prodigal_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a galf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n have_v compassion_n and_o run_v to_o meet_v he_o by_o this_o be_v express_v god_n great_a desire_n that_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n shall_v be_v complete_v he_o will_v meet_v he_o and_o that_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n lest_o any_o temptation_n shall_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o divert_v his_o return_n and_o make_v he_o change_v or_o defer_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o good_a resolution_n he_o have_v take_v up_o he_o prevent_v a_o real_a penitent_a with_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o labour_v with_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v a_o thorough_a change_n of_o life_n he_o with_o infinite_a charity_n and_o compassion_n come_v forth_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o by_o his_o divine_a aid_n he_o may_v secure_v his_o retreat_n from_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o vile_a affection_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o to_o his_o former_a vain_a and_o wicked_a course_n which_o by_o god_n grace_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o break_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o when_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n be_v complete_v and_o he_o be_v actual_o return_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n
better_a and_o if_o a_o man_n be_v as_o poor_a and_o despicable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n as_o lazarus_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v of_o a_o content_v resign_v soul_n and_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n he_o at_o length_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n while_o many_o rich_a that_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v send_v empty_a away_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o from_o a_o man_n prosperous_a or_o adverse_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o judgement_n to_o be_v make_v concern_v his_o final_a condition_n in_o the_o next_o the_o second_o thing_n it_o inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o whatever_o change_n be_v make_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o departure_n from_o this_o world_n its_o state_n shall_v be_v from_o thenceforth_o for_o ever_o unalterable_a for_o so_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v in_o torment_n lift_v up_o his_o eye_n and_o see_v abraham_n afar_o off_o and_o lazarus_n in_o his_o bosom_n and_o cry_v and_o say_v father_n abraham_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o and_o send_v lazarus_n that_o he_o may_v dip_v the_o tip_n of_o his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o cool_v my_o tongue_n for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n abraham_n after_o he_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o life-time_n receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n his_o evil_n thing_n and_o that_o then_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o unexpected_a change_n and_o lazarus_n be_v comfort_v and_o he_o torment_v he_o add_v moreover_o that_o between_o he_o and_o they_o there_o be_v a_o great_a gulf_n fix_v so_o that_o those_o which_o will_v pass_v from_o thence_o to_o he_o can_v not_o neither_o can_v any_o pass_v from_o he_o to_o they_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o hell_n which_o hinder_v any_o comfort_n or_o relief_n come_v from_o thence_o to_o that_o miserable_a place_n or_o any_o trouble_n or_o annoyance_n from_o that_o place_n to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o condition_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o righteous_a remain_v unchangeable_o happy_a or_o miserable_a respective_o have_v be_v much_o controvert_v especial_o among_o the_o schoolman_n but_o it_o tend_v to_o very_o little_a edification_n to_o relate_v their_o opinion_n most_o of_o which_o be_v very_o frivolous_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v what_o be_v the_o most_o receive_a opinion_n in_o our_o church_n by_o the_o gulf_n fix_v we_o suppose_v be_v only_o mean_v god_n irreversible_a decree_n that_o those_o who_o wickedness_n make_v they_o incapable_a of_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o sink_v they_o down_o to_o hell_n shall_v for_o ever_o remain_v there_o without_o any_o hope_n of_o comfort_n or_o relief_n and_o that_o the_o righteous_a likewise_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o life_n and_o happiness_n everlasting_a and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o lessen_v or_o disturb_v and_o this_o methinks_v to_o any_o sensible_a man_n shall_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o opinion_n the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a write_n now_o here_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n since_o the_o rich_a man_n punishment_n be_v express_v by_o his_o be_v torment_v in_o flame_n and_o doom_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o so_o to_o satisfy_v two_o query_n usual_o put_v in_o this_o case_n as_o first_o why_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v express_v by_o flame_n and_o burn_a and_o second_o how_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v the_o transient_a act_n of_o sin_n with_o such_o a_o endless_a misery_n to_o the_o first_o i_o return_v this_o answer_n as_o to_o i_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a though_o i_o believe_v that_o at_o the_o general_a conflagration_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shrink_v up_o as_o a_o scorch_a parchment_n and_o the_o element_n melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n and_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v burn_v up_o though_o i_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v then_o take_v vengeance_n of_o his_o enemy_n in_o real_a flame_n of_o fire_n which_o shall_v for_o ever_o encircle_v and_o prey_v upon_o their_o body_n yet_o i_o think_v that_o will_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o that_o the_o extremity_n of_o it_o will_v consist_v in_o the_o inward_a trouble_n of_o their_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o impatient_a appetite_n and_o continual_a thirst_n after_o that_o felicity_n which_o they_o know_v through_o their_o own_o default_n they_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o enjoy_v and_o that_o such_o vehement_a desire_n and_o the_o passion_n consequent_a upon_o the_o disappointment_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v flame_n and_o burn_a be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v usual_a in_o our_o common_a manner_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o expression_n of_o fervent_a and_o ardent_a desire_n be_v often_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a writing_n too_o particular_o where_o david_n say_v my_o soul_n break_v out_o with_o the_o very_a fervent_a desire_n it_o have_v always_o to_o thy_o commandment_n and_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o impatience_n and_o the_o like_a which_o attend_v unsatisfied_a desire_n be_v likewise_o frequent_o attend_v with_o the_o epithet_n of_o fire_n as_o every_o one_o must_v needs_o have_v observe_v now_o man_n have_v a_o innate_a uncontrollable_a thirst_n after_o happiness_n and_o which_o be_v always_o equal_o intense_a and_o that_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n his_o foolish_a and_o wicked_a choice_n here_o his_o pursuit_n after_o lower_v good_a and_o neglect_v of_o the_o supreme_a he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o banish_v to_o a_o infinite_a distance_n not_o only_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n but_o from_o every_o stream_n and_o participation_n of_o it_o which_o here_o below_o cool_v his_o heat_n a_o little_a and_o for_o the_o present_a gratify_v that_o his_o desire_n and_o yet_o the_o appetite_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o continue_v as_o great_a as_o ever_o and_o the_o wretch_n withal_o sensible_a of_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n from_o that_o fountain_n of_o bliss_n shall_v ever_o be_v give_v to_o allay_v his_o thirst_n and_o cool_v his_o parch_a and_o inflame_v tongue_n his_o desire_n must_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n crave_v and_o importunate_a in_o vain_a and_o be_v continual_o thus_o disappoint_v his_o impatience_n will_v still_o grow_v hot_a and_o hot_a and_o his_o remorse_n for_o bring_v this_o upon_o himself_o turn_v to_o eternal_a rage_n and_o fury_n and_o boil_v up_o like_o river_n of_o inflame_a brimstone_n the_o fire_n will_v be_v everlasting_a and_o what_o a_o calenture_n think_v we_o will_v the_o whole_a man_n be_v in_o when_o without_o the_o fierce_a material_a flame_n shall_v prey_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o hot_a fire_n within_o torment_n the_o soul_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n seem_v to_o i_o not_o obscure_o hint_v in_o the_o rich_a man_n lift_v up_o his_o eye_n in_o his_o torment_n and_o when_o he_o see_v the_o happy_a state_n of_o lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n beg_v he_o to_o impart_v though_o but_o one_o drop_n of_o that_o bliss_n he_o enjoy_v to_o cool_v his_o parch_a tongue_n his_o desire_n of_o that_o happiness_n be_v in_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o ardency_n and_o when_o he_o see_v lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n than_o he_o cry_v out_o father_n abraham_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o for_o i_o be_o torment_v in_o this_o flame_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o query_n to_o the_o second_o i_o return_v this_o in_o brief_a that_o since_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a possible_a evil_a it_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o strong_a tie_v and_o obligation_n a_o opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o in_o no_o case_n eligible_a as_o every_o consider_a man_n must_v needs_o confess_v it_o can_v be_v too_o rigorous_o deal_v with_o even_o by_o the_o infliction_n of_o the_o great_a possible_a punishment_n for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o proportion_n between_o the_o great_a evil_a and_o the_o great_a punishment_n as_o between_o a_o lesser_a evil_a and_o a_o lesser_a punishment_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v say_v there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o proportion_n between_o a_o fault_n and_o its_o punishment_n i_o think_v we_o must_v own_v there_o be_v proportion_n here_o now_o the_o use_v we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o second_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o life_n of_o wickedness_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o remediless_a a_o
ruin_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n this_o eternal_a torment_n and_o death_n we_o will_v be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a to_o avoid_v this_o place_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o time_n and_o opportunity_n while_o we_o have_v it_o in_o provide_v for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n the_o end_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o eternity_n to_o he_o then_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o no_o more_o space_n for_o repentance_n and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o after_o the_o great_a change_n that_o death_n will_v make_v in_o our_o condition_n no_o more_o change_n from_o thence_o forward_o for_o ever_o no_o intermediate_v purgatory_n to_o cleanse_v our_o remain_a filthiness_n but_o as_o death_n leave_v a_o soul_n so_o shall_v judgement_n find_v it_o and_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o great_a truth_n can_v never_o be_v too_o often_o call_v to_o remembrance_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o to_o a_o wicked_a liver_n that_o whoever_o think_v at_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o husband_n well_o this_o his_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o immediate_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v himself_o from_o that_o gild_n which_o if_o he_o die_v in_o will_v make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o alleviation_n the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o powerful_o enough_o incline_v to_o avoid_v that_o future_a misery_n and_o secure_v his_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o persuasive_n to_o act_v according_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o have_v already_o be_v reveal_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v after_o he_o be_v sad_o assure_v by_o abraham_n that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o this_o abraham_n answer_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o miserable_a rich_a man_n and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o this_o abraham_n give_v this_o final_a answer_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v all_o the_o assurance_n give_v to_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v and_o the_o same_o obstinate_a and_o atheistick_a infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o manner_n that_o make_v man_n disbelieve_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v of_o another_o life_n will_v make_v they_o still_o disbelieve_v it_o though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a before_o the_o gospel_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o dark_o reveal_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v then_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o they_o by_o attend_v to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o confirm_a truth_n to_o we_o christian_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a term_n that_o can_v be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 1.8_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o when_o we_o discourse_v about_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n not_o to_o tremble_v at_o it_o as_o foelix_n do_v but_o with_o perverse_a infidelity_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o whether_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v it_o by_o one_o that_o come_v from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v experience_v what_o we_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o proof_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o laugh_v at_o this_o as_o a_o invention_n of_o 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will_v neither_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v in_o this_o instance_n though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o opposition_n antiscripturists_a make_v against_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v in_o short_a this_o either_o they_o will_v deny_v that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o set_v down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o pick_v out_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o their_o relation_n and_o if_o beat_v from_o that_o post_n they_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o what_o strange_a occurrence_n they_o record_v of_o their_o master_n jesus_n as_o of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n after_o 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still_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v a_o suture_a state_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a as_o man_n live_v well_o or_o ill_o here_o below_o and_o still_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o to_o amendment_n though_o one_o come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o for_o what_o a_o easy_a matter_n will_v it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o apparition_n be_v but_o a_o melancholy_a fancy_n or_o a_o dream_n and_o regard_v it_o as_o if_o no_o more_o and_o laugh_v at_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o too_o many_o now_o a-days_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v and_o he_o that_o will_v shut_v his_o eye_n against_o so_o much_o reason_n and_o evidence_n as_o there_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v proof_n against_o any_o other_o sort_v of_o conviction_n whatever_o even_o that_o of_o a_o messenger_n send_v on_o purpose_n to_o he_o from_o the_o other_o world_n for_o so_o our_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n if_o they_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n we_o may_v add_v and_o our_o saviour_n his_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a wherefore_o it_o become_v we_o all_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a lest_o the_o spirit_n of_o unbelief_n enter_v into_o we_o and_o we_o grow_v so_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n as_o either_o not_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o due_o to_o attend_v to_o this_o great_a and_o strong_o confirm_v truth_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o the_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n then_o to_o be_v award_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o religious_a or_o impious_a behaviour_n here_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v any_o further_a extraordinary_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v already_o plain_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v in_o those_o write_n which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v be_v write_v by_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n let_v we_o rather_o so_o serioussy_a consider_v and_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v there_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o by_o those_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n relate_v to_o a_o future_a judgement_n to_o be_v persuade_v to_o a_o sincere_a revisal_n of_o our_o way_n and_o deep_a repentance_n of_o what_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o immediate_a endeavour_n to_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n how_o we_o be_v charm_v with_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o here_o be_v our_o happiness_n and_o our_o heaven_n and_o we_o look_v for_o no_o other_o life_n when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o let_v we_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o make_v provision_n for_o that_o other_o endless_a life_n which_o will_v succeed_v this_o that_o then_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a when_o if_o we_o be_v miserable_a we_o shall_v be_v always_o so_o remember_v that_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o in_o this_o life_n receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o look_v no_o further_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hereafter_o in_o that_o other_o state_n aster_n he_o die_v be_v torment_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o want_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o tongue_n while_o the_o poor_a despise_v and_o seem_o miserable_a lazarus_n that_o beg_v for_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o his_o table_n and_o be_v take_v little_a notice_n of_o by_o any_o but_o the_o rich_a man_n dog_n because_o his_o poverty_n make_v he_o religious_a and_o think_v of_o and_o provide_v for_o better_a thing_n in_o a_o everlasting_a world_n be_v when_o he_o die_v conduct_v by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n that_o place_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n rest_v and_o peace_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o righteous_a these_o thing_n if_o we_o consider_v thorough_o and_o serious_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a either_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o or_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o a_o immediate_a repentance_n that_o we_o may_v escape_v that_o place_n of_o eternal_a torment_n reserve_v for_o the_o obstinate_o wicked_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o that_o happy_a state_n which_o shall_v for_o ever_o crown_v the_o pious_a endeavour_n of_o the_o good_n wherefore_o for_o the_o future_a may_v we_o all_o so_o meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o give_v ourselves_o so_o entire_o to_o they_o that_o through_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n our_o profit_v may_v appear_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o prayer_n o_o god_n infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a the_o disposal_n of_o who_o providence_n here_o below_o though_o always_o for_o the_o best_a be_v yet_o often_o the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n to_o we_o mortal_n especial_o in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a teach_v i_o the_o wisdom_n i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o look_v beyond_o this_o world_n for_o happiness_n and_o never_o to_o make_v vain_a conclusion_n of_o thy_o favour_n or_o displeasure_n to_o myself_o or_o other_o or_o concern_v mine_n or_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o other_o world_n from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o our_o present_a life_n but_o rather_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o acknowledge_v thy_o providence_n to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o be_v careful_a to_o secure_v my_o duty_n in_o whatsoever_o station_n thou_o shall_v please_v to_o place_v i_o grant_v that_o in_o prosperity_n i_o may_v be_v humble_a thankful_a and_o charitable_a in_o adversity_n content_v and_o resign_v under_o thy_o paternal_a rod_n and_o may_v make_v that_o good_a use_n of_o every_o condition_n which_o thou_o design_a i_o shall_v and_o careful_o avoid_v the_o snare_n of_o each_o and_o make_v it_o my_o great_a endeavour_n whilst_o i_o continue_v here_o below_o to_o secure_v a_o happy_a eternity_n in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n where_o my_o condition_n whatever_o it_o then_o shall_v be_v will_v be_v unchangeable_a and_o may_v my_o belief_n of_o future_a eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o serious_a and_o unprejudiced_a attention_n to_o the_o plain_a assurance_n thou_o have_v give_v i_o of_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v vain_o desirous_a of_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a evidence_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o believe_v these_o great_a truth_n without_o waver_v grant_v that_o i_o may_v immediate_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v my_o life_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o that_o so_o when_o i_o go_v hence_o i_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n the_o happy_a portion_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o escape_v the_o place_n of_o endless_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n grant_v this_o o_o gracious_a god_n for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n parable_n xiii_o of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luke_n xviii_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o and_o jesus_n speak_v a_o parable_n to_o this_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v say_v there_o be_v in_o a_o city_n a_o judge_n which_o fear_v not_o god_n neither_o regard_v man._n and_o there_o be_v a_o widow_n in_o that_o city_n and_o she_o come_v unto_o he_o say_v avenge_v i_o of_o my_o adversary_n and_o he_o will_v not_o for_o a_o while_n but_o afterward_o he_o say_v within_o himself_o though_o i_o fear_v not_o god_n neither_o regard_n man_n yet_o because_o this_o widow_n trouble_v i_o i_o will_v avenge_v she_o lest_o by_o her_o continual_a come_n she_o weary_a i_o the_o force_n of_o this_o parable_n in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o importunate_a devotion_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o if_o importunity_n will_v prevail_v with_o a_o sinful_a man_n that_o neither_o fear_n god_n nor_o have_v any_o compassion_n for_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o fellow-creature_n to_o grant_v petition_n offer_v to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o prevalent_a will_v it_o be_v with_o the_o infinite_o good_a god_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o as_o devout_o and_o earnest_o implore_v his_o help_n and_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v another_o parable_n luke_n 11.16_o which_o of_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o friend_n and_o shall_v go_v to_o he_o at_o midnight_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n lend_v i_o three_o loaf_n for_o a_o friend_n of_o i_o in_o his_o journey_n be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o set_v before_o he_o and_o he_o from_o within_o shall_v answer_v and_o say_v trouble_v i_o not_o the_o door_n be_v now_o shut_v and_o my_o child_n be_v with_o i_o in_o bed_n i_o can_v rise_v and_o give_v thou_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o though_o he_o will_v not_o