this_o as_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o will_v supply_v and_o answer_v the_o want_v of_o mankind_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o prince_n shall_v declare_v to_o any_o one_o of_o his_o subject_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o he_o every_o morning_n in_o his_o bedchamber_n shall_v receive_v of_o he_o a_o thousand_o talent_n we_o must_v not_o here_o imagine_v that_o the_o subject_a by_o make_v this_o appearance_n do_v either_o move_v or_o persuade_v his_o prince_n to_o give_v he_o such_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n no_o he_o only_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o the_o thing_n promise_v he_o do_v indeed_o hereby_o engage_v his_o prince_n to_o give_v he_o this_o sum_n though_o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n persuade_v he_o or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o strict_o and_o proper_o the_o prince_n own_o justice_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o engagement_n upon_o the_o prince_n himself_o to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o he_o who_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o upon_o this_o ground_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o when_o we_o obtain_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o prayer_n we_o have_v it_o upon_o claim_n of_o justice_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o gift_n as_o a_o free_a result_n of_o his_o bounty_n i_o answer_v that_o both_o these_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a for_o though_o he_o who_o make_v a_o promise_n upon_o a_o certain_a condition_n be_v bind_v in_o justice_n upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o condition_n to_o perform_v his_o promise_n yet_o it_o be_v perfect_o grace_n and_o goodness_n bounty_n and_o free_a mercy_n that_o first_o induce_v he_o to_o make_v the_o promise_n and_o particular_o to_o state_n the_o tenor_n of_o it_o upon_o such_o a_o condition_n if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n i_o john_n 1._o 9_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v free_a and_o more_o the_o effect_n of_o mere_a grace_n than_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o this_o scripture_n and_o many_o more_o that_o it_o be_v firm_o promise_v we_o upon_o condition_n of_o a_o penitent_a hearty_a confession_n of_o they_o and_o consequent_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o god_n stand_v oblige_v here_o even_o by_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o justice_n to_o make_v good_a this_o his_o promise_n of_o forgiveness_n to_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o by_o such_o a_o confession_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o prayer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a thing_n pray_v for_o he_o who_o pray_v for_o a_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o get_v thereby_o a_o right_a to_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o but_o it_o be_v a_o right_n not_o spring_v from_o any_o merit_n or_o condignity_n either_o in_o the_o prayer_n itself_o or_o the_o person_n who_o make_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o from_o god_n veracity_n truth_n and_o justice_n who_o have_v appoint_v prayer_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o blessing_n can_v but_o stand_v to_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v though_o that_o he_o do_v appoint_v it_o be_v the_o free_a result_n and_o determination_n of_o his_o own_o will._n we_o have_v a_o full_a account_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n from_o god_n own_o mouth_n in_o psalm_n 50._o call_v upon_o i_o say_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o these_o be_v evident_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o god_n answer_v prayer_n in_o which_o case_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o deliverance_n be_v still_o of_o more_o worth_n than_o the_o prayer_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n also_o that_o without_o such_o a_o previous_a declaration_n make_v on_o god_n part_n a_o person_n so_o in_o trouble_n or_o distress_n may_v pray_v his_o heart_n out_o and_o yet_o god_n not_o be_v in_o the_o least_o oblige_v by_o all_o his_o prayer_n either_o in_o justice_n or_o honour_n or_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o in_o mercy_n to_o deliver_v he_o for_o mercy_n be_v free_a and_o misery_n can_v oblige_v it_o in_o a_o word_n prayer_n procure_v deliverance_n from_o trouble_n just_a as_o naaman_n dip_v himself_o seven_o time_n in_o jordan_n procure_v he_o a_o deliverance_n from_o his_o leprosy_n not_o by_o any_o virtue_n in_o itself_o adequate_a to_o so_o great_a a_o effect_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a but_o from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o recovery_n and_o so_o oblige_v the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o appoint_v it_o to_o give_v force_n and_o virtue_n to_o his_o own_o institution_n beyond_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v otherwise_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_a that_o prayer_n prevail_v with_o god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o we_o pray_v for_o neither_o by_o way_n of_o information_n nor_o yet_o of_o persuasion_n and_o much_o less_o by_o the_o importunity_n of_o he_o who_o pray_v and_o least_o of_o all_o by_o any_o worth_n in_o the_o prayer_n itself_o equal_a to_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o but_o it_o prevail_v sole_o and_o entire_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o be_v free_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o the_o state_v allow_v condition_n upon_o which_o he_o will_v dispense_v his_o blessing_n to_o mankind_n but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o consideration_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o prayer_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o condition_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o though_o god_n sovereign_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o its_o own_o counsel_n and_o determination_n and_o consequent_o a_o more_o than_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o our_o inquiry_n yet_o since_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n still_o adapt_n mean_n to_o end_n and_o never_o appoint_v a_o thing_n to_o any_o use_n but_o what_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o a_o natural_a fitness_n for_o i_o shall_v therefore_o presume_v to_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o prayer_n before_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o this_o noble_a use_n of_o be_v the_o condition_n and_o glorious_a conduit_n whereby_o to_o derive_v the_o bounty_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o men._n and_o it_o be_v this_o because_o prayer_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n do_v most_o peculiar_o qualify_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n by_o be_v most_o eminent_o and_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n since_o to_o pray_v or_o beg_v a_o thing_n of_o another_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o person_n pray_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o some_o good_a which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a by_o any_o power_n of_o his_o own_o to_o procure_v for_o himself_o and_o 2._o that_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o the_o power_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o person_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o he_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o that_o which_o man_n call_v to_o depend_v but_o some_o may_v reply_v there_o be_v a_o universal_a dependence_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o god_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v the_o great_a fountain_n and_o source_n of_o be_v first_o create_v and_o since_o support_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o dependence_n belong_v indifferent_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o just_a who_o prayer_n nevertheless_o be_v declare_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n but_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a that_o the_o dependence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a but_o of_o a_o moral_a dependence_n the_o first_o be_v necessary_a the_o other_o voluntary_a the_o first_o common_a to_o all_o the_o other_o proper_a to_o the_o pious_a the_o first_o respect_v god_n bare_o as_o a_o creator_n the_o other_o address_n to_o he_o also_o as_o a_o father_n now_o such_o a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v that_o be_v proper_o see_v in_o prayer_n and_o be_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o humble_a reverence_n set_v ourselves_o to_o examine_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a proceed_n in_o this_o matter_n even_o by_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n what_o can_v be_v more_o rational_o think_v of_o for_o the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o bring_v down_o god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o world_n than_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n as_o make_v a_o man_n disow_v all_o ability_n in_o himself_o to_o supply_v his_o own_o want_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n own_o a_o transcendent_a fullness_n and_o
unborn_a though_o he_o have_v no_o positive_a perfection_n to_o present_v and_o set_v he_o off_o to_o christ_n view_n yet_o he_o be_v at_o least_o negative_o clear_a and_o like_o unwritten_a paper_n though_o it_o have_v no_o draught_n to_o entertain_v yet_o neither_o have_v it_o any_o blot_n to_o offend_v the_o eye_n but_o be_v white_a and_o innocent_a and_o fair_a for_o a_o after-inscription_n but_o man_n once_o fall_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o great_a blur_v nothing_o but_o a_o total_a universal_a pollution_n and_o not_o to_o be_v reform_v by_o any_o thing_n under_o a_o new_a creation_n yet_o see_v here_o the_o ascent_n and_o progress_n of_o christ_n love_n for_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o such_o a_o loathsome_a and_o provoke_a condition_n be_v it_o not_o love_n enough_o that_o he_o be_v spare_v and_o permit_v to_o enjoy_v a_o be_v since_o not_o to_o put_v a_o traitor_n to_o death_n be_v a_o singular_a mercy_n but_o then_o not_o only_o to_o continue_v his_o be_v but_o to_o adorn_v it_o with_o privilege_n and_o from_o the_o number_n of_o subject_n to_o take_v he_o into_o the_o retinue_n of_o servant_n this_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a love_n for_o every_o one_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o prince_n dominion_n be_v not_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o family_n nor_o be_v any_o prince_n court_n to_o be_v commensurate_a to_o his_o kingdom_n but_o then_o far_o to_o advance_v he_o from_o a_o servant_n to_o a_o friend_n from_o only_o live_v in_o his_o house_n to_o lie_v in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o favour_n above_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o create_a goodness_n a_o act_n for_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o miracle_n to_o love_v supernatural_o and_o to_o pardon_v infinite_o and_o even_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o sovereign_n while_o he_o assume_v the_o saviour_n the_o text_n speak_v the_o win_a behaviour_n and_o gracious_a condescension_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o own_v they_o for_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o honour_v by_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o still_o these_o word_n of_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o according_a to_o the_o bare_a rigour_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o according_a to_o the_o art_n and_o allowance_n of_o expression_n not_o as_o if_o the_o relation_n of_o friend_n have_v actual_o discharge_v they_o from_o that_o of_o servant_n but_o that_o of_o the_o two_o relation_n christ_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_a the_o mean_a and_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o that_o to_o entitle_v and_o denominate_v they_o sole_o from_o the_o more_o honourable_a for_o the_o further_a illustration_n of_o which_o we_o must_v premise_v this_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o so_o far_o as_o service_n import_v duty_n and_o subjection_n all_o create_a being_n whether_o man_n or_o angel_n bear_v the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a relation_n of_o servant_n to_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o relation_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o god_n himself_o can_v dispense_v with_o it_o nor_o discharge_v a_o rational_a creature_n from_o it_o for_o although_o consequential_o indeed_o he_o may_v do_v so_o by_o the_o annihilation_n of_o such_o a_o creature_n and_o the_o take_v away_o his_o be_v yet_o suppose_v the_o continuance_n of_o his_o be_v god_n can_v effect_v that_o a_o creature_n which_o have_v his_o be_v from_o and_o his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v he_o the_o utmost_a service_n that_o his_o nature_n enable_v he_o to_o do_v for_o to_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a will_v be_v irregular_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o fix_a unalterable_a relation_n of_o one_o nature_n to_o another_o be_v upon_o that_o account_n even_o by_o god_n himself_o indispensable_a forasmuch_o as_o have_v once_o make_v a_o creature_n he_o can_v cause_v that_o that_o creature_n shall_v not_o owe_v a_o natural_a relation_n to_o his_o maker_n both_o of_o subjection_n and_o dependence_n the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o creature_n import_v so_o much_o to_o which_o relation_n if_o he_o behave_v himself_o unsutable_o he_o go_v contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o which_o god_n the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v warrant_v without_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o even_o in_o our_o high_a estate_n of_o sanctity_n and_o privilege_n we_o yet_o retain_v the_o unavoidable_a obligation_n of_o christ_n servant_n though_o still_o with_o a_o advantage_n as_o great_a as_o the_o obligation_n where_o the_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n so_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o lord_n to_o serve_v and_o to_o be_v free_a be_v term_n not_o consistent_a only_o but_o absolute_o equivalent_a nevertheless_o since_o the_o name_n of_o servant_n have_v of_o old_a be_v reckon_v to_o imply_v a_o certain_a meanness_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o lowness_n of_o condition_n and_o the_o ill_a quality_n of_o many_o who_o serve_v have_v render_v the_o condition_n itself_o not_o very_o creditable_a especial_o in_o those_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o servant_n be_v extreme_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o among_o we_o they_o be_v general_o slave_n and_o such_o as_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v for_o money_n and_o consequent_o reckon_v but_o among_o the_o other_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o their_o lord_n or_o master_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o christ_n think_v fit_a to_o wave_v the_o appellation_n of_o servant_n here_o as_o according_a to_o the_o common_a use_n of_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o that_o time_n most_o nation_n beside_o import_v these_o three_o qualification_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o of_o christ_n disciple_n 1._o the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n a_o utter_a unacquaintance_n with_o his_o master_n design_n in_o these_o word_n the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o lord_n do_v for_o seldom_o do_v any_o man_n of_o sense_n make_v his_o servant_n his_o counsellor_n for_o fear_v of_o make_v he_o his_o governor_n too_o a_o master_n for_o the_o most_o part_n keep_v his_o choice_a good_n lock_v up_o from_o his_o servant_n but_o much_o more_o his_o mind_n a_o servant_n be_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o his_o master_n command_n and_o in_o these_o also_o not_o to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o neither_o be_v he_o to_o stand_v aloof_o off_o from_o his_o counsel_n only_o but_o sometime_o from_o his_o presence_n also_o and_o so_o far_o as_o decency_n be_v duty_n it_o be_v sometime_o his_o duty_n to_o avoid_v he_o but_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n be_v come_v to_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n staff_n he_o off_o to_o a_o distance_n but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v nothing_o but_o allurement_n attractive_n and_o invitation_n the_o magisterial_a law_n bid_v the_o person_n under_o it_o go_v and_o he_o must_v go_v but_o the_o gospel_n say_v to_o every_o believer_n come_v and_o he_o come_v a_o servant_n dwell_v remote_a from_o all_o knowledge_n of_o his_o lord_n purpose_n he_o live_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o foreigner_n under_o the_o same_o roof_n a_o domestic_a and_o yet_o a_o stranger_n too_o two_o the_o name_n of_o servant_n import_v a_o slavish_a and_o degenerous_a awe_n of_o mind_n as_o it_o be_v in_o rom._n 8._o 5._o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v he_o who_o serve_v have_v still_o the_o low_a and_o ignoble_a restraint_n of_o dread_a upon_o his_o spirit_n which_o in_o business_n and_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o action_n cramp_n and_o tie_v up_o his_o activity_n he_o fear_v his_o master_n anger_n but_o design_n not_o his_o favour_n quicken_v i_o say_v david_n with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o give_v worth_a and_o life_n to_o the_o performance_n but_o a_o servant_n common_o be_v less_o free_a in_o mind_n than_o in_o condition_n his_o very_a will_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o bond_n and_o shackle_n and_o desire_v itself_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o durance_n and_o captivity_n in_o all_o that_o a_o servant_n do_v he_o be_v scarce_o a_o voluntary_a agent_n but_o when_o he_o serve_v himself_o all_o his_o service_n otherwise_o not_o flow_v natural_o from_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n but_o be_v draw_v and_o force_v from_o he_o by_o terror_n and_o coaction_n in_o any_o work_n he_o be_v put_v to_o let_v the_o master_n withdraw_v his_o eye_n and_o he_o will_v quick_o take_v
again_o the_o second_o time_n with_o the_o like_a brevity_n and_o the_o like_a word_n o_o my_o father_n if_o this_o cup_n may_v not_o pass_v from_o i_o except_o i_o drink_v it_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v and_o last_o the_o three_o time_n also_o he_o use_v the_o same_o short_a form_n again_o and_o yet_o in_o all_o this_o he_o be_v as_o we_o may_v say_v without_o a_o metaphor_n even_o pray_v for_o life_n so_o far_o as_o the_o great_a business_n he_o be_v then_o about_o to_o wit_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o pray_v for_o it_o all_o which_o prayer_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o of_o like_a brevity_n be_v proper_o such_o as_o we_o call_v ejaculation_n a_o elegant_a similitude_n from_o a_o dart_n or_o arrow_n shot_n or_o throw_v out_o and_o such_o a_o one_o we_o know_v of_o a_o yard_n long_o will_v fly_v far_o and_o strike_v deep_o than_o one_o of_o twenty_o and_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o the_o success_n of_o such_o brief_a prayer_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o but_o three_o instance_n of_o this_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o person_n pray_v under_o the_o pressure_n of_o as_o great_a misery_n as_o humane_a nature_n can_v well_o be_v afflict_v with_o and_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o leper_n matth._n 8._o 2._o or_o as_o st._n luke_n describe_v he_o a_o man_n full_a of_o leprosy_n who_o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o worship_v he_o and_o as_o st._n luke_n again_o have_v it_o more_o particular_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n before_o he_o which_o be_v the_o low_a and_o most_o devout_a of_o all_o posture_n of_o worship_n say_v lord_n if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_o this_o be_v all_o his_o prayer_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v immediate_o cleanse_v the_o next_o instance_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o poor_a blind_a man_n in_o luke_n 18._o 28._o follow_v our_o saviour_n with_o this_o earnest_a prayer_n jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o his_o whole_a prayer_n be_v no_o more_o for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o he_o go_v on_o repeat_v it_o again_o and_o again_o jesus_n thou_o son_n of_o david_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o and_o the_o answer_v he_o receive_v be_v that_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o his_o sight_n restore_v the_o three_o and_o last_o instance_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n of_o st._n luke_n pray_v under_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o as_o great_a a_o leprosy_n and_o blindness_n of_o soul_n as_o the_o other_o two_o can_v have_v of_o body_n in_o the_o 13_o verse_n he_o smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n he_o speak_v no_o more_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n that_o he_o go_v solemn_o and_o purposely_o up_o to_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v the_o issue_n and_o success_n of_o which_o prayer_n be_v that_o he_o go_v home_o justify_v before_o one_o of_o those_o who_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n revere_v as_o absolute_o the_o high_a and_o most_o heroic_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o most_o belove_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o now_o if_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o these_o short_a prayer_n can_v rise_v so_o high_a as_o to_o cleanse_v a_o leper_n to_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o justify_v a_o publican_n and_o if_o the_o worth_a of_o a_o prayer_n may_v at_o all_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o success_n of_o it_o i_o suppose_v no_o prayer_n whatsoever_o can_v do_v more_o and_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o long_a prayer_n that_o do_v so_o much_o which_o bring_v on_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o our_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n which_o be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v note_v in_o scripture_n for_o prolixity_n or_o length_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o this_o there_o be_v only_o two_o mention_v the_o heathen_n and_o the_o pharisee_n the_o first_o the_o grand_a instance_n of_o idolatry_n the_o other_o of_o hypocrisy_n but_o christ_n forbid_v we_o the_o imitation_n of_o both_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o 6_o of_o matthew_n be_v you_o not_o like_o the_o heathen_n but_o in_o what_o why_o in_o this_o that_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v hear_v for_o their_o much_o speak_n in_o the_o seven_o verse_n it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n that_o prevail_v in_o army_n and_o much_o less_o in_o word_n and_o then_o for_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n represent_v as_o the_o very_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o the_o great_a of_o cheat_n we_o have_v they_o amuse_v the_o world_n with_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a devotion_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v all_o that_o time_n in_o their_o neighbour_n coffer_n for_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o luke_n 20._o and_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n that_o the_o great_a tool_n the_o hook_n or_o engine_n by_o which_o they_o compass_v their_o worst_a their_o wicked_a and_o most_o rapacious_a design_n be_v long_a prayer_n prayer_n make_v only_o for_o a_o show_n or_o colour_n and_o that_o to_o the_o base_a and_o most_o degenerous_a sort_n of_o villainy_n even_o the_o rob_v the_o hospital_n and_o devour_v the_o house_n of_o poor_a helpless_a forlorn_a widow_n their_o devotion_n serve_v all_o along_o but_o as_o a_o instrument_n to_o their_o avarice_n as_o a_o factor_n or_o under-agent_n to_o their_o extortion_n a_o practice_n which_o due_o see_v into_o and_o strip_v of_o its_o hypocritical_a blind_v can_v not_o but_o look_v very_o odious_o and_o ill-favoured_o and_o therefore_o in_o come_v their_o long_a robe_n and_o their_o long_a prayer_n together_o and_o cover_v all_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v neither_o the_o length_n of_o one_o nor_o of_o the_o other_o be_v ever_o find_v so_o useful_a as_o when_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o will_v not_o be_v see_v this_o be_v the_o gainful_a godliness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o i_o believe_v upon_o good_a observation_n you_o will_v hardly_o find_v any_o like_o the_o pharisee_n for_o their_o long_a prayer_n who_o be_v not_o also_o extreme_o like_o they_o for_o something_o else_o and_o thus_o have_v give_v you_o five_o argument_n for_o brevity_n and_o against_o prolixity_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o now_o make_v this_o our_o other_o great_a rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o those_o who_o dissent_n and_o divide_v from_o it_o and_o first_o for_o that_o excellent_a body_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o both_o compile_v and_o enjoin_v by_o public_a authority_n have_v we_o not_o here_o a_o great_a instance_n of_o brevity_n and_o fullness_n together_o cast_v into_o several_a short_a significant_a collect_v each_o contain_v a_o distinct_a entire_a and_o well-managed_n petition_n the_o whole_a sett_n of_o they_o be_v like_o a_o string_n of_o pearl_n exceed_v rich_a in_o conjunction_n and_o therefore_o of_o no_o small_a price_n or_o value_n even_o single_a and_o by_o themselves_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v compose_v with_o great_a judgement_n every_o prayer_n be_v so_o short_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v weary_v and_o withal_o so_o pertinent_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v cloy_v the_o devotion_n and_o indeed_o so_o admirable_o fit_v be_v they_o all_o to_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o a_o christian_a society_n that_o when_o the_o rubric_n enjoin_v but_o the_o use_n of_o some_o of_o they_o our_o worship_n be_v not_o imperfect_a and_o when_o we_o use_v they_o all_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o superfluous_a and_o the_o reason_n assign_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n for_o the_o preference_n of_o many_o short_a prayer_n before_o a_o continue_a long_a one_o be_v unanswerable_a namely_o that_o by_o the_o former_a there_o be_v a_o more_o frequent_o repeat_v mention_n make_v of_o the_o name_n and_o some_o great_a attribute_n of_o god_n as_o the_o encourage_v ground_n of_o our_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o withal_o of_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v promise_v we_o success_n in_o what_o we_o pray_v for_o every_o distinct_a petition_n beginning_n with_o the_o former_a and_o end_v with_o the_o latter_a by_o thus_o annex_v of_o which_o to_o each_o particular_a thing_n that_o we_o ask_v for_o we_o do_v manifest_o confess_v and_o declare_v that_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o obtain_v any_o one_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o with_o a_o particular_a renew_a respect_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o withal_o re-mind_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o same_o by_o make_v it_o their_o part_n to_o renew_v a_o distinct_a amen_o to_o every_o
their_o great_a judge_n and_o demur_v to_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o sentence_n have_v they_o be_v condemn_v by_o he_o but_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v man_n inexcusable_a be_v not_o therefore_o sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o it_o be_v not_o say_v by_o the_o apostle_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o one_o else_o that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o heathen_n the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n if_o so_o be_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v that_o god_n will_v save_v none_o of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o reach_v though_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o he_o do_v save_v any_o of_o they_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o that_o ordinary_a state_v appoint_a method_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o which_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o heathen_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o both_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o such_o a_o be_v yet_o what_o principle_n of_o mere_a reason_n can_v assure_v they_o that_o this_o god_n will_v be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o such_o as_o diligent_o seek_v and_o serve_v he_o for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o reward_v any_o service_n of_o his_o creature_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o that_o the_o creature_n can_v do_v be_v but_o duty_n and_o even_o now_o at_o this_o time_n god_n have_v no_o other_o obligation_n upon_o he_o but_o his_o own_o free_a promise_n to_o reward_v the_o piety_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o servant_n which_o promise_v reason_n of_o itself_o can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o till_o god_n make_v it_o know_v by_o revelation_n and_o moreover_o what_o principle_n of_o reason_n can_v assure_v a_o man_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v sinner_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o possible_o it_o may_v know_v that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o but_o this_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o man_n to_o depend_v upon_o and_o then_o last_o of_o all_o as_o for_o the_o way_n of_o his_o pardon_v sinner_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o upon_o a_o satisfaction_n pay_v to_o his_o justice_n by_o such_o a_o saviour_n as_o shall_v be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o find_v out_o for_o that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o common_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o be_v learn_v by_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o some_o have_v fond_o not_o to_o say_v profane_o enough_o assert_v it_o be_v infinite_o sottish_a to_o imagine_v and_o can_v indeed_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wanton_a and_o unreasonable_a proposition_n it_o be_v clear_a therefore_o that_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o that_o way_n by_o which_o alone_o we_o expect_v salvation_n so_o that_o all_o the_o hope_n which_o we_o can_v have_v for_o they_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v the_o utmost_a limit_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n but_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n may_v overflow_v and_o run_v over_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o to_o reach_v even_o many_o of_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v invincible_o ignorant_a of_o he_o but_o whether_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o god_n alone_o know_v who_o only_o be_v privy_a to_o the_o great_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will._n it_o be_v a_o secret_a hide_v from_o we_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v hope_v compassionate_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o can_v pronounce_v nothing_o certain_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o god_n have_v assert_v his_o justice_n even_o in_o his_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o he_o treat_v not_o upon_o term_n of_o evangelical_n mercy_n so_o that_o such_o person_n can_v neither_o excuse_v themselves_o nor_o yet_o accuse_v he_o who_o in_o the_o severe_a sentence_n that_o he_o can_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o sinner_n will_v as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o be_v justify_v when_o he_o speak_v and_o clear_v when_o he_o be_v judge_v 2_o lie_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o gather_v hence_o the_o unspeakable_o wretched_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o obstinate_a sinner_n under_o the_o gospel_n the_o sun_n of_o mercy_n have_v shine_v too_o long_o and_o too_o bright_a upon_o such_o to_o leave_v they_o any_o shadow_n of_o excuse_n for_o let_v they_o argue_v over_o all_o the_o topic_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o human_a weakness_n and_o whatsoever_o other_o pretence_n poor_a sink_v sinner_n be_v apt_a to_o catch_v at_o to_o support_v and_o save_v themselves_o by_o yet_o how_o trifle_a must_v be_v their_o plea_n how_o impertinent_a their_o defence_n for_o admit_v a_o impenitent_a heathen_a to_o plead_v that_o albeit_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v yet_o it_o can_v not_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v any_o provision_n of_o mercy_n for_o he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n he_o know_v not_o whether_o amendment_n of_o life_n will_v be_v accept_v after_o the_o law_n be_v once_o break_v or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o righteousness_n to_o atone_v or_o merit_n for_o he_o but_o his_o own_o but_o no_o christian_a who_o have_v be_v take_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o plausible_a word_n for_o his_o impenitence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o who_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n without_o a_o wedding-garment_n that_o be_v charge_v and_o apprehend_v for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v speechless_a strike_v with_o shame_n and_o silence_n the_o proper_a effect_n of_o a_o overpower_v gild_n too_o manifest_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o too_o gross_a to_o be_v defend_v his_o reason_n desert_v and_o his_o voice_n fail_v he_o find_v himself_o arraign_v convict_a and_o condemn_v in_o the_o court_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n so_o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o his_o great_a judge_n have_v free_o ask_v he_o what_o he_o can_v allege_v or_o say_v for_o himself_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v judgement_n to_o die_v eternal_o and_o sentence_n to_o be_v award_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n he_o can_v not_o in_o this_o forlorn_a case_n have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o very_a last_o plea_n of_o a_o cast_v criminal_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o have_v cry_v mercy_n lord_n mercy_n for_o still_o his_o conscience_n will_v have_v reply_v upon_o he_o that_o mercy_n have_v be_v offer_v and_o abuse_v and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v now_o past_a and_o so_o under_o this_o overwhelm_a conviction_n every_o gospel-sinner_n must_v pass_v to_o his_o eternal_a execution_n take_v the_o whole_a load_n of_o his_o own_o damnation_n sole_o and_o entire_o upon_o himself_o and_o acquit_v the_o most_o just_a god_n who_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o way_n to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sacramental_a preparation_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o matthew_n xxii_o 12._o preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n on_o the_o 8_o the_o of_o april_n 1688._o be_v palm-sunday_n matthew_n xxii_o 12._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding-garment_n the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o these_o word_n be_v figurative_a as_o be_v a_o parabolical_a description_n of_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o world_n the_o invaluable_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o king_n with_o great_a magnificence_n solemnize_n his_o son_n marriage_n and_o with_o equal_a bounty_n bid_v and_o invite_v all_o about_o he_o to_o that_o royal_a solemnity_n together_o with_o his_o severe_a animadversion_n both_o upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o come_v and_o upon_o one_o who_o do_v come_v in_o a_o very_a unbeseeming_a manner_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o parable_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o second_o the_o circumstantial_a passage_n serve_v only_o to_o complete_a and_o make_v up_o the_o narration_n according_o in_o our_o application_n of_o any_o parable_n to_o the_o thing_n design_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o it_o we_o must_v not_o
commission_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v whether_o ever_o it_o will_v come_v to_o be_v pardon_v in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o if_o sin_n be_v not_o thus_o prevent_v it_o will_v certain_o be_v commit_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o on_o the_o sinner_n part_n there_o will_v be_v always_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o other_o thing_n concur_v and_o providence_n cut_v not_o off_o the_o opportunity_n the_o act_n of_o sin_n must_v needs_o follow_v for_o a_o active_a principle_n second_v with_o the_o opportunity_n of_o action_n will_v infallible_o exert_v itself_o 2_o lie_n the_o other_o consideration_n be_v that_o in_o every_o sin_n deliberate_o commit_v there_o be_v general_o speak_v many_o more_o degree_n of_o probability_n that_o that_o sin_n will_v never_o come_v to_o be_v pardon_v than_o that_o it_o will_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v upon_o these_o three_o follow_a account_n 1._o because_o every_o commission_n of_o sin_n introduce_v into_o the_o soul_n a_o certain_a degree_n of_o hardness_n and_o a_o aptness_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o know_a maxim_n that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a to_o throw_v out_o than_o not_o to_o let_v in_o every_o degree_n of_o entrance_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o possession_n sin_n take_v into_o the_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o liquor_n pour_v into_o a_o vessel_n so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o it_o fill_v it_o also_o season_n the_o touch_n and_o tincture_n go_v together_o so_o that_o although_o the_o body_n of_o the_o liquor_n shall_v be_v pour_v out_o again_o yet_o still_o it_o leave_v that_o tangle_n behind_o it_o which_o make_v the_o vessel_n fit_a for_o that_o than_o for_o any_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n every_o act_n of_o sin_n strange_o transform_v and_o work_n over_o the_o soul_n to_o its_o own_o likeness_n sin_n in_o this_o be_v to_o the_o soul_n like_o fire_n to_o combustible_a matter_n it_o assimilate_v before_o it_o destroy_v it_o 2_o lie_n a_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o every_o commission_n of_o sin_n imprint_n upon_o the_o soul_n a_o further_a disposition_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n as_o the_o second_o three_o and_o four_o degree_n of_o heat_n be_v more_o easy_o introduce_v than_o the_o first_o every_o one_o be_v both_o a_o preparative_n and_o a_o step_n to_o the_o next_o drink_v both_o quench_v the_o present_a thirst_n and_o provoke_v it_o for_o the_o future_a when_o the_o soul_n be_v beat_v from_o its_o first_o station_n and_o the_o mound_n and_o outwork_n of_o virtue_n be_v once_o break_v down_o it_o become_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o what_o it_o be_v before_o in_o one_o single_a eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n when_o the_o act_n be_v over_o yet_o the_o relish_n remain_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o first_o repast_n be_v a_o easy_a allurement_n to_o the_o second_o one_o visit_n be_v enough_o to_o begin_v a_o acquaintance_n and_o this_o point_n be_v gain_v by_o it_o that_o when_o the_o visitant_n come_v again_o he_o be_v no_o more_o a_o stranger_n 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o grand_a reason_n be_v because_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v entitle_v the_o sinner_n to_o pardon_n which_o be_v repentance_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sinner_n power_n and_o he_o who_o go_v about_o the_o work_n will_v find_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o though_o god_n have_v certain_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o every_o one_o who_o repent_v yet_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v to_o any_o one_o to_o give_v he_o grace_n to_o repent_v this_o be_v the_o sinner_n hard_a lot_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o need_v repentance_n make_v he_o also_o in_o danger_n of_o not_o obtain_v it_o for_o it_o provoke_v and_o offend_v that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o alone_o can_v bestow_v this_o grace_n as_o the_o same_o treason_n which_o put_v a_o traitor_n in_o need_n of_o his_o prince_n mercy_n be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o just_a provocation_n to_o his_o prince_n to_o deny_v it_o he_o now_o let_v these_o three_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o first_o that_o every_o commission_n of_o sin_n in_o some_o degree_n harden_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o sin_n second_o that_o every_o commission_n of_o sin_n dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o proceed_v further_o in_o sin_n and_o three_o that_o to_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o sin_n without_o which_o all_o pardon_n be_v impossible_a be_v not_o in_o the_o sinner_n power_n and_o then_o i_o suppose_v there_o can_v but_o appear_v a_o great_a likelihood_n that_o a_o sin_n once_o commit_v will_n in_o the_o issue_n not_o be_v pardon_v than_o that_o it_o will_n to_o all_o which_o add_v the_o confirmation_n of_o general_a experience_n and_o the_o real_a event_n of_o thing_n that_o where_o one_o man_n ever_o come_v to_o repent_v a_o hundred_o i_o may_v say_v a_o thousand_o at_o least_o end_v their_o day_n in_o final_a impenitence_n all_o which_o consider_v sure_o there_o can_v need_v a_o more_o pregnant_a argument_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o prevent_v mercy_n if_o it_o do_v no_o more_o for_o a_o man_n than_o this_o that_o his_o grand_a immortal_a concern_v more_o valuable_a to_o he_o than_o ten_o thousand_o world_n be_v not_o throw_v upon_o a_o critical_a point_n that_o he_o be_v not_o bronght_n to_o his_o last_o stake_n that_o he_o be_v rescue_v from_o the_o first_o descent_n into_o hell_n and_o the_o high_a probability_n of_o damnation_n for_o whatsoever_o the_o issue_n prove_v it_o be_v certain_o a_o miserable_a thing_n to_o be_v force_v to_o cast_v lot_n for_o one_o life_n yet_o in_o every_o sin_n a_o man_n do_v the_o same_o for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o bold_a sinner_n take_v this_o one_o consideration_n along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o sin_n that_o whether_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v about_o to_o act_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v pardon_v or_o no_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v act_v it_o quite_o turn_v the_o balance_n put_v his_o salvation_n upon_o the_o venture_n leave_v he_o but_o one_o cast_n for_o all_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o much_o more_o dreadful_a make_v it_o ten_o to_o one_o odds_o against_o he_o but_o let_v we_o now_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o case_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o sin_n which_o upon_o non-prevention_n come_v to_o be_v commit_v come_v also_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v pardon_v yet_o in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n the_o greatness_n of_o this_o preventing-mercy_n be_v eminent_o prove_v from_o those_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o prevention_n of_o sin_n above_o what_o can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o bare_a pardon_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o two_o great_a respect_n 1._o of_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o man_n condition_n 2._o of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o first_o for_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o condition_n if_o innocence_n be_v preferrible_a to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v clean_o be_v more_o desirable_a than_o to_o be_v cleanse_v then_o sure_o prevention_n of_o sin_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o precedence_n of_o its_o pardon_n for_o so_o much_o of_o prevention_n so_o much_o of_o innocence_n there_o be_v indeed_o various_a degree_n of_o it_o and_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n do_v not_o deal_v forth_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o his_o prevent_v grace_n to_o all._n sometime_o he_o may_v suffer_v the_o soul_n but_o just_a to_o begin_v the_o sinful_a production_n in_o reflect_v upon_o a_o sin_n suggest_v by_o the_o imagination_n with_o some_o complacency_n and_o delight_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n be_v to_o conceive_v sin_n and_o then_o in_o these_o early_a imperfect_a beginning_n god_n perhaps_o may_v present_o dash_v and_o extinguish_v it_o or_o possible_o he_o may_v permit_v the_o sinful_a conception_n to_o receive_v life_n and_o form_n by_o pass_v into_o a_o purpose_n of_o commit_v it_o and_o then_o he_o may_v make_v it_o prove_v abortive_a by_o stifle_v it_o before_o ever_o it_o come_v to_o the_o birth_n or_o perhaps_o god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o let_v it_o come_v even_o to_o the_o birth_n by_o some_o strong_a endeavour_n to_o commit_v it_o and_o yet_o then_o deny_v it_o strength_n to_o bring_v forth_o so_o that_o it_o never_o come_v into_o actual_a commission_n or_o last_o god_n may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o see_v the_o world_n by_o permit_v the_o endeavour_n of_o sin_n to_o pass_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o fatal_a step_n but_o one_o which_o be_v by_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o sinful_a act_n to_o continue_v and_o persist_v in_o it_o till_o at_o length_n it_o settle_v
into_o a_o fix_a confirm_a habit_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v proper_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o finish_n of_o sin_n end_v certain_o in_o death_n death_n not_o only_o as_o to_o merit_v but_o also_o as_o to_o actual_a infliction_n now_o peradventure_o in_o this_o whole_a progress_n prevent_v grace_n may_v sometime_o come_v in_o to_o the_o poor_a sinner_n help_n but_o at_o the_o last_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o have_v suffer_v he_o to_o run_v all_o the_o former_a risk_a and_o maze_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o descend_v so_o many_o step_n downward_o to_o the_o black_a region_n of_o death_n as_o first_o from_o the_o bare_a thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o sin_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o with_o some_o beginning_n of_o appetite_n and_o delight_n from_o thence_o to_o purpose_n and_o intend_v it_o and_o from_o intend_v to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o from_o endeavour_v actual_o to_o commit_v it_o and_o have_v commit_v it_o perhaps_o for_o some_o time_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o then_o i_o say_v after_o all_o this_o god_n may_v turn_v the_o fatal_a stream_n and_o by_o a_o mighty_a grace_n interrupt_v its_o course_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o pass_v into_o a_o settle_a habit_n and_o so_o hinder_v the_o absolute_a completion_n of_o sin_n in_o final_a obduracy_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o wheresoever_o it_o please_v god_n to_o stop_v the_o sinner_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n how_o far_o soever_o he_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o his_o way_n towards_o it_o it_o be_v a_o vast_a ineffable_a mercy_n a_o mercy_n as_o great_a as_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o salvation_n to_o a_o man_n totter_v with_o horror_n upon_o the_o very_a edge_n and_o brink_n of_o destruction_n but_o if_o more_o than_o all_o this_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v by_o a_o early_a grace_n to_o prevent_v sin_n so_o soon_o as_o to_o keep_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o virginity_n of_o its_o first_o innocence_n not_o taint_v with_o the_o desire_n and_o much_o less_o deflower_v with_o the_o form_a purpose_n of_o any_o thing_n vile_a and_o sinful_a what_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o a_o convert_v but_o a_o crown_n grace_n such_o a_o one_o as_o irradiate_n and_o put_v a_o circle_n of_o glory_n about_o the_o head_n of_o he_o upon_o who_o it_o descend_v it_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o set_v he_o triumphant_a above_o the_o necessity_n of_o tear_n and_o sorrow_n mourn_v and_o repentance_n the_o sad_a after-game_n of_o a_o lose_a innocence_n and_o this_o bring_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o other_o great_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o prevention_n of_o sin_n above_o what_o can_v be_v have_v from_o the_o bare_a pardon_n of_o it_o namely_o 2._o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n there_o be_v that_o true_a joy_n that_o solid_a and_o substantial_a comfort_n convey_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o preventing-grace_n which_o pardoning-grace_n at_o the_o best_a very_o seldom_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n never_o give_v for_o since_o all_o joy_n pass_v into_o the_o heart_n through_o the_o understanding_n the_o object_n of_o it_o must_v be_v know_v by_o one_o before_o it_o can_v affect_v the_o other_o now_o when_o grace_n keep_v a_o man_n so_o within_o his_o bound_n that_o sin_n be_v prevent_v he_o certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o rejoice_v upon_o the_o firm_a infallible_a ground_n of_o sense_n and_o assurance_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o grace_n may_v have_v reverse_v the_o condemn_v sentence_n and_o seal_v the_o sinner_n pardon_n before_o god_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v leave_v no_o transcript_n of_o that_o pardon_n in_o the_o sinner_n breast_n the_o handwriting_n against_o he_o may_v be_v cancel_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o enditement_n run_v on_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a as_o to_o his_o condition_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n dark_a and_o doubtful_a as_o to_o his_o apprehension_n secure_v in_o his_o pardon_n but_o miserable_a in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o pass_v all_o his_o day_n in_o the_o disconsolate_a uneasy_a vicissitude_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n at_o length_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o black_a cloud_n draw_v over_o all_o a_o man_n comfort_n a_o cloud_n which_o though_o it_o can_v hinder_v the_o support_a influence_n of_o heaven_n yet_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o intercept_v the_o refresh_a light_n of_o it_o the_o pardon_v person_n must_v not_o think_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o vantage_n ground_n with_o the_o innocent_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o safe_a but_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o without_o a_o rare_a privilege_n both_o can_v be_v equal_o cheerful_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o advantageous_a effect_n of_o prevent_v above_o those_o of_o pardon_v grace_n which_o be_v the_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o proposition_n pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o next_o general_n thing_n propose_v for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o namely_o 2._o it_o be_v application_n which_o from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n may_v afford_v we_o several_a useful_a deduction_n but_o chief_o by_o way_n of_o information_n in_o these_o three_o follow_v particular_n as_o first_o this_o may_v inform_v and_o convince_v we_o how_o vast_o great_a a_o pleasure_n be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o forbearance_n of_o sin_n than_o can_v possible_o accompany_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o how_o much_o high_o a_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v find_v from_o a_o conquer_a than_o from_o a_o conquer_a passion_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o we_o need_v look_v no_o further_o than_o the_o great_a example_n here_o before_o we_o revenge_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o luscious_a morsel_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v put_v into_o the_o sinner_n mouth_n but_o do_v we_o think_v that_o david_n can_v have_v find_v half_o that_o pleasure_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o revenge_n that_o he_o express_v here_o upon_o the_o disappointment_n of_o it_o possible_o it_o may_v have_v please_v he_o in_o the_o present_a heat_n and_o hurry_v of_o his_o rage_n but_o must_v have_v displease_v he_o infinite_o more_o in_o the_o cool_a sedate_v reflection_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o sin_n can_v please_v no_o long_o than_o for_o that_o pitiful_a space_n of_o time_n while_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o sure_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o a_o sinful_a act_n be_v a_o poor_a countervail_v for_o the_o bitterness_n of_o the_o review_n which_o begin_v where_o the_o action_n end_n and_o last_v for_o ever_o there_o be_v no_o ill_a thing_n which_o a_o man_n do_v in_o his_o passion_n but_o his_o memory_n will_v be_v revenge_v on_o he_o for_o it_o afterward_o all_o pleasure_n spring_v from_o a_o gratify_v passion_n as_o most_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n do_v must_v needs_o determine_v with_o that_o passion_n it_o be_v short_a violent_a and_o fallacious_a and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o imagination_n be_v disabused_a will_v certain_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o therefore_o des_n cartes_n prescribe_v excellent_o well_o for_o the_o regulation_n of_o the_o passion_n viz._n that_o a_o man_n shall_v fix_v and_o fore-arm_n his_o mind_n with_o this_o settle_a persuasion_n that_o during_o that_o commotion_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o which_o passion_n proper_o consist_v whatsoever_o be_v offer_v to_o his_o imagination_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o tend_v only_o to_o deceive_v his_o reason_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o real_a trapan_n upon_o it_o feed_v it_o with_o colour_n and_o appearance_n instead_o of_o argument_n and_o drive_v the_o very_a same_o bargain_n which_o jacob_n do_v with_o esau_n a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n for_o a_o birthright_n a_o present_a repast_n for_o a_o perpetuity_n second_o we_o have_v here_o a_o sure_a unfailing_a criterion_n by_o which_o every_o man_n may_v 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deliver_v i_o from_o such_o a_o lewd_a company_n and_o such_o a_o vicious_a acquaintance_n which_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o person_n and_o bless_a be_v that_o god_n who_o cast_v rub_n and_o stop_n and_o hindrance_n in_o my_o way_n when_o i_o be_v attempt_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o sin_n who_o take_v i_o out_o of_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n such_o a_o place_n or_o such_o a_o employment_n which_o be_v a_o continual_a snare_n and_o temptation_n to_o i_o and_o bless_a be_v such_o a_o preacher_n and_o such_o a_o friend_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o my_o wicked_a heart_n and_o so_o turn_v i_o out_o of_o the_o path_n of_o death_n and_o destruction_n and_o save_v i_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o myself_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n shall_v remember_v with_o joy_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n such_o as_o shall_v cheer_v and_o warm_v his_o heart_n even_o in_o that_o last_o and_o bitter_a agony_n when_o many_o from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v wish_v that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v rich_a or_o great_a or_o powerful_a and_o reflect_v with_o anguish_n and_o remorse_n upon_o those_o splendid_a occasion_n of_o sin_n which_o serve_v they_o for_o little_a but_o to_o heighten_v their_o gild_n and_o at_o best_a to_o inflame_v their_o account_n at_o that_o great_a tribunal_n which_o they_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v before_o 3._o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n we_o learn_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a reasonableness_n of_o not_o only_o a_o content_a but_o also_o a_o thankful_a acquiescence_n in_o any_o condition_n and_o under_o the_o cross_a and_o severe_a passage_n of_o providence_n which_o can_v possible_o befall_v we_o since_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o these_o but_o may_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o preventing-grace_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o merciful_a god_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o those_o course_n which_o will_v otherwise_o assure_o end_v in_o our_o confusion_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o enjoyment_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v either_o desirous_a or_o capable_a of_o but_o may_v be_v to_o he_o a_o direct_a inducement_n to_o sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v big_a with_o mischief_n and_o carry_v death_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o it_o but_o to_o make_v the_o assertion_n more_o particular_a and_o thereby_o more_o convince_a let_v we_o take_v a_o account_n of_o it_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o three_o great_a and_o deserve_o most_o value_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o health_n 2_o reputation_n and_o 3_o wealth_n first_o and_o first_o for_o health_n have_v god_n make_v a_o breach_n upon_o that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v build_v up_o thy_o soul_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o thy_o body_n have_v he_o bereave_v thou_o of_o the_o use_n and_o vigour_n of_o thy_o limb_n possible_o he_o see_v that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o thy_o lust_n and_o the_o active_a minister_n of_o thy_o debauchery_n perhaps_o thy_o languish_a upon_o thy_o bed_n have_v keep_v thou_o from_o rot_v in_o a_o gaol_n or_o in_o a_o worse_a place_n god_n see_v it_o necessary_a by_o such_o mortification_n to_o quench_v the_o boiling_n of_o a_o furious_a overflow_a appetite_n and_o the_o boundless_a rage_n of_o a_o insatiable_a intemperance_n to_o make_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o physic_n and_o restaurative_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o a_o word_n rather_o to_o save_v thou_o disease_a sickly_a and_o deform_v than_o to_o let_v strength_n health_n and_o beauty_n drive_v thou_o headlong_o as_o they_o have_v do_v many_o thousand_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n second_o have_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n think_v fit_a to_o drop_v a_o blot_n upon_o thy_o name_n and_o to_o blast_v thy_o reputation_n he_o see_v perhaps_o that_o the_o breath_n of_o popular_a air_n be_v grow_v infectious_a and_o will_v have_v derive_v a_o contagion_n upon_o thy_o better_a part_n pride_n and_o vainglory_n have_v mount_v thou_o too_o high_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o mercy_n to_o take_v thou_o down_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a fall_n a_o good_a name_n be_v indeed_o better_a than_o life_n but_o a_o sound_a mind_n be_v better_a than_o both_o praise_n and_o applause_n have_v swell_v thou_o to_o a_o proportion_n ready_a to_o burst_v it_o have_v vitiate_a all_o thy_o spiritual_a appetite_n and_o bring_v thou_o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o air_n and_o to_o surfeit_v upon_o the_o wind_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o starve_v thy_o soul_n only_o to_o pamper_v thy_o imagination_n and_o now_o if_o god_n make_v use_v of_o some_o poignant_a disgrace_n to_o prick_v this_o enormous_a bladder_n and_o to_o let_v out_o the_o poisonous_a vapour_n be_v not_o the_o mercy_n great_a than_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o cure_n cover_v they_o with_o shame_n say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v thy_o name_n fame_n and_o glory_n transport_v a_o man_n out_o of_o himself_o and_o like_o a_o violent_a wind_n though_o it_o may_v bear_v he_o up_o for_o a_o while_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o let_v he_o fall_v at_o last_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n loose_a and_o garish_a scatter_v the_o spirit_n and_o leave_v a_o kind_n of_o dissolution_n upon_o all_o the_o faculty_n whereas_o shame_n on_o the_o contrary_n as_o all_o grief_n do_v natural_o contract_n and_o unite_v and_o thereby_o fortify_v the_o spirit_n fix_v the_o rambling_n of_o fancy_n and_o so_o reduce_v and_o gather_v the_o man_n into_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o sovereign_a effect_n of_o a_o bitter_a potion_n administer_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n and_o what_o hurt_n can_v there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o slander_n obloquy_n and_o disgrace_n of_o this_o world_n if_o they_o be_v but_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o providence_n to_o shame_v we_o into_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o but_o then_o three_o and_o last_o have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o cast_v thy_o lot_n among_o the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o either_o by_o deny_v thou_o any_o share_n of_o the_o plenty_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v something_o grievous_a or_o by_o take_v they_o away_o which_o be_v much_o more_o so_o yet_o still_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o prevent_v mercy_n for_o so_o much_o mischief_n as_o riches_n have_v do_v and_o may_v do_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o much_o mercy_n may_v there_o be_v in_o take_v they_o away_o for_o do_v not_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n next_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o riches_n keep_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o eccles._n 5._o 13._o and_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o speak_v of_o the_o intolerable_a difficulty_n which_o they_o cause_n in_o man_n passage_n to_o
heaven_n do_v they_o not_o make_v the_o narrow_a way_n much_o narrow_a and_o contract_v the_o gate_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o the_o straightness_n of_o a_o needle_n be_v eye_n and_o now_o if_o god_n will_v fit_v thou_o for_o this_o passage_n by_o take_v off_o thy_o load_n and_o empty_v thy_o bag_n and_o so_o suit_v the_o narrowness_n of_o thy_o fortune_n to_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n thou_o be_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n but_o mercy_n in_o all_o this_o nay_o be_v not_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n conspicuous_a in_o the_o poverty_n of_o thy_o condition_n thou_o who_o repine_v at_o the_o plenty_n and_o splendour_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n at_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o income_n and_o the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o retinue_n consider_v what_o be_v frequent_o the_o dismal_a wretched_a consequence_n of_o all_o this_o and_o thou_o will_v have_v little_a cause_n to_o envy_n this_o gaudy_a great_a one_o or_o to_o wish_v thyself_o in_o his_o room_n for_o do_v we_o not_o often_o hear_v of_o this_o or_o that_o young_a heir_n new_o come_v to_o his_o father_n vast_a estate_n a_o happy_a man_n no_o doubt_n but_o do_v not_o the_o town_n present_o ring_v of_o his_o debauchery_n his_o blasphemy_n and_o his_o murder_n be_v not_o his_o riches_n and_o his_o lewdness_n talk_v of_o together_o and_o the_o odiousness_n of_o one_o heighten_v and_o set_v off_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o his_o oath_n his_o riot_n and_o other_o villainy_n reckon_v by_o as_o many_o thousand_o as_o his_o estate_n now_o consider_v have_v this_o grand_a debauchee_n this_o glister_a monster_n be_v bear_v to_o thy_o poverty_n and_o mean_a circumstance_n he_o can_v not_o have_v contract_v such_o a_o clamorous_a gild_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bad_a nor_o perhaps_o have_v thy_o birth_n enstate_v thou_o in_o the_o same_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n will_v thou_o have_v be_v at_o all_o better_a this_o god_n foresee_v and_o know_v in_o the_o 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love_v his_o person_n while_o he_o disarm_v his_o frenzy_n and_o whether_o by_o health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n wealth_n or_o poverty_n life_n or_o death_n mercy_n be_v still_o contrive_v act_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o all_o those_o who_o love_n god_n and_o be_v love_v by_o he_o to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o sermon_n on_o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o christ-church_n oxon._n the_o first_o preach_v on_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o nou._n 1691._o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o more_o moment_n so_o few_o thing_n doubtless_o be_v of_o more_o difficulty_n than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v rational_o satisfy_v about_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o eternity_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o which_o if_o they_o err_v final_o it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n miss_v his_o cast_n when_o he_o throw_v dice_n for_o his_o life_n his_o be_v his_o happiness_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o error_n of_o one_o throw_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v very_o well_o deserve_v our_o best_a skill_n and_o care_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v guide_v our_o judgement_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n both_o with_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o this_o i_o think_v can_v be_v better_a do_v than_o by_o separate_v the_o false_a and_o fallacious_a from_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a for_o if_o the_o rule_n we_o judge_v by_o be_v uncertain_a it_o be_v odds_o but_o we_o shall_v judge_v wrong_a and_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v right_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o skill_n but_o chance_n not_o a_o true_a judgement_n but_o a_o lucky_a hit_v which_o certain_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o much_o too_o high_a a_o value_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o first_o of_o all_o then_o he_o who_o will_v pass_v such_o a_o judgement_n upon_o his_o condition_n as_o shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v at_o that_o great_a tribunal_n from_o which_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n will_v find_v himself_o woeful_o deceive_v if_o he_o judge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o any_o of_o these_o four_o follow_a measure_n as_o 1._o the_o general_a esteem_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v he_o he_o who_o owe_v his_o piety_n to_o fame_n and_o hear-say_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o salvation_n to_o popular_a voice_n and_o opinion_n build_v his_o house_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o sand_n but_o which_o be_v worse_o upon_o the_o wind_n and_o write_v the_o deed_n by_o which_o he_o hold_v his_o estate_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o a_o river_n he_o make_v a_o bodily_a eye_n the_o judge_n of_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v see_v and_o humour_n and_o ignorance_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n both_o think_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o justification_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n have_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n draw_v upon_o his_o face_n nor_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o election_n write_v upon_o his_o forehead_n he_o who_o will_v know_v a_o man_n thorough_o must_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o door_n of_o which_o be_v keep_v shut_v to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o inspection_n of_o which_o be_v only_o the_o prerogative_n of_o omniscience_n the_o favourable_a opinion_n and_o good_a word_n of_o man_n to_o some_o person_n especial_o come_v oftentimes_o at_o a_o very_a easy_a rate_n and_o by_o a_o few_o demure_a look_n and_o affect_v whine_v set_v off_o with_o some_o odd_a devotional_a posture_n and_o grimaces_n and_o such_o other_o little_a art_n of_o dissimulation_n cunning_a man_n will_v do_v wonder_n and_o commence_v present_o hero_n for_o sanctity_n self-denial_n and_o sincerity_n while_o within_o perhaps_o they_o be_v as_o proud_a as_o lucifer_n as_o covetous_a as_o demas_n as_o false_a as_o judas_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n act_n and_o be_v act_v not_o by_o devotion_n but_o design_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v though_o the_o moysaicall_a part_n of_o judaism_n be_v abolish_v among_o christian_n the_o pharisaical_a part_n of_o it_o never_o will_n a_o grave_n staunch_a skilful_o manage_v face_n set_v upon_o a_o grasp_a aspire_a mind_n have_v get_v many_o a_o sly_a formalist_n the_o reputation_n of_o a_o primitive_a and_o severe_a piety_n forsooth_o and_o make_v many_o such_o mountebank_n pass_v admire_v even_o for_o saint_n upon_o earth_n as_o the_o word_n be_v who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o nowhere_o else_o but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v never_o see_v the_o stately_a outside_n of_o a_o tomb_n or_o paint_a sepulchre_n before_o may_v very_o well_o be_v excuse_v if_o he_o take_v it_o rather_o for_o the_o repository_n of_o some_o rich_a treasure_n than_o of_o a_o noisome_a corpse_n but_o shall_v he_o but_o once_o open_a and_o rake_v into_o it_o though_o he_o can_v not_o see_v he_o will_v quick_o smell_v out_o his_o mistake_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o appearance_n nothing_o but_o show_n and_o surface_n and_o many_o make_v it_o their_o business_n their_o study_n and_o concern_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o who_o have_v for_o many_o year_n together_o deceive_v all_o about_o they_o be_v at_o last_o willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o too_o and_o by_o a_o long_a immemorial_n practice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prescription_n
the_o fit_a engine_n to_o get_v into_o power_n by_o which_o by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o they_o general_o manage_v with_o as_o little_a tenderness_n as_o they_o do_v with_o conscience_n of_o which_o we_o have_v have_v but_o too_o much_o experience_n already_o and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o venture_v upon_o more_o in_o a_o word_n conscience_n not_o act_v by_o and_o under_o a_o law_n be_v a_o boundless_a dare_a and_o presumptuous_a thing_n and_o for_o any_o one_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o to_o challenge_v to_o himself_o a_o privilege_n of_o do_v what_o he_o will_v and_o of_o be_v unaccountable_a for_o what_o he_o do_v be_v in_o all_o reason_n too_o much_o either_o for_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o pretend_v to_o 3_o lie_n the_o three_o and_o last_o property_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o make_v the_o verdict_n of_o it_o so_o authentic_a be_v its_o great_a and_o rigorous_a impartiality_n for_o as_o its_o wonderful_a apprehensiveness_n make_v that_o it_o can_v not_o easy_o be_v deceive_v so_o this_o make_v that_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n deceive_v a_o judge_n you_o know_v may_v be_v skilful_a in_o understand_v a_o cause_n and_o yet_o partial_a in_o give_v sentence_n but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o with_o conscience_n no_o artifice_n can_v induce_v it_o to_o accuse_v the_o innocent_a or_o to_o absolve_v the_o guilty_a no_o we_o may_v as_o well_o bribe_v the_o light_n and_o the_o day_n to_o represent_v white_a thing_n black_a or_o black_a white_a what_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v power_n rhetoric_n or_o riches_n when_o they_o will_v terrify_v dissuade_v or_o buy_v off_o conscience_n from_o pronounce_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o man_n action_n for_o still_o as_o we_o have_v show_v conscience_n be_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o though_o judge_n may_v be_v bribe_v or_o frighten_v yet_o law_n can_v the_o law_n be_v impartial_a and_o inflexible_a it_o have_v no_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o consequent_o never_o accept_v person_n nor_o dispense_v with_o itself_o for_o let_v the_o most_o potent_a sinner_n upon_o earth_n speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o can_v command_v down_o the_o clamour_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o impose_v silence_n upon_o that_o bold_a reprover_n he_o may_v perhaps_o for_o a_o while_n put_v on_o a_o high_a and_o a_o big_a look_v but_o can_v he_o for_o all_o that_o look_v conscience_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o he_o may_v also_o dissemble_v a_o little_a force_a jollity_n that_o be_v he_o may_v court_v his_o mistress_n and_o quaff_v his_o cup_n and_o perhaps_o sprinkle_v they_o now_o and_o then_o with_o a_o few_o dammee_n but_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n beside_o his_o own_o wretched_a miserable_a self_n know_v of_o those_o secret_n bitter_a infusion_n which_o that_o terrible_a thing_n call_v conscience_n make_v into_o all_o his_o draught_n believe_v it_o most_o of_o the_o appear_a mirth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o mirth_n but_o art_n the_o wound_a spirit_n be_v not_o see_v but_o walk_v under_o a_o disguise_n and_o still_o the_o less_o you_o see_v of_o it_o the_o better_a it_o look_v on_o the_o contrary_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o virtuous_a person_n let_v he_o declare_v free_o whether_o ever_o his_o conscience_n check_v he_o for_o his_o innocence_n or_o upbraid_v he_o for_o a_o action_n of_o duty_n do_v it_o ever_o bestow_v any_o of_o its_o hide_a lash_n or_o conceal_v bite_v on_o a_o mind_n severe_o pure_a chaste_a and_o religious_a but_o when_o conscience_n shall_v complain_v cry_v out_o and_o recoil_v let_v a_o man_n descend_v into_o himself_o with_o too_o just_a a_o suspicion_n that_o all_o be_v not_o right_o within_o for_o sure_o that_o hue_n and_o cry_n be_v not_o raise_v upon_o he_o for_o nothing_o the_o spoil_n of_o a_o rifle_a innocence_n be_v bear_v away_o and_o the_o man_n have_v steal_v something_o from_o his_o own_o soul_n for_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v pursue_v and_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o be_v over-took_a let_v every_o one_o therefore_o attend_v the_o sentence_n of_o his_o conscience_n for_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o dawb_v nor_o flatter_v it_o be_v as_o severe_a as_o law_n as_o impartial_a as_o truth_n it_o will_v neither_o conceal_v nor_o pervert_v what_o it_o know_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o of_o those_o four_o particular_n at_o first_o propose_v and_o show_v whence_o and_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n concern_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o namely_o for_o that_o it_o be_v full_o empower_v and_o commission_v to_o this_o great_a office_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v extreme_o quicksighted_n to_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v and_o moreover_o very_o tender_a and_o sensible_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v most_o exact_o and_o severe_o impartial_a in_o judge_v of_o whatsoever_o come_v before_o it_o every_o one_o of_o which_o qualification_n just_o contribute_v to_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v by_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n suggest_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o i_o shall_v mention_v three_o 1._o in_o our_o address_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v presume_v to_o come_v and_o place_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o ask_v something_o of_o he_o while_o his_o conscience_n be_v all_o the_o while_n smite_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o rebel_n and_o a_o traitor_n he_o be_v to_o the_o majesty_n which_o he_o supplicate_v sure_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v think_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o god_n who_o he_o pray_v to_o be_v great_a than_o his_o conscience_n and_o pierce_v into_o all_o the_o filth_n and_o baseness_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o a_o much_o clear_a and_o more_o severe_a inspection_n and_o if_o so_o will_v he_o not_o likewise_o resent_v the_o provocation_n more_o deep_o and_o revenge_v it_o upon_o he_o more_o terrible_o if_o repentance_n do_v not_o divert_v the_o blow_n every_o such_o prayer_n be_v big_a with_o impiety_n and_o contradiction_n and_o make_v as_o odious_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o the_o harangue_n of_o one_o of_o those_o rebel_n fast_n or_o humiliation_n in_o the_o year_n forty_o one_o invoke_v the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o such_o action_n and_o design_n as_o nothing_o but_o hell_n can_v reward_v one_o of_o the_o most_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v for_o prayer_n be_v a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n of_o a_o man_n fitness_n for_o that_o duty_n in_o heb._n 10._o 22._o let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o whence_o must_v this_o assurance_n spring_n why_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n of_o the_o same_o verse_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n otherwise_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o impure_a conscience_n will_v cry_v much_o loud_a than_o our_o prayer_n and_o speak_v more_o effectual_o against_o we_o than_o these_o can_v intercede_v for_o we_o and_o now_o if_o prayer_n be_v the_o great_a conduit_n of_o mercy_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n be_v derive_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o noble_a instrument_n of_o converse_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n then_o sure_o that_o which_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a and_o loathsome_a to_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o most_o mischievous_a and_o destructive_a consequence_n to_o mankind_n imaginable_a and_o consequent_o to_o be_v remove_v with_o all_o that_o earnestness_n and_o concern_v with_o which_o a_o man_n will_v rid_v himself_o of_o a_o plague_n or_o a_o moral_a infection_n for_o it_o taint_v and_o pollute_v every_o prayer_n it_o turn_v a_o oblation_n into_o a_o affront_n and_o the_o odour_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n into_o the_o exhalation_n of_o a_o carcase_n and_o in_o a_o word_n make_v the_o heaven_n over_o we_o brass_n deny_v all_o passage_n either_o to_o descend_v mercy_n or_o ascend_a petition_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o a_o man_n breast_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o same_o heart_n which_o endite_v do_v also_o encourage_v his_o prayer_n when_o his_o innocence_n push_v on_o the_o attempt_n and_o vouch_v the_o success_n such_o a_o one_o go_v bold_o to_o
the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o boldness_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o welcome_n god_n recognize_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n intercede_v within_o he_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o follow_v but_o even_o prevent_v with_o a_o answer_n 2_o a_o second_o instance_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o show_v itself_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o some_o notable_a trial_n or_o sharp_a affliction_n when_o a_o man_n friend_n shall_v desert_v he_o his_o relation_n disow_v he_o and_o all_o dependency_n fail_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a world_n frown_v upon_o he_o certain_o it_o will_v then_o be_v of_o some_o moment_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n which_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a spirit_n and_o speak_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o than_o all_o these_o together_o can_v declaim_v against_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o no_o height_n of_o honour_n nor_o affluence_n of_o fortune_n can_v keep_v a_o man_n from_o be_v miserable_a nor_o indeed_o contemptible_a when_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n shall_v fly_v at_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o no_o temporal_a adversity_n can_v cut_v off_o those_o inward_a secret_a invincible_a supply_n of_o comfort_n which_o conscience_n shall_v pour_v in_o upon_o distress_a innocence_n in_o spite_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o worldly_a calamity_n naturalist_n observe_v that_o when_o the_o frost_n seize_v upon_o wine_n they_o be_v only_o the_o slight_a and_o more_o waterish_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v congeal_v but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a spirit_n which_o can_v retreat_v into_o itself_o and_o there_o within_o its_o own_o compass_n lie_v secure_a from_o the_o freeze_a impression_n of_o the_o element_n round_o about_o it_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n while_o a_o good_a conscience_n make_v it_o firm_a and_o impenetrable_a a_o outward_a affliction_n can_v no_o more_o benumb_v or_o quell_v it_o than_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n can_v freeze_v up_o the_o blood_n in_o a_o man_n vein_n or_o a_o little_a shower_n of_o rain_n soak_v into_o his_o heart_n and_o there_o quench_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n itself_o take_v the_o two_o great_a instance_n of_o misery_n which_o i_o think_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o wit_n poverty_n and_o shame_n and_o i_o dare_v oppose_v conscience_n to_o they_o both_o and_o first_o for_o poverty_n suppose_v a_o man_n strip_v of_o all_o driven_z out_o of_o house_n and_o home_n and_o perhaps_o out_o of_o his_o country_n too_o which_o have_v within_o our_o memory_n happen_v to_o so_o many_o may_v too_o easy_o god_n know_v be_v suppose_v again_o yet_o if_o his_o conscience_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o failure_n in_o his_o own_o duty_n but_o from_o the_o success_n of_o another_o villainy_n that_o all_o this_o befall_v he_o why_o then_o his_o banishment_n become_v his_o preferment_n his_o rag_n his_o trophy_n his_o nakedness_n his_o ornament_n and_o so_o long_o as_o his_o innocence_n be_v his_o repast_n he_o feast_v and_o banquet_n upon_o bread_n and_o water_n he_o have_v disarm_v his_o affliction_n unstung_a his_o misery_n and_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o great_a and_o good_a man_n who_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o rebellion_n and_o confusion_n be_v force_v into_o foreign_a country_n for_o their_o unshaken_a firmness_n and_o fidelity_n to_o the_o oppress_a cause_n of_o majesty_n and_o religion_n whether_o their_o conscience_n do_v not_o like_o a_o fidus_n achates_n still_o bear_v they_o company_n stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o suggest_v comfort_n even_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o comfort_n be_v invisible_a and_o in_o a_o word_n verify_v that_o great_a say_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o mouth_n we_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o we_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o man_n abridgement_n in_o his_o external_n accommodation_n which_o make_v he_o miserable_a but_o when_o his_o conscience_n shall_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o tooth_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o folly_n which_o bring_v he_o under_o these_o abridgement_n that_o his_o present_a scanty_a meal_n be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o his_o former_a over_o full_a one_o that_o it_o be_v his_o tailor_n and_o his_o cook_n his_o fine_a fashion_n and_o his_o french_a ragou's_fw-fr which_o sequester_v he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o come_v by_o his_o poverty_n as_o sinful_o as_o some_o usual_o do_v by_o their_o riches_n and_o consequent_o that_o providence_n treat_v he_o with_o all_o these_o severity_n not_o by_o way_n of_o trial_n but_o by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o revenge_n the_o mind_n sure_o of_o itself_o can_v feel_v none_o of_o the_o burn_n of_o a_o fever_n but_o if_o my_o fever_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o surfeit_n and_o that_o surfeit_v cause_v by_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v that_o which_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o fiery_a disease_n and_o rage_n to_o the_o distemper_n 2_o lie_n let_v we_o consider_v also_o the_o case_n of_o calumny_n and_o disgrace_n doubtless_o the_o sting_n of_o every_o reproachful_a speech_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v conscious_a be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o edge_n and_o keenness_n to_o the_o invective_n otherwise_o when_o conscience_n shall_v plead_v not_o guilty_a to_o the_o charge_n a_o man_n entertain_v it_o not_o as_o a_o endictment_n but_o as_o a_o libel_n he_o hear_v all_o such_o calumny_n with_o a_o generous_a unconcernment_n and_o receive_v they_o at_o one_o ear_n give_v they_o a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n through_o the_o other_o they_o fall_v upon_o he_o like_o rain_n or_o hail_n upon_o a_o oil_a garment_n they_o may_v make_v a_o noise_n indeed_o but_o can_v find_v no_o entrance_n the_o very_a whisper_v of_o a_o acquit_v conscience_n will_v drown_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o loud_a slander_n what_o a_o long_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o many_o other_o base_a thing_n do_v iob_n friend_n draw_v up_o against_o he_o but_o he_o regard_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o dunghill_n which_o he_o sit_v upon_o while_o his_o conscience_n enable_v he_o to_o appeal_v even_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o spite_n of_o calumny_n to_o assert_v and_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n and_o do_v not_o joseph_n lie_v under_o as_o black_a a_o infamy_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o the_o lewd_a villainy_n can_v fasten_v upon_o he_o yet_o his_o conscience_n raise_v he_o so_o much_o above_o it_o that_o he_o scorn_v so_o much_o as_o to_o clear_v himself_o or_o to_o recriminate_a the_o strumpet_n by_o a_o true_a narrative_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a story_n such_o confidence_n such_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n do_v a_o clear_a conscience_n give_v a_o man_n always_o make_v he_o more_o solicitous_a to_o preserve_v his_o innocence_n than_o concern_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o 3_o d._n and_o last_o instance_n in_o which_o above_o all_o other_o this_o confidence_n towards_o god_n do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n which_o sure_o give_v the_o grand_a opportunity_n of_o try_v both_o the_o strength_n and_o worth_a of_o every_o principle_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v just_a about_o to_o quit_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n to_o put_v off_o his_o mortality_n and_o to_o deliver_v up_o his_o last_o account_n to_o god_n at_o which_o sad_a time_n his_o memory_n shall_v serve_v he_o for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o terrify_v he_o with_o a_o frightful_a review_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o his_o former_a extravagance_n strip_v of_o all_o their_o pleasure_n but_o retain_v their_o gild_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o can_v promise_v he_o a_o fair_a passage_n into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o a_o comfortable_a appearance_n before_o his_o dreadful_a judge_n when_o he_o be_v there_o not_o all_o the_o friend_n and_o interest_n all_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n under_o heaven_n can_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o a_o word_n for_o he_o or_o one_o word_n of_o comfort_n to_o he_o in_o that_o condition_n they_o may_v possible_o reproach_n but_o they_o can_v relieve_v he_o no_o at_o this_o disconsolate_a time_n when_o the_o busy_a tempter_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o usual_o apt_a to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v he_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o die_a body_n to_o hinder_v and_o discompose_v he_o