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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
mercy_n great_a sin_n transgression_n 3,082 5 10.1157 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A23697 The causes of the decay of Christian piety, or, An impartial survey of the ruines of Christian religion, undermin'd by unchristian practice written by the author of The whole duty of man. Allestree, Richard, 1619-1681. 1667 (1667) Wing A1097; ESTC R225979 242,500 456

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that_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o return_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o the_o former_a frustrate_v design_n of_o refine_n but_o upon_o that_o more_o infallible_a and_o fatal_a one_o of_o consume_v we_o this_o be_v so_o dreadful_a but_o withal_o so_o just_a a_o expectation_n that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o jacob_n among_o we_o any_o who_o can_v wrestle_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n there_o never_o be_v so_o press_v need_n of_o their_o intercession_n o_o let_v all_o that_o be_v thus_o fit_v for_o it_o vigorous_o undertake_v this_o pious_a work_n let_v no_o moses_n hand_n ever_o wax_v heavy_a but_o be_v always_o hold_v up_o in_o a_o devout_a importunity_n let_v they_o transcribe_v that_o holy_a oratory_n which_o he_o so_o often_o effectual_o use_v plead_v to_o god_n his_o own_o cause_n with_o a_o what_o will_v thou_o do_v to_o thy_o great_a name_n and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o vengeance_n ransack_v god_n 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such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o oblige_v he_o and_o therefore_o these_o close_a pang_n and_o check_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o irrefragable_a evidence_n that_o man_n do_v inward_o assent_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o divine_a rule_n which_o their_o action_n yea_o often_o their_o word_n too_o do_v most_o oppugn_v but_o over_o and_o above_o the_o throw_v and_o after-pain_n of_o conscience_n when_o sin_n be_v bring_v forth_o the_o self-accusation_n of_o the_o criminal_a when_o none_o beside_o control_n nay_o many_o flatter_v and_o commend_v i_o say_v beyond_o this_o secondary_a and_o reflext_a apology_n for_o christ_n law_n owe_v to_o the_o forego_n prevarication_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o early_a and_o immediate_a verdict_n pass_v in_o its_o behalf_n in_o the_o esteem_n and_o like_v which_o those_o document_n command_v where_o ere_o they_o pass_v create_v a_o assent_n and_o veneration_n not_o only_a when_o obey_v but_o from_o profess_a despiser_n who_o can_v choose_v to_o think_v well_o of_o that_o virtue_n they_o desert_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o affair_n compel_v they_o to_o speak_v ill_o of_o a_o event_n visible_a in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o the_o judge_n who_o give_v sentence_n against_o he_o at_o the_o same_o moment_n wash_v his_o hand_n and_o open_o profess_v he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o and_o indeed_o this_o very_a reflection_n on_o the_o author_n of_o these_o precept_n if_o well_o consider_v will_v supersede_n all_o other_o argument_n the_o mandate_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o this_o one_o score_n that_o they_o be_v christ_n be_v certain_o both_o pure_a in_o themselves_o and_o possible_a to_o we_o and_o so_o most_o worthy_a not_o only_o of_o all_o obedience_n but_o all_o love_n too_o he_o who_o be_v our_o lord_n upon_o both_o the_o title_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n may_v certain_o with_o all_o justice_n impose_v what_o law_n he_o please_v on_o we_o yet_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n which_o be_v under_o the_o first_o testament_n can_v be_v imagine_v so_o inconsiderate_a of_o our_o frailty_n which_o himself_o have_v smart_v for_o as_o to_o introduce_v another_o of_o equal_a rigour_n or_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o his_o blood_n as_o to_o pour_v it_o out_o for_o those_o who_o by_o a_o new_a set_v of_o impossible_a command_n shall_v infallible_o reforfeit_a themselves_o again_o and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v suppose_v the_o contrary_n may_v be_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o condescend_v to_o our_o imbecility_n as_o not_o to_o prescribe_v we_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o either_o find_v or_o make_v we_o not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o his_o law_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o corrupt_a and_o debase_v nature_n and_o they_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v his_o be_v they_o not_o so_o but_o when_o he_o by_o his_o grace_n offer_v to_o elevate_v and_o refine_v this_o nature_n bring_v it_o up_o to_o the_o pitch_n and_o purity_n of_o those_o law_n this_o be_v a_o far_o great_a mercy_n than_o if_o he_o have_v descend_v to_o our_o corruption_n so_o he_o may_v have_v contaminate_v himself_o give_v law_n unworthy_a of_o he_o but_o alas_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o blasphemy_n mention_v psal._n 50._o so_o verify_v to_o have_v our_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o but_o by_o this_o other_o method_n he_o purify_v and_o exalt_v we_o put_v we_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o in_o which_o be_v sum_v up_o at_o once_o all_o both_o virtue_n and_o felicity_n and_o on_o this_o glorious_a end_n every_o particular_a command_n of_o he_o have_v a_o direct_a aspect_n every_o one_o of_o they_o tend_v to_o re-impress_n on_o we_o some_o part_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n which_o be_v raze_v out_o by_o the_o first_o sin_n and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v enough_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o high_a value_n certain_o if_o conscience_n may_v be_v judge_n it_o will_v be_v so_o there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o middle_n between_o devout_a reverence_n and_o horrid_a blasphemy_n for_o he_o that_o despise_v such_o a_o assimulation_n must_v necessary_o also_o despise_v he_o who_o be_v so_o resemble_v he_o who_o think_v meekness_n purity_n humility_n etc._n etc._n unamiable_a quality_n can_v have_v little_a esteem_n for_o he_o in_o who_o they_o be_v so_o transcendent_o eminent_a but_o will_v take_v the_o prophet_n at_o his_o word_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n in_o he_o es._n 53._o but_o this_o sure_a can_v never_o be_v the_o verdict_n of_o conscience_n he_o that_o can_v thus_o pronounce_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v suppress_v and_o silence_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o indelible_a notion_n there_o that_o all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n be_v sublime_o excellent_a but_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o too_o possible_a that_o conscience_n may_v be_v put_v under_o such_o a_o undue_a restraint_n suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o a_o prisoner_n when_o it_o shall_v sustain_v the_o place_n of_o a_o judge_n because_o many_o man_n dare_v not_o permit_v their_o conscience_n to_o speak_v lest_o they_o shall_v say_v more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v and_o last_o since_o these_o person_n make_v their_o appeal_n to_o reason_n pretend_v the_o aid_n and_o boast_v in_o the_o advantage_n of_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o bring_v the_o cause_n unto_o that_o bar_n who_o empire_n and_o authority_n none_o must_v disclaim_v that_o own_o the_o style_n and_o least_o of_o all_o those_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v who_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o conviction_n but_o from_o it_o and_o god_n who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v leave_v not_o himself_o without_o
divine_a nature_n by_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o indeed_o such_o temerity_n as_o this_o be_v too_o like_a to_o confute_v its_o self_n and_o feel_v that_o justice_n it_o will_v not_o believe_v yet_o as_o great_a and_o dare_a a_o crime_n as_o it_o be_v i_o fear_v there_o be_v few_o that_o can_v total_o acquit_v themselves_o of_o it_o for_o though_o all_o avow_v it_o yet_o he_o that_o shall_v narrow_o search_v his_o own_o heart_n will_v scarce_o find_v it_o clear_a from_o all_o degree_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o cherish_v a_o flatter_a hope_n that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a as_o he_o be_v represent_v or_o that_o if_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n yet_o that_o mercy_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o snatch_v we_o out_o of_o the_o burn_a like_o the_o angel_n to_o lot_n assist_v our_o escape_n and_o provide_v we_o a_o zoar_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v live_v and_o this_o hope_n though_o found_v only_o in_o our_o wish_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o slide_v into_o our_o faith_n and_o make_v we_o believe_v what_o we_o will_v have_v by_o which_o mean_v this_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o epidemic_a heresy_n the_o most_o frequent_a and_o common_a misperswasion_n that_o occur_v concern_v the_o divine_a attribute_n it_o will_v be_v a_o work_n more_o long_o than_o useful_a to_o recite_v the_o several_a error_n that_o have_v spring_v from_o this_o one_o that_o of_o origen_n that_o the_o devil_n shall_v final_o be_v save_v be_v a_o note_a and_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o can_v be_v derive_v from_o nothing_o but_o this_o unequal_a apprehension_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o beside_o all_o other_o ancient_a we_o have_v many_o branch_n of_o a_o late_a growth_n that_o spring_n from_o the_o same_o root_n a_o set_v of_o plausible_a falsity_n which_o will_v quench_v the_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o kill_v the_o never_o die_a worm_n i_o mean_v those_o allay_n soften_a description_n some_o of_o this_o age_n 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hope_n of_o mercy_n be_v too_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n without_o these_o supernumerary_a deceit_n but_o between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o libertinism_n be_v like_a to_o outgrow_a all_o restraint_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o god_n goodness_n instead_o of_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n will_v slacken_v those_o reign_n wherewith_o our_o brutish_a nature_n shall_v be_v bridle_v and_o restrain_v and_o we_o thus_o leave_v unto_o the_o sway_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n must_v run_v headlong_o upon_o ruin_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_v into_o the_o battle_n for_o alas_o we_o be_v not_o so_o generous_a as_o to_o do_v well_o for_o virtue_n sake_n nay_o nor_o so_o provident_a as_o to_o do_v it_o for_o reward_n it_o be_v our_o fear_n that_o be_v the_o most_o prevalent_a incentive_a and_o according_o we_o find_v religion_n general_o make_v her_o first_o impression_n there_o they_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o do_v most_o usual_o and_o most_o effectual_o persuade_v man_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o our_o heart_n must_v be_v prick_v and_o at_o those_o orifice_n piety_n enter_v now_o when_o all_o these_o terror_n shall_v be_v supersede_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o overwhelm_a mercy_n when_o hell_n shall_v either_o be_v annihilate_v or_o suppose_v so_o to_o annihilate_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v lose_v our_o passiveness_n with_o our_o be_v and_o be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o suffer_v as_o even_o heaven_n its_o self_n can_v make_v we_o what_o will_v be_v leave_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o virtue_n or_o deter_v we_o from_o vice_n alas_o do_v we_o not_o often_o see_v a_o dare_a lust_n bid_v battle_n to_o all_o the_o artillery_n of_o heaven_n meet_v god_n in_o his_o loud_a thunder_n and_o venture_v on_o damnation_n in_o its_o dreadful_a form_n and_o can_v we_o think_v it_o will_v be_v more_o modest_a when_o it_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o they_o be_v only_o edgeless_a weapon_n it_o have_v to_o encounter_v that_o god_n thunder_n amid_o all_o its_o noise_n carry_v no_o bolt_n and_o that_o the_o flame_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n be_v but_o a_o paint_a fire_n that_o at_o a_o distance_n may_v fright_v but_o not_o hurt_v we_o or_o at_o least_o so_o hurt_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o feel_v it_o when_o those_o rub_n which_o fear_v interpose_v be_v thus_o remove_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o stay_v the_o course_n of_o headlong_a riot_n but_o precipicious_o it_o will_v on_o where_o ever_o strong_a desire_n shall_v drive_v or_o flatter_a lust_n allure_v he_o that_o love_v his_o sin_n even_o when_o it_o threaten_v he_o ruin_n serve_v it_o assiduous_o when_o it_o promise_v no_o other_o wage_n than_o death_n rom._n 6._o 23._o how_o will_v he_o hug_v this_o viper_n when_o he_o think_v it_o be_v stingless_a and_o give_v up_o his_o ear_n to_o be_v bore_v by_o that_o master_n which_o afford_v he_o present_a pleasure_n without_o future_a stripe_n we_o see_v even_o in_o civil_a matter_n the_o presumption_n of_o impunity_n be_v the_o great_a nurse_n of_o disorder_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o coercive_a power_n of_o law_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v how_o little_a the_o directive_n will_v signify_v and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o spiritual_a or_o rather_o worse_a by_o how_o much_o we_o be_v more_o bend_v upon_o the_o break_n of_o god_n law_n than_o man_n and_o consequent_o will_v be_v the_o more_o apprehensive_a of_o any_o encouragement_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o our_o experience_n give_v too_o sad_a proof_n none_o rush_v so_o bold_o upon_o god_n justice_n as_o those_o who_o have_v most_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o the_o dread_n of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o mean_v their_o practice_n shall_v experiment_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o speculation_n and_o make_v the_o utmost_a trial_n whether_o god_n can_v be_v provoke_v or_o no._n indeed_o man_n use_v mercy_n as_o amaze_v passenger_n sometime_o do_v a_o plank_n in_o a_o shipwreck_n lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o it_o as_o sinks_z both_o it_o and_o themselves_o so_o perish_v by_o too_o great_a a_o confidence_n of_o their_o rescue_n and_o find_v a_o gulf_n where_o they_o expect_v a_o ark_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v mercy_n unable_a to_o support_v the_o weight_n of_o all_o the_o person_n nay_o and_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o the_o one_o ponderous_a adherent_a of_o impenitence_n superad_v but_o that_o be_v a_o burden_n which_o even_o the_o divine_a clemency_n sink_v under_o refuse_v to_o plead_v such_o a_o cause_n and_o refer_v it_o to_o justice_n as_o its_o proper_a court_n and_o therefore_o to_o sin_n on_o in_o hope_n of_o mercy_n be_v to_o undermine_v ourselves_o and_o commit_v a_o folly_n as_o absurd_a as_o ruinous_a i_o wish_v i_o can_v say_v it_o be_v not_o also_o as_o frequent_v but_o god_n know_v it_o be_v every_o where_o too_o apparent_a man_n open_o avow_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v become_v the_o vulgar_a answer_n to_o every_o convict_a reproof_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o sure_o they_o that_o observe_v the_o growth_n of_o vice_n since_o our_o new_a description_n of_o hell_n come_v abroad_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o think_v the_o one_o have_v have_v no_o small_a influence_n on_o the_o other_o and_o that_o while_o some_o have_v make_v it_o borrow_v the_o uneasiness_n of_o our_o humane_a state_n to_o make_v up_o its_o torment_n they_o have_v take_v care_v it_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o lend_v we_o back_o sin_n of_o a_o great_a magnitude_n this_o miserable_a traffic_n have_v these_o factor_n settle_v between_o the_o present_a world_n and_o the_o infernal_a region_n that_o hell_n shall_v have_v earth_n pain_n and_o earth_n hell_n wickedness_n the_o late_a alas_o we_o be_v too_o full_o possess_v of_o which_o be_v like_a to_o send_v too_o many_o soul_n to_o discover_v the_o
the_o mutinous_a and_o insolent_a behaviour_n of_o many_o who_o profess_a loyalty_n do_v too_o clear_o evince_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o joab_n that_o he_o turn_v after_o adonijah_n though_o he_o turn_v not_o after_o absalon_n 1_o king_n 2_o 28._o and_o some_o of_o we_o have_v little_o private_a rebellion_n of_o their_o own_o even_o while_o they_o oppose_v the_o more_o public_a i_o love_v not_o to_o pass_v censure_n on_o man_n thought_n yet_o i_o doubt_v some_o will_v be_v too_o conscious_a to_o confute_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v there_o want_v not_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o zeal_n to_o their_o spleen_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o love_v those_o they_o fight_v for_o as_o hate_v those_o they_o fight_v against_o and_o it_o may_v perhaps_o deserve_v enquiry_n whether_o that_o demure_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n their_o adversary_n have_v put_v on_o do_v not_o more_o avert_v some_o of_o our_o libertine_n from_o they_o than_o all_o their_o real_a crime_n they_o perhaps_o so_o far_o mistake_v they_o as_o to_o suspect_v they_o may_v be_v in_o earnest_n when_o they_o profess_v to_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o at_o that_o take_v a_o alarm_n and_o such_o man_n if_o such_o there_o be_v contend_v not_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o country_n but_o their_o lust_n and_o can_v with_o no_o justice_n expect_v either_o a_o reputation_n or_o success_n from_o that_o cause_n which_o they_o at_o once_o help_v to_o defame_v and_o defeat_v i_o be_o loath_a to_o go_v far_o and_o suspect_v that_o even_o some_o of_o the_o devout_a sort_n be_v inspire_v more_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n than_o piety_n yet_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o resist_v that_o surmise_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o our_o liturgy_n never_o have_v its_o due_a veneration_n but_o when_o the_o directory_n be_v set_v up_o against_o it_o indeed_o he_o that_o shall_v remember_v how_o our_o private_a oratory_n be_v then_o throng_v and_o crowd_v and_o shall_v now_o compare_v it_o with_o our_o empty_a church_n will_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v our_o devotion_n be_v of_o that_o sort_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o interdict_v and_o deadn_v by_o invitation_n a_o perverse_a kind_n of_o zeal_n kindle_v only_o by_o antiperistasis_n or_o collision_n none_o of_o that_o pure_a flame_n which_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o then_o as_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n say_v if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n mat._n 6._o if_o this_o fair_a and_o more_o specious_a part_n of_o we_o be_v thus_o reprovable_a how_o obnoxious_a be_v the_o other_o and_o if_o our_o earnestness_n in_o a_o righteous_a cause_n by_o its_o sinister_a motive_n or_o adherency_n be_v unable_a to_o justify_v its_o self_n how_o shall_v it_o bear_v that_o heavy_a task_n we_o lay_v on_o it_o and_o plead_v for_o our_o other_o guilt_n this_o be_v the_o true_a though_o not_o full_a account_n of_o our_o behaviour_n under_o god_n discipline_n thus_o do_v we_o fructify_v upon_o his_o prune_v we_o bring_v forth_o indeed_o nothing_o but_o degenerous_a fruit_n the_o holy_a writ_n leave_v it_o as_o a_o brand_n of_o most_o inveterate_a impiety_n upon_o ahaz_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o distress_n he_o sin_v yet_o more_o against_o the_o lord_n 2_o chron._n 28._o 22._o and_o sure_o we_o have_v too_o just_a title_n to_o the_o same_o character_n of_o infamy_n those_o suffering_n which_o be_v send_v to_o chastise_v our_o sin_n serve_v but_o to_o increase_v they_o and_o like_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o brick-kilns_a they_o multiply_v the_o more_o for_o their_o oppression_n we_o debauch_v even_o our_o executicner_n and_o make_v every_o new_a calamity_n supply_v we_o with_o some_o new_a vice_n and_o now_o when_o god_n rod_n be_v thus_o despise_v we_o be_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o expect_v he_o shall_v draw_v his_o sword_n revenge_v our_o resistance_n of_o his_o method_n by_o somewhat_o we_o can_v not_o resist_v make_v our_o plague_n as_o obstinate_a as_o our_o self_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o hopeless_a inevitable_a ruin_n this_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n heb._n 10._o 27._o be_v all_o we_o have_v leave_v ourselves_o of_o all_o the_o rich_a patrimony_n we_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o and_o our_o present_a misery_n seem_v impossible_a to_o expire_v any_o way_n but_o by_o die_v into_o great_a but_o as_o great_a artificer_n be_v use_v to_o magnify_v their_o art_n by_o choose_v the_o most_o unlikely_a material_n so_o do_v it_o please_v god_n in_o this_o total_a indisposedness_n of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v so_o unapt_a subject_n to_o illustrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o as_o if_o he_o design_v this_o national_a deliverance_n shall_v in_o its_o proportion_n be_v the_o transcript_n of_o our_o more_o universal_a redemption_n he_o visit_v we_o not_o only_o in_o this_o state_n of_o misery_n but_o enmity_n when_o we_o have_v set_v ourselves_o in_o defiance_n of_o his_o judgement_n he_o lay_v as_o it_o be_v a_o ambush_n of_o mercy_n for_o we_o and_o surprise_v we_o with_o safety_n by_o such_o undiscernible_a way_n return_v the_o captivity_n of_o our_o zion_n that_o we_o be_v indeed_o deliver_v like_o they_o that_o dream_n psal._n 126._o 1._o give_v we_o a_o victory_n without_o a_o war_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o garment_n roll_v in_o blood_n esa._n 9_o 5._o invest_v we_o in_o our_o triumphant_a robe_n and_o in_o a_o word_n make_v we_o insensible_o to_o glide_v into_o our_o long_a forget_a prosperity_n and_o now_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o this_o miraculous_a mutation_n without_o we_o must_v also_o work_v a_o change_n within_o we_o indeed_o they_o must_v have_v a_o very_a ill_a opinion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v have_v perverseness_n enough_o to_o resist_v such_o endearment_n such_o kindly_a heat_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o melt_v we_o and_o if_o before_o our_o pride_n disdain_v to_o be_v compel_v yet_o even_o that_o stubborn_a part_n of_o we_o can_v not_o object_v against_o the_o be_v court_v into_o amendment_n so_o that_o when_o god_n have_v thus_o yield_v to_o our_o term_n leave_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o punctilio_n in_o our_o way_n to_o piety_n it_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a expectation_n we_o shall_v embrace_v it_o with_o as_o great_a a_o earnestness_n as_o it_o be_v former_o reject_v by_o we_o and_o will_v god_n we_o can_v say_v we_o do_v so_o but_o alas_o we_o still_o affect_v prodigy_n take_v a_o kind_n of_o wanton_a joy_n in_o defeat_v god_n design_n and_o as_o if_o we_o aspire_v to_o vie_v miracle_n with_o he_o have_v make_v our_o return_n as_o unparalleled_a as_o his_o mercy_n so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o account_n be_v this_o no_o nation_n be_v ever_o more_o signalise_v by_o god_n goodness_n or_o its_o own_o perverseness_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v in_o which_o of_o those_o respect_n it_o be_v most_o eminent_a that_o this_o be_v in_o the_o general_a perfect_o true_a there_o be_v too_o many_o particular_n ready_a to_o testify_v indeed_o a_o whole_a cloud_n of_o witness_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o prove_v the_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o examine_v all_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o before_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o use_n we_o have_v make_v of_o god_n mercy_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v what_o our_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v and_o sure_o of_o all_o the_o interrogatory_n we_o can_v put_v to_o ourselves_o this_o appear_v the_o easy_a the_o most_o gentle_a favourable_a test_n that_o even_o our_o own_o partiality_n can_v elect_v for_o we_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n in_o misery_n to_o value_v a_o rescue_n and_o celebrate_v their_o deliverer_n that_o the_o contrary_n will_v be_v the_o only_a wonder_n we_o see_v even_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o malleable_a people_n yet_o deliverance_n make_v impression_n on_o they_o set_v they_o to_o their_o devout_a procession_n and_o solemn_a hymn_n in_o praise_n of_o god_n nay_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o native_a religion_n be_v this_o that_o the_o heathen_n exemplify_v it_o to_o we_o the_o philistine_n when_o they_o have_v take_v samson_n magnify_v their_o dagon_n as_o have_v deliver_v their_o enemy_n and_o the_o destroyer_n of_o their_o country_n into_o their_o hand_n judg._n 16._o 24._o so_o upon_o the_o victory_n over_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 31._o 9_o they_o send_v round_o about_o to_o publish_v it_o in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o idol_n and_o in_o all_o story_n we_o find_v the_o heathen_a altar_n be_v never_o so_o load_v with_o sacrifice_n as_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o on_o who_o christ_n bestow_v miraculous_a cure_n be_v
so_o transport_v with_o they_o that_o their_o gratitude_n supplant_v their_o obedience_n and_o make_v they_o notwithstanding_o his_o prohibition_n proclaim_v the_o wonder_n he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o but_o i_o fear_v if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o match_v any_o of_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v true_a our_o late_a change_n be_v entertain_v with_o a_o joy_n profuse_a enough_o but_o not_o enough_o religious_a we_o see_v that_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v for_o we_o and_o thereof_o we_o rejoice_v but_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v they_o ps._n 114._o and_o so_o be_v rather_o affect_v with_o the_o rarity_n and_o profitableness_n than_o the_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n and_o though_o the_o care_n of_o our_o governor_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o religious_a part_n also_o assign_v day_n of_o purim_n for_o the_o perpetual_a commemoration_n of_o our_o deliverance_n yet_o our_o slight_a observance_n of_o they_o do_v too_o full_o evince_v our_o joy_n be_v mere_o secular_a and_o sure_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o numerous_a and_o loud_a acclamation_n in_o the_o street_n and_o the_o few_o faint_a hallelujah_n in_o the_o temple_n must_v needs_o say_v they_o be_v very_o disproportionate_a and_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o most_o of_o we_o rejoice_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o it_o be_v so_o transient_a since_o it_o be_v mere_o earthly_a it_o must_v needs_o partake_v of_o the_o fadingness_n of_o its_o original_n whereas_o have_v we_o derive_v it_o high_o it_o will_v have_v be_v last_a and_o durable_a it_o can_v not_o so_o sudden_o have_v expire_v have_v we_o fetch_v it_o from_o he_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o alas_o our_o transport_n be_v such_o as_o exhaust_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o noise_n we_o express_v our_o joy_n in_o bonfire_n and_o it_o vapoured_a away_o in_o the_o smoke_n there_o want_v that_o mixture_n of_o piety_n which_o shall_v have_v fix_v that_o volatile_a passion_n and_o we_o who_o at_o first_o be_v much_o more_o glad_a than_o thankful_a within_o a_o very_a short_a time_n cease_v to_o be_v either_o and_o then_o as_o violent_a heat_n when_o once_o expire_v be_v succeed_v by_o the_o extreme_a cold_a so_o have_v it_o fare_v with_o we_o we_o fall_v from_o our_o ecstasy_n not_o to_o the_o mean_a but_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a our_o vast_a complacency_n at_o their_o part_n carry_v with_o they_o even_o ordinary_a contentation_n and_o leave_v we_o not_o only_o joyless_a but_o impatient_a it_o be_v indeed_o matter_n of_o equal_a shame_n and_o wonder_n to_o see_v a_o scene_n so_o sudden_o change_v wherein_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v transcribe_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o mutinous_a israelite_n who_o we_o find_v in_o the_o very_a same_o chapter_n ex._n 15._o triumph_a and_o repine_v and_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o timbrel_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n but_o complaint_n be_v in_o their_o mouth_n vers_fw-la 24._o what_o shall_v we_o drink_v and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o with_o the_o same_o querulous_a importunity_n they_o require_v meat_n but_o not_o to_o wrong_v they_o in_o the_o comparison_n their_o murmur_n have_v some_o extenuate_a circumstance_n which_o we_o have_v not_o they_o look_v indeed_o with_o some_o appetite_n upon_o egypt_n and_o make_v some_o proposal_n of_o return_n but_o it_o be_v while_o they_o suffer_v the_o hardship_n of_o the_o wilderness_n they_o prefer_v a_o replete_v slavery_n before_o a_o hungry_a freedom_n but_o even_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frantic_a in_o their_o mutiny_n as_o to_o make_v any_o such_o offer_n in_o canaan_n or_o have_v any_o emulation_n to_o the_o garlic_n and_o onion_n amid_o the_o affluence_n of_o milk_n and_o honey_n no_o it_o be_v we_o alone_o that_o have_v the_o unhappy_a skill_n of_o reconcile_a the_o sin_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o wilderness_n murmur_v as_o much_o under_o our_o vine_n and_o figtree_n as_o at_o rephidim_n or_o marah_n and_o make_v all_o the_o outcry_n of_o want_n and_o slavery_n while_o we_o wallow_v in_o the_o utmost_a luxury_n of_o plenty_n and_o freedom_n i_o need_v not_o hear_v specify_v the_o particular_n of_o our_o murmur_n this_o discourse_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o find_v many_o who_o innocence_n will_v need_v that_o information_n this_o malignant_a humour_n have_v spread_v so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o become_v almost_o a_o scandalous_a because_o a_o singular_a thing_n to_o be_v content_v and_o certain_o a_o consider_v foreiner_n that_o shall_v come_v among_o we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v a_o nation_n so_o full_a of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o use_v to_o create_v temporal_a satisfaction_n and_o yet_o to_o find_v no_o body_n in_o it_o satisfy_v to_o see_v so_o many_o party_n among_o we_o and_o none_o prosperous_a this_o be_v such_o a_o riddle_n as_o will_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v his_o sense_n and_o think_v we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n but_o dream_v of_o a_o restoration_n be_v under_o the_o delusion_n the_o prophet_n describe_v of_o the_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a man_n that_o at_o his_o wake_n find_v he_o be_v empty_a and_o his_o soul_n have_v appetite_n isaiah_n 29._o 8._o it_o be_v a_o sad_a but_o visible_a truth_n that_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o fill_v our_o desire_n that_o it_o have_v only_o serve_v to_o enlarge_v they_o for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o of_o our_o loud_a mutineer_n whether_o if_o some_o year_n since_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n have_v be_v represent_v to_o they_o dress_v in_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n they_o now_o complain_v of_o they_o will_v not_o then_o have_v think_v it_o extreme_o amiable_a worth_a rachel_n prize_n of_o seven_o year_n more_o hardship_n nay_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v make_v some_o abatement_n relinquish_v part_n of_o what_o they_o now_o enjoy_v to_o have_v have_v the_o rest_n secure_v and_o when_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o all_o we_o then_o ask_v shall_v we_o murmur_v because_o we_o can_v now_o perhaps_o ask_v something_o more_o and_o like_o ingrate_a debtor_n pick_v a_o quarrel_n to_o evade_v payment_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o engage_v his_o omnipotence_n for_o we_o but_o must_v his_o omniscience_n also_o be_v press_v upon_o the_o same_o service_n and_o provide_v all_o he_o can_v foresee_v we_o will_v wish_v alas_o do_v we_o think_v we_o have_v the_o same_o thank_v upon_o god_n that_o some_o gallant_n have_v on_o their_o trust_v merchant_n that_o upon_o peril_n of_o lose_v all_o former_a score_n he_o must_v still_o go_v on_o to_o supply_v we_o shall_v we_o think_v nothing_o fit_a for_o oblivion_n but_o our_o obligation_n and_o in_o this_o perverse_a sense_n transcribe_v s._n paul_n phil._n 3._o 13._o forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o reach_v forward_o to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o this_o indeed_o too_o full_o speak_v we_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n we_o can_v find_v no_o gust_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o paradise_n if_o any_o one_o be_v deny_v we_o and_o still_o look_v not_o on_o what_o we_o have_v but_o what_o we_o want_v and_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o greedy_a sort_n of_o creature_n that_o they_o relish_v not_o one_o bit_n for_o the_o vehement_a expectation_n of_o another_o so_o be_v it_o with_o we_o we_o devour_v but_o do_v not_o enjoy_v our_o blessing_n and_o to_o require_v he_o to_o satisfy_v we_o be_v to_o assign_v he_o the_o poet_n hell_n set_v he_o with_o belus_n daughter_n to_o the_o task_n of_o fill_v a_o sieve_n with_o water_n or_o roll_a sysiphus_n stone_n our_o grow_a appetite_n still_o keep_v we_o empty_a and_o restless_a amid_o all_o endeavour_n to_o make_v we_o otherwise_o so_o that_o whereas_o god_n use_v to_o commit_v his_o favour_n to_o man_n as_o seed_v to_o the_o earth_n in_o expectation_n of_o a_o harvest_n some_o fruit_n of_o gratitude_n and_o obedience_n they_o seem_v with_o we_o rather_o to_o be_v fling_v into_o a_o gulf_n who_o property_n be_v only_o to_o swallow_v never_o to_o fructify_v i_o know_v man_n mind_n be_v so_o possess_v with_o their_o discontent_n our_o daily_a mutinous_a blast_n have_v puff_v up_o and_o swell_v our_o grievance_n to_o such_o a_o vastness_n that_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v very_o impatient_o hear_v that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o represent_v they_o in_o a_o lesser_a size_n yet_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o impossible_a even_o upon_o a_o direct_a view_n to_o demonstrate_v they_o very_o light_a and_o moderate_a but_o upon_o a_o comparative_a perfect_o trivial_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o it_o be_v
may_v we_o go_v from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o ezekiel_n vision_n see_v still_o great_a abomination_n ezek._n 8._o and_o certain_o that_o all-seeing_a eye_n which_o discern_v what_o multitude_n do_v thus_o busy_v themselves_o at_o the_o time_n even_o of_o his_o solemne_v worship_n can_v but_o adjudge_v we_o most_o profane_a despiser_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o restore_v it_o yet_o will_v to_o god_n it_o be_v only_o the_o absent_a upon_o who_o that_o sentence_n will_v fall_v but_o alas_o the_o behaviour_n of_o many_o in_o the_o church_n do_v too_o loud_o testify_v how_o little_a of_o devotion_n bring_v they_o thither_o and_o at_o how_o mean_v a_o rate_n they_o value_v all_o that_o be_v do_v there_o those_o eye_n which_o there_o shall_v wait_v on_o god_n as_o those_o of_o a_o servant_n on_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o master_n psal._n 123._o 2._o be_v roll_v about_o to_o fetch_v in_o all_o the_o vanity_n and_o temptation_n which_o can_v occur_v to_o they_o and_o look_v every_o way_n but_o towards_o heaven_n our_o tongue_n which_o shall_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n devote_v whole_o to_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n be_v busy_v in_o private_a colloquy_n with_o those_o about_o we_o business_n news_n nay_o all_o the_o impertinent_a chat_n of_o our_o most_o vacant_a hour_n be_v then_o take_v up_o to_o entertain_v we_o so_o that_o he_o who_o will_v know_v the_o talk_n of_o the_o town_n or_o neighbourhood_n need_v go_v neither_o to_o exchange_n nor_o market_n the_o church_n will_v as_o certain_o supply_v he_o and_o this_o ill_a employment_n of_o our_o tongue_n engage_v the_o like_a of_o our_o ear_n which_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v harken_v what_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v say_v concern_v we_o be_v listen_v to_o those_o vain_a discourse_n we_o hold_v with_o one_o another_o from_o all_o which_o outward_a indecency_n we_o may_v too_o sure_o collect_v the_o inward_a irreverence_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o shall_v now_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o not_o long_o since_o seem_v to_o bewail_v their_o exclusion_n from_o those_o sacred_a assembly_n do_v we_o long_o for_o they_o as_o david_n for_o the_o water_n of_o bethlehem_n when_o they_o appear_v unattainable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o we_o refuse_v to_o taste_v they_o pour_v they_o out_o not_o as_o he_o do_v in_o devotion_n but_o in_o contempt_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o in_o temporal_a delight_n possession_n usual_o prove_v a_o nauseat_a thing_n and_o take_v off_o our_o appetite_n but_o it_o use_v not_o to_o be_v so_o in_o spiritual_a who_o peculiar_a property_n it_o be_v not_o to_o satiate_v but_o excite_v by_o fruition_n but_o alas_o though_o the_o thing_n we_o converse_v with_o be_v spiritual_a our_o heart_n be_v carnal_a and_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o instead_o of_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o psalmist_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n psal._n 42._o we_o like_o those_o in_o malachy_n chap._n 1._o 13._o snuff_n at_o his_o service_n and_o say_v what_o a_o weariness_n be_v it_o a_o weariness_n indeed_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n with_o many_o who_o sleep_n at_o it_o as_o man_n over-laboured_a and_o scarce_o take_v so_o sound_a repose_n in_o their_o own_o house_n as_o in_o god_n indeed_o such_o be_v the_o variety_n of_o rude_a behaviour_n that_o be_v there_o use_v that_o shall_v a_o unbeliever_n come_v into_o their_o assembly_n he_o must_v sure_o as_o st._n paul_n suppose_v in_o another_o case_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o say_v we_o be_v mad_a to_o see_v some_o gaze_v some_o whisper_n some_o laugh_v other_o sleeping_z and_o perhaps_o the_o far_a few_o number_n pray_v be_v such_o a_o medley_n as_o the_o most_o brutish_a idolater_n never_o admit_v in_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o worship_v mercury_n by_o throw_v stone_n or_o hercules_n by_o curse_v be_v a_o sober_a and_o decent_a kind_n of_o service_n compare_v with_o this_o and_o now_o alas_o when_o will_v the_o church_n recover_v its_o ancient_a title_n and_o become_v the_o house_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v sure_a according_a to_o the_o present_a appearance_n it_o may_v have_v many_o more_o proper_a name_n that_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o business_n do_v in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o that_o make_v it_o a_o sanctuary_n but_o it_o be_v only_o against_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n or_o reproach_n of_o errant_a atheism_n they_o come_v to_o save_v their_o money_n or_o their_o credit_n other_o perhaps_o shun_v the_o solitariness_n of_o be_v at_o home_n and_o come_v not_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o devotion_n but_o concourse_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v some_o visit_n that_o place_n as_o they_o do_v many_o other_o because_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v they_o want_v their_o weekday_n diversion_n and_o so_o be_v drive_v thither_o upon_o mere_a destitution_n of_o more_o grateful_a entertainment_n make_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o sunday_n playhouse_n sit_v there_o as_o spectator_n or_o judge_n to_o see_v the_o company_n or_o censure_v the_o preacher_n but_o never_o remember_v that_o themselves_o have_v any_o other_o part_n to_o act_v or_o be_v behold_v by_o he_o who_o will_v not_o always_o be_v patient_a of_o such_o profanation_n but_o will_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v repay_v they_o to_o their_o face_n who_o thus_o contemn_v he_o to_o he_o we_o know_v among_o man_n every_o one_o count_v his_o house_n his_o fortress_n and_o a_o affront_v offer_v he_o there_o double_v the_o injury_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o contempt_n but_o a_o invasion_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v a_o proportionable_a enhansement_n with_o god_n also_o thus_o to_o defy_v he_o within_o his_o own_o door_n and_o approach_v his_o presence_n in_o a_o impious_a bravery_n the_o more_o full_o to_o show_v he_o how_o little_a we_o regard_v he_o at_o this_o rate_n while_o we_o address_v ourselves_o we_o may_v as_o ill_o manner_a guest_n be_v forbid_v his_o house_n interrogated_a by_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v is._n 1._o why_o do_v thou_o tread_v my_o court_n a_o total_a abandon_v of_o worship_n be_v more_o fair_a and_o ingenuous_a than_o such_o devotion_n wherein_o like_o the_o barbarous_a soldier_n we_o bring_v christ_n a_o sceptre_n only_o to_o smite_v he_o on_o the_o head_n with_o it_o and_o make_v a_o preface_n of_o homage_n to_o give_v ourselves_o the_o sport_n of_o the_o mockery_n nay_o it_o be_v sad_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o god_n may_v thrust_v we_o out_o of_o his_o house_n shut_v his_o door_n against_o we_o rescue_v his_o service_n and_o himself_o from_o our_o profanation_n and_o put_v we_o again_o under_o the_o same_o or_o a_o worse_o interdict_v than_o that_o which_o late_o lie_v upon_o we_o have_v now_o see_v our_o scandalous_a irreverence_n towards_o god_n worship_n in_o general_n it_o be_v too_o easy_a to_o make_v application_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o every_o one_o of_o which_o must_v necessary_o partake_v of_o the_o contempt_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o whole_a for_o while_o we_o bring_v no_o thought_n but_o secular_a with_o we_o those_o be_v equal_o disagree_v to_o all_o the_o divine_a office_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a therefore_o to_o trace_v our_o wander_n in_o each_o of_o those_o since_o our_o whole_a behaviour_n in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o great_a deviation_n from_o the_o business_n we_o shall_v come_v about_o yet_o that_o supersede_v not_o to_o every_o guilty_a person_n himself_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a reflection_n it_o be_v sure_a at_o the_o last_o dreadful_a audit_n we_o must_v account_v for_o every_o of_o those_o spiritual_a advantage_n we_o have_v abuse_v and_o alas_o what_o a_o dismal_a reckon_n will_v many_o of_o we_o have_v then_o to_o give_v up_o when_o our_o prayer_n which_o we_o now_o turn_v into_o sin_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o perdition_n and_o we_o who_o will_v not_o supplicate_v our_o god_n shall_v in_o vain_a invoke_v the_o mountain_n and_o hill_n to_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lamb_n when_o that_o word_n which_o we_o now_o so_o fastidious_o despise_v that_o it_o must_v be_v dress_v up_o in_o the_o colour_n of_o humane_a rhetoric_n to_o make_v we_o at_o all_o patient_a of_o it_o and_o become_v then_o only_o tolerable_a to_o we_o when_o it_o be_v far_a remove_v from_o be_v god_n when_o that_o word_n as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v shall_v judge_v we_o and_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n to_o life_n end_n in_o that_o fatal_a sentence_n go_v you_o curse_v nay_o when_o our_o very_a propitiation_n shall_v plead_v against_o we_o and_o the_o crucify_a body_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o we_o have_v in_o effigy_n so_o often_o recrucify_v in_o our_o unworthy_a