a_o perfect_a christian_n p._n 319._o chap._n v._o the_o splendid_a entertainment_n or_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n that_o by_o the_o feast_n upon_o the_o fat_a calf_n those_o be_v intend_v p._n 324._o several_a figurative_a expression_n of_o that_o state_n in_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n paradise_n rest_v a_o city_n a_o kingdom_n a_o feast_n p._n 329._o a_o essay_n of_o describe_v the_o felicity_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n especial_o in_o four_o particular_n 1._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o wonderfullness_n and_o comfortableness_n whereof_o although_o it_o be_v not_o doubt_v but_o soul_n be_v happy_a before_o p._n 331._o 2._o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o suitable_a object_n to_o all_o those_o power_n p._n 336._o 3._o the_o eternity_n of_o that_o state_n p._n 345._o 4._o the_o bless_a and_o glorious_a society_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a jesus_n angel_n and_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a p._n 349._o chap._n last_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a dispensation_n or_o in_o his_o thus_o treat_v penitent_a sinner_n p._n 357._o the_o parable_n s._n luke_n chap._n xv._n verse_n 11._o a_o certain_a man_n have_v two_o son_n 12._o and_o the_o young_a of_o they_o say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n 13._o and_o not_o many_o day_n after_o the_o young_a son_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n with_o riotous_a live_n 14._o and_o when_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n 15._o and_o he_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n and_o he_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n 16._o and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v and_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o 17._o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n 18._o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n &_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o 19_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n 20._o and_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o 21._o and_o the_o son_n say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n 22._o but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n 23._o and_o be_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a 24._o for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v and_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v merry_a 25._o now_o his_o elder_a son_n be_v in_o the_o field_n and_o as_o he_o come_v and_o draw_v nigh_o to_o the_o house_n he_o hear_v music_n and_o dance_n 26._o and_o he_o call_v one_o of_o the_o servant_n and_o ask_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v 27._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o thy_o brother_n be_v come_v and_o thy_o father_n have_v kill_v the_o fat_a calf_n because_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o safe_a and_o sound_a 28._o and_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o will_v not_o go_v in_o therefore_o come_v his_o father_n out_o and_o entreat_v he_o 29._o and_o he_o answer_v say_v to_o his_o father_n lo_o these_o many_o year_n do_v i_o serve_v thou_o neither_o transgress_v i_o at_o any_o time_n thy_o commandment_n and_o yet_o thou_o never_o give_v i_o a_o kid_n that_o i_o may_v make_v merry_a with_o my_o friend_n 30._o but_o as_o soon_o as_o this_o thy_o son_n be_v come_v which_o have_v devour_v thy_o live_n with_o harlot_n thou_o have_v kill_v for_o he_o the_o fat_a calf_n 31._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o son_n thou_o be_v ever_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o 32._o it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v merry_a and_o be_v glad_a for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o and_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o touch_v parable_n in_o general_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o curious_a scheme_n and_o admirable_a structure_n of_o this_o parable_n the_o special_a design_n of_o it_o and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o handle_v it_o §_o ii_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o gentile_a oracle_n old_a philosopher_n and_o ancient_a writer_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o the_o allegory_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o figurative_a way_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o new_a §_o iii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o pagan_a obscurity_n and_o of_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n especial_o of_o our_o saviour_n so_o much_o use_n of_o parable_n §_o iv._o of_o the_o danger_n of_o allegorical_a interpretation_n the_o peculiar_a advantage_n and_o security_n of_o do_v it_o in_o this_o parable_n the_o caution_n of_o the_o author_n therein_o §_o i._o i_o very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o intelligent_a person_n who_o shall_v happen_v to_o read_v the_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n now_o before_o we_o but_o will_v present_o and_o at_o the_o first_o prospect_n of_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o very_a beautiful_a and_o affect_a scene_n of_o thing_n represent_v to_o he_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o he_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o variety_n of_o matter_n just_a proportion_n of_o the_o particular_n or_o decent_a and_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n do_v more_o vie_v with_o each_o other_o or_o more_o equal_o conspire_v to_o fill_v his_o imagination_n and_o affect_v his_o heart_n for_o in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o this_o parable_n he_o will_v see_v describe_v first_o the_o benignity_n indulgence_n and_o condescension_n of_o a_o father_n to_o his_o son_n together_o with_o the_o folly_n and_o licentiousness_n of_o youth_n then_o the_o gradual_a progress_n and_o sad_a catastrophe_n of_o a_o course_n of_o debauchery_n after_o this_o the_o usual_a misgiving_n of_o heart_n and_o change_n of_o mind_n upon_o such_o change_n of_o affair_n the_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o and_o late_a repentance_n of_o such_o folly_n then_o again_o a_o description_n of_o parental_a affection_n the_o exorableness_n of_o a_o father_n upon_o his_o son_n submission_n the_o profuseness_n of_o his_o kindness_n upon_o his_o reformation_n and_o last_o the_o transport_v of_o his_o joy_n upon_o his_o plenary_a recovery_n and_o indeed_o the_o most_o powerful_a passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v here_o draw_v with_o that_o admirable_a skill_n as_o to_o equal_v the_o very_a life_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o pronounce_v at_o adventure_n by_o the_o learned_a hugo_n grotius_n but_o agreeable_o to_o his_o usual_a sagacity_n coloribus_fw-la when_o he_o say_v this_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a of_o all_o those_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o be_v the_o most_o passionate_a and_o affect_a set_v out_o and_o adorn_v with_o the_o most_o lively_a colour_n and_o beautiful_a similitude_n all_o which_o be_v discernible_a upon_o the_o most_o transient_a glance_n upon_o it_o but_o he_o that_o 20._o not_o content_v himself_o with_o so_o superficial_a a_o view_n shall_v defix_v his_o thought_n and_o mature_o consider_v the_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o figure_n will_v partly_o by_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v and_o partly_o by_o the_o thread_n of_o the_o parable_n itself_o most_o assure_o be_v lead_v into_o a_o apprehension_n of_o some_o great_a mystery_n therein_o contain_v for_o take_v his_o view_n from_o such_o station_n and_o thence_o attentive_o survey_v the_o whole_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o scripture_n he_o will_v find_v in_o the_o general_n that_o herein_o be_v trace_v out_o the_o journey_n from_o egypt_n a_o state_n of_o servitude_n to_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n through_o a_o troublesome_a and_o disconsolate_a wilderness_n or_o the_o
hypocrisy_n i_o know_v he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o reward_v sincerity_n above_o desert_n above_o expectation_n beyond_o all_o thought_n and_o imagination_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o loiter_v in_o his_o service_n but_o decline_v it_o nay_o oppose_v affront_v rebel_v against_o he_o i_o have_v list_v myself_o under_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o under_o that_o banner_n i_o have_v spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o time_n now_o may_v it_o please_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o accept_v i_o at_o last_o i_o vow_v to_o be_v entire_o he_o i_o will_v dispute_v no_o command_n i_o will_v make_v no_o exception_n but_o i_o will_v double_v my_o diligence_n and_o say_v with_o the_o exemplary_a convert_n st._n paul_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v lord_n §_o iv._o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hinge_n of_o conversion_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n or_o plummet_n that_o set_v this_o great_a engine_n on_o work_n or_o what_o be_v the_o consideration_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v principal_o these_o four_o 1._o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unsuccessfull_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v at_o last_o though_o we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n before_o 2._o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o set_v about_o it_o in_o earnest_n 4._o a_o clear_a perception_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v do_v 1._o the_o first_o motive_n to_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o god_n be_v not_o inexorable_a but_o that_o repentance_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o memorable_a story_n concern_v the_o tusculani_n a_o little_a people_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v the_o roman_n that_o camillus_n be_v lead_v his_o army_n towards_o they_o to_o take_v revenge_n but_o they_o grow_v quick_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o danger_n take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o appease_v a_o generous_a enemy_n for_o they_o make_v no_o show_n of_o resistance_n but_o set_v open_v their_o gate_n and_o be_v find_v every_o man_n hard_o at_o his_o ordinary_a affair_n submit_v all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o they_o know_v themselves_o unable_a to_o contend_v with_o whereupon_o the_o brave_a camillus_n speak_v to_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o say_v he_o among_o all_o people_n have_v only_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o abate_v the_o roman_a fury_n invenistis_fw-la and_o your_o submission_n have_v be_v your_o best_a defence_n upon_o these_o term_n we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o injure_v you_o then_o upon_o other_o term_n you_o can_v have_v find_v power_n to_o oppose_v we_o to_o who_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n on_o the_o other_o side_n thus_o reply_v 6._o we_o have_v say_v he_o so_o in_o good_a earnest_n repent_v we_o of_o our_o former_a folly_n that_o in_o confidence_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o generous_a enemy_n we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o fault_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n for_o think_v he_o what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o can_v neither_o answer_v to_o myself_o nor_o to_o my_o father_n i_o can_v neither_o deny_v the_o fact_n nor_o defend_v it_o therefore_o i_o must_v try_v what_o repentance_n will_v do_v and_o appeal_v from_o his_o justice_n to_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v true_a i_o forsake_v my_o father_n but_o it_o be_v a_o father_n i_o forsake_v and_o that_o name_n speak_v benignity_n and_o what_o may_v not_o a_o son_n hope_v for_o from_o a_o father_n there_o be_v rhetoric_n in_o confession_n and_o contrite_a submission_n have_v mighty_a prevalence_n upon_o all_o ingenuous_a nature_n quem_fw-la poenitet_fw-la peccasse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la repentance_n use_v to_o have_v the_o success_n even_o of_o innocency_n itself_o and_o i_o that_o have_v fail_v of_o the_o one_o will_v try_v the_o other_o my_o acknowledgement_n will_v prevent_v my_o accusation_n if_o i_o condemn_v myself_o i_o save_v my_o father_n a_o labour_n and_o when_o i_o abhor_v myself_o i_o move_v his_o pity_n especial_o if_o i_o become_v another_o man_n he_o will_v see_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o receive_v i_o then_o as_o he_o have_v to_o reject_v i_o now_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a towards_o god_n i_o have_v offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o name_n speak_v goodness_n if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a can_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v agree_v to_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a stile_n of_o god_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o great_a goodness_n or_o the_o best_a greatness_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n nay_o the_o very_a latter_a infer_v the_o former_a for_o what_o be_v there_o can_v tempt_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v cruel_a and_o inexorable_a he_o that_o have_v all_o fullness_n in_o himself_o can_v certain_o envy_v nothing_o can_v hate_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v make_v but_o must_v needs_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v below_o he_o and_o delight_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o such_o as_o need_v he_o envy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o mere_a weakness_n fear_n want_v and_o impotency_n the_o poor_a be_v apt_a to_o envy_v the_o rich_a because_o they_o enjoy_v what_o they_o want_v and_o we_o common_o observe_v that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o timorous_a creature_n be_v most_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a the_o coward_n be_v deadly_a and_o sanguinary_a because_o he_o be_v not_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o slip_v his_o opportunity_n but_o strike_v home_o and_o mortal_o lest_o the_o danger_n shall_v recoil_v upon_o himself_o but_o what_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n envy_v the_o beggar_n or_o what_o valiant_a man_n be_v ever_o remorseless_a and_o sanguinary_a the_o former_a have_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o pity_n because_o he_o can_v want_v and_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o inducement_n to_o pardon_v because_o he_o can_v fear_v god_n be_v above_o all_o danger_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o nothing_o needs_o nothing_o have_v nothing_o to_o receive_v but_o much_o to_o bestow_v he_o can_v therefore_o be_v prompt_v to_o take_v advantage_n against_o his_o creature_n or_o delight_n in_o their_o misery_n since_o the_o only_a end_n he_o have_v to_o serve_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o enjoy_v his_o own_o fullness_n by_o reflection_n the_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v they_o happy_a when_o god_n be_v high_o provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o david_n in_o number_v the_o people_n in_o which_o fact_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o evil_n there_o be_v disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a law_n there_o be_v distrust_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o vain_a confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n it_o please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o notify_v his_o displeasure_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n and_o withal_o give_v david_n his_o choice_n either_o of_o pestilence_n 24._o famine_n or_o sword_n the_o king_n refer_v it_o back_o again_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o the_o famine_n or_o by_o the_o pestilence_n for_o say_v he_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a but_o let_v we_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n he_o have_v rather_o trust_v the_o mercy_n of_o a_o incense_a god_n then_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o mortal_a man_n he_o know_v they_o be_v transport_v with_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o god_n be_v pitiful_a they_o often_o forget_v themselves_o but_o god_n remember_v sinner_n be_v but_o man_n 13._o and_o dust_n and_o ash_n they_o will_v plague_v one_o another_o malicious_o but_o god_n chastise_v in_o wisdom_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o st._n james_n mercy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rejoice_v against_o glori_v and_o triumph_v over_o justice_n the_o discourse_n of_o a_o brave_a heathen_a be_v excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d we_o think_v it_o just_a say_v
it_o be_v enlarge_v where_o the_o object_n to_o be_v enjoy_v be_v unlimited_a and_o unmeasurable_o great_a and_o last_o where_o the_o duration_n be_v eternal_a no_o wrong_n be_v do_v to_o one_o man_n when_o another_o be_v happy_a as_o well_o as_o himself_o nor_o can_v any_o complaint_n murmur_n or_o animosity_n enter_v there_o 3._o but_o three_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o father_n shall_v thus_o dispose_v than_o his_o apology_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o the_o murmur_n of_o the_o elder_a brother_n utter_o absurd_a now_o for_o this_o the_o father_n add_v it_o be_v meet_v that_o we_o shall_v make_v merry_a and_o be_v glad_a for_o this_o thy_o brother_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v son_n though_o the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o father_n ought_v to_o bear_v down_o the_o pretension_n of_o a_o son_n and_o i_o may_v without_o your_o leave_n dispose_v as_o i_o will_v of_o my_o own_o yet_o i_o have_v take_v care_n of_o your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o of_o my_o own_o authority_n and_o have_v show_v you_o that_o your_o brother_n gain_n shall_v not_o be_v your_o loss_n and_o now_o i_o will_v condescend_v further_o to_o you_o and_o show_v you_o what_o equitable_a consideration_n there_o be_v on_o the_o part_n of_o your_o brother_n which_o make_v it_o become_v my_o wisdom_n to_o do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n when_o i_o see_v in_o how_o sad_a and_o pitiful_a a_o plight_n your_o poor_a brother_n be_v who_o be_v my_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o yourself_o and_o thereby_o collect_v what_o hardship_n he_o have_v undergo_v i_o shall_v have_v forget_v myself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o not_o have_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o father_n if_o see_v his_o contrition_n as_o well_o as_o his_o distress_n i_o have_v not_o have_v compassion_n on_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n st._n chrysost_o when_o say_v the_o father_n i_o see_v my_o son_n observe_v his_o submission_n and_o hear_v his_o humble_a address_n what_o can_v i_o do_v less_o than_o i_o do_v be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n not_o to_o pity_v my_o own_o son_n be_v thou_o judge_v that_o be_v angry_a at_o it_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o nature_n to_o be_v cruel_a to_o he_o that_o proceed_v from_o my_o own_o loin_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o favour_n which_o you_o see_v i_o have_v confer_v upon_o he_o i_o have_v not_o only_o melt_v down_o all_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o assure_v he_o to_o myself_o for_o the_o future_a against_o all_o relapse_n but_o also_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n to_o other_o of_o my_o family_n if_o ever_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v happen_v again_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o invincible_a temptation_n to_o be_v obstinate_a and_o incurable_a and_o if_o perchance_o you_o may_v think_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o as_o well_o encourage_v other_o to_o rebel_n as_o to_o return_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o for_o my_o part_n have_v rather_o if_o it_o must_v be_v so_o that_o many_o shall_v presume_v upon_o my_o goodness_n then_o that_o one_o shall_v despair_v of_o mercy_n since_o the_o latter_a will_v seem_v to_o perish_v by_o my_o default_n but_o the_o other_o only_o by_o their_o own_o folly_n and_o again_o when_o i_o consider_v how_o difficult_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v for_o any_o that_o be_v once_o entangle_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n to_o disengage_v themselves_o again_o because_o rebellion_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o that_o to_o sip_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o mere_a liberty_n be_v intoxicate_v and_o stir_v up_o a_o unquenchable_a thirst_n after_o more_o that_o there_o be_v charm_n in_o debauchery_n and_o the_o lip_n of_o a_o whorish-woman_n be_v snare_n and_o birdlime_n when_o i_o say_v i_o consider_v that_o a_o young_a man_n who_o have_v once_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o father_n and_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n be_v like_o the_o raven_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n who_o though_o she_o find_v not_o where_o to_o set_v her_o foot_n but_o see_v the_o face_n of_o all_o thing_n full_a of_o horror_n and_o desolation_n yet_o hover_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o return_v not_o to_o the_o ark_n again_o and_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o way_n of_o riot_n and_o licentiousness_n usual_o to_o end_v in_o death_n and_o the_o very_a mouth_n of_o hell_n i_o be_v therefore_o not_o only_o seize_v with_o admiration_n and_o transport_v with_o joy_n to_o see_v your_o brother_n emerge_n out_o of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n but_o i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o set_v up_o a_o monument_n of_o so_o rare_a a_o accident_n and_o to_o place_v some_o mark_n of_o favour_n upon_o he_o that_o have_v with_o such_o resolution_n break_v through_o and_o recover_v moreover_o say_v the_o father_n as_o this_o event_n be_v rare_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o itself_o so_o it_o will_v have_v a_o very_a happy_a influence_n upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o my_o family_n and_o government_n for_o as_o insuccessfull_a rebellion_n in_o the_o conclusion_n tend_v to_o the_o greatn_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o state_n from_o who_o the_o secession_n be_v make_v so_o this_o return_n of_o my_o son_n will_v repair_v the_o honour_n of_o my_o discipline_n and_o management_n as_o much_o as_o his_o miscarriage_n have_v asperse_v it_o and_o last_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o know_v so_o thorough_o both_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v a_o extravagant_a course_n and_o the_o good_a and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o burden_n of_o obedience_n and_o have_v by_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o former_a be_v drive_v to_o return_v to_o the_o latter_a will_v for_o ever_o after_o prove_v most_o dutiful_a and_o governable_a wherefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o think_v there_o be_v just_a ground_n for_o my_o joy_n at_o my_o son_n return_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v also_o and_o now_o this_o apology_n of_o the_o father_n suggest_v to_o we_o these_o four_o thing_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o goodness_n in_o bestow_v all_o the_o unspeakable_a favour_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n upon_o penitent_a sinner_n 1._o the_o great_a interest_n and_o happy_a influence_n of_o such_o demonstration_n of_o kindness_n 2._o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n and_o consequent_o the_o rarity_n of_o such_o recovery_n make_v it_o very_o well_o worth_a a_o memorial_n when_o any_o such_o thing_n happen_v 3._o it_o be_v a_o vast_a honour_n to_o religion_n and_o demonstrate_v both_o the_o efficacy_n of_o its_o method_n and_o the_o comfortableness_n and_o sureness_n of_o its_o encouragement_n when_o such_o person_n be_v reclaim_v last_o such_o person_n be_v common_o very_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_o useful_a afterward_o and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n 1._o first_o such_o demonstration_n of_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v great_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n family_n and_o kingdom_n in_o order_n both_o to_o the_o bring_v man_n into_o it_o and_o to_o the_o assure_v their_o station_n therein_o for_o god_n as_o we_o have_v say_v heretofore_o neither_o forcible_o draw_v any_o into_o his_o service_n nor_o violent_o detain_v they_o in_o his_o family_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n his_o people_n be_v a_o willing_a people_n and_o that_o obedience_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o voluntary_a and_o cheerful_a therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o propound_v great_a and_o mighty_a motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o so_o he_o may_v outbid_v the_o devil_n and_o convince_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o forsake_v sin_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o to_o adhere_v to_o he_o the_o founder_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v quick_o furnish_v it_o with_o inhabitant_n make_v it_o a_o asylum_n or_o sanctuary_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o danger_n or_o distress_n that_o so_o man_n find_v that_o security_n and_o those_o advantage_n abroad_o which_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v at_o home_n may_v make_v that_o their_o country_n where_o they_o find_v best_a entertainment_n 16._o not_o unlike_a to_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o king_n which_o make_v a_o marriage_n feast_n for_o his_o son_n and_o have_v invite_v his_o guest_n but_o they_o refuse_v he_o send_v his_o servant_n into_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n command_v they_o to_o bring_v those_o in_o which_o they_o find_v there_o that_o his_o house_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o guest_n not_o doubt_v but_o partly_o the_o great_a necessity_n
call_v thy_o son_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v utter_o abandon_v exclude_v your_o care_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n as_o i_o cast_v myself_o out_o of_o your_o family_n and_o so_o the_o penitent_a i_o be_o so_o far_a lord_n from_o deserve_v thy_o favour_n or_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o crum_n from_o thy_o table_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n nay_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v deserve_v to_o go_v with_o sorrow_n to_o my_o grave_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o dreadful_a viol_n of_o thy_o wrath_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o prodigal_n do_v not_o only_o thus_o condemn_v himself_o while_o he_o anxious_o stand_v expect_v his_o doom_n from_o his_o father_n but_o even_o then_o when_o his_o father_n have_v express_v compassion_n to_o he_o have_v run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o for_o so_o vers_n 21._o we_o find_v he_o repeat_v his_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o before_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o apostleship_n to_o be_v continual_o rip_v up_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v thus_o the_o penitent_a always_o judge_n and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o severity_n towards_o himself_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n poenit._n for_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o in_o quantum_fw-la non_fw-la peperceris_fw-la tibi_fw-la in_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la tibi_fw-la parcet_fw-la if_o we_o like_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n the_o plague_n will_v be_v stay_v he_o that_o anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o erect_v a_o private_a but_o impartial_a tribunal_n prevent_v the_o dreadfullness_n of_o that_o day_n in_o short_a if_o we_o be_v just_a god_n will_v be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o penitent_a have_v be_v accuser_n witness_n and_o judge_v against_o himself_o he_o may_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n become_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n intercessor_n for_o himself_o also_o and_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o favour_n so_o the_o son_n do_v here_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n q._n d._n let_v i_o not_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o family_n but_o have_v at_o least_o this_o instance_n of_o thy_o favour_n that_o i_o may_v still_o retain_v some_o relation_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a now_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n within_o himself_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n o_o take_v not_o my_o confession_n mere_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o contrition_n break_v not_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n it_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n o_o lord_n to_o pardon_v and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v angry_a for_o ever_o will_v his_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n o_o consider_v my_o frame_n remember_v i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n call_v to_o mind_v thy_o mercy_n of_o old_a thou_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n above_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o my_o sin_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o give_v i_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o help_n again_o and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o saint_n cyprian_n report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a penitent_n out_o of_o their_o quick_a and_o prick_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n earnest_o to_o implore_v the_o martyr_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o sharp_a agony_n they_o will_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n think_v such_o affectionate_a intercession_n of_o those_o that_o pour_v out_o their_o blood_n and_o request_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o penitent_a address_n himself_o also_o to_o a_o high_a and_o more_o prevalent_a advocate_n who_o add_v the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o come_v up_o as_o sweet_a odour_n before_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v give_v success_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o contrite_a person_n to_o which_o add_v that_o not_o only_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o danger_n which_o such_o a_o person_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v under_o must_v needs_o mkee_v he_o ardent_a and_o importunate_a and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n but_o also_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wont_a to_o assist_v such_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v unutterable_a §_o ii_o now_o for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o this_o penitent_a confession_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o pitiful_a moan_n in_o the_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o most_o true_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o address_n and_o complemental_a form_n by_o the_o accent_n of_o man_n voice_n by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o tear_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n as_o man_n be_v yet_o have_v demonstrate_v already_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v no_o restraint_n upon_o he_o but_o what_o himself_o please_v and_o that_o all_o his_o action_n towards_o his_o creature_n be_v so_o subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o whenever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o demand_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o now_o we_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o from_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a and_o contrite_a address_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o require_v by_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o as_o successful_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o penitent_a son_n submission_n be_v with_o his_o earthly_a parent_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o dishonour_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o penitential_a acknowledgement_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v do_v in_o great_a measure_n repair_v that_o injury_n and_o do_v right_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n as_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o particular_a 1._o sin_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n proclaim_v himself_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la or_o lawless_a and_o say_v with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o now_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n though_o it_o can_v recall_v the_o act_n which_o be_v past_a yet_o it_o revoke_v and_o retract_v the_o affront_n and_o settle_v god_n authority_n again_o 2._o sin_n be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n lay_v a_o imputation_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v either_o not_o foresee_v what_o liberty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v allow_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o have_v not_o order_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o benignity_n that_o mankind_n can_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o temptation_n to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o for_o his_o own_o necessary_a accommodation_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a confession_n take_v shame_n and_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o god_n constitution_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v take_v that_o expression_n luk._n 7._o 29._o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n
be_v true_a the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o son_n death_n have_v seize_v he_o so_o long_o that_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o and_o by_o the_o report_n of_o his_o life_n his_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o and_o the_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o he_o be_v so_o renew_v that_o the_o good_a man_n sink_v into_o a_o deliquium_fw-la but_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o report_v the_o whole_a business_n to_o relate_v the_o message_n be_v bring_v from_o joseph_n and_o especial_o come_v to_o real_a proof_n show_v he_o the_o wagon_n which_o his_o son_n have_v send_v to_o bring_v he_o down_o into_o egypt_n then_o say_v the_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n revive_v and_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o be_v transport_v with_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n now_o as_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sadness_n before_o but_o he_o recover_v himself_o and_o israel_n say_v it_o be_v enough_o joseph_n my_o son_n be_v yet_o alive_a i_o will_v go_v down_o and_o see_v he_o before_o i_o die_v the_o story_n beside_o the_o unquestionable_a authority_n of_o sacred_a record_n carry_v the_o natural_a mark_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v so_o do_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o for_o the_o lively_a stroke_n of_o passion_n in_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o history_n be_v able_a to_o match_v it_o grief_n and_o joy_n great_a as_o their_o several_a cause_n take_v place_n successive_o vie_v with_o and_o set_v off_o each_o other_o now_o although_o the_o business_n which_o we_o have_v at_o present_a before_o we_o be_v only_o a_o parable_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o that_o history_n for_o here_o we_o find_v a_o belove_a son_n at_o different_a time_n under_o the_o extremity_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a one_o while_o as_o miserable_a as_o folly_n and_o misfortune_n can_v make_v he_o another_o while_n recover_v himself_o and_o his_o station_n again_o and_o in_o all_o this_o diversity_n of_o fortune_n a_o good_a father_n passionate_o concern_v with_o he_o grieve_v and_o rejoice_v respective_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o son_n give_v he_o occasion_n and_o all_o express_v with_o equal_a life_n as_o in_o the_o former_a history_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o representation_n of_o what_o may_v be_v do_v but_o what_o be_v real_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v hitherto_o see_v the_o tragical_a part_n only_o the_o son_n folly_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o father_n grief_n the_o son_n run_v on_o from_o one_o intemperance_n to_o another_o till_o his_o father_n despair_v of_o he_o and_o he_o find_v himself_o ruin_v but_o then_o by_o a_o great_a providence_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o return_n but_o as_o we_o say_v by_o weep_v cross_n but_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v the_o son_n be_v recover_v and_o the_o father_n revive_v and_o all_o be_v joy_n and_o gladness_n here_o the_o good_a shepherd_n bring_v his_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a samaritan_n pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o he_o that_o be_v miserable_o wound_v and_o in_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n in_o short_a here_o we_o have_v a_o kind_a father_n own_v receive_v and_o indow_v his_o return_a son_n and_o here_o we_o have_v god_n almighty_a the_o father_n of_o spirit_n pardon_v and_o bless_v penitent_a sinner_n §_o ii_o but_o to_o come_v to_o particular_n whether_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o literal_a or_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o this_o last_o part_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v easy_o observe_v these_o four_o remarkable_a passage_n 1._o the_o passionate_a interview_n the_o benign_a aspect_n and_o kind_a greeting_n the_o father_n afford_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o first_o appearance_n in_o his_o way_n homeward_o 2._o the_o kind_n and_o present_a supply_n of_o the_o son_n want_n or_o he_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o now_o return_v 3._o the_o splendid_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n he_o make_v for_o he_o 4._o and_o four_a and_o last_o his_o apology_n for_o so_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o passionate_a greeting_n at_o the_o first_o interview_n express_v thus_o vers_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o the_o son_n say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n the_o son_n relent_v and_o the_o father_n melt_v into_o compassion_n the_o son_n be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o father_n bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n prevent_v the_o son_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n and_o yet_o the_o father_n kindness_n will_v not_o discharge_v or_o supersede_n the_o son_n duty_n there_o be_v a_o noble_a contention_n between_o they_o the_o one_o will_v demonstrate_v more_o love_n and_o the_o other_o strive_v to_o equal_v that_o with_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o observe_v order_n in_o passion_n however_o in_o the_o father_n carriage_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o step_n first_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o his_o son_n at_o a_o distance_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o though_o probable_o his_o former_a vice_n have_v disfigure_v he_o and_o his_o poverty_n disguise_v he_o long_a absence_n may_v have_v estrange_v he_o and_o age_n have_v somewhat_o alter_v he_o yet_o paternal_a affection_n be_v quick_a and_o sagacious_a he_o discover_v and_o distinguish_v he_o notwithstanding_o second_o his_o sight_n affect_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o see_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o have_v compassion_n his_o bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o far_o soon_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n dissolve_v into_o kindness_n then_o that_o of_o a_o son_n into_o obedience_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n at_o last_o bring_v the_o son_n to_o recover_v his_o sense_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o father_n take_v fire_n present_o and_o the_o flame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v for_o three_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o passion_n prompt_v he_o beyond_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o year_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o above_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o just_a offence_n for_o he_o run_v to_o meet_v his_o son_n and_o then_o last_o he_o indulge_v his_o affection_n or_o can_v command_v they_o he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o he_o forget_v all_o former_a undutifullness_n and_o provocation_n he_o stand_v not_o rigid_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n nor_o scrupulous_o weigh_v formality_n but_o make_v the_o full_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o indearment_n now_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n to_o all_o these_o particular_n make_v only_o a_o just_a allowance_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condescension_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n towards_o return_v sinner_n as_o i_o will_v show_v by_o draw_v the_o parallel_n in_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n something_o more_o at_o large_a first_o as_o a_o earthly_a parent_n that_o have_v lose_v a_o son_n carry_v the_o image_n of_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o never_o so_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o that_o upon_o every_o the_o least_o occasion_n he_o occurr_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v quick_a in_o apprehend_v the_o first_o approach_n of_o he_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o return_v so_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v so_o tender_a a_o love_n to_o man_n and_o such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o first_o motion_n towards_o himself_o he_o discern_v the_o first_o reason_v the_o releting_n the_o agony_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o dawning_n towards_o a_o resolution_n of_o return_v we_o see_v not_o the_o corn_n grow_v only_o we_o discover_v when_o it_o be_v grow_v nor_o do_v we_o discern_v how_o our_o own_o member_n be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n but_o the_o curious_a eye_n of_o god_n observe_v the_o first_o line_n and_o trace_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o essay_n and_o palpitation_n of_o life_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o psalmist_n admire_v the_o divine_a providence_n psal_n 139._o 14_o 15_o 16._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a and_o in_o thy_o book_n all_o my_o member_n be_v write_v which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v fashion_v when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o much_o more_o do_v