that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o more_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o have_v this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v to_o they_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o that_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endow_v and_o therefore_o without_o the_o like_a gift_n none_o can_v with_o reason_n pretend_v to_o the_o like_a infallibility_n for_o infallibility_n signify_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o 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to_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o this_o will_v give_v the_o world_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o satisfaction_n concern_v their_o infallibility_n than_o all_o the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o bellarmine_n and_o all_o their_o writer_n but_o if_o they_o can_v they_o may_v dispute_v about_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o the_o same_o confidence_n may_v pretend_v to_o it_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o they_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v in_o my_o argument_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o and_o another_o reason_n as_o plain_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v continue_v afterward_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v thus_o assist_v at_o the_o first_o publicacation_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o this_o doctrine_n and_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n by_o those_o very_a person_n that_o be_v thus_o assist_v here_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o reason_n why_o after_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n this_o infallibility_n shall_v cease_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o infallible_a foundation_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n consign_v in_o write_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o by_o testimony_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n what_o need_n be_v there_o now_o of_o a_o fix_a and_o stand_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n but_o have_v handle_v this_o argument_n more_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o upon_o it_o here_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o discourse_v upon_o from_o this_o text._n you_o have_v hear_v what_o authority_n our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o what_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o what_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n namely_o such_o a_o assistance_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n which_o assistance_n be_v at_o first_o very_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o at_o first_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n necessary_a it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o imaginable_a how_o christianity_n can_v have_v bear_v up_o against_o all_o that_o force_n and_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o but_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a and_o transient_a dispensation_n god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a wind_n in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n that_o be_v he_o design_v to_o settle_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o dispensation_n in_o that_o more_o calm_a and_o secret_a way_n of_o assistance_n which_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a dispensation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v his_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o with_o it_o in_o so_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n but_o then_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n desire_n and_o expect_v this_o bless_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n for_o how_o absolute_a soever_o this_o promise_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a it_o be_v certain_o conditional_a to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o sad_a experience_n in_o many_o instance_n have_v show_v god_n have_v long_o since_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o desolation_n that_o the_o ruin_n and_o place_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v hardly_o at_o this_o day_n certain_o know_v and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n not_o except_v rome_n herself_o for_o all_o her_o pride_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o we_o goodness_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o this_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v speak_v particular_o to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o apostle_n suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o indeed_o seem_v to_o foretell_v it_o which_o how_o it_o consist_v with_o their_o confident_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o and_o let_v all_o particular_a church_n look_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o forfeit_v this_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n for_o christ_n have_v not_o so_o tie_v himself_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o if_o they_o forsake_v he_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o they_o there_o have_v be_v many_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n and_o we_o have_v no_o small_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o be_v our_o own_o case_n for_o certain_o we_o have_v many_o of_o those_o mark_n of_o ruin_n among_o we_o which_o do_v foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n horrible_a profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n division_n and_o animosity_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o a_o universal_a dissoluteness_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n think_v ourselves_o exempt_v from_o the_o same_o fate_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o they_o take_v away_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o we_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o their_o commission_n if_o they_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o
little_a patience_n and_o these_o storm_n will_v blow_v over_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v remove_v into_o a_o calm_a region_n where_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o death_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o this_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o but_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o therefore_o those_o who_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v move_v as_o though_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o they_o but_o shall_v rather_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v they_o also_o may_v be_v glad_a with_o exceed_v joy_n 1_o pet._n 4.12_o 13._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o observation_n which_o be_v the_o different_a estate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n after_o this_o life_n lazarus_n die_v and_o be_v carry_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n the_o rich_a man_n die_v and_o go_v to_o hell_n this_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n seem_v to_o require_v so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o credible_a to_o natural_a reason_n whether_o we_o consider_v god_n or_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n and_o therefore_o be_v concern_v to_o countenance_v the_o one_o and_o discountenance_v the_o other_o in_o such_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a manner_n as_o may_v vindicate_v his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v promiscuous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v very_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a assize_n a_o fair_a and_o open_a trial_n when_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o credible_a for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n not_o only_o of_o the_o common_a people_n but_o of_o the_o wise_a person_n who_o have_v only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o guide_v they_o nay_o if_o we_o do_v but_o search_v our_o own_o conscience_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o inward_a and_o secret_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o in_o that_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o find_v in_o any_o good_a action_n and_o in_o that_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o horror_n that_o haunt_v a_o man_n after_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o though_o never_o so_o secret_a a_o sin_n and_o as_o reason_n and_o scripture_n together_o do_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n so_o likewise_o that_o man_n when_o they_o pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o proper_a consequence_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o action_n in_o the_o other_o and_o though_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o complete_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v after_o the_o public_a judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v unspeakable_o great_a lazarus_n be_v represent_v as_o very_o happy_a immediate_o after_o his_o pass_v out_o of_o this_o world_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v carry_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n by_o which_o the_o jew_n express_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a state_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v represent_v as_o in_o great_a anguish_n and_o torment_n but_o what_o the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o other_o state_n we_o can_v but_o now_o imperfect_o and_o unskilful_o describe_v 22._o serm._n on_o rom._n 6.21_o 22._o each_o of_o these_o i_o have_v in_o another_o discourse_n speak_v something_o to_o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o four_o observation_n the_o vast_a difference_n between_o man_n condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o the_o rich_a man_n prosper_v here_o and_o be_v afterward_o torment_v lazarus_n be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o happy_a in_o the_o other_o v._n 25._o remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v and_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o man_n condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1_o st_o for_o the_o try_v of_o man_n virtue_n 2_o dly_z in_o order_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n for_o this_o end_n principal_o god_n ordain_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o permit_v the_o best_a of_o his_o servant_n many_o time_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o great_a calamity_n to_o try_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o to_o improve_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prevent_v those_o sin_n into_o which_o the_o mighty_a temptation_n of_o a_o perpetual_a prosperity_n be_v apt_a to_o draw_v even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n to_o take_v off_o their_o affection_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o vain_a world_n and_o to_o engage_v and_o fix_v they_o there_o where_o they_o shall_v never_o repent_v that_o they_o have_v place_v they_o to_o prove_v their_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o life_n and_o to_o make_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n more_o welcome_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o 2_o dly_z in_o order_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o man_n that_o they_o who_o will_v take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n for_o their_o future_a state_n that_o they_o who_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o neglect_v their_o immortal_a soul_n may_v inherit_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o their_o wretched_a choice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o they_o who_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v rather_o endure_v the_o great_a evil_n than_o do_v the_o least_o that_o they_o who_o look_v beyond_o the_o present_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o believe_v the_o reality_n and_o eternity_n of_o the_o other_o state_n and_o live_v according_o may_v not_o be_v disappoint_v in_o their_o hope_n and_o serve_v god_n and_o suffer_v for_o he_o for_o nothing_o from_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o we_o may_v infer_v 1._o that_o no_o man_n shall_v measure_v his_o felicity_n or_o unhappiness_n by_o his_o lot_n in_o this_o world_n if_o thou_o receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a and_o have_v as_o much_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o thy_o heart_n can_v wish_v be_v splendid_o attire_v and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n be_v in_o no_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n neither_o art_n plague_v like_o other_o folk_n do_v not_o upon_o this_o bless_v thyself_o as_o the_o happy_a man._n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v thou_o poor_a and_o miserable_a destitute_a of_o all_o the_o convenience_n and_o accommodation_n of_o this_o life_n do_v not_o repine_v at_o thy_o lot_n and_o murmur_v at_o god_n for_o have_v deal_v hardly_o with_o thou_o no_o man_n can_v be_v pronounce_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o what_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o these_o thing_n this_o life_n be_v but_o a_o short_a and_o inconsiderable_a duration_n and_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o entertainment_n we_o meet_v withal_o as_o we_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n the_o state_n of_o eternity_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v determine_v he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n who_o be_v so_o in_o that_o life_n which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o he_o be_v miserable_a that_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o 2._o we_o shall_v not_o set_v too_o great_a a_o value_n upon_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n we_o may_v receive_v our_o good_a thing_n here_o and_o be_v torment_v hereafter_o nay_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v be_v no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o our_o torment_n none_o of_o the_o least_o aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n that_o we_o do_v receive_v our_o good_a thing_n nothing_o afflict_v a_o man_n more_o and_o touch_v he_o more_o sensible_o when_o he_o be_v in_o misery_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o former_a prosperity_n have_v he_o never_o be_v happy_a his_o misery_n will_v be_v the_o less_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o
human_a care_n be_v transmit_v entire_a and_o free_a from_o any_o material_a error_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n but_o revelation_n unwritten_a if_o they_o have_v any_o last_a and_o considerable_a effect_n they_o must_v at_o least_o in_o every_o age_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v otherwise_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n either_o through_o the_o unfaithfulness_n or_o carelessness_n and_o frailty_n of_o man_n they_o will_v either_o be_v quite_o lose_v or_o so_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a that_o they_o will_v signify_v nothing_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v so_o little_a cause_n to_o murmur_v and_o repine_v at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v those_o more_o immediate_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o we_o that_o he_o do_v to_o former_a age_n that_o we_o have_v rather_o great_a reason_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o have_v 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work_n not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o reject_v and_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o we_o sincere_o use_v these_o mean_n we_o may_v confident_o expect_v the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o resist_v these_o mean_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n shall_v attempt_v our_o recovery_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n though_o he_o shall_v gratify_v our_o presumptuous_a and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o yet_o 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holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o error_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v do_v enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o as_o great_a as_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v god_n in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o god_n will_v employ_v no_o other_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o messenger_n to_o we_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o the_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o merciful_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o amend_v our_o life_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o far_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o make_v any_o more_o attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o 3_o dly_a and_o last_o those_o who_o be_v
not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o effectual_o persuade_v by_o this_o clear_a and_o public_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v reason_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o case_n as_o desperate_a methinks_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o desirable_a thing_n to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o apparition_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o dreadful_a and_o full_a of_o terror_n beside_o that_o it_o argue_v man_n to_o be_v strange_o harden_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n and_o obstinate_o bend_v upon_o their_o evil_a way_n when_o nothing_o will_v affright_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n but_o what_o will_v almost_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n when_o nothing_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o run_v into_o hell_n but_o a_o fearful_a and_o ghastly_a messenger_n from_o thence_o what_o a_o terrible_a sight_n will_v it_o be_v to_o any_o of_o we_o to_o meet_v one_o of_o our_o companion_n who_o we_o have_v late_o know_v in_o this_o world_n fresh_a come_v out_o of_o those_o flame_n with_o the_o smell_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o he_o what_o imagination_n can_v paint_v to_o itself_o the_o dread_n and_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o spectacle_n the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n be_v represent_v as_o sensible_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v send_v himself_o to_o his_o brethren_n but_o desire_v that_o lazarus_n may_v go_v and_o testify_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a how_o frightful_a a_o sight_n he_o himself_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o gentle_a warning_n by_o one_o who_o from_o out_o of_o abraham_n bosom_n have_v see_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o enjoy_v the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a but_o let_v not_o we_o tempt_v god_n by_o any_o such_o unreasonable_a demand_n who_o speak_v to_o we_o every_o day_n by_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o word_n and_o have_v of_o late_a year_n call_v so_o loud_o upon_o we_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v to_o he_o by_o so_o many_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n as_o god_n hardly_o ever_o wrought_v for_o any_o prince_n and_o people_n and_o by_o such_o terrible_a volley_n of_o judgement_n and_o full_a viol_n of_o wrath_n as_o have_v seldom_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o any_o nation_n god_n speak_v to_o you_o by_o his_o minister_n man_n like_o yourselves_o god_n know_v poor_a frail_a and_o sinful_a man_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o when_o we_o call_v you_o to_o repentance_n we_o deliver_v to_o you_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n the_o counsel_n and_o command_n of_o the_o great_a god_n which_o whatever_o account_n may_v be_v make_v of_o we_o do_v certain_o challenge_v your_o most_o awful_a attention_n and_o regard_n and_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o a_o very_a difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n to_o contend_v with_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n to_o strive_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o impetuous_a stream_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n and_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v move_v we_o to_o this_o unwelcome_a and_o grievous_a importunity_n but_o a_o great_a and_o just_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o duty_n and_o your_o danger_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v these_o warning_n why_o shall_v we_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o send_v a_o express_a messenger_n to_o we_o from_o the_o other_o world_n to_o certify_v we_o how_o all_o thing_n be_v there_o and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o humour_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o infidelity_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o this_o course_n will_v prove_v more_o effectual_a let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o the_o same_o lust_n which_o now_o detain_v man_n so_o strong_o in_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n hurry_v they_o on_o to_o hell_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v meet_v they_o in_o their_o way_n to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o this_o indeed_o may_v startle_v we_o but_o nothing_o be_v like_a to_o save_v we_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n do_v not_o but_o be_v we_o in_o earnest_n and_o will_v we_o be_v persuade_v if_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v condescend_v thus_o far_o to_o we_o there_o be_v one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v we_o god_n will_v gratify_v our_o curiosity_n no_o far_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o he_o have_v send_v he_o have_v raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o perish_v in_o our_o impenitency_n god_n have_v in_o great_a mercy_n to_o mankind_n do_v that_o which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o provide_v any_o remedy_n for_o the_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o intractable_a perverseness_n of_o men._n now_o god_n who_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n in_o his_o hand_n persuade_v we_o all_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n before_o death_n and_o darkness_n come_v and_o the_o day_n of_o our_o final_a visitation_n overtake_v we_o when_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o sudden_a stroke_n or_o seize_v upon_o by_o a_o violent_a disease_n and_o may_v have_v no_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o our_o approach_a danger_n or_o if_o we_o have_v may_v find_v no_o place_n for_o repentance_n though_o we_o seek_v it_o with_o tear_n which_o god_n grant_v may_v never_o happen_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o of_o we_o for_o his_o mercy_n be_v sake_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xiii_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n anno_fw-la 1683._o luke_n xvi_o 8_o for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n these_o word_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n steward_n who_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o give_v up_o his_o account_n in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v discharge_v from_o his_o office_n cast_v about_o with_o himself_o what_o course_n he_o have_v best_a to_o take_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o subsistence_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o employment_n at_o last_o he_o resolve_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v go_v to_o his_o lord_n debtor_n and_o take_v a_o favourable_a account_n of_o they_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o oil_n write_v down_o fifty_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o wheat_n write_v down_o fourscore_o v._n vol._n v._n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o he_o in_o his_o necessity_n the_o lord_n hear_v of_o this_o commend_v the_o unjust_a steward_n because_o he_o have_v do_v wise_o that_o be_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o dishonesty_n but_o praise_v his_o shrewdness_n and_o sagacity_n as_o have_v do_v prudent_o for_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v just_o with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v usual_a among_o men._n when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n ingenious_o bad_a to_o commend_v his_o wit_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o better_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a purpose_n upon_o the_o whole_a our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o do_v this_o worldly_a wiseman_n thus_o provident_a be_v he_o for_o his_o future_a security_n and_o subsistence_n he_o no_o soon_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o office_n but_o he_o consider_v what_o provision_n to_o make_v for_o himself_o against_o that_o time_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o apply_v this_o wisdom_n to_o better_a and_o great_a purpose_n for_o be_v not_o every_o man_n such_o a_o steward_n entrust_v by_o god_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n 13._o ser._n 13._o and_o many_o opportunity_n of_o