Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n believe_v christian_a church_n 3,370 5 4.3894 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29181 Practical discourses upon the parables of our blessed Saviour with prayers annexed to each discourse / by Francis Bragge ... Bragge, Francis, 1664-1728. 1694 (1694) Wing B4201; ESTC R35338 242,722 507

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

yet_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o mind_v other_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o danger_n and_o heedless_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v habitual_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o pit_n of_o bottomless_a destruction_n which_o will_v at_o length_n swallow_v up_o the_o incorrigible_o wicked_a and_o yet_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o it_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_a but_o suppose_v some_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v innumerable_a more_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o live_v according_o and_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n methinks_v shall_v be_v a_o better_a argument_n in_o the_o affirmative_a than_o the_o infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o a_o few_o titular_a christian_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o though_o to_o a_o man_n that_o style_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o believe_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o he_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o nothing_o yet_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v real_o and_o indeed_o a_o fiction_n for_o that_o may_v be_v assure_o true_a and_o that_o to_o their_o cost_n which_o some_o man_n dont_fw-fr care_n to_o believe_v thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o go_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o though_o some_o be_v much_o scandalize_v at_o it_o and_o raise_v a_o objection_n from_o it_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n that_o make_v a_o christian_n he_o only_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o that_o to_o a_o right_a belief_n adjoin_v good_a work_n the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n or_o the_o tare_n the_o bad_a or_o good_a professor_n of_o christianity_n respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n christ_n by_o teach_v a_o holy_a reliligion_n to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o shall_v conduct_v man_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o by_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o do_v endeavour_n to_o make_v all_o man_n happy_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o sin_n be_v weed_v out_o of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o misery_n in_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o which_o after_o a_o persevere_v righteousness_n here_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o instate_v the_o devil_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o great_a enemy_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n make_v it_o his_o great_a endeavour_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o wiles_n ●nd_v stratagem_n to_o obliterate_v the_o divine_a impression_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n upon_o man_n soul_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o attend_v to_o its_o great_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o duration_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o here_o lie_v the_o only_a scene_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o a_o future_a felicity_n or_o misery_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o amuse_v and_o frighten_v child_n withal_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n be_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v gratify_v they_o to_o the_o full_a and_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o mortify_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v make_v ourselves_o happy_a while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o not_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o uncertain_a reversion_n and_o when_o he_o can_v whole_o blot_v out_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v it_o by_o persuade_v we_o that_o a_o very_a little_a religion_n will_v serve_v turn_n see_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o so_o merciful_a a_o god_n and_o if_o by_o these_o mean_n or_o the_o like_a of_o which_o he_o have_v great_a variety_n he_o can_v incline_v man_n if_o not_o entire_o to_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n yet_o like_o tare_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o name_n and_o appearance_n of_o christian_n and_o live_v at_o loose_a and_o random_n and_o follow_v the_o stream_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o desire_n and_o his_o sly_a insinuation_n and_o tempt_a delusion_n then_o he_o have_v his_o end_n and_o will_v at_o length_n cheat_v they_o of_o the_o happiness_n that_o christ_n design_v they_o and_o decoy_n they_o into_o his_o own_o possession_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o portion_n of_o tare_n and_o noxious_a weed_n that_o furnace_n of_o fire_n prepare_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o angel_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o tender_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n we_o must_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o observant_a that_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o this_o our_o great_a enemy_n whatever_o will_v disparage_v religion_n or_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o good_a life_n come_v certain_o from_o that_o infernal_a tempter_n the_o temptation_n to_o a_o excessive_a gratification_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n assure_o come_v from_o he_o the_o opportunity_n of_o vice_n be_v of_o his_o dispose_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o engage_v we_o in_o so_o great_a a_o love_n and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abomination_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o happiness_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o bless_a motion_n that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o often_o feel_v to_o a_o more_o pious_a and_o holy_a conversation_n must_v be_v thankful_o embrace_v and_o cheerful_o follow_v as_o the_o direction_n and_o excitation_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n to_o what_o be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n they_o be_v those_o heavenly_a dew_n which_o will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n and_o improve_v their_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o holiness_n and_o if_o sincere_o cooperate_v with_o will_v at_o length_n bring_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o perfection_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o bad_a and_o good_a under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n as_o good_a corn_n and_o weed_n together_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o field_n of_o corn_n and_o that_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o good_a and_o evil_a respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n together_o with_o the_o improvement_n of_o each_o consideration_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o before_o i_o quite_o leave_v this_o particular_a i_o shall_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o promiscuous_a mixture_n of_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o god_n suffering_n it_o to_o be_v so_o without_o any_o extraordinary_a discrimination_n from_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o some_o to_o object_n as_o too_o many_o do_v against_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o our_o church_n because_o as_o they_o say_v we_o admit_v any_o that_o will_v come_v even_o those_o that_o have_v be_v scandalous_a liver_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o solemnity_n be_v profane_v and_o make_v less_o beneficial_a to_o the_o good_a but_o now_o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v that_o we_o admit_v any_o that_o will_v come_v though_o man_n of_o ill_a life_n i_o say_v not_o grant_v this_o for_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o false_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o communicant_n before_o and_o at_o the_o solemnity_n and_o from_o the_o rubric_n of_o that_o office_n and_o from_o the_o 26_o 27_o and_o 28_o cannon_n of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o minister_n be_v express_o forbid_v to_o admit_v notorious_a offender_n schismatic_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o communion_n but_o suppose_v this_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o false_a as_o to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v true_a as_o to_o some_o particular_a minister_n why_o must_v communicate_v with_o such_o minister_n and_o as_o we_o think_v in_o such_o profane_a company_n be_v unchristian_o abstain_v from_o and_o the_o minister_n declaim_v against_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n at_o this_o rate_n they_o may_v as_o well_o desert_a the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o ill_a man_n be_v intermxied_a in_o all_o though_o they_o may_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o if_o their_o company_n
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o withal_o to_o declare_v god_n purpose_n of_o receive_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n upon_o their_o despise_n and_o reject_v that_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o moreover_o that_o whoever_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n must_v live_v agreeable_o and_o be_v conformable_a to_o all_o its_o holy_a law_n or_o else_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v more_o deplorable_a than_o ever_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o have_v another_o aspect_n which_o be_v entire_o christian_a and_o be_v full_a of_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o we_o that_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v very_o apt_o expressive_a of_o these_o four_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o it_o be_v lively_a expressive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n as_o represent_v it_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o wedding_n supper_n second_o of_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v forth_o other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n three_o it_o very_o apt_o express_v what_o kind_n of_o reception_n this_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n represent_v here_o by_o man_n make_n light_a of_o the_o invitation_n to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o offer_v excuse_n such_o as_o of_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o of_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n will_v engage_v their_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v and_o according_o go_v their_o own_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n and_o another_o to_o his_o merchandise_n and_o the_o rest_n take_v those_o servant_n that_o come_v to_o invite_v they_o and_o entreat_v they_o spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o four_o it_o express_v how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v that_o either_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o yet_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v the_o preacher_n of_o it_o or_o else_o though_o they_o do_v profess_v it_o yet_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o it_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o king_n be_v find_v a_o man_n at_o the_o marriage_n supper_n that_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o the_o man_n be_v speechless_a upon_o it_o and_o the_o king_n be_v command_v his_o servant_n to_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o the_o former_a be_v express_v by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v wrath_n with_o those_o that_o stight_v his_o invitation_n and_o pronounce_v they_o not_o worthy_a of_o it_o and_o resolve_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v other_o to_o the_o wedding_n and_o command_v his_o army_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n that_o have_v spiteful_o entreat_v and_o slay_v his_o servant_n and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n and_o then_o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o general_a observation_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v of_o each_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o order_n first_o this_o parable_n do_v very_o lively_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v here_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o as_o guest_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o wedding_n supper_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 14_o say_z that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a or_o purchase_a people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o ephes_n 1.14_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o purchase_a possession_n in_o allusion_n i_o suppose_v both_o to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n of_o the_o man_n give_v a_o dowry_n to_o she_o who_o he_o make_v his_o wife_n thereby_o purchase_v she_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o peculiar_a and_o likewise_o to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n who_o have_v a_o officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o educate_v and_o form_n and_o refine_v woman_n design_v for_o marriage_n and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o to_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v their_o husband_n agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o pure_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n and_o according_o our_o lord_n often_o compare_v himself_o to_o a_o bridegroom_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o bride_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n or_o the_o friend_n and_o special_a attendant_n of_o the_o bride_n and_o bridegroom_n and_o ephes_n 5.35_o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n and_o then_o verse_n 30._o we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n and_o wife_n gen._n 2.24_o they_o two_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n and_o verse_n 32._o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n then_o or_o christian_a religion_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o marriage_n make_v by_o god_n the_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o christ_n the_o promulg_a of_o this_o gospel_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v that_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n and_o the_o church_n or_o those_o that_o believe_v this_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v this_o religion_n be_v the_o bride_n it_o inform_v we_o in_o general_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n be_v like_o that_o of_o marriage_n and_o make_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o entitle_v to_o like_a privilege_n and_o oblige_v to_o like_a duty_n and_o be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n first_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n make_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o man_n and_o wife_n i._n e._n the_o near_a the_o dear_a and_o likewise_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n for_o that_o marriage_n be_v the_o near_a relation_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v gen._n 2.24_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n it_o be_v the_o dear_a relation_n because_o a_o man_n wife_n be_v as_o himself_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n as_o eve_n be_v of_o adam_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o and_o man_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n and_o he_o that_o love_v his_o wife_n still_o love_v himself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a relation_n likewise_o for_o though_o god_n permit_v divorce_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o christ_n in_o some_o case_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n permit_v it_o to_o we_o christian_n yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v so_o near_o join_v together_o be_v not_o at_o first_o intend_v ever_o to_o be_v put_v a_o sunder_o but_o by_o death_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o gospel_n
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n take_v up_o most_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n let_v such_o consider_v be_v that_o a_o excuse_v which_o be_v it_o self_n as_o great_a a_o fault_n as_o any_o will_v god_n accept_v such_o a_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v he_o not_o plain_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o too_o much_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v not_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whoso_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o plain_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n how_o strange_a a_o plea_n than_o be_v it_o for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o say_v we_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v soul_n to_o be_v save_v methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n a_o moderate_a industry_n such_o as_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n entrench_v upon_o religion_n be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o their_o take_a care_n of_o lesser_a matter_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n and_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n and_o moderation_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n
sow_v these_o tare_n because_o he_o be_v the_o busy_a prompter_n to_o vice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o great_a encourager_n of_o it_o by_o his_o sly_a and_o wheedle_a insinuation_n and_o wicked_a injection_n he_o be_v that_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o good_a and_o who_o constant_a endeavour_v it_o be_v to_o oppose_v and_o weaken_v the_o kingdom_n of_o righteousness_n and_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o to_o establish_v his_o infernal_a dominion_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o harvest_n because_o then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n gather_v all_o man_n from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o dispose_v they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o good_a corn_n at_o harvest_n be_v take_v from_o off_o the_o ground_n and_o carryed-away_a and_o lay_v up_o in_o repository_n of_o safety_n but_o the_o tare_n and_o other_o noxious_a weed_n sever_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o bind_v up_o in_o bundle_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o reaper_n at_o this_o great_a harvest_n because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o ministry_n that_o god_n will_v execute_v his_o most_o equal_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n the_o righteous_a shall_v by_o they_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o like_o good_a corn_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garner_n for_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a shall_v by_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o good_a and_o like_o vile_a tare_n be_v throw_v into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o thus_o much_o in_o short_a for_o the_o aptness_n of_o this_o parable_n to_o express_v the_o sense_n that_o our_o lord_n conceal_v under_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v its_o several_a part_n and_o it_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o six_o thing_n first_o it_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n as_o tare_n and_o wheat_n together_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o field_n of_o corn_n and_o that_o the_o two_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o good_a and_o evil_a respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o this_o world_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o there_o be_v that_o be_v christian_n by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o because_o their_o father_n be_v so_o before_o they_o and_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n procure_v their_o reception_n into_o that_o communion_n but_o seldom_o look_v any_o further_a into_o the_o reason_n and_o inducement_n to_o such_o belief_n and_o trouble_v themselves_o but_o very_o little_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o much_o less_o to_o practice_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o that_o holy_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v mahometan_n or_o jew_n have_v their_o parent_n be_v so_o and_o educate_v they_o in_o that_o way_n and_o therefore_o be_v christian_n by_o chance_n not_o choice_n and_o this_o those_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o spend_v the_o whole_a six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o drudge_a for_o the_o world_n from_o morning_n until_o night_n and_o then_o like_o tire_a beast_n when_o they_o have_v fill_v their_o belly_n without_o any_o further_a thought_n lay_v they_o down_o to_o rest_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n day_n come_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o nourishment_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o piety_n and_o goodness_n and_o their_o instruction_n in_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v of_o make_v little_o better_a use_v of_o it_o than_o their_o horse_n do_v in_o the_o stable_a rest_n from_o bodily_a labour_n and_o saunter_n and_o prate_n and_o drink_v away_o the_o day_n but_o seldom_o come_v at_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o instruction_n and_o if_o they_o do_v be_v as_o little_a the_o better_a for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v absent_a let_v such_o consider_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a whether_o this_o sort_n of_o christianity_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n or_o no_o whether_o their_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n will_v save_v they_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v whether_o their_o tell_v our_o lord_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o country_n where_o his_o holy_a religion_n be_v profess_v and_o of_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o be_v by_o they_o present_v to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v to_o call_v themselves_o christians_o all_o their_o life_n and_o now_o and_o then_o come_v to_o church_n as_o other_o christian_n do_v let_v they_o consider_v whether_o at_o that_o great_a day_n such_o a_o empty_a plea_n will_v be_v accept_v when_o the_o judge_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o what_o obedience_n they_o have_v pay_v to_o his_o commandment_n if_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o why_o do_v our_o lord_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 7.14_o mat._n 7.14_o and_o why_o be_v the_o way_n say_v to_o be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o doubtless_o it_o high_o concern_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v more_o serious_o of_o religion_n than_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o unless_o they_o think_v their_o soul_n not_o worth_a take_v care_n of_o or_o that_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o those_o of_o repentance_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n assign_v above_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o ill_a man_n here_o go_v under_o the_o common_a name_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o title_n be_v all_o the_o christianity_n they_o can_v boast_v of_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a wonder_n indeed_o if_o such_o empty_a tare_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v lay_v up_o with_o the_o good_a wheat_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n as_o much_o by_o chance_n as_o they_o become_v christian_n further_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o find_v ill_a man_n among_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n because_o man_n be_v free_a agent_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o force_n but_o only_o by_o proper_a method_n incline_v and_o persuade_v and_o those_o who_o in_o their_o infancy_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o educate_v in_o his_o discipline_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n may_v yet_o through_o the_o predominancy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o together_o with_o their_o own_o careless_a inadvertency_n be_v when_o grow_v up_o incline_v to_o live_v at_o quite_o another_o rate_n than_o christianity_n allow_v and_o though_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o choose_v to_o be_v indeed_o the_o servant_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n to_o conclude_v as_o they_o do_v that_o because_o many_o that_o profess_v christianity_n live_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o cheat_n because_o do_v they_o believe_v what_o that_o religion_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o live_v in_o such_o continual_a opposition_n to_o it_o indeed_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o christian_n very_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o conversation_n lest_o they_o bring_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n as_o this_o upon_o their_o holy_a religion_n remember_v our_o lord_n word_n woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v but_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o of_o a_o profession_n live_v contrary_a to_o its_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n that_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o forgery_n for_o believe_v and_o do_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o a_o man_n may_v habitual_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o actual_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a pit_n in_o his_o way_n and_o
and_o promise_v as_o fair_a as_o the_o good_a corn_n but_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v nigh_o that_o the_o corn_n shall_v appear_v and_o come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n than_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n and_o what_o appear_v so_o well_o at_o first_o be_v then_o find_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a noxious_a weed_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v too_o often_o in_o religion_n many_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o semblance_n of_o piety_n attend_v the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o much_o seem_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n listen_v to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n as_o that_o dew_n of_o heaven_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o fruitful_a as_o earnest_o as_o other_o do_v and_o this_o look_n very_o well_o and_o be_v as_o far_o as_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v discern_v for_o the_o present_a as_o hopeful_a a_o beginning_n as_o need_v be_v desire_v the_o real_o good_a seed_n can_v send_v forth_o nothing_o more_o promise_v at_o first_o and_o hitherto_o the_o tare_n grow_v undiscovered_a among_o the_o wheat_n by_o any_o eye_n but_o that_o of_o god_n but_o after_o this_o first_o blade_n have_v appear_v and_o that_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n after_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o make_v this_o show_n of_o religion_n instead_o of_o advance_v further_o and_o further_o to_o perfection_n as_o the_o good_a seed_n do_v and_o abound_v in_o every_o good_a work_n like_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n these_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o blade_n and_o stalk_v of_o religion_n no_o fruit_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o no_o real_a substantial_a virtue_n attend_v this_o show_n of_o piety_n but_o rather_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v discernible_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a discovery_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v but_o formal_a not_o sincere_a christian_n vile_a unhappy_a tare_n but_o not_o good_a seed_n for_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o vain_a hope_n from_o a_o formal_a customary_a religion_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a much_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o vanity_n for_o unless_o his_o religion_n make_v he_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v see_v in_o all_o his_o conversation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o make_v a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o it_o at_o church_n and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o most_o provoke_a mockery_n of_o god_n and_o a_o unnatural_a starve_v of_o the_o soul_n with_o such_o fantastic_a food_n and_o will_v consign_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o a_o hypocritical_a religion_n will_v have_v a_o very_a sad_a consequence_n in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o it_o expose_v man_n to_o much_o shame_n and_o contempt_n in_o this_o for_o every_o man_n that_o see_v such_o great_a show_n of_o religion_n such_o pretence_n to_o christian_a virtue_n will_v natural_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o man_n all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o that_o to_o his_o devotion_n and_o show_n of_o godliness_n at_o church_n be_v add_v sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n in_o his_o conversation_n and_o intercourse_n with_o men._n as_o when_o man_n see_v the_o first_o sprouting_n and_o flourish_a of_o a_o field_n that_o be_v sow_o with_o good_a grain_n they_o expect_v to_o find_v increase_n of_o the_o same_o good_a fruit_n but_o when_o after_o all_o this_o fair_a and_o florid_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n there_o appear_v nothing_o but_o tare_n and_o the_o man_n be_v over_o run_v with_o wicked_a habit_n and_o vile_a affection_n little_a or_o no_o sign_n of_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o mind_n but_o rather_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o dishonesty_n in_o his_o deal_n lie_v and_o collusion_n instead_o of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n pride_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o purity_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o such_o vileness_n as_o this_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o a_o man_n show_n of_o religion_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n pharisee_n like_o a_o white_v sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o but_o within_o full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v sometime_o for_o fashion_n sake_n to_o visit_v it_o but_o always_o leave_v it_o there_o behind_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o its_o company_n abroad_o now_o such_o hypocrisy_n as_o this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o hateful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instead_o of_o gain_v reputation_n to_o a_o man_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v he_o a_o common_a scorn_n man_n can_v but_o discover_v the_o abominable_a cheat_n and_o they_o can_v but_o hate_v and_o detest_v it_o tare_n will_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o be_v tare_n and_o the_o soon_o for_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn._n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pretend_v to_o conceal_v under_o a_o fair_a appearance_n what_o will_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n discover_v it_o self_n and_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o hatred_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o next_o and_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o well_o as_o put_v on_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o the_o next_o thing_n it_o inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o holy_a angel_n observation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o christian_n and_o their_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o do_v god_n service_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n that_o be_v the_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o interpretation_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v thou_o not_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o they_o answer_v will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o they_o observe_v by_o the_o loose_a life_n of_o some_o professor_n that_o there_o be_v very_o ill_a man_n that_o go_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o know_v will_v reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o christ_n the_o great_a planter_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n and_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o haste_v to_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v his_o further_a command_n and_o with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o intention_n of_o great_a charity_n to_o we_o poor_a mortal_n they_o offer_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o those_o scandalous_a hypocritical_a member_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n observer_n and_o that_o for_o excellent_a purpose_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o christian_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o this_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o from_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o attentive_a reader_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n must_v often_o have_v observe_v of_o which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o that_o give_v most_o light_a to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a mention_n st._n paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11.10_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n ought_v woman_n to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v in_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v lest_o any_o thing_n indecent_a shall_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o pure_a spirit_n who_o be_v present_a as_o god_n spy_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o men._n the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o one_a chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v likewise_o very_o plain_a to_o this_o purpose_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o angel_n be_v they_o not_o all_o say_v he_o as_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o
prevent_v their_o run_n into_o course_n ruinous_a and_o to_o shield_v they_o from_o the_o mischievous_a assault_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o before_o or_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v observe_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v teach_v he_o without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v angel_n then_o present_a as_o observer_n and_o witness_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v and_o discourse_v it_o be_v then_o thus_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v observer_n of_o man_n life_n and_o action_n especial_o of_o those_o of_o christian_n as_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o as_o minister_n of_o his_o divine_a government_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o make_v curious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n appoint_v angel_n to_o observe_v and_o minister_v to_o we_o since_o nothing_o escape_v his_o own_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o his_o own_o almighty_a arm_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o all_o deep_a place_n nor_o of_o what_o rank_n and_o order_n those_o angel_n be_v and_o how_o many_o that_o be_v thus_o employ_v and_o whether_o every_o man_n have_v a_o particular_a angel_n assign_v he_o as_o his_o guardian_n and_o the_o inspector_n of_o his_o action_n which_o thing_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o mortal_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o they_o but_o shall_v make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o this_o particular_a relate_n to_o our_o practice_n that_o since_o we_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o who_o concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n be_v very_o great_a since_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o most_o secret_a action_n and_o though_o invisible_a and_o unobserved_a themselves_o be_v our_o curious_a observer_n methinks_v we_o that_o be_v ourselves_o but_o in_o one_o rank_n of_o be_v below_o they_o here_o and_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o shall_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v find_v by_o they_o wallow_v like_o swine_n in_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n degrade_n ourselves_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o in_o base_a hypocrisy_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n when_o indeed_o we_o act_v like_o infidel_n nay_o too_o often_o like_o devil_n incarnate_a how_o do_v those_o good_a spirit_n though_o they_o may_v pity_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n yet_o withal_o despise_v and_o abominate_a the_o servile_a baseness_n of_o such_o excellent_a nature_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n yet_o quit_v their_o heavenly_a reversion_n for_o the_o low_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o contemptible_a earth_n methinks_v shame_n shall_v deter_v we_o from_o vile_a and_o impious_a action_n if_o nothing_o else_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n not_o suffer_v we_o to_o act_v so_o much_o beneath_o ourselves_o and_o a_o man_n not_o brutish_o impudent_a shall_v not_o endure_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o angel_n in_o such_o vile_a circumstance_n as_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v find_v in_o by_o any_o man_n he_o reverence_v and_o respect_n nay_o by_o a_o servant_n or_o a_o child_n and_o as_o the_o angel_n be_v observer_n of_o human_a action_n so_o be_v they_o god_n intelligencer_n to_o give_v he_o account_v of_o they_o not_o that_o god_n need_v such_o information_n for_o every_o thing_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o own_o all_o see_a eye_n but_o for_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decorum_n of_o his_o government_n and_o this_o their_o office_n they_o perform_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o tare_n discern_v by_o they_o to_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn_n the_o formal_a empty_a christian_n to_o be_v intermix_v with_o the_o sincere_o good_a but_o they_o hasten_v to_o give_v account_n of_o it_o to_o their_o great_a master_n and_z as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o great_a dishonour_n reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o pure_a of_o religion_n by_o their_o base_a hypocrisy_n and_o impious_a conversation_n they_o offer_v with_o his_o permission_n to_o remove_v those_o evil_a doer_n those_o not_o only_o unprofitable_a but_o wicked_a servant_n as_o unworthy_a to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o so_o sacred_a a_o society_n as_o that_o of_o christian_n will_v thou_o that_o we_o gather_v they_o up_o say_v they_o will_v thou_o permit_v we_o to_o weed_v this_o thy_o great_a field_n of_o those_o noxious_a tare_n to_o cull_v out_o the_o empty_a nominal_a christian_n and_o exert_v that_o power_n thou_o have_v give_v we_o to_o their_o deserve_a ruin_n that_o the_o residue_n of_o thy_o servant_n may_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o keep_v from_o their_o abomination_n and_o that_o those_o bless_a spirit_n that_o angelic_a host_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v this_o service_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o remember_v how_o one_o angel_n in_o one_o night_n destroy_v all_o the_o first-born_a in_o egypt_n now_o this_o their_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n shall_v put_v we_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o do_v god_n will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v that_o we_o who_o here_o on_o earth_n 20.36_o luk._n 20.36_o be_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o shall_v in_o heaven_n be_v equal_a to_o they_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_v they_o as_o we_o can_v and_o with_o the_o utmost_a cheerfulness_n alacrity_n and_o diligence_n perform_v the_o duty_n our_o great_a governor_n have_v set_v we_o and_o with_o a_o prudent_a zeal_n endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a station_n by_o discountenance_v vice_n and_o encourage_v and_o promote_a virtue_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o reputation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n if_o magistrate_n will_v take_v due_a notice_n of_o those_o that_o live_v scandalous_o and_o wicked_o and_o not_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil-doer_n and_o praise_n and_o encourage_v those_o that_o do_v well_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v style_v angel_n in_o scripture_n will_v act_v like_o the_o angel_n in_o this_o parable_n and_o curious_o inspect_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o by_o such_o method_n as_o the_o law_n allow_v either_o turn_v the_o tare_n into_o good_a seed_n which_o though_o impossible_a in_o nature_n yet_o may_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v often_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n or_o pluck_v they_o up_o if_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a if_o governor_n of_o private_a family_n warm_v with_o the_o like_a holy_a zeal_n will_v take_v the_o like_a measure_n and_o either_o reform_v their_o irreligious_a servant_n and_o dependent_n or_o else_o rid_v themselves_o of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o due_a legal_a punishment_n if_o this_o wholesome_a course_n be_v take_v with_o due_a diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o prudence_n vice_n will_v soon_o be_v dishearten_v and_o virtue_n more_o and_o more_o thrive_v and_o increase_v god_n honour_n will_v be_v vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n redeem_v our_o own_o temporal_a happiness_n advance_v and_o innumerable_a soul_n save_v that_o otherwise_o will_v for_o ever_o have_v perish_v and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o work_n true_o worthy_a of_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o angelic_a undertake_n and_o every_o man_n that_o pray_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v bind_v in_o his_o own_o sphere_n and_o according_a to_o his_o best_a ability_n to_o promote_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o petition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o expect_v and_o hope_n to_o have_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o follow_a petition_n and_o receive_v his_o daily_a bread_n and_o have_v his_o trespass_n forgive_v he_o and_o to_o be_v preserve_v or_o support_v in_o temptation_n and_o deliver_v from_o evil._n the_o five_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n as_o yet_o to_o gather_v out_o the_o tare_n from_o among_o the_o good_a seed_n to_o discriminate_a hypocritical_a from_o sincere_a christian_n and_o give_v they_o their_o due_a punishment_n namely_o lest_o while_o they_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n they_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o reason_n of_o
god_n forbearance_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n those_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o what_o they_o deserve_v be_v his_o great_a care_n and_o tenderness_n even_o of_o the_o temporal_a quiet_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o intermixture_n with_o the_o wicked_a here_o will_v at_o least_o be_v very_o much_o disturb_v through_o the_o root_n up_o a_o wicked_a generation_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o miracle_n many_o a_o good_a man_n may_v perish_v in_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n but_o miracle_n we_o find_v god_n have_v never_o think_v fit_a to_o work_v but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n when_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v secure_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o punish_v the_o wicked_a by_o destroy_v they_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o consequent_o of_o miraculous_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v true_o good_a from_o a_o general_a ruin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o both_o may_v live_v together_o until_o then_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a lest_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v come_v into_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a do_v general_o restrain_v the_o zeal_n of_o those_o bless_a spirit_n the_o angel_n and_o forbear_v the_o tare_n till_o that_o universal_a harvest_n when_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o its_o burden_n and_o then_o the_o good_a seed_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o the_o tare_n leave_v to_o be_v consume_v in_o that_o great_a conflagration_n when_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o it_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o when_o in_o case_n of_o almost_o a_o total_a corruption_n of_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o other_o and_o convince_v the_o obdurate_a world_n that_o god_n see_v and_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v obstinate_a and_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o suffer_v his_o bright_a host_n of_o angel_n utter_o to_o destroy_v such_o wicked_a place_n as_o sometime_o we_o know_v he_o have_v do_v we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n of_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o 91._o psal_n 91._o though_o thousand_o have_v fall_v by_o their_o side_n the_o destruction_n have_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n of_o this_o great_a care_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o good_a either_o in_o preserve_v for_o their_o sake_n community_n destine_v to_o ruin_n or_o else_o cover_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o providence_n and_o shield_v they_o from_o danger_n till_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o there_o be_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o by_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v abraham_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n which_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v for_o the_o abominable_a and_o incurable_a wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v with_o what_o he_o think_v will_v most_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v the_o place_n and_o tell_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v hazard_v and_o that_o they_o will_v share_v in_o the_o common_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o lest_o he_o shall_v slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o he_o know_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v far_o from_o do_v he_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o a_o small_a number_n one_o will_v think_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o populous_a though_o wicked_a place_n and_o at_o length_n be_v encourage_v by_o god_n wondrous_a goodness_n who_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o every_o request_n and_o as_o he_o sink_v the_o number_n promise_v he_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v he_o by_o degree_n descend_v to_o ten_o which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o his_o modesty_n will_v reach_v and_o one_o will_v think_v far_o enough_o to_o secure_v the_o most_o wicked_a city_n upon_o earth_n peradventure_o ten_o be_v find_v there_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o ten_o be_v sake_n rather_o than_o those_o ten_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o perish_v in_o the_o general_a ruin_n he_o will_v recall_v the_o destroy_a angel_n and_o at_o least_o respite_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n reprieve_v the_o condemn_a place_n of_o their_o abide_v and_o when_o through_o the_o extreme_a wickedness_n of_o those_o city_n that_o small_a number_n of_o good_a man_n be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o and_o god_n therefore_o proceed_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o fiery_a indignation_n upon_o they_o yet_o he_o remember_v righteous_a lot_n and_o his_o small_a family_n and_o send_v two_o angel_n to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o out_o of_o that_o accurse_a place_n who_o hasten_v lot_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v consume_v in_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o city_n and_o upon_o his_o request_n spare_v zoar_v which_o he_o flee_v to_o and_o bid_v he_o make_v haste_n thither_o for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o danger_n as_o you_o may_v read_v gen._n 19.22_o and_o what_o a_o boundless_a ocean_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o gracious_o accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o to_o take_v they_o into_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n likewise_o that_o destruction_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v nigh_o their_o dwelling_n to_o spare_v those_o that_o have_v just_o merit_v the_o severe_a express_v of_o his_o displeasure_n this_o do_v indeed_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o true_a holiness_n which_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o security_n in_o perilous_a time_n both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o hate_v and_o despise_v and_o afflict_v the_o good_a who_o yet_o be_v as_o so_o many_o guardian_n angel_n to_o it_o and_o shield_v it_o from_o the_o express_v of_o god_n just_a vengeance_n so_o it_o will_v silence_v that_o objection_n against_o providence_n draw_v from_o the_o continue_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o their_o live_n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o command_n for_o we_o see_v they_o be_v but_o reprieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o ruin_n pour_v upon_o the_o ungodly_a their_o punishment_n be_v but_o respite_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o at_o the_o great_a assize_n god_n justice_n will_v have_v its_o full_a course_n and_o sink_v they_o into_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n may_v observe_v the_o tare_n be_v among_o his_o good_a corn_n and_o resolve_v at_o length_n to_o bind_v they_o up_o in_o bundle_n and_o burn_v they_o though_o his_o prudential_a care_n of_o the_o good_a corn_n incline_v he_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n and_o not_o pluck_v they_o up_o whilst_o the_o good_a corn_n be_v stand_v and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n lest_o it_o be_v root_v up_o together_o with_o they_o so_o god_n see_v and_o resolve_v in_o due_a time_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n the_o vile_a hypocritical_a christian_n but_o in_o a_o wise_a and_o tender_a regard_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a withhold_v his_o judgement_n during_o their_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v sure_o repay_v the_o wicked_a wretch_n what_o they_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o though_o these_o vile_a unhappy_a tare_n be_v forbear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o let_v pass_v without_o bear_v any_o public_a mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n of_o discrimination_n even_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n 3.18_o mal._n 3.18_o and_o then_o shall_v all_o man_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o for_o then_o will_v the_o great_a husbandman_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n
bubble_n because_o it_o shine_v and_o glitter_v so_o utter_o without_o excuse_n be_v those_o who_o despise_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o invitation_n to_o religion_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indeed_o upon_o any_o other_o account_v whatever_o for_o religion_n be_v our_o chief_n interest_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o those_o that_o put_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o till_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n that_o be_v till_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o be_v no_o doubt_n very_o high_o displease_v to_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o but_o those_o be_v much_o more_o so_o who_o total_o and_o insult_o reject_v it_o to_o defer_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a provocation_n but_o atheistical_o to_o oppose_v and_o vilify_v it_o be_v certain_o much_o worse_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o sadness_n of_o their_o condition_n who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o either_o total_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v those_o that_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o or_o else_o though_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v negligent_a of_o its_o duty_n and_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v wroth_a with_o those_o that_o make_v light_a of_o and_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o invitation_n to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n and_o pronounce_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o favour_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v other_o to_o the_o wedding_n and_o command_v his_o army_n to_o go_v and_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n that_o have_v spiteful_o entreat_v and_o slay_v his_o servant_n who_o bring_v the_o gracious_a invitation_n to_o they_o and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n and_o indeed_o well_o may_v god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o those_o that_o reject_v these_o wondrous_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v and_o vilify_v his_o holy_a religion_n and_o undervalue_v all_o his_o condescension_n and_o use_v his_o ambassador_n despiteful_o and_o call_v the_o whole_a a_o trick_n a_o state_n juggle_v and_o glory_n in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o too_o often_o blaspheme_v that_o bless_a jesus_n by_o who_o alone_o come_v salvation_n these_o man_n will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v but_o that_o of_o jesus_n their_o case_n will_v be_v infinite_o miserable_a who_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o that_o name_n but_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o profane_v and_o ridicule_n it_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a but_o shall_v it_o prove_v not_o true_a their_o belief_n in_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o be_v injurious_a to_o they_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o next_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o after_o this_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o witty_a infidel_n in_o the_o world_n can_v prove_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o may_v be_v true_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v so_o sad_a shall_v it_o at_o length_n prove_v indeed_o to_o be_v true_a certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o most_o prudent_a course_n to_o be_v of_o the_o sure_a side_n and_o embrace_v that_o faith_n which_o if_o true_a be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o if_o false_a will_v not_o however_o leave_v a_o man_n in_o any_o respect_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o find_v he_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n will_v be_v of_o not_o believe_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o reject_v the_o religion_n he_o teach_v be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n be_v pronounce_v those_o that_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o that_o favour_n and_o resolve_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v other_o to_o the_o wedding_n which_o be_v literal_o verify_v upon_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_o upon_o all_o other_o infidel_n that_o be_v man_n obstinate_a infidelity_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v repay_v with_o god_n withdraw_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o so_o long_o tender_v they_o and_o they_o refuse_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o seal_v they_o up_o as_o irreclaimable_a to_o destruction_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v say_v solomon_n personate_n christ_n or_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o prov._n 1.24_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o once_o be_v tender_v and_o make_v know_v to_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o no_o condition_n can_v be_v so_o miserable_a as_o they_o who_o by_o obstinate_a infidelity_n put_v themselves_o out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o use_v those_o spiritual_a person_n contumelious_o and_o despiteful_o who_o come_v as_o ambassador_n from_o god_n with_o these_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o army_n to_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n which_o be_v likewise_o literal_o fufill_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o effectual_o verify_v upon_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o vent_v their_o spleen_n against_o the_o religion_n upon_o those_o that_o preach_v it_o and_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v and_o trample_v upon_o the_o one_o because_o they_o hate_v the_o other_o but_o vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o fiery_a destruction_n even_o that_o of_o hell_n shall_v without_o a_o deep_a repentance_n which_o we_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v they_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o malice_n be_v so_o inveterate_a against_o man_n send_v from_o god_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v total_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v and_o vilify_v those_o that_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o they_o be_v as_o bad_a who_o though_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v negligent_a of_o its_o duty_n and_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o a_o king_n be_v find_v a_o man_n at_o the_o marriage_n supper_n that_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o the_o man_n be_v speechless_a upon_o it_o and_o the_o king_n be_v command_v his_o servant_n to_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n this_o be_v in_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v customary_a in_o those_o eastern_a country_n the_o have_v peculiar_a florid_n sort_v of_o garment_n on_o purpose_n to_o grace_v such_o festival_n solemnity_n and_o none_o be_v permit_v to_o taste_v of_o those_o feast_n but_o who_o have_v such_o garment_n on_o so_o in_o christianity_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n be_v the_o wedding_n garment_n without_o which_o none_n let_v they_o make_v never_o so_o specious_a profession_n shall_v taste_v of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a the_o soul_n without_o repentance_n be_v pollute_v whatever_o it_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o without_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o when_o at_o the_o great_a scrutiny_n in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o every_o man_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o desert_n and_o shall_v ask_v those_o formal_a professor_n who_o have_v live_v like_o heathen_n or_o as_o if_o faith_n
dresser_n of_o it_o christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v such_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o consequent_o such_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n 6.11_o heb._n 6.11_o that_o the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n let_v they_o give_v thanks_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o redeem_a and_o deliver_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infernal_a enemy_n and_o be_v tell_v of_o his_o salvation_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o let_v we_o of_o these_o happy_a island_n in_o the_o first_o place_n magnify_v he_o for_o this_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o none_o have_v have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o we_o none_o better_o plant_v nor_o better_a cultivate_v than_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n and_o which_o do_v much_o advance_v the_o blessing_n none_o be_v in_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n than_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o these_o island_n before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v then_o his_o vineyard_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o may_v be_v very_o true_o say_v of_o his_o gracious_a deal_v with_o this_o our_o church_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o his_o vineyard_n that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o he_o have_v plant_v it_o in_o a_o very_a fruitful_a hill_n and_o fence_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o incursion_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o gather_v out_o the_o stone_n thereof_o purge_v it_o from_o scandalous_a heresy_n and_o superstition_n which_o be_v stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o build_v a_o tower_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o guarded_z it_o with_o the_o civil_a power_n make_v king_n its_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n its_o nurse_n mother_n and_o make_v a_o wine-press_n in_o it_o furnish_v it_o with_o all_o necessary_n of_o holy_a instruction_n and_o the_o service_n of_o a_o excellent_a ministry_n to_o enforce_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o lay_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o before_o the_o people_n and_o now_o what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o for_o this_o church_n than_o the_o lord_n have_v already_o do_v for_o it_o and_o what_o a_o inestimable_a happiness_n be_v it_o that_o we_o enjoy_v who_o be_v bear_v in_o this_o church_n early_o consecrate_a to_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o plant_v in_o this_o vineyard_n and_o say_v with_o the_o sincere_a and_o unmixed_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n plain_o and_o without_o reserve_n or_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v we_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o frequent_a and_o entire_a reception_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o great_a conveyance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o aid_n and_o have_v as_o many_o and_o as_o move_a exhortation_n to_o live_v up_o to_o our_o holy_a profession_n as_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o a_o inestimable_a happiness_n be_v this_o and_o what_o great_a reason_n have_v we_o as_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n to_o we_o so_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o great_a abundance_n it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o right_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o god_n expect_v it_o from_o all_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n much_o more_o from_o such_o as_o have_v have_v extraordinary_a care_n and_o cultivation_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o we_o have_v have_v for_o so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o find_v in_o this_o parable_n that_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o vineyard_n come_v to_o the_o figtree_n he_o have_v plant_v in_o it_o expect_v fruit_n from_o it_o the_o fruit_n that_o god_n expect_v from_o christian_n that_o have_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n be_v the_o advances_n to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n such_o as_o shall_v demonstrate_v a_o sincere_a renovation_n and_o change_n of_o mind_n a_o turn_v from_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o hatred_n of_o he_o to_o entire_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o hearty_a love_n but_o he_o that_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n add_v debauchery_n of_o manner_n and_o instead_o of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o such_o like_a drudge_n in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o tree_n 12._o judas_n 12._o who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a or_o dead_a a_o second_o time_n after_o they_o be_v enliven_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n where_o they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o this_o their_o barrenness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o to_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o and_o who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v when_o our_o lord_n as_o he_o be_v return_v from_o bethany_n to_o jerusalem_n see_v a_o figtree_n at_o a_o distance_n very_o promise_v and_o full_a of_o leave_n and_o go_v to_o it_o expect_v to_o find_v fruit_n upon_o it_o but_o find_v nothing_o thereon_o but_o leave_v only_o curse_v it_o and_o say_v unto_o it_o let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o henceforward_o for_o ever_o he_o plain_o enough_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n must_v always_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o piety_n that_o he_o expect_v to_o find_v it_o so_o and_o will_v severe_o punish_v where_o he_o find_v it_o otherwise_o the_o leave_n of_o a_o figtree_n be_v broad_a and_o strong_a and_o hang_v thick_a and_o be_v of_o a_o lovely_a colour_n and_o therefore_o very_o apt_a to_o represent_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o make_v the_o fair_a appearance_n of_o any_o religion_n that_o be_v ever_o teach_v the_o world_n and_o the_o title_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v include_v all_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v excellent_a and_o good_a in_o a_o man._n but_o as_o the_o figtree_n beside_o flourish_a leave_n bear_v a_o delicious_a fruit_n and_o have_v always_o upon_o it_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n so_o christianity_n must_v not_o be_v all_o show_n and_o profession_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n must_v appear_v as_o well_o as_o the_o leave_n of_o fair_a speech_n and_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o some_o of_o the_o more_o customary_a and_o public_a duty_n of_o it_o and_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o figtree_n there_o must_v always_o be_v some_o fruit_n grow_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n god_n expect_v to_o find_v it_o so_o and_o where_o he_o be_v disappoint_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n will_v be_v their_o portion_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o too_o apt_a with_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o cover_v our_o spiritual_a nakedness_n with_o figleaf_n and_o by_o tack_v together_o a_o few_o external_n observance_n of_o religion_n think_v to_o hide_v our_o shame_n and_o pass_v for_o good_a servant_n and_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o this_o be_v too_o thin_a a_o cover_n to_o conceal_v our_o vileness_n from_o his_o eye_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a and_o who_o know_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o be_v indeed_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n must_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v imitate_v his_o example_n and_o tread_v in_o his_o bless_a step_n depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n deny_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o vile_a lust_n and_o affection_n obey_v cheerful_o the_o holy_a command_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o his_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_n kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n 8._o 2_o per._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v neither_o barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o only_o that_o have_v thus_o his_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n shall_v in_o the_o end_n attain_v everlasting_a life_n
and_o recollection_n of_o thought_n which_o our_o public_a prayer_n command_v and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v offer_v but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n the_o more_o man_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o family_n at_o home_n the_o more_o sacred_a and_o awful_a will_v the_o public_a service_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o they_o if_o attentive_a and_o devout_a there_o much_o more_o so_o here_o and_o the_o more_o they_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o joint_a devotion_n in_o their_o own_o house_n the_o more_o desirous_a will_v they_o be_v of_o and_o the_o more_o benefit_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o full_a choir_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o holy_a temple_n i_o be_o afraid_a this_o pious_a custom_n be_v nowadays_o too_o much_o neglect_v some_o grudge_v to_o take_v so_o much_o time_n from_o their_o other_o employment_n as_o this_o duty_n require_v and_o other_o on_o evening_n especial_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o tarry_v long_o at_o the_o wine_n and_o enflame_v themselves_o with_o strong_a drink_n and_o some_o true_o think_v it_o too_o precise_a and_o puritanical_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v practise_v nowadays_o but_o these_o last_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o throw_v ill_a name_n upon_o what_o our_o religion_n have_v make_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o have_v all_o along_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n mark_v 8.38_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v it_o a_o fit_a reason_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o excellent_a as_o this_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o disuse_v because_o those_o that_o in_o other_o matter_n dissent_v from_o we_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o let_v their_o piety_n in_o this_o instance_n rather_o shame_v we_o into_o amendment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v behind_o they_o in_o no_o good_a work_n and_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n of_o cavil_v and_o make_v objection_n against_o our_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o careless_a indifferent_a religion_n of_o some_o that_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n in_o particular_a this_o neglect_n of_o family-devotion_n be_v often_o throw_v in_o our_o tooth_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o take_v off_o the_o aspersion_n be_v hearty_o to_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v our_o great_a happiness_n be_v we_o due_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a encourager_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n and_o methinks_v we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a have_v we_o any_o love_n for_o this_o church_n any_o desire_n that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v and_o prosper_v not_o to_o disparage_v it_o by_o our_o so_o disagreeable_a conversation_n other_o sect_n and_o party_n we_o see_v extraordinary_a diligent_a to_o gain_v honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o their_o profession_n that_o their_o antagonist_n may_v discover_v no_o flaw_n or_o indecency_n no_o breach_n of_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n they_o have_v embrace_v while_o we_o that_o have_v the_o best_a cause_n be_v general_o the_o worst_a manager_n of_o it_o for_o shame_n let_v we_o at_o length_n grow_v wise_a and_o live_v up_o to_o what_o we_o profess_v in_o this_o and_o every_o other_o particular_a and_o transcribe_v the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o our_o conversation_n let_v we_o act_v like_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o talk_v as_o such_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n will_v prevail_v we_o be_v as_o a_o city_n build_v upon_o a_o hill_n a_o light_n set_v in_o a_o eminent_a place_n many_o envious_a eye_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o rejoice_v to_o see_v our_o taper_n burn_v dim_a and_o our_o city_n defile_v by_o wickedness_n and_o impurity_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o trim_v our_o lamp_n and_o purge_v out_o our_o stain_n and_o shine_v bright_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n that_o these_o man_n see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v at_o length_n glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n by_o a_o hearty_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o return_v to_o the_o fold_n which_o they_o have_v so_o groundless_o desert_v as_o for_o such_o as_o grudge_v time_n for_o this_o duty_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o family_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o can_v indeed_o improve_v it_o more_o to_o their_o advantage_n whether_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o little_a money_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o guidance_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o good_a providence_n and_o whether_o their_o time_n be_v not_o chief_o give_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o and_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o as_o for_o such_o as_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o this_o holy_a duty_n by_o night_n revel_n and_o intemperance_n they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a that_o that_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a excuse_n such_o as_o they_o shall_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o a_o fault_n which_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o speedy_o to_o amend_v remember_v that_o drunkard_n be_v in_o that_o black_a list_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.10_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2.8_o add_v to_o the_o importunity_n recommend_v in_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v upon_o will_v doubtless_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o be_v avail_v the_o apostle_n word_n be_v these_o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o of_o these_o requisite_n i_o shall_v first_o discourse_n and_o then_o of_o importunity_n first_o if_o we_o will_v be_v accept_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o constant_o use_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o pray_v which_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o clean_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o god_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o therefore_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o solomon_n observe_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o and_o bring_v down_o a_o curse_n rather_o than_o a_o blessing_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_a only_o his_o delight_n prov._n 15.8_o more_o particular_o by_o this_o expression_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n be_v mean_v these_o three_o qualification_n first_o that_o the_o suppliant_a be_v one_o of_o a_o good_a life_n or_o if_o he_o have_v not_o former_o be_v so_o repent_v and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o future_a for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o be_v a_o rebel_n to_o god_n a_o traitor_n and_o judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o that_o will_v obey_v none_o but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o vile_a lust_n how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v hearken_v to_o his_o request_n who_o consume_v god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o lust_n 4.3_o jam._n 4.3_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o and_z as_o s._n paul_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o sin_n still_o more_o that_o grace_n may_v still_o abound_v and_o be_v encourage_v by_o god_n goodness_n to_o persist_v in_o his_o wickedness_n he_o only_o can_v with_o reason_n expect_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o a_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v either_o actual_o pious_a and_o good_a or_o hearty_o desire_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o second_o by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n be_v mean_v purity_n of_o intention_n unmixed_a desire_n of_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o real_a needs_o and_o of_o promote_a our_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v no_o man_n must_v