the_o night_n to_o hide_v his_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o his_o own_o blush_n that_o attend_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o what_o put_v a_o man_n upon_o more_o pitiful_a and_o unmanly_a shift_n to_o attain_v his_o desire_n what_o sneak_v and_o cringe_v to_o a_o base_a strumpet_n and_o her_o base_a servant_n before_o access_n can_v be_v have_v to_o a_o neighbour_n bed_n or_o a_o virgin_n innocence_n defile_v and_o as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o shame_n of_o drunkenness_n that_o swinish_a vice_n which_o make_v a_o man_n more_o vile_a and_o despicable_a than_o the_o foul_a of_o brute_n it_o be_v a_o vice_n every_o way_n odious_a and_o unmanly_a and_o full_a of_o the_o most_o detestable_a consequence_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o base_a character_n even_o by_o infidel_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o sensual_a vice_n the_o shame_n and_o baseness_n be_v notorious_a these_o devilish_a passion_n likewise_o to_o which_o man_n become_v subject_a that_o throw_v off_o the_o government_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o pride_n vainglory_n and_o hypocrisy_n envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o such_o like_a do_v great_o defile_v our_o excellent_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o great_a disparagement_n to_o those_o that_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v infest_a with_o they_o as_o will_v be_v soon_o apparent_a can_v we_o but_o persuade_v they_o to_o so_o much_o seriousness_n as_o to_o recollect_v with_o themselves_o how_o odious_a these_o vice_n have_v appear_v when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o in_o other_o men._n and_o if_o they_o look_v so_o ill_o in_o other_o certain_o not_o man_n can_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o think_v they_o amiable_a qualification_n in_o himself_o but_o must_v confess_v that_o whoever_o be_v so_o foolish_o prodigal_a as_o to_o waste_v and_o squander_v away_o what_o be_v of_o real_a excellency_n as_o virtue_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o such_o devilish_a passion_n as_o those_o before_o mention_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o vile_a lust_n debases_n himself_o much_o low_a than_o that_o vile_a office_n of_o serve_v the_o vile_a of_o brute_n great_a reason_n therefore_o have_v such_o man_n serious_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o remorse_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o go_v along_o with_o such_o course_n and_o be_v once_o awaken_v resolve_v to_o return_v again_o to_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v come_v to_o himself_o and_o thus_o reason_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n misery_n and_o shame_n and_o repentance_n always_o tread_v close_o at_o the_o heel_n of_o wickedness_n and_o indeed_o so_o much_o misery_n and_o shame_n as_o sin_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o must_v needs_o make_v any_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o be_v not_o harden_v in_o his_o iniquity_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v it_o when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n 21._o rom._n 6.20_o 21._o you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n you_o have_v what_o you_o desire_v and_o live_v without_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o yourselves_o as_o the_o prodigal_n weary_a of_o his_o father_n inspection_n over_o he_o desire_v his_o portion_n and_o go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o live_v riotous_o and_o without_o control_v but_o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v death_n and_o this_o the_o young_a prodigal_n find_v too_o true_a likewise_o by_o a_o sad_a experience_n and_o waste_v what_o he_o have_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o hunger_n and_o glad_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o base_a servitude_n for_o sustenance_n and_o at_o last_o be_v fain_o with_o much_o shame_n and_o repentance_n to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o humble_o confess_v his_o folly_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o be_v call_v any_o more_o his_o son_n and_o desire_v only_o the_o favour_n of_o be_v make_v as_o one_o of_o his_o hire_a servant_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v always_o unfruitful_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o satisfy_v and_o good_a but_o bring_v forth_o briar_n and_o thorn_n in_o abundance_n many_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n wherewith_o to_o tear_v and_o torment_v the_o miserable_a sinful_a soul_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o this_o resolution_n of_o the_o prodigal_a to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o he_o take_v it_o up_o the_o parable_n say_v he_o make_v this_o resolution_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o consider_v how_o many_o of_o his_o father_n hire_a servant_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v while_o he_o that_o be_v his_o son_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o hunger_n indeed_o every_o wicked_a man_n be_v beside_o himself_o out_o of_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o wit_n quem_fw-la mala_fw-la stultitia_fw-la &_o quaecunque_fw-la inscitia_fw-la very_fw-la coecum_fw-la agit_fw-fr insanum_fw-la crysippi_n porticus_fw-la &_o grex_fw-la horat._n serm._n lib._n ii_o sat._n 3._o ubi_fw-la parva_fw-la stultitia_fw-la hic_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la insania_fw-la qui_fw-la sceleratus_fw-la et_fw-la furiosus_fw-la erit_fw-la horat._n ibid._n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n will_v act_v so_o strange_o and_o make_v such_o disadvantageous_a choice_n as_o a_o sinner_n do_v who_o with_o his_o wit_n about_o he_o will_v take_v all_o way_n possible_a to_o make_v himself_o miserable_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o he_o may_v with_o less_o trouble_v make_v himself_o eternal_o happy_a who_o that_o can_v make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n will_v choose_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o brute_n a_o goat_n or_o a_o swine_n for_o instance_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o a_o man_n or_o a_o angel_n nay_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n will_v part_v with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n for_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o a_o bag_n of_o counter_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v every_o obstinate_a sinner_n do_v and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n and_o beside_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v wilful_o so_o and_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v he_o his_o madness_n be_v his_o fault_n rather_o than_o his_o misfortune_n and_o the_o extravagance_n of_o it_o will_v be_v without_o excuse_n in_o this_o moral_a frenzy_n be_v the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n when_o he_o leave_v his_o father_n and_o waste_v his_o substance_n afar_o off_o in_o excess_n of_o riot_n till_o at_o length_n the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o his_o extravagancy_n bring_v he_o again_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o resolve_v to_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n come_v to_o himself_o in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v the_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o past_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n in_o consider_v the_o many_o sad_a consequence_n of_o vice_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v upon_o all_o account_n to_o live_v religious_o and_o full_o purpose_v upon_o such_o consideration_n to_o break_v off_o all_o evil_a course_n and_o live_v for_o the_o future_a as_o become_v man_n and_o christian_n for_o a_o man_n be_v never_o more_o himself_o than_o when_o he_o exercise_v his_o reason_n upon_o the_o best_a of_o object_n religion_n and_o consider_v how_o he_o may_v best_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o purpose_n to_o do_v according_o and_o he_o that_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o impetuous_a passion_n and_o unruly_a lust_n to_o commit_v vile_a action_n and_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o govern_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n his_o affection_n act_n more_o like_o a_o brute_n than_o a_o man_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o himself_o consideration_n be_v indeed_o the_o life_n of_o both_o speculative_a and_o practical_a religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o man_n believe_v and_o live_v amiss_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v for_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n a_o christian_n be_v to_o
deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o enrich_v his_o industrious_a brother_n and_o add_v to_o his_o abundance_n what_o grace_n he_o have_v before_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v and_o he_o naked_a and_o defenseless_a leave_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n shall_v no_o long_o drop_v upon_o his_o barren_a soul_n but_o parch_a and_o sapless_a it_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o eternal_a burn_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o be_v unfruitful_a under_o all_o his_o care_n and_o fatherly_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n lest_o at_o length_n he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o and_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v still_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n if_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o receive_v it_o into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n that_o be_v obey_v and_o practise_v it_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o we_o remain_v still_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n it_o become_v we_o all_o therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o not_o be_v like_o the_o high-way-side_n suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v from_o the_o instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o leave_v the_o good_a seed_n unregarded_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o expose_v our_o mind_n as_o a_o common_a tract_n to_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o diabolical_a suggestion_n nor_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n impenetrable_a to_o any_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o like_o that_o overrun_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o noxious_a weed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o care_n and_o deceitful_a riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v choke_v the_o word_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a but_o that_o we_o treasure_n up_o this_o divine_a word_n in_o our_o memory_n ponder_v and_o consider_v it_o and_o set_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n now_o 9.10_o 2_o cor._n 9.10_o he_o that_o minister_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a both_o give_v we_o this_o heavenly_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o multiply_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o good_a thing_n to_o all_o bountifulness_n there_o may_v be_v give_v through_o we_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n amen_o amen_n the_o prayer_n i._o most_o holy_a jesus_n thou_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n who_o have_v in_o great_a plenty_n sow_o among_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n even_o thy_o holy_a word_n and_o water_v it_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o be_v want_v in_o nothing_o on_o thy_o part_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o abundant_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n unfeigned_o bless_v this_o thy_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o must_v with_o shame_n confess_v that_o hitherto_o thy_o care_n have_v be_v in_o too_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o my_o inconsiderateness_n and_o obstinacy_n my_o soul_n still_o remain_v barren_a as_o the_o high-way-side_n impenetrable_a to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o best_o flit_a and_o unconstant_a in_o religious_a purpose_n which_o have_v be_v short-lived_a as_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o else_o choke_v with_o the_o briar_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n with_o covetous_a and_o sensual_a desire_n thus_o have_v i_o court_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n but_o now_o be_v awaken_v by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n i_o be_o in_o and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o my_o barrenness_n continue_v i_o humble_o beg_v and_o earnest_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o from_o who_o be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n will_v aid_v i_o with_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n and_o help_v my_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v i_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o thy_o word_n may_v ever_o hereafter_o take_v so_o deep_a a_o root_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o produce_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n ii_o i_o be_o sad_o sensible_a o_o lord_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o do_v thou_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o our_o spirit_n purge_v my_o soul_n of_o all_o lurk_a hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n and_o make_v i_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o cherish_v it_o by_o create_v in_o i_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o sincere_a and_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v so_o serious_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n thy_o goodness_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o entire_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v my_o practice_n to_o my_o belief_n and_o may_v i_o always_o heedful_o preserve_v those_o divine_a instruction_n and_o move_a argument_n to_o a_o persevere_v piety_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o thy_o word_n lest_o the_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n deprive_v i_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o in_o its_o room_n plant_v devilish_a affection_n and_o o_o that_o patience_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o thou_o for_o direction_n and_o defence_n may_v be_v my_o support_n in_o this_o my_o pilgrimage_n that_o so_o cheerful_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o early_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n in_o my_o tender_a year_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o late_a distillation_n of_o thy_o grace_n which_o will_v bring_v my_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n and_o always_o endeavour_v of_o proportion_n my_o increase_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o it_o thy_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o i_o may_v at_o last_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o unfruitfulness_n and_o have_v my_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n through_o thy_o merit_n and_o mercy_n o_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matth._n xiii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o another_o parable_n put_v jesus_n forth_o unto_o they_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o 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 so_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v not_o thou_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 unto_o they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o the_o servant_n say_v unto_o he_o will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o he_o say_v nay_o lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v thus_o set_v down_o verse_n 37._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o
of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v represent_v here_o by_o a_o prodigal_a youngman_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o ramble_a into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n with_o riotous_a live_n impatience_n of_o government_n and_o restraint_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v free_a and_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o propension_n be_v that_o which_o first_o prompt_v man_n with_o the_o young_a prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o leave_v their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o get_v as_o far_o from_o his_o government_n as_o they_o can_v and_o when_o they_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o religion_n then_o to_o take_v their_o swing_n and_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o with_o this_o fancy_a liberty_n they_o be_v at_o first_o 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the_o government_n of_o his_o divine_a parent_n as_o he_o can_v and_o become_v his_o own_o master_n and_o then_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v happy_a so_o blind_v be_v sinner_n by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o shun_v happiness_n and_o embrace_v ruin_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a slavery_n and_o exchange_v it_o for_o the_o vile_a drudgery_n of_o vice_n to_o run_v from_o that_o bless_a be_v who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o insist_v in_o the_o track_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a ruin_n a_o unfortunate_a end_n be_v always_o the_o consequence_n of_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o as_o a_o ship_n without_o a_o helm_n or_o governor_n instead_o of_o arrive_v at_o the_o haven_n be_v soon_o split_v upon_o rock_n or_o overwhelm_v with_o quicksand_n such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o impatient_a of_o the_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o religion_n be_v resolve_v to_o quit_v it_o and_o take_v his_o own_o course_n but_o why_o shall_v man_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v so_o earnest_o to_o be_v at_o their_o own_o disposal_n be_v not_o religion_n the_o most_o reasonable_a service_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v not_o god_n the_o wise_a the_o most_o powerful_a and_o the_o most_o kind_a and_o indulgent_a be_v too_o and_o be_v it_o not_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o direct_v in_o the_o right_a track_n to_o happiness_n by_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o shield_v from_o danger_n by_o infinite_a power_n than_o to_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o blind_a force_n of_o brutish_a and_o unruly_a passion_n to_o our_o unhappiness_n and_o destruction_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n by_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o forfeit_v the_o protection_n of_o the_o almighty_a certain_o if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v instead_o of_o desire_v with_o the_o prodigal_a son_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o government_n of_o this_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o to_o take_v their_o own_o course_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o he_o they_o will_v say_v with_o holy_a david_n one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o confess_v in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o church_n that_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n and_o the_o silly_a young_a prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n soon_o find_v by_o a_o costly_a experience_n the_o difference_n between_o live_v under_o the_o mild_a and_o prudent_a government_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o ill_n instruct_v and_o green_a head_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o this_o consideration_n i_o 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to_o pursue_v what_o will_v make_v for_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o dissuade_v from_o and_o warn_v to_o avoid_v what_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o endless_a ruin_n now_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n turn_v into_o lasciviousness_n despise_v and_o neglect_v nay_o resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o close_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o vileness_n and_o impurity_n and_o do_v this_o so_o continual_o and_o with_o so_o much_o obstinacy_n that_o he_o daily_o waste_v that_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o more_o and_o more_o grieve_v that_o bless_a spirit_n and_o force_v he_o to_o withdraw_v his_o influence_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v quite_o extinguish_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o a_o desperate_a spiritual_a poverty_n succeed_v a_o utter_a want_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o they_o so_o profligate_o waste_v when_o they_o have_v it_o and_o no_o poverty_n certain_o so_o miserable_a as_o that_o which_o will_v starve_v and_o famish_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o therefore_o no_o prodigality_n like_o that_o which_o squander_v away_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a nourishment_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v for_o what_o it_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n be_v thus_o prodigal_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n namely_o the_o gratify_v a_o few_o brutish_a lust_n and_o the_o act_v such_o vice_n as_o bring_v no_o true_a satisfaction_n along_o with_o they_o but_o be_v full_a of_o vexation_n and_o disappointment_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v at_o last_o sink_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o low_a hell_n second_o time_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a substantial_a good_a and_o high_o to_o be_v value_v and_o careful_o improve_v because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a opportunity_n we_o have_v of_o
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 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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
dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o devotion_n and_o have_v other_o little_a sinister_a by-ends_a such_o as_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n that_o his_o vanity_n may_v be_v tickle_v by_o be_v esteem_v more_o righteous_a and_o heavenly-minded_n than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o that_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o more_o religion_n than_o ordinary_a he_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o wicked_a underhand_o design_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o sort_n of_o devotionists_n as_o these_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o we_o find_v record_v of_o the_o pharisee_n man_n to_o all_o appearance_n extraordinary_a religious_a fast_v and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o long_o and_o very_o exemplary_a in_o other_o instance_n of_o piety_n when_o after_o all_o our_o lord_n who_o know_v their_o heart_n have_v tell_v we_o they_o do_v it_o to_o be_v see_v and_o to_o have_v praise_n of_o man_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o long_a prayer_n to_o insinuate_v into_o wealthy_a widow_n esteem_v that_o at_o length_n they_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v their_o house_n how_o many_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v nowadays_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n know_v best_a but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o wherever_o the_o gild_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o great_a abomination_n to_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o infinite_o hate_v a_o lie_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o his_o honour_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v wherefore_o let_v those_o who_o find_v themselves_o prick_v by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v take_v care_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o sincere_a for_o the_o future_a lest_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o pharisee_n fall_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o they_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n where_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n three_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v just_a and_o upright_a without_o fraud_n and_o cheat_a art_n and_o oppression_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v hear_v when_o he_o pray_v must_v cleanse_v his_o hand_n from_o these_o must_v do_v as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v to_o and_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n and_o despise_v the_o gain_n of_o oppression_n as_o isaiah_n phrase_n it_o chap._n 33._o verse_n 15._o for_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o holy_a and_o hate_v the_o sly_a wind_n of_o deceit_n and_o fraud_n he_o be_v about_o our_o path_n and_o spi_v out_o all_o our_o way_n and_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o those_o that_o oppress_v instead_o of_o turn_v a_o gracious_a ear_n to_o their_o petition_n 4.6_o 1_o thes_n 4.6_o wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n for_o god_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o but_o take_v care_n that_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o defile_v with_o unjust_a gain_n lest_o it_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v a_o blessing_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o requisite_a to_o our_o pray_v effectual_o the_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n a_o second_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o wrath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o strife_n and_o revenge_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o as_o for_o a_o hot_a angry_a disposition_n nothing_o more_o unfit_v a_o man_n for_o devotion_n than_o that_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n continual_o in_o a_o storm_n break_v the_o order_n and_o connexion_n of_o thought_n put_v the_o whole_a soul_n into_o a_o hurry_n and_o make_v it_o like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n desire_v impure_a and_o displease_v to_o god_n rather_o than_o the_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n of_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n as_o our_o religion_n in_o general_n so_o prayer_n in_o particular_a be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o require_v as_o great_a freedom_n of_o thought_n and_o recollect_v presence_n of_o mind_n as_o any_o thing_n whatever_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a sanctity_n and_o transcendent_a majesty_n and_o this_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o approach_v he_o with_o the_o most_o awful_a and_o sedate_v temper_v of_o mind_n and_o that_o which_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o which_o it_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v our_o reason_n and_o thought_n at_o command_n lest_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v reject_v for_o our_o ill_a management_n of_o it_o now_o nothing_o more_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o deprive_v it_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o passion_n of_o anger_n it_o put_v the_o spirit_n into_o such_o a_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a motion_n as_o make_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o time_n unserviceable_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v in_o strange_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n and_o remember_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a choice_n be_v make_v by_o the_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n consequent_o out_o of_o course_n just_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mad_a man_n only_o the_o fit_a be_v soon_o over_o and_o be_v this_o a_o fit_a temper_n of_o mind_n to_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o great_a god_n in_o and_o prefer_v petition_n for_o the_o great_a blessing_n let_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v be_v brawl_v with_o his_o neighbour_n consider_v if_o he_o be_v to_o go_v immediate_o to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o his_o prince_n whether_o he_o shall_v not_o then_o do_v it_o with_o great_a disadvantage_n how_o apt_a he_o shall_v then_o be_v to_o commit_v indecency_n and_o to_o omit_v matter_n of_o chief_a concern_v in_o his_o request_n and_o the_o like_a and_o then_o let_v he_o say_v what_o he_o think_v of_o address_v to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n in_o such_o a_o ill_a disguise_n of_o soul_n and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v speed_v much_o better_a if_o his_o mind_n be_v calm_a and_o more_o it_o self_n now_o the_o return_v of_o prayer_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o angry_a man_n brawling_n and_o quarrelling_n so_o frequent_a it_o must_v needs_o often_o be_v that_o such_o man_n unless_o they_o omit_v pray_v which_o be_v still_o worse_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n with_o mind_n great_o discompose_v and_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o duty_n at_o least_o with_o any_o success_n as_o for_o a_o revengeful_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o he_o who_o definition_n be_v love_n and_o who_o have_v so_o free_o forgive_v we_o so_o infinite_a a_o debt_n that_o no_o desire_n breathe_v from_o such_o a_o soul_n but_o must_v needs_o stink_v in_o his_o nostril_n and_o be_v utter_o reject_v by_o he_o his_o divine_a son_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o he_o and_o we_o who_o present_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o intercede_v for_o their_o acceptance_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o appear_v in_o a_o implacable_a revengeful_a man_n behalf_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o mat._n 18.23_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o such_o with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n god_n will_v accept_v nothing_o at_o our_o hand_n without_o charity_n and_o a_o gift_n though_o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n must_v not_o be_v offer_v there_o till_o he_o that_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o his_o brother_n be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o a_o three_o requisite_a to_o our_o pray_v successful_o be_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v without_o doubt_v or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v heb._n 22._o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o barren_a fig-tree_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o the_o root_n at_o his_o word_n which_o when_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n wonder_v at_o 2d_o mark_z 11_o 2d_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o god_n for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n be_v thou_o remove_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n he_o say_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o shall_v have_v whatsoever_o he_o say_v therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o 9.23_o mark_v 9.23_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v to_o which_o agree_v
practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o prayer_n annex_v to_o each_o discourse_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la libros_fw-la plures_fw-la à _fw-it pluribus_n fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it non_fw-la diversâ_fw-la fide_fw-la etiam_fw-la de_fw-la quaestionibus_fw-la jisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la perveniat_fw-la augustin_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o imprimatur_fw-la sept._n 27._o 1693._o guil._n lancaster_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n ep._n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1694._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n lord_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n my_o lord_n i_o humble_o beg_v your_o lordship_n favourable_a acceptance_n of_o this_o address_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o public_a expression_n of_o the_o great_a veneration_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n and_o of_o the_o grateful_a sense_n i_o retain_v of_o the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n you_o have_v hitherto_o be_v please_v to_o show_v i_o since_o your_o happy_a accession_n to_o this_o see_n i_o do_v not_o can_v think_v this_o a_o present_a worthy_a of_o your_o lordship_n but_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o discourse_n in_o hope_n that_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o dress_n they_o appear_v in_o may_v incline_v some_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o who_o seldom_o take_v notice_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o in_o the_o usual_a garb_n i_o can_v not_o but_o dedicate_v they_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o my_o diocesan_n and_o as_o a_o account_n in_o part_n how_o i_o discharge_v my_o duty_n in_o my_o cure_n under_o your_o lordship_n inspection_n and_o government_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o publication_n i_o be_o sure_a your_o lordship_n will_v not_o disapprove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o therefore_o beg_v your_o lordship_n blessing_n and_o your_o prayer_n that_o these_o my_o well-meant_a endeavour_n however_o otherwise_o deficient_a may_v be_v successful_a to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o your_o lordship_n eminent_a worth_n as_o well_o as_o station_n i_o be_o and_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o care_n to_o approve_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n dutiful_a and_o humble_a servant_n fr._n bragge_n the_o preface_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o in_o a_o familiar_a way_n teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useful_a undertake_n to_o discourse_n practical_o upon_o they_o and_o by_o explain_v they_o and_o enforce_v the_o sense_n couch_v under_o they_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v the_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o great_a master_n jesus_n and_o in_o a_o industrious_a provision_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n themselves_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n why_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o speak_v in_o that_o mystical_a manner_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n which_o his_o own_o disciple_n ask_v he_o after_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o first_o parable_n of_o a_o sour_a they_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o say_v why_o speak_v thou_o unto_o they_o in_o parable_n matt._n 13.10_o to_o this_o our_o lord_n give_v a_o double_a answer_n in_o the_o 11_o and_o follow_a verse_n thus_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n because_o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o my_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n who_o heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a or_o obdurate_a and_o obstinate_a and_o their_o ear_n dull_a of_o hear_v and_o who_o have_v close_v or_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n that_o i_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_n they_o to_o such_o as_o these_o as_o very_o unworthy_a of_o the_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o have_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o only_o mystical_o and_o covert_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o former_a plain_a discourse_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o their_o averseness_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o miracle_n he_o do_v and_o blasphemous_a attribute_v his_o cast_n out_o a_o devil_n from_o one_o possess_v who_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o this_o strange_a obduracy_n of_o they_o that_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o more_o obscure_a way_n of_o instruct_v they_o than_o he_o before_o have_v use_v and_o which_o new_a practice_n of_o he_o be_v a_o tacit_n intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o and_o do_v threaten_v a_o total_a concealment_n of_o those_o glad_a tiding_n from_o they_o which_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v unto_o the_o world_n if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o st._n matthew_n record_v of_o our_o lord_n discourse_n before_o this_o 13_o chapter_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o the_o usual_a manner_n till_o the_o pharisee_n with_o hellish_a malice_n will_v disparage_v the_o great_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v upon_o the_o possess_a man_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o art-magick_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o that_o time_n after_o confound_a that_o objection_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o perverseness_n and_o great_a obstinacy_n he_o very_o frequent_o express_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n in_o his_o public_a discourse_n and_o afterward_o in_o private_a explain_v all_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o do_v verse_n 12._o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v he_o that_o upon_o my_o former_a plain_n and_o open_a instruction_n have_v believe_v and_o obey_v i_o shall_v have_v still_o more_o and_o more_o as_o plain_a manifestation_n make_v to_o he_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o what_o be_v then_o so_o clear_o make_v know_v to_o he_o but_o continue_v still_o faithless_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v deprive_v of_o that_o full_a light_n and_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v afford_v only_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o it_o and_o behold_v it_o as_o through_o a_o veil_n a_o punishment_n this_o have_v they_o understand_v it_o very_o great_a and_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o embrace_v that_o heavenly_a discipline_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o that_o eclipse_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n be_v a_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o that_o eternal_a night_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v unless_o they_o speedy_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o admonition_n to_o we_o likewise_o to_o fear_n und_fw-ge tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n lest_o we_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n lest_o we_o so_o long_o reject_v that_o light_n which_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o as_o to_o become_v utter_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v quite_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o outer_a darkness_n at_o last_o become_v our_o portion_n this_o be_v one_o reason_n our_o lord_n give_v of_o his_o speak_n to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n at_o their_o harden_a infidelity_n there_o be_v another_o and_o that_o a_o very_a merciful_a one_o as_o respect_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n not_o malicious_o faulty_a as_o those_o beforementioned_a but_o chief_o to_o blame_v for_o
be_v plant_v wherever_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v he_o expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o seed_n be_v good_a and_o most_o of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soil_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o for_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o therefore_o most_o natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o great_a plenty_n there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o god_n word_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v water_v sufficient_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o man_n that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o at_o our_o peril_n we_o must_v all_o be_v fruitful_a none_o of_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o our_o great_a lord_n empty_a lest_o the_o punishment_n of_o barrenness_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o we_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n this_o seed_n then_o or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o actual_o sow_o the_o christian_a religion_n plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n do_v on_o god_n part_n in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v fruitful_a and_o which_o according_o he_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o nothing_o make_v it_o otherwise_o that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o or_o scatter_v by_o the_o way_n side_n which_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n we_o must_v not_o be_v think_v less_o and_o inconsiderate_a after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v like_o a_o highway_n lay_v open_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o comer_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o wander_a useless_a and_o wicked_a thought_n which_o throng_v in_o abundance_n will_v trample_v down_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o more_o appear_v be_v no_o more_o think_v of_o or_o remember_v by_o we_o nor_o must_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o legion_n who_o like_o bird_n of_o prey_n hover_v over_o we_o continual_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o catch_v away_o immediate_o those_o good_a instruction_n instill_a into_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v grow_v into_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o which_o they_o see_v lie_v scatter_v and_o unregarded_a by_o we_o and_o unobserved_a throw_v in_o their_o place_n the_o seed_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o like_o ill_a weed_n will_v flourish_v any_o where_n and_o grow_v apace_o thus_o heedless_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n must_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v but_o by_o recollection_n of_o thought_n advert_v close_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exclude_v all_o wander_a and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o careful_o gather_v up_o those_o notion_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v scatter_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o some_o order_n and_o connexion_n and_o infix_v they_o by_o meditation_n still_o deep_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o dry_a barren_a and_o common_a way_n for_o all_o temptation_n and_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o numerous_a and_o vain_a and_o incoherent_a fancy_n we_o shall_v by_o serious_a attention_n to_o those_o concern_v truth_n that_o we_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v make_v our_o soul_n as_o solomon_n express_v it_o a_o garden_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o 4.12_o cant._n 4.12_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v and_o then_o no_o fear_n of_o the_o seed_n be_v tread_v down_o or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o it_o will_v remain_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o will_v bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n second_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o in_o stony_a and_o rocky_a place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n lest_o it_o spring_v up_o too_o hasty_o and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v hot_a it_o be_v scorch_a and_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n that_o be_v as_o our_o lord_n interpret_v it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o have_v a_o extempore_o superficial_a religion_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v only_o for_o a_o while_n but_o likewise_o to_o endure_v and_o not_o be_v offend_v or_o discourage_v though_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o rocky_a hearer_n that_o perhaps_o be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v handsomse_o tell_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o hear_v a_o well-penned_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o present_a ready_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o be_v discourse_v to_o they_o and_o believe_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o rejoice_v at_o the_o news_n of_o be_v freeed_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o be_v make_v child_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n immediate_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o infinite_o reward_v and_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o conducive_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o such_o endless_a bliss_n hereafter_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o please_v in_o the_o theory_n to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o hearer_n that_o like_o rocky_a place_n have_v only_o a_o surface_n of_o good_a earth_n and_o retain_v this_o good_a affection_n to_o religion_n but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n be_v impenetrable_a as_o a_o rock_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o shoot_v so_o deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o take_v so_o firm_a a_o root_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n their_o spring_n be_v quick_o over_o a_o blade_n or_o a_o stalk_v be_v the_o far_a progress_n their_o religion_n make_v and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o or_o any_o opposition_n to_o it_o either_o without_o from_o man_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n temptation_n within_o for_o want_v of_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o moisture_n they_o fall_v and_o wither_v away_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o promise_n they_o will_v with_o joy_n indeed_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a nay_o that_o happiness_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a that_o at_o present_a they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o for_o a_o spurt_n set_v cheerful_o about_o it_o and_o a_o shallow_a crust_n of_o earth_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n but_o unless_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o pliable_a and_o there_o be_v deepness_n of_o earth_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v that_o this_o divine_a seed_n shall_v take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o likewise_o the_o moisture_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o our_o former_a barrenness_n and_o stony_a hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o word_n will_v take_v but_o shallow_a root_n for_o all_o our_o sudden_a rapture_n and_o upon_o upon_o every_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o languish_v and_o wither_v especial_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n strike_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o too_o often_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o man_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o insensible_a than_o ever_o those_o therefore_o that_o find_v themselves_o of_o this_o rocky_a temper_n so_o difficult_a to_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o so_o ready_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o theory_n of_o it_o admire_v the_o promise_n of_o christianity_n but_o find_v great_a resistance_n in_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o fruitful_a piety_n these_o person_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v still_o
it_o be_v true_a but_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v still_o more_o unnaturaly_a cruel_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n say_v make_v this_o heavenly_a seed_n the_o word_n of_o god_n unfruitful_a and_o therefore_o those_o shall_v with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o application_n possible_a be_v provide_v against_o nothing_o be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o as_o the_o flourish_a and_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v make_v this_o holy_a seed_n to_o thrive_v and_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o which_o course_n consequent_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o take_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v barren_a under_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o we_o enjoy_v our_o lord_n express_v it_o thus_o but_o other_o seed_n fall_v into_o good_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n some_o a_o hundred-fold_a some_o sixty_o and_o some_o thirty_o that_o be_v he_o that_o receive_v seed_n into_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n understand_v it_o and_o receive_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n there_o be_v five_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o the_o good_a ground_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n second_o that_o that_o which_o infix_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o good_a ground_n be_v consideration_n translate_v understand_v the_o word_n three_o that_o the_o seed_n so_o plant_v in_o this_o good_a ground_n must_v be_v diligent_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o four_o that_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o it_o with_o patience_n and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o fruit_n come_v to_o perfection_n and_o last_o that_o this_o increase_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a first_o the_o good_a ground_n in_o which_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o plentiful_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n that_o be_v a_o heart_n sincere_o desirous_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o its_o duty_n and_o that_o cordial_o propose_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o of_o a_o modest_a teachable_a temper_n st._n 6._o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 6._o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o he_o plant_n and_o apollo_n water_n yet_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o give_v the_o increase_n now_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n will_v make_v that_o effectual_a to_o our_o good_a which_o we_o despise_v and_o value_v not_o and_o force_v those_o favour_n upon_o we_o which_o we_o neither_o now_o desire_n nor_o if_o we_o have_v they_o shall_v do_v other_o than_o neglect_n the_o grace_n of_o religion_n be_v too_o precious_a to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o such_o brutish_a nature_n and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v heart_n earnest_o desirous_a of_o his_o divine_a assistance_n that_o they_o may_v be_v purify_v and_o renew_v by_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o instruct_v in_o his_o holy_a will_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o pay_v a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n to_o he_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v such_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n can_v expect_v the_o word_n shall_v flourish_v and_o grow_v fruitful_a and_o they_o only_o that_o thus_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v fill_v and_o this_o those_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o frequent_a our_o religious_a assembly_n in_o compliance_n to_o custom_n only_o and_o because_o their_o neighbour_n do_v or_o to_o learn_v new_a mode_n and_o dress_n or_o to_o show_v their_o own_o or_o to_o while_o away_o the_o time_n that_o lie_v useless_a upon_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o meet_v a_o friend_n or_o please_v their_o ear_n with_o some_o new_a notion_n or_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n or_o the_o like_a let_v not_o such_o person_n be_v deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v let_v not_o such_o think_v they_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o displeasure_n for_o their_o profane_v to_o such_o vile_a purpose_n what_o he_o intend_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o their_o salvation_n those_o only_a shall_v receive_v advantage_n by_o god_n word_n that_o sincere_o and_o earnest_o desire_v its_o nourishment_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o this_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n be_v likewise_o modest_a and_o teachable_a and_o indeed_o this_o disposition_n be_v very_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n for_o pride_n and_o conceitedness_n be_v natural_o the_o great_a hinderer_n of_o improvement_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o acquirement_n whatever_o but_o in_o religion_n they_o do_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o all_o and_o be_v the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o whatever_o be_v religious_a and_o good_a for_o beside_o that_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o one_o own_o present_a endowment_n cut_v off_o all_o endeavour_n of_o grow_v better_a and_o render_v all_o spiritual_a advice_n barren_a to_o he_o that_o think_v he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o reproof_n fret_v and_o enrage_v one_o that_o think_v commendation_n rather_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o instruction_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n be_v throw_v away_o upon_o a_o man_n that_o think_v himself_o wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n beside_o these_o and_o several_a other_o natural_a ill_a consequence_n of_o a_o overween_a opinion_n of_o one_o self_n which_o may_v be_v mention_v there_o be_v this_o yet_o above_o all_o that_o it_o utter_o bar_n and_o shut_v out_o god_n holy_a spirit_n it_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o gracious_a influence_n and_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o benediction_n from_o water_v our_o heart_n 16.5_o prov._n 16.5_o for_o pride_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n a_o thing_n that_o he_o hate_v and_o detest_v above_o all_o thing_n and_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o instead_o of_o assist_v god_n resist_v the_o proud_a 4.7_o jam._n 4.7_o be_v his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o that_o soul_n be_v barren_a which_o be_v thus_o curse_a of_o god_n and_o deny_v those_o refresh_a dew_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o fruitful_a let_v we_o therefore_o lay_v our_o foundation_n low_a in_o modesty_n sincerity_n and_o humility_n and_o god_n will_v build_v we_o up_o to_o life_n everlasting_a we_o shall_v then_o be_v like_o tree_n plant_v and_o deep_o root_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o their_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n our_o leaf_n shall_v not_o wither_v and_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v it_o shall_v prosper_v psal_n 1.3_o second_o that_o which_o infix_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o good_a ground_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n be_v consideration_n and_o meditation_n render_v in_o our_o translation_n understand_v the_o word_n the_o word_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d original_a signify_v weigh_v ponder_a and_o consider_v and_o st._n james_n say_v agreeable_o whoso_o look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n and_o continue_v therein_o that_o be_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n in_o the_o greek_a signify_v have_v look_v close_a and_o dwell_v upon_o it_o by_o serious_a meditation_n he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o do_v jam._n 1.25_o he_o therefore_o that_o desire_v the_o word_n shall_v increase_v and_o multiply_v must_v not_o only_o receive_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n but_o infix_v it_o there_o by_o serious_a consideration_n and_o be_v not_o like_o those_o compare_v to_o thorny_a ground_n in_o the_o parable_n who_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n go_v forth_o and_o think_v no_o more_o of_o it_o but_o suffer_v the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n to_o enter_v immediate_o into_o their_o mind_n and_o choke_v the_o word_n so_o that_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a but_o by_o after_o meditation_n and_o recollection_n of_o thought_n make_v it_o sink_v still_o deep_o into_o their_o soul_n and_o strike_v a_o root_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o indeed_o without_o such_o consideration_n there_o can_v
be_v very_o little_a hope_n if_o any_o of_o its_o fruitfulness_n for_o in_o all_o learning_n it_o be_v meditation_n that_o give_v a_o root_n to_o what_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v and_o fix_v it_o deep_a in_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o man_n be_v own_o and_o serviceable_a to_o he_o upon_o occasion_n and_o without_o it_o the_o most_o accurate_a discourse_n will_v tickle_v the_o ear_n only_o not_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o true_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o less_o beneficial_a unless_o it_o be_v weigh_v and_o examine_v by_o a_o serious_a and_o near_a inspection_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a word_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n be_v seldom_o embrace_v as_o such_o by_o person_n of_o a_o trifle_a unthinking_a spirit_n but_o rather_o appear_v harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a or_o at_o best_o be_v but_o faint_o approve_v of_o and_o for_o a_o short_a continuance_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n like_o other_o chief_a excellency_n be_v not_o to_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o full_o discover_v by_o a_o slight_a and_o cursory_a glance_n but_o by_o a_o diligent_a and_o curious_a search_n like_o gold_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o lie_v further_o in_o and_o be_v treasure_v up_o within_o her_o bowel_n wherefore_o as_o we_o tender_v our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v not_o think_v our_o task_n be_v over_o when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o always_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a to_o meditate_v and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o frequent_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o tendency_n its_o nature_n and_o its_o happy_a and_o glorious_a effect_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v our_o most_o reasonable_a service_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n our_o interest_n to_o practice_v its_o divine_a precept_n and_o that_o it_o flourish_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o abundance_n three_o this_o seed_n so_o plant_v and_o fix_v in_o this_o good_a ground_n must_v be_v likewise_o diligent_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o sloth_n and_o idle_a carelessness_n always_o have_v a_o ill_a effect_n and_o many_o hopeful_a beginning_n be_v nip_v and_o crush_v and_o come_v to_o very_o deplorable_a conclusion_n for_o want_v of_o that_o care_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o promote_v and_o further_o they_o to_o perfection_n but_o above_o all_o they_o be_v most_o dangerous_a in_o religion_n for_o beside_o that_o they_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v virtue_n weak_a and_o degenerate_a they_o give_v a_o fair_a occasion_n to_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o assault_v we_o that_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n who_o be_v ready_a immediate_o to_o catch_v away_o the_o good_a seed_n if_o unregarded_a and_o throw_v his_o wicked_a suggestion_n into_o their_o place_n and_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v we_o thus_o weak_a and_o unarm_v and_o careless_a of_o our_o safety_n and_o be_v too_o wise_a not_o to_o improve_v such_o opportunity_n to_o his_o best_a advantage_n and_o what_o hope_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v shameful_o plunder_v of_o that_o precious_a seed_n which_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v spring_v up_o to_o immortality_n when_o we_o be_v thus_o careless_a and_o negligent_a and_o unable_a to_o make_v any_o great_a resistance_n therefore_o the_o wise_a man_n advise_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n 4.23_o prov._n 4.23_o and_o st._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o peter_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v and_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o 13.25_o mat._n 13.25_o in_o the_o next_o parable_n to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v while_n man_n sleep_v that_o the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n wherefore_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n 3.8_o 1_o cor._n 15.34_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v sober_a be_v vigilant_a say_v st._n peter_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n as_o st._n paul_n advise_v timothy_n 6.2_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a lest_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o innocent_a as_o dove_n lest_o when_o the_o word_n have_v begin_v to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v at_o length_n root_v out_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n and_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n four_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o this_o good_a seed_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o fruit_n come_v to_o full_a maturity_n we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o this_o good_a seed_n with_o patience_n because_o all_o improvement_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o time_n man_n can_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n even_o in_o vice_n in_o a_o instant_n much_o less_o in_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o intermedial_a step_n and_o advances_n to_o it_o and_o as_o when_o seed_n be_v sow_o there_o first_o appear_v but_o a_o tender_a blade_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n improve_v to_o a_o stalk_v which_o every_o day_n grow_v tall_a and_o strong_a and_o at_o length_n appear_v the_o ear_n and_o the_o grain_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o even_o after_o that_o complete_a formation_n of_o the_o plant_n there_o be_v yet_o some_o considerable_a time_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfect_a ripeness_n and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o husbandman_n wait_v with_o patience_n till_o the_o time_n come_v of_o gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v gradual_a advances_n to_o perfection_n the_o beginning_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o sprouting_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n be_v and_o will_v be_v tender_a and_o unconfirmed_a but_o time_n will_v strengthen_v and_o improve_v they_o every_o day_n will_v make_v some_o advance_n to_o perfection_n where_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n but_o these_o advances_n may_v be_v very_o leisurely_o and_o like_o the_o growth_n of_o plant_n scarce_o discernible_a in_o their_o progress_n and_o yet_o at_o length_n the_o word_n of_o god_n bring_v forth_o its_o genuine_a fruit_n in_o great_a abundance_n and_o this_o though_o perhaps_o slow_a pace_n in_o religion_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_n for_o in_o due_a time_n for_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o this_o those_o shall_v consider_v who_o expect_v to_o be_v complete_a christian_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o be_v impatient_a of_o delay_n and_o dishearten_v by_o every_o rub_n and_o difficulty_n and_o because_o their_o practice_n can_v keep_v pace_n with_o their_o too_o forward_a and_o passionate_a wish_n and_o desire_n be_v apt_a to_o despair_v of_o ever_o come_v to_o that_o ripeness_n of_o christianity_n which_o will_v fit_v they_o for_o their_o great_a master_n garner_n and_o too_o often_o let_v slip_v what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v and_o give_v over_o in_o much_o dejection_n after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a hopeful_a progress_n but_o this_o be_v a_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o aught_o with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a to_o be_v provide_v against_o and_o a_o man_n best_a defence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v patience_n or_o a_o calm_a and_o resign_v expectation_n of_o increase_n and_o blessing_n from_o god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o own_o best_a endeavour_n a_o wait_a god_n leisure_n a_o confide_n in_o his_o goodness_n who_o only_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o as_o st._n 5.7_o jam._n 5.7_o james_n express_v it_o as_o the_o husbandman_n wait_v for_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v long_a patience_n for_o it_o until_o he_o receive_v the_o early_a and_o latter_a rain_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v also_o patient_a and_o in_o patience_n possess_v our_o soul_n and_o establish_v our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v a_o latter_a distillation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v early_o and_o at_o first_o and_o which_o when_o god_n please_v to_o afford_v it_o we_o shall_v then_o grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n and_o though_o sometime_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o plentiful_o shower_v down_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v yet_o will_v not_o be_v
final_o want_v in_o a_o sufficient_a degree_n to_o such_o as_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o in_o another_o parable_n mark_v 4.26_o which_o for_o its_o near_a resemblance_n to_o this_o and_o the_o next_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a particular_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o of_o grace_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v he_o know_v not_o how_o from_o the_o blade_n to_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o when_o the_o fruit_n be_v ripe_a he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v come_v that_o be_v though_o good_a man_n progress_n in_o religion_n oftentime_o be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a as_o they_o may_v and_o wish_n yet_o though_o almost_o insensible_o it_o may_v daily_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o at_o last_o the_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v visible_a in_o their_o conversation_n therefore_o let_v not_o a_o slow_a improvement_n discourage_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a of_o make_v still_o high_a advances_n but_o let_v he_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o already_o have_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n still_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o with_o patience_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o more_o plentiful_a increase_n in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o and_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a when_o a_o husbandman_n sow_n his_o seed_n if_o he_o sow_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n we_o know_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v in_o a_o proportionable_a abundance_n and_o when_o he_o sow_n more_o spare_o and_o the_o soil_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o increase_n his_o expectation_n be_v according_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n from_o such_o as_o be_v of_o pregnant_a part_n and_o ability_n able_a to_o entertain_v and_o consider_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o enjoy_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n all_o the_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o abundant_a increase_n from_o such_o man_n as_o these_o god_n will_v expect_v much_o fruit_n even_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o hundred-fold_a they_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v so_o rich_o in_o they_o line_n upon_o line_n precept_n upon_o precept_n treasure_n of_o instruction_n heap_v one_o upon_o another_o a_o scanty_a penurious_a increase_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v much_o less_o a_o total_a and_o entire_a barrenness_n excuse_v for_o so_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6.7_o 8._o the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o our_o lord_n in_o very_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n say_v the_o same_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n alike_o nor_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n either_o in_o the_o sow_v of_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soil_n god_n will_v proportionable_o abate_v in_o his_o expectation_n of_o increase_n but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o increase_n from_o every_o man_n yet_o he_o will_v expect_v some_o if_o not_o a_o hundred-fold_a yet_o sixty_o or_o if_o not_o sixty_o yet_o at_o least_o thirty_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v myriad_o of_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n who_o receive_v the_o seed_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o considerable_a increase_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o unfruitful_a as_o if_o their_o soul_n have_v lie_v always_o fallow_a and_o be_v never_o cultivate_v and_o impregnate_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a instruction_n let_v such_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o immortal_a soul_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o that_o stupid_a numbness_n and_o insensibility_n that_o so_o fatal_o beset_v they_o and_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v when_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o god_n will_v gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n and_o dispose_v they_o in_o his_o heavenly_a garner_n when_o at_o that_o great_a day_n our_o lord_n shall_v expect_v fruit_n from_o the_o seed_n that_o he_o have_v sow_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n wickedness_n and_o impurity_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n they_o will_v be_v in_o when_o their_o unfruitfulness_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o number_n and_o sharpness_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n increase_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o they_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o frequent_o importune_v they_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o way_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o his_o testimony_n and_o be_v no_o long_o unprofitable_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n and_o how_o soon_o god_n alone_o can_v tell_v and_o perhaps_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v the_o last_o invitation_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o some_o that_o hear_v it_o may_v ever_o have_v or_o at_o least_o the_o last_o that_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o fruitful_a wherefore_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n shall_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n consider_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o this_o of_o mat._n 13.12_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o the_o instruction_n he_o have_v already_o hear_v shall_v receive_v abundant_o more_o grace_n far_o great_a assistance_n and_o much_o large_a and_o more_o frequent_a shower_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n than_o ever_o former_o he_o do_v christ_n will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v express_v rev._n 3.20_o that_o be_v will_v free_o communicate_v to_o he_o of_o his_o divine_a favour_n and_o refreshment_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a festivity_n and_o joy_n between_o they_o his_o saviour_n will_v take_v he_o into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v his_o brother_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n that_o be_v as_o tender_o regard_v by_o he_o as_o those_o dear_a relative_n and_o how_o must_v that_o soul_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v which_o be_v thus_o plentiful_o water_v with_o shower_n above_o and_o enrich_v with_o stream_n issue_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o intolerable_a will_v be_v his_o misery_n that_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v these_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o a_o careless_a hearer_n only_o deceive_a sad_o
be_v the_o devil_n the_o harvest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reaper_n be_v the_o angel_n as_o therefore_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n from_o this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a and_o terror_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o wicked_a professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o name_n and_o outside_n and_o who_o in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v confuse_o intermix_v among_o the_o good_a and_o go_v undiscovered_a of_o man_n and_o unpunished_a of_o god_n nay_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v here_o more_o than_o the_o good_a and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n whilst_o the_o sincere_o good_a undergo_v many_o affliction_n and_o appear_v to_o man_n to_o be_v under_o god_n displeasure_n yet_o in_o the_o great_a harvest_n that_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o distinction_n make_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o hypocritical_a shall_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o former_a consign_v to_o ever_o last_a burn_n and_o the_o latter_a receive_v into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n the_o place_n prepare_v for_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o this_o sense_n and_o then_o discourse_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convert_v man_n to_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sow_v of_o seed_n because_o as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a parable_n the_o gospel_n like_o seed_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o a_o future_a great_a increase_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v that_o which_o if_o sincere_o embrace_v and_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n not_o hinder_v will_v spring_v up_o to_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o seed_n sow_o or_o commit_v to_o the_o furrow_n and_o then_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n and_o the_o favourable_a influence_n of_o heaven_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v actual_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o to_o particular_a person_n leave_v to_o make_v its_o way_n by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o its_o transcendent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n together_o with_o the_o constant_a dew_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n that_o attend_v it_o without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a mean_n unless_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n to_o make_v it_o take_v root_n and_o fructify_v it_o be_v general_o propose_v to_o all_o in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n which_o be_v the_o sow_v of_o it_o and_o then_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n whether_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o with_o its_o promise_n or_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o its_o threat_n without_o any_o irresistible_a force_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o only_o the_o small_a still_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o grace_n descend_v like_o the_o gentle_a dew_n to_o soften_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o cherish_v this_o good_a seed_n which_o be_v the_o leave_v the_o gospel_n to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n with_o only_a the_o benign_a water_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n our_o lord_n be_v call_v the_o sour_a of_o the_o good_a seed_n because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n and_o its_o validity_n to_o the_o great_a purpose_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v depend_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o invigorate_n virtue_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n by_o his_o death_n that_o he_o receive_v authority_n to_o mark_v out_o to_o we_o this_o way_n to_o life_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o the_o only_a principle_n and_o seed_n of_o immortality_n the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o field_n where_o this_o seed_n be_v sow_o because_o this_o bless_a religion_n be_v catholic_a and_o universal_a not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o people_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v but_o whosoever_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o people_n soever_o shall_v believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o agreeable_o in_o another_o parable_n which_o for_o its_o great_a analogy_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 13.47_o mat._n 13.47_o not_o any_o particular_a lake_n or_o river_n and_o this_o world_n be_v style_v the_o field_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a place_n of_o receive_v this_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a and_o expect_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v this_o divine_a seed_n now_o while_o he_o continue_v here_o or_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n again_o but_o suffer_v for_o ever_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o obstinate_a infidelity_n or_o barren_a unfruitfulness_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a field_n this_o life_n the_o only_a seedtime_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o come_v that_o one_o great_a harvest_n which_o shall_v consign_v man_n to_o a_o eternal_a condition_n either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o their_o barrenness_n or_o fruitfulness_n during_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o growth_n and_o increase_n the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a christian_n entire_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a master_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o precede_a parable_n these_o be_v themselves_o likewise_o compare_v to_o good_a seed_n because_o they_o have_v a_o substantial_a piety_n the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o their_o holy_a religion_n that_o divine_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n have_v produce_v not_o only_o the_o blade_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n the_o same_o kind_a of_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o spirit_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o holiness_n produce_v real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v good_a seed_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o true_o pious_a man_n be_v likewise_o call_v good_a seed_n as_o the_o genuine_a product_n and_o increase_v of_o that_o first_o principle_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o good_a seed_n sow_o and_o the_o sincere_o religious_a be_v the_o good_a seed_n as_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o be_v produce_v by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o or_o the_o hypocritical_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o tare_n or_o gockle_n because_o they_o have_v only_o a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n as_o tare_n and_o cockle_n have_v of_o corn_n but_o like_o they_o no_o substance_n of_o good_a corn_n none_o of_o the_o real_a excellency_n of_o religion_n nothing_o but_o hurtful_a and_o vicious_a quality_n as_o tare_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hurtful_a to_o themselves_o in_o the_o final_a consequence_n as_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o miserable_a a_o end_n and_o hurtful_a to_o other_o by_o their_o ill_a neighbourhood_n and_o converse_n as_o tare_n to_o wheat_n and_o likewise_o injurious_a to_o the_o holy_a religion_n they_o profess_v as_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o it_o by_o their_o scandalous_a conversation_n upon_o all_o account_n it_o be_v infoelix_fw-la lolium_fw-la as_o the_o poet_n call_v it_o unhappy_a tare_n they_o be_v that_o bring_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n and_o destruction_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o fit_o style_v the_o enemy_n that_o
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
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 â—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
to_o redeem_v their_o misspend_a time_n and_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o rapture_n and_o of_o reach_v great_a height_n and_o eminency_n of_o piety_n when_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n a_o right_a hand_n must_v be_v cut_v off_o or_o a_o right_a eye_n put_v out_o i._n e._n some_o favourite_n vice_n must_v be_v cashier_v if_o they_o move_v any_o further_a and_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a say_v and_o the_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v a_o stifness_n seize_v their_o overheat_v limb_n and_o a_o senseless_a torpor_n invade_v every_o part_n of_o they_o 10.21_o mark_v 10.21_o and_o like_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o our_o lord_n begin_v to_o love_v for_o his_o discreet_a answer_n and_o towardly_a disposition_n when_o they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o riches_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o deny_v themselves_o their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v their_o saviour_n then_o they_o become_v sad_a and_o with_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n leave_v he_o and_o fold_v their_o hand_n and_o return_v again_o to_o their_o dream_n of_o vanity_n just_o like_o those_o in_o the_o former_a parable_n compare_v to_o stony_a ground_n who_o receive_v the_o word_n at_o first_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v not_o sufficient_a deepness_n of_o earth_n i.e._n for_o want_n of_o through_o consideration_n and_o behold_v the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n fall_v away_o and_o their_o forward_a piety_n become_v dry_a and_o wither_a or_o like_o those_o mention_v in_o another_o parable_n luke_n 14.28_o which_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n and_o which_o for_o its_o great_a affinity_n with_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o who_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o finish_v and_o so_o proceed_v no_o further_a than_o foundation_n become_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o men._n but_o second_o as_o a_o state_n of_o careless_a inadvertency_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v like_o sleep_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o beginning_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o in_o its_o progress_n and_o effect_n for_o like_o sleep_n it_o lock_v up_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o suspend_v their_o action_n it_o dull_v its_o apprehension_n and_o make_v it_o take_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_a it_o vitiate_v its_o reason_v and_o make_v it_o draw_v false_a and_o fantastic_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o corrupt_v its_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o make_v its_o choice_n strange_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a such_o as_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n a_o little_a ease_n and_o imperfect_a pleasure_n here_o before_z rivers_z of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o and_o the_o like_a the_o low_a life_n be_v in_o this_o case_n predomimant_n and_o wild_a dream_n and_o incoherent_a fancy_n make_v up_o such_o man_n divinity_n and_o their_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o short_a the_o life_n of_o such_o man_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n their_o notion_n like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o slumber_n dark_a hover_v and_o uncertain_a their_o discourse_n about_o religious_a marter_n break_a disjoint_v unconcluding_a full_a of_o fallacy_n and_o dangerous_a sophistry_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o of_o all_o expectation_n here_o and_o enjoyment_n hereafter_o of_o what_o be_v their_o great_a nay_o their_o only_a happiness_n their_o action_n be_v like_o those_o do_v in_o a_o dream_n too_o extravagant_a brutish_a and_o unaccountable_a startle_v at_o chimaera_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o danger_n and_o insensible_a of_o the_o approach_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a misery_n though_o just_o ready_a to_o overtake_v they_o fond_a of_o a_o bundle_n of_o feather_n in_o love_n with_o a_o airy_a nothing_o whilst_o their_o true_a interest_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n they_o be_v as_o deaf_a to_o all_o reproof_n as_o man_n asleep_a as_o little_o affect_v with_o good_a instruction_n and_o advice_n and_o so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o fancy_v sweetness_n of_o their_o slumber_n that_o they_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o be_v awaken_v and_o when_o by_o rudee_a application_n they_o be_v like_o man_n that_o have_v take_v too_o large_a a_o do_v of_o opium_n they_o be_v present_o overcome_v with_o heaviness_n and_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o conviction_n and_o fall_v asleep_a again_o and_o the_o final_a event_n be_v this_o that_o as_o natural_a drowsiness_n clothes_v a_o man_n with_o rag_n so_o the_o moral_n will_v clothe_v he_o with_o shame_n and_o utter_v confusion_n and_o now_o from_o this_o short_a parallel_n which_o i_o have_v draw_v between_o the_o sleep_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n as_o we_o may_v see_v the_o fitness_n of_o the_o expression_n in_o the_o parable_n so_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o guard_n to_o keep_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v our_o infernal_a enemy_n sow_v his_o tare_n or_o make_v we_o become_v as_o such_o by_o his_o wicked_a insinuation_n and_o suggestion_n it_o be_v while_n man_n thus_o sleep_v be_v thus_o thoughtless_a and_o inadvertent_n to_o religion_n and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n which_o like_o pleasant_a dream_n entertain_v the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n with_o much_o delight_n but_o soon_o vanish_v and_o become_v utter_o unprofitable_a than_o it_o be_v that_o this_o subtle_a enemy_n make_v use_v of_o his_o opportunity_n and_o unobserved_a steal_v in_o his_o wicked_a injection_n which_o divert_v the_o soul_n still_o more_o and_o more_o from_o attend_v to_o her_o main_a interest_n and_o promote_v this_o spiritual_a slumber_n so_o long_o till_o too_o often_o it_o become_v chronical_a and_o habitual_a and_o a_o utter_a oblivion_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n a_o incurable_a numbness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o soul_n god_n know_v too_o often_o follow_v and_o man_n become_v like_o tare_n empty_a of_o all_o substantial_a goodness_n and_o at_o best_a but_o christian_n in_o name_n and_o show_v and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o when_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o be_v gather_v up_o from_o among_o the_o wheat_n and_o burn_v wherefore_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o to_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n divert_v by_o every_o feather_n and_o gay_a appearance_n but_o as_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n always_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o defence_n fix_v our_o attention_n upon_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o often_o reflect_v upon_o that_o intolerable_a misery_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o fatal_a slumbering_n and_o still_o press_v on_o with_o great_a courage_n as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n increase_v upon_o we_o and_o daily_o endeavour_v still_o more_o and_o more_o to_o shake_v off_o dead_a stupidity_n to_o religion_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o rouse_v up_o the_o faculty_n and_o employ_v they_o upon_o those_o noble_a of_o object_n patient_o receive_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n reject_v every_o notion_n and_o opinion_n that_o will_v destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o studious_o avoid_v idleness_n and_o sloth_n and_o according_a to_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o excellent_a advice_n add_v prayer_n to_o watchfulness_n that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o course_n if_o we_o take_v we_o shall_v defeat_v this_o general_o prevail_a stratagem_n of_o the_o subtle_a tempter_n and_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o resist_v he_o make_v he_o fly_v from_o we_o with_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n and_o our_o soul_n will_v then_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o piety_n and_o abound_v in_o it_o as_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o at_o length_n be_v grow_v ripe_a for_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n be_v gather_v in_o peace_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o repository_n of_o eternal_a rest_n and_o safety_n as_o in_o the_o bless_a garner_n of_o our_o lord_n three_o this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o time_n of_o discovery_n of_o the_o tare_n the_o hypocritical_a religionist_n namely_o the_o time_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n or_o when_o the_o grain_n appear_v in_o the_o ear_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o then_o appear_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o cockle_n which_o at_o first_o come_v up_o look_v as_o flourish_a
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
say_v to_o his_o angelical_a reaper_n gather_v you_o first_o together_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n and_o according_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o that_o have_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o it_o and_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o christianity_n have_v do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n that_o be_v when_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o whole_a intelligent_a creation_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n man_n to_o receive_v their_o several_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n according_a to_o their_o several_a desert_n and_o angel_n to_o execute_v these_o sentence_n then_o shall_v the_o sincere_o good_a christian_n indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v place_v by_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o just_a judge_n and_o after_o a_o display_v of_o their_o excellent_a piety_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n hear_v this_o joyful_a sound_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o be_v immediate_o catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o dear_a lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o from_o thenceforth_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n have_v crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n place_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o loud_a and_o rapturous_a halleluja_n in_o their_o mouth_n whilst_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o know_v no_o more_o of_o christianity_n than_o the_o name_n in_o who_o religion_n be_v only_o show_v and_o formality_n have_v no_o real_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o piety_n whilst_o these_o shall_v find_v to_o their_o confusion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v place_v on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v doom_v to_o depart_v for_o ever_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n into_o eternal_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n then_o will_v the_o good_a find_v by_o a_o happy_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o however_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o discourage_v here_o their_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o will_v the_o mock_v hypocritical_a christian_n be_v sad_o assure_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o plea_n of_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o at_o his_o table_n and_o of_o his_o have_v teach_v in_o their_o street_n that_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 instead_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n for_o cringe_v and_o fawn_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o magnificent_a title_n lord_n lord_n jesus_n saviour_n but_o hee_v little_a his_o commandment_n they_o shall_v be_v reject_v with_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o then_o will_v god_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o find_v to_o be_v not_o a_o unconcern_v spectator_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o a_o wise_a all-knowing_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o throne_n then_o will_v there_o be_v eternal_a joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o the_o blissful_a beatify_v soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n in_o the_o wretched_a company_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o ever_o 4.1_o mal._n 4.1_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o prophet_n malachi_n that_o shall_v burn_v like_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o all_o they_o that_o do_v wicked_o shall_v be_v as_o stubble_n and_o the_o day_n that_o come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v burn_v they_o up_o that_o it_o shall_v leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n 9.6_o rev._n 9.6_o and_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v man_n seek_v death_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o shall_v desire_v to_o die_v and_o death_n shall_v flee_v from_o they_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n since_o from_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o a_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n may_v pass_v well_o enough_o in_o this_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o no_o open_a discrimination_n or_o punishment_n from_o god_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o after_o reckon_a when_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o their_o vile_a hypocrisy_n and_o secret_a impiety_n lay_v open_a before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n of_o great_a severity_n pay_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n since_o this_o be_v true_a it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o name_n and_o appearance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o true_a disciple_n of_o this_o holy_a institution_n by_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n diligent_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v of_o this_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a remember_v that_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o prayer_n i._o o_o holy_a saviour_n jesus_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o our_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o who_o expect_v our_o concurrence_n with_o thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o sincerity_n permit_v thy_o and_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o scatter_v his_o hellish_a injection_n where_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o heavenly_a doctrine_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o so_o to_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o life-giving_a spirit_n that_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o happiness_n may_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o active_a as_o to_o manifest_v that_o i_o be_o thou_o not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v ever_o esteem_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o i_o feel_v to_o a_o progressive_a holiness_n to_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v my_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o may_v i_o always_o thankful_o and_o cheerful_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o and_o whatever_o thought_n and_o inclination_n tend_v to_o discourage_v sincere_a religion_n and_o persuade_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n help_v i_o to_o reject_v they_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o indignation_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n to_o involve_v i_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o since_o it_o be_v while_n we_o sleep_v that_o our_o great_a adversary_n sow_n these_o his_o tare_n give_v i_o grace_n o_o bless_a jesus_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o rouse_v from_o my_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n and_o shake_v off_o my_o dream_n of_o vanity_n lest_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n at_o length_n prove_v fatal_a and_o betray_v i_o into_o eternal_a death_n ii_o thou_o have_v assure_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o our_o probation_n o_o therefore_o grant_v that_o now_o in_o this_o our_o day_n all_o we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o embrace_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n that_o by_o serious_a consideration_n we_o may_v make_v religion_n our_o choice_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o firm_o with_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o be_v in_o reality_n thy_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n remember_v thy_o bless_a word_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v and_o that_o though_o here_o the_o wicked_a go_v unpunished_a it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o and_o at_o last_o hypocrisy_n shall_v meet_v with_o its_o desert_n and_o
may_v i_o always_o so_o attend_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o constant_a inspection_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorious_a self_n in_o all_o my_o way_n as_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o thy_o presence_n who_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o expose_v my_o vileness_n to_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o goat_n and_o the_o swine_n shall_v be_v discover_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o o_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o alacrity_n of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n in_o thy_o service_n and_o for_o thy_o glory_n may_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o so_o when_o the_o great_a harvest_n shall_v come_v and_o thou_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o angelic_a reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v my_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n i_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o terrible_a day_n and_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o bless_a jesus_n i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o amen_n parable_n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matth._n xiii_o 45_o 46_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o by_o this_o and_o the_o parable_n immediate_o before_o it_o of_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v represent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o be_v without_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o pearl_n of_o so_o great_a price_n so_o immense_a a_o treasure_n that_o nothing_o here_o below_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o david_n express_v it_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o than_o much_o find_v gold_n and_o he_o profess_v that_o himself_o have_v more_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n than_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o riches_n and_o solomon_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o word_n of_o these_o parable_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o of_o find_v gold_n etc._n prov._n 3.13_o etc._n etc._n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n such_o great_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o best_o know_v its_o excellency_n and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o very_o backward_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o prefer_v every_o little_a worldly_a good_a before_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o comparable_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v so_o fatal_a no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o by_o due_a consideration_n to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o long_o childish_o dote_v upon_o empty_a gaye_n and_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v what_o be_v of_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a good_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n above_o recite_v to_o weigh_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n that_o upon_o a_o fair_a experiment_n we_o may_v see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a and_o according_o be_v convince_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o then_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v our_o affection_n for_o the_o world_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o deserve_v to_o feel_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a choice_n and_o taste_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o this_o unsatisfy_a empty_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a when_o we_o may_v first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o eph._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o these_o three_o may_v be_v reduce_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v valuable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v pleasure_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n riches_n great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n this_o be_v that_o trinity_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n adore_v and_o impatient_o desire_v and_o place_v their_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o will_v now_o inquire_v what_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v general_o first_fw-mi in_o man_n esteem_n and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v often_o content_a to_o part_v with_o the_o other_o two_n now_o these_o may_v be_v rank_v in_o this_o order_n viz._n the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v and_o of_o great_a jollity_n and_o mirth_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o high_o grateful_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v this_o in_o general_a of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o the_o more_o insipid_a still_o they_o grow_v to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o empty_a nature_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o consequent_a disability_n to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o old_a barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n 19.35_o 2_o sam._n 19.35_o can_v i_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o invite_v he_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court._n and_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o unsatisfy_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v it_o not_o after_o a_o few_o year_n we_o shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n whatever_o man_n expectation_n may_v be_v of_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n from_o they_o they_o can_v but_o find_v by_o their_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o disappointment_n in_o they_o and_o the_o pleasure_n much_o great_a in_o imagination_n than_o reality_n they_o be_v indeed_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o often_o make_v man_n miserable_a even_o here_o but_o never_o happy_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n only_o say_v not_o prove_v and_o the_o cinical_a conclusion_n of_o a_o freeze_a dispirited_a student_n who_o narrow_a course_n of_o life_n have_v make_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o give_v a_o worse_a character_n of_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v i_o shall_v vouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n who_o fill_v the_o throne_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o flourish_a kingdom_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o his_o desire_n perfect_o
to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n a_o pleasure_n very_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a for_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o which_o their_o mean_a servant_n may_v have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o content_a be_v least_o of_o all_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n he_o that_o have_v much_o will_v still_o have_v more_o and_o be_v in_o frequent_a fear_n of_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v for_o riches_n be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_o take_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o and_o to_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n and_o yet_o dissatisfy_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o carry_v much_o more_o of_o uneasiness_n with_o it_o than_o the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o one_o eye_n do_v of_o pleasure_n and_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o servant_n may_v take_v not_o only_o as_o much_o but_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sight_n that_o have_v none_o of_o the_o inward_a discontent_n than_o the_o proprietor_n and_o master_n that_o have_v so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 10._o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o contentment_n with_o only_a food_n and_o raiment_n be_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n to_o so_o very_o little_a in_o reality_n do_v arise_v the_o second_o thing_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratification_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n even_o to_o nothing_o but_o dissatisfaction_n and_o disquiet_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n come_v we_o now_o to_o examine_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o world_n treasure_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n or_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n and_o very_o fit_o be_v this_o style_v the_o pride_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o most_o man_n to_o be_v great_a to_o command_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o have_v much_o of_o honour_n and_o respect_v pay_v to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o pride_n themselves_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o worldly_a good_a that_o they_o possess_v but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o a_o man_n can_v just_o value_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v without_o control_v from_o any_o one_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o every_o man_n beside_o suppose_v many_o inferior_a prince_n tributary_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honour_v like_o a_o mortal_a god_n suppose_v all_o this_o yet_o however_o glorious_a it_o may_v appear_v at_o a_o distance_n we_o shall_v find_v upon_o a_o close_a inspection_n that_o this_o likewise_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n for_o as_o for_o even_o a_o universal_a dominion_n unless_o the_o subject_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o obey_v as_o the_o monarch_n be_v desirous_a to_o govern_v a_o catholic_a crown_n will_v sit_v as_o uneasy_a nay_o more_o so_o than_o that_o of_o lesser_a prince_n the_o further_a a_o man_n dominion_n extend_v the_o more_o difficulty_n in_o government_n will_v occur_v the_o more_o ambitious_a and_o discontent_a spirit_n will_v there_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n the_o more_o secret_a conspiracy_n and_o undermine_n of_o man_n aggrieve_v and_o disoblige_v and_o that_o be_v as_o desirous_a of_o government_n as_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o throne_n can_v be_v and_o which_o will_v often_o break_v out_o to_o shake_v and_o discompose_v if_o not_o to_o overturn_v the_o present_a establishment_n and_o the_o more_o extensive_a a_o prince_n dominion_n be_v the_o more_o must_v there_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o and_o those_o man_n of_o different_z interest_n and_o inclination_n jealous_a of_o one_o another_o and_o envious_a at_o the_o supreme_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o carve_v for_o themselves_o and_o advance_v their_o own_o family_n than_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o master_n this_o be_v find_v very_o true_a and_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o prince_n that_o have_v affair_n more_o in_o their_o own_o view_n than_o this_o universal_a monarch_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o dangerous_o must_v he_o sit_v than_o they_o and_o receive_v much_o more_o disquietude_n and_o trouble_v if_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o great_a orb_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o where_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o govern_v so_o that_o the_o most_o ample_a dominion_n be_v thick_a set_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n while_o enjoy_v and_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o a_o ruin_n which_o must_v perplex_v he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o with_o numberless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n and_o anxious_a thought_n how_o to_o secure_v his_o throne_n and_o he_o that_o be_v careless_a and_o unsensible_a and_o leave_v the_o fatigue_n of_o government_n to_o other_o and_o spend_v his_o day_n in_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o luxury_n be_v a_o emperor_n in_o title_n only_o and_o may_v soon_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o the_o one_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o vanity_n the_o other_o of_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o govern_v be_v a_o usual_a and_o very_a true_a say_v and_o will_v be_v so_o be_v throne_n not_o near_o so_o slippery_a as_o they_o be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v very_o much_o happy_a for_o a_o man_n never_o to_o have_v have_v such_o height_n of_o power_n and_o dominion_n than_o ever_o to_o see_v himself_o throw_v down_o and_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n the_o very_a danger_n of_o so_o great_a a_o fall_n be_v enough_o to_o fill_v one_o breast_n with_o great_a disorder_n so_o great_a as_o that_o all_o the_o gaudery_n of_o grandeur_n shall_v lose_v their_o taste_n and_o become_v insipid_a to_o he_o and_o actual_o to_o fall_v as_o many_o glorious_a prince_n have_v already_o do_v be_v the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v experience_v upon_o earth_n the_o short_a be_v empire_n and_o dominion_n fancy_v it_o how_o great_a soever_o be_v at_o best_a very_o troublesome_a and_o disquiet_v and_o so_o uncertain_a as_o that_o it_o not_o seldom_o end_v in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o ruin_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o glorious_a title_n low_a obeisance_n and_o the_o like_a all_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o perfect_o empty_a and_o utter_o ineffective_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o despicable_a and_o of_o least_o regard_n and_o though_o it_o be_v fit_a inferior_n shall_v pay_v it_o where_o it_o be_v due_a yet_o unless_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o the_o mind_n attend_v that_o outward_a respect_n of_o the_o body_n a_o great_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v honour_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n and_o abuse_v that_o can_v be_v and_o because_o no_o great_a man_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o be_v inward_o reverence_v or_o no_o neither_o can_v force_v any_o man_n so_o to_o honour_v he_o against_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a weakness_n for_o he_o to_o set_v any_o great_a value_n upon_o outward_a respect_n which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v nay_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v be_v a_o affront_n rather_o than_o a_o honour_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v what_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n amount_v to_o have_v thus_o give_v in_o a_o impartial_a account_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o solomon_n who_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a of_o the_o sum_n total_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o any_o worth_a and_o esteem_n by_o examine_v the_o three_o particular_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v valuable_a in_o it_o namely_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n let_v we_o now_o weigh_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a which_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a good_a and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v wise_o or_o no_o in_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o he_o may_v purchase_v this_o pearl_n and_o be_v master_n of_o this_o treasure_n and_o we_o shall_v consider_v religion_n in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n what_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n than_o peace_n and_o quietness_n contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o
and_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n and_o all_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o attain_v what_o the_o world_n it_o self_n afford_v we_o have_v see_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a in_o it_o its_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o dominion_n be_v empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a and_o indeed_o the_o parent_n of_o nothing_o but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v the_o enquiry_n how_o far_o religion_n be_v conducive_a to_o these_o thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n even_o to_o become_v rich_a to_o live_v pleasant_o and_o with_o honour_n and_o respect_n and_o as_o for_o dominion_n to_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n which_o religion_n only_o teach_v be_v more_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n now_o as_o to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o indeed_o give_v a_o relish_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o for_o without_o they_o neither_o riches_n nor_o honour_n nor_o even_o health_n and_o life_n itself_o sit_v easy_a that_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o procure_v these_o great_a blessing_n and_o that_o both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a abroad_o with_o other_o and_o at_o home_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n will_v soon_o be_v evident_a as_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o our_o intercourse_n with_o other_o religion_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o procure_v that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o forbid_v the_o offer_v any_o injury_n 2_o because_o it_o forbid_v return_v any_o now_o that_o which_o embroil_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v the_o do_v and_o retaliate_a harm_n and_o ill_o turn_v and_o religion_n so_o strict_o command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o do_v to_o other_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o like_a circumstance_n we_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v from_o other_o and_o to_o forgive_v if_o any_o have_v do_v injurious_o by_o we_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v forgive_v by_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o be_v our_o holy_a religion_n sincere_o embrace_v and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshares_a and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n and_o need_v not_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o nothing_o will_v then_o hurt_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v what_o god_n at_o first_o design_v it_o a_o paradise_n of_o happiness_n and_o mankind_n a_o family_n of_o love_n and_o as_o for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a at_o home_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o peace_n will_v lose_v its_o relish_n religion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v that_o blessing_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n which_o there_o will_v be_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n it_o will_v do_v its_o office_n free_o and_o impartial_o and_o lash_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o it_o sin_n and_o fill_v it_o full_a of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o soul_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v and_o who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n but_o a_o good_a man_n breast_n be_v quiet_a and_o serene_a full_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o innocence_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o as_o peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o only_a without_o contentment_n of_o mind_n no_o condition_n how_o good_a soever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v please_v and_o with_o it_o every_o condition_n be_v for_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o object_n to_o the_o desire_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v if_o he_o desire_v still_o more_o and_o think_v his_o present_a condition_n not_o good_a enough_o be_v by_o many_o degree_n less_o happy_a than_o he_o that_o must_v drudge_n for_o his_o live_n but_o yet_o be_v content_v with_o his_o lot_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o abundance_n he_o only_o be_v indeed_o a_o happy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o enjoy_v his_o present_a portion_n and_o know_v how_o patient_o to_o endure_v a_o worse_a condition_n and_o dread_v a_o base_a and_o wicked_a action_n however_o gainful_a and_o advantageous_a it_o may_v be_v even_o worse_o than_o death_n and_o he_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o slave_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o the_o content_a man_n be_v always_o easy_a under_o his_o present_a lot_n and_o if_o his_o fortune_n will_v not_o rise_v to_o what_o he_o can_v desire_v he_o will_v bring_v his_o desire_n down_o to_o his_o fortune_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a of_o happiness_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o desire_n and_o his_o fortune_n bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o true_o so_o various_a be_v the_o turn_v of_o fortune_n here_o so_o many_o unexpected_a accident_n that_o make_v great_a change_n for_o the_o worse_a in_o man_n circumstance_n of_o life_n and_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o so_o as_o to_o amend_v that_o be_v there_o not_o this_o remedy_n of_o make_v our_o mind_n comply_v with_o the_o event_n and_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n and_o venom_n of_o it_o by_o acquiescence_n and_o contentment_n and_o contraction_n of_o our_o desire_n man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o that_o have_v learned_a and_o can_v apply_v this_o remedy_n whatever_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o without_o have_v a_o power_n still_o ready_a of_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a and_o though_o he_o can_v prevent_v the_o accident_n yet_o he_o can_v prevent_v its_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n now_o this_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n religion_n best_o of_o all_o teach_v we_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o exact_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n dispose_v all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o event_n be_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a account_n order_v for_o the_o best_a for_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o amend_v what_o be_v do_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o second_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o interest_n do_v least_o of_o all_o lie_n in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o our_o treasure_n and_o inheritance_n be_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o which_o ever_o long_o we_o shall_v be_v recall_v and_o our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n there_o be_v the_o more_o increase_v as_o we_o have_v more_o patient_o and_o content_o submit_v to_o god_n pleasure_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o a_o hearty_a through_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v certain_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o know_v with_o st._n paul_n how_o to_o abound_v and_o how_o to_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a and_o for_o this_o christianity_n give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v to_o learn_v that_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o irreligion_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o content_a and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o continual_a vexation_n and_o make_v every_o cross_a accident_n double_o evil_a by_o impatience_n for_o first_o the_o ungodly_a have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o second_o cause_n and_o look_v upon_o thing_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o so_o when_o cross_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o ill_a fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o grow_v querulous_a and_o out_o of_o all_o patience_n and_o as_o for_o divine_a providence_n that_o be_v whole_o unregarded_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o revile_v it_o and_o impious_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o its_o disposal_n and_o so_o that_o which_o in_o affliction_n be_v the_o great_a cordial_n of_o all_o irreligion_n
either_o whole_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o poison_n and_o instead_o of_o disarm_v a_o misfortune_n by_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o all_o thing_n add_v a_o thousand_o sharp_a thing_n to_o it_o and_o make_v that_o become_v intolerable_a which_o religion_n will_v have_v make_v to_o sit_v light_n and_o easy_a again_o content_a be_v destroy_v by_o irreligion_n because_o it_o persuade_v man_n that_o their_o whole_a interest_n lie_v here_o below_o either_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o another_o world_n or_o else_o by_o engage_v they_o so_o fast_o to_o this_o as_o to_o hinder_v their_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v great_a eagerness_n in_o acquire_v these_o low_a good_n impatient_a desire_n of_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o in_o which_o be_v concentre_v their_o whole_a happiness_n and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o amid_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n that_o attend_v these_o sublunary_a thing_n but_o a_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n answerable_a to_o those_o numerous_a cross_a accident_n and_o disappointment_n which_o every_o condition_n be_v full_a of_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a every_o unlucky_a hit_v to_o such_o man_n be_v like_o a_o dagger_n stab_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o that_o which_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o have_v lessen_v and_o impair_v and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o full_a of_o such_o vexatious_a mishap_n how_o full_a of_o wound_n must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o ungodly_a worldling_n and_o as_o content_v so_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v much_o more_o than_o a_o submissive_a acquiescence_n in_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o suppose_v a_o happiness_n that_o be_v complete_a and_o full_a this_o be_v a_o blessing_n which_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n can_v ever_o make_v the_o soul_n experience_n and_o he_o only_o that_o have_v learned_a to_o make_v god_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o desire_n can_v indeed_o know_v what_o satisfaction_n be_v for_o every_o thing_n beside_o god_n be_v unsatisfy_v because_o flit_a and_o momentary_a and_o very_o imperfect_a and_o empty_a of_o that_o infinite_a good_a which_o be_v the_o only_a adequate_a object_n of_o that_o infinite_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n be_v so_o constant_o disappoint_v in_o their_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a let_v they_o continual_o have_v what_o they_o desire_v which_o yet_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v rational_o suppose_v of_o any_o man_n and_o enjoy_v it_o full_o and_o without_o control_v yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v 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possible_o desire_v but_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n all_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o entire_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o happiness_n three_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_o conducive_a to_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n in_o it_o long_o life_n and_o health_n be_v that_o which_o all_o people_n natural_o covet_v and_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a blessing_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o long_a man_n live_v and_o the_o more_o vigorous_a they_o be_v the_o long_o and_o more_o full_o they_o enjoy_v or_o at_o least_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o with_o too_o many_o be_v the_o main_a consideration_n but_o likewise_o and_o chief_o because_o they_o have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a opportunity_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o eternal_a life_n to_o come_v and_o heap_v up_o still_o great_a treasure_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o great_a blessing_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o help_v a_o man_n to_o than_o religion_n for_o first_o it_o engage_v man_n to_o live_v regular_o and_o temperate_o moderate_v the_o appetite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o curb_v the_o exorbitant_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o allow_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfortable_a support_n of_o nature_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o those_o many_o destructive_a disease_n which_o be_v always_o the_o attendant_n of_o excess_n how_o many_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n by_o labour_n and_o course_n fare_v protract_v their_o day_n than_o of_o the_o rich_a who_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o 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and_o healthy_a life_n because_o it_o regulate_v the_o passion_n keep_v the_o soul_n quiet_a and_o in_o a_o calm_a which_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v very_o much_o affect_v the_o body_n be_v undeniable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v excessive_a nothing_o more_o shake_v and_o discompose_v the_o whole_a man._n even_o joy_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v innocent_a enough_o have_v sometime_o be_v so_o violent_a as_o to_o overcharge_v person_n and_o leave_v they_o dead_a and_o grief_n have_v be_v often_o fatal_a and_o envy_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o consumption_n and_o leave_v visible_a token_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o countenance_n and_o love_n have_v have_v many_o martyr_n and_o anger_n be_v a_o great_a impoverisher_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o oftentimes_o make_v a_o man_n his_o own_o executioner_n and_o engage_v in_o such_o scuffle_n and_o hot_a inconsiderate_a action_n as_o not_o seldom_o end_v in_o wound_n and_o death_n every_o excess_n of_o passion_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o be_v natural_o a_o great_a impairer_n of_o health_n at_o least_o and_o the_o often_o repetition_n of_o it_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v it_o nature_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o violent_a concussion_n long_o without_o be_v much_o weaken_a and_o shatter_v by_o they_o like_o the_o wall_n of_o a_o castle_n which_o how_o strong_a soever_o will_v receive_v damage_n by_o every_o furious_a battery_n and_o unless_o relieve_v must_v at_o length_n fall_v before_o the_o cannon_n irresistible_a force_n but_o now_o religion_n prevent_v all_o this_o mischief_n and_o by_o regulate_v and_o reduce_v to_o moderation_n these_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o mind_n calm_a and_o quiet_a and_o keep_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o aequipoise_n and_o the_o body_n consequent_o be_v undisturbed_a feel_v no_o violence_n nor_o
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o bright_a for_o mind_n darken_v with_o flesh_n the_o splendour_n of_o it_o flash_n too_o strong_o upon_o our_o feeble_a sense_n now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o too_o long_o and_o close_o gaze_v on_o will_n rather_o dazzle_v than_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n no_o mortal_a man_n can_v see_v god_n face_n and_o live_v and_o therefore_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o indeed_o this_o include_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v of_o excellence_n and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o poor_a ignorant_a benight_a creature_n can_v imagine_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n all_o that_o be_v charm_v and_o true_o desirable_a in_o nature_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a creation_n be_v but_o a_o stream_n from_o this_o divine_a fountain_n and_o be_v in_o he_o ininfinite_o great_a excellency_n for_o he_o be_v beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o harmony_n itself_o and_o therefore_o since_o religion_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o chief_a good_a what_o can_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o value_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o can_v be_v value_v with_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n with_o the_o precious_a onyx_n or_o the_o saphire_n no_o mention_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o coral_n or_o pearl_n for_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n be_v above_o ruby_n job_n 28.13_o etc._n etc._n such_o then_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
and_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o imitate_v this_o example_n of_o our_o merciful_a god_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v first_o to_o forgive_v such_o as_o have_v injure_v we_o free_o and_o without_o reserve_n and_o that_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o show_v themselves_o our_o enemy_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v we_o fresh_a mischief_n when_o it_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n for_o thus_o as_o we_o have_v see_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n he_o first_o love_v we_o and_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n and_o consequent_o in_o open_a hostility_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o even_o when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o take_v pity_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v still_o add_v new_a wickedness_n to_o our_o long_a account_n and_o when_o we_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a misery_n think_v upon_o mercy_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o our_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n not_o to_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n but_o contrariwise_o blessing_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o to_o use_v our_o saviour_n enforcement_n of_o this_o if_o those_o only_a share_n in_o our_o affection_n or_o esteem_n who_o be_v as_o beneficial_a and_o kind_a to_o we_o as_o we_o to_o they_o what_o thank_v have_v we_o self-love_n and_o interest_n may_v there_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o very_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n nay_o even_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v be_v as_o eminent_a for_o such_o sort_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o best_a publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o our_o lord_n observe_v do_v the_o same_o but_o christian_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o more_o godlike_a temper_n their_o charity_n more_o free_a and_o disinterest_v the_o great_a and_o more_o frequent_a their_o injury_n the_o more_o ready_a shall_v they_o be_v to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o not_o only_o be_v reconcile_v after_o a_o sevenfold_a wrong_n but_o after_o one_o repeat_v seventy_o time_n seven_o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o further_o enforce_v this_o by_o his_o own_o example_n who_o with_o his_o last_o breath_n pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o cruel_a murderer_n second_o we_o must_v not_o only_o forgive_v such_o as_o but_o little_o deserve_v it_o but_o likewise_o in_o correspondence_n to_o our_o divine_a pattern_n whether_o they_o desire_v it_o or_o no_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o sinner_n he_o prevent_v we_o by_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o compassionate_a goodness_n and_o entreat_v we_o his_o rebellious_a creature_n first_o by_o his_o prophet_n then_o by_o his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o embrace_v their_o pardon_n and_o thus_o those_o that_o will_v be_v imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n must_v likewise_o do_v rather_o than_o enmity_n shall_v continue_v we_o must_v seek_v to_o our_o enemy_n to_o be_v reconcile_v though_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v the_o offence_n and_o this_o however_o hardly_o it_o may_v sound_v be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o general_a conâ—â—â—d_n of_o forgive_a one_o another_o as_o god_n have_v forgive_v we_o but_o be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n mat._n 18.15_o which_o occasion_v that_o question_n of_o st._n peter_n verse_n 21._o how_o often_o shall_v i_o forgive_v my_o brother_n upon_o which_o our_o lord_n deliver_v this_o parable_n his_o word_n be_v these_o and_o deserve_v our_o serious_a attention_n moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o or_o as_o we_o usual_o express_v it_o first_o do_v the_o injury_n or_o give_v the_o affront_n go_v thou_o to_o he_o stay_v not_o till_o he_o come_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n to_o thou_o for_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n man_n be_v very_o backward_o in_o do_v either_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o shame_n or_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n as_o it_o must_v be_v term_v or_o for_o other_o reason_n and_o time_n usual_o widen_v such_o breach_n and_o increase_v strangeness_n and_o aversion_n but_o go_v thou_o therefore_o to_o he_o in_o meekness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o with_o resolution_n of_o pass_v by_o all_o further_a unkindness_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reproacheâ—_n for_o your_o good_a will_n calm_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o he_o and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o will_v hear_v thou_o a_o right_a understanding_n between_o you_o will_v ensue_v and_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o this_o great_a excellence_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o be_v as_o a_o most_o noble_a expression_n of_o christian_n charity_n so_o we_o see_v very_o plain_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o our_o serious_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o our_o agreeable_a practice_n three_o we_o must_v not_o only_o so_o far_o forgive_v as_o not_o to_o revenge_v but_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a pattern_n of_o forgiveness_n set_v before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o beneficence_n to_o our_o enemy_n as_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o his_o need_v require_v remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o great_a master_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o for_o so_o sâ—â—_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v the_o new_a make_v agreement_n by_o more_o than_o ordinary_a expression_n of_o good_a will_n that_o we_o may_v heap_v coal_n upon_o our_o enemy_n head_n to_o melt_v he_o into_o a_o correspondent_a charity_n and_o likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o our_o enemy_n or_o ourselves_o to_o doubt_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o smooth_a word_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o deceitful_a and_o the_o not_o revenge_v a_o injury_n may_v be_v for_o want_n of_o power_n or_o opportunity_n but_o when_o to_o good_a word_n beneficial_a action_n be_v add_v then_o may_v a_o man_n well_o be_v think_v to_o love_n and_o forgive_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v christian_a forgiveness_n of_o injury_n or_o ult_n ephes_n 4._o ult_n in_o the_o apostle_n word_n the_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o i.e._n free_o and_o entire_o though_o their_o malice_n still_o cotinue_v against_o we_o nay_o to_o go_v and_o offer_v they_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n though_o they_o neither_o desire_v nor_o deserve_v it_o and_o to_o accompany_v our_o forgiveness_n with_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a turn_v but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o account_n must_v have_v a_o limitation_n lest_o it_o bind_v indiscriminate_o upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n that_o be_v in_o all_o instance_n of_o wrong_n it_o thwart_v and_o run_v counter_a to_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o just_a limit_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o injury_n may_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n affect_v either_o man_n person_n their_o good_a name_n or_o their_o estate_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v be_v either_o in_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n or_o only_o great_o damage_v or_o the_o injury_n may_v be_v but_o small_a and_o trifle_a and_o such_o as_o bring_v no_o considerable_a and_o last_a ill_a effect_n along_o with_o it_o now_o such_o injury_n as_o threaten_v ruin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v silent_o let_v pass_v nor_o the_o man_n so_o forgive_v as_o to_o have_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n of_o he_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v a_o man_n person_n or_o to_o vindicate_v or_o recover_v his_o blast_a reputation_n and_o to_o preserve_v his_o estate_n all_o or_o either_o of_o which_o will_v be_v ruin_v by_o the_o injurious_a person_n if_o tame_o let_v alone_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o case_n be_v proportionable_o the_o same_o as_o to_o injury_n that_o great_o endamage_v a_o man_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n before_o mention_v and_o be_v all_o
wrong_n how_o great_a soever_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o and_o put_v up_o in_o silence_n by_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n of_o forgive_a injury_n it_o will_v be_v to_o betray_v the_o sheep_n to_o the_o wolf_n to_o expose_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o malice_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a world_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n christ_n jesus_n and_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n i._n e._n for_o the_o comfortable_a subsistence_n of_o his_o family_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n i._n e._n act_n contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o religion_n but_o he_o will_v soon_o ruin_v instead_o of_o support_v his_o family_n who_o suffer_v ill_a man_n without_o interruption_n to_o make_v what_o havoc_n they_o please_v of_o his_o person_n reputation_n or_o estate_n but_o now_o as_o for_o small_a injury_n in_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n such_o as_o make_v no_o great_a alteration_n in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o may_v be_v bear_v without_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n these_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o injury_n forgive_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o instance_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o lesser_a sort_n of_o injury_n such_o as_o a_o blow_n on_o the_o cheek_n the_o take_v away_o of_o a_o garment_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o be_v for_o being_n rigorous_a about_o a_o few_o penny_n that_o the_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v so_o wroth_a with_o his_o servant_n and_o rather_o than_o a_o christian_n shall_v embroil_v himself_o in_o law-suit_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n for_o such_o small_a matter_n he_o shall_v suffer_v a_o repetition_n of_o such_o injury_n and_o indeed_o as_o religion_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o great_a prudence_n so_o particular_o in_o forbid_v litigious_a quarrel_n unless_o a_o man_n whole_a interest_n or_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v at_o stake_n for_o law_n be_v now_o become_v a_o boundless_a ocean_n and_o general_o very_o rough_a and_o stormy_a and_o swell_v man_n passion_n to_o a_o exorbitant_a height_n and_o shipwreck_n their_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o estate_n and_o as_o to_o those_o great_a injury_n our_o saviour_n mention_n mat._n 5.44_o of_o man_n being_n our_o enemy_n profess_v and_o hate_v and_o curse_v and_o despiteful_o use_v and_o persecute_v we_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n there_o or_o any_o where_o else_o forbid_v christian_n endeavour_v in_o a_o legal_a manner_n to_o secure_v and_o defend_v themselves_o and_o recover_v their_o own_o but_o only_o not_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n and_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o purpose_n of_o revenge_n or_o retaliate_a such_o injury_n as_o rather_o to_o love_v and_o bless_v and_o pray_v for_o and_o do_v good_a to_o upon_o occasion_n those_o that_o deal_v so_o malicious_o by_o they_o and_o to_o manage_v the_o suit_n or_o contention_n with_o they_o with_o charity_n have_v no_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o person_n of_o their_o adversary_n that_o be_v in_o short_a our_o holy_a religion_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o lesser_a injury_n entire_o both_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n and_o forgive_v the_o offender_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v but_o in_o great_a injury_n of_o any_o sort_n where_o ruin_n or_o insupportable_a damage_n will_v follow_v though_o it_o permit_v nay_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v a_o legal_a reparation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o forgive_v the_o offence_n yet_o christian_n must_v as_o entire_o and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o measure_n forgive_v the_o offender_n as_o in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o wrong_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v become_v the_o child_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n who_o though_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n he_o forgive_v the_o world_n of_o sinner_n and_o moreover_o bestow_v on_o they_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v yet_o in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n their_o representative_a he_o severe_o express_v his_o displeasure_n against_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o persist_v in_o they_o afresh_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n beside_o those_o injury_n that_o terminate_v upon_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o own_o concern_v there_o be_v other_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o public_a which_o must_v not_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o animadvert_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o bloody_a villain_n murder_v a_o man_n friend_n or_o neighbour_n or_o relation_n and_o he_o know_v who_o be_v the_o murderer_n it_o may_v be_v he_o only_o in_o this_o case_n whatever_o inclination_n he_o may_v have_v to_o conceal_v it_o whether_o out_o of_o natural_a compassion_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o man_n execution_n since_o nothing_o can_v recall_v the_o murder_a person_n to_o life_n and_o the_o murderer_n may_v live_v to_o repent_v or_o the_o like_a because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o society_n and_o oblige_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o promote_v its_o safety_n and_o happiness_n which_o by_o such_o villain_n be_v much_o disturb_v and_o lessen_v and_o will_v be_v ruin_v shall_v such_o man_n pass_v unpunished_a it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o bring_v so_o heinous_a a_o offender_n to_o condign_a punishment_n that_o so_o corrupt_a a_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o community_n the_o health_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v better_o secure_v and_o so_o in_o all_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n always_o remember_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o private_a revenge_n be_v intermix_v it_o pollute_v the_o action_n and_o make_v the_o man_n double_o guilty_a of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o limit_n of_o forgive_a injury_n concern_v man_n only_o as_o private_a person_n as_o for_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o to_o be_v revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o praise_v and_o encourage_v those_o only_a that_o do_v well_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o forgiveness_n of_o public_a injury_n be_v the_o public_a good_a so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o obligation_n as_o magistrate_n as_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o common_a weal_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n they_o may_v and_o do_v well_o to_o incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o compassion_n but_o a_o foolish_a and_o a_o mercenary_a pity_n be_v a_o betray_v their_o trust_n a_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o such_o magistrate_n instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o country_n be_v indeed_o the_o perfidious_a destroyer_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a pattern_n god_n have_v set_v we_o with_o its_o general_a limit_n as_o for_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o copy_n after_o this_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o our_o merciful_a heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v twofold_a 1_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n 2_o to_o our_o self_n first_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n our_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v forgive_v we_o be_v very_o great_a because_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v will_v be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o as_o a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o he_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o to_o take_v delight_n in_o for_o so_o exod._n 33.19_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v his_o glory_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o goodness_n pass_v before_o he_o and_o chap._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n pass_v by_o before_o he_o and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o according_o st._n john_n give_v the_o definition_n of_o he_o god_n be_v love_n now_o certain_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v such_o infinite_a favour_n from_o this_o good_a god_n and_o have_v be_v forgive_v so_o vast_a a_o debt_n as_o we_o sinner_n have_v have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o please_v this_o their_o great_a benefactor_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o see_v the_o image_n and_o reflection_n of_o his_o
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
passive_o obedient_a but_o likewise_o active_o so_o and_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n so_o ought_v every_o believer_n to_o be_v to_o christ_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o main_a trial_n of_o true_a conjugal_a affection_n and_o be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o all_o other_o show_v of_o love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o reverence_n and_o submission_n for_o where_o true_a love_n reverence_n and_o submission_n be_v a_o cheerful_a obedience_n will_v sure_o follow_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o willing_a cheerful_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o dear_a lord_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v and_o of_o sarah_n it_o be_v say_v she_o obey_v abraham_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o st._n john_n agreeable_o 1_o john_n 2.5_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v and_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o continue_v that_o our_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o obey_v he_o who_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o both_o world_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n to_o those_o of_o marriage_n and_o from_o this_o so_o near_a relation_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n proceed_v the_o increase_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o numerous_a progeny_n to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n leave_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n thus_o our_o lord_n call_v the_o become_a christian_n be_v a_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o say_v our_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o in_o a_o quotation_n from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n allmighty_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o chap._n 3.26_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n as_o st._n john_n do_v 3.1_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v such_o glorious_a expectation_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o first_o general_n namely_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o true_o just_o such_o be_v man_n condition_n before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o to_o this_o happy_a marriage_n despicable_o poor_a we_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o any_o real_a excellency_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n burn_v up_o with_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n no_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n appear_v but_o draw_v still_o near_o and_o near_o to_o everlasting_a perdition_n maim_a we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o faculty_n by_o our_o frequent_a desperate_a fall_v from_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o full_a of_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o our_o best_a performance_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a like_o the_o halting_n of_o a_o cripple_n and_o our_o understanding_n withal_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o put_v out_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o lie_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a surround_v with_o terror_n rack_v by_o uncertainty_n miserable_o poor_a and_o indigent_a and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o when_o lo_o there_o arise_v up_o a_o light_n in_o this_o darkness_n and_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o we_o be_v pity_v and_o commiserate_v by_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n call_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o felicity_n that_o attend_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luke_n 4.18_o and_o according_o he_o enrich_v our_o poverty_n restore_v our_o sight_n heal_v our_o bruise_n and_o confirm_v our_o strength_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a can_v ever_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o ourselves_o wherefore_o as_o we_o shall_v adore_v and_o magnify_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n the_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o receive_v such_o wretched_a pollute_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n into_o so_o intimate_v a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v crown_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v we_o dread_v to_o fall_v back_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n again_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v 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 joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o that_o great_a solemnity_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o gospel_n preach_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 those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v 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 how_o great_a god_n care_n have_v be_v that_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o how_o repeat_v his_o invitation_n to_o man_n have_v be_v that_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o course_n that_o by_o god_n appointment_n have_v be_v take_v ever_o since_o at_o first_o many_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o extraordinary_a ability_n for_o this_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n
in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o with_o this_o message_n and_o these_o supernatural_a ability_n be_v they_o send_v to_o the_o most_o remote_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n even_o our_o britain_n as_o little_o know_v and_o as_o barbarous_a as_o then_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o that_o very_o early_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o the_o cortality_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n that_o no_o age_n may_v want_v those_o that_o shall_v instruct_v man_n in_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o man_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n for_o this_o great_a work_n and_o empower_v to_o ordain_v other_o that_o shall_v tread_v in_o their_o step_n when_o they_o be_v go_v and_o those_o likewise_o other_o and_o so_o down_o successive_o till_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o and_o as_o so_o many_o ambassador_n from_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o proposal_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v to_o they_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o infinite_a happiness_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o that_o bless_a agreement_n these_o like_o the_o king_n servant_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v to_o let_v man_n know_v what_o bliss_n will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o their_o come_n to_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a to_o complete_a that_o glorious_a solemnity_n the_o feast_n prepare_v the_o ox_n and_o fatling_n kill_v i.e._n heaven_n and_o the_o ineffable_a pleasure_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o receive_v those_o that_o shall_v sincere_o enter_v into_o this_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o continue_v always_o faithful_a in_o it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o secret_a joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o enravish_a expectation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o those_o felicity_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v shall_v unspeakable_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v as_o so_o many_o antepast_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v like_o the_o course_n that_o the_o lord_n take_v with_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n mention_v jer._n 25.4_o he_o send_v unto_o they_o all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n rise_v early_o and_o send_v they_o they_o cry_v turn_v you_o again_o now_o every_o one_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o father_n for_o ever_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n many_o the_o like_a pathetic_a expression_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n great_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o earnest_a entreaty_n that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o those_o inestimable_a favour_n he_o will_v confer_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v to_o confer_v the_o favour_n and_o he_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o we_o what_o despicable_a creature_n comparative_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a as_o the_o parable_n express_v it_o how_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o happy_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v and_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v though_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v annihilate_v so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n will_v not_o reach_v to_o he_o to_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o felicity_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o profitable_a to_o he_o that_o we_o make_v our_o way_n perfect_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v likewise_o our_o great_a rebellion_n against_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o even_o until_o now_o the_o little_a desire_n we_o have_v of_o his_o favour_n the_o many_o slight_v that_o we_o have_v make_v of_o his_o overture_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o like_a we_o 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6.24_o 25._o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n say_v our_o lord_n therefore_o take_v no_o thought_n i.e._n no_o anxious_a over_o eager_a concern_v for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o be_v clothe_v but_o verse_n 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n let_v it_o be_v your_o principle_n care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o then_o a_o moderate_a care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_n with_o god_n blessing_n which_o alone_o can_v give_v prosperity_n be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o be_v too_o common_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o first_o provide_v with_o great_a care_n and_o 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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 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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
death_n though_o they_o dread_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o know_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o come_v and_o be_v uncertain_a how_o soon_o they_o make_v as_o little_a provision_n as_o if_o they_o be_v immortal_a as_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n what_o a_o bundle_n of_o foolish_a inconsistency_n be_v here_o they_o look_v upon_o death_n as_o the_o great_a of_o evil_n and_o yet_o regard_v it_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thing_n they_o know_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v preparation_n for_o it_o by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o they_o know_v the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o it_o surprise_v they_o unaware_o and_o they_o be_v not_o sure_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v the_o next_o hour_n or_o minute_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o they_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o and_o by_o all_o art_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v such_o melancholy_a thought_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o avoid_v but_o suffer_v what_o they_o fear_v and_o secure_a to_o themselves_o the_o misery_n be_v consequent_a upon_o a_o untimely_a and_o unprepared_a death_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o just_a the_o same_o piece_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n as_o for_o a_o man_n because_o he_o great_o dread_v the_o plague_n therefore_o to_o run_v into_o a_o infect_a house_n because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o poverty_n therefore_o to_o grow_v prodigal_a and_o squander_v away_o what_o he_o have_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o strange_o foolish_a and_o contradictious_a than_o this_o indeed_o a_o sinner_n whole_a life_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n but_o it_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a with_o relation_n to_o die_v for_o because_o a_o man_n love_v his_o body_n therefore_o so_o to_o indulge_v it_o in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o make_v it_o become_v eternal_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o and_o live_v in_o such_o a_o course_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n as_o will_v be_v repay_v with_o a_o double_a death_n be_v unaccountable_o foolish_a and_o against_o all_o the_o dictate_v even_o of_o natural_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o i_o think_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n of_o not_o make_v preparation_n for_o so_o great_a a_o change_n as_o death_n will_v effect_v in_o every_o man_n condition_n or_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o this_o parable_n of_o not_o keep_v oil_n in_o our_o lamp_n nor_o watch_v against_o the_o divine_a bridegroom_n come_v but_o slumber_v in_o a_o careless_a inadvertency_n to_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o religion_n death_n and_o judgement_n till_o they_o overtake_v we_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o not_o prepare_v for_o that_o time_n of_o terror_n and_o great_a concern_v to_o every_o man_n we_o may_v in_o a_o few_o word_n collect_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o summons_n of_o our_o great_a lord_n with_o cheerfulness_n for_o in_o short_a to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o die_v when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o have_v all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o it_o of_o make_v a_o constant_a due_a provision_n against_o the_o great_a and_o most_o concern_v change_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o and_o which_o we_o must_v certain_o undergo_v and_o how_o soon_o we_o know_v not_o and_o that_o but_o once_o neither_o and_o which_o will_v be_v follow_v by_o the_o final_a judgement_n without_o any_o new_a opportunity_n be_v afford_v wherein_o to_o amend_v the_o error_n of_o our_o then_o irrecoverable_o past_o life_n it_o be_v to_o make_v such_o a_o preparation_n for_o this_o great_a change_n as_o may_v render_v it_o advantageous_a to_o we_o whenever_o it_o shall_v come_v than_o which_o no_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n can_v be_v imagine_v for_o that_o certain_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n that_o make_v a_o man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n since_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o the_o judgement_n or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o this_o parable_n since_o jesus_n the_o divine_a bridegroom_n will_v one_o time_n come_v to_o summon_v every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n his_o mystical_a spouse_n to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n there_o to_o partake_v with_o he_o if_o ready_a and_o adorn_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n and_o their_o lamp_n burn_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a felicity_n of_o this_o heavenly_a kingdom_n or_o else_o if_o not_o prepare_v to_o appear_v before_o he_o then_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v his_o presence_n and_o thrust_v into_o the_o dire_a abode_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n since_o this_o be_v so_o let_v we_o all_o make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a observation_n of_o those_o holy_a rule_n of_o live_v which_o our_o lord_n have_v mark_v out_o to_o we_o as_o the_o way_n to_o immortality_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o his_o appearance_n to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o go_v out_o and_o meet_v he_o that_o we_o may_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n before_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o not_o hear_v that_o dismal_a sound_n i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniqutity_n and_o because_o this_o great_a come_v of_o the_o bridegroom_n will_v be_v but_o once_o for_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o man_n but_o once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o that_o but_o one_o final_a judgement_n let_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n trifle_v away_o this_o only_a opportunity_n of_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o folly_n and_o impertinency_n much_o less_o in_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n but_o often_o reflect_v upon_o the_o agony_n we_o shall_v feel_v when_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o one_o only_a life_n which_o we_o have_v so_o wretched_o misspend_v draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n and_o no_o hope_n of_o any_o further_a opportunity_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o in_o but_o just_a as_o we_o then_o be_v in_o that_o deplorable_a unprepared_a condition_n be_v hurry_v away_o to_o give_v account_n of_o our_o work_n lord_n what_o confusion_n must_v such_o wretch_n feel_v what_o horrid_a torture_n must_v needs_o pierce_v their_o soul_n to_o see_v hell_n gape_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o no_o possibility_n of_o escape_n or_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reprieve_n but_o plunge_v they_o must_v into_o those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o yet_o they_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o they_o will_v if_o this_o be_v a_o case_n infinite_o deplorable_a and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o certain_o nothing_o be_v than_o it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o while_n we_o have_v time_n that_o be_v while_o this_o one_o only_a life_n do_v last_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o happy_a departure_n out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o circumspect_a conversation_n in_o it_o and_o because_o the_o time_n when_o this_o one_o only_a life_n shall_v end_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o our_o lord_n will_v come_v let_v this_o awaken_v we_o into_o serious_a thought_n and_o resolution_n of_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o remain_a portion_n of_o our_o life_n and_o break_v off_o immediate_o our_o sinful_a course_n of_o live_v lest_o the_o opportunity_n for_o so_o do_v be_v go_v before_o we_o think_v of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v surprise_v into_o endless_a misery_n ere_o we_o be_v aware_a let_v we_o always_o keep_v our_o lamp_n burn_v our_o soul_n employ_v in_o holy_a meditation_n and_o ourselves_o in_o a_o readiness_n by_o a_o good_a life_n and_o then_o though_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o we_o all_o to_o die_v and_o that_o but_o once_o and_o after_o that_o the_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o summons_n shall_v be_v give_v we_o may_v with_o comfort_n wait_v for_o our_o dear_a lord_n appear_v and_o say_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o glorious_a jesus_n the_o saviour_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o mankind_n before_o who_o just_a tribunal_n we_o must_v all_o certain_o appear_v but_o when_o we_o know_v not_o and_o there_o give_v account_n of_o our_o work_n and_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o they_o assist_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v make_v it_o my_o chief_a care_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o comfort_n to_o obey_v thy_o summons_n to_o this_o great_a audit_n whenever_o thou_o shall_v call_v and_o to_o that_o end_n grant_v i_o may_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o my_o mortality_n how_o short_a and_o frail_a my_o life_n be_v here_o how_o inevitable_o and_o close_o judgement_n follow_v death_n and_o how_o certain_o the_o one_o will_v find_v i_o as_o the_o other_o leave_v
i_o thou_o holy_a jesus_n though_o a_o stern_a judge_n to_o obstinate_a rebel_n to_o thy_o father_n be_v yet_o the_o bridegroom_n of_o thy_o spouse_n the_o church_n and_o infinite_a be_v thy_o love_n to_o those_o that_o preserve_v inviolate_a their_o fidelity_n to_o thou_o and_o happy_a will_v they_o be_v beyond_o expression_n who_o at_o thy_o glorious_a come_n to_o receive_v thy_o bride_n into_o thy_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o thy_o marriage_n chamber_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o where_o thou_o be_v and_o behold_v and_o partake_v of_o thy_o glory_n o_o may_v i_o therefore_o like_o a_o wise_a virgin_n preserve_v my_o innocence_n untouched_a be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n and_o sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n have_v my_o lamp_n full_a of_o oil_n my_o soul_n replenish_v with_o virtue_n and_o constant_o burn_v with_o the_o fire_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n that_o so_o when_o the_o cry_n shall_v be_v make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o i_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o obey_v thy_o call_n though_o it_o be_v make_v at_o midnight_n and_o be_v find_v of_o thou_o our_o dear_a lord_n as_o a_o virgin_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a ii_o i_o must_v confess_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n o_o merciful_a jesus_n that_o i_o be_o too_o prone_a to_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o forget_v to_o advert_v as_o i_o ought_v to_o this_o thy_o glorious_a second_o advent_n and_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o death_n and_o be_o apt_a foolish_o to_o put_v that_o day_n far_o from_o i_o and_o to_o think_v thou_o delay_v thy_o come_n whereby_o my_o oil_n be_v waste_v and_o my_o lamp_n almost_o go_v out_o o_o do_v thou_o therefore_o quicken_v i_o in_o thy_o righteousness_n bless_a redeemer_n and_o grant_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o surprise_v suddainness_n of_o thy_o appearance_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o i_o shall_v be_v call_v from_o hence_o and_o bind_v over_o to_o that_o great_a assize_n there_o to_o give_v account_n of_o my_o work_n and_o how_o i_o live_v and_o how_o i_o die_v grant_v that_o this_o consideration_n may_v put_v a_o end_n to_o my_o spiritual_a drowsiness_n and_o engage_v i_o in_o prayer_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o pious_a sober_a conversation_n because_o i_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n and_o when_o by_o the_o decay_v of_o age_n or_o violence_n of_o disease_n my_o departure_n into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n seem_v to_o be_v near_o approach_v o_o then_o enable_v i_o with_o thy_o prevail_a grace_n to_o trim_v my_o lamp_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a diligence_n to_o enliven_v my_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o oil_n then_o when_o my_o lamp_n shall_v be_v best_o replenish_v with_o it_o and_o burn_v most_o vigorous_o o_o let_v i_o never_o trust_v to_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o a_o deathbed_n 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or_o what_o a_o blessedness_n it_o be_v to_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o give_v rather_o than_o receive_v first_o as_o for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o this_o charity_n they_o be_v in_o general_a the_o real_o indigent_a and_o calamitous_a and_o such_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o help_v themselves_o and_o that_o without_o except_v any_o whether_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o foreigner_n or_o enemy_n or_o heathen_n or_o heretic_n or_o wicked_a person_n all_o that_o be_v indeed_o necessitous_a and_o helpless_a be_v make_v by_o our_o holy_a and_o most_o merciful_a religion_n the_o object_n of_o our_o compassion_n and_o relief_n thus_o the_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n gal._n 6.10_o and_o our_o lord_n do_v good_a to_o
he_o be_v 1_o joh_n 3.2_o and_o st._n paul_n by_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v he_o even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13.12_o and_o since_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n consist_v in_o a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o his_o divine_a presence_n for_o so_o the_o sentence_n run_v that_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n upon_o these_o account_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o all_o the_o just_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v equal_o happy_a and_o all_o the_o wicked_a be_v for_o ever_o exile_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_o miserable_a but_o this_o argument_n in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o best_a supporter_n of_o it_o for_o since_o it_o be_v 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scripture_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o misery_n in_o hell_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v recollect_v any_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n strain_n god_n word_n beyond_o its_o due_a extent_n but_o as_o to_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n i_o think_v there_o be_v several_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o plain_o enough_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v part_n of_o a_o parable_n exact_o the_o same_o in_o the_o conceal_a sense_n of_o it_o with_o that_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v upon_o only_o something_o different_o relate_v by_o s._n luke_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n the_o 15_o and_o 4_o follow_a verse_n where_o we_o find_v when_o the_o king_n come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n improvement_n of_o what_o he_o leave_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o trade_n with_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o exact_o proportion_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o the_o increase_n he_o make_v of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n with_o the_o pound_n his_o lord_n leave_v with_o he_o be_v give_v authority_n over_o as_o many_o city_n and_o so_o to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v five_o proportionable_o authority_n over_o five_o which_o i_o think_v can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o different_a degree_n award_v of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o christian_n improvement_n here_o there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o though_o every_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v as_o clear_v and_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o partake_v in_o a_o agreeable_a measure_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o will_v flow_v from_o such_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o saint_n will_v not_o be_v equal_a some_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o enlarge_v than_o other_o and_o able_a to_o receive_v more_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o so_o though_o every_o of_o those_o vessel_n of_o honour_n shall_v be_v full_a yet_o all_o will_v not_o hold_v alike_o and_o one_o star_n there_o will_v differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v then_o be_v clarify_v and_o refine_a purge_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o soil_v contract_v during_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o render_v more_o agile_a and_o expedite_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o several_a faculty_n and_o its_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n vast_o improve_v but_o that_o soul_n of_o less_o improvement_n here_o shall_v immediate_o upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n receive_v extraordinary_a new_a addition_n to_o equalise_v they_o to_o those_o of_o high_a attainment_n be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v and_o will_v mighty_o discourage_v the_o generous_a endeavour_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o exemplary_a religion_n but_o when_o every_o man_n shall_v in_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n above_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o eminent_a sanctity_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v mighty_o encourage_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o forget_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v on_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o always_o aim_v at_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n the_o improvement_n of_o this_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n upon_o earth_n we_o will_v run_v with_o diligence_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o not_o pretend_v difficulty_n when_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a and_o shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o virtue_n for_o can_v we_o be_v too_o happy_a can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n can_v our_o crown_n be_v too_o glorious_a and_o resplendent_a away_o then_o with_o that_o mean-spirited_n religion_n which_o thus_o lessen_v and_o confine_n our_o happiness_n let_v we_o unfold_v our_o hand_n and_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o bosom_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o a_o excellent_a piety_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v so_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o good_a use_v make_v of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n that_o god_n be_v often_o charge_v with_o such_o unreasonable_a severity_n by_o man_n that_o care_v not_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n be_v too_o true_a to_o be_v question_v and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o indulge_v their_o vile_a
he_o think_v within_o himself_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o bestow_v my_o fruit_n and_o he_o say_v this_o will_n i_o do_v i_o will_v pull_v down_o my_o barn_n and_o build_v great_a and_o there_o will_v i_o bestow_v all_o my_o fruit_n and_o my_o good_n and_o i_o will_v say_v to_o my_o soul_n soul_n thou_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n take_v thy_o ease_n eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a but_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o than_o who_o shall_v those_o thing_n be_v which_o thou_o have_v provide_v so_o be_v he_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n this_o parable_n be_v speak_v upon_o occasion_n of_o one_o of_o our_o lord_n follower_n desire_v he_o to_o arbitrate_v between_o he_o and_o his_o brother_n in_o a_o difference_n about_o divide_v their_o patrimony_n for_o so_o verse_n 13._o of_o this_o 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it_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v by_o that_o hateful_a name_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o description_n of_o covetousness_n namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o riches_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o comfortable_a subsistence_n of_o a_o man_n and_o his_o relative_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o must_v be_v in_o general_n for_o to_o particularize_v in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v endless_a that_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o comfortable_a subsistence_n of_o every_o man_n and_o his_o family_n which_o will_v secure_v they_o according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o degree_n from_o want_n and_o provide_v plenty_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o life_n and_o health_n and_o decency_n though_o it_o do_v not_o arise_v to_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o that_o have_v this_o have_v no_o question_n what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o very_a comfortable_a subsistence_n to_o any_o reasonable_a man._n 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duty_n of_o a_o good_a steward_n be_v thus_o represent_v in_o the_o 42d_o verse_n of_o this_o 12_o of_o luke_n who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o be_v to_o give_v the_o family_n their_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n now_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v god_n great_a family_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o his_o family_n he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o as_o his_o steward_n and_o purveyor_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o have_v according_a entrust_v they_o with_o such_o a_o share_n of_o his_o revenue_n to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o have_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o order_v they_o to_o expend_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o household_n that_o every_o one_o be_v 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the_o granary_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o increase_n charity_n to_o the_o necessitous_a be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o bestow_v abundance_n and_o as_o many_o way_n as_o there_o be_v of_o express_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v innumerable_a so_o many_o way_n be_v there_o of_o dispose_n of_o what_o be_v more_o than_o needful_a for_o our_o own_o comfortable_a support_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o give_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a harbour_n to_o distress_a stranger_n clothes_n to_o the_o naked_a visit_v of_o comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o freedom_n to_o prisoner_n to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v to_o discharge_v a_o good_a stewardship_n this_o be_v what_o every_o rich_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v with_o his_o abundance_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o good_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v of_o a_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n his_o master_n will_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o will_v commit_v still_o more_o of_o his_o revenue_n to_o his_o management_n bless_v he_o with_o great_a prosperity_n and_o increase_n and_o at_o last_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n his_o great_a master_n in_o glory_n for_o ever_o whoever_o therefore_o have_v abundance_n need_v not_o much_o to_o perplex_v himself_o how_o he_o shall_v bestow_v it_o for_o the_o poor_a be_v always_o with_o we_o and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n not_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o luxurious_a desire_n must_v god_n extraordinary_a blessing_n be_v lay_v out_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n consider_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o nor_o eager_o pursue_v riches_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o religion_n direct_v if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o bless_v we_o with_o they_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o your_o heart_n upon_o they_o be_v excellent_a advice_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n psal_n 62.10_o and_o very_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n ephes_n 1.6_o 10._o that_o while_n some_o have_v covet_v after_o money_n they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o that_o godliness_n with_o content_a be_v great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o wise_a indeed_o be_v that_o man_n that_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o his_o present_a portion_n and_o by_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o more_o noble_a object_n escape_v the_o snare_n of_o covet_v after_o wealth_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o most_o dangerous_a passion_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o be_v secure_a of_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n amid_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o variety_n of_o fortune_n the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o a_o false_a and_o fickle_a world_n if_o poverty_n shall_v become_v his_o lot_n he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o stability_n in_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o value_v it_o according_o and_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a treasure_n in_o a_o better_a place_n of_o which_o none_o can_v deprive_v he_o and_o which_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v to_o eternity_n and_o upon_o that_o fix_v his_o affection_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o happy_a time_n when_o he_o shall_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o while_o he_o have_v a_o plentiful_a fortune_n he_o act_v like_o a_o good_a steward_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o by_o let_v those_o share_n with_o he_o that_o want_v a_o supply_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bless_a as_o to_o give_v rather_o than_o receive_v and_o in_o every_o respect_n make_v the_o best_a use_n he_o can_v of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a patron_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brethren_n and_o then_o can_v step_v secure_o though_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n threaten_v if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o divert_v they_o and_o continue_v to_o he_o what_o he_o have_v he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v it_o if_o not_o he_o know_v that_o all_o will_v end_v for_o the_o best_a at_o last_o and_o so_o cheerful_o resign_v what_o god_n before_o have_v lend_v he_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o abundance_n and_o that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o soul_n clear_a and_o unspotted_a and_o with_o that_o coarse_a fare_n will_v relish_v well_o and_o a_o homely_a garment_n sit_v easy_a upon_o he_o and_o such_o necessary_n as_o these_o he_o that_o feed_v the_o raven_n and_o clothes_n the_o lily_n will_v sure_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v must_v needs_o be_v in_o perpetual_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o wise_a consequent_o in_o take_v that_o course_n which_o help_v he_o to_o those_o inestimable_a blessing_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o dispose_n of_o abundance_n when_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o bless_v a_o man_n with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a there_o need_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o christian_n than_o for_o they_o to_o read_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o mat._n 25._o where_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o express_v of_o man_n charity_n shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o the_o charitable_a reward_v infinite_o with_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o uncharitable_a doom_v as_o accurse_a person_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o bliss_n into_o everlasting_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o if_o so_o to_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o hell_n and_o arrive_v at_o the_o unspeakable_a happy_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n then_o be_v it_o the_o great_a wisdom_n by_o a_o charitable_a disposal_n of_o man_n abundance_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o make_v provision_n against_o that_o great_a day_n of_o final_a retribution_n when_o charity_n shall_v be_v so_o particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o so_o high_o reward_v there_o remain_v nothing_o now_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o urge_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o man_n practice_n we_o have_v see_v in_o this_o discourse_n how_o great_a folly_n it_o be_v eager_o to_o desire_n and_o pursue_v abundance_n of_o wealth_n that_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o ever_o such_o desire_n shall_v be_v gratify_v or_o no_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o
that_o of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n james_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n promise_n of_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v according_o shall_v when_o they_o pray_v for_o his_o help_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v as_o they_o desire_v so_o all_o other_o believer_n if_o their_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o promise_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o and_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o willingness_n to_o grant_v they_o their_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o they_o shall_v certain_o speed_v well_o and_o receive_v a_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o very_a petition_n they_o offer_v up_o if_o for_o their_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v they_o and_o if_o not_o for_o their_o good_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v bestow_v something_o else_o upon_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o for_o their_o advantage_n and_o they_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v send_v away_o empty_a but_o he_o that_o waver_v and_o be_v of_o doubtful_a mind_n in_o these_o particular_n and_o pray_v with_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o prevail_a as_o his_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o cool_a and_o without_o that_o life_n and_o fervour_n and_o importunacy_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o our_o success_n so_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v in_o strange_a agitation_n and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n of_o two_o contrary_a and_o very_a perplex_v passion_n hope_v and_o fear_n and_o the_o latter_a have_v manifest_o the_o advantage_n with_o such_o a_o man_n for_o if_o his_o hope_n be_v strong_a than_o his_o fear_n he_o will_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o steady_a than_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o at_o length_n after_o intolerable_a disquietude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n he_o will_v split_v upon_o despair_n or_o downright_a atheism_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 6_o 8._o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v about_o and_o toss_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v and_o be_v actual_o persuade_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o petition_n if_o for_o our_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v we_o by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n more_o require_v if_o we_o will_v succeed_v in_o our_o devotion_n and_o which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a avail_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o lord_n deliver_v two_o parable_n cite_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o delay_n and_o denial_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o length_n the_o importunate_n prevail_v now_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o this_o importunity_n can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o parable_n god_n quietness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v nor_o he_o tease_v and_o weary_a into_o compliance_n as_o those_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o prevail_a and_o that_o we_o indeed_o high_o value_v what_o we_o thus_o importunate_o beg_v for_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o prize_v a_o blessing_n the_o more_o which_o we_o so_o hardly_o come_v by_o and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o thankful_a for_o it_o when_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o lose_v or_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n a_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o teach_v humility_n and_o self-denial_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o fault_n lest_o our_o continuance_n in_o they_o render_v we_o unworthy_a of_o god_n favour_n it_o make_v devotion_n burn_v bright_a and_o vigorous_o and_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o good_a god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n free_o and_o upbraid_v not_o have_v make_v importunity_n a_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v our_o request_n and_o indeed_o the_o blessing_n god_n encourage_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n and_o most_o importunate_a address_n and_o the_o long_a attendance_n will_v be_v abundant_o repay_v with_o a_o grant_n at_o last_o have_v thus_o do_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v and_o what_o those_o requisite_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n viz_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n sincerity_n of_o intention_n just_a and_o upright_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o express_v by_o st._n paul_n by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o likewise_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a temper_n of_o mind_n not_o give_v to_o strife_n and_o wrath_n but_o apt_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o forgive_v together_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o veracity_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v exhort_v diligent_o and_o hearty_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o place_n no_o time_n but_o we_o have_v need_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o may_v always_o and_o in_o every_o place_n beseech_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o accept_v we_o whenever_o we_o address_v to_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v prayer_n that_o sanctify_v prosperity_n and_o make_v light_v the_o burden_n of_o adversity_n and_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o business_n and_o calling_n and_o be_v the_o great_a cordial_n upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n wherefore_o let_v we_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o by_o a_o importunity_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v do_v a_o please_a violence_n to_o heaven_n for_o every_o one_o that_o thus_o ask_v etc._n matth._n 11.10_o etc._n etc._n receive_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v any_o of_o we_o that_o be_v a_o father_n bread_n or_o a_o fish_n or_o a_o egg_n will_v we_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o a_o scorpion_n if_o we_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o other_o needful_a blessing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o prayer_n most_o gracious_a god_n who_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o do_v encourage_v nay_o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o thou_o and_o have_v promise_v by_o thy_o bless_a son_n that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n so_o to_o advert_v to_o the_o all-sufficiency_n and_o almighty_a goodness_n of_o thy_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o miserable_a indigency_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o due_a value_n for_o this_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o be_v so_o much_o my_o own_o friend_n as_o often_o to_o bend_v my_o knee_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o lay_v my_o supplication_n before_o thou_o i_o humble_o confess_v o_o lord_n and_o deplore_v my_o hitherto_o great_a and_o stupid_a backwardness_n in_o this_o heavenly_a and_o most_o beneficial_a duty_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o will_v prepare_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o
be_v now_o consider_v say_v express_o he_o that_o exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o humble_a publican_n go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v rather_o than_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi so_o beneficial_a and_o high_o valuable_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n be_v humility_n of_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v opinionate_a and_o proud_a of_o one_o virtue_n be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n as_o well_o as_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n hate_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v despise_v and_o disgrace_v by_o every_o body_n to_o what_o will_v otherwise_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a it_o bring_v the_o great_a disparagement_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n conversation_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o like_o other_o man_n then_o nothing_o make_v he_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o much_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o what_o be_v of_o so_o little_a or_o no_o excellency_n and_o what_o a_o pain_n it_o be_v for_o man_n that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o extraordinary_a person_n to_o see_v other_o so_o far_o from_o that_o opinion_n as_o rather_o to_o slight_v and_o deprecate_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o mishap_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n always_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o entertainment_n as_o this_o man_n set_v themselves_o on_o purpose_n to_o tease_v and_o worry_v they_o that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v make_v they_o ashamed_a and_o weary_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o general_o hate_v but_o beside_o this_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n that_o attend_v spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v something_o much_o worse_a to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o man_n infect_v with_o this_o vice_n ever_o to_o improve_v in_o religion_n and_o grow_v better_o for_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nothing_o slacken_v diligence_n and_o industry_n more_o than_o this_o without_o which_o no_o progress_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o at_o best_a a_o very_a slow_a one_o especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n to_o be_v struggle_v with_o as_o in_o religion_n and_o what_o signify_v instruction_n or_o reproof_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o gall_n and_o enrage_v he_o to_o a_o man_n that_o think_v his_o virtue_n very_o extraordinary_a if_o not_o complete_a already_o and_o beside_o god_n from_o who_o we_o derive_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o therefore_o as_o solomon_n say_v no_o wonder_n if_o when_o pride_n come_v then_o come_v destruction_n and_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o fall_n beside_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o imperfection_n for_o such_o be_v the_o virtue_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o earth_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o virtuous_a that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v want_v which_o give_v the_o value_n to_o all_o religious_a action_n and_o render_v they_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o not_o only_o pollute_v and_o unhallows_n what_o may_v otherwise_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o grow_v better_o it_o blind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o the_o like_a that_o his_o great_a defect_n pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o and_o with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o fable_n he_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o gaze_v upon_o thing_n above_o himself_o that_o he_o perceive_v not_o the_o danger_n under_o his_o foot_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o they_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n and_o how_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a a_o grace_n it_o be_v and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o hateful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v how_o high_o this_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v which_o be_v express_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o parable_n he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v that_o be_v in_o short_a man_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n in_o point_n of_o virtue_n their_o self-annihilation_a and_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o good_a action_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o whatever_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o and_o without_o pride_v themselves_o in_o their_o present_a attainment_n press_v on_o still_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o heavenly_a life_n this_o shall_v in_o the_o world_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o glory_n be_v reward_v with_o the_o impression_n of_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o that_o divine_a fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n who_o here_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n they_o shall_v then_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o no_o failure_n no_o slip_v or_o imperfection_n no_o avocation_n from_o the_o happy_a employment_n of_o admire_v and_o love_v god_n shall_v be_v there_o which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o perpetual_a clog_n and_o vexation_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n but_o with_o their_o faculty_n free_a and_o vigorous_a they_o shall_v full_o enjoy_v this_o supreme_a good_a without_o interruption_n to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o heaven_n this_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o heaven_n and_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o here_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o virtuous_a action_n and_o their_o humble_v themselves_o before_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vileness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v not_o whole_o without_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o from_o their_o prostration_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o bosom_n and_o joy_n extraordinary_a joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n for_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v exalt_v from_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n to_o that_o of_o friend_n nay_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o tear_n for_o the_o future_a shall_v be_v for_o ever_o wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o such_o a_o exaltation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o the_o pain_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o a_o repentance_n so_o reward_v will_v never_o be_v repent_v of_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o ineffable_a felicity_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o this_o humility_n of_o spirit_n we_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n above_o describe_v that_o he_o may_v exalt_v we_o in_o due_a time_n and_o as_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n we_o must_v with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n beg_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n and_o return_v he_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o pious_a advances_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o be_v so_o due_o affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o wickedness_n as_o with_o the_o publican_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o with_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n to_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n the_o prayer_n o_o meek_n and_o lowly_a jesus_n who_o resiste_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o have_v place_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o front_n of_o thy_o beatitude_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o thy_o holy_a religion_n teach_v i_o this_o excellent_a grace_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v hate_v and_o shun_v pride_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a vice_n which_o defile_v every_o thing_n however_o otherwise_o commendable_a and_o excellent_a and_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o to_o allay_v all_o vain_a tumour_n that_o shall_v arise_v give_v i_o o_o bless_a saviour_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n my_o many_o heinous_a violation_n of_o my_o duty_n my_o vile_a ungratitude_n to_o thou_o my_o great_a benefactor_n and_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o even_o my_o best_a service_n and_o that_o whatever_o i_o have_v do_v that_o be_v praiseworthy_a be_v owe_v to_o thy_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o that_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a o_o may_v i_o therefore_o never_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o what_o shall_v be_v whole_o thou_o nor_o despise_v any_o man_n like_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o have_v nothing_o myself_o but_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o thou_o but_o in_o sincere_a humility_n of_o spirit_n return_v thou_o all_o the_o glory_n say_v after_o i_o have_v do_v all_o that_o i_o can_v i_o be_o still_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o what_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v and_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o my_o still_o great_a defect_n consider_v what_o vast_a assistance_n i_o have_v have_v i_o may_v smite_v upon_o my_o breast_n and_o say_v with_o the_o publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n grant_v this_o thou_o meek_a and_o humble_a lamb_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thy_o own_o tender_a mercy_n amen_n and_o amen_n finis_fw-la
will_v unhallow_a and_o make_v ineffecutal_a one_o duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o a_o separation_n be_v admit_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o as_o these_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o external_a communion_n of_o saint_n because_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n that_o the_o bad_a will_v be_v intermix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o tare_n be_v in_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o as_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o particular_a minister_n i_o charitable_o hope_v none_o do_v admit_v of_o notorious_a offender_n to_o the_o communion_n without_o receive_v satisfactory_a mark_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o by_o previous_a discourse_n or_o writing_n when_o they_o know_v of_o their_o intention_n to_o communicate_v let_v they_o know_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o a_o immediate_a sincere_a repentance_n or_o else_o forbid_v they_o at_o their_o peril_n to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v come_v we_o be_v to_o suppose_v in_o charity_n that_o they_o have_v repent_v except_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n see_v one_o at_o the_o table_n who_o life_n have_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o his_o knowledge_n be_v very_o faulty_a unless_o the_o crime_n have_v be_v very_o great_a and_o very_o notorious_a to_o reject_v such_o a_o one_o i_o think_v with_o submission_n will_v be_v arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o may_v exasperate_v the_o man_n to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v he_o throw_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o religion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o exhortation_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o time_n of_o celebrate_v those_o holy_a mystery_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v be_v warn_v sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o unrepentant_a to_o withdraw_v and_o if_o he_o stay_v charity_n will_v incline_v one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v penitent_a and_o if_o a_o person_n kneel_v by_o who_o perhaps_o know_v much_o more_o of_o the_o man_n course_n of_o life_n than_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o his_o communicate_v one_o that_o receive_v so_o unworthy_o and_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o abstain_v from_o that_o bless_a ordinance_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o the_o future_a as_o profane_v by_o such_o mix_v company_n at_o it_o this_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a uncharitable_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v unreasonable_a with_o relation_n to_o their_o hard_a thought_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o minister_n because_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o present_v themselves_o at_o the_o holy_a table_n unless_o there_o be_v great_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o their_o obstinate_a and_o continue_a wickedness_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o pious_a minister_n will_v prostitute_v those_o holy_a symbol_n to_o such_o swine_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o evidence_n minister_n can_v search_v man_n heart_n no_o more_o than_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v hope_v the_o best_a and_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o shall_v they_o communicate_v some_o that_o receive_v unworthy_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o too_o often_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o help_v and_o asperse_v and_o all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o desert_a for_o suffer_v that_o ignorant_o which_o god_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n permit_v in_o his_o church_n without_o any_o open_a discrimination_n namely_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n with_o the_o good_a and_o this_o practice_n be_v as_o uncharitable_a as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v those_o as_o reprobate_n obstinate_a unrepent_v sinner_n who_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v and_o who_o though_o former_o egregious_o wicked_a yet_o now_o through_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o god_n convert_v grace_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v better_o than_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a practice_n too_o because_o it_o be_v the_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o comfort_n that_o attend_v the_o reception_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o those_o of_o union_n and_o brotherly_a love_n mere_o upon_o a_o groundless_a nicety_n let_v we_o all_o rather_o learn_v not_o to_o judge_v other_o before_o the_o time_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o our_o great_a master_n at_o the_o last_o day_n lest_o by_o judge_v other_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o and_o instead_o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o some_o come_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o we_o think_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o without_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o well_o prepare_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o self_n still_o more_o and_o more_o fit_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n by_o a_o daily_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o our_o fleece_n like_o that_o of_o gideon_n shall_v be_v moisten_v though_o other_o man_n be_v dry_a the_o apostle_n be_v never_o the_o less_o dear_a to_o our_o saviour_n for_o judas_n his_o be_v among_o they_o but_o the_o more_o so_o rather_o and_o though_o through_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n satan_n enter_v into_o he_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o sop_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n do_v partake_v of_o what_o he_o consecrate_v in_o memory_n of_o his_o succeed_a death_n and_o suffering_n yet_o the_o rest_n receive_v miraculous_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o for_o certain_a have_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o will_n satissy_a for_o the_o future_a such_o as_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v abstain_v from_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o censure_v the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o without_o all_o reason_n our_o church_n itself_o and_o as_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v no_o impertinent_a digression_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v a_o beneficial_a one_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o the_o time_n when_o god_n and_o our_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_n his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o be_v while_o man_n sleep_v for_o so_o the_o parable_n while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o inject_v his_o wicked_a insinuation_n into_o man_n heart_n whereby_o to_o make_v they_o become_v like_o empty_a tare_n christian_n in_o name_n and_o appearance_n only_o but_o devoid_a of_o the_o substantial_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o holy_a profession_n by_o man_n sleep_a be_v here_o mean_v a_o careless_a inadvertency_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n a_o stupid_a security_n in_o a_o thoughtless_a way_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v so_o expressive_a of_o what_o they_o will_v represent_v by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n brief_o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o likeness_n of_o such_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o sleep_v do_v consist_v it_o be_v like_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o its_o cause_n for_o as_o toil_n and_o labour_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o bring_v weariness_n and_o consume_v the_o spirit_n dispose_v the_o body_n to_o sleep_v and_o make_v it_o desire_v rest_n and_o ease_n that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o recruit_v so_o this_o moral_a drowsiness_n or_o hebetude_n of_o the_o soul_n general_o begin_v to_o creep_v upon_o man_n when_o they_o find_v difficulty_n in_o religion_n a_o little_a strive_v soon_o put_v they_o out_o of_o heart_n their_o hand_n fall_v their_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a their_o soul_n faint_v within_o they_o all_o hope_n of_o victory_n be_v then_o lay_v aside_o and_o they_o sit_v they_o down_o as_o man_n quite_o spend_v and_o then_o steal_v that_o deep_a sleep_n upon_o they_o which_o too_o often_o end_v in_o death_n thus_o we_o often_o see_v man_n set_v very_o brisk_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n at_o first_o and_o seem_v wondrous_o please_v with_o their_o new_a choice_n and_o admire_v at_o their_o stupidity_n that_o they_o do_v not_o soon_o discover_v the_o transcendent_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v resolve_v
wicked_a man_n and_o occasion_v much_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n o_o may_v i_o never_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o the_o steward_n only_o of_o that_o portion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a with_o which_o thou_o have_v entrust_v i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o great_a family_n and_o that_o thou_o will_v one_o day_n call_v i_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o my_o stewardship_n particular_o inquire_v into_o my_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o infinite_o reward_v i_o if_o i_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o trust_n and_o for_o ever_o punish_v i_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n if_o i_o be_v not_o and_o that_o i_o may_v abound_v the_o more_o in_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o charity_n assist_v i_o effectual_o and_o immediate_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o excess_n and_o vain_a superfluity_n of_o life_n and_o never_o let_v i_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o all_o piety_n and_o humanity_n as_o to_o suffer_v my_o poor_a fellow-servant_n to_o want_v necessary_n rather_o than_o retrench_v my_o vile_a extravagancy_n may_v this_o most_o excellent_a and_o royal_a law_n of_o thou_o be_v always_o present_a with_o i_o as_o my_o rule_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o i_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o like_a circumstance_n and_o in_o all_o the_o express_v of_o my_o charity_n let_v thy_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o my_o brethren_n and_o the_o public_a be_v my_o sole_a end_n and_o remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n this_o and_o whatever_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n grant_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n viii_o of_o the_o talent_n matth._n twenty-five_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o a_o man_n travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n who_o call_v his_o own_o servant_n and_o deliver_v unto_o they_o his_o good_n and_o unto_o one_o he_o give_v five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o several_a ability_n and_o straightway_o take_v his_o journey_n then_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o five_o talent_n go_v and_o trade_v with_o they_o and_o make_v they_o other_o five_o talent_n and_o likewise_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o he_o also_o gain_v other_o two_o but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v one_o go_v and_o dig_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o hide_v his_o lord_n money_n after_o a_o long_a time_n the_o lord_n of_o these_o servant_n come_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v five_o talent_n come_v and_o bring_v other_o five_o talent_n say_v lord_n thou_o deliver'd_v unto_o i_o five_o talent_n behold_v i_o have_v gain_v beside_o they_o five_o talent_n more_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n he_o also_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o talent_n come_v and_o say_v lord_n thou_o deliver'd_v unto_o i_o two_o talent_n behold_v i_o have_v gain_v two_o other_o talent_n beside_o they_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v the_o one_o talon_n come_v and_o say_v lord_n i_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n reap_v where_o thou_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o gather_v where_o thou_o have_v not_o strew_v and_o i_o be_v afraid_a and_o go_v and_o hide_v thy_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n lo_o there_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o his_o lord_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o reap_v where_o i_o do_v not_o sow_v and_o gather_v where_o i_o have_v not_o strew_v thou_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o 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the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o perform_v that_o duty_n and_o service_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o his_o absence_n by_o his_o give_v to_o one_o five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o a_o three_o but_o one_o according_a to_o their_o several_a ability_n be_v express_v that_o god_n afford_v his_o grace_n according_a to_o man_n natural_a capacity_n of_o serve_v he_o for_o there_o be_v a_o previous_a ability_n first_o suppose_v and_o suitable_a to_o that_o be_v the_o number_n of_o talent_n that_o be_v give_v and_o to_o the_o kind_a and_o degree_n of_o service_n that_o he_o thereupon_o expect_v from_o they_o he_o that_o by_o the_o previous_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o his_o natural_a endowment_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v he_o great_a service_n and_o of_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o other_o and_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n design_v for_o or_o actual_o place_v in_o a_o eminent_a station_n and_o employ_v in_o a_o service_n 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his_o lord_n unimprove_v and_o excuse_v his_o unprofitableness_n by_o say_v that_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n unreasonable_o gripe_v expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o therefore_o he_o bring_v he_o his_o own_o again_o as_o he_o give_v it_o he_o fear_v to_o employ_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v have_v lose_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o his_o lord_n by_o this_o be_v represent_v the_o base_a thought_n too_o many_o have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n he_o exact_v such_o unreasonable_a service_n from_o we_o but_o this_o be_v only_o to_o excuse_v one_o wickedness_n by_o
another_o and_o show_v what_o wretched_a shift_n ill_a man_n be_v put_v to_o to_o palliate_v their_o great_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o master_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o lord_n be_v answer_v and_o say_v thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o reap_v where_o i_o sow_v not_o thou_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o at_o my_o come_n i_o may_v have_v receive_v my_o own_o with_o usury_n by_o which_o be_v represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n improve_n their_o talon_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v it_o true_a which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o plead_v in_o excuse_n for_o their_o slothful_a negligence_n for_o to_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o so_o austere_a a_o be_v there_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a obligation_n to_o improve_v what_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o his_o trust_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o a_o man_n esteem_v god_n as_o a_o hard_a and_o severe_a master_n therefore_o 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where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v nor_o gather_v where_o he_o do_v not_o strew_v yet_o he_o expect_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o be_v ready_a likewise_o proportionable_o to_o reward_v our_o industry_n and_o this_o be_v apt_a indeed_o to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o scare_v and_o affright_v we_o from_o it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o for_o god_n to_o expect_v we_o shall_v improve_v what_o he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o command_n of_o his_o which_z be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o which_o he_o likewise_o assist_v we_o to_o perform_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o say_v god_n be_v a_o unreasonable_o rigid_a master_n and_o his_o command_n intolerable_a burden_n for_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o in_o the_o sequel_n but_o be_v it_o true_a it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n in_o his_o service_n much_o less_o for_o whole_o desert_v it_o but_o rather_o a_o argument_n for_o double_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o slothful_a servant_n command_v his_o one_o unimproved_a talon_n to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o give_v to_o he_o who_o by_o his_o industry_n have_v improve_v his_o five_o talent_n to_o ten_o be_v represent_v god_n deprive_v those_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o so_o much_o neglect_v it_o and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a enas_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v they_o viz._n his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v still_o great_a addition_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o such_o as_o have_v well_o improve_v their_o former_a stock_n and_o by_o his_o command_v the_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n be_v express_v their_o deplorable_a condition_n in_o the_o region_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o despair_n who_o make_v no_o improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o the_o deprivation_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o perdition_n in_o the_o other_o it_o near_o concern_v therefore_o every_o man_n careful_o to_o improve_v the_o talon_n commit_v to_o he_o because_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v this_o parable_n thus_o interpret_v afford_v we_o these_o six_o head_n of_o discourse_n first_o that_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a wherewith_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n second_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o every_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v improve_v what_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o measure_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v he_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v three_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o lord_n will_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n four_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v degree_n of_o man_n happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o other_o world_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o improvement_n or_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o this_o five_o that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a to_o charge_n god_n as_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v this_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n and_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o good_a use_v make_v of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n and_o last_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a and_o that_o of_o the_o unprofitable_a unspeakable_o miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o first_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a wherewith_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n i_o say_v to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a because_o i_o will_v confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o be_v christian_n and_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v the_o use_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o their_o reason_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o christ_n church_n though_o charity_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n mercy_n will_v extend_v even_o to_o heathen_n that_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n assist_v they_o to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n yet_o we_o can_v determine_v nothing_o in_o this_o case_n with_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v afterward_o prove_v idiot_n and_o without_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n their_o case_n be_v likewise_o whole_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o though_o we_o need_v not_o question_n but_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n will_v incline_v he_o to_o pity_v their_o deplorable_a condition_n yet_o which_o way_n he_o will_v express_v his_o mercy_n to_o they_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o say_v hide_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n the_o reveal_v be_v for_o we_o and_o our_o child_n among_o which_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v one_o that_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a wherewith_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o here_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o endless_a and_o most_o abstruse_a dispute_n about_o predestination_n which_o the_o less_o man_n trouble_v their_o head_n about_o the_o better_a it_o be_v for_o they_o in_o all_o respect_n i_o shall_v only_o urge_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v this_o position_n and_o add_v to_o they_o one_o as_o plain_a reason_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o that_o in_o 2_o pet._n 3.9_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n to_o which_o be_v agreeable_a that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epist_n 2.4_o god_n will_v have_v or_o desire_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o the_o next_o scripture_n i_o will_v quote_v which_o be_v 2_o cor._n 3.5_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o
of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o according_o say_z john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v of_o our_o lord_n of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n john_n 1.16_o and_o ephes_n 4.7_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n which_o scripture_n put_v together_o make_v this_o argument_n god_n be_v desirous_a of_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o man_n 2.13_o 2_o pet._n 3.9_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o phil._n 2.13_o but_o without_o his_o assistance_n and_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n no_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o that_o happiness_n therefore_o 4.7_o joh._n 1.16_o ephes_n 4.7_o he_o give_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o every_o man_n wherewith_o if_o he_o be_v not_o idle_a and_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n for_o we_o can_v but_o allow_v that_o what_o god_n desire_v for_o every_o man_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v without_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o will_v give_v every_o man_n sufficient_a assistance_n with_o his_o own_o industrious_a concurrence_n to_o compass_v otherwise_o he_o will_v desire_v that_o for_o some_o i._n e._n those_o to_o who_o he_o shall_v deny_v his_o divine_a assistance_n which_o he_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o attain_v to_o which_o i_o think_v can_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v sufficient_a scripture_n proof_n for_o this_o position_n and_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o one_o plain_a reason_n for_o because_o the_o command_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v give_v in_o general_n to_o every_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n make_v but_o every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n therefore_o every_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v able_a to_o keep_v and_o observe_v those_o command_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o god_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v to_o command_v impossibility_n and_o then_o so_o unjust_a and_o cruel_a as_o to_o punish_v man_n eternal_o for_o not_o obey_v they_o but_o now_o that_o no_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o consequent_o this_o ability_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o aid_n of_o some_o other_o namely_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o who_o give_v to_o every_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o indeed_o he_o give_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o please_v to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o to_o some_o five_o talent_n to_o some_o two_o and_o to_o other_o but_o one_o according_a to_o man_n ability_n to_o improve_v they_o and_z as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o see_v most_o conducive_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o this_o divine_a gift_n to_o no_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o improve_n it_o but_o bestow_v upon_o every_o sensible_a christian_a grace_n sufficient_a wherewith_o if_o he_o make_v good_a use_v of_o it_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v have_v this_o fourfold_a good_a effect_n upon_o we_o it_o shall_v make_v we_o unfeigned_o thankful_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n for_o this_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n look_v upon_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o as_o a_o earnest_a of_o our_o salvation_n it_o shall_v put_v we_o upon_o beg_v devout_o and_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o heavenly_a aid_n in_o order_n to_o his_o great_a glory_n and_o our_o more_o perfect_a happiness_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v of_o all_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o what_o a_o frail_a sinful_a creature_n shall_v above_o all_o thing_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o for_o though_o every_o man_n at_o first_o receive_v as_o much_o grace_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o improve_v yet_o he_o that_o have_v improve_v what_o he_o at_o first_o receive_v be_v by_o that_o his_o diligence_n grow_v capable_a of_o more_o and_o able_a to_o make_v a_o suitable_a improvement_n as_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v improve_v his_o five_o talent_n to_o ten_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o improve_n still_o more_o and_z according_o have_v his_o talon_n give_v to_o he_o who_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v it_o without_o any_o 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receive_v and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o measure_n in_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o parable_n how_o angry_a the_o lord_n be_v when_o his_o servant_n bring_v he_o the_o talon_n he_o commit_v to_o he_o unimprove_v he_o call_v he_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o talon_n and_o give_v it_o for_o a_o encouragement_n to_o he_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n and_o sentence_n the_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o agreeable_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.7_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o christianity_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a lazy_a profession_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o fine_a word_n and_o specious_a pretence_n but_o in_o a_o active_a lively_a piety_n suitable_a 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what_o instruction_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n what_o plenty_n of_o religious_a discourse_n and_o exhortation_n he_o have_v enjoy_v and_o how_o frequent_o he_o have_v feel_v motion_n from_o within_o to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n he_o that_o have_v experience_v all_o this_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n that_o have_v have_v his_o pregnant_a natural_a capacity_n well_o cultivate_v by_o a_o early_a and_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n plain_o lay_v before_o he_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n duty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o be_v often_o and_o affectionate_o exhort_v to_o live_v according_o in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v frequent_o feel_v secret_a internal_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o this_o man_n have_v receive_v much_o more_o than_o one_o talon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o god_n will_v expect_v from_o he_o a_o proportionable_a improvement_n and_o he_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a ability_n natural_o neither_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n nor_o the_o same_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n will_v abate_v proportionable_o in_o his_o expectation_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o one_o talon_n have_v he_o gain_v but_o one_o other_o with_o it_o will_v have_v be_v call_v a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n let_v we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n each_o in_o his_o station_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n faithful_o and_o industrious_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o each_o one_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n and_o call_v for_o every_o one_o particular_a account_n we_o may_v all_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a cheerful_o give_v it_o up_o and_o receive_v the_o immense_a reward_n of_o a_o sincere_a diligence_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o great_a lord_n will_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o every_o man_n improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deserve_a that_o there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n both_o of_o quick_a and_o dead_a when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o see_v a_o great_a white_a throne_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o from_o who_o face_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n flee_v away_o and_o there_o be_v find_v no_o place_n for_o they_o he_o proceed_v i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o the_o sea_n give_v up_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o be_v the_o record_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a wherein_o every_o man_n receipt_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v and_o those_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v find_v proportionable_o good_a according_a to_o the_o assistance_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o above_o or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v make_v a_o answerable_a improvement_n to_o the_o number_n of_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o those_o who_o can_v then_o give_v no_o good_a account_n of_o their_o talent_n show_v no_o suitable_a improvement_n in_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v shall_v never_o see_v life_n but_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n and_o because_o so_o very_a few_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v due_a preparation_n for_o this_o great_a day_n of_o account_n by_o improve_n the_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o