once_o recommend_v in_o scripture_n as_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o justify_v and_o that_o the_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o faith_n which_o make_v we_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o that_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n which_o justify_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v but_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o fall_v as_o short_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o can_v understand_v what_o use_v there_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o obtain_v his_o favour_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o only_a good_a use_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o separate_v faith_n from_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n it_o lose_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o if_o we_o be_v never_o so_o orthodox_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n can_v that_o faith_n save_v we_o which_o can_v procure_v our_o accptance_n with_o god_n have_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o same_o 2.19_o jam._n 2.19_o nay_o the_o devil_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v tremble_v under_o as_o good_a a_o faith_n as_o this_o it_o be_v strange_a therefore_o that_o any_o man_n of_o competent_a reason_n shall_v think_v that_o a_o dry_a and_o barren_a faith_n a_o volatile_a notion_n in_o the_o head_n that_o never_o reach_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n shall_v put_v he_o into_o the_o happy_a state_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o make_v he_o never_o the_o better_a man_n shall_v yet_o make_v he_o the_o favourite_n of_o god_n that_o a_o dead_a and_o useless_a faith_n shall_v do_v he_o the_o great_a kindness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o entitle_v he_o to_o life_n eternal_a now_o if_o justify_v faith_n be_v more_o than_o a_o assent_n to_o truth_n if_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n we_o see_v what_o a_o perfect_a dream_n the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n from_o eternity_n be_v for_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n so_o long_o ago_o as_o from_o eternity_n and_o if_o we_o be_v justify_v from_o eternity_n our_o faith_n come_v too_o late_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justify_v faith_n and_o this_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o opinion_n do_v not_o dissemble_v in_o their_o description_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mean_n only_o of_o manifest_v and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o their_o personal_a justification_n from_o eternity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a step_n to_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n for_o let_v any_o impartial_a man_n judge_n what_o effect_n the_o great_a precept_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o conceive_v they_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v round_o that_o they_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n 2._o we_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o trial_n not_o to_o stagger_v or_o repine_v at_o any_o sharp_a or_o mysterious_a providence_n but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o god_n to_o prove_v our_o sincerity_n and_o to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n in_o he_o of_o all_o the_o excellent_a man_n in_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o eminent_a token_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n than_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v style_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a seed_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n 4.13_o rom._n 4.13_o he_o be_v familiar_o visited_n by_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o dignify_v with_o many_o special_a revelation_n and_o glorious_a promise_n he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o god_n secret_n 18.17_o gen._n 18.17_o one_o who_o he_o declare_v his_o confidence_n in_o yea_o be_v so_o high_o in_o his_o favour_n that_o god_n engage_v himself_o by_o a_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o his_o family_n in_o all_o future_a age_n and_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 8.56_o joh._n 8.56_o at_o almost_o two_o thousand_o year_n distance_n from_o it_o and_o beside_o this_o instance_n it_o have_v be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o single_a out_o the_o best_a man_n for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o their_o own_o and_o all_o succeed_a generation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o worthy_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o best_a history_n of_o all_o age_n now_o shall_v we_o call_v this_o a_o error_n of_o providence_n and_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o excellent_a man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n because_o he_o call_v they_o to_o such_o noble_a trial_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o vindication_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o not_o we_o can_v infer_v nothing_o either_o against_o ourselves_o while_o we_o study_v to_o please_v god_n or_o against_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o trouble_n and_o perplexity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o extraordinary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v for_o the_o nature_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v consider_v rather_o that_o good_a man_n be_v the_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o world_n submission_n to_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o by_o their_o affliction_n and_o trial_n and_o this_o clear_v at_o once_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o thus_o train_v they_o up_o for_o those_o excessive_a height_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o they_o 3._o the_o carriage_n of_o abraham_n in_o this_o trial_n may_v serve_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o worldly_a advantage_n nay_o in_o view_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o disappointment_n that_o can_v be_v sustain_v by_o it_o the_o loose_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v always_o very_o apt_a to_o charge_v the_o sincere_a with_o pretend_v religion_n for_o secular_a end_n be_v willing_a to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o wicked_a and_o impious_a life_n they_o will_v feign_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a faith_n and_o piety_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o hypocrisy_n that_o give_v some_o man_n the_o reputation_n of_o be_v better_a than_o other_o and_o that_o the_o best_a love_n the_o world_n at_o their_o heart_n as_o dear_o as_o those_o that_o proclaim_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o and_o profess_o make_v their_o court_n to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o have_v cost_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n very_o dear_a in_o their_o several_a age_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o infidelity_n of_o men._n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o one_o special_a end_n of_o the_o trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o reality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o cheerful_o serve_v god_n upon_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n yea_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o very_a dear_a delight_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n or_o answer_n and_o since_o abraham_n child_n have_v the_o same_o kind_a of_o faith_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o renown_v for_o i_o mean_v a_o faith_n which_o carry_v they_o through_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n and_o a_o kingdom_n which_o have_v foundation_n this_o vindicate_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foul_a charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v their_o work_n to_o be_v see_v of_o men._n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o their_o family_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a that_o they_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sense_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o ingenuity_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o abraham_n be_v
upon_o his_o son_n and_o talk_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o way_n to_o moriah_n nature_n shall_v make_v a_o stand_n and_o his_o heart_n shall_v fail_v he_o to_o think_v what_o a_o sad_a uncomfortable_a errand_n he_o be_v go_v upon_o but_o we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o abraham_n deportment_n during_o the_o whole_a process_n of_o his_o trial_n he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o false_a step_n in_o three_o day_n journey_n to_o moriah_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o stagger_v at_o the_o strangeness_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o go_v on_o without_o delay_n and_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o this_o great_a action_n proceed_v by_o even_o and_o constant_a step_n through_o all_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o tedious_a duty_n 22.9_o gen._n 22.9_o even_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o mountain_n which_o god_n tell_v he_o of_o have_v build_v a_o altar_n and_o lay_v the_o wood_n in_o order_n upon_o it_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v himself_o to_o say_v must_v i_o now_o burn_v the_o staff_n of_o my_o old-age_n and_o the_o dear_a pledge_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o i_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o we_o see_v he_o perfect_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o surmount_v the_o discouragement_n which_o his_o way_n be_v obstruct_v with_o 2._o the_o power_n or_o principle_n by_o which_o this_o transcendent_a act_n of_o righteousness_n be_v wrought_v i._n e._n by_o which_o abraham_n prevail_v with_o himself_o and_o over_o all_o discouragement_n to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o his_o faith_n now_o faith_n we_o know_v be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o habitual_a belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o perfection_n truth_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o single_a act_n of_o this_o eminent_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v place_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v one_o in_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_o use_v in_o both_o sense_n 1._o first_o then_o the_o honour_n of_o this_o noble_a action_n be_v owe_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a persuasion_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v attain_v unto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o believe_v god_n upon_o his_o word_n and_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o that_o he_o reveal_v to_o he_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o conclude_v and_o settle_v upon_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o this_o persuasion_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o his_o piety_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o country_n for_o a_o strange_a land_n and_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n providence_n whithersoever_o it_o lead_v he_o it_o direct_v his_o step_n when_o he_o know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o posture_n of_o undertake_v the_o hard_a trial_n and_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o god_n shall_v demand_v of_o he_o and_o according_o when_o god_n demand_v his_o son_n the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o any_o case_n but_o he_o to_o slay_v a_o innocent_a youth_n though_o it_o be_v in_o common_a esteem_n a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n which_o a_o father_n name_n carry_v in_o it_o and_o no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o endearment_n of_o the_o conjugal_a relation_n nay_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a mark_n of_o unnatural_a rage_n and_o inhumanity_n upon_o it_o and_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v a_o indelible_a blemish_n to_o religion_n though_o these_o consideration_n be_v no_o less_o obvious_a than_o weighty_a yet_o be_v abraham_n through_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o naturalize_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o but_o i_o confess_v this_o do_v not_o full_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n employ_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o abraham_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o son_n by_o faith_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o promise_n concern_v his_o seed_n it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n or_o reason_n that_o if_o isaac_n die_v without_o issue_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v after_o he_o so_o that_o abraham_n may_v be_v a_o strong_a believer_n and_o do_v great_a thing_n by_o his_o faith_n yet_o still_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o stagger_v while_o he_o shake_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o foundation_n which_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v rest_v upon_o as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_a line_n and_o so_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o depend_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o second_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o consider_v it_o as_o it_o signify_v 2._o some_o special_a and_o eminent_a act_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o such_o we_o find_v in_o the_o present_a casu_fw-la namely_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o abraham_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o this_o the_o context_n express_o ascribe_v his_o success_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n 19.1_o v._o 19.1_o etc._n etc._n account_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a i._n e._n that_o he_o have_v power_n to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n by_o bring_v isaac_n to_o life_n again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o suffer_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o his_o promise_n to_o die_v with_o he_o and_o now_o his_o way_n though_o hard_a be_v clear_a and_o open_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o interrupt_v his_o obedience_n but_o what_o his_o almighty_a faith_n can_v deal_v withal_o he_o have_v doubtless_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v a_o better_a interest_n in_o his_o son_n and_o all_o his_o other_o possession_n than_o any_o he_o can_v lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n he_o have_v for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n hush_v his_o natural_a affection_n and_o whereas_o god_n command_n seem_v to_o oppose_v his_o promise_n he_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n too_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o and_o bring_v back_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o give_v he_o his_o first_o be_v when_o he_o spring_v from_o one_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o chapter_n that_o be_v as_o good_a as_o dead_a that_o be_v himself_o that_o have_v outlive_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o give_v life_n to_o other_o we_o see_v then_o the_o eminency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n 12._o v._o 12._o and_o the_o support_v it_o give_v he_o all_o along_o in_o his_o trial_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o it_o he_o keep_v his_o eye_n all_o the_o while_n upon_o god_n command_n and-winked_a at_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n that_o oppose_v his_o obedience_n to_o it_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o god_n have_v power_n to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o short_a amid_o all_o the_o hard_a thing_n that_o bear_v upon_o abraham_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o appear_v so_o incredible_a to_o he_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v lie_v or_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suspend_v his_o obedience_n while_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o god_n faithfulness_n to_o he_o and_o according_o he_o immediate_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o light_n and_o strength_n of_o his_o faith_n without_o any_o falter_a or_o regret_n through_o all_o the_o dark_a scene_n of_o that_o cloudy_a providence_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o that_o after_o a_o most_o express_a and_o emphatical_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o discourse_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n first_o then_o 1._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o justify_v faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n which_o certain_o it_o have_v never_o be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o command_n which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n if_o abraham_n then_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n which_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n and_o that_o no_o other_o faith_n than_o this_o can_v justify_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v more_o than_o
the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v over_o and_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n many_o age_n after_o it_o be_v ratify_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n shall_v yet_o enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o receive_v the_o same_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a israelite_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o whenever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v in_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o never_o yet_o behold_v the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o late_a entrance_n into_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v not_o bar_v they_o of_o a_o equal_a reward_n with_o those_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o work_n and_o be_v long_o since_o go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o importance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o have_v in_o many_o respect_v the_o advanvantage_n of_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o try_v they_o by_o the_o rule_v before_o mention_v and_o consider_v 1._o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o parable_n or_o the_o dependence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v immediate_o before_o it_o ult_n chap._n 19_o ult_n many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o go_v out_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n 16._o chap._n 20._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n close_v his_o parable_n with_o the_o same_o say_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o can_v be_v no_o good_a interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o square_a with_o this_o say_n and_o certain_o the_o true_a if_o any_o choice_n there_o be_v be_v that_o which_o sall_n in_o most_o natural_o with_o it_o now_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n by_o the_o labourer_n we_o understand_v the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n tell_v that_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_o so_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v hire_v last_o into_o the_o vineyard_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v first_o call_v will_v be_v the_o last_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o reject_v the_o son_n 21.38_o mat._n 21.38_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n send_v to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o their_o season_n 25._o rom._n 11_o 25._o till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o thus_o our_o lord_n himself_o interpret_v this_o very_a passage_n mat._n 8.11_o 12._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n thus_o far_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a congruity_n between_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o text_n and_o that_o remarkable_a sentence_n which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v place_v at_o both_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n purposely_o to_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o expound_v it_o of_o die_v penitent_n will_v suit_v with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o christian_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o judas_n be_v who_o be_v traitor_n to_o he_o till_o their_o last_o hour_n or_o do_v they_o do_v he_o better_o or_o long_a service_n than_o other_o that_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ask_v his_o forgiveness_n for_o what_o they_o have_v always_o do_v in_o contradiction_n to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v man_n that_o for_o many_o year_n from_o their_o youth_n to_o their_o die_a day_n have_v live_v in_o the_o sear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o best_a of_o these_o come_v behind_o those_o who_o live_v as_o long_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o very_a edge_n and_o point_n of_o eternity_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v imagine_v what_o construction_n these_o man_n can_v make_v of_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n so_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_v unless_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o begin_v not_o to_o look_v towards_o god_n and_o religion_n till_o their_o last_o sickness_n be_v before_o other_o in_o his_o faviour_n and_o may_v therefore_o expect_v a_o great_a reward_n than_o such_o as_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o his_o service_n which_o be_v it_o true_a i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o mighty_a credit_n and_o encouragement_n to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n 2._o if_o we_o view_v the_o context_n and_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n 12._o v._o 11_o 12._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o labourer_n that_o come_v first_o into_o the_o vineyard_n murmur_v at_o the_o goodman_n of_o the_o house_n for_o make_v the_o last_o equal_a with_o themselves_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n now_o this_o be_v exact_o true_a of_o the_o jew_n who_o repine_v mighty_o at_o the_o gentile_n come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a be_v entitele_v to_o the_o same_o reward_n without_o observe_v the_o rite_n or_o feel_v any_o of_o the_o burden_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v so_o many_o age_n labour_v under_o nay_o this_o raise_v their_o envy_n so_o high_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n to_o their_o conversion_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o effectual_a close_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o what_o be_v do_v suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o early_a and_o the_o gentile_n the_o late_a comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v old_a when_o the_o gentile_n be_v call_v yet_o be_v we_o general_o call_v as_o young_a as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v and_o may_v work_v as_o long_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o perform_v as_o much_o and_o as_o faithful_a service_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o come_n after_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o great_a master_n shall_v not_o reward_v we_o as_o liberal_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o he_o that_o do_v a_o days-work_n the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o year_n if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o no_o soon_o deserve_v a_o days-wage_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v hire_v the_o first_o but_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v say_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o a_o deathbed_n sorrow_n after_o ten_o thousand_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o long_a holy_a and_o most_o religious_a life_n however_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n may_v appear_v 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o plain_a scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o other_o parable_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o want_v oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n at_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v 12._o mat._n 25.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v be_v bar_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n which_o the_o wise_a be_v admit_v into_o and_o when_o they_o cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o sorrowful_a deathbed_n cry_v receive_v this_o dreadful_a answer_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o as_o little_a coherence_n will_v be_v find_v between_o a_o die_a penitent_n be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_n as_o he_o must_v be_v if_o we_o rank_v he_o with_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o talent_n the_o moral_a of_o which_o be_v apparent_o this_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o several_a advantage_n they_o be_v entrust_v with_o and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v none_o but_o squander_v away_o their_o life_n and_o opportuity_n of_o grace_n shall_v feel_v the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n let_v man_n impartial_o
consider_v these_o easy_a and_o obvious_a thing_n and_o they_o will_v assure_o find_v but_o small_a reason_n to_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o struggle_n or_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n at_o their_o death_n which_o few_o bad_a man_n that_o have_v any_o tolerable_a sense_n of_o another_o world_n be_v and_o even_o judas_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o four_o prop._n the_o four_o and_o last_o proposition_n be_v be_v we_o sure_a that_o the_o hire_v of_o labourer_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n do_v signify_v the_o late_a call_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o case_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n between_o they_o in_o several_a respect_n for_o 1._o they_o that_o be_v call_v so_o late_o as_o the_o eleven_o hour_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o delay_n but_o embrace_v the_o first_o opportunity_n they_o have_v of_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n the_o reason_n they_o give_v why_o they_o stand_v so_o long_o idle_a in_o the_o market_n viz._n because_o no_o man_n have_v hire_v they_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v employ_v 7._o v._o 7._o and_o that_o they_o cheerful_o close_v with_o the_o first_o invitation_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o so_o do_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v that_o they_o be_v not_o early_o at_o work_n for_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o labourer_n in_o the_o christian_a do_v they_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o their_o lord_n call_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o middle_a age_n of_o their_o life_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o a_o poor_a indian_a that_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n till_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o his_o life_n shall_v then_o become_v a_o serious_a and_o faithful_a christian_a but_o that_o his_o reward_n will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n who_o have_v resist_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n and_o the_o admonition_n of_o parent_n and_o friend_n never_o harken_v unto_o any_o till_o the_o rough_a messenger_n of_o death_n come_v and_o tell_v they_o roundly_o in_o their_o ear_n that_o now_o they_o must_v die_v and_o away_o to_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v then_o sorry_a that_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n so_o ill_o while_o hell_n and_o destruction_n look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n but_o they_o can_v but_o say_v they_o have_v fair_a and_o frequent_a warning_n to_o have_v use_v it_o better_o 2._o they_o who_o come_v so_o late_o into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v yet_o one_o hour_n of_o trial_n and_o this_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o day_n which_o god_n allow_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n in_o be_v the_o twelve_o part_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n consider_v what_o engagement_n we_o be_v under_o of_o serve_v our_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n but_o still_o it_o be_v much_o long_o than_o a_o sinner_n who_o defer_v his_o repentance_n to_o his_o death_n allow_v himself_o to_o do_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o religion_n to_o break_v the_o habit_n of_o vice_n to_o exercise_v all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o posture_n for_o eternity_n he_o vow_v perhaps_o and_o declare_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o a_o dying-man_n what_o great_a thing_n he_o will_v do_v but_o alas_o his_o breath_n go_v away_o with_o his_o vow_n and_o give_v he_o not_o a_o minute_n to_o prove_v his_o sincerity_n in_o 3._o the_o last_o comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n wrought_v a_o hour_n and_o therein_o perform_v the_o whole_a duty_n they_o contract_v for_o but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o man_n that_o work_v not_o at_o all_o for_o sure_o to_o ask_v pardon_n for_o what_o they_o have_v not_o do_v to_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o they_o have_v or_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v better_a if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n will_v not_o bring_v they_o within_o the_o notion_n of_o labourer_n and_o then_o it_o can_v entitle_v they_o to_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o die_v penitent_n their_o whole_a work_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o resolution_n to_o work_v if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o late_a which_o therefore_o be_v not_o work_v and_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n who_o be_v all_o the_o day_n hire_v labourer_n into_o it_o be_v very_o indifferent_a what_o they_o do_v there_o and_o will_v sure_o have_v be_v as_o bountiful_a if_o there_o have_v be_v occasion_n to_o those_o that_o do_v he_o no_o service_n as_o to_o they_o that_o do_v the_o most_o provide_v they_o be_v but_o sorry_a they_o have_v not_o serve_v he_o at_o all_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o work_v just_a when_o night_n come_v and_o forbid_v they_o and_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o this_o parable_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n which_o be_v the_o first_o general_n propound_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o second_o be_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a after_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o obstinate_a violation_n of_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n will_v secure_v he_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o the_o gospel_n give_v no_o such_o encouragement_n to_o man_n that_o trifle_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v as_o sure_o as_o we_o can_v be_v that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o contradict_v itself_o and_o that_o not_o in_o trivial_a instance_n but_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o design_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v to_o man_n and_o the_o condition_n it_o require_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n for_o 1._o do_v the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o die_v vow_n and_o sorrow_n instead_o of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n it_o will_v show_v we_o a_o notable_a way_n to_o evade_v and_o overthrow_v its_o own_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o it_o appear_v unto_o man_n which_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o lead_v holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n while_o we_o be_v resident_a here_o and_o capable_a of_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o our_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v amit_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o be_v bury_v with_o christ_n by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n 6.4_o rom._n 6.4_o even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n i._n e._n from_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o christianity_n till_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o course_n and_o be_v get_v beyond_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n but_o where_o be_v this_o new_a life_n when_o we_o be_v just_o a_o die_v do_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o baptism_n though_o we_o never_o set_v a_o step_n in_o our_o christian_a race_n till_o our_o life_n be_v run_v out_o or_o do_v the_o gospel_n whatever_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o do_v dispense_v with_o we_o for_o not_o do_v it_o this_o perhaps_o in_o some_o man_n opinion_n will_v advance_v the_o grace_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n will_v say_v it_o commend_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o make_v we_o holy_a be_v lose_v shall_v the_o gospel_n once_o declare_v that_o we_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o not_o be_v holy_a or_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v we_o of_o heaven_n to_o be_v true_o sorry_a at_o the_o last_o that_o we_o have_v live_v wicked_o all_o our_o day_n and_o be_v this_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v see_v what_o answer_n
be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o guide_n we_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v after_o all_o our_o search_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v he_o but_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n above_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o guide_n viz._n that_o christ_n never_o promise_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o always_o in_o his_o church_n and_o without_o a_o promise_n from_o he_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v we_o know_v what_o be_v pretend_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o what_o text_n be_v produce_v for_o it_o but_o after_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o deliberate_a enquiry_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o we_o can_v find_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o such_o promise_n nor_o discern_v the_o least_o shadow_n or_o footstep_n of_o a_o visible_a infallible_a guide_n we_o own_o indeed_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o all_o that_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n but_o we_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v any_o other_o infallible_a guide_n than_o this_o for_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o the_o inward_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o have_v a_o guide_n at_o hand_n that_o can_v lead_v we_o infallible_o into_o it_o and_o save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o search_v after_o it_o but_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v not_o they_o infallible_a guide_n true_o but_o do_v he_o promise_v to_o make_v their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n infallible_a too_o if_o he_o do_v every_o successor_n have_v a_o equal_a claim_n and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o talk_v of_o but_o one_o infallible_a guidfe_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o appropriate_v that_o extraordinary_a favour_n to_o here self_o if_o he_o do_v not_o she_o must_v show_v we_o a_o particular_a charter_n or_o promise_n that_o infallibility_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o when_o she_o do_v that_o we_o may_v allow_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a but_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v a_o infallible_a guide_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o know_v 2._o whether_o or_o no_o he_o have_v give_v he_o authourity_n to_o suspend_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o we_o must_v say_v be_v a_o distinct_a power_n from_o infallibility_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a do_v not_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v not_o affect_v any_o such_o authority_n or_o treat_v their_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o both_o require_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o hear_v etc._n act._n 17.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o commend_v their_o ingenuity_n in_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n beside_o a_o guide_n who_o direction_n we_o must_v blind_o follow_v without_o examinig_v the_o ground_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a improper_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n for_o sure_o god_n do_v design_n that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v act_v like_o man_n and_o not_o lay_v aside_o our_o reasonand_n judgement_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a not_o to_o judge_n at_o all_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n not_o to_o err_v but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a blind_a and_o unlikely_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n without_o which_o their_o obedience_n can_v never_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o theresore_n if_o any_o church_n or_o person_n under_o colour_n of_o infallibility_n shall_v assume_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n before_o i_o resign_v up_o my_o judgement_n to_o they_o i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v inform_v not_o only_a how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v to_o oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v as_o they_o please_v and_o to_o strangle_v my_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n if_o they_o offer_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o absurd_a or_o contradictory_n to_o they_o but_o suppose_v still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o convince_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o judge_n beside_o he_o yet_o because_o he_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o i_o till_o i_o know_v who_o he_o be_v there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v before_o i_o can_v prudent_o commit_v myself_o to_o he_o viz._n how_o i_o may_v certain_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o and_o here_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o vast_a discouragement_n at_o the_o very_a entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o that_o the_o same_o church_n which_o alone_o pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a guide_n be_v very_a uncer_n tain_v who_o he_o be_v some_o chain_n infallibility_n to_o st._n peter_n chair_n and_o place_n it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o this_o be_v the_o most_o interest_v party_n as_o depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o they_o call_v infallible_a other_o send_v we_o to_o general_a council_n some_o of_o which_o have_v condemn_v the_o pope_n for_o a_o heretic_n and_o contradict_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n but_o then_o what_o think_v we_o of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a churcuh_o convey_v by_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o the_o present_a age_n the_o general_a consent_n i_o confess_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o truth_n but_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n or_o guide_n to_o prescribe_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o insallible_a assistance_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o and_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v and_o all_o we_o can_v certain_o learn_v hitherto_o be_v this_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n about_o it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o find_v it_o there_o and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o church_n a_o man_n may_v tire_v himself_o and_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o his_o infallible_a guide_n all_o his_o day_n and_o never_o come_v within_o sight_n of_o he_o at_o last_o for_o suppose_v he_o take_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a oracle_n he_o be_v think_v to_o be_v mistake_v by_o all_o those_o that_o stand_v for_o a_o general_n council_n and_o if_o he_o go_v to_o a_o general_n council_n he_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o that_o declare_v for_o single_a infallibility_n and_o the_o man_n for_o oral_a tradition_n think_v they_o be_v all_o deceive_v that_o look_n for_o infallibility_n in_o any_o one_o person_n or_o party_n in_o the_o church_n what_o must_v we_o do_v now_o that_o have_v so_o much_o choice_n of_o infallible_a guide_n and_o nothing_o to_o determine_v our_o choice_n many_o we_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o a_o venture_n but_o that_o can_v be_v safe_a because_o they_o have_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o lead_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v all_o infakubke_n and_o none_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o more_o infallible_a guide_n than_o one_o must_v we_o then_o weigh_v their_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n they_o produce_v for_o their_o several_a claim_n these_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v and_o consider_v and_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o confidence_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o sound_v the_o infallibility_n and_o other_o prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o text_n that_o speak_v not_o the_o least_o syllable_n of_o they_o whereas_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n ought_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o easy_a and_o plain_a word_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o if_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o man_n salvation_n depend_v as_o our_o adversary_n must_v say_v upon_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o their_o text_n we_o have_v that_o confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o we_o certain_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v out_o a_o meaning_n in_o therm_n that_o by_o no_o good_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n can_v be_v collect_v from_o they_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o can_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v
extreme_o in_o real_a value_n beyond_o the_o injury_n he_o suffer_v and_o i_o very_o think_v i_o now_o speak_v the_o unfeigned_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v his_o rival_n grovel_v in_o his_o blood_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o sad_a trophy_n of_o his_o kill_v honour_n and_o have_v surfeit_v himself_o with_o his_o unnatural_a revenge_n the_o occasion_n of_o duel_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v either_o too_o small_a and_o bashful_a or_o too_o shameful_a and_o reserve_v to_o appear_v in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n but_o let_v the_o calumny_n be_v never_o so_o foul_a or_o public_a or_o so_o malicious_o contrive_v nothing_o stain_v like_o blood_n which_o consideration_n alone_o aught_o to_o restrain_v every_o man_n that_o be_v tender_a of_o his_o honour_n or_o salvation_n from_o shed_v it_o upon_o the_o high_a provocation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v he_o but_o more_o than_o this_o there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o heal_v our_o reputation_n and_o live_v in_o bright_a fame_n than_o ever_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a judge_n of_o honour_n the_o law_n be_v open_a let_v the_o party_n implead_v one_o another_o or_o if_o they_o must_v be_v fight_v let_v thy_o king_n and_o thy_o country_n bind_v the_o laurel_n of_o victory_n about_o thy_o head_n or_o embalm_v thy_o memory_n this_o be_v certain_o more_o honourable_a then_o to_o kill_v the_o worst_a man_n upon_o earth_n in_o a_o private_a quarrel_n and_o make_v the_o case_n of_o duel_v extreme_o different_a from_o that_o of_o one_o man_n kill_v another_o when_o he_o be_v force_v upon_o it_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o after_o all_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v no_o affront_n to_o be_v reminded_a that_o we_o be_v christian_n nor_o any_o diminution_n of_o honour_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n great_a spirit_n as_o they_o be_v better_o fit_v than_o other_o for_o great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o as_o plato_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o great_a fail_n and_o error_n they_o have_v common_o very_o quick_a and_o pierce_a apprehension_n and_o be_v very_o lively_a in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a affair_n but_o be_v not_o always_o so_o happy_a in_o their_o memory_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o as_o to_o forget_v the_o injury_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n who_o forbid_v the_o draw_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o quarrel_n and_o express_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o and_o since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n suffer_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n 56._o luk._n 9_o 56._o why_o shall_v the_o disciple_n aspire_v to_o be_v above_o his_o master_n i_o be_o sure_a to_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n look_v as_o if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o be_v think_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o we_o can_v think_v it_o too_o great_a a_o condescension_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o our_o own_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o pretence_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o redeemer_n and_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o live_v by_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o his_o law_n be_v of_o much_o better_a authority_n than_o any_o of_o those_o rule_n of_o honour_n which_o some_o man_n prescribe_v to_o themselves_o now_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o allow_v man_n to_o kill_v one_o another_o in_o a_o quarrel_n that_o he_o forbid_v all_o quarrel_v and_o provocation_n in_o word_n or_o action_n ch._n verse_n 22._o of_o this_o ch._n and_o represent_v the_o danger_n of_o those_o liberty_n which_o man_n give_v to_o their_o passion_n though_o they_o proceed_v no_o far_o than_o to_o reproachful_a language_n to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o hellfire_n he_o also_o require_v we_o to_o forgive_v our_o brother_n 12.19_o mat._n 18.22_o ro._n 12.19_o as_o often_o as_o he_o offend_v and_o not_o to_o revenge_v our_o self_n but_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o wrath_n and_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o forgiveness_n at_o god_n hand_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o unless_o therefore_o to_o kill_v be_v to_o forgive_v and_o to_o break_v christ_n commandment_n must_v go_v for_o honour_v he_o no_o christian_a can_v engage_v with_o honour_n in_o a_o single_a combat_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v with_o what_o success_n he_o can_v hope_v to_o do_v it_o while_o he_o fight_v against_o heaven_n and_o grapple_v with_o one_o who_o he_o know_v be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o himself_o 2._o this_o be_v to_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n unless_o we_o exceed_v we_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o kill_v a_o man_n either_o in_o hot_a or_o cod_n blood_n without_o public_a authority_n be_v a_o notorious_a violation_n of_o god_n commandment_n nay_o to_o do_v this_o in_o hot_a boud_n be_v in_o their_o opinion_n a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n of_o barrabas_n who_o by_o their_o law_n be_v sentence_v to_o die_v at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n 7._o mark_v 15_o 7._o for_o commit_v murder_n in_o the_o insurrection_n and_o according_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o jew_n concern_v this_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v our_o fight_a gallant_n will_v consider_v who_o follower_n they_o be_v and_o whether_o they_o also_o do_v not_o prefer_v barrabas_n before_o jesus_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o revenge_a their_o own_o lay_v his_o with_o their_o own_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n 3._o for_o man_n to_o stake_v their_o life_n in_o a_o duel_n be_v to_o run_v the_o most_o desperate_a hazard_n i_o mean_v of_o die_v in_o a_o sin_n which_o seldom_o allow_v a_o few_o moment_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o or_o of_o kill_v another_o person_n it_o may_v be_v their_o old_a dear_a and_o confident_a friend_n and_o perhaps_o eternal_o by_o cut_v off_o his_o time_n of_o repentance_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n he_o that_o attempt_v to_o kill_v his_o brother_n whether_o he_o kill_v he_o or_o not_o mortal_o hate_v he_o for_o he_o will_v be_v the_o death_n of_o he_o if_o he_o can_v and_o then_o i_o fear_v he_o forfeit_v something_o more_o than_o his_o honour_n that_o attempt_n it_o 15._o 1_o joh._n 3_o 15._o for_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o dueller_n what_o a_o dreadful_a venture_n be_v it_o to_o stake_v two_o precious_a life_n and_o two_o immortal_a soul_n upon_o a_o mere_a imaginary_a point_n of_o honour_n if_o this_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o christian_n who_o religion_n as_o st._n james_n describe_v it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a 17._o jam._n 3_o 17._o and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o wrangle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o without_o hypocrisy_n then_o let_v light_a and_o darkness_n embrace_v and_o the_o plain_a contradiction_n assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o bright_a reason_n and_o truth_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v worthy_a of_o a_o serious_a thought_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o balance_v the_o mighty_a pretence_n of_o honour_n i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o gentleman_n and_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n ought_v not_o to_o put_v up_o a_o affront_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o revenge_v it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o christian_a of_o the_o best_a rank_n and_o quality_n ought_v to_o do_v this_o and_o that_o great_a man_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o live_v by_o it_o or_o not_o 2._o for_o the_o case_n of_o self-murder_n or_o cast_v away_o our_o own_o life_n when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v viz._n because_o every_o man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o violation_n of_o it_o to_o kill_v ourselves_o as_o to_o kill_v any_o other_o man_n and_o since_o we_o be_v command_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o
and_o we_o all_o pretend_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o memory_n be_v short_a too_o and_o that_o our_o fondness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v where_o we_o be_v upon_o what_o term_n we_o be_v here_o how_o sudden_o we_o must_v remove_v and_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o procure_v we_o a_o safe_a and_o easy_a passage_n into_o that_o eternal_a world_n where_o we_o must_v dwell_v in_o perfect_a bliss_n or_o anguish_n for_o ever_o we_o be_v so_o much_o enamour_a with_o this_o present_a world_n that_o like_o passionate_a lover_n we_o seem_v not_o to_o remember_v what_o we_o say_v or_o do_v while_o we_o be_v converse_v with_o it_o it_o fetter_n our_o memory_n while_o it_o captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o while_o it_o subdue_v our_o heart_n it_o bereave_v we_o of_o the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n which_o certain_o be_v to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o where_o we_o hope_v ever_o long_o to_o be_v and_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n where_o be_v it_o worth_a our_o while_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v stay_v long_o to_o enjoy_v they_o this_o be_v our_o great_a unhappiness_n it_o be_v the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n that_o make_v we_o forget_v ourselves_o and_o the_o design_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o send_v we_o hither_o and_o the_o proper_a remedy_n against_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n as_o much_o awake_a as_o we_o can_v with_o frequent_a and_o serious_a thought_n on_o the_o suddenness_n of_o our_o departure_n hence_o for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a when_o we_o hear_v a_o discourse_n about_o it_o or_o follow_v a_o hearty_a man_n to_o his_o grave_n that_o will_v cure_v we_o of_o our_o dotage_n on_o present_a thing_n nothing_o less_o will_v do_v this_o than_o a_o quick_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n the_o power_n of_o conviction_n last_v no_o long_o than_o it_o be_v present_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o become_v habitual_a and_o familiar_a to_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o vanish_v of_o those_o solemn_a vow_n which_o man_n common_o make_v in_o their_o sickness_n and_o which_o nothing_o else_o can_v extort_v from_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o and_o they_o begin_v to_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o new_a hope_n of_o a_o long_a and_o pleasant_a life_n and_o therefore_o as_o melancholy_a a_o thought_n as_o it_o be_v that_o our_o life_n be_v short_a beside_o that_o it_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a thought_n that_o we_o can_v carry_v about_o we_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v never_o over_o come_v this_o flatter_a and_o enchant_a world_n without_o it_o and_o then_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o to_o come_v as_o cold_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v short_o die_v and_o leave_v this_o delicious_a world_n it_o will_v mighty_o help_v to_o quicken_v our_o devotion_n and_o inflame_v our_o affection_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n it_o will_v thereby_o prevent_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n it_o will_v excite_v we_o to_o hasten_v our_o repentance_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o little_a life_n and_o improve_v all_o advantage_n we_o hold_v by_o it_o for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o scripture_n often_o recommend_v this_o serious_a meditation_n to_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n present_v we_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o affect_v emblem_n and_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a life_n such_o as_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o apt_a to_o raise_v a_o new_a passion_n in_o our_o mind_n every_o time_n we_o think_v of_o they_o for_o instance_n 1._o our_o life_n be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o most_o transitory_a and_o fade_a nature_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o mortal_a man_n even_o the_o great_a and_o gallant_a of_o they_o it_o be_v up_o &_o down_o in_o a_o moment_n it_o be_v a_o vapour_n very_o often_o in_o the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o common_o the_o great_a ostentation_n it_o make_v the_o soon_o it_o disappear_v and_o be_v go_v and_o the_o eye_n that_o see_v it_o see_v it_o not_o more_o and_o on_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o shadow_n 1_o chron._n 29.15_o and_o to_o the_o grass_n and_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n for_o its_o weak_a and_o fade_a nature_n psalm_n 103.15_o 16._o verse_n as_o for_o man_n his_o day_n be_v as_o grass_n as_o a_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n so_o he_o flourish_v for_o the_o wind_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o it_o be_v go_v and_o the_o place_n thereof_o shall_v know_v it_o no_o more_o so_o job_n 14.1_o 2._o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n be_v of_o few_o day_n and_o full_a of_o trouble_n he_o come_v forth_o like_o a_o flower_n and_o be_v cut_v down_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o 2._o the_o shortness_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v represent_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v small_a in_o number_n and_o extension_n in_o their_o kind_n thus_o the_o day_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o the_o day_n of_o a_o hireling_n 7.1_o job_n 7.1_o which_o be_v few_o and_o precarious_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o family_n enjoy_v in_o their_o father_n house_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v 8.35_o john_n 8.35_o the_o servant_n abide_v not_o in_o the_o house_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o son_n abide_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n measure_v the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o the_o breadth_n of_o his_o hand_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o vast_a circumference_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n behold_v say_v he_o thou_o have_v make_v my_o day_n as_o a_o handbreath_n 6._o psal_n 39_o 6._o thou_o have_v enclose_v my_o life_n in_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o then_o he_o add_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v too_o lavish_o of_o it_o and_o my_o age_n be_v as_o nothing_o before_o thou_o a_o mere_a cypher_n or_o nullity_n if_o compare_v to_o thy_o eternal_a duration_n whereupon_o he_o conclude_v very_o every_o man_n at_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n 3._o our_o life_n be_v also_o compare_v to_o thing_n of_o the_o speedy_a and_o swiste_v motion_n to_o remind_v we_o that_o it_o be_v hasten_v away_o apace_o and_o will_v be_v too_o nimble_a for_o we_o if_o we_o delay_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v we_o in_o this_o world_n my_o day_n say_v job_n be_v swister_n than_o a_o weaver_n shuttle_n 7._o job_n 7.6_o 7._o oh_o remember_v that_o my_o life_n be_v wind._n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n which_o denote_v the_o wonderful_a swiftness_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o life_n it_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o wing_n it_o make_v all_o possible_a haste_n to_o be_v go_v it_o keep_v pace_n with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n it_o be_v a_o wind_n say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o pass_v away_o 78.29_o psal_n 78.29_o and_o come_v not_o again_o our_o time_n be_v ever_o in_o motion_n and_o always_o keep_v the_o same_o speed_n what_o ever_o we_o be_v do_v the_o while_n and_o since_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n and_o that_o little_a however_o spend_v be_v always_o lessen_v and_o draw_v to_o a_o period_n it_o can_v be_v long_o ere_o the_o whole_a stock_n be_v exhaust_v though_o we_o shall_v husband_n it_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o live_v out_o which_o perhaps_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o do_v to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o possibility_n of_o live_v 4._o the_o shortness_n and_o instability_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o allusion_n to_o thing_n which_o be_v movable_a at_o pleasure_n imply_v that_o as_o short_a as_o the_o ordinary_a term_n of_o life_n be_v it_o be_v always_o subject_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o often_o lessen_v by_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o time_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n our_o life_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n and_o our_o body_n to_o tabernacle_n i._n e._n extempore_o house_n or_o receptacle_n that_o be_v present_o set_v up_o and_o take_v down_o or_o remove_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o owner_n and_o in_o this_o language_n hezechiah_n complain_v upon_o the_o sad_a tiding_n the_o prophet_n bring_v he_o of_o his_o approach_a death_n isa_n 38._o v._n 10_o 12._o i_o be_o deprive_v