to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n and_o foul_a deformity_n they_o be_v averse_a from_o know_v their_o duty_n and_o will_v not_o search_v lest_o they_o shall_v discover_v such_o terrible_a truth_n that_o cross_v their_o sensual_a humour_n the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o scoffer_n 5._o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n who_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o have_v power_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o consequent_o no_o judge_n to_o who_o man_n must_v be_v accountable_a for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o his_o law_n they_o assent_v to_o the_o most_o evident_a absurdity_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v and_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o tenor_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o willing_a ignorance_n be_v insinuate_v in_o the_o character_n that_o describe_v they_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n more_o secure_o free_o and_o joyful_o 2._o sensual_a lust_n do_v not_o only_o hinder_v man_n search_n after_o knowledge_n but_o obscure_a the_o light_n of_o conscience_n and_o corrupt_v its_o judgement_n there_o be_v such_o a_o intimate_a communion_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o interchangeable_o they_o corrupt_v one_o another_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n sink_v into_o the_o spirit_n and_o corrupt_v the_o moral_a principle_n from_o whence_o the_o sensible_a conscience_n spring_v of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o spirit_n infidelity_n incogitancy_n error_n security_n break_v out_o in_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o make_v the_o flesh_n more_o outrageous_a in_o its_o desire_n st._n paul_n declare_v that_o 15._o unto_o the_o defile_a and_o unbelieving_a nothing_o be_v pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v a_o purge_a heart_n be_v requisite_a for_o a_o clear_a mind_n but_o where_o lust_n dwell_v it_o taint_v and_o pervert_v the_o practical_a judgement_n from_o whence_o so_o many_o disorder_n follow_v in_o the_o life_n the_o natural_a conscience_n in_o many_o case_n in_o its_o simple_a judgement_n of_o thing_n sincere_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o what_o to_o be_v avoid_v but_o when_o compound_v and_o stain_v with_o a_o tincture_n of_o sensuality_n it_o judge_n according_a to_o the_o desire_n the_o rebellious_a israesites_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v describe_v it_o be_v a_o people_n that_o do_v err_v in_o 10._o their_o heart_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o erroneous_a fountain_n of_o all_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o forty_o year_n instruction_n can_v do_v they_o no_o good_a those_o who_o be_v give_v up_o to_o carnal_a delight_n and_o be_v in_o a_o confederacy_n with_o the_o gross_a sense_n even_o their_o directive_n and_o judge_a faculty_n be_v carnal_a in_o its_o apprehension_n a_o reprobate_a mind_n and_o vile_a affection_n be_v natural_o and_o judicial_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_v of_o one_o another_o even_o natural_a truth_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o bright_a as_o the_o essential_a distinction_n between_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o be_v inseparable_o connext_v with_o it_o yet_o through_o the_o perverseness_n and_o crookedness_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v strange_o darken_v man_n wish_v according_a to_o their_o carnal_a interest_n and_o what_o they_o wish_v they_o will_v fain_o believe_v and_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n every_o one_o do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o after-reckoning_n man_n will_v without_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n follow_v the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n therefore_o they_o be_v atheist_n in_o desire_n and_o if_o not_o scare_v by_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o throb_a conscience_n will_v be_v so_o in_o their_o thought_n the_o heathen_n cancel_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o transgress_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o duty_n and_o decorum_n they_o secure_o indulge_v those_o lust_n that_o be_v a_o derogation_n and_o debasement_n to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o make_v man_n below_o men._n the_o reason_n of_o this_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v their_o manner_n corrupt_v their_o mind_n st._n paul_n charge_v the_o ephesian_n not_o to_o walk_v 19_o as_o the_o other_o gentile_n in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v the_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v past_a feeling_n have_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n a_o dead_a conscience_n and_o a_o dissolute_a life_n be_v inseparable_a and_o how_o many_o that_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o celestial_a beam_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o impure_a and_o impenitent_a as_o those_o in_o the_o black_a night_n of_o paganism_n they_o stand_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n yet_o do_v not_o smell_v the_o brimstone_n that_o enrage_v the_o fire_n there_o the_o flame_n of_o their_o lust_n have_v fear_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o desperate_a degree_n of_o hardness_n and_o insensibility_n of_o such_o the_o apostle_n speak_v but_o these_o as_o natural_a 13._o brute_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o shall_v utter_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o shall_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o they_o that_o count_v it_o pleasure_n to_o riot_n in_o the_o day_n time_n spot_n they_o be_v and_o blemish_n sport_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n while_o they_o feast_v with_o you_o they_o violate_v all_o the_o prescription_n and_o restraint_n of_o natural_a reason_n they_o have_v lose_v all_o the_o ingenuous_a bashfulness_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o false_a licentious_a principle_n whereby_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v their_o enormous_a action_n and_o set_v a_o superficial_a gloss_n upon_o their_o foul_a deformity_n now_o a_o seduce_a and_o seduce_a mind_n make_v the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n most_o difficult_a whilst_o the_o judgement_n condemn_v what_o the_o affection_n approve_v man_n be_v not_o so_o invincible_o and_o irrecoverable_o lose_v the_o enlighten_v conscience_n be_v a_o earnest_n of_o their_o return_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v deceive_v the_o flesh_n always_o prevail_v and_o man_n be_v most_o dissolute_a corrupt_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a our_o saviour_n say_v if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n how_o disorderly_a and_o ruinous_a will_v the_o course_n be_v if_o the_o salt_n have_v lose_v its_o savour_n wherewith_o shall_v it_o be_v salt_v if_o the_o conscience_n that_o shall_v be_v as_o salt_n to_o preserve_v the_o soul_n from_o taint_v pleasure_n be_v corrupt_v wherewith_o can_v it_o be_v restore_v 3._o fleshly_a lust_n smother_v and_o suppress_v the_o dictate_v and_o testimony_n of_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o influential_a upon_o the_o life_n the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n be_v in_o a_o direct_a line_n instruct_v and_o advise_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n the_o testimony_n be_v by_o reflection_n upon_o their_o error_n from_o the_o divine_a rule_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o their_o gild_n 1._o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n be_v suppress_v it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o 3._o the_o philosopher_n concern_v sensual_a person_n that_o they_o have_v reason_n in_o the_o faculty_n and_o habit_n but_o not_o in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_n the_o practical_a understanding_n declare_v our_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o obey_v god_n and_o man_n assent_v to_o it_o in_o the_o general_a but_o when_o this_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o practice_n in_o particular_n that_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o the_o corrupt_a will_n lust_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o appear_v to_o check_v the_o sensual_a inclination_n whilst_o the_o mind_n seduce_v by_o the_o sense_n be_v intent_n upon_o the_o please_a object_n it_o do_v not_o actual_o and_o strong_o consider_v the_o divine_a command_n and_o conscience_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o control_n of_o the_o impetuous_a passion_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n discover_v that_o the_o bless_a beginning_n and_o the_o happy_a end_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o competition_n between_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n the_o carnal_a heart_n suppress_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o make_v a_o blindfold_a choice_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a as_o if_o man_n be_v all_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o spark_n of_o heaven_n within_o
the_o danger_n of_o prosperity_n discover_v in_o several_a sermon_n upon_o prov_n 1._o 27._o nihil_fw-la infaelicius_fw-la faelicitate_fw-la peccantium_fw-la qua_fw-la poenalis_fw-la nutritur_fw-la impunitas_fw-la &_o mala_fw-la voluntas_fw-la velut_fw-la interior_a hostess_fw-la roboratur_fw-la aug._n by_o william_n bates_n d._n d._n london_n print_v for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n mdclxxxv_o the_o preface_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v verify_v that_o none_o be_v expose_v to_o more_o dangerous_a trial_n than_o the_o prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n the_o great_a tempter_n have_v find_v the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n so_o insinuative_a and_o prevail_a with_o man_n that_o he_o attempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n expect_v by_o the_o pleasant_a prospect_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o their_o glory_n to_o have_v fasten_v a_o impression_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o taint_v his_o inviolable_a purity_n but_o he_o find_v nothing_o in_o our_o saviour_n not_o the_o least_o irregular_a inclination_n to_o his_o allurement_n and_o can_v work_v nothing_o upon_o he_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o man_n bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n in_o who_o there_o be_v a_o carnal_a heart_n the_o centre_n of_o apostasy_n and_o corruption_n that_o be_v easy_o entice_v and_o overcome_v by_o charm_a complacency_n prosperity_n be_v a_o disguise_a poison_n pleasant_a to_o the_o unwary_a sense_n but_o deadly_a in_o the_o operation_n and_o the_o more_o pernicious_a in_o the_o effect_n because_o less_o dangerous_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n the_o temptation_n of_o prosperity_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o favour_v by_o we_o that_o they_o give_v vigour_n to_o the_o inward_a enemy_n the_o sensual_a affection_n and_o boldness_n to_o the_o malicious_a tempter_n they_o foment_n the_o carnal_a appetite_n that_o defile_v and_o debase_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v the_o more_o rebellious_a and_o exorbitant_a the_o more_o they_o be_v gratify_v prosperity_n be_v the_o strong_a obstacle_n against_o the_o conversion_n and_o reformation_n of_o sinner_n whilst_o they_o be_v ply_v their_o various_a pleasure_n they_o have_v neither_o will_v nor_o leisure_n to_o advert_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n so_o reproachful_a and_o sting_a to_o they_o and_o many_o time_n prosperity_n stupefy_v conscience_n that_o man_n be_v fearless_a of_o divine_a judgement_n involve_v in_o sensual_a security_n they_o will_v not_o reverence_v and_o obey_v god_n authority_n till_o they_o feel_v his_o power_n they_o abuse_v his_o blessing_n to_o pride_n and_o vanity_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o be_v harden_v in_o their_o impenitence_n die_v with_o the_o deep_a tincture_n of_o ingratitude_n they_o drive_v on_o through_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n till_o death_n put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o lusts._n how_o destructive_a how_o penal_a be_v prosperity_n to_o such_o graceless_a soul_n when_o god_n rain_v snare_n upon_o the_o wicked_a when_o the_o affluence_n of_o this_o world_n be_v abuse_v to_o satisfy_v their_o vicious_a desire_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a forerunner_n of_o the_o shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o the_o horrible_a tempest_n that_o shall_v overwhelm_v they_o at_o last_o other_o in_o prosperity_n be_v not_o open_o profane_a and_o bold_o vicious_a yet_o be_v corrupt_v and_o insensible_o destroy_v by_o it_o they_o overvalue_v and_o over-delight_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o a_o opiniative_a felicity_n in_o their_o present_a state_n they_o enjoy_v the_o world_n with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n and_o less_o sensuality_n than_o the_o riotous_a and_o luxurious_a but_o their_o conversation_n with_o so_o many_o charm_a object_n alienates_v they_o from_o god_n they_o do_v not_o sanctify_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n place_v their_o high_a esteem_n upon_o his_o most_o amiable_a excellency_n and_o their_o dear_a delight_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o they_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o sour_a severity_n and_o count_v nothing_o delightful_a but_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o fleshly_a affection_n a_o deceit_n like_o that_o of_o a_o sick_a person_n who_o feel_v no_o pleasure_n but_o in_o the_o easy_a interval_n between_o his_o fit_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o distemper_n shall_v imagine_v that_o if_o he_o be_v free_v from_o his_o disease_n he_o shall_v lose_v all_o pleasure_n whereas_o the_o delight_n of_o health_n be_v more_o full_a and_o durable_a the_o angel_n be_v uncapable_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n their_o happiness_n arise_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o good_a not_o the_o allay_v of_o evil._n the_o beast_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o remedy_n of_o natural_a evil_n hunger_n thirst_v weariness_n or_o accidental_a evil_n disease_n and_o pain_n and_o many_o be_v so_o sottish_o deceive_v as_o to_o prefer_v brutish_a pleasure_n that_o affect_v the_o sense_n before_o angelical_a joy_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n of_o a_o unrenewed_a heart_n and_o a_o heavy_a presage_v of_o future_a misery_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v our_o everlasting_a joy_n in_o heaven_n if_o he_o be_v not_o our_o exceed_a joy_n upon_o the_o earth_n other_o surround_v with_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v neither_o thankful_a to_o their_o divine_a benefactor_n nor_o careful_a to_o employ_v their_o prosperity_n and_o power_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o law_n of_o mercy_n require_v a_o solemn_a affectionate_a recognition_n of_o god_n benefit_n but_o the_o current_n of_o prosperity_n drown_v their_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o incogitant_fw-la practical_a atheism_n be_v as_o destructive_a as_o absolute_a and_o speculative_a and_o how_o many_o by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o possess_v with_o dominion_n what_o they_o receive_v in_o trust_n they_o may_v be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n and_o if_o their_o heart_n be_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n be_v fruitful_a as_o paradise_n but_o be_v as_o barren_a as_o the_o sand_n of_o africa_n they_o be_v in_o a_o mighty_a debt_n for_o so_o many_o receive_a blessing_n for_o which_o their_o account_n will_v be_v heavy_a and_o undo_n with_o the_o high_a lord_n these_o and_o many_o other_o consideration_n make_v it_o evident_a how_o dangerous_a prosperity_n be_v to_o the_o most_o that_o enjoy_v it_o here_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o point_n of_o high_a and_o holy_a wisdom_n how_o to_o manage_v prosperity_n so_o as_o to_o avoid_v the_o impendant_fw-la evil_n that_o usual_o follow_v it_o and_o to_o improve_v it_o for_o our_o eternal_a advantage_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a treatise_n and_o humble_o recommend_v to_o the_o divine_a blessing_n from_o one_o who_o most_o unfeigned_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n w._n b._n the_o danger_n of_o prosperity_n prov_n 1._o 32._o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v introduce_v in_o a_o very_a elegant_a and_o pathetical_a manner_n reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o miserable_a error_n to_o partake_v of_o light_n and_o felicity_n the_o address_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o with_o upbraid_n and_o indignation_n at_o their_o folly_n and_o with_o tender_a compassion_n for_o their_o ruin_n how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o incarnate_a wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o 5._o he_o look_v on_o the_o pharisee_n with_o anger_n be_v grieve_v at_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n we_o have_v also_o express_v a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o their_o conversion_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n and_o that_o be_v second_v by_o a_o gracious_a promise_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o you_o to_o illuminate_v and_o conduct_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n but_o for_o their_o stupid_a obstinacy_n in_o despise_v the_o counsel_n and_o reject_v the_o reproof_n of_o wisdom_n they_o be_v surprise_v with_o utter_a destruction_n this_o be_v describe_v with_o that_o train_n of_o kill_a circumstance_n that_o be_v the_o most_o forcible_a excitation_n timely_a to_o prevent_v that_o evil_a which_o neglect_v will_v be_v remediless_a because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v 29._o i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v i_o will_v also_o 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 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 on_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 for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o despise_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o distress_n they_o supplicate_v for_o mercy_n but_o as_o they_o be_v unchanged_a notwithstanding_o
he_o the_o heathen_n be_v charge_v by_o st_n paul_n that_o they_o with_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n the_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o to_o be_v obey_v according_a to_o his_o law_n impress_v upon_o conscience_n be_v a_o natural_a truth_n and_o shall_v have_v reign_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o exert_v its_o power_n in_o order_v their_o action_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a miracle_n see_v in_o egypt_n every_o year_n when_o the_o river_n nilus_n overflow_v the_o plain_n many_o live_a creature_n be_v half_o form_v and_o part_n remain_v slimy_a earth_n without_o life_n or_o motion_n altera_fw-la pars_fw-la vivit_fw-la rudis_fw-la est_fw-la pars_fw-la altera_fw-la tellus_fw-la such_o monster_n be_v the_o ungodly_a and_o unrighteous_a heathen_n half_a man_n in_o their_o understanding_n and_o half_a mud_n in_o their_o filthy_a affection_n and_o there_o be_v innumerable_a such_o monster_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n 2._o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n be_v suppress_v and_o neglect_v by_o the_o prosperous_a sinner_n if_o conscience_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n righteous_a and_o faithful_a in_o its_o office_n and_o reprove_v he_o and_o set_v his_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o his_o eye_n he_o will_v not_o regard_v its_o earnest_a warning_n he_o be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v that_o sincere_a witness_n in_o his_o bosom_n as_o ahab_n be_v the_o inflexible_a prophet_n micaiah_n of_o who_o he_o say_v i_o hate_v he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o prophesy_v good_a of_o i_o but_o evil._n prosperity_n afford_v many_o diversion_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n shift_v off_o converse_v with_o conscience_n and_o remain_v engage_v in_o his_o sinful_a state_n i_o hearken_v and_o hear_v say_v the_o prophet_n jeremy_n but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v what_o foul_a ignominious_a act_n how_o defile_v and_o debase_v my_o soul_n how_o offensive_a to_o the_o pure_a eye_n of_o god_n who_o be_v so_o glorious_a in_o majesty_n and_o dreadful_a in_o power_n such_o a_o sight_n of_o sin_n will_v make_v the_o conscience_n boil_v and_o chill_v the_o passion_n and_o urge_v sinner_n to_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n but_o whilst_o they_o prosper_v they_o be_v obstinate_a in_o rebellion_n every_o one_o turn_v to_o his_o course_n as_o the_o horse_n rush_n into_o the_o battle_n as_o the_o horse_n when_o inflame_v by_o the_o noise_n and_o other_o accident_n of_o war_n furious_o rush_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n thus_o sinner_n when_o they_o encounter_v allure_a object_n that_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o serious_a consideration_n either_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v or_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o danger_n before_o they_o and_o with_o as_o little_a consideration_n and_o as_o much_o fierceness_n as_o the_o beast_n venture_v upon_o their_o own_o destruction_n conversion_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o sad_a thought_n from_o which_o a_o prosperous_a sinner_n be_v most_o averse_a 2._o the_o external_a mean_n for_o convert_v sinner_n be_v usual_o ineffectual_a upon_o they_o whilst_o they_o enjoy_v prosperity_n 1._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o be_v by_o divine_a institution_n the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n god_n can_v by_o the_o immediate_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n convert_v sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n but_o his_o wisdom_n and_o condescend_v goodness_n make_v use_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n to_o convey_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o life_n to_o the_o world_n this_o way_n be_v very_o congruous_a both_o to_o the_o compound_a nature_n of_o man_n by_o the_o sense_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o native_a freedom_n of_o his_o will_n for_o though_o the_o supernatural_a agent_n infallible_o change_v the_o heart_n yet_o the_o instrument_n can_v only_o direct_v and_o persuade_v man_n as_o those_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o intellectual_a and_o elective_a faculty_n and_o thus_o the_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v insinuate_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o minister_n be_v style_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n to_o discover_v to_o man_n their_o undo_a condition_n by_o sin_n and_o to_o point_v out_o the_o way_n to_o their_o everlasting_a peace_n our_o bless_a redeemer_n save_v the_o lose_a remnant_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o evangelical_n preacher_n send_v or_o only_o a_o doleful_a succession_n of_o blind_a guide_n what_o calet_fw-la tertullian_n say_v of_o scythia_n a_o country_n that_o by_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o cold_a be_v hard_a and_o dry_a and_o perpetual_o barren_a but_o the_o residence_n of_o fierce_a cruelty_n be_v applicable_a to_o a_o nation_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v freeze_v to_o their_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o melt_v in_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n no_o holy_a heat_n only_o their_o brutish_a lust_n be_v ardent_a and_o active_a but_o where_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n be_v faithful_a and_o zealous_a to_o induce_v sinner_n to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n there_o be_v none_o more_o uncapable_a of_o the_o sanctify_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o sinner_n in_o prosperity_n 1._o pride_n the_o vice_n of_o prosperity_n make_v they_o fierce_a and_o stubborn_a against_o the_o holy_a and_o strict_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n we_o will_v not_o 17._o hearken_v to_o thou_o but_o will_v certain_o do_v whatsoever_o go_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n if_o a_o faithful_a minister_n represent_v the_o inside_n of_o their_o foul_a soul_n their_o uncomely_a passion_n be_v raise_v against_o he_o if_o he_o recommend_v the_o earnest_a study_n of_o holiness_n and_o godliness_n they_o entertain_v his_o counsel_n with_o derision_n and_o disdain_n those_o to_o who_o the_o dear_a and_o most_o affectionate_a honour_n be_v due_a be_v spiritual_a father_n and_o physician_n be_v despise_v in_o their_o person_n and_o office_n by_o fool_n in_o their_o prosperity_n they_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o affect_v not_o to_o understand_v what_o condemn_v they_o they_o hear_v sermon_n to_o censure_n and_o censure_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v trouble_v by_o they_o what_o hope_n be_v there_o of_o reduce_v haughty_a scorner_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o the_o miracle_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v without_o success_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n who_o hear_v and_o deride_v he_o if_o such_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o not_o disarm_v of_o their_o pride_n and_o selfwill_a they_o refuse_v to_o yield_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n meekness_n be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o its_o save_a virtue_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n and_o with_o meekness_n to_o receive_v the_o engraft_a word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n we_o be_v prepare_v for_o divine_a grace_n by_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o our_o want_n of_o it_o and_o earnest_a desire_n to_o obtain_v it_o he_o fill_v the_o hungry_a with_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o rich_a he_o send_v empty_a away_o none_o be_v so_o insensible_a of_o their_o spiritual_a want_n and_o aver_v from_o the_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o as_o the_o prosperous_a sinner_n and_o none_o more_o unlikely_a to_o obtain_v spiritual_a riches_n 2._o infidelity_n that_o be_v occasion_v and_o confirm_v by_o prosperity_n in_o sin_n render_v the_o gospel_n ineffectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_v the_o jew_n 2._o not_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n without_o it_o motive_n of_o the_o high_a strain_n be_v ineffectual_a eternal_a thing_n be_v not_o within_o the_o prospect_n of_o sense_n and_o though_o set_v forth_o with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o enforce_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n of_o affection_n yet_o the_o son_n of_o darkness_n sleep_v profound_o in_o their_o sin_n if_o heaven_n with_o its_o joy_n and_o glory_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o most_o affect_a manner_n it_o have_v no_o more_o efficacy_n to_o move_v they_o than_o charm_a music_n to_o awaken_v one_o out_o of_o a_o lethargy_n only_o violent_a remedy_n bleed_a scarify_n and_o burn_v be_v proper_a and_o powerful_a for_o his_o recovery_n if_o they_o be_v warn_v that_o the_o everlasting_a king_n will_v short_o open_v the_o cloud_n and_o come_v with_o terrible_a majesty_n to_o the_o universal_a judgement_n and_o require_v a_o account_n for_o his_o abuse_a mercy_n
enquiry_n for_o what_o end_n be_o i_o create_v for_o what_o do_v i_o consume_v my_o time_n if_o my_o endeavour_n be_v all_o for_o the_o earth_n what_o remain_v for_o heaven_n what_o do_v i_o prepare_v what_o shall_v attend_v i_o what_o shall_v i_o meet_v in_o the_o next_o state_n how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v before_o i_o must_v leave_v this_o visible_a world_n and_o after_o the_o irrevocable_a step_n into_o the_o next_o immediate_o appear_v before_o the_o enlighten_v tribunal_n of_o god_n who_o judgement_n be_v so_o strict_a that_o the_o righteous_a be_v scarce_o save_v and_o so_o heavy_a that_o the_o strong_a sinner_n can_v endure_v can_v the_o world_n prevent_v my_o doom_n to_o hell_n or_o release_v i_o from_o it_o will_v the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n here_o afford_v any_o refreshment_n in_o everlasting_a burn_n by_o such_o sad_a and_o frequent_a soliloquy_n the_o vicious_a sensual_a affection_n be_v eradicate_v and_o the_o heart_n be_v transplant_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n if_o man_n will_v wise_o ponder_v thing_n if_o conscience_n the_o sincere_a and_o unsuspected_a judge_n do_v hold_v the_o balance_n and_o put_v into_o one_o scale_n the_o glory_n the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o into_o the_o other_o the_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o godliness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o how_o despicable_o light_n will_v they_o be_v find_v it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o false_a scarlet_n appear_v with_o lustre_n till_o compare_v with_o the_o rich_a and_o true_a so_o the_o fictitious_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n be_v very_o specious_a and_o ravish_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n till_o compare_v with_o celestial_a felicity_n worldly_n honour_n be_v counterfeit_a because_o it_o be_v no_o certain_a argument_n of_o inherent_a worth_n vainglory_n and_o real_a infamy_n often_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o person_n yet_o it_o be_v admire_v and_o ambitious_o seek_v till_o compare_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v a_o reputation_n and_o honour_n with_o the_o worm_n and_o mole_n of_o the_o earth_n compare_v with_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o other_o bless_a spirit_n above_o who_o incomparable_o exceed_v all_o mortal_n in_o number_n and_o infinite_o in_o understanding_n what_o be_v a_o vanish_v shadow_n of_o reputation_n against_o a_o eternal_a inestimable_a weight_n of_o glory_n what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n gold_n and_o silver_n and_o jewel_n for_o gain_v of_o which_o so_o many_o lose_v their_o soul_n but_o vile_a trash_n compare_v with_o the_o sacred_a treasure_n of_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o empty_a delight_n of_o the_o sense_n compare_v with_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o can_v sweeten_v all_o our_o sorrow_n here_o and_o the_o fullness_n of_o joy_n that_o spring_v from_o god_n presence_n in_o heaven_n if_o man_n will_v make_v judicious_a comparison_n their_o affection_n will_v cool_v towards_o perish_v vanity_n but_o they_o will_v only_o look_v upon_o what_o be_v pleasant_a and_o attractive_a in_o the_o world_n without_o regard_v its_o miserable_a defect_n without_o consider_v what_o be_v infinite_o better_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o their_o ardent_a desire_n and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n they_o be_v so_o please_v with_o their_o error_n so_o engage_v in_o the_o sweet_a captivity_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v extricate_v themselves_o if_o they_o will_v because_o they_o will_v not_o if_o they_o can_v 2._o it_o be_v a_o culpable_a and_o guilty_a folly_n when_o child_n prefer_v thing_n of_o lustre_n before_o thing_n of_o value_n their_o childish_a toy_n before_o real_a treasure_n when_o they_o choose_v a_o little_a present_a enjoyment_n before_o a_o future_a good_a that_o be_v incomparable_o better_a their_o folly_n be_v innocent_a because_o reason_n can_v display_v its_o operation_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n who_o be_v capable_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v and_o temporal_a and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v and_o eternal_a when_o they_o sottish_o prefer_v sensible_a thing_n before_o spiritual_a notwithstanding_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o both_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o duration_n their_o choice_n be_v so_o criminal_a as_o deserve_v a_o everlasting_a hell_n if_o esau_n have_v be_v a_o child_n when_o he_o sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o a_o mess_n of_o pottage_n his_o folly_n have_v be_v excuse_v for_o he_o be_v compel_v by_o hunger_n and_o the_o glorious_a dignity_n of_o the_o birthright_n be_v disproportionate_a to_o his_o appetite_n and_o understanding_n but_o in_o his_o mature_a age_n when_o capable_a to_o understand_v his_o interest_n to_o part_v with_o so_o sacred_a and_o precious_a a_o advantage_n for_o a_o little_a sensual_a satisfaction_n be_v so_o profane_a a_o act_n that_o he_o be_v just_o deprive_v of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o birthright_n that_o beast_n be_v whole_o lead_v by_o their_o sensual_a appetity_n be_v natural_a and_o regular_a their_o voracity_n and_o cruelty_n folly_n and_o filthiness_n envy_n and_o fury_n be_v not_o vicious_a passion_n because_o sense_n be_v the_o superior_a faculty_n in_o they_o but_o when_o man_n be_v so_o brutish_a that_o the_o object_n that_o please_v their_o eye_n and_o carnal_a sense_n be_v the_o only_a attractive_n of_o their_o affection_n it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o monstrous_a because_o reason_n shall_v have_v the_o supremacy_n in_o they_o if_o a_o woman_n remain_v in_o a_o single_a state_n she_o have_v power_n over_o her_o action_n and_o may_v free_o govern_v herself_o but_o if_o marry_a be_v subordinate_a to_o her_o husband_n and_o disobedience_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o prudent_a counsel_n be_v culpable_a the_o body_n consider_v as_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o sense_n have_v natural_a appetite_n and_o may_v enjoy_v what_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n but_o unite_v with_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n that_o be_v stamp_v with_o the_o live_a image_n of_o god_n its_o desire_n must_v be_v limit_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o please_a of_o sense_n in_o action_n forbid_v by_o the_o mind_n be_v rebellion_n against_o the_o roll_a faculty_n if_o one_o be_v under_o a_o disease_n that_o wine_n inflame_v and_o increase_v and_o the_o physician_n forbid_v it_o as_o deadly_a yet_o the_o patient_n will_v judge_v only_o by_o his_o pallate_n whether_o wine_n be_v good_a for_o he_o be_v it_o not_o a_o kind_n of_o brutishness_n worthy_a of_o the_o evil_a that_o attend_v it_o such_o perverse_a folly_n be_v man_n guilty_a of_o in_o their_o sensual_a satisfaction_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v unspeakable_o wrong_v and_o god_n high_o dishonour_v who_o have_v give_v to_o man_n a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n that_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o thing_n not_o as_o they_o appear_v but_o as_o they_o be_v 3._o it_o be_v the_o most_o ignominious_a folly_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o debase_v excellence_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n in_o man_n and_o nothing_o bring_v a_o great_a disreputation_n to_o he_o than_o when_o he_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o ignorance_n or_o inconsiderateness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o delusion_n be_v most_o shameful_a in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o exchange_v his_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o angelical_a eminence_n for_o transitory_a vanity_n o_o folly_n how_o enormous_a how_o astonish_a the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o as_o the_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n of_o soul_n perfect_o know_v their_o worth_n put_v the_o question_n so_o as_o to_o imply_v the_o strong_a denial_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o purchase_n and_o the_o value_n of_o the_o loss_n be_v such_o that_o no_o man_n conscious_a of_o his_o immortality_n in_o the_o next_o state_n but_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a loser_n and_o prodigious_a fool_n that_o gain_v the_o world_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a tacit_fw-la german_n that_o in_o their_o commerce_n with_o the_o roman_n receive_v silver_n for_o their_o amber_n that_o have_v no_o virtue_n but_o to_o draw_v straw_n to_o it_o they_o be_v amaze_v at_o the_o price_n and_o certain_o the_o great_a tempter_n can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o foolish_a exchange_n that_o man_n make_v in_o give_v their_o immortal_a soul_n to_o he_o for_o perish_a vanity_n and_o have_v this_o scornful_a advantage_n will_v much_o more_o upbraid_v they_o hereafter_o than_o ever_o he_o allure_v they_o here_o the_o shame_n that_o attend_v this_o folly_n be_v sometime_o feel_v