the_o danger_n of_o the_o night_n past_a god_n careful_a watch_v over_o we_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o lengthen_v out_o our_o opportunity_n for_o repentance_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o better_a life_n ought_v certain_o to_o bring_v we_o upon_o our_o knee_n in_o humble_a adoration_n of_o that_o good_a god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n in_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o future_a and_o devout_a oblation_n of_o our_o whole_a self_n and_o our_o whole_a time_n to_o his_o service_n who_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n and_o health_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o since_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n without_o he_o to_o beg_v his_o bless_a presence_n with_o we_o that_o he_o will_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o will_v guide_v and_o protect_v we_o and_o bless_v and_o prosper_v our_o honest_a undertake_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o watch_v over_o we_o for_o good_a that_o we_o may_v be_v undefiled_a by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n and_o look_v back_o with_o comfort_n upon_o our_o action_n when_o we_o cast_v up_o our_o account_n at_o night_n 2._o as_o for_o our_o midday_n devotion_n because_o we_o be_v then_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n beset_v on_o every_o side_n with_o allurement_n to_o do_v evil_a it_o will_v high_o concern_v we_o afresh_o to_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o support_v that_o we_o may_v stand_v upright_o if_o we_o have_v pass_v secure_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o day_n it_o become_v we_o to_o pay_v our_o humble_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o divine_a guardian_n and_o guide_n and_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v it_o become_v we_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o confess_v our_o vileness_n and_o deprecate_v god_n anger_n and_o beg_v his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o circumspect_a the_o remainder_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o wonderful_a order_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o variety_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n god_n have_v make_v for_o all_o our_o necessity_n will_v then_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o engage_v our_o thought_n and_o will_v minister_v abundant_a matter_n for_o devotion_n and_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o fill_v our_o breast_n with_o holy_a breathe_n and_o aspiration_n towards_o that_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o power_n infinite_a who_o by_o his_o word_n speak_v all_o this_o into_o be_v 3._o and_o for_o prayer_n at_o evening_n our_o protection_n from_o the_o many_o evil_a accident_n and_o the_o many_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o day_n past_a the_o miscarriage_n likewise_o and_o failures_n of_o it_o if_o no_o worse_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o approach_a night_n be_v sufficient_a motive_n and_o engagement_n to_o renew_v our_o devout_a address_n to_o the_o almighty_a and_o as_o private_a prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v thus_o constant_a and_o without_o wilful_a intermission_n so_o and_o more_o especial_o no_o opportunity_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n shall_v be_v omit_v for_o this_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o and_o primary_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o write_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n most_o part_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v spend_v in_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a management_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o the_o command_n of_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o place_n and_o that_o ephes_n 6.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o every_o opportunity_n must_v primary_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a as_o any_o capable_a person_n may_v perceive_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o according_o those_o convert_v make_v by_o s._n peter_n act_v 2.42_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o v._o 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n we_o find_v they_o all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n act_v 2.1_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o iniquity_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o begin_v to_o wax_v cold_a but_o methinks_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o these_o public_a devotion_n above_o the_o private_a shall_v have_v some_o influence_n upon_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o constant_a attendance_n at_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v express_o promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n there_o and_o that_o the_o prayer_n there_o offer_v shall_v be_v successful_a thus_o matt._n 18.19_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o church_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v there_o who_o happy_a employment_n be_v to_o admire_v adore_v and_o extol_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o as_o there_o so_o here_o the_o devotion_n of_o other_o will_v raise_v our_o affection_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n quicken_v our_o devotion_n to_o which_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n by_o pious_a example_n and_o devout_a behaviour_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o close_a of_o those_o public_a office_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n think_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o mean_a regard_n whatever_o low_a thought_n man_n nowadays_o may_v have_v of_o it_o to_o this_o head_n of_o public_a prayer_n may_v be_v reduce_v the_o assemble_v of_o a_o family_n together_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o joint_a petition_n to_o god_n whether_o by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o family_n or_o by_o some_o minister_n of_o religion_n if_o present_a and_o this_o have_v be_v a_o practice_n of_o very_o long_o stand_v and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n it_o keep_v a_o family_n in_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o accustom_n youth_n to_o it_o betimes_o and_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o mark_v and_o imitate_v their_o parent_n and_o master_n step_v more_o than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o young_a people_n will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v those_o of_o who_o prudence_n and_o experience_n they_o have_v a_o opinion_n so_o serious_o set_v about_o it_o the_o return_v of_o these_o family-devotion_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n ought_v not_o without_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o they_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v people_n more_o industrious_a and_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n as_o keep_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n a_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o a_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o prevent_v abundance_n of_o folly_n and_o levity_n and_o looseness_n of_o manner_n and_o make_v the_o day_n sober_a and_o honest_a and_o the_o night_n innocent_a and_o chaste_a and_o this_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a difference_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v between_o family_n where_o this_o holy_a custom_n be_v and_o be_v not_o observe_v idleness_n and_o laziness_n pilfer_v and_o cheat_v swear_v and_o lie_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n of_o all_o sort_n general_o where_o it_o be_v neglect_v and_o good_a order_n modesty_n and_o sobriety_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o it_o be_v observe_v for_o it_o tend_v so_o much_o as_o it_o evident_o do_v to_o the_o make_v man_n good_a christian_n it_o consequent_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v they_o good_a in_o every_o relation_n these_o solemn_a family_n devotion_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a preparation_n for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o the_o more_o public_a office_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n for_o they_o tend_v to_o create_v that_o habitual_a seriousness_n
practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o prayer_n annex_v to_o each_o discourse_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la libros_fw-la plures_fw-la à _fw-it pluribus_n fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it non_fw-la diversâ_fw-la fide_fw-la etiam_fw-la de_fw-la quaestionibus_fw-la jisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la perveniat_fw-la augustin_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o imprimatur_fw-la sept._n 27._o 1693._o guil._n lancaster_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n ep._n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1694._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n lord_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n my_o lord_n i_o humble_o beg_v your_o lordship_n favourable_a acceptance_n of_o this_o address_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o public_a expression_n of_o the_o great_a veneration_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n and_o of_o the_o grateful_a sense_n i_o retain_v of_o the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n you_o have_v hitherto_o be_v please_v to_o show_v i_o since_o your_o happy_a accession_n to_o this_o see_n i_o do_v not_o can_v think_v this_o a_o present_a worthy_a of_o your_o lordship_n but_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o discourse_n in_o hope_n that_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o dress_n they_o appear_v in_o may_v incline_v some_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o who_o seldom_o take_v notice_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o in_o the_o usual_a garb_n i_o can_v not_o but_o dedicate_v they_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o my_o diocesan_n and_o as_o a_o account_n in_o part_n how_o i_o discharge_v my_o duty_n in_o my_o cure_n under_o your_o lordship_n inspection_n and_o government_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o publication_n i_o be_o sure_a your_o lordship_n will_v not_o disapprove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o therefore_o beg_v your_o lordship_n blessing_n and_o your_o prayer_n that_o these_o my_o well-meant_a endeavour_n however_o otherwise_o deficient_a may_v be_v successful_a to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o your_o lordship_n eminent_a worth_n as_o well_o as_o station_n i_o be_o and_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o care_n to_o approve_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n dutiful_a and_o humble_a servant_n fr._n bragge_n the_o preface_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o in_o a_o familiar_a way_n teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useful_a undertake_n to_o discourse_n practical_o upon_o they_o and_o by_o explain_v they_o and_o enforce_v the_o sense_n couch_v under_o they_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v the_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o great_a master_n jesus_n and_o in_o a_o industrious_a provision_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n themselves_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n why_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o speak_v in_o that_o mystical_a manner_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n which_o his_o own_o disciple_n ask_v he_o after_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o first_o parable_n of_o a_o sour_a they_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o say_v why_o speak_v thou_o unto_o they_o in_o parable_n matt._n 13.10_o to_o this_o our_o lord_n give_v a_o double_a answer_n in_o the_o 11_o and_o follow_a verse_n thus_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n because_o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o my_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n who_o heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a or_o obdurate_a and_o obstinate_a and_o their_o ear_n dull_a of_o hear_v and_o who_o have_v close_v or_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n that_o i_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_n they_o to_o such_o as_o these_o as_o very_o unworthy_a of_o the_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o have_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o only_o mystical_o and_o covert_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o former_a plain_a discourse_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o their_o averseness_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o miracle_n he_o do_v and_o blasphemous_a attribute_v his_o cast_n out_o a_o devil_n from_o one_o possess_v who_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o this_o strange_a obduracy_n of_o they_o that_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o more_o obscure_a way_n of_o instruct_v they_o than_o he_o before_o have_v use_v and_o which_o new_a practice_n of_o he_o be_v a_o tacit_n intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o and_o do_v threaten_v a_o total_a concealment_n of_o those_o glad_a tiding_n from_o they_o which_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v unto_o the_o world_n if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o st._n matthew_n record_v of_o our_o lord_n discourse_n before_o this_o 13_o chapter_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o the_o usual_a manner_n till_o the_o pharisee_n with_o hellish_a malice_n will_v disparage_v the_o great_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v upon_o the_o possess_a man_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o art-magick_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o that_o time_n after_o confound_a that_o objection_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o perverseness_n and_o great_a obstinacy_n he_o very_o frequent_o express_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n in_o his_o public_a discourse_n and_o afterward_o in_o private_a explain_v all_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o do_v verse_n 12._o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v he_o that_o upon_o my_o former_a plain_n and_o open_a instruction_n have_v believe_v and_o obey_v i_o shall_v have_v still_o more_o and_o more_o as_o plain_a manifestation_n make_v to_o he_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o what_o be_v then_o so_o clear_o make_v know_v to_o he_o but_o continue_v still_o faithless_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v deprive_v of_o that_o full_a light_n and_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v afford_v only_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o it_o and_o behold_v it_o as_o through_o a_o veil_n a_o punishment_n this_o have_v they_o understand_v it_o very_o great_a and_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o embrace_v that_o heavenly_a discipline_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o that_o eclipse_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n be_v a_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o that_o eternal_a night_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v unless_o they_o speedy_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o admonition_n to_o we_o likewise_o to_o fear_n und_fw-ge tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n lest_o we_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n lest_o we_o so_o long_o reject_v that_o light_n which_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o as_o to_o become_v utter_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v quite_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o outer_a darkness_n at_o last_o become_v our_o portion_n this_o be_v one_o reason_n our_o lord_n give_v of_o his_o speak_n to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n at_o their_o harden_a infidelity_n there_o be_v another_o and_o that_o a_o very_a merciful_a one_o as_o respect_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n not_o malicious_o faulty_a as_o those_o beforementioned_a but_o chief_o to_o blame_v for_o
divine_a love_n and_o philanthropy_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o see_v they_o love_v and_o compassionate_a one_o another_o according_a to_o his_o glorious_a example_n we_o be_v infinite_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v his_o pity_n and_o forgiveness_n towards_o we_o in_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o fellow-servant_n further_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v forgive_v so_o vast_a a_o debt_n as_o that_o which_o miserable_a sinner_n owe_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v questionless_a bind_v and_o that_o with_o the_o strict_a tie_n to_o love_v he_o infinite_o again_o but_o now_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o 21._o that_o he_o that_o love_v god_n must_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o yet_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o say_v chap._n 3.17_o he_o that_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o his_o brother_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v our_o good_a god_n who_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o numberless_a iniquity_n so_o much_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o manifest_v that_o our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o be_v pitiful_a and_o gentle_a to_o our_o brethren_n that_o have_v injure_v we_o and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v they_o for_o so_o say_v our_o lord_n shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o so_o shall_v you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o doubtless_o that_o wicked_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n have_v not_o so_o due_a a_o apprehension_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v great_a compassion_n to_o he_o nor_o so_o grateful_a a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v who_o can_v immediate_o forget_v the_o miserable_a condition_n he_o be_v so_o late_o in_o himself_o and_o how_o much_o he_o dread_v lest_o his_o lord_n shall_v rigid_o exact_v his_o great_a debt_n of_o he_o and_o how_o importunate_o he_o beg_v that_o he_o will_v have_v patience_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o use_v so_o much_o cruelty_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n for_o a_o debt_n very_o inconsiderable_a he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o such_o barbarity_n will_v be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o compassionate_a temper_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n to_o imitate_v his_o lord_n example_n and_o not_o immediate_o act_v what_o will_v be_v so_o displease_v to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o case_n god_n be_v love_n and_o have_v wondrous_o manifest_v his_o love_n in_o forgive_a we_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n and_o because_o it_o will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o be_v that_o all_o to_o imitate_v that_o his_o charity_n and_o mutual_o to_o love_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o but_o when_o beside_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a command_n for_o it_o mat._n 5.44_o and_o luk._n 6.37_o and_o that_o not_o until_o seven_o time_n only_o but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o this_o parable_n as_o much_o as_o man_n be_v oblige_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n their_o saviour_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v injury_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n second_o our_o obligation_n be_v very_o great_a to_o imitate_v god_n compassionate_a example_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o self_n for_o it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o much_o as_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o quiet_a and_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o of_o his_o own_o soul_n too_o in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o much_o be_v every_o man_n bind_v not_o to_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a but_o of_o a_o temper_n ready_a to_o forgive_v for_o however_o sweet_a revenge_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o malicious_a spirit_n in_o the_o execution_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o mind_n very_o uneasy_a before_o it_o be_v execute_v and_o bring_v great_a calamity_n along_o with_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v the_o most_o base_a devilish_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o fiend_n incarnate_a whereas_o a_o aptness_n to_o forgive_v be_v a_o godlike_a disposition_n for_o god_n be_v love_n the_o spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o as_o his_o happiness_n be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o those_o who_o resemble_v he_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a of_o those_o perfection_n must_v needs_o likewise_o enjoy_v a_o great_a share_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o inward_a bliss_n but_o if_o god_n be_v the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o forgiveness_n how_o groundless_a be_v the_o usual_a objection_n against_o this_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o betray_v a_o mean_a servile_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o below_o a_o gentleman_n can_v any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o that_o in_o his_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n too_o if_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v rather_o the_o most_o noble_a generous_a action_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n likewise_o of_o end_v strife_n and_o overcome_v our_o adversary_n by_o render_v good_a for_o evil._n it_o ease_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o great_a disquietude_n that_o constant_o attend_v desire_n of_o revenge_n it_o prevent_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o follow_v it_o such_o as_o fresh_a injury_n from_o the_o party_n we_o revenge_v ourselves_o upon_o if_o we_o leave_v he_o his_o life_n and_o the_o stroke_n of_o justice_n if_o we_o pursue_v he_o to_o the_o death_n but_o beside_o these_o evil_a consequence_n of_o revenge_n and_o many_o other_o which_o forgiveness_n prevent_v there_o be_v more_o true_a pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o than_o in_o that_o of_o revenge_n for_o however_o the_o devil_n may_v hurry_v man_n on_o in_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o revenge_n and_o flatter_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o it_o be_v perfect_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a horror_n and_o aversion_n to_o it_o from_o within_o which_o as_o it_o be_v pulls_z back_o the_o hand_n when_o go_v to_o strike_v or_o what_o other_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v express_v endeavour_n to_o hinder_v it_o and_o make_v the_o heart_n recoil_v and_o repent_v of_o the_o undertake_n and_o execute_v it_o with_o tremble_a and_o misgiving_n of_o soul_n and_o immediate_o after_o come_v dire_a foreboding_n of_o the_o venge_v ance_n of_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v and_o a_o kind_a of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n but_o forgiveness_n be_v attend_v with_o applause_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o reason_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n quite_o throughout_o the_o action_n and_o when_o it_o be_v complete_v no_o man_n can_v express_v the_o silent_a joy_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o it_o seem_v a_o foretaste_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n even_o that_o part_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o impracticable_a and_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o of_o sue_v to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o have_v do_v the_o injury_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v one_o enemy_n this_o do_v of_o all_o yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o send_v his_o son_n to_o mediate_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o when_o it_o be_v we_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v then_o in_o actual_a rebellion_n against_o he_o but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o surprise_v a_o man_n into_o charity_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a when_o man_n do_v injury_n they_o general_o stand_v upon_o their_o defence_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v injury_n again_o but_o when_o a_o man_n find_v instead_o of_o this_o act_n of_o friendship_n and_o good_a will_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o peace_n and_o quietness_n offer_v so_o free_o and_o upon_o such_o easy_a term_n without_o the_o shame_n and_o natural_a regret_n in_o seek_v it_o and_o ask_v pardon_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n and_o the_o like_a how_o please_v must_v the_o man_n need_v be_v to_o find_v a_o friend_n when_o he_o fear_v and_o expect_v a_o enemy_n few_o man_n love_v strife_n for_o strife_n sake_n and_o
be_v now_o consider_v say_v express_o he_o that_o exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o humble_a publican_n go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v rather_o than_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi so_o beneficial_a and_o high_o valuable_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n be_v humility_n of_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v opinionate_a and_o proud_a of_o one_o virtue_n be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n as_o well_o as_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n hate_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v despise_v and_o disgrace_v by_o every_o body_n to_o what_o will_v otherwise_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a it_o bring_v the_o great_a disparagement_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n conversation_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o like_o other_o man_n then_o nothing_o make_v he_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o much_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o what_o be_v of_o so_o little_a or_o no_o excellency_n and_o what_o a_o pain_n it_o be_v for_o man_n that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o extraordinary_a person_n to_o see_v other_o so_o far_o from_o that_o opinion_n as_o rather_o to_o slight_v and_o deprecate_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o mishap_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n always_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o entertainment_n as_o this_o man_n set_v themselves_o on_o purpose_n to_o tease_v and_o worry_v they_o that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v make_v they_o ashamed_a and_o weary_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o general_o hate_v but_o beside_o this_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n that_o attend_v spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v something_o much_o worse_a to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o man_n infect_v with_o this_o vice_n ever_o to_o improve_v in_o religion_n and_o grow_v better_o for_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nothing_o slacken_v diligence_n and_o industry_n more_o than_o this_o without_o which_o no_o progress_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o at_o best_a a_o very_a slow_a one_o especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n to_o be_v struggle_v with_o as_o in_o religion_n and_o what_o signify_v instruction_n or_o reproof_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o gall_n and_o enrage_v he_o to_o a_o man_n that_o think_v his_o virtue_n very_o extraordinary_a if_o not_o complete_a already_o and_o beside_o god_n from_o who_o we_o derive_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o therefore_o as_o solomon_n say_v no_o wonder_n if_o when_o pride_n come_v then_o come_v destruction_n and_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o fall_n beside_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o imperfection_n for_o such_o be_v the_o virtue_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o earth_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o virtuous_a that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v want_v which_o give_v the_o value_n to_o all_o religious_a action_n and_o render_v they_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o not_o only_o pollute_v and_o unhallows_n what_o may_v otherwise_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o grow_v better_o it_o blind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o the_o like_a that_o his_o great_a defect_n pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o and_o with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o fable_n he_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o gaze_v upon_o thing_n above_o himself_o that_o he_o perceive_v not_o the_o danger_n under_o his_o foot_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o they_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n and_o how_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a a_o grace_n it_o be_v and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o hateful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v how_o high_o this_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v which_o be_v express_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o parable_n he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v that_o be_v in_o short_a man_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n in_o point_n of_o virtue_n their_o self-annihilation_a and_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o good_a action_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o whatever_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o and_o without_o pride_v themselves_o in_o their_o present_a attainment_n press_v on_o still_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o heavenly_a life_n this_o shall_v in_o the_o world_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o glory_n be_v reward_v with_o the_o impression_n of_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o that_o divine_a fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n who_o here_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n they_o shall_v then_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o no_o failure_n no_o slip_v or_o imperfection_n no_o avocation_n from_o the_o happy_a employment_n of_o admire_v and_o love_v god_n shall_v be_v there_o which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o perpetual_a clog_n and_o vexation_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n but_o with_o their_o faculty_n free_a and_o vigorous_a they_o shall_v full_o enjoy_v this_o supreme_a good_a without_o interruption_n to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o heaven_n this_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o heaven_n and_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o here_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o virtuous_a action_n and_o their_o humble_v themselves_o before_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vileness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v not_o whole_o without_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o from_o their_o prostration_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o bosom_n and_o joy_n extraordinary_a joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n for_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v exalt_v from_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n to_o that_o of_o friend_n nay_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o tear_n for_o the_o future_a shall_v be_v for_o ever_o wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o such_o a_o exaltation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o the_o pain_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o a_o repentance_n so_o reward_v will_v never_o be_v repent_v of_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o ineffable_a felicity_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o this_o humility_n of_o spirit_n we_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n above_o describe_v that_o he_o may_v exalt_v we_o in_o due_a time_n and_o as_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n we_o must_v with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n beg_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n and_o return_v he_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o pious_a advances_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o be_v so_o due_o affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o wickedness_n as_o with_o the_o publican_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o with_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n to_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n the_o prayer_n o_o meek_n and_o lowly_a jesus_n who_o resiste_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o have_v place_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o front_n of_o thy_o beatitude_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o thy_o holy_a religion_n teach_v i_o this_o excellent_a grace_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v hate_v and_o shun_v pride_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a vice_n which_o defile_v every_o thing_n however_o otherwise_o commendable_a and_o excellent_a and_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o to_o allay_v all_o vain_a tumour_n that_o shall_v arise_v give_v i_o o_o bless_a saviour_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n my_o many_o heinous_a violation_n of_o my_o duty_n my_o vile_a ungratitude_n to_o thou_o my_o great_a benefactor_n and_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o even_o my_o best_a service_n and_o that_o whatever_o i_o have_v do_v that_o be_v praiseworthy_a be_v owe_v to_o thy_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o that_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a o_o may_v i_o therefore_o never_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o what_o shall_v be_v whole_o thou_o nor_o despise_v any_o man_n like_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o have_v nothing_o myself_o but_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o thou_o but_o in_o sincere_a humility_n of_o spirit_n return_v thou_o all_o the_o glory_n say_v after_o i_o have_v do_v all_o that_o i_o can_v i_o be_o still_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o what_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v and_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o my_o still_o great_a defect_n consider_v what_o vast_a assistance_n i_o have_v have_v i_o may_v smite_v upon_o my_o breast_n and_o say_v with_o the_o publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n grant_v this_o thou_o meek_a and_o humble_a lamb_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thy_o own_o tender_a mercy_n amen_n and_o amen_n finis_fw-la