although_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v some_o very_a great_a and_o admirable_a person_n who_o be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o yet_o ordinary_o christianity_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v afford_v far_o the_o most_o and_o brave_a hero_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o mighty_a great_a and_o clear_a promise_n therein_o exhibit_v the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n hebr._n 7._o 19_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v for_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n outshine_v the_o felicity_n of_o a_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o be_v as_o operative_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o what_o though_o the_o one_o be_v present_a and_o the_o other_o to_o come_v yet_o to_o every_o good_a man_n this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o and_o to_o every_o wise_a man_n the_o unspeakable_a odds_o in_o the_o thing_n abundant_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n of_o circumstance_n what_o man_n that_o have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v choose_v but_o disdain_v the_o present_a life_n further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o probation_n for_o the_o other_o and_o scorn_n that_o the_o mean_a pleasure_n and_o allurement_n here_o shall_v interrupt_v his_o course_n thither_o what_o difficulty_n will_v he_o not_o glory_n in_o and_o what_o duty_n will_v he_o not_o perform_v to_o assure_v his_o interest_n therein_o 1_o jo._n 3._o 3_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a especial_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v these_o thing_n not_o only_o make_v certain_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o make_v near_o to_o he_o also_o when_o he_o shall_v consider_v himself_o now_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o those_o celestial_a mansion_n and_o that_o every_o day_n he_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o heaven_n now_o therefore_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n when_o he_o remember_v rom._n 13._o 11._o that_o now_o his_o salvation_n be_v near_a than_o when_o he_o first_o believe_v and_o find_v that_o a_o little_a more_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o desire_a haven_n three_o and_o last_o our_o heavenly_a father_n put_v this_o best_a robe_n upon_o the_o son_n who_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o pardon_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinary_a advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o family_n but_o extraordinary_o improve_v the_o sanctification_n of_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o especial_a superintendency_n guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o member_n of_o the_o parable_n he_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o express_v the_o second_o blessing_n the_o reconcile_a father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o penitent_a son_n which_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o visit_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n or_o residence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v reside_v with_o and_o inhabit_v very_o good_a man_n §_o ii_o the_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o four_o respect_n §_o iii_o that_o although_o some_o good_a man_n have_v no_o experience_n of_o this_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o certain_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o case_n the_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o person_n fit_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o divine_a guest_n §_o iv._o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o result_v of_o our_o own_o temper_n §_o 1._o the_o second_o favour_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n after_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o be_v he_o puts_z a_o ring_n upon_o his_o hand_n this_o have_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v symbolical_a either_o of_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o riches_n and_o affluence_n of_o singular_a favour_n and_o respect_n or_o of_o quality_n and_o nobility_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n st._n james_n bear_v testimony_n to_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o chap._n 2._o 2._o if_o there_o come_v into_o your_o assembly_n a_o man_n have_v a_o gold_n ring_n and_o goodly_a apparel_n and_o there_o come_v in_o also_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o vile_a raiment_n and_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o he_o in_o the_o gay_a clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o famous_a battle_n of_o cannae_n where_o the_o roman_n suffer_v a_o total_a defeat_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o victory_n be_v estimate_v by_o this_o as_o livy_n observe_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bushel_n of_o ring_n be_v take_v by_o the_o conqueror_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o slay_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o many_o principal_a roman_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n fall_v in_o the_o battle_n and_o thus_o the_o father_n put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o son_n shall_v signify_v in_o the_o general_a his_o reinstating_a he_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o son_n but_o st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n st._n chrysostom_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o other_o consider_v here_o more_o particular_o that_o a_o principal_a use_n of_o the_o ring_n be_v for_o seal_v as_o common_o bear_v the_o image_n impress_n or_o cognizance_n of_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o and_o consequent_o they_o apply_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n chrysostom_n express_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v my_o son_n a_o ring_n also_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o carrying_z that_o about_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o safeguard_n by_o it_o that_o bear_v my_o signet_n he_o may_v both_o become_v formidable_a to_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o public_o appear_v the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n favour_n that_o after_o he_o have_v justify_v than_o he_o further_o sanctify_v and_o for_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wager_n which_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n contend_v about_o but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o sensuality_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o title_n be_v decide_v and_o such_o a_o person_n become_v the_o devil_n peculiar_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o he_o sincere_o addict_v himself_o to_o virtue_n god_n recover_v his_o right_n and_o takes_z possession_n of_o he_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n agreeable_o hereunto_o we_o read_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o eph._n 4._o 30._o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n do_v employ_v his_o holy_a spirit_n about_o man_n before_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o so_o gen._n 6._o 3._o he_o be_v say_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o have_v strive_v with_o the_o old_a world_n and_o after_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n for_o isa_n 63._o 10._o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christianity_n the_o holy_a spirit_n apply_v itself_o awaken_n conscience_n suggest_v good_a thought_n and_o give_v check_n to_o their_o course_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o that_o whatsoever_o degree_n or_o beginning_n of_o good_a there_o be_v in_o any_o man_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o it_o for_o as_o no_o good_a can_v come_v but_o from_o god_n so_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o despise_v by_o god_n but_o that_o some_o overture_n of_o good_a have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o worthy_a of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o good_a spirit_n do_v quite_o abandon_v any_o man_n upon_o who_o it_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v till_o such_o person_n have_v resist_v quench_v grieve_a and_o at_o last_o drive_v it_o away_o from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o
demonstration_n of_o my_o reconciliation_n which_o the_o former_a guilt_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o your_o now_o penitent_a brother_n render_v necessary_a in_o his_o case_n so_o also_o be_v i_o never_o overwhelm_v with_o grief_n for_o you_o who_o be_v never_o lose_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v beyond_o all_o expectation_n receive_v your_o brother_n again_o who_o we_o long_o since_o despair_v of_o and_o have_v give_v up_o for_o lose_v you_o can_v wonder_v and_o you_o must_v allow_v i_o this_o unusual_a transport_n for_o i_o say_v again_o this_o your_o brother_n be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o thus_o far_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o letter_n of_o the_o parable_n wherein_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o lively_a and_o natural_a and_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o accurate_o describe_v the_o work_n of_o humane_a mind_n the_o natural_a motion_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n as_o that_o if_o the_o parable_n become_v matter_n of_o history_n it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o act_v but_o now_o for_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o application_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n §iv_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o the_o father_n of_o the_o two_o son_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n be_v mean_v god_n almighty_a of_o who_o the_o whole_a family_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v call_v but_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o son_n be_v not_o so_o universal_o agree_v loc_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o by_o the_o elder_a son_n be_v mean_v that_o high_a order_n of_o intellectual_a being_n which_o never_o forfeit_v their_o station_n nor_o revolt_v from_o their_o allegiance_n and_o by_o the_o young_a son_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n under_o adam_n their_o head_n on_o who_o be_v fall_v god_n have_v such_o compassion_n as_o he_o do_v not_o show_v to_o the_o rebel_n angel_n for_o which_o cause_n among_o other_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o conceive_v hatred_n against_o god_n and_o envy_v against_o man_n but_o this_o interpretation_n be_v reject_v by_o other_o and_o not_o without_o great_a cause_n for_o in_o this_o same_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 10._o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o holy_a angel_n rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v represent_v as_o expostulate_v and_o murmur_v at_o the_o favour_n extend_v towards_o such_o which_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o elder_a brother_n again_o 2._o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o by_o the_o two_o brethren_n be_v mean_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o jew_n represent_v the_o elder_a brother_n as_o have_v be_v god_n ancient_a people_n and_o the_o gentile_n the_o young_a as_o who_o run_v on_o in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o idolatry_n and_o estrangedness_n from_o god_n till_o they_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n admit_v into_o the_o birthright_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o their_o great_a regret_n and_o indignation_n and_o indeed_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n it_o be_v not_o improbale_n in_o itself_o but_o that_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v the_o emulation_n which_o will_v afterward_o happen_v between_o those_o two_o rank_n of_o mankind_n may_v have_v respect_n to_o it_o and_o deliver_v himself_o suitable_o thereto_o in_o this_o parable_n notwithstanding_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o primary_n meaning_n which_o be_v utter_o beside_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n for_o as_o st._n jerome_n well_o observe_v the_o controversy_n be_v not_o yet_o rise_v between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n about_o privilege_n the_o latter_a be_v not_o yet_o call_v nor_o admit_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o question_n be_v only_o whether_o great_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n though_o jew_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o hope_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n and_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o text_n though_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o repute_v instrument_n of_o the_o jewish_a servitude_n and_o therefore_o hate_v by_o they_o yet_o be_v not_o gentile_n but_o a_o loose_a sort_n of_o jew_n as_o the_o same_o st._n jerome_n full_o make_v appear_v therefore_o by_o the_o two_o son_n here_o must_v be_v understand_v any_o two_o man_n or_o any_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n whether_o jew_n or_o pagan_n it_o matter_n not_o who_o as_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n have_v for_o a_o great_a while_n run_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n but_o at_o last_o happen_v to_o meet_v at_o the_o same_o point_n of_o sincere_a goodness_n namely_o by_o the_o elder_a son_n be_v describe_v those_o who_o from_o their_o young_a year_n and_o minority_n have_v be_v by_o the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n preserve_v from_o the_o common_a extravagancy_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o pious_a education_n or_o otherwise_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n train_v up_o and_o insensible_o lead_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o say_v of_o the_o corn_n that_o it_o grow_v while_o man_n sleep_v and_o wake_v that_o be_v we_o can_v see_v it_o do_v grow_v but_o can_v discern_v the_o gradual_a progress_n it_o make_v so_o such_o person_n become_v sincere_o good_a and_o run_v a_o race_n of_o virtue_n though_o we_o can_v see_v where_o and_o when_o they_o set_v out_o nor_o assign_v any_o date_n of_o their_o conversion_n by_o reason_n the_o change_n be_v not_o so_o palpable_o great_a nor_o so_o sudden_a as_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n such_o a_o person_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v obadiah_n 1_o king_n 18._o 12._o who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v of_o himself_o i_o thy_o servant_n fear_v the_o lord_n from_o my_o youth_n and_o such_o another_o be_v timothy_n concern_v who_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 5._o that_o by_o the_o careful_a instruction_n of_o his_o grandmother_n lois_fw-fr and_o his_o mother_n eunice_n he_o have_v be_v from_o his_o youth_n principled_a with_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n to_o these_o instance_n i_o will_v add_v for_o the_o nearness_n of_o matter_n what_o pontius_n diaconus_fw-la say_v of_o st._n cyprian_n disceret_fw-la he_o so_o early_o and_o present_o conceive_v a_o sense_n of_o piety_n that_o his_o proficiency_n almost_o prevent_v all_o instruction_n nor_o can_v i_o forget_v what_o 〈◊〉_d st._n greg._n nazianzen_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n touch_v his_o own_o father_n he_o be_v say_v he_o a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n flock_n before_o he_o come_v into_o his_o fold_n and_o a_o christian_n before_o he_o come_v within_o the_o church_n cyprian_n the_o probity_n of_o his_o temper_n and_o singular_a virtue_n of_o his_o life_n make_v he_o a_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v by_o anticipation_n but_o perhaps_o these_o last_o expression_n be_v somewhat_o too_o florid_n and_o rhetorical_a that_o which_o i_o be_o say_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a that_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o who_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n take_v early_o hold_v and_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n inhabit_v they_o 19_o not_o only_o prevent_v the_o erterprise_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o carry_v they_o on_o in_o a_o even_a and_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n their_o christianity_n bear_v equal_a date_n with_o their_o manhood_n and_o reason_n and_o religion_n like_o warp_n and_o woof_n run_v together_o make_v up_o one_o web_n of_o a_o wife_n and_o virtuous_a life_n this_o be_v a_o most_o happy_a case_n wherever_o it_o happen_v for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o sweet_a nor_o beautiful_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o the_o early_a bud_n of_o piety_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v probable_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v far_o from_o a_o soft_a fondness_n of_o youth_n or_o admiration_n of_o external_a beauty_n give_v such_o signal_n token_n of_o affection_n to_o st._n john_n that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o belove_a disciple_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o much_o a_o more_o comfortable_a thing_n to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n by_o a_o early_a engagement_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n as_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a to_o escape_v shipwreck_n then_o to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o plank_n or_o to_o have_v no_o wound_n then_o to_o experiment_n the_o most_o sovereign_a balsom_a which_o if_o it_o work_v a_o cure_n yet_o usual_o leave_v a_o sear_n behind_o moreover_o he_o that_o begin_v his_o race_n betimes_o have_v all_o along_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o progress_n and_o proficiency_n and_o feel_v himself_o daily_a approach_a towards_o his_o desire_a end_n whereas_o he_o that_o set_v out_o wrong_a have_v the_o hard_a and_o uncomfortable_a part_n of_o
be_v true_a the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o son_n death_n have_v seize_v he_o so_o long_o that_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o and_o by_o the_o report_n of_o his_o life_n his_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o and_o the_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o he_o be_v so_o renew_v that_o the_o good_a man_n sink_v into_o a_o deliquium_fw-la but_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o report_v the_o whole_a business_n to_o relate_v the_o message_n be_v bring_v from_o joseph_n and_o especial_o come_v to_o real_a proof_n show_v he_o the_o wagon_n which_o his_o son_n have_v send_v to_o bring_v he_o down_o into_o egypt_n then_o say_v the_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n revive_v and_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o be_v transport_v with_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n now_o as_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sadness_n before_o but_o he_o recover_v himself_o and_o israel_n say_v it_o be_v enough_o joseph_n my_o son_n be_v yet_o alive_a i_o will_v go_v down_o and_o see_v he_o before_o i_o die_v the_o story_n beside_o the_o unquestionable_a authority_n of_o sacred_a record_n carry_v the_o natural_a mark_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v so_o do_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o for_o the_o lively_a stroke_n of_o passion_n in_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o history_n be_v able_a to_o match_v it_o grief_n and_o joy_n great_a as_o their_o several_a cause_n take_v place_n successive_o vie_v with_o and_o set_v off_o each_o other_o now_o although_o the_o business_n which_o we_o have_v at_o present_a before_o we_o be_v only_o a_o parable_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o that_o history_n for_o here_o we_o find_v a_o belove_a son_n at_o different_a time_n under_o the_o extremity_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a one_o while_o as_o miserable_a as_o folly_n and_o misfortune_n can_v make_v he_o another_o while_n recover_v himself_o and_o his_o station_n again_o and_o in_o all_o this_o diversity_n of_o fortune_n a_o good_a father_n passionate_o concern_v with_o he_o grieve_v and_o rejoice_v respective_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o son_n give_v he_o occasion_n and_o all_o express_v with_o equal_a life_n as_o in_o the_o former_a history_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o representation_n of_o what_o may_v be_v do_v but_o what_o be_v real_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v hitherto_o see_v the_o tragical_a part_n only_o the_o son_n folly_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o father_n grief_n the_o son_n run_v on_o from_o one_o intemperance_n to_o another_o till_o his_o father_n despair_v of_o he_o and_o he_o find_v himself_o ruin_v but_o then_o by_o a_o great_a providence_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o return_n but_o as_o we_o say_v by_o weep_v cross_n but_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v the_o son_n be_v recover_v and_o the_o father_n revive_v and_o all_o be_v joy_n and_o gladness_n here_o the_o good_a shepherd_n bring_v his_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a samaritan_n pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o he_o that_o be_v miserable_o wound_v and_o in_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n in_o short_a here_o we_o have_v a_o kind_a father_n own_v receive_v and_o indow_v his_o return_a son_n and_o here_o we_o have_v god_n almighty_a the_o father_n of_o spirit_n pardon_v and_o bless_v penitent_a sinner_n §_o ii_o but_o to_o come_v to_o particular_n whether_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o literal_a or_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o this_o last_o part_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v easy_o observe_v these_o four_o remarkable_a passage_n 1._o the_o passionate_a interview_n the_o benign_a aspect_n and_o kind_a greeting_n the_o father_n afford_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o first_o appearance_n in_o his_o way_n homeward_o 2._o the_o kind_n and_o present_a supply_n of_o the_o son_n want_n or_o he_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o now_o return_v 3._o the_o splendid_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n he_o make_v for_o he_o 4._o and_o four_a and_o last_o his_o apology_n for_o so_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o passionate_a greeting_n at_o the_o first_o interview_n express_v thus_o vers_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o the_o son_n say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n the_o son_n relent_v and_o the_o father_n melt_v into_o compassion_n the_o son_n be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o father_n bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n prevent_v the_o son_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n and_o yet_o the_o father_n kindness_n will_v not_o discharge_v or_o supersede_n the_o son_n duty_n there_o be_v a_o noble_a contention_n between_o they_o the_o one_o will_v demonstrate_v more_o love_n and_o the_o other_o strive_v to_o equal_v that_o with_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o observe_v order_n in_o passion_n however_o in_o the_o father_n carriage_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o step_n first_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o his_o son_n at_o a_o distance_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o though_o probable_o his_o former_a vice_n have_v disfigure_v he_o and_o his_o poverty_n disguise_v he_o long_a absence_n may_v have_v estrange_v he_o and_o age_n have_v somewhat_o alter_v he_o yet_o paternal_a affection_n be_v quick_a and_o sagacious_a he_o discover_v and_o distinguish_v he_o notwithstanding_o second_o his_o sight_n affect_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o see_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o have_v compassion_n his_o bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o far_o soon_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n dissolve_v into_o kindness_n then_o that_o of_o a_o son_n into_o obedience_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n at_o last_o bring_v the_o son_n to_o recover_v his_o sense_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o father_n take_v fire_n present_o and_o the_o flame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v for_o three_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o passion_n prompt_v he_o beyond_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o year_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o above_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o just_a offence_n for_o he_o run_v to_o meet_v his_o son_n and_o then_o last_o he_o indulge_v his_o affection_n or_o can_v command_v they_o he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o he_o forget_v all_o former_a undutifullness_n and_o provocation_n he_o stand_v not_o rigid_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n nor_o scrupulous_o weigh_v formality_n but_o make_v the_o full_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o indearment_n now_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n to_o all_o these_o particular_n make_v only_o a_o just_a allowance_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condescension_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n towards_o return_v sinner_n as_o i_o will_v show_v by_o draw_v the_o parallel_n in_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n something_o more_o at_o large_a first_o as_o a_o earthly_a parent_n that_o have_v lose_v a_o son_n carry_v the_o image_n of_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o never_o so_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o that_o upon_o every_o the_o least_o occasion_n he_o occurr_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v quick_a in_o apprehend_v the_o first_o approach_n of_o he_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o return_v so_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v so_o tender_a a_o love_n to_o man_n and_o such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o first_o motion_n towards_o himself_o he_o discern_v the_o first_o reason_v the_o releting_n the_o agony_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o dawning_n towards_o a_o resolution_n of_o return_v we_o see_v not_o the_o corn_n grow_v only_o we_o discover_v when_o it_o be_v grow_v nor_o do_v we_o discern_v how_o our_o own_o member_n be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n but_o the_o curious_a eye_n of_o god_n observe_v the_o first_o line_n and_o trace_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o essay_n and_o palpitation_n of_o life_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o psalmist_n admire_v the_o divine_a providence_n psal_n 139._o 14_o 15_o 16._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a and_o in_o thy_o book_n all_o my_o member_n be_v write_v which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v fashion_v when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o much_o more_o do_v
very_a pitiful_a plight_n either_o quite_o naked_a or_o at_o most_o cover_v with_o rag_n he_o therefore_o call_v for_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o that_o not_o only_a necessity_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o his_o nakedness_n cover_v but_o he_o will_v have_v he_o appear_v in_o a_o equipage_n suitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n again_o second_o whereas_o the_o son_n in_o contemplation_n of_o his_o present_a distress_n and_o former_a miscarriage_n have_v no_o high_a ambition_n then_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o hire_a servant_n now_o the_o father_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v have_v he_o adorn_v with_o the_o ensign_n of_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o of_o a_o son_n and_o therefore_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o among_o most_o nation_n be_v use_v to_o denote_v either_o eminent_a quality_n or_o singular_a favour_n three_o the_o son_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o rebellion_n among_o other_o misfortune_n become_v a_o slave_n as_o we_o have_v observe_v before_o and_o among_o most_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n for_o such_o to_o go_v barefoot_a and_o only_a freeman_n to_o be_v shod_a now_o the_o father_n in_o token_n of_o his_o son_n emancipation_n command_v to_o put_v shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n all_o which_o three_o thing_n together_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o the_o father_n have_v forgive_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o submission_n and_o return_n now_o put_v he_o into_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n in_o all_o respect_n as_o he_o be_v in_o before_o his_o rebellion_n and_o from_o thence_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n upon_o the_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o full_o reconcile_v to_o they_o that_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o sin_v they_o be_v restore_v to_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o of_o adam_n in_o innocency_n and_o we_o may_v content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o general_a application_n but_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o ancient_n carry_v it_o further_o and_o make_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o these_o several_a passage_n in_o conformity_n to_o who_o judgement_n we_o will_v thus_o render_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a favour_n 1._o by_o the_o best_a robe_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o excellent_a ornament_n of_o more_o complete_a holiness_n and_o full_a sanctification_n which_o god_n work_v in_o and_o bestow_v upon_o a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o reconciliation_n to_o himself_o 2._o by_o the_o ring_n be_v intimate_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o the_o pledge_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n 3._o by_o the_o shoe_n the_o honour_n of_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o the_o draw_v other_o home_n to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o interpretation_n i_o will_v assign_v as_o i_o handle_v the_o particular_n several_o and_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o 1._o the_o best_a robe_n stolam_fw-la say_v st._n jerom_n quam_fw-la adam_n peccando_fw-la perdiderat_fw-la stolam_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o alia_fw-la parabola_fw-la dicitur_fw-la indumentum_fw-la nuptiale_fw-la the_o robe_n which_o adam_n lose_v when_o he_o sin_v and_o in_o defect_n of_o which_o he_o cover_v himself_o with_o figleaf_n that_o robe_n which_o in_o another_o parable_n be_v call_v the_o wedding_n garment_n 〈◊〉_d and_o st._n chrysostom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o garment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a contexture_n the_o white_a robe_n which_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o that_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n agreeable_o herewith_o theophylact_v the_o best_a or_o first_o robe_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n import_v that_o be_v say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_a robe_n which_o we_o wear_v before_o we_o sin_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n mean_v when_o it_o say_v put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v put_v you_o off_o the_o old_a vicious_a habit_n and_o practice_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o put_v on_o the_o holy_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n whosoever_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o little_o conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v but_o have_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o usual_a stile_n thereof_o to_o denote_v both_o the_o inward_a quality_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o outward_a accustomary_a action_n of_o the_o life_n by_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o therefore_o tedious_a to_o recite_v the_o many_o passage_n there_o to_o be_v find_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o i_o can_v omit_v that_o in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o verse_n 8._o to_o she_o be_v give_v to_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n clean_a and_o white_a for_o white_a linen_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o saint_n by_o the_o woman_n be_v there_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n call_v the_o lamb_n wife_n who_o ornament_n be_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o represent_v by_o white_a garment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o use_n of_o garment_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o exact_o correspond_v therewith_o nor_o more_o fit_a to_o be_v figurative_o express_v by_o allusion_n to_o they_o then_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a qualification_n for_o if_o garment_n be_v use_v for_o distinction_n what_o make_v a_o great_a and_o true_a distinction_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n then_o their_o life_n and_o temper_n it_o be_v not_o be_v high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a noble_a or_o ignoble_a learned_a or_o idiotical_a which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o as_o when_o one_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o another_o vicious_a and_o profane_a if_o garment_n be_v for_o ornament_n and_o to_o cover_v our_o uncomeliness_n what_o be_v there_o represent_v a_o man_n more_o lovely_a and_o beautiful_a than_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n a_o just_a temper_n a_o holy_a life_n and_o what_o disguise_n and_o deform_v man_n like_a to_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n if_o again_o garment_n be_v for_o defence_n against_o the_o injury_n of_o weather_n and_o other_o accident_n what_o be_v there_o that_o give_v a_o man_n that_o security_n and_o confidence_n which_o innocency_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a piety_n afford_v he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o expose_v and_o lay_v a_o man_n open_a to_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o naughty_a and_o evil_a practice_n proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a temper_n wherefore_o there_o be_v both_o plain_a reason_n and_o good_a authority_n of_o all_o kind_n to_o make_v this_o application_n of_o the_o first_o favour_n which_o the_o reconcile_a father_n vouchsafe_v his_o return_a son_n and_o to_o say_v that_o thereby_o be_v denote_v in_o the_o figurative_a sense_n that_o god_n when_o he_o have_v pardon_v the_o penitent_a then_o confer_v further_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o he_o §_o ii_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o sanctification_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n inasmuch_o as_o though_o a_o earthly_a parent_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o son_n that_o be_v not_o true_o good_a yet_o god_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o sinner_n continue_v so_o or_o until_o they_o become_v new_a man_n and_o therefore_o some_o other_o allegory_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v here_o and_o not_o that_o which_o we_o concurrent_o with_o the_o father_n have_v pitch_v upon_o i_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a which_o this_o objection_n be_v ground_v upon_o but_o the_o inference_n therefrom_o will_v not_o reach_v we_o for_o i_o have_v show_v already_o that_o some_o measure_n of_o real_a sanctification_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n and_o pardon_n because_o god_n though_o he_o bear_v a_o constant_a goodwill_n to_o mankind_n yet_o as_o the_o objection_n well_o suggest_v and_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v before_o be_v he_o not_o transport_v with_o any_o fondness_n towards_o any_o man_n mere_a person_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o whilst_o he_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o just_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o can_v without_o deny_v himself_o and_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o nature_n either_o delight_n in_o a_o vicious_a person_n or_o hate_v a_o good_a man_n and_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o nature_n yet_o will_v not_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n permit_v that_o he_o cause_v
grateful_a to_o all_o the_o society_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o bathe_v anoint_v exercise_n and_o perfume_v themselves_o beforehand_o and_o among_o other_o curiosity_n to_o put_v on_o a_o habit_n which_o be_v both_o sumptuous_a and_o significant_a of_o respect_n agreeable_a whereunto_o be_v that_o passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n matt._n 22._o 11._o where_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n take_v it_o extreme_a ill_n of_o one_o of_o his_o guest_n that_o he_o appear_v there_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o with_o this_o accord_v the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o the_o father_n have_v as_o we_o have_v see_v put_v his_o son_n into_o a_o besit_a garb_n now_o proceed_v to_o his_o entertainment_n which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o expression_n of_o his_o reconciliation_n bring_v hither_o say_v he_o the_o fat_a calf_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o intend_v a_o feast_n for_o joy_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o lose_a son_n be_v very_o plain_a wherein_o he_o design_n that_o all_o his_o family_n shall_v bear_v a_o part_n with_o he_o the_o fat_a calf_n be_v the_o ancient_a most_o sumptuous_a treatment_n as_o appear_v gen._n 18._o 7._o for_o therewith_o abraham_n solemn_o entertain_v the_o three_o angel_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o way-faring_a man_n and_o as_o the_o afore-named_n stuckius_n and_o the_o learned_a bochart_n observe_v there_o be_v not_o a_o feast_n of_o old_a time_n especial_o among_o those_o mention_v by_o homer_n where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o principal_a dish_n and_o the_o text_n lay_v the_o emphasis_n of_o a_o double_a article_n upon_o it_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n but_o what_o be_v mystical_o mean_v by_o this_o passage_n or_o what_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n our_o saviour_n intend_v hereby_o to_o express_v be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o determine_v in_o the_o forego_n particular_n we_o have_v have_v the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o countenance_n of_o our_o application_n but_o here_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v be_v desert_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o walk_v alone_o must_v proceed_v the_o more_o wary_o the_o ancient_n agree_v in_o the_o general_n that_o hereby_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o great_a and_o inestimable_a gift_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v st._n chrysostom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n what_o fat_a calf_n do_v the_o father_n call_v for_o what_o but_o his_o only_a son_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o rest_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o st._n chrysostom_n especial_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n represent_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o st._n austin_n to_o the_o same_o christ_n jesus_n preach_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o such_o great_a man_n it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v reasonable_a to_o pitch_v upon_o another_o interpretation_n namely_o that_o hereby_o be_v mean_v the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o i_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v common_o such_o a_o crass_a notion_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o to_o think_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n and_o particular_o of_o eat_v and_o drink_v agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v the_o fable_n among_o they_o of_o behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n the_o one_o a_o prodigious_a beast_n and_o the_o other_o a_o fish_n which_o together_o with_o great_a quantity_n of_o delicious_a wine_n they_o report_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o store_n by_o god_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o ridiculous_a conceit_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v countenance_n if_o not_o rise_v to_o the_o sensual_a paradise_n of_o the_o mahometan_n and_o some_o of_o the_o eastern_a nation_n 9_o and_o though_o menasse-ben-israel_n a_o late_a learned_a jew_n endeavour_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o story_n into_o a_o allegory_n yet_o he_o confess_v and_o strong_o contend_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o paradisiacal_a felicity_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v now_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o language_n and_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o conceit_n how_o gross_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o that_o he_o do_v so_o will_v be_v the_o more_o probable_a if_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o consider_v that_o he_o compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o feast_n matt._n 2._o 22._o that_o he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n he_o will_v drink_v no_o more_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o vine_n till_o he_o drink_v it_o new_a with_o they_o in_o his_o father_n kingdom_n matt._n 26._o 29._o and_o allow_v the_o expression_n of_o he_o that_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v the_o great_a blessedness_n to_o eat_v bread_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n luk._n 14._o 15._o three_o even_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n vers_fw-la 7._o and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n vers_fw-la 10._o he_o by_o those_o expression_n invite_v and_o lead_v our_o thought_n to_o this_o sense_n and_o in_o this_o very_a parable_n vers_fw-la 25._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o penitent_a be_v express_v as_o accompany_v with_o dance_v and_o mirth_n by_o all_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o give_v we_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o think_v the_o entertainment_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n but_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o parable_n require_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n as_o this_o we_o have_v suggest_v for_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n of_o the_o parable_n god_n have_v be_v hitherto_o represent_v as_o bestow_v all_o those_o favour_n and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o penitent_a which_o render_v he_o fit_a for_o and_o capable_a of_o heaven_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o what_o can_v now_o follow_v more_o proper_o or_o what_o will_v one_o expect_v to_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o next_o place_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v thenceforward_o be_v describe_v confer_v that_o happiness_n and_o actual_o place_v he_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v by_o all_o his_o former_a unspeakable_a favour_n make_v way_n for_o beside_o god_n give_v his_o son_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o other_o favour_n and_o our_o saviour_n giving_z himself_o for_o we_o be_v the_o meritorious_a and_o procure_a cause_n of_o justification_n adoption_n sanctification_n the_o give_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n foremention_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o scene_n to_o represent_v this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o all_o those_o benefit_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o have_v before_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v confer_v this_o therefore_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o word_n we_o be_v upon_o to_o personate_v our_o heavenly_a father_n crown_v all_o those_o former_a gift_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o sincere_a convert_n in_o this_o life_n with_o glory_n and_o blessedness_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o conclusion_n as_o if_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n have_v say_v i_o remember_v the_o misery_n the_o hunger_n and_o hardship_n my_o son_n have_v endure_v and_o i_o pity_v he_o even_o then_o when_o he_o well_o deserve_v all_o he_o suffer_v but_o since_o the_o time_n that_o i_o have_v see_v he_o return_v not_o only_o the_o pale_a look_n sharp_a countenance_n deject_a eye_n and_o all_o other_o argument_n of_o his_o former_a calamity_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o he_o run_v in_o my_o mind_n but_o i_o think_v also_o of_o the_o conflict_n he_o have_v have_v with_o himself_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o return_v fear_v turn_v he_o back_o and_o hope_v encourage_v he_o to_o go_v on_o and_o the_o latter_a with_o great_a difficulty_n vanquish_a the_o former_a methinks_v i_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o mind_n his_o indignation_n against_o himself_o his_o shame_n for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o the_o awful_a reverence_n he_o have_v of_o my_o presence_n between_o all_o which_o i_o know_v how_o his_o heart_n pant_v and_o labour_v till_o at_o last_o the_o revive_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o benignity_n of_o a_o father_n carry_v he_o through_o and_o
hypocrisy_n i_o know_v he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o reward_v sincerity_n above_o desert_n above_o expectation_n beyond_o all_o thought_n and_o imagination_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o loiter_v in_o his_o service_n but_o decline_v it_o nay_o oppose_v affront_v rebel_v against_o he_o i_o have_v list_v myself_o under_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o under_o that_o banner_n i_o have_v spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o time_n now_o may_v it_o please_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o accept_v i_o at_o last_o i_o vow_v to_o be_v entire_o he_o i_o will_v dispute_v no_o command_n i_o will_v make_v no_o exception_n but_o i_o will_v double_v my_o diligence_n and_o say_v with_o the_o exemplary_a convert_n st._n paul_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v lord_n §_o iv._o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hinge_n of_o conversion_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n or_o plummet_n that_o set_v this_o great_a engine_n on_o work_n or_o what_o be_v the_o consideration_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v principal_o these_o four_o 1._o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unsuccessfull_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v at_o last_o though_o we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n before_o 2._o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o set_v about_o it_o in_o earnest_n 4._o a_o clear_a perception_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v do_v 1._o the_o first_o motive_n to_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o god_n be_v not_o inexorable_a but_o that_o repentance_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o memorable_a story_n concern_v the_o tusculani_n a_o little_a people_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v the_o roman_n that_o camillus_n be_v lead_v his_o army_n towards_o they_o to_o take_v revenge_n but_o they_o grow_v quick_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o danger_n take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o appease_v a_o generous_a enemy_n for_o they_o make_v no_o show_n of_o resistance_n but_o set_v open_v their_o gate_n and_o be_v find_v every_o man_n hard_o at_o his_o ordinary_a affair_n submit_v all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o they_o know_v themselves_o unable_a to_o contend_v with_o whereupon_o the_o brave_a camillus_n speak_v to_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o say_v he_o among_o all_o people_n have_v only_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o abate_v the_o roman_a fury_n invenistis_fw-la and_o your_o submission_n have_v be_v your_o best_a defence_n upon_o these_o term_n we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o injure_v you_o then_o upon_o other_o term_n you_o can_v have_v find_v power_n to_o oppose_v we_o to_o who_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n on_o the_o other_o side_n thus_o reply_v 6._o we_o have_v say_v he_o so_o in_o good_a earnest_n repent_v we_o of_o our_o former_a folly_n that_o in_o confidence_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o generous_a enemy_n we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o fault_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n for_o think_v he_o what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o can_v neither_o answer_v to_o myself_o nor_o to_o my_o father_n i_o can_v neither_o deny_v the_o fact_n nor_o defend_v it_o therefore_o i_o must_v try_v what_o repentance_n will_v do_v and_o appeal_v from_o his_o justice_n to_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v true_a i_o forsake_v my_o father_n but_o it_o be_v a_o father_n i_o forsake_v and_o that_o name_n speak_v benignity_n and_o what_o may_v not_o a_o son_n hope_v for_o from_o a_o father_n there_o be_v rhetoric_n in_o confession_n and_o contrite_a submission_n have_v mighty_a prevalence_n upon_o all_o ingenuous_a nature_n quem_fw-la poenitet_fw-la peccasse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la repentance_n use_v to_o have_v the_o success_n even_o of_o innocency_n itself_o and_o i_o that_o have_v fail_v of_o the_o one_o will_v try_v the_o other_o my_o acknowledgement_n will_v prevent_v my_o accusation_n if_o i_o condemn_v myself_o i_o save_v my_o father_n a_o labour_n and_o when_o i_o abhor_v myself_o i_o move_v his_o pity_n especial_o if_o i_o become_v another_o man_n he_o will_v see_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o receive_v i_o then_o as_o he_o have_v to_o reject_v i_o now_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a towards_o god_n i_o have_v offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o name_n speak_v goodness_n if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a can_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v agree_v to_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a stile_n of_o god_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o great_a goodness_n or_o the_o best_a greatness_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n nay_o the_o very_a latter_a infer_v the_o former_a for_o what_o be_v there_o can_v tempt_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v cruel_a and_o inexorable_a he_o that_o have_v all_o fullness_n in_o himself_o can_v certain_o envy_v nothing_o can_v hate_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v make_v but_o must_v needs_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v below_o he_o and_o delight_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o such_o as_o need_v he_o envy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o mere_a weakness_n fear_n want_v and_o impotency_n the_o poor_a be_v apt_a to_o envy_v the_o rich_a because_o they_o enjoy_v what_o they_o want_v and_o we_o common_o observe_v that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o timorous_a creature_n be_v most_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a the_o coward_n be_v deadly_a and_o sanguinary_a because_o he_o be_v not_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o slip_v his_o opportunity_n but_o strike_v home_o and_o mortal_o lest_o the_o danger_n shall_v recoil_v upon_o himself_o but_o what_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n envy_v the_o beggar_n or_o what_o valiant_a man_n be_v ever_o remorseless_a and_o sanguinary_a the_o former_a have_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o pity_n because_o he_o can_v want_v and_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o inducement_n to_o pardon_v because_o he_o can_v fear_v god_n be_v above_o all_o danger_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o nothing_o needs_o nothing_o have_v nothing_o to_o receive_v but_o much_o to_o bestow_v he_o can_v therefore_o be_v prompt_v to_o take_v advantage_n against_o his_o creature_n or_o delight_n in_o their_o misery_n since_o the_o only_a end_n he_o have_v to_o serve_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o enjoy_v his_o own_o fullness_n by_o reflection_n the_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v they_o happy_a when_o god_n be_v high_o provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o david_n in_o number_v the_o people_n in_o which_o fact_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o evil_n there_o be_v disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a law_n there_o be_v distrust_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o vain_a confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n it_o please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o notify_v his_o displeasure_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n and_o withal_o give_v david_n his_o choice_n either_o of_o pestilence_n 24._o famine_n or_o sword_n the_o king_n refer_v it_o back_o again_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o the_o famine_n or_o by_o the_o pestilence_n for_o say_v he_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a but_o let_v we_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n he_o have_v rather_o trust_v the_o mercy_n of_o a_o incense_a god_n then_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o mortal_a man_n he_o know_v they_o be_v transport_v with_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o god_n be_v pitiful_a they_o often_o forget_v themselves_o but_o god_n remember_v sinner_n be_v but_o man_n 13._o and_o dust_n and_o ash_n they_o will_v plague_v one_o another_o malicious_o but_o god_n chastise_v in_o wisdom_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o st._n james_n mercy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rejoice_v against_o glori_v and_o triumph_v over_o justice_n the_o discourse_n of_o a_o brave_a heathen_a be_v excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d we_o think_v it_o just_a say_v
he_o observe_v the_o most_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a essay_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o when_o christ_n be_v beginning_n to_o be_v form_v in_o man_n i_o see_v thou_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o nathanael_n s._n joh._n 1._o 48._o when_o thou_o be_v under_o the_o figtree_n when_o thou_o be_v reason_v about_o i_o whether_o i_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o i_o be_v privy_a to_o that_o conflict_n of_o thy_o thought_n between_o the_o report_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o i_o and_o the_o prejudicate_a opinion_n concern_v the_o suppose_a place_n of_o my_o nativity_n i_o be_v not_o so_o much_o offend_v with_o thy_o objection_n as_o please_v with_o thy_o sincerity_n in_o that_o thou_o do_v diligent_o inquire_v honest_o debate_n and_o proceed_v to_o resolution_n upon_o rational_a satisfaction_n most_o apposite_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 31._o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o i_o have_v sure_o hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n sure_o after_o that_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v and_o after_o that_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o after_o he_o have_v thus_o passionate_o describe_v the_o first_o kindle_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o than_o introduce_v god_n take_v notice_n and_o express_v his_o compassion_n in_o the_o next_o word_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o do_v earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o afford_v mighty_a encouragement_n to_o sinner_n to_o begin_v their_o motion_n to_o god-ward_o who_o will_v not_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o way_n when_o the_o first_o attempt_n of_o return_v shall_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o if_o a_o man_n do_v but_o consider_v if_o he_o do_v but_o pray_v if_o but_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o god_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a eye_n upon_o he_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o lose_v labour_n nay_o say_v our_o saviour_n a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o disciple_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o disciple_n shall_v not_o lose_v its_o reward_n and_o if_o such_o mean_a performance_n pass_v not_o unrewarded_a much_o less_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o good_a escape_n god_n notice_n and_o observation_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n of_o caution_n and_o that_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o discourage_v any_o though_o never_o so_o small_a hope_n of_o good_a and_o budding_n of_o reformation_n in_o other_o for_o see_v god_n take_v notice_n of_o beginning_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v offend_v with_o those_o that_o obstruct_v they_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a severe_o to_o resent_v it_o let_v therefore_o those_o that_o scoff_n at_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n as_o preciseness_n at_o seriousness_n and_o self-reflection_n as_o melancholy_a degeneracy_n of_o spirit_n that_o either_o press_v man_n forward_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o themselves_o and_o labour_n to_o divert_v or_o stifle_v all_o work_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o sensual_a entertainment_n or_o treat_v those_o with_o contumely_n who_o boggle_v at_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o begin_v to_o take_v up_o and_o reform_v let_v all_o such_o i_o say_v consider_v well_o what_o they_o do_v when_o god_n eye_n be_v upon_o such_o begining_n of_o good_a lest_o they_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n and_o let_v all_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o goodness_n themselves_o or_o but_o so_o much_o as_o a_o reverence_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n think_v it_o become_v they_o to_o encourage_v such_o beginning_n to_o endeavour_v to_o kindle_v such_o spark_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o a_o flame_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o take_v liberty_n to_o apply_v a_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n 65._o vers_fw-la 8._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o new_a wine_n be_v find_v in_o the_o cluster_n and_o one_o say_v destroy_v it_o not_o for_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n in_o it_o q._n d._n the_o wise_a master_n of_o the_o vineyard_n especial_o in_o a_o unfruitful_a time_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o those_o few_o grape_n in_o a_o cluster_n that_o have_v good_a juice_n in_o they_o and_o will_v neither_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v careless_o crush_v with_o the_o hand_n nor_o cast_v away_o among_o refuse_v so_o will_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v by_o his_o vineyard_n the_o house_n of_o israel_n he_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o few_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o bad_a generation_n and_o not_o destroy_v all_o together_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o will_v not_o despise_v the_o first_o essay_n of_o emergency_n from_o former_a vice_n and_o wickedness_n but_o thus_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o parallel_n §_o iii_o 2._o the_o father_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v his_o son_n have_v compassion_n so_o have_v god_n to_o mankind_n especial_o when_o he_o see_v they_o on_o their_o way_n homeward_o he_o have_v always_o good_a will_n towards_o they_o as_o they_o be_v his_o creature_n make_v in_o his_o own_o image_n design_v for_o his_o service_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n have_v a_o propension_n to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o so_o long_o as_o any_o man_n continue_v in_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o he_o all_o the_o issue_n and_o expression_n of_o this_o good_a will_n be_v obstruct_v which_o nevertheless_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o begin_v to_o relent_v and_o come_v to_o himself_o break_v out_o again_o and_o discover_v themselves_o for_o as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o like_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o psal_n 103._o 13._o not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o imagine_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a passion_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o feel_v any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o concern_n for_o mankind_n for_o that_o the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o his_o self-sufficiency_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o but_o he_o be_v please_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o represent_v himself_o after_o that_o manner_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o we_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o hope_n and_o to_o endeavour_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a spectator_n of_o the_o conflict_n and_o agony_n of_o a_o penitent_a but_o have_v a_o real_a inclination_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v he_o perish_v to_o this_o purpose_n ezek._n 33._o 11._o he_o swear_v as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n what_o great_a passion_n can_v any_o father_n express_v towards_o his_o belove_a son_n than_o god_n here_o condescend_v to_o and_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v god_n give_v of_o his_o earnestness_n and_o reality_n then_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n by_o himself_o while_o man_n be_v at_o the_o worst_a the_o divine_a goodness_n find_v out_o some_o argument_n of_o pity_n for_o he_o consider_v he_o make_v they_o fallible_a creature_n that_o he_o give_v they_o not_o the_o bright_a and_o pierce_a intellect_n of_o angel_n he_o join_v matter_n and_o spirit_n together_o in_o their_o composition_n by_o mean_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a contest_v between_o sense_n and_o reason_n a_o constant_a dispute_n betwixt_o bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la and_o jucundum_fw-la that_o their_o transgression_n be_v not_o like_a that_o of_o devil_n who_o sin_v proprio_fw-la motu_fw-la without_o a_o tempter_n he_o know_v the_o power_n of_o example_n the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n the_o long_a folly_n of_o childhood_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o be_v not_o implacable_a towards_o mankind_n while_o the_o state_n of_o life_n and_o this_o world_n last_v but_o when_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o any_o man_n begin_v to_o
recollect_v himself_o to_o emerge_n out_o of_o his_o folly_n to_o remember_v his_o father_n house_n and_o to_o thirst_v after_o eternal_a life_n he_o be_v infinite_o please_v with_o it_o and_o cherish_v such_o blossom_n thus_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o interpret_v and_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o evangelist_n matth._n 12._o 20._o a_o bruise_a reed_n shall_v he_o not_o break_v and_o smoke_a flax_n shall_v he_o not_o quench_v until_o he_o send_v forth_o judgement_n into_o victory_n i_o e._n he_o will_v neither_o precipitate_v those_o upon_o utter_a ruin_n who_o be_v very_o near_o it_o and_o have_v cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n remain_v of_o their_o recovery_n nor_o much_o less_o will_v he_o despise_v and_o extinguish_v the_o least_o spark_n and_o beginning_n of_o good_a but_o encourage_v and_o promote_v they_o and_o this_o we_o observe_v to_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n 21._o of_o who_o we_o have_v take_v notice_n before_o he_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o his_o way_n and_o inquire_v after_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v something_o to_o attain_v it_o wherefore_o though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v generous_o good_a nevertheless_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o jesus_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o love_v he_o in_o short_a therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n proceed_n shall_v be_v with_o impenitent_a and_o incurable_a sinner_n in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o have_v withstand_v the_o whole_a day_n of_o grace_n and_o abuse_v all_o his_o patience_n and_o kindness_n i_o say_v whatever_o severity_n his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n may_v then_o require_v when_o man_n have_v treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o destruction_n yet_o certain_o in_o this_o life_n and_o whilst_o there_o be_v any_o hope_n god_n be_v compassionate_a towards_o they_o he_o pity_v those_o he_o can_v love_v and_o love_v those_o that_o pity_n themselves_o and_o delight_n in_o those_o that_o love_v he_o but_o this_o pity_n of_o the_o almighty_a which_o yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o low_a instance_n of_o his_o benignity_n consist_v not_o as_o it_o do_v often_o in_o man_n in_o a_o soft_a sympathy_n with_o the_o miserable_a or_o ineffective_a wish_n of_o their_o good_a but_o be_v like_o himself_o great_a and_o powerful_a in_o its_o effect_n for_o in_o the_o next_o place_n §_o iv._o 3._o as_o the_o father_n not_o only_o admit_v his_o son_n when_o he_o return_v to_o he_o but_o run_v to_o meet_v he_o so_o do_v the_o almighty_a help_n and_o bring_v on_o sinner_n in_o their_o way_n to_o himself_o st._n jerom_n i_o confess_v understand_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n to_o point_v at_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n wherein_o god_n may_v very_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o meet_v man_n take_v our_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a but_o i_o rather_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o efficacious_a assistance_n which_o god_n give_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o all_o beginning_n of_o good_a in_o man_n 73._o miraris_fw-la homines_fw-la ad_fw-la deos_fw-la ire_n say_v seneca_n deus_fw-la ad_fw-la homines_fw-la venit_fw-la imò_fw-la quod_fw-la propiùs_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la homines_fw-la venit_fw-la nulla_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la mens_fw-la bona_fw-la est_fw-la and_o a_o little_a before_o he_o have_v say_v non_fw-la sunt_fw-la dii_o fastidiosi_fw-la non_fw-la invidi_fw-la admittunt_fw-la &_o ascendentibus_fw-la manus_fw-la porrigunt_fw-la which_o word_n of_o he_o may_v thus_o be_v render_v in_o a_o scripture_n phrase_n god_n though_o he_o be_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o inhabit_v eternity_n yet_o be_v not_o stately_a and_o disdainful_a he_o neither_o envy_v nor_o grudge_v man_n happiness_n and_o though_o he_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n yet_o to_o this_o man_n will_v he_o look_v that_o be_v of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o repulse_v his_o endeavour_n of_o ascend_v up_o to_o he_o that_o he_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n of_o mercy_n to_o pull_v he_o up_o to_o himself_o wonder_v not_o then_o that_o man_n attain_v to_o god_n when_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o come_v down_o to_o they_o nay_o to_o come_v in_o to_o they_o for_o never_o be_v any_o virtuous_a mind_n without_o his_o help_n to_o that_o purpose_n speak_v the_o excellent_a moralist_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n most_o express_o phil._n 2._o 12._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o jo._n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o except_o my_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o temper_n be_v that_o which_o the_o prophet_n magnificent_o describe_v the_o messiah_n by_o isai_n 40._o 11._o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v the_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a and_o thus_o also_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n set_v forth_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n israel_n hos_n 11._o 3._o i_o teach_v ephraim_n to_o go_v take_v they_o by_o their_o arm_n i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love_n in_o which_o passage_n though_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n with_o literal_a israel_n the_o jewish_a nation_n yet_o as_o that_o people_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n so_o do_v god_n method_n with_o they_o resemble_v the_o gracious_a condescension_n he_o use_v towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n to_o himself_o i_o can_v upon_o this_o occasion_n omit_v a_o most_o affect_a and_o remarkable_a story_n which_o eusebius_n report_v upon_o the_o credit_n both_o of_o st._n irenaeus_n 17._o and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n to_o this_o effect_n st._n john_n the_o apostle_n in_o his_o visitation_n of_o the_o church_n near_o about_o ephesus_n happen_v there_o to_o fix_v his_o eye_n upon_o a_o certain_a young_a man_n who_o he_o conjecture_v from_o the_o comeliness_n of_o his_o shape_n vigorous_a cheerfulness_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o other_o indication_n of_o a_o generous_a spirit_n may_v become_v a_o eminent_a and_o useful_a person_n if_o effectual_a care_n be_v take_v of_o his_o education_n he_o therefore_o call_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n and_o solemn_o conjure_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a church_n to_o spare_v no_o pain_n or_o care_n in_o cultivate_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o young_a man_n the_o bishop_n undertake_v it_o and_o according_o take_v he_o into_o his_o own_o house_n use_v he_o as_o his_o own_o son_n instruct_v he_o baptise_n and_o at_o length_n confirm_v he_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o have_v do_v he_o think_v now_o he_o may_v be_v a_o little_a more_o secure_a of_o he_o and_o trust_v he_o to_o his_o own_o conduct_n but_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o do_v so_o but_o certain_a loose_a young_a man_n present_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o first_o debauch_v he_o with_o light_a caress_n and_o jovial_a assignation_n and_o then_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v to_o maintain_v those_o excess_n they_o draw_v he_o into_o a_o confederacy_n of_o robbery_n and_o in_o that_o flagitious_a society_n this_o young_a man_n quick_o become_v so_o great_a a_o proficient_a as_o to_o be_v captain_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o fraternity_n at_o this_o season_n as_o god_n will_v have_v it_o the_o apostle_n return_v again_o into_o those_o part_n and_o present_o require_v a_o account_n from_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o young_a man_n commit_v to_o his_o trust_n the_o good_a old_a man_n with_o sorrow_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n reply_n alas_o he_o be_v dead_a dead_a i_o say_v to_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n he_o be_v become_v a_o common_a thief_n and_o cutthroat_n have_v desert_v the_o church_n where_o i_o train_v he_o up_o and_o now_o keep_v his_o station_n in_o the_o mountain_n hard_a by_o from_o whence_o he_o make_v his_o frequent_a sally_n to_o commit_v all_o kind_n of_o villainy_n the_o apostle_n age_v as_o he_o be_v consider_v not_o his_o own_o infirmity_n but_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o young_a man_n and_o therefore_o call_v for_o a_o horse_n and_o a_o guide_n present_o issue_v forth_o into_o the_o mountain_n where_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v his_o haunt_n be_v there_o he_o no_o soon_o arrive_v but_o he_o be_v arrest_v by_o the_o centinel_n thief_n whereat_o he_o betray_v no_o fear_n or_o surprisal_n as_o have_v in_o part_n attain_v what_o he_o seek_v show_v i_o say_v he_o your_o captain_n the_o captain_n hear_v this_o and_o wonder_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o errand_n present_v himself_o arm_v
spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o supply_v that_o defect_n and_o several_a special_a direction_n give_v upon_o emergency_n but_o then_o also_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o such_o extraordinary_a interposition_n be_v attend_v with_o miraculous_a circumstance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v their_o credential_n along_o with_o they_o and_o give_v assurance_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o now_o those_o miraculous_a attestation_n be_v cease_v as_o well_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o pretend_v to_o god_n and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa_n 8._o 20._o second_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n particular_o in_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v rational_a and_o accountable_a and_o consequent_o of_o that_o be_v also_o even_o and_o constant_a it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o some_o man_n to_o be_v sometime_o marvellous_o cast_v down_o they_o know_v not_o for_o what_o and_o then_o raise_v up_o again_o they_o know_v not_o how_o and_o this_o they_o ignorant_o call_v the_o accession_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o a_o plerophory_n and_o a_o state_n of_o desertion_n whilst_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o alter_v the_o case_n no_o change_n in_o themselves_o neither_o of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n nor_o of_o improvement_n in_o piety_n yet_o their_o state_n of_o mind_n be_v alter_v as_o if_o god_n change_v and_o not_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o never_o causeless_o withdraw_v from_o man_n it_o never_o grieve_v those_o who_o have_v not_o first_o grieve_v it_o nor_o do_v it_o arbitrary_o give_v joy_n and_o consolation_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o just_a ground_n and_o foundation_n when_o there_o be_v a_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o within_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n so_o erasmus_n well_o observe_v upon_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ut_fw-la intelligas_fw-la say_v he_o geminum_fw-la esse_fw-la testimonium_fw-la duorum_fw-la spirituum_fw-la nostri_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n do_v not_o comfort_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o conscience_n but_o concur_v with_o and_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o understand_v and_o can_v give_v account_n of_o our_o own_o joy_n and_o consequent_o of_o this_o these_o comfort_n be_v not_o flashy_a and_o uncertain_a but_o stable_n and_o certain_a like_o those_o effect_n that_o proceed_v from_o know_v and_o certain_a cause_n the_o joy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v not_o a_o blaze_n like_o a_o meteor_n but_o as_o the_o shine_a light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n prov._n 4._o 18._o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o have_v their_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n their_o sudden_a and_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o their_o as_o sudden_a ecstasy_n and_o transport_n very_o unworthy_o impute_v these_o motion_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v only_o fit_v of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o several_a disguise_n of_o hypochondriack_a passion_n three_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o its_o impression_n upon_o man_n be_v gentle_a sedate_n and_o governable_a put_v not_o man_n into_o a_o rage_n nor_o disorder_v their_o reason_n but_o be_v manageable_a by_o it_o submit_v to_o all_o decorum_n and_o comply_v with_o all_o decency_n of_o circumstance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v think_v by_o the_o best_a interpreter_n to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o ep._n chap._n 14._o vers_fw-la 29_o 30_o 32_o 33._o let_v the_o prophet_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n say_v the_o learned_a dr._n h._n hammond_n even_o in_o those_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n you_o may_v observe_v method_n and_o order_n for_o the_o afflation_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o prophet_n i._n e._n by_o they_o that_o have_v they_o these_o christian_a gift_n be_v not_o like_o the_o afflation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n which_o put_v man_n into_o ecstasy_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o violent_a ecstatical_a impetuous_a but_o a_o soft_a quiet_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o those_o extraordinary_a impulse_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n much_o more_o must_v it_o needs_o be_v so_o now_o when_o all_o those_o miraculous_a and_o prodigious_a circumstance_n be_v cease_v 22._o as_o i_o say_v before_o therefore_o wherever_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n be_v rave_v and_o furious_a and_o pervert_v all_o order_n and_o government_n or_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n shall_v under_o such_o pretence_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o ministry_n or_o put_v the_o magistrate_n out_o of_o office_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v reformer_n of_o the_o world_n revile_v authority_n run_v upon_o desperate_a attempt_n or_o in_o short_a wherever_o there_o be_v a_o rage_a whirlwind_n instead_o of_o a_o still_o soft_a voice_n god_n be_v not_o there_o but_o either_o the_o devil_n or_o at_o least_o a_o frenzy_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o great_a honour_n god_n do_v to_o a_o true_a penitent_n put_v he_o into_o his_o service_n and_o the_o peculiar_a usefullness_n of_o such_o a_o person_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o great_a trust_n god_n repose_v in_o those_o he_o pardon_v and_o their_o obligation_n to_o faithfulness_n and_o activity_n in_o his_o service_n §_o ii_o several_a way_n whereby_o all_o good_a man_n may_v be_v useful_a towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o without_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v public_a preacher_n and_o their_o encouragement_n thereunto_o §_o iii_o the_o peculiar_a aptness_n of_o convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o god_n in_o the_o reclaim_n of_o other_o §_o iv._o the_o character_n of_o a_o accomplish_a christian_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ornament_n foremention_v §_o i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n invest_v his_o return_v son_n with_o he_o puts_z shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n not_o of_o slave_n but_o of_o freeman_n as_o we_o have_v note_v before_o but_o what_o be_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o this_o passage_n or_o what_o favour_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v hereby_o denote_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o easy_a to_o resolve_v upon_o st._n chrysostom_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi understand_v hereby_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o defend_v the_o convert_n from_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n put_v shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n say_v the_o former_a that_o the_o old_a serpent_n may_v not_o find_v he_o naked_a so_o as_o to_o wound_v his_o heel_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o tread_v upon_o the_o serpent_n head_n and_o have_v no_o disturbance_n in_o run_v the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n but_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n apprehend_v that_o hereby_o be_v signify_v the_o honour_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o eminent_a convert_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n as_o useful_a instrument_n of_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n and_o of_o draw_v in_o other_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n to_o submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o this_o purpose_n st._n jerom_n apply_v that_o circumstance_n of_o the_o passeover_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v eat_v with_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n as_o well_o as_o with_o bitter_a herb_n as_o if_o the_o mystical_a reach_n of_o that_o injunction_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n deliver_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n grace_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o state_n of_o servility_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n shall_v not_o only_o solemnize_v the_o memorial_n of_o god_n mercy_n with_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o bitter_a reflection_n upon_o his_o former_a folly_n and_o misery_n but_o stand_v as_o in_o procinctu_fw-la ready_a to_o run_v on_o god_n errand_n and_o to_o call_v in_o other_o to_o he_o and_o indeed_o this_o same_o metaphor_n be_v use_v in_o that_o very_a sense_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a interpreter_n eph._n 6._o 16._o
have_v your_o foot_n shod_a with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n which_o seem_v to_o allude_v to_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 52._o 7._o how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o enjoin_v a_o readiness_n to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o take_v it_o here_o that_o when_o god_n have_v pardon_v a_o sinner_n and_o sanctify_a and_o adopt_v he_o he_o than_o fit_v he_o for_o his_o service_n employ_v he_o in_o it_o and_o expect_v from_o he_o that_o he_o become_v useful_a towards_o the_o reclaim_n of_o other_o alva_n a_o great_a prince_n of_o the_o last_o age_n have_v upon_o some_o displeasure_n cast_v a_o old_a captain_n and_o a_o potent_a minister_n of_o he_o into_o prison_n where_o he_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n without_o any_o hope_n of_o restitution_n until_o at_o length_n it_o happen_v that_o the_o great_a monarch_n have_v project_v the_o adjoin_v a_o neighbour_n kingdom_n to_o his_o own_o dominion_n think_v none_o so_o fit_a to_o execute_v his_o design_n as_o the_o person_n he_o have_v long_o keep_v under_o a_o restraint_n he_o therefore_o he_o send_v for_o out_o of_o prison_n pardon_v he_o and_o commission_n he_o for_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n and_o find_v the_o success_n of_o his_o courage_n and_o conduct_n according_a to_o his_o own_o desire_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v whether_o this_o action_n argue_v more_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o know_v who_o be_v fit_a for_o his_o turn_n and_o can_v also_o submit_v his_o own_o passion_n to_o his_o interest_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o expert_a and_o able_a servant_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o the_o gallantry_n of_o he_o he_o so_o employ_v now_o though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o god_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o man_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o design_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o love_v to_o employ_v the_o capacity_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n any_o of_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o to_o be_v so_o make_v use_n of_o by_o he_o and_o as_o for_o rational_a being_n who_o be_v at_o first_o design_v and_o admirable_o fit_v for_o his_o service_n as_o well_o as_o singular_o oblige_v by_o innumerable_a favour_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o interest_n and_o yet_o have_v forfeit_v their_o allegiance_n and_o serve_v against_o he_o it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o most_o wonderful_a goodness_n that_o he_o shall_v trust_v they_o again_o for_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o forgive_v they_o but_o to_o trust_v they_o when_o as_o i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o it_o be_v become_v a_o rule_n of_o wisdom_n among_o they_o not_o to_o trust_v one_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v very_o admirable_a and_o yet_o god_n do_v both_o these_o and_o more_o than_o all_o this_o for_o he_o pardon_v his_o ingrateful_a rebel_n he_o fit_v they_o for_o service_n and_o then_o trust_v they_o nay_o it_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o aim_n of_o prince_n when_o they_o employ_v one_o in_o any_o eminent_a service_n that_o have_v be_v former_o faulty_a to_o expose_v he_o to_o such_o difficulty_n as_o that_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o employment_n shall_v either_o revenge_v the_o former_a miscarriage_n or_o at_o least_o make_v he_o dear_o earn_v his_o restitution_n to_o favour_n but_o god_n as_o he_o have_v no_o end_n of_o his_o own_o nor_o seek_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o he_o endeavour_v to_o reclaim_v but_o their_o own_o good_a and_o happiness_n so_o in_o those_o he_o employ_v in_o any_o expedition_n he_o peculiar_o aim_v at_o their_o honour_n and_o comfort_v therein_o when_o a_o man_n of_o god_n come_v to_o old_a eli_n the_o priest_n to_o threaten_v he_o and_o his_o son_n with_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n severe_a displeasure_n for_o their_o profaneness_n and_o the_o scandal_n they_o give_v to_o his_o service_n he_o express_v it_o in_o these_o word_n 30._o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v the_o import_n of_o which_o compare_v with_o the_o context_n plain_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o dignity_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o a_o relation_n of_o service_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o great_a debasement_n which_o that_o family_n shall_v undergo_v to_o be_v thrust_v from_o it_o the_o prodigal_a son_n in_o the_o text_n as_o we_o have_v see_v acknowledge_v his_o unworthiness_n to_o be_v call_v any_o more_o a_o son_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v admit_v but_o into_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o servant_n and_o into_o so_o mean_v a_o condition_n as_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o expect_v any_o honour_n by_o it_o that_o he_o think_v himself_o incapable_a of_o any_o trust_n but_o the_o father_n honour_v he_o with_o the_o high_a relation_n of_o a_o son_n and_o god_n honour_v penitent_a sinner_n with_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a trust_n put_v shoe_n on_o their_o foot_n i_o e._n employ_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n st._n paul_n have_v a_o mighty_a sense_n of_o this_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 12._o and_o break_v out_o into_o a_o passionate_a adoration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n i_o thank_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n who_o have_v enable_v i_o for_o that_o he_o count_v i_o faithful_a put_v i_o into_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o that_o have_v be_v now_o say_v as_o if_o all_o convert_v be_v to_o be_v employ_v as_o god_n minister_n in_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o god_n do_v not_o give_v to_o all_o such_o those_o peculiar_a ability_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v all_o person_n competent_a judge_n of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v make_v a_o special_a office_n by_o god_n which_o no_o man_n may_v undertake_v but_o either_o he_o that_o be_v call_v thereto_o miraculous_o by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v or_o by_o the_o orderly_a approbation_n and_o consecration_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a practice_n ever_o since_o all_o therefore_o that_o be_v hereby_o intend_a be_v partly_o to_o remark_n the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o penitent_a child_n in_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o pass_v such_o a_o perfect_a act_n of_o oblivion_n of_o all_o their_o former_a enormity_n as_o that_o he_o disdain_v not_o to_o admit_v even_o some_o of_o they_o to_o this_o high_a trust_n and_o employment_n all_o their_o former_a demerit_n notwithstanding_o as_o we_o have_v instance_n in_o st._n paul_n but_o principal_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o care_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o those_o who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o pardon_v that_o though_o they_o may_v not_o invade_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n within_o their_o sphere_n to_o be_v instrument_n of_o spiritual_a good_a to_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o charge_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o st._n peter_n luk._n 22._o 32._o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n or_o if_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n yet_o that_o of_o king_n david_n be_v not_o psal_n 51._o 13._o who_o vow_v it_o as_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o pardon_n that_o then_o he_o will_v teach_v god_n way_n unto_o sinner_n and_o transgressor_n shall_v be_v convert_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v certain_a religion_n never_o prosper_v well_o in_o the_o world_n whilst_o do_v good_a be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o office_n of_o some_o certain_a person_n only_o and_o not_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o good_a man_n nor_o will_v it_o ever_o be_v a_o good_a world_n till_o man_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o be_v as_o charitable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o ass_n and_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o help_v they_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o other_o out_o of_o a_o ditch_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o levite_n shall_v pass_v by_o a_o man_n fall_v among_o thief_n and_o wound_a yet_o sure_a every_o good_a samaritan_n will_v have_v compassion_n on_o he_o and_o bind_v up_o his_o wound_n especial_o he_o that_o have_v be_v
now_o that_o he_o be_v return_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o heap_v sorrow_n upon_o sorrow_n i_o will_v wipe_v away_o all_o his_o tear_n and_o repair_v all_o his_o suffering_n he_o shall_v take_v his_o fill_n of_o refreshment_n not_o only_o my_o heart_n but_o my_o hand_n my_o purse_n all_o my_o store_n be_v open_a to_o he_o i_o have_v forget_v his_o rebellion_n and_o he_o shall_v forget_v his_o sorrow_n he_o have_v by_o this_o last_o act_n efface_v the_o memory_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o i_o will_v take_v care_n there_o shall_v remain_v no_o mark_n of_o what_o he_o suffer_v and_o because_o all_o my_o family_n heretofore_o sorrow_v for_o he_o they_o shall_v all_o now_o rejoice_v with_o i_o and_o he_o enter_z o_o son_n into_o thy_o father_n joy_n reap_v now_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o repentance_n i_o be_o satisfy_v with_o thy_o return_n satisfy_v thyself_o in_o this_o that_o all_o i_o have_v and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o i_o shall_v speak_v thy_o welcome_n or_o as_o if_o in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n our_o heavenly_a father_n shall_v thus_o bespeak_v his_o penitent_a child_n i_o be_o sensible_a as_o well_o as_o you_o what_o husk_n you_o have_v live_v upon_o since_o you_o forsake_v i_o and_o when_o you_o neither_o love_v i_o nor_o yourselves_o i_o pity_v you_o it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n before_o you_o will_v understand_v that_o in_o forsake_v i_o you_o depart_v from_o your_o own_o happiness_n and_o now_o that_o you_o have_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o you_o to_o return_v you_o shall_v not_o find_v your_o self_n deceive_v your_o own_o experience_n shall_v justify_v your_o choice_n you_o come_v indeed_o late_o into_o my_o vineyard_n yet_o i_o will_v reward_v you_o equal_o with_o those_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o you_o will_v be_v persuade_v over_o to_o my_o side_n yet_o now_o have_v acquit_v yourselves_o well_o i_o will_v crown_v you_o i_o have_v already_o set_v some_o mark_n of_o favour_n upon_o you_o but_o those_o be_v but_o earnest_n of_o great_a which_o i_o intend_v you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a i_o seek_v not_o myself_o but_o you_o when_o i_o put_v the_o task_n upon_o you_o of_o live_v virtuous_o and_o holy_o it_o shall_v now_o appear_v that_o i_o only_o educate_v and_o train_v you_o up_o in_o that_o school_n for_o glory_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v by_o these_o preparation_n fit_v you_o for_o it_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o lord_n you_o shall_v not_o have_v only_o the_o ornament_n but_o the_o inheritance_n of_o son_n and_o shall_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o blessedness_n which_o my_o most_o dutiful_a child_n that_o never_o go_v astray_o from_o i_o and_o which_o i_o myself_o be_o happy_a in_o isa_n 25._o 6._o for_o in_o this_o mountain_n will_v i_o make_v unto_o all_o my_o servant_n a_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n a_o feast_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n of_o fat_a thing_n full_a of_o marrow_n of_o wine_n on_o the_o lees_n well_o refine_v etc._n etc._n come_v you_o bless_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o live_v with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o rejoice_v with_o they_o to_o all_o eternity_n §_o ii_o but_o to_o render_v this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o parable_n the_o more_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o also_o to_o make_v way_n for_o some_o account_n of_o the_o admirable_a greatness_n of_o this_o favour_n let_v we_o take_v a_o little_a compass_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o several_a phrase_n that_o the_o state_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n be_v express_v by_o in_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a be_v these_o four_o it_o be_v call_v paradise_n a_o rest_n a_o city_n a_o kingdom_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v describe_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o paradise_n 4._o which_o import_v a_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n and_o this_o name_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o that_o place_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o almighty_a god_n settle_v our_o first_o parent_n when_o they_o come_v immediate_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o as_o there_o he_o have_v order_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v at_o hand_n which_o minister_v either_o to_o man_n necessity_n or_o delight_n and_o have_v fence_v he_o from_o all_o that_o can_v disturb_v and_o annoy_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o but_o in_o a_o far_o high_a degree_n both_o of_o gratification_n and_o security_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o and_o by_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v a_o rest_n hebr._n 4._o 9_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n allude_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n where_o god_n give_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n rest_n and_o quiet_a habitation_n after_o a_o long_a servitude_n in_o egypt_n and_o a_o tedious_a pilgrimage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n so_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v god_n give_v all_o good_a man_n repose_v from_o all_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n and_o from_o all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o disturbance_n of_o their_o enemy_n of_o all_o kind_n rev._n 14._o 13._o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o be_v call_v a_o city_n hebr._n 11._o 10._o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o temporary_a and_o flit_a accommodation_n which_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o note_v the_o stability_n and_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n and_o attain_v the_o crown_n of_o immortal_a life_n 4._o it_o be_v also_o call_v a_o kingdom_n matt._n 25._o 34._o come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v a_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n principal_o as_o a_o kingdom_n speak_v grandeur_n and_o glory_n and_o affluence_n of_o all_o thing_n far_o beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o private_a fortune_n and_o so_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v god_n have_v prepare_v and_o accumulate_v all_o the_o ingredient_n of_o felicity_n and_o glory_n now_o with_o all_o these_o figurative_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v do_v this_o in_o the_o text_n of_o a_o feast_n very_o well_o accord_n alleg._n set_v out_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o like_a manner_n by_o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o sense_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o not_o only_o the_o great_a delicacy_n and_o the_o great_a plenty_n of_o they_o be_v imply_v but_o also_o order_n and_o joy_n and_o unanimity_n in_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o they_o which_o together_o marvellous_o well_o represent_v that_o felicity_n we_o speak_v of_o to_o speak_v full_o and_o clear_o about_o that_o estate_n be_v beyond_o the_o ability_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o consider_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n may_v easy_o contrive_v such_o instance_n of_o happiness_n as_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n till_o we_o come_v to_o enjoy_v they_o since_o he_o can_v either_o raise_v up_o new_a object_n to_o entertain_v those_o faculty_n we_o have_v or_o create_v new_a power_n in_o our_o soul_n which_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v fresh_a and_o more_o quick_a and_o admirable_a delight_n then_o any_o we_o be_v now_o capable_a of_o especial_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o make_v demonstration_n of_o his_o magnificence_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o love_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v very_o well_o surcease_v our_o curiosity_n and_o rest_v ourselves_o content_v since_o we_o have_v both_o assurance_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o compleatness_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o because_o some_o knowledge_n of_o particular_n also_o will_v marvellous_o quicken_v we_o in_o our_o race_n thither_o and_o support_v we_o under_o the_o burden_n we_o must_v undergo_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n therefore_o i_o will_v by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o these_o four_o particular_n touch_v that_o estate_n §_o iii_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n insist_o upon_o as_o a_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o whereas_o death_n have_v make_v a_o separation_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o whatever_o circumstance_n the_o former_a may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n yet_o the_o latter_a lay_n under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o be_v the_o