bubble_n because_o it_o shine_v and_o glitter_v so_o utter_o without_o excuse_n be_v those_o who_o despise_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o invitation_n to_o religion_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indeed_o upon_o any_o other_o account_v whatever_o for_o religion_n be_v our_o chief_n interest_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o those_o that_o put_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o till_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n that_o be_v till_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o be_v no_o doubt_n very_o high_o displease_v to_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o but_o those_o be_v much_o more_o so_o who_o total_o and_o insult_o reject_v it_o to_o defer_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a provocation_n but_o atheistical_o to_o oppose_v and_o vilify_v it_o be_v certain_o much_o worse_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n express_v in_o 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king_n be_v pronounce_v those_o that_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o that_o favour_n and_o resolve_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v other_o to_o the_o wedding_n which_o be_v literal_o verify_v upon_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_o upon_o all_o other_o infidel_n that_o be_v man_n obstinate_a infidelity_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v repay_v with_o god_n withdraw_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o so_o long_o tender_v they_o and_o they_o refuse_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o seal_v they_o up_o as_o irreclaimable_a to_o destruction_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v say_v solomon_n personate_n christ_n or_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o 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forth_o his_o army_n to_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n which_o be_v likewise_o literal_o fufill_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o effectual_o verify_v upon_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o vent_v their_o spleen_n against_o the_o religion_n upon_o those_o that_o preach_v it_o and_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v and_o trample_v upon_o the_o one_o because_o they_o hate_v the_o other_o but_o vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o fiery_a destruction_n even_o that_o of_o hell_n shall_v without_o a_o deep_a repentance_n which_o we_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v they_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o malice_n be_v so_o inveterate_a against_o man_n send_v from_o god_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v total_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v and_o vilify_v those_o that_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o they_o be_v as_o bad_a who_o though_o they_o profess_v it_o be_v negligent_a of_o its_o duty_n and_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o it_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o a_o king_n be_v find_v a_o man_n at_o the_o marriage_n supper_n that_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o the_o man_n be_v speechless_a upon_o it_o and_o the_o king_n be_v command_v his_o servant_n to_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n this_o be_v in_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v customary_a in_o those_o eastern_a country_n the_o have_v peculiar_a florid_n sort_v of_o garment_n on_o purpose_n to_o grace_v such_o festival_n solemnity_n and_o none_o be_v permit_v to_o taste_v of_o those_o feast_n but_o who_o have_v such_o garment_n on_o so_o in_o christianity_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n be_v the_o wedding_n garment_n without_o which_o none_n let_v they_o make_v never_o so_o specious_a profession_n shall_v taste_v of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a the_o soul_n without_o repentance_n be_v pollute_v whatever_o it_o profess_v to_o believe_v and_o without_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o when_o at_o the_o great_a scrutiny_n in_o the_o last_o day_n god_n shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o every_o man_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o soul_n that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o his_o desert_n and_o shall_v ask_v those_o formal_a professor_n who_o have_v live_v like_o heathen_n or_o as_o if_o faith_n
alone_o can_v save_v they_o and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o good_a work_n how_o come_v you_o in_o hither_o how_o come_v you_o into_o this_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n what_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o their_o excuse_n will_v they_o not_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n confound_v and_o ashamed_a and_o utter_o speechless_a what_o will_v they_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o bar_n of_o that_o dire_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o bound_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v they_o away_o etc._n etc._n certain_o nothing_o but_o with_o inexpressible_a horror_n and_o despair_n and_o self-condemnation_n must_v submit_v to_o their_o sad_a punishment_n from_o all_o this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o general_a observation_n draw_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o myriad_o of_o people_n and_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v invite_v alike_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o will_v make_v a_o very_a ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o many_o utter_o reject_v this_o invitation_n and_o more_o though_o they_o do_v embrace_v it_o yet_o become_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o by_o not_o lead_v their_o life_n agreeable_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o will_v be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n as_o elect_v or_o choice_a and_o right_a good_a christian_n and_o but_o few_o consequent_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o another_o place_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n as_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v to_o a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o do_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o show_v of_o such_o obedience_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v that_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v eternal_a weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o sincere_a and_o lively_a as_o to_o produce_v good_a work_n such_o as_o may_v make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o our_o belief_n to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n most_o bless_a example_n and_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n cheerful_o and_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o choice_a jewel_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a and_o even_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v conduct_v by_o his_o angel_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o to_o share_v in_o his_o happiness_n to_o eternal_a age_n the_o prayer_n most_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o amaze_a condescension_n have_v invite_v i_o miserable_a creature_n though_o poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a and_o destitute_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v recommend_v i_o to_o thou_o except_o it_o be_v my_o wretchedness_n to_o the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o thy_o glorious_a son_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n of_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o tender_a regard_n his_o protection_n and_o desence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n how_o can_v i_o enough_o praise_n and_o magnify_v this_o thy_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n shall_v i_o embrace_v so_o inestimable_a a_o favour_n but_o i_o alas_o stupid_a as_o i_o be_o and_o bewitch_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n and_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v hitherto_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o disregard_v this_o gracious_a offer_n and_o prefer_v every_o thing_n before_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o best_o have_v defer_v it_o still_o till_o another_o time_n provoke_v thereby_o most_o just_o thy_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v thy_o bless_a presence_n as_o infinite_o unworthy_a but_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o do_v earnest_o repent_v and_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o so_o ungrateful_o sliting_a such_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o vileness_n be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o be_v intolerable_a and_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n i_o beg_v thy_o heavenly_a aid_n that_o now_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n i_o may_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o bless_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_n and_o honour_v the_o messenger_n which_o bring_v i_o those_o glad_a tiding_n and_o since_o my_o maker_n be_v my_o husband_n be_v always_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o unspotted_a fidelity_n and_o love_n be_v his_o entire_o and_o for_o ever_o submit_v without_o reserve_n to_o his_o heavenly_a government_n reverence_v his_o authority_n and_o glorify_v he_o with_o my_o body_n and_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o and_o grant_v o_o merciful_a god_n i_o humble_o entreat_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o infidelity_n may_v never_o possess_v my_o soul_n lest_o i_o total_o reject_v this_o bless_a invitation_n or_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o my_o saviour_n again_o divorce_v myself_o from_o he_o by_o entertain_v strange_a and_o forbid_a love_n and_o since_o i_o be_o so_o high_o honour_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o may_v i_o always_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o call_v and_o not_o debase_v myself_o by_o low_o sink_v brutish_a action_n but_o as_o befit_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n of_o sincere_a purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o i_o may_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o my_o dear_a lord_n but_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o merciful_a father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o bless_a jesus_n amen_n amen_n parable_n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matth._n twenty-five_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o then_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n which_o take_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a they_o that_o be_v foolish_a take_v their_o lamp_n and_o take_v no_o oil_n with_o they_o but_o the_o wise_a take_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o watch_z therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v though_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o forego_n chapter_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sad_a state_n that_o be_v ever_o long_o to_o overtake_v jerusalem_n for_o the_o jew_n
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v 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and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n 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prevent_v their_o run_n into_o course_n ruinous_a and_o to_o shield_v they_o from_o the_o mischievous_a assault_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o before_o or_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v observe_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v teach_v he_o without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v angel_n then_o present_a as_o observer_n and_o witness_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v and_o discourse_v it_o be_v then_o thus_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v observer_n of_o man_n life_n and_o action_n especial_o of_o those_o of_o christian_n as_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o as_o minister_n of_o his_o divine_a government_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o make_v curious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n appoint_v angel_n to_o observe_v 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take_v the_o like_a measure_n and_o either_o reform_v their_o irreligious_a servant_n and_o dependent_n or_o else_o rid_v themselves_o of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o due_a legal_a punishment_n if_o this_o wholesome_a course_n be_v take_v with_o due_a diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o prudence_n vice_n will_v soon_o be_v dishearten_v and_o virtue_n more_o and_o more_o thrive_v and_o increase_v god_n honour_n will_v be_v vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n redeem_v our_o own_o temporal_a happiness_n advance_v and_o innumerable_a soul_n save_v that_o otherwise_o will_v for_o ever_o have_v perish_v and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o work_n true_o worthy_a of_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o angelic_a undertake_n and_o every_o man_n that_o pray_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v bind_v in_o his_o own_o sphere_n and_o according_a to_o his_o best_a ability_n to_o promote_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o petition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o expect_v and_o hope_n to_o have_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o follow_a petition_n and_o receive_v his_o daily_a bread_n and_o have_v his_o trespass_n forgive_v he_o and_o to_o be_v preserve_v or_o support_v in_o temptation_n and_o deliver_v from_o evil._n the_o five_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n as_o yet_o to_o gather_v out_o the_o tare_n from_o among_o the_o good_a seed_n to_o discriminate_a hypocritical_a from_o sincere_a christian_n and_o give_v they_o their_o due_a punishment_n namely_o lest_o while_o they_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n they_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o reason_n of_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
will_v they_o have_v man_n forcible_o withhold_v from_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vice_n as_o ruin_v thousand_o such_o as_o pride_n and_o luxury_n and_o wantonness_n and_o excess_n or_o if_o as_o well_o they_o may_v they_o think_v this_o too_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v desire_v will_v they_o have_v god_n when_o man_n be_v thus_o reduce_v to_o poverty_n immediate_o work_v miracle_n for_o their_o relief_n will_v they_o have_v raven_n bring_v food_n to_o the_o hungry_a as_o they_o do_v to_o elijah_n 17.6_o 1_o king_n 17.6_o or_o will_v they_o have_v every_o poor_a widow_n cruise_n of_o oil_n and_o barrel_n of_o meal_n be_v as_o lasting_a as_o the_o widow_n be_v of_o sarepta_n be_v 16._o 16._o or_o will_v they_o have_v water_n spring_n from_o rock_n and_o be_v immediate_o turn_v into_o wine_n to_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v such_o as_o be_v parch_v with_o thirst_n will_v they_o have_v our_o lord_n come_v down_o a_o second_o time_n from_o heaven_n to_o heal_v disease_n or_o a_o angel_n always_o set_v open_v the_o prison_n door_n when_o good_a man_n be_v confine_v and_o macerate_v or_o the_o like_a that_o such_o extraordinary_a thing_n have_v be_v sometime_o do_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o to_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v always_o so_o be_v foolish_o presumptuous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v those_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o will_v yet_o by_o all_o mean_n have_v god_n take_v a_o severe_a course_n with_o his_o unfaithful_a steward_n than_o he_o do_v and_o at_o least_o displace_v they_o and_o give_v their_o riches_n to_o other_o that_o man_n may_v see_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o thus_o man_n will_v be_v reply_v against_o god_n and_o the_o clay_n say_v to_o the_o potter_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o these_o counselor_n of_o the_o alwise_a god_n will_v have_v all_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n use_v in_o this_o manner_n or_o only_o some_o for_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o all_o the_o world_n will_v quick_o be_v in_o confusion_n by_o such_o frequent_a change_n in_o state_n and_o government_n and_o private_a family_n as_o will_v then_o be_v make_v if_o some_o only_a in_o terrorem_fw-la and_o to_o affright_v the_o rest_n into_o a_o more_o conscientious_a discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n why_o that_o be_v often_o do_v nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o the_o rise_v and_o fall_v of_o man_n and_o family_n and_o sometime_o their_o decay_n be_v make_v very_o remarkable_a by_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n which_o if_o man_n will_v observe_v it_o be_v warning_n enough_o to_o they_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v thoughtless_a and_o regard_v it_o not_o the_o blame_v aught_o to_o be_v they_o not_o god_n and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n too_o at_o the_o long_a run_n when_o he_o shall_v call_v every_o man_n before_o he_o to_o make_v up_o his_o account_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n any_o more_o for_o the_o future_a pass_v impious_a and_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o alwise_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n because_o his_o servant_n neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o rather_o humble_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v he_o to_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o a_o better_a observance_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a command_n and_o if_o the_o poor_a shall_v still_o go_v unpitied_a and_o unrelieve_v let_v we_o commit_v their_o cause_n unto_o he_o who_o if_o with_o patience_n they_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n will_v at_o length_n abundant_o recompense_v their_o suffering_n here_o with_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v the_o great_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o wicked_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o thereby_o bring_v such_o odious_a aspersion_n upon_o their_o great_a benefactor_n and_o so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n upon_o mankind_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o low_o sink_v so_o vile_o brutish_a and_o degenerate_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o shine_v coach_n and_o gay_a livery_n be_v and_o vanity_n and_o profuse_a folly_n in_o many_o other_o instance_n before_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o a_o poor_a afflict_a christian_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o hear_v the_o groan_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o atheist_n against_o that_o god_n who_o give_v they_o all_o they_o have_v rather_o than_o by_o retrench_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o excessive_a way_n of_o live_v to_o silence_n either_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a complicate_v impiety_n this_o and_o will_v at_o last_o pull_v down_o a_o heavy_a vengeance_n wherefore_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o infer_v in_o the_o last_o place_n how_o high_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o discreet_o and_o thorough_o charitabe_v samaritan_n in_o the_o parable_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o this_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o if_o we_o prove_v ill_a steward_n of_o the_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o unfaithfulness_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o the_o profane_a flout_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a the_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n of_o the_o desperate_o miserable_a the_o theft_n and_o murder_n and_o other_o villainy_n of_o such_o who_o unrelieved_a poverty_n force_v to_o be_v thus_o wicked_a and_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o die_v for_o want_v of_o succour_n all_o this_o will_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o and_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o eternal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v while_o we_o have_v time_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o all_o this_o world_n be_v good_a shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n let_v we_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o be_v faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o we_o lest_o our_o great_a lord_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o time_n when_o we_o think_v not_o of_o he_o and_o place_v we_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o pass_v this_o dismal_a and_o irreversible_a sentence_n upon_o we_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n for_o i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o not_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o not_o sick_a and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o from_o which_o terrible_a condemnation_n and_o that_o harden_a disposition_n that_o deserve_v it_o and_o will_v inevitable_o bring_v it_o down_o upon_o we_o if_o not_o speedy_o amend_v the_o merciful_a and_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o compassion_n in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n amen_n amen_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o great_a pattern_n of_o charity_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o flesh_n went_a about_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n relieve_v the_o necessity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o have_v command_v thy_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o do_v likewise_o give_v i_o the_o grace_n i_o beseech_v thou_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v real_o necessitous_a without_o except_v any_o but_o always_o to_o guide_v these_o good_a work_n with_o discretion_n lest_o by_o my_o ill-placed_a alm_n i_o encourage_v debauchery_n and_o sloth_n and_o have_v the_o less_o to_o give_v to_o those_o that_o true_o want_v and_o since_o the_o poverty_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deplorable_a o_o that_o i_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o by_o fraternal_a correption_n and_o seasonable_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n according_a to_o my_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o relieve_v the_o spiritual_a necessity_n of_o my_o brethren_n and_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o may_v i_o always_o cheerful_o perform_v this_o godlike_a duty_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o make_v light_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o thereby_o vindicate_v thy_o providence_n from_o the_o vile_a aspersion_n of_o
affection_n and_o can_v afford_v to_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o be_v religious_a be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v they_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o urge_v man_n to_o be_v much_o too_o hard_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o law_n fit_a for_o angel_n than_o man_n and_o though_o they_o wish_v they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v it_o and_o can_v but_o consent_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o they_o find_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v they_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o that_o they_o do_v and_o they_o take_v up_o with_o this_o as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n and_o because_o god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o good_a they_o think_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o great_a hardship_n of_o his_o command_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o perform_v they_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o his_o slothful_a unprofitable_a servant_n out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v those_o wretched_a person_n that_o thus_o mock_v and_o abuse_n god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n into_o ruin_n for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o man_n beyond_o their_o ability_n nor_o command_v their_o service_n and_o obedience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o consequent_o what_o this_o merciful_a and_o good_a god_n command_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v do_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o dispensation_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v dare_v wilful_o to_o disobey_v he_o this_o every_o man_n no_o question_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v in_o sufficient_a measure_n give_v to_o every_o man._n and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o what_o less_o be_v the_o give_v man_n such_o command_v as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o withal_o threaten_v and_o actual_o inflict_v unconceivable_a torment_n for_o such_o be_v those_o of_o hell_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o the_o impracticable_a law_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o require_v brick_n without_o straw_n as_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n do_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v on_o stripe_n for_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o work_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o worse_o because_o the_o punishment_n for_o irreligion_n and_o not_o improve_n our_o talent_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o shall_v be_v inflict_v to_o all_o eternity_n since_o therefore_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o difficult_a his_o command_n will_v be_v to_o we_o and_o how_o proportionable_a our_o ability_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o superaddition_n of_o grace_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o since_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o will_v not_o overload_v his_o creature_n nor_o exact_v impossible_a task_n or_o such_o as_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a and_o but_o one_o degree_n below_o impossible_a since_o he_o be_v likewise_o infinite_o just_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v myriad_o of_o poor_a wretch_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o not_o make_v a_o impossible_a improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n and_o expect_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o from_o all_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o plead_v inability_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v able_a through_o the_o never_o deficient_a grace_n of_o that_o good_a god_n to_o such_o as_o heedful_o attend_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v his_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a command_n and_o make_v improvement_n suitable_a to_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o if_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perish_v his_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n for_o the_o future_a be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o expect_v impossible_a service_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o think_v to_o palliate_v his_o irreligion_n by_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o extreme_a hardship_n of_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a but_o let_v every_o man_n set_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o about_o his_o duty_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o his_o daily_a improvement_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talent_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a beyond_o expression_n miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o first_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talon_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o above_o in_o this_o world_n a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a conscience_n will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o sense_n of_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n of_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o sincere_a account_n though_o not_o a_o perfect_a one_o to_o their_o great_a master_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o look_v into_o their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o stewardship_n this_o will_v fill_v their_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n their_o soul_n will_v be_v calm_a and_o their_o thought_n at_o rest_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o fidelity_n their_o life_n not_o imbitter_v with_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o sad_a after_o reckon_v but_o like_o that_o of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n who_o be_v in_o his_o master_n favour_n steady_a and_o easy_a and_o move_v cheerful_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o in_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o diligence_n when_o his_o great_a lord_n shall_v advance_v he_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o that_o of_o a_o friend_n and_o bosom_n favourite_n nay_o of_o a_o coheir_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o beside_o this_o serenity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o to_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v comparable_a the_o improve_n christian_a shall_v have_v more_o talent_n give_v he_o more_o grace_n shower_v down_o upon_o his_o soul_n what_o the_o slothful_a have_v forfeit_v shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o what_o condition_n can_v approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n than_o that_o of_o a_o holy_a soul_n thus_o plentiful_o store_v with_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o if_o grace_n and_o glory_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o one_o be_v but_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o a_o soul_n so_o fill_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o improve_n soul_n will_v be_v must_v needs_o live_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o have_v frequent_a antepast_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o that_o other_o world_n when_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n then_o will_v their_o happiness_n be_v as_o ineffable_a as_o endless_a it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n they_o shall_v be_v conduct_v after_o have_v give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n by_o the_o bless_a angel_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n where_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o with_o wonder_v eye_n and_o enravished_a heart_n behold_v his_o glory_n gaze_v upon_o his_o splendour_n and_o near_o view_v his_o beauty_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o
riches_n or_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o which_o nowadays_o we_o esteem_v riches_n chief_o to_o consist_v they_o be_v real_o no_o better_o than_o heap_n of_o earth_n of_o different_a colour_n impress_v with_o different_a stamp_n and_o make_v of_o different_a size_n and_o to_o which_o man_n have_v give_v a_o different_a value_n and_o esteem_n according_a to_o their_o different_a colour_n size_n and_o impression_n and_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v good_a for_o little_a but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o which_o he_o that_o will_v live_v must_v part_v with_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o exchange_n for_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o subsistence_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o base_a than_o for_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n so_o far_o to_o degrade_v himself_o as_o to_o employ_v his_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n and_o desire_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n which_o be_v original_o make_v for_o he_o to_o tread_v upon_o and_o produce_v thing_n for_o his_o food_n and_o pleasure_n to_o make_v that_o his_o master_n nay_o his_o god_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o dote_v upon_o a_o senseless_a clod_n to_o neglect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o infinite_o perfect_a maker_n and_o admire_v one_o of_o the_o low_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o desire_v a_o piece_n of_o earth_n with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o have_v no_o value_n for_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o very_a much_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o his_o happiness_n to_o bestow_v no_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o abject_a than_o this_o what_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n where_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v a_o trifle_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n disregard_v that_o which_o be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o where_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v be_v redeem_v not_o by_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n where_o be_v his_o religion_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o make_v silver_n and_o gold_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o admire_v mammon_n more_o than_o his_o saviour_n what_o more_o vile_a and_o brutish_a than_o this_o what_o more_o stupid_o ungrateful_a this_o be_v to_o come_v down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o it_o be_v to_o sink_v much_o low_a for_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o choose_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o serve_v he_o obedient_o in_o that_o rank_n of_o be_v in_o which_o he_o have_v place_v they_o but_o that_o man_n much_o more_o that_o christian_a that_o make_v perish_v riches_n the_o main_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o degenerate_v many_o degree_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n disobey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creator_n slight_v the_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o his_o saviour_n despise_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o a_o vile_a muckworm_n delight_v in_o nothing_o noble_a and_o excellent_a but_o grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v more_o vilify_v and_o degrade_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o such_o base_a affection_n as_o these_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o vile_a degeneracy_n and_o render_v a_o man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o universe_n both_o to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a men._n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n as_o in_o they_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o beside_o that_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n they_o cause_n mention_v before_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1_o it_o mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 2._o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n first_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n do_v mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v remember_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o matt._n 13.22_o say_v that_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n like_o thorn_n that_o spring_v up_o with_o seed_n choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o in_o another_o parable_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v at_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n 14.18_o matt._n 22._o luk._n 14.18_o by_o which_o as_o be_v discourse_v upon_o that_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o glad_a tiding_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o detain_v man_n from_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v after_o and_o ox_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n and_o according_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o can_v be_v matt._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o first_o nothing_o so_o much_o distract_v a_o man_n thought_n as_o a_o eager_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n for_o riches_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o be_v acquire_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o very_o slippery_a when_o gain_v that_o as_o to_o get_v they_o will_v exercise_v all_o a_o man_n contrivance_n employ_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o attention_n and_o consume_v his_o whole_a time_n so_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o once_o get_v will_n to_o a_o man_n that_o know_v the_o hardship_n of_o get_v they_o and_o how_o soon_o they_o be_v lose_v again_o engage_v he_o in_o constant_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o watch_v his_o idol_n lest_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o his_o mind_n become_v distract_v with_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o leisure_n for_o no_o other_o thought_n than_o how_o to_o secure_v his_o riches_n and_o this_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n much_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n may_v soon_o perceive_v by_o their_o careful_a anxious_a look_n and_o distrustful_a timorous_a discourse_n now_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n thus_o engross_a a_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o likewise_o require_v time_n and_o diligence_n and_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attend_v close_o to_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o he_o that_o eager_o love_v riches_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n prepossess_v with_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o they_o and_o all_o his_o faculty_n before_o engage_v in_o their_o pursuit_n must_v move_v very_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o move_v at_o all_o nay_o indeed_o rather_o move_v backward_o than_o forward_o and_o the_o more_o he_o love_v the_o world_n grow_v cold_a still_o in_o his_o affection_n to_o god_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o money_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o enchantment_n it_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v he_o less_o sensible_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o so_o dull_v and_o stupefy_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v very_o little_o move_v with_o the_o sermon_n of_o
before_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n learn_v this_o short_a but_o excellent_a lesson_n namely_o that_o when_o sudden_a ill_a accident_n befall_v our_o neighbour_n we_o do_v not_o present_o make_v conclusion_n as_o be_v too_o often_o do_v especial_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o enmity_n or_o difference_n between_o the_o party_n that_o god_n have_v meet_v with_o they_o by_o his_o judgement_n for_o some_o extraordinary_a wickedness_n of_o they_o and_o pronounce_v they_o worse_o man_n than_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o escape_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a sentence_n and_o may_v be_v far_o from_o truth_n but_o rather_o by_o god_n severity_n upon_o other_o be_v incline_v to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o self_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o our_o own_o iniquity_n and_o entire_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n lest_o we_o likewise_o fall_v under_o the_o like_a express_v of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o infinite_o worse_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o parable_n itself_o be_v represent_v god_n method_n of_o proceed_v with_o sinner_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o it_o be_v this_o first_o he_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o by_o the_o good_a cultivate_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o refresh_a influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v fit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o which_o in_o due_a season_n they_o be_v to_o be_v transplant_v after_o they_o be_v thus_o place_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o look_v for_o a_o proportionable_a fruitfulness_n from_o they_o and_o that_o after_o all_o his_o care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o they_o will_v for_o their_o part_n make_v he_o a_o due_a return_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o poor_a to_o a_o rich_a soil_n and_o much_o care_n and_o husbandry_n use_v about_o it_o it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v grow_v and_o flourish_v according_o and_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit._n after_o god_n have_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n yearly_o seek_v for_o fruit_n from_o they_o and_o be_v as_o often_o disappoint_v his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n prompt_v he_o to_o rid_v his_o vineyard_n of_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o those_o unprofitable_a tree_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o society_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n those_o that_o be_v a_o trouble_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o they_o and_o as_o barren_a tree_n be_v lay_v aside_o to_o be_v burn_v so_o to_o consign_v they_o to_o those_o everlasting_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o though_o in_o justice_n he_o purpose_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o unfruitful_a yet_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o dresser_n of_o this_o his_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n incline_v he_o to_o a_o still_o far_a forbearance_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v cultivate_v and_o manure_v afresh_o by_o the_o again_o repeat_v instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reiterated_a motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o then_o if_o they_o bear_v fruit_n well_o happy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o if_o not_o after_o that_o he_o will_v cut_v they_o down_o and_o utter_o destroy_v they_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v now_o discourse_v in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o be_v god_n wondrous_a care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o sinner_n in_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n as_o the_o parable_n express_v it_o that_o be_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o they_o be_v cultivate_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o their_o soul_n water_v with_o gentle_a shower_n from_o above_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v flourish_n and_o become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o in_o due_a time_n they_o shall_v be_v transplant_v before_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v god_n vineyard_n his_o peculiar_a enclosure_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o government_n and_o all_o but_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v exclude_v as_o wild_a uncultivated_a tree_n and_o leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v all_o but_o the_o land_n of_o jewry_n the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n afterward_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v that_o god_n will_v take_v pity_n upon_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o receive_v all_o mankind_n to_o his_o favour_n he_o then_o enlarge_v that_o his_o vineyard_n and_o give_v a_o free_a admittance_n to_o all_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o culture_n and_o government_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n who_o he_o send_v to_o break_v down_o the_o former_a enclosure_n and_o make_v it_o more_o capacious_a even_o as_o large_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o his_o management_n make_v he_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o this_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n that_o through_o his_o excellent_a direction_n and_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o decree_n from_o above_o of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o above_o all_o through_o the_o wondrous_a efficacy_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n with_o which_o he_o plentiful_o enrich_v this_o his_o new_a plantation_n it_o may_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v even_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o repentance_n such_o as_o may_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o the_o salvation_n of_o innumerable_a soul_n that_o none_o make_v after_o his_o image_n may_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o everlasting_a life_n god_n vineyard_n then_o be_v thus_o enlarge_v and_o his_o church_n now_o no_o long_o confine_v to_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n make_v universal_a that_o all_o man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n man_n be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o paradise_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n it_o be_v again_o put_v into_o his_o power_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o maker_n favour_n and_o after_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v transplant_v into_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o river_n of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n which_o flow_v for_o evermore_o as_o through_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n mankind_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o doom_v to_o live_v and_o labour_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n as_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o then_o to_o die_v and_o return_v to_o his_o dust_n so_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o atonement_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n all_o that_o sad_a sentence_n and_o condemnation_n be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n reverse_v and_o we_o be_v again_o plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o garden_n of_o god_n recall_v from_o the_o portion_n of_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o at_o length_n to_o change_v this_o corruptible_a for_o incorruptible_a this_o dishonour_n and_o weakness_n for_o glory_n and_o power_n this_o natural_a for_o a_o spiritual_a body_n this_o mortal_a life_n for_o immortality_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o say_v that_o be_v write_v 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n o_o bless_a alteration_n o_o happy_a change_n of_o misery_n and_o shame_n for_o happiness_n and_o glory_n o_o the_o miraculous_a love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o thus_o commiserate_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_n we_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n and_o be_v plant_v in_o this_o spiritual_a vineyard_n and_o under_o the_o care_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o great_a
and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o thrive_v they_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o those_o that_o do_v as_o look_v upon_o prosperity_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v throughout_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v neither_o a_o certain_a argument_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o their_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o neither_o be_v affliction_n a_o certain_a sign_n of_o god_n cast_v man_n off_o here_o or_o a_o sure_a forerunner_n of_o eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o but_o frequent_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o good_a be_v calamitous_a in_o this_o world_n but_o receive_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n in_o the_o other_o and_o those_o that_o be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a here_o too_o often_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n hereafter_o prosperity_n be_v in_o itself_o indeed_o a_o blessing_n and_o promise_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n and_o according_o many_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a even_o here_o and_o be_v all_o true_o good_a all_o will_v be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a for_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o make_v the_o world_n miserable_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n affliction_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a evil_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n joyous_a but_o grievous_a and_o be_v always_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o offence_n but_o oftentimes_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v send_v as_o a_o curse_n rather_o than_o a_o blessing_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o only_a happiness_n that_o some_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v and_o adversity_n prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o paternal_a regard_n the_o only_a misery_n some_o shall_v ever_o feel_v and_o a_o introduction_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n some_o in_o mercy_n be_v correct_v here_o for_o their_o fault_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o everlasting_a punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o other_o fat_v up_o here_o as_o to_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o suffer_v since_o they_o choose_v it_o to_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n as_o abraham_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o through_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o torment_n beg_v that_o he_o will_v send_v he_o who_o be_v once_o a_o poor_a lazarus_n but_o then_o in_o a_o place_n of_o happiness_n to_o dip_v his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o come_v and_o cool_v his_o tongue_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n his_o evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o that_o prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v so_o often_o end_v in_o misery_n in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o affliction_n man_n meet_v with_o here_o be_v turn_v into_o happiness_n hereafter_o for_o worldly_a prosperity_n however_o charm_v it_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o be_v a_o state_n so_o full_a of_o danger_n so_o beset_v with_o temptation_n to_o vice_n so_o apt_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o attend_v to_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a moment_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o adversity_n on_o the_o contrary_a though_o very_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o be_v so_o apt_a therefore_o to_o wean_v man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fade_a vanity_n of_o it_o and_o make_v they_o out_o of_o love_n with_o what_o be_v so_o fickle_a and_o uncertain_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o be_v a_o state_n that_o humble_v man_n much_o and_o increase_v devotion_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o repentance_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v that_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n seem_v by_o far_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o likelihood_n be_v there_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o happy_a place_n than_o the_o prosperous_a enjoyment_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o according_o say_v the_o apostle_n not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o that_o riches_n be_v a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o drown_v man_n in_o divers_a hurtful_a lust_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n and_o therefore_o exhort_v man_n to_o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n or_o affliction_n the_o use_v then_o that_o we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o not_o to_o be_v deject_v under_o adversity_n as_o if_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n and_o utter_o deprive_v of_o his_o favour_n nor_o puff_v up_o by_o prosperity_n as_o if_o peculiarly_a dear_a to_o heaven_n but_o in_o every_o state_n to_o make_v it_o our_o great_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v our_o main_a interest_n and_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o the_o one_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a calamitous_a or_o prosperous_a shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o with_o which_o any_o man_n in_o whatsoever_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o maker_n if_o riches_n increase_v by_o honest_a industry_n and_o conscientious_a deal_v and_o prudent_a management_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o blessing_n and_o humble_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o nor_o grow_v high-minded_a and_o conceit_v of_o ourselves_o as_o if_o great_o in_o favour_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o our_o prosperity_n the_o reward_n of_o our_o extraordinary_a virtue_n nor_o despise_v the_o poverty_n of_o other_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o less_o holy_a because_o not_o so_o prosperous_a as_o we_o neither_o shall_v we_o grow_v vain_a and_o luxurious_a or_o covetous_a and_o sordid_a but_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o act_n like_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n and_o ready_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o want_n remember_v always_o that_o many_o have_v all_o their_o share_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o while_o they_o dote_v immoderate_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o place_v their_o chief_a good_a in_o be_v prosperous_a here_o forfeit_v their_o glorious_a reversion_n hereafter_o and_o always_o fear_v lest_o our_o prosperity_n become_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o we_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o curse_n by_o our_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o and_o become_v such_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o little_a of_o the_o world_n to_o lose_v our_o immortal_a soul_n what_o comfort_n have_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o all_o his_o former_a prosperity_n when_o he_o lie_v welter_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n all_o his_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o sumptuous_a fare_n because_o he_o abuse_v they_o to_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o grow_v negligent_a of_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o inflame_a tongue_n if_o affliction_n and_o poverty_n shall_v be_v our_o lot_n it_o be_v then_o our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v content_v and_o not_o despond_v as_o if_o utter_o reject_v of_o god_n but_o to_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a world_n in_o which_o those_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o for_o ever_o happy_a that_o be_v patient_a and_o resign_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n love_v who_o he_o chasten_v and_o that_o if_o we_o comply_v with_o the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n and_o amend_v under_o his_o paternal_a rod_n our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n lazarus_n in_o the_o parable_n we_o read_v be_v miserable_o poor_a desirous_a though_o but_o of_o the_o fragment_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o full_a of_o noisome_a painful_a sore_n a_o sad_a spectacle_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o die_v be_v carry_v up_o by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v outward_a circumstance_n that_o god_n respect_n but_o the_o inward_a temper_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o often_o make_v his_o outward_a condition_n calamitous_a 16.7_o 1_o sam._n 16.7_o that_o his_o mind_n may_v grow_v