that_o of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n james_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n promise_n of_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v according_o shall_v when_o they_o pray_v for_o his_o help_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v as_o they_o desire_v so_o all_o other_o believer_n if_o their_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o promise_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o and_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o willingness_n to_o grant_v they_o their_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o they_o shall_v certain_o speed_v well_o and_o receive_v a_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o very_a petition_n they_o offer_v up_o if_o for_o their_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v they_o and_o if_o not_o for_o their_o good_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v bestow_v something_o else_o upon_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o for_o their_o advantage_n and_o they_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v send_v away_o empty_a but_o he_o that_o waver_v and_o be_v of_o doubtful_a mind_n in_o these_o particular_n and_o pray_v with_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o prevail_a as_o his_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o cool_a and_o without_o that_o life_n and_o fervour_n and_o importunacy_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o our_o success_n so_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v in_o strange_a agitation_n and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n of_o two_o contrary_a and_o very_a perplex_v passion_n hope_v and_o fear_n and_o the_o latter_a have_v manifest_o the_o advantage_n with_o such_o a_o man_n for_o if_o his_o hope_n be_v strong_a than_o his_o fear_n he_o will_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o steady_a than_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o at_o length_n after_o intolerable_a disquietude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n he_o will_v split_v upon_o despair_n or_o downright_a atheism_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 6_o 8._o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v about_o and_o toss_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v and_o be_v actual_o persuade_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o petition_n if_o for_o our_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v we_o by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n more_o require_v if_o we_o will_v succeed_v in_o our_o devotion_n and_o which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a avail_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o lord_n deliver_v two_o parable_n cite_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o delay_n and_o denial_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o length_n the_o importunate_n prevail_v now_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o this_o importunity_n can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o parable_n god_n quietness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v nor_o he_o tease_v and_o weary_a into_o compliance_n as_o those_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o prevail_a and_o that_o we_o indeed_o high_o value_v what_o we_o thus_o importunate_o beg_v for_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o prize_v a_o blessing_n the_o more_o which_o we_o so_o hardly_o come_v by_o and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o thankful_a for_o it_o when_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o lose_v or_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n a_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o teach_v humility_n and_o self-denial_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o fault_n lest_o our_o continuance_n in_o they_o render_v we_o unworthy_a of_o god_n favour_n it_o make_v devotion_n burn_v bright_a and_o vigorous_o and_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o good_a god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n free_o and_o upbraid_v not_o have_v make_v importunity_n a_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v our_o request_n and_o indeed_o the_o blessing_n god_n encourage_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n and_o most_o importunate_a address_n and_o the_o long_a attendance_n will_v be_v abundant_o repay_v with_o a_o grant_n at_o last_o have_v thus_o do_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v and_o what_o those_o requisite_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n viz_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n sincerity_n of_o intention_n just_a and_o upright_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o express_v by_o st._n paul_n by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o likewise_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a temper_n of_o mind_n not_o give_v to_o strife_n and_o wrath_n but_o apt_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o forgive_v together_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o veracity_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v exhort_v diligent_o and_o hearty_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o place_n no_o time_n but_o we_o have_v need_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o may_v always_o and_o in_o every_o place_n beseech_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o accept_v we_o whenever_o we_o address_v to_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v prayer_n that_o sanctify_v prosperity_n and_o make_v light_v the_o burden_n of_o adversity_n and_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o business_n and_o calling_n and_o be_v the_o great_a cordial_n upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n wherefore_o let_v we_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o by_o a_o importunity_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v do_v a_o please_a violence_n to_o heaven_n for_o every_o one_o that_o thus_o ask_v etc._n matth._n 11.10_o etc._n etc._n receive_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v any_o of_o we_o that_o be_v a_o father_n bread_n or_o a_o fish_n or_o a_o egg_n will_v we_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o a_o scorpion_n if_o we_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o other_o needful_a blessing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o prayer_n most_o gracious_a god_n who_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o do_v encourage_v nay_o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o thou_o and_o have_v promise_v by_o thy_o bless_a son_n that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n so_o to_o advert_v to_o the_o all-sufficiency_n and_o almighty_a goodness_n of_o thy_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o miserable_a indigency_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o due_a value_n for_o this_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o be_v so_o much_o my_o own_o friend_n as_o often_o to_o bend_v my_o knee_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o lay_v my_o supplication_n before_o thou_o i_o humble_o confess_v o_o lord_n and_o deplore_v my_o hitherto_o great_a and_o stupid_a backwardness_n in_o this_o heavenly_a and_o most_o beneficial_a duty_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o will_v prepare_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o
be_v very_o little_a hope_n if_o any_o of_o its_o fruitfulness_n for_o in_o all_o learning_n it_o be_v meditation_n that_o give_v a_o root_n to_o what_o be_v read_v or_o hear_v and_o fix_v it_o deep_a in_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o a_o man_n be_v own_o and_o serviceable_a to_o he_o upon_o occasion_n and_o without_o it_o the_o most_o accurate_a discourse_n will_v tickle_v the_o ear_n only_o not_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o true_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o less_o beneficial_a unless_o it_o be_v weigh_v and_o examine_v by_o a_o serious_a and_o near_a inspection_n thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a word_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n be_v seldom_o embrace_v as_o such_o by_o person_n of_o a_o trifle_a unthinking_a spirit_n but_o rather_o appear_v harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a or_o at_o best_o be_v but_o faint_o approve_v of_o and_o for_o a_o short_a continuance_n for_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n like_o other_o chief_a excellency_n be_v not_o to_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o full_o discover_v by_o a_o slight_a and_o cursory_a glance_n but_o by_o a_o diligent_a and_o curious_a search_n like_o gold_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o lie_v further_o in_o and_o be_v treasure_v up_o within_o her_o bowel_n wherefore_o as_o we_o tender_v our_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v not_o think_v our_o task_n be_v over_o when_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n but_o always_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a to_o meditate_v and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o frequent_o revolve_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n consider_v it_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o tendency_n its_o nature_n and_o its_o happy_a and_o glorious_a effect_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v our_o most_o reasonable_a service_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n our_o interest_n to_o practice_v its_o divine_a precept_n and_o that_o it_o flourish_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o abundance_n three_o this_o seed_n so_o plant_v and_o fix_v in_o this_o good_a ground_n must_v be_v likewise_o diligent_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o sloth_n and_o idle_a carelessness_n always_o have_v a_o ill_a effect_n and_o many_o hopeful_a beginning_n be_v nip_v and_o crush_v and_o come_v to_o very_o deplorable_a conclusion_n for_o want_v of_o that_o care_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o promote_v and_o further_o they_o to_o perfection_n but_o above_o all_o they_o be_v most_o dangerous_a in_o religion_n for_o beside_o that_o they_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v virtue_n weak_a and_o degenerate_a they_o give_v a_o fair_a occasion_n to_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o assault_v we_o that_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n who_o be_v ready_a immediate_o to_o catch_v away_o the_o good_a seed_n if_o unregarded_a and_o throw_v his_o wicked_a suggestion_n into_o their_o place_n and_o who_o be_v glad_a to_o find_v we_o thus_o weak_a and_o unarm_v and_o careless_a of_o our_o safety_n and_o be_v too_o wise_a not_o to_o improve_v such_o opportunity_n to_o his_o best_a advantage_n and_o what_o hope_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v shameful_o plunder_v of_o that_o precious_a seed_n which_o god_n have_v sow_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v spring_v up_o to_o immortality_n when_o we_o be_v thus_o careless_a and_o negligent_a and_o unable_a to_o make_v any_o great_a resistance_n therefore_o the_o wise_a man_n advise_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n 4.23_o prov._n 4.23_o and_o st._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o peter_n to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o these_o good_a thing_n may_v be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v and_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o 13.25_o mat._n 13.25_o in_o the_o next_o parable_n to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v while_n man_n sleep_v that_o the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n wherefore_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n 3.8_o 1_o cor._n 15.34_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v sober_a be_v vigilant_a say_v st._n peter_n for_o your_o adversary_n the_o devil_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v let_v we_o therefore_o endeavour_n as_o st._n paul_n advise_v timothy_n 6.2_o 1_o tim._n 6.2_o to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o to_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a lest_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o innocent_a as_o dove_n lest_o when_o the_o word_n have_v begin_v to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v at_o length_n root_v out_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n and_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n four_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o this_o good_a seed_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o take_v care_n that_o the_o fruit_n come_v to_o full_a maturity_n we_o must_v expect_v the_o increase_n of_o this_o good_a seed_n with_o patience_n because_o all_o improvement_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o time_n man_n can_v arrive_v at_o perfection_n even_o in_o vice_n in_o a_o instant_n much_o less_o in_o virtue_n there_o be_v many_o intermedial_a step_n and_o advances_n to_o it_o and_o as_o when_o seed_n be_v sow_o there_o first_o appear_v but_o a_o tender_a blade_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n improve_v to_o a_o stalk_v which_o every_o day_n grow_v tall_a and_o strong_a and_o at_o length_n appear_v the_o ear_n and_o the_o grain_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o even_o after_o that_o complete_a formation_n of_o the_o plant_n there_o be_v yet_o some_o considerable_a time_n before_o it_o come_v to_o perfect_a ripeness_n and_o all_o this_o while_n the_o husbandman_n wait_v with_o patience_n till_o the_o time_n come_v of_o gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v gradual_a advances_n to_o perfection_n the_o beginning_n of_o religion_n the_o first_o sprouting_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n be_v and_o will_v be_v tender_a and_o unconfirmed_a but_o time_n will_v strengthen_v and_o improve_v they_o every_o day_n will_v make_v some_o advance_n to_o perfection_n where_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n but_o these_o advances_n may_v be_v very_o leisurely_o and_o like_o the_o growth_n of_o plant_n scarce_o discernible_a in_o their_o progress_n and_o yet_o at_o length_n the_o word_n of_o god_n bring_v forth_o its_o genuine_a fruit_n in_o great_a abundance_n and_o this_o though_o perhaps_o slow_a pace_n in_o religion_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o patience_n and_o hope_n for_o in_o due_a time_n for_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o this_o those_o shall_v consider_v who_o expect_v to_o be_v complete_a christian_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o be_v impatient_a of_o delay_n and_o dishearten_v by_o every_o rub_n and_o difficulty_n and_o because_o their_o practice_n can_v keep_v pace_n with_o their_o too_o forward_a and_o passionate_a wish_n and_o desire_n be_v apt_a to_o despair_v of_o ever_o come_v to_o that_o ripeness_n of_o christianity_n which_o will_v fit_v they_o for_o their_o great_a master_n garner_n and_o too_o often_o let_v slip_v what_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v and_o give_v over_o in_o much_o dejection_n after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a hopeful_a progress_n but_o this_o be_v a_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o aught_o with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a to_o be_v provide_v against_o and_o a_o man_n best_a defence_n in_o this_o case_n be_v patience_n or_o a_o calm_a and_o resign_v expectation_n of_o increase_n and_o blessing_n from_o god_n in_o his_o due_a time_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o own_o best_a endeavour_n a_o wait_a god_n leisure_n a_o confide_n in_o his_o goodness_n who_o only_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o as_o st._n 5.7_o jam._n 5.7_o james_n express_v it_o as_o the_o husbandman_n wait_v for_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v long_a patience_n for_o it_o until_o he_o receive_v the_o early_a and_o latter_a rain_n so_o shall_v we_o be_v also_o patient_a and_o in_o patience_n possess_v our_o soul_n and_o establish_v our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v a_o latter_a distillation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v early_o and_o at_o first_o and_o which_o when_o god_n please_v to_o afford_v it_o we_o shall_v then_o grow_v up_o to_o perfection_n and_o though_o sometime_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o plentiful_o shower_v down_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v yet_o will_v not_o be_v
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o bright_a for_o mind_n darken_v with_o flesh_n the_o splendour_n of_o it_o flash_n too_o strong_o upon_o our_o feeble_a sense_n now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o too_o long_o and_o close_o gaze_v on_o will_n rather_o dazzle_v than_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n no_o mortal_a man_n can_v see_v god_n face_n and_o live_v and_o therefore_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o indeed_o this_o include_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v of_o excellence_n and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o poor_a ignorant_a benight_a creature_n can_v imagine_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n all_o that_o be_v charm_v and_o true_o desirable_a in_o nature_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a creation_n be_v but_o a_o stream_n from_o this_o divine_a fountain_n and_o be_v in_o he_o ininfinite_o great_a excellency_n for_o he_o be_v beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o harmony_n itself_o and_o therefore_o since_o religion_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o chief_a good_a what_o can_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o value_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o can_v be_v value_v with_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n with_o the_o precious_a onyx_n or_o the_o saphire_n no_o mention_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o coral_n or_o pearl_n for_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n be_v above_o ruby_n job_n 28.13_o etc._n etc._n such_o then_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_o
or_o christian_a religion_n do_v 1._o create_v the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o as_o be_v before_o quote_v from_o st._n paul_n ephes_n 5.30_o i_o e._n it_o make_v we_o as_o near_o to_o he_o as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o the_o head_n the_o flesh_n and_o bone_n to_o the_o body_n or_o as_o our_o church_n express_v it_o it_o make_v we_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o it_o be_v so_o near_a a_o relation_n that_o nothing_o can_v sufficient_o express_v it_o but_o what_o express_v a_o union_n it_o create_v likewise_o 2._o the_o dear_a relation_n for_o thus_o our_o lord_n john_n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o and_o verse_n 23._o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o chap._n 15.14_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o rev._n 3.20_o behold_v say_v our_o lord_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i._n e._n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o he_o will_v show_v the_o great_a expression_n of_o dearness_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n so_o that_o relation_n be_v 3._o inseparable_a i._n e._n unless_o we_o wilful_o divorce_v ourselves_o from_o he_o by_o apostasy_n or_o disobedience_n thus_o a_o little_a before_o his_o ascension_n he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o faithful_a believer_n that_o observe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n and_o their_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o their_o god_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o comfortless_a but_o will_v pray_v to_o the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o and_o in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o to_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o and_o john_n 10.27_o 28._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o great_a assurance_n ask_v this_o question_n rom._n 8.35_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o after_o enumerate_v what_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o he_o conclude_v verse_n the_o last_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v likewise_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n always_o with_o we_o in_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o mystery_n which_o he_o institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o the_o gospel_n then_o effect_v so_o near_o so_o dear_a and_o so_o inseparable_a a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n that_o nothing_o can_v so_o fit_o resemble_v it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o collect_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n to_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o so_o intimate_a relation_n to_o christ_n as_o first_o it_o entitle_v to_o the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o love_n as_o will_v incline_v he_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n and_o to_o pity_n and_o compassionate_v their_o infirmity_n failure_n and_o imperfection_n for_o love_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o fault_n thus_o the_o apostle_n col._n 3.19_o husband_n love_v your_o wife_n and_o be_v not_o bitter_a against_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_a to_o observe_v every_o little_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o they_o but_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o weak_a vessel_n and_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o according_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v of_o our_o lord_n he_o be_v not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o know_v and_o pity_v they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v though_o without_o sin_n heb._n 4.15_o and_o as_o for_o his_o tenderness_n and_o care_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v miraculous_o evident_a in_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o very_a life_n for_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o and_o present_v we_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o the_o before_o cite_v eph._n 5.26_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o do_v continual_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v we_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o spiritual_a body_n of_o he_o which_o whoso_o eat_v of_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o by_o the_o comfort_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o lie_v thus_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o great_a degree_n of_o his_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o we_o express_v in_o such_o amaze_a instance_n to_o be_v thus_o pity_v and_o commiserate_v and_o our_o failure_n excuse_v and_o pass_v by_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o our_o happiness_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o careful_o endeavour_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o value_v and_o be_v infinite_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o comparison_n another_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n to_o upon_o their_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n be_v christ_n protection_n of_o they_o from_o danger_n and_o defence_n against_o assault_n of_o enemy_n for_o as_o in_o marriage_n the_o husband_n be_v the_o shield_n and_o guardian_n of_o his_o wife_n so_o christ_n be_v the_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o cover_v they_o from_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o arm_n they_o against_o the_o attack_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n by_o the_o supply_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n who_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v we_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n all_o the_o infernal_a power_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o we_o and_o according_o say_z st._n paul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o rom._n 8.37_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n tribulation_n distress_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n perilor_n sword_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n by_o what_o mean_n why_o through_o christ_n that_o love_v we_o and_o our_o lord_n say_v express_o in_o the_o forecited_a john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n that_o hear_v my_o voice_n shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o if_o the_o almighty_a son_n of_o god_n be_v for_o we_o and_o take_v we_o into_o his_o own_o protection_n and_o shield_n and_o guard_v we_o as_o a_o husband_n do_v the_o wise_a of_o his_o bosom_n who_o then_o can_v be_v against_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v hide_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v our_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o to_o dwell_v thus_o under_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v no_o doubt_n a_o inestimable_a privilege_n again_o as_o the_o husband_n confer_v honour_n upon_o his_o wife_n entitle_v she_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o so_o believer_n by_o their_o intimate_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a step_n of_o honour_n that_o mortal_n can_v arrive_v at_o for_o what_o more_o honourable_a than_o to_o be_v in_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o most_o glorious_a son_n of_o god_n according_o the_o
passive_o obedient_a but_o likewise_o active_o so_o and_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n so_o ought_v every_o believer_n to_o be_v to_o christ_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o main_a trial_n of_o true_a conjugal_a affection_n and_o be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o all_o other_o show_v of_o love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o reverence_n and_o submission_n for_o where_o true_a love_n reverence_n and_o submission_n be_v a_o cheerful_a obedience_n will_v sure_o follow_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o willing_a cheerful_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o dear_a lord_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v and_o of_o sarah_n it_o be_v say_v she_o obey_v abraham_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o st._n john_n agreeable_o 1_o john_n 2.5_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v and_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o continue_v that_o our_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o obey_v he_o who_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o both_o world_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n to_o those_o of_o marriage_n and_o from_o this_o so_o near_a relation_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n proceed_v the_o increase_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o numerous_a progeny_n to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n leave_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n thus_o our_o lord_n call_v the_o become_a christian_n be_v a_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o say_v our_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o in_o a_o quotation_n from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n allmighty_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o chap._n 3.26_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n as_o st._n john_n do_v 3.1_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v such_o glorious_a expectation_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o first_o general_n namely_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o true_o just_o such_o be_v man_n condition_n before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o to_o this_o happy_a marriage_n despicable_o poor_a we_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o any_o real_a excellency_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n burn_v up_o with_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n no_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n appear_v but_o draw_v still_o near_o and_o near_o to_o everlasting_a perdition_n maim_a we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o faculty_n by_o our_o frequent_a desperate_a fall_v from_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o full_a of_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o our_o best_a performance_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a like_o the_o halting_n of_o a_o cripple_n and_o our_o understanding_n withal_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o put_v out_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o lie_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a surround_v with_o terror_n rack_v by_o uncertainty_n miserable_o poor_a and_o indigent_a and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o when_o lo_o there_o arise_v up_o a_o light_n in_o this_o darkness_n and_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o we_o be_v pity_v and_o commiserate_v by_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n call_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o felicity_n that_o attend_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luke_n 4.18_o and_o according_o he_o enrich_v our_o poverty_n restore_v our_o sight_n heal_v our_o bruise_n and_o confirm_v our_o strength_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a can_v ever_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o ourselves_o wherefore_o as_o we_o shall_v adore_v and_o magnify_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n the_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o receive_v such_o wretched_a pollute_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n into_o so_o intimate_v a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v crown_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v we_o dread_v to_o fall_v back_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n again_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o that_o great_a solemnity_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o gospel_n preach_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n how_o great_a god_n care_n have_v be_v that_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o how_o repeat_v his_o invitation_n to_o man_n have_v be_v that_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o course_n that_o by_o god_n appointment_n have_v be_v take_v ever_o since_o at_o first_o many_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o extraordinary_a ability_n for_o this_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_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
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
still_o long_o reprieve_n hope_v that_o at_o length_n the_o sinner_n may_v be_v awaken_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o see_v and_o fear_v his_o danger_n and_o return_v by_o repentance_n and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n give_v order_n that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n shall_v be_v cut_v down_o the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n by_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v represent_v answer_v say_v unto_o he_o let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o till_o i_o shall_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n 18._o heb._n 2.17_o 18._o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o know_v our_o infirmity_n and_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 7.25_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o move_v for_o a_o still_o long_o respite_n and_o promise_n to_o use_v new_a method_n that_o we_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o will_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o father_n sight_n and_o according_o cultivate_v and_o manure_n our_o soul_n with_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n press_v the_o discourse_n of_o his_o minister_n still_o more_o home_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o give_v new_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n provide_v new_a happy_a circumstance_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o our_o good_a such_o as_o a_o faithful_a instructor_n good_a conversation_n and_o example_n pious_a book_n and_o discourse_n which_o may_v warm_v and_o enliven_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o awaken_v attention_n and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o render_v it_o penetrable_a by_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receptive_a of_o the_o bless_a impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o as_o loosen_a the_o mould_n about_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o cherish_v it_o with_o the_o kindly_a warmth_n of_o dung_n be_v very_o conducive_a to_o the_o spread_a of_o its_o fibre_n and_o make_v it_o flourish_v and_o grow_v fruitful_a so_o these_o gracious_a method_n of_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o god_n spiritual_a vinevard_n christ_n jesus_n may_v so_o influence_n the_o soul_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o make_v they_o bear_v much_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v the_o last_o course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o sinner_n safety_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o long_a hope_n it_o be_v like_o the_o intercession_n of_o a_o favourite_n for_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a upon_o condition_n of_o his_o better_a conversation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o he_o again_o return_v to_o his_o old_a vile_a course_n his_o friend_n then_o abandon_v he_o as_o one_o that_o deserve_v to_o perish_v and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n christ_n the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n intercede_v for_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n ready_a for_o destruction_n and_o beg_v a_o reprieve_n for_o he_o to_o see_v if_o time_n and_o far_a care_n will_v cure_v his_o wickedness_n but_o if_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n his_o intercessor_n will_v then_o give_v he_o over_o for_o desperate_a and_o suffer_v justice_n to_o take_v its_o course_n for_o so_o say_v the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o his_o lord_n if_o after_o i_o have_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_v it_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o but_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o and_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o such_o as_o after_o all_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o reformation_n be_v still_o harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n christ_n will_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o behalf_n no_o more_o thought_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o their_o safety_n but_o their_o compassionate_a intercessor_n shall_v then_o become_v their_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o when_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o doom_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o miserable_a wretch_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n to_o receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n then_o shall_v that_o jesus_n who_o once_o so_o earnest_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n pronounce_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n depart_v from_o i_o your_o saviour_n and_o once_o compassionate_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o you_o be_v from_o henceforch_n and_o for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o redemption_n and_o reinstatement_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o my_o father_n be_v banish_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o intercourse_n with_o heaven_n without_o any_o intercessor_n any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n any_o advocate_n to_o plead_v their_o cause_n and_o without_o any_o place_n for_o repentance_n to_o eternal_a age_n depart_v to_o the_o region_n of_o endless_a horror_n and_o despair_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o be_v but_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o your_o obstinate_a wickedness_n who_o despise_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v have_v lead_v you_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a end_n of_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o unfruitful_a profession_n of_o christianity_n wherefore_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o that_o forget_v god_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a lest_o he_o pluck_v they_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o let_v they_o no_o long_o turn_v the_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n but_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o though_o slow_a to_o wrath_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a yet_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o obstinate_o guilty_a but_o to_o such_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v plant_v i_o in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o the_o culture_n of_o thy_o minister_n and_o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n have_v take_v tender_a care_n of_o my_o growth_n and_o that_o i_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v in_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n till_o i_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v transplant_v to_o thy_o heavenly_a paradise_n i_o bless_v thy_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o this_o thy_o vineyard_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v even_o to_o we_o though_o so_o remote_a from_o thy_o first_o plantation_n and_o for_o those_o extraordinary_a help_n we_o of_o this_o church_n have_v in_o order_n to_o our_o increase_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o earnest_o beg_v that_o we_o may_v not_o produce_v leave_v only_o the_o mock_v appearance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sincere_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holy_a conversation_n ii_o i_o acknowledge_v with_o admiration_n at_o thy_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n thou_o respect_v in_o thus_o indispensible_o require_v fruit_n of_o we_o not_o any_o acquisition_n to_o thyself_o who_o art_n infinite_o full_a already_o and_o the_o overflow_a fountain_n of_o all_o possible_a good_a thou_o command_v that_o our_o fruit_n shall_v be_v unto_o holiness_n because_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o misery_n in_o this_o low_a world_n o_o lord_n as_o be_v thy_o majesty_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o make_v i_o due_o sensible_a of_o thy_o tender_a care_n of_o my_o happiness_n and_o may_v it_o never_o through_o my_o wretched_a obstinacy_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o in_o vain_a it_o will_v be_v be_v not_o thy_o long-suffering_a wonderful_a with_o what_o amaze_a patience_n do_v thou_o wait_v to_o see_v if_o at_o length_n i_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a how_o often_o have_v i_o disappoint_v thy_o just_a expectation_n and_o yet_o thou_o have_v still_o forbear_v i_o through_o thy_o own_o compassion_n and_o the_o intercession_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n the_o dresser_n of_o thy_o vineyard_n who_o have_v ply_v i_o with_o new_a method_n of_o conversion_n fresh_a application_n to_o invigorate_v my_o piety_n that_o at_o the_o last_o i_o may_v return_v thou_o acceptable_a fruit_n and_o escape_v the_o sad_a punishment_n of_o barrenness_n
thou_o have_v do_v all_o o_o bless_a god_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n i_o therefore_o beg_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n of_o a_o awaken_v soul_n that_o thy_o goodness_n long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n may_v soften_v my_o spirit_n and_o lead_v i_o to_o repentance_n and_o melt_v i_o into_o shame_n and_o tear_n of_o penitential_a sorrow_n for_o have_v so_o long_o abuse_v the_o tender_a kindness_n of_o so_o good_a a_o god_n o_o let_v not_o thy_o lenity_n ever_o extinguish_v the_o dread_a of_o thy_o vengeance_n which_o though_o slow_a be_v sure_a and_o may_v i_o serious_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o thy_o mercy_n be_v not_o effectual_a to_o my_o reformation_n it_o will_v but_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n i_o deserve_v may_v these_o consideration_n most_o gracious_a god_n never_o depart_v from_o my_o mind_n till_o fruit_n be_v add_v to_o my_o leave_n and_o i_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o true_a godliness_n which_o thing_n if_o thou_o will_v grant_v i_o then_o will_v i_o praise_v thou_o without_o cease_v and_o magnify_v thy_o goodness_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n amen_n parable_n xi_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n luke_n xv_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o jesus_n say_v a_o certain_a man_n have_v two_o son_n and_o the_o young_a of_o they_o say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n and_o not_o many_o day_n after_o the_o young_a son_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n and_o when_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o he_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n and_o he_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v and_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n 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 unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v this_o whole_a chapter_n from_o the_o three_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n be_v intend_v to_o represent_v the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n his_o great_a desire_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a course_n and_o how_o high_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v when_o they_o sincere_o do_v so_o and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o three_o parable_n the_o first_o of_o a_o man_n seek_v diligent_o a_o sheep_n that_o he_o have_v lose_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o flock_n till_o he_o have_v find_v it_o and_o then_o rejoice_v great_o and_o tell_v his_o neighbour_n the_o good_a news_n and_o invite_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o joy_n the_o second_o be_v of_o a_o woman_n have_v lose_v a_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o seek_v very_o careful_o till_o she_o have_v find_v it_o and_o then_o in_o like_a manner_n rejoice_v with_o her_o friend_n for_o her_o good_a success_n and_o the_o three_o parable_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o because_o they_o be_v all_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourse_v of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o and_o the_o last_o be_v the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a i_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v speak_v these_o parable_n be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o instruct_v and_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o very_o scandalous_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o pollution_n to_o have_v any_o familiarity_n with_o those_o worst_a of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v they_o and_o murmur_v against_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o man_n receive_v sinner_n and_o eat_v with_o they_o ver_fw-la 2._o to_o this_o objection_n of_o they_o against_o he_o he_o answer_v in_o the_o parable_n before_o mention_v and_o show_v how_o unreasonable_o uncharitable_a they_o be_v to_o think_v much_o of_o his_o teach_v and_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o because_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n have_v therefore_o the_o most_o need_n of_o his_o holy_a instruction_n and_o excellent_a example_n that_o they_o may_v be_v reform_v and_o reclaim_v from_o their_o wicked_a practice_n for_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n nay_o more_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o seven_o and_o 10_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n or_o such_o a_o total_a change_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o a_o sinner_n that_o break_v off_o his_o vile_a course_n by_o repentance_n and_o far_o to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v this_o great_a and_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n and_o represent_v it_o more_o lively_a to_o their_o apprehension_n he_o speak_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o therein_o very_o natural_o and_o move_o express_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o the_o great_a extravagancy_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n second_o the_o sad_a condition_n such_o man_n quick_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o by_o that_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o loose_v self-willed_a course_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o debauchery_n and_o riot_n three_o the_o sharp_a remorse_n of_o conscience_n that_o attend_v such_o course_n the_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o awaken_v sinner_n to_o return_v again_o to_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o four_o the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o such_o as_o repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o keep_v their_o resolution_n his_o readiness_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o great_a joy_n for_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v which_o last_v particular_a be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o be_v a_o very_a satisfactory_a account_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v so_o often_o converse_v with_o and_o instruct_v publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o they_o have_v the_o most_o need_n of_o that_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n and_o consequent_o their_o salvation_n will_v cause_v the_o great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n so_o industrious_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o have_v the_o pharisee_n have_v any_o of_o that_o goodness_n in_o they_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o they_o will_v have_v rejoice_v at_o our_o lord_n charity_n and_o admire_v and_o love_v he_o for_o it_o rather_o than_o have_v murmur_v at_o it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o he_o the_o first_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o great_a extravagancy_n
secure_v our_o main_a interest_n the_o happiness_n of_o eternity_n and_o when_o time_n shall_v be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o be_v to_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o death_n shall_v put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o life_n then_o come_v that_o night_n in_o which_o no_o man_n can_v work_v than_o the_o opportunity_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o at_o a_o end_n and_o according_a as_o man_n have_v improve_v or_o waste_v their_o time_n in_o this_o world_n so_o shall_v their_o eternity_n be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o next_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o very_o foolish_o prodigal_a who_o without_o any_o thought_n of_o hereafter_o waste_v this_o precious_a treasure_n this_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n in_o please_v and_o humour_v his_o body_n and_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a secure_v to_o himself_o eternal_a misery_n and_o this_o do_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n when_o with_o the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n he_o waste_v this_o his_o substance_n in_o luxurious_a and_o riotous_a live_n and_o study_v nothing_o but_o how_o to_o gratify_v the_o low_a life_n look_v no_o further_a than_o this_o present_a world_n for_o happiness_n till_o his_o opportunity_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o he_o be_v surprise_v into_o a_o unchangeable_o miserable_a condition_n because_o when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o make_v himself_o happy_a if_o he_o will_v he_o neglect_v it_o and_o choose_v the_o track_n to_o ruin_n three_o the_o glorious_a reversion_n of_o our_o heavenly_a inheritance_n be_v a_o treasure_n likewise_o that_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o value_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o now_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v and_o who_o it_o be_v to_o bestow_v shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o sincere_a religion_n all_o this_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n that_o know_v all_o this_o to_o be_v so_o prodigal_o to_o throw_v away_o all_o expectation_n of_o and_o title_n to_o such_o a_o reversion_n as_o this_o upon_o such_o low_a and_o profligate_v account_n as_o the_o wallow_n in_o the_o filthy_a pleasure_n of_o a_o goat_n or_o a_o swine_n or_o the_o heap_v up_o treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o be_v as_o unsatisfy_v as_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o perish_a or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a empty_a honour_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o profligate_v extravagancy_n and_o such_o as_o one_o will_v think_v no_o sensible_a man_n shall_v ever_o be_v guilty_a of_o upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o nay_o indeed_o all_o account_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o great_a prodigal_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o waste_v and_o throw_v away_o what_o be_v of_o high_a value_n to_o a_o man_n and_o that_o for_o what_o be_v no_o better_a than_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o great_a extravagancy_n of_o ungodly_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n like_o the_o prodigal_a son_n they_o waste_v their_o most_o precious_a substance_n in_o riotous_a and_o profligate_v live_v the_o second_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o sad_a condition_n such_o man_n soon_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o by_o that_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o loose_v self-willed_a course_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o debauchery_n and_o riot_n and_o of_o follow_v so_o blind_a a_o guide_n as_o man_n unruly_a passion_n and_o lust_n for_o so_o in_o the_o parable_n when_o the_o prodigal_a young_a man_n have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n who_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v but_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o first_o ill_a consequence_n then_o of_o this_o prodigality_n or_o lawless_a extravagant_a live_n be_v spiritual_a want_n or_o a_o scarcity_n and_o famine_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o so_o much_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o a_o famine_n of_o provision_n for_o the_o body_n as_o eternal_a misery_n and_o death_n be_v more_o terrible_a than_o temporal_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v questionless_a the_o nourishment_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o which_o if_o once_o withdraw_v will_v leave_v the_o soul_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n now_o a_o obstinate_a course_n of_o disobedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n drive_v out_o that_o life-giving_a power_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n uncapable_a of_o vital_a union_n with_o so_o pure_a a_o spirit_n and_o as_o a_o humane_a soul_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v a_o body_n rot_a and_o waste_v and_o unapt_a any_o long_o to_o entertain_v it_o so_o this_o divine_a spirit_n be_v thrust_v out_o from_o a_o corrupt_a sinful_a soul_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o famine_n in_o that_o soul_n of_o that_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n and_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v what_o a_o dismal_a condition_n that_o soul_n be_v in_o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o extremity_n of_o spiritual_a want_n as_o this_o how_o full_a of_o 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serve_a bestial_a lust_n and_o devilish_a passion_n this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o prodigal_n being_n send_v into_o the_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n a_o thing_n the_o most_o abject_a in_o it_o self_n and_o the_o most_o detestable_a to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n speak_v the_o parable_n who_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o law_n to_o esteem_v that_o creature_n among_o the_o most_o unclean_a and_o as_o low_a or_o low_a than_o this_o do_v he_o debase_v his_o nature_n who_o neglect_v the_o noble_a precept_n of_o religion_n make_v his_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o action_n for_o what_o more_o beastly_a and_o detestable_a than_o ungoverned_a lust_n the_o wretch_n himself_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v ashamed_a public_o to_o commit_v it_o and_z takes_z advantage_n of_o holes_n and_o corner_n and_o
believe_v and_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v be_v so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o conducive_a to_o entire_a happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o that_o no_o man_n that_o due_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o either_o but_o will_v be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o assent_v to_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o and_o be_v no_o long_o a_o infidel_n or_o heretic_n or_o live_v a_o vicious_a irreligious_a life_n it_o be_v consideration_n make_v the_o prodigal_a son_n resolve_v to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o humble_v himself_o before_o he_o and_o can_v the_o sinner_n of_o this_o age_n be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n together_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o wise_a course_n to_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o former_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagance_n by_o repentance_n but_o what_o do_v this_o prodigal_n consider_v when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o that_o so_o powerful_o incline_v he_o to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n with_o such_o a_o humble_a and_o shameful_a confession_n of_o his_o extravagancy_n it_o be_v this_o how_o many_o of_o my_o father_n hire_a servant_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n he_o find_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n that_o however_o uneasy_a it_o be_v to_o he_o former_o to_o be_v under_o his_o father_n eye_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v by_o far_o a_o happy_a condition_n than_o that_o which_o by_o his_o prodigality_n he_o be_v then_o reduce_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o father_n servant_n be_v in_o happy_a circumstance_n than_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o his_o wise_a course_n to_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o a_o sinner_n will_v he_o but_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n together_o he_o will_v find_v by_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n if_o he_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o all_o his_o extravagance_n from_o which_o at_o first_o he_o expect_v to_o reap_v so_o much_o happiness_n be_v not_o only_a vanity_n empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a but_o likewise_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n full_a of_o trouble_n and_o misfortune_n attend_v with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n inward_a remorse_n and_o gripe_n of_o conscience_n and_o dire_a forboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v soon_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o much_o great_a happiness_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o have_v none_o of_o all_o this_o misery_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n inward_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o such_o consideration_n will_v be_v his_o resolution_n to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o with_o much_o humility_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o poor_a good_a man_n that_o be_v a_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o infinite_o happy_a condition_n than_o the_o great_a wicked_a prince_n he_o experience_n more_o true_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v hear_v the_o joyful_a sound_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o wicked_a emperor_n be_v thrust_v away_o with_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n then_o shall_v all_o the_o world_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o the_o former_a shall_v have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v complete_a and_o full_a while_o the_o latter_a shall_v perish_v with_o a_o keen_a hunger_n after_o what_o they_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v send_v empty_a away_o after_o the_o prodigal_n have_v consider_v himself_o into_o a_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o his_o father_n he_o put_v his_o resolution_n into_o practice_n and_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n and_o true_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a resolve_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o amendment_n of_o life_n we_o must_v act_v agreeable_o and_o that_o immediate_o too_o or_o else_o our_o resolution_n though_o never_o so_o earnest_o make_v will_v vanish_v into_o nothing_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o still_o more_o increase_v our_o gild_n for_o when_o a_o man_n have_v proceed_v so_o far_o towards_o a_o new_a life_n as_o to_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_o no_o long_o to_o insist_v in_o his_o former_a vile_a course_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v rouse_v and_o awaken_v from_o its_o spiritual_a sleep_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o discern_v his_o error_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o still_o persist_v in_o it_o he_o then_o sin_n against_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o a_o fault_n as_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o shall_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v become_v sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n immediate_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v it_o and_o return_v to_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o must_v he_o immediate_o put_v his_o resolution_n into_o practice_n for_o otherwise_o he_o do_v but_o mock_n god_n and_o deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v only_o increase_v his_o damnation_n a_o well-grounded_n resolution_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_a to_o amendment_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o preparative_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n we_o all_o of_o we_o i_o hope_v that_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n so_o far_o consider_v as_o to_o grieve_v and_o be_v ashamed_a for_o have_v offend_v our_o good_a god_n and_o be_v at_o that_o instant_n resolve_v never_o willing_o to_o transgress_v his_o holy_a will_n again_o let_v we_o but_o keep_v our_o resolution_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a for_o such_o as_o with_o the_o prodigal_n actual_o return_v to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o great_a expression_n of_o kindness_n to_o receive_v to_o his_o favour_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o such_o as_o repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o perform_v their_o resolve_n of_o amendment_n his_o readiness_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o extraordinary_a joy_n for_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o return_v prodigal_a 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 say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a galf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n have_v compassion_n and_o run_v to_o meet_v he_o by_o this_o be_v express_v god_n great_a desire_n that_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n shall_v be_v complete_v he_o will_v meet_v he_o and_o that_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n lest_o any_o temptation_n shall_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o divert_v his_o return_n and_o make_v he_o change_v or_o defer_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o good_a resolution_n he_o have_v take_v up_o he_o prevent_v a_o real_a penitent_a with_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o labour_v with_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v a_o thorough_a change_n of_o life_n he_o with_o infinite_a charity_n and_o compassion_n come_v forth_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o by_o his_o divine_a aid_n he_o may_v secure_v his_o retreat_n from_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o vile_a affection_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o to_o his_o former_a vain_a and_o wicked_a course_n which_o by_o god_n grace_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o break_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o when_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n be_v complete_v and_o he_o be_v actual_o return_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n