wrong_n how_o great_a soever_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o and_o put_v up_o in_o silence_n by_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n of_o forgive_a injury_n it_o will_v be_v to_o betray_v the_o sheep_n to_o the_o wolf_n to_o expose_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o malice_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a world_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n christ_n jesus_n and_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n i._n e._n for_o the_o comfortable_a subsistence_n of_o his_o family_n have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n i._n e._n act_n contrary_a to_o the_o obligation_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o religion_n but_o he_o will_v soon_o ruin_v instead_o of_o support_v his_o family_n who_o suffer_v ill_a man_n without_o interruption_n to_o make_v what_o havoc_n they_o please_v of_o his_o person_n reputation_n or_o estate_n but_o now_o as_o for_o small_a injury_n in_o any_o of_o these_o respect_n such_o as_o make_v no_o great_a alteration_n in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o may_v be_v bear_v without_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n these_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v by_o and_o the_o injury_n forgive_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o instance_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v of_o the_o lesser_a sort_n of_o injury_n such_o as_o a_o blow_n on_o the_o cheek_n the_o take_v away_o of_o a_o garment_n and_o the_o like_a and_o it_o be_v for_o being_n rigorous_a about_o a_o few_o penny_n that_o the_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v so_o wroth_a with_o his_o servant_n and_o rather_o than_o a_o christian_n shall_v embroil_v himself_o in_o law-suit_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n for_o such_o small_a matter_n he_o shall_v suffer_v a_o repetition_n of_o such_o injury_n and_o indeed_o as_o religion_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o great_a prudence_n so_o particular_o in_o forbid_v litigious_a quarrel_n unless_o a_o man_n whole_a interest_n or_o at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v at_o stake_n for_o law_n be_v now_o become_v a_o boundless_a ocean_n and_o general_o very_o rough_a and_o stormy_a and_o swell_v man_n passion_n to_o a_o exorbitant_a height_n and_o shipwreck_n their_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o estate_n and_o as_o to_o those_o great_a injury_n our_o saviour_n mention_n mat._n 5.44_o of_o man_n being_n our_o enemy_n profess_v and_o hate_v and_o curse_v and_o despiteful_o use_v and_o persecute_v we_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n there_o or_o any_o where_o else_o forbid_v christian_n endeavour_v in_o a_o legal_a manner_n to_o secure_v and_o defend_v themselves_o and_o recover_v their_o own_o but_o only_o not_o to_o return_v evil_a for_o evil_n and_o to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o purpose_n of_o revenge_n or_o retaliate_a such_o injury_n as_o rather_o to_o love_v and_o bless_v and_o pray_v for_o and_o do_v good_a to_o upon_o occasion_n those_o that_o deal_v so_o malicious_o by_o they_o and_o to_o manage_v the_o suit_n or_o contention_n with_o they_o with_o charity_n have_v no_o rancour_n or_o malice_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o the_o person_n of_o their_o adversary_n that_o be_v in_o short_a our_o holy_a religion_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o lesser_a injury_n entire_o both_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n and_o forgive_v the_o offender_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v but_o in_o great_a injury_n of_o any_o sort_n where_o ruin_n or_o insupportable_a damage_n will_v follow_v though_o it_o permit_v nay_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v a_o legal_a reparation_n and_o so_o not_o to_o forgive_v the_o offence_n yet_o christian_n must_v as_o entire_o and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o measure_n forgive_v the_o offender_n as_o in_o the_o small_a instance_n of_o wrong_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v become_v the_o child_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n who_o though_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n he_o forgive_v the_o world_n of_o sinner_n and_o moreover_o bestow_v on_o they_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v yet_o in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n their_o representative_a he_o severe_o express_v his_o displeasure_n against_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o persist_v in_o they_o afresh_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n beside_o those_o injury_n that_o terminate_v upon_o a_o man_n self_n and_o his_o own_o concern_v there_o be_v other_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o public_a which_o must_v not_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o animadvert_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o bloody_a villain_n murder_v a_o man_n friend_n or_o neighbour_n or_o relation_n and_o he_o know_v who_o be_v the_o murderer_n it_o may_v be_v he_o only_o in_o this_o case_n whatever_o inclination_n he_o may_v have_v to_o conceal_v it_o whether_o out_o of_o natural_a compassion_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o man_n execution_n since_o nothing_o can_v recall_v the_o murder_a person_n to_o life_n and_o the_o murderer_n may_v live_v to_o repent_v or_o the_o like_a because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o society_n and_o oblige_v as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o promote_v its_o safety_n and_o happiness_n which_o by_o such_o villain_n be_v much_o disturb_v and_o lessen_v and_o will_v be_v ruin_v shall_v such_o man_n pass_v unpunished_a it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n to_o bring_v so_o heinous_a a_o offender_n to_o condign_a punishment_n that_o so_o corrupt_a a_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o community_n the_o health_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v better_o secure_v and_o so_o in_o all_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n always_o remember_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o private_a revenge_n be_v intermix_v it_o pollute_v the_o action_n and_o make_v the_o man_n double_o guilty_a of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v concern_v the_o limit_n of_o forgive_a injury_n concern_v man_n only_o as_o private_a person_n as_o for_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n they_o be_v constitute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n 4._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o to_o be_v revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o praise_v and_o encourage_v those_o only_a that_o do_v well_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o forgiveness_n of_o public_a injury_n be_v the_o public_a good_a so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o obligation_n as_o magistrate_n as_o be_v conducive_a to_o the_o common_a weal_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prudence_n and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n they_o may_v and_o do_v well_o to_o incline_v to_o lenity_n and_o compassion_n but_o a_o foolish_a and_o a_o mercenary_a pity_n be_v a_o betray_v their_o trust_n a_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a and_o such_o magistrate_n instead_o of_o be_v father_n of_o their_o country_n be_v indeed_o the_o perfidious_a destroyer_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a pattern_n god_n have_v set_v we_o with_o its_o general_a limit_n as_o for_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o copy_n after_o this_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o our_o merciful_a heavenly_a father_n it_o be_v twofold_a 1_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n 2_o to_o our_o self_n first_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n our_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o he_o have_v forgive_v we_o be_v very_o great_a because_o it_o be_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v will_v be_v high_o please_v to_o he_o as_o a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o he_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o to_o take_v delight_n in_o for_o so_o exod._n 33.19_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v his_o glory_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o goodness_n pass_v before_o he_o and_o chap._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n pass_v by_o before_o he_o and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o according_o st._n john_n give_v the_o definition_n of_o he_o god_n be_v love_n now_o certain_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v such_o infinite_a favour_n from_o this_o good_a god_n and_o have_v be_v forgive_v so_o vast_a a_o debt_n as_o we_o sinner_n have_v have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o please_v this_o their_o great_a benefactor_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o please_v to_o he_o than_o to_o see_v the_o image_n and_o reflection_n of_o his_o
heedless_a inadvertency_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v v._o 13._o of_o this_o 13._o ch_z therefore_o speak_v i_o to_o they_o in_o parable_n because_o they_o see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v they_o hear_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o understand_v that_o be_v because_o his_o plain_a and_o more_o common_a discourse_n be_v but_o little_o regard_v by_o they_o and_o not_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o forget_v as_o soon_o as_o hear_v therefore_o the_o more_o to_o engage_v their_o attention_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o look_v close_o into_o and_o dwell_v long_o upon_o what_o he_o say_v he_o put_v his_o discourse_n into_o a_o more_o mystical_a and_o uncommon_a dress_n that_o their_o desire_n of_o understand_v his_o hide_a mean_v may_v employ_v more_o of_o their_o thought_n about_o it_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o make_v a_o further_a enquiry_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v do_v and_o by_o that_o mean_v his_o doctrine_n make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o memory_n for_o man_n be_v natural_o desirous_a of_o find_v out_o mystery_n and_o hide_a meaning_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attentive_a to_o what_o be_v unusual_a and_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o talk_v and_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o parable_n and_o be_v much_o more_o please_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o a_o hide_a treasure_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n elsewhere_o resemble_v the_o gospel_n than_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n have_v be_v offer_v they_o at_o a_o easy_a rate_n and_o according_o st._n luke_n after_o he_o have_v record_v several_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n subjoin_v that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a to_o understand_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o indeed_o though_o this_o be_v a_o mystical_a way_n of_o instruction_n and_o have_v something_o of_o obscurity_n in_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o may_v be_v manage_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o familiar_a or_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a auditor_n for_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n be_v but_o little_a receptive_a of_o abstract_a notion_n and_o nice_a and_o lofty_a speculation_n and_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o take_v with_o they_o which_o be_v clothe_v in_o a_o dress_n they_o have_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o illustrate_v by_o some_o material_a representation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o truth_n which_o otherwise_o deliver_v they_o will_v either_o not_o apprehend_v or_o not_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o be_v express_v by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n to_o what_o they_o have_v be_v much_o use_v to_o and_o understand_v very_o well_o be_v present_o entertain_v and_o become_v familiar_a and_o easy_a to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v as_o well_o remember_v and_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o to_o other_o common_a concern_v of_o life_n and_o according_o we_o find_v our_o lord_n parable_n take_v either_o from_o some_o common_a and_o know_v action_n of_o man_n such_o as_o of_o a_o husbandman_n sow_v corn_n in_o his_o field_n and_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o weed_n with_o the_o good_a corn_n of_o a_o fisher_n throw_v his_o net_n into_o the_o sea_n of_o the_o look_v for_o a_o lose_a sheep_n and_o the_o extravagancy_n and_o repentance_n of_o a_o prodigal_a son_n and_o the_o like_a or_o from_o some_o common_a accident_n and_o event_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o of_o a_o treasure_n find_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o plentiful_a product_n of_o a_o man_n ground_n the_o vnfruitfulness_n of_o a_o tree_n the_o reckon_a of_o a_o master_n with_o his_o servant_n the_o importunacy_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n for_o justice_n and_o such_o like_a relation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v easy_o remember_v and_o people_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o listen_v and_o attend_v to_o they_o and_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v understand_v and_o apprehend_v they_o and_o if_o well_o manage_v they_o make_v what_o be_v repesent_v by_o they_o appear_v very_o lively_a and_o affect_v as_o if_o it_o be_v act_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o truth_n deliver_v under_o that_o disguise_n insensible_o insinuate_v themselves_o and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n even_o before_o a_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o it_o or_o can_v set_v himself_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o as_o these_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o most_o familiar_a thing_n they_o be_v so_o apt_a likewise_o and_o so_o excellent_o manage_v and_o there_o be_v so_o great_a analogy_n between_o the_o thing_n represent_v and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o that_o a_o little_a thought_n and_o reflection_n of_o even_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v discover_v what_o be_v hide_v under_o so_o thin_a a_o veil_n and_o according_o we_o find_v several_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n take_v present_o by_o the_o auditor_n in_o their_o true_a and_o naked_a meaning_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o more_o be_v so_o than_o the_o evangelist_n take_v notice_n of_o but_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v apprehend_v we_o find_v our_o lord_n when_o in_o private_a explain_v they_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o give_v they_o command_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o light_n what_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o darkness_n 10.27_o matt._n 10.27_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o impression_n which_o the_o parable_n make_v upon_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o people_n at_o the_o first_o relation_n of_o it_o will_v afterward_o either_o by_o man_n own_o interpretation_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o their_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n beside_o this_o general_a vsefulness_n of_o parable_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n they_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a proper_a for_o and_o that_o be_v reproof_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n man_n be_v most_o of_o all_o impatient_a of_o and_o that_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o great_a prudence_n and_o nicety_n or_o it_o will_v do_v much_o more_o harm_n than_o good_n if_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o open_a and_o severe_a it_o often_o harden_v a_o offender_n still_o more_o and_o if_o it_o be_v too_o cool_a and_o lifeless_a it_o lose_v its_o force_n and_o make_v no_o impression_n in_o a_o effectual_a reproof_n then_o there_o must_v be_v sufficient_a strength_n and_o smartness_n and_o likewise_o so_o much_o privacy_n and_o secrecy_n in_o it_o as_o may_v not_o exasperate_v the_o man_n too_o much_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o ignominy_n that_o attend_v the_o lay_n open_v his_o fault_n to_o the_o world_n now_o reprove_v by_o way_n of_o parable_n do_v all_o this_o there_o may_v be_v strength_n and_o smartness_n enough_o in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v well_o choose_v and_o apply_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o a_o disguise_n and_o cover_v upon_o it_o as_o make_v it_o very_o private_a and_o not_o to_o grate_v so_o much_o upon_o that_o tender_a passion_n of_o shame_n as_o a_o more_o public_a and_o barefaced_a reproof_n will_v do_v it_o be_v as_o one_o handsome_o express_v it_o like_o lance_v a_o sore_a with_o the_o lancet_n wrap_v up_o in_o a_o sponge_n when_o under_o pretence_n and_o show_n of_o nothing_o but_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a usage_n the_o place_n be_v unexpected_o open_v and_o the_o corruption_n let_v out_o which_o the_o patient_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v to_o be_v do_v if_o attempt_v rough_o and_o without_o that_o stratagem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o this_o parabolical_a way_n of_o reprove_v mention_v 2_o sam._n 12._o upon_o david_n murder_n of_o uriah_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v his_o wife_n without_o disturbance_n the_o prophet_n nathan_n be_v send_v to_o reprove_v he_o for_o it_o and_o denounce_v god_n great_a displeasure_n against_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v this_o the_o more_o effectual_o do_v not_o flat_o and_o immediate_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o great_a wickedness_n but_o frame_v a_o parable_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n that_o have_v great_a flock_n and_o herd_n of_o his_o own_o who_o yet_o to_o entertain_v his_o guest_n take_v the_o only_a little_a ewe_n lamb_n of_o a_o poor_a neighbour_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v and_o nourish_v up_o with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o pleasure_n and_o dress_v it_o for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v come_v to_o he_o and_o david_n be_v anger_n the_o story_n say_v be_v great_o kindle_v against_o the_o man_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o nathan_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v the_o man_n that_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o shall_v restore_v the_o lamb_n fourfold_a because_o he_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o because_o he_o have_v no_o pity_n when_o the_o prophet_n see_v that_o his_o design_n have_v so_o far_o take_v effect_n he_o immediate_o follow_v
lamp_n and_o make_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a like_o a_o shine_a light_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o which_o when_o they_o fail_v spiritual_a darkness_n will_v follow_v as_o in_o a_o lamp_n go_v out_o and_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n say_v our_o lord_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n but_o the_o christian_a virtue_n be_v very_o apt_o represent_v by_o oil_n upon_o these_o further_a account_n first_o because_o oil_n be_v general_o reckonen_fw-mi in_o the_o eastern_a country_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o man_n riches_n and_o when_o they_o will_v express_v great_a wealth_n they_o do_v it_o by_o magnify_v the_o plenty_n of_o oil_n thus_o job_n when_o he_o reflect_v in_o his_o affliction_n upon_o his_o former_a opulent_a condition_n the_o rock_n or_o the_o stone_n jar_v that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preserve_v oil_n in_o say_v he_o pour_v i_o out_o river_n of_o oil_n job_n 29.6_o and_o the_o prophet_n micah_n when_o he_o represent_v the_o impossibility_n of_o appease_v his_o offend_a god_n even_o by_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o costly_a offer_v will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v say_v he_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n micah_n 6.7_o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o increase_n of_o oil_n signify_v the_o increase_n of_o riches_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o soul_n plentiful_o store_v with_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o lie_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o become_v rich_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a true_a and_o durable_a riches_n be_v very_o apt_o represent_v by_o have_v oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n and_o our_o lamp_n second_o oil_n be_v likewise_o among_o the_o eastern_n a_o symbol_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o bible_n where_o we_o read_v that_o at_o the_o solemn_a consecration_n and_o inauguration_n of_o king_n and_o priest_n oil_n be_v always_o use_v and_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v still_o in_o use_n with_o we_o at_o the_o coronation_n of_o our_o king_n and_o therefore_o very_o fit_a to_o represent_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o so_o high_o ennoble_v the_o soul_n as_o to_o render_v it_o like_v to_o god_n holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o whereby_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n we_o become_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n 1.6_o rev._n 1.6_o and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o three_o oil_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o much_o use_v therefore_o in_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o heathen_a writer_n but_o from_o holy_a scripture_n there_o we_o read_v of_o the_o oil_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o direction_n concern_v fast_v bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o make_v a_o vain_a glorious_a show_n of_o it_o by_o a_o affect_a sullenness_n and_o down_o look_v disfigure_v their_o face_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o say_v he_o anoint_v thy_o head_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o i._n e._n make_v semblance_n rather_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o a_o feast_n and_o david_n when_o he_o recount_v god_n goodness_n to_o he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n thou_o have_v prepare_v a_o table_n for_o i_o thou_o have_v anoint_v my_o head_n with_o oil_n and_o my_o cup_n run_v over_o psal_n 23.5_o which_o signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o condition_n in_o general_a as_o well_o as_o his_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n many_o other_o place_n there_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o fit_o those_o christian_a grace_n be_v express_v by_o oil_n which_o cause_n the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o holy_a soul_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o unspeakable_a delight_n sincere_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o cheer_v thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n a_o continual_a feast_n indeed_o to_o rejoice_v be_v only_o proper_a for_o a_o good_a christian_a who_o mind_n be_v clear_a and_o undisturbed_a and_o in_o constant_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v rack_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o deep_a gild_n and_o feel_v the_o lash_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n and_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o unexpressible_a fear_n of_o damnation_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o have_v joy_n or_o comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n oil_n therefore_o or_o the_o emblem_n of_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n be_v of_o nothing_o more_o apt_o expressive_a than_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n who_o way_n alone_o be_v indeed_o way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o joy_n by_o the_o virgin_n all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v be_v signify_v the_o inadvertency_n and_o frailty_n of_o even_o the_o best_a of_o men._n because_o this_o divine_a bridegroom_n delay_v his_o come_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o too_o apt_a to_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o think_v but_o little_a upon_o death_n and_o judgement_n as_o thing_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o for_o which_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o provide_v hereafter_o and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a advertency_n to_o these_o rouse_a subject_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v heavy_a in_o our_o religious_a performance_n and_o suffer_v spiritual_a drowsiness_n to_o creep_v too_o much_o upon_o we_o this_o make_v holy_a david_n call_v upon_o god_n so_o often_o to_o quicken_v he_o in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o st_n paul_n to_o exhort_v his_o corinthian_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o thus_o to_o rouse_v the_o ephesian_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v 5.14_o eph._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n though_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v in_o part_n be_v accept_v as_o our_o excuse_n by_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o know_v and_o pity_v our_o infirmity_n yet_o even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o too_o much_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o endanger_v the_o extinction_n of_o our_o lamp_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o many_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o frequent_a fall_n for_o this_o inadvertency_n to_o that_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o even_o the_o righteous_a fall_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n whereas_o will_v we_o often_o set_v our_o lord_n before_o we_o as_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o reflect_v that_o perhaps_o the_o next_o hour_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o he_o that_o give_v it_o and_o so_o a_o end_n put_v for_o ever_o to_o our_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n soon_o after_o be_v pass_v upon_o we_o according_a to_o our_o deserve_n we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o often_o move_v from_o our_o duty_n but_o be_v careful_a and_o circumspect_a and_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n lest_o that_o day_n surprise_v we_o unaware_o and_o while_o we_o drouze_v away_o our_o opportunity_n our_o lamp_n go_v out_o and_o the_o bridegroom_n call_v before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n and_o so_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v it_o therefore_o high_o concern_v even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o not_o to_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a have_v our_o loin_n gird_v about_o and_o our_o light_n burn_v as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o and_o ourselves_o like_a unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v we_o may_v open_v to_o he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v thus_o watch_v i_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n luke_n 12.35_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o bridegroom_n will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o i._n e._n will_v impart_v to_o they_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o watch_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n most_o addict_v to_o vanity_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o be_v youth_n and_o manhood_n bless_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v those_o servant_n and_o what_o the_o angel_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o be_v very_o
riches_n or_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o which_o nowadays_o we_o esteem_v riches_n chief_o to_o consist_v they_o be_v real_o no_o better_o than_o heap_n of_o earth_n of_o different_a colour_n impress_v with_o different_a stamp_n and_o make_v of_o different_a size_n and_o to_o which_o man_n have_v give_v a_o different_a value_n and_o esteem_n according_a to_o their_o different_a colour_n size_n and_o impression_n and_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v good_a for_o little_a but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o which_o he_o that_o will_v live_v must_v part_v with_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o exchange_n for_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o subsistence_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o base_a than_o for_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n so_o far_o to_o degrade_v himself_o as_o to_o employ_v his_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n and_o desire_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n which_o be_v original_o make_v for_o he_o to_o tread_v upon_o and_o produce_v thing_n for_o his_o food_n and_o pleasure_n to_o make_v that_o his_o master_n nay_o his_o god_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o dote_v upon_o a_o senseless_a clod_n to_o neglect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o infinite_o perfect_a maker_n and_o admire_v one_o of_o the_o low_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o desire_v a_o piece_n of_o earth_n with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o have_v no_o value_n for_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o very_a much_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o his_o happiness_n to_o bestow_v no_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o abject_a than_o this_o what_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n where_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v a_o trifle_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n disregard_v that_o which_o be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o where_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v be_v redeem_v not_o by_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n where_o be_v his_o religion_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o make_v silver_n and_o gold_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o admire_v mammon_n more_o than_o his_o saviour_n what_o more_o vile_a and_o brutish_a than_o this_o what_o more_o stupid_o ungrateful_a this_o be_v to_o come_v down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o it_o be_v to_o sink_v much_o low_a for_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o choose_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o serve_v he_o obedient_o in_o that_o rank_n of_o be_v in_o which_o he_o have_v place_v they_o but_o that_o man_n much_o more_o that_o christian_a that_o make_v perish_v riches_n the_o main_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o degenerate_v many_o degree_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n disobey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creator_n slight_v the_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o his_o saviour_n despise_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o a_o vile_a muckworm_n delight_v in_o nothing_o noble_a and_o excellent_a but_o grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v more_o vilify_v and_o degrade_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o such_o base_a affection_n as_o these_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o vile_a degeneracy_n and_o render_v a_o man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o universe_n both_o to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a men._n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n as_o in_o they_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o beside_o that_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n they_o cause_n mention_v before_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1_o it_o mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 2._o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n first_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n do_v mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v remember_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o matt._n 13.22_o say_v that_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n like_o thorn_n that_o spring_v up_o with_o seed_n choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o in_o another_o parable_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v at_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n 14.18_o matt._n 22._o luk._n 14.18_o by_o which_o as_o be_v discourse_v upon_o that_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o glad_a tiding_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o detain_v man_n from_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v after_o and_o ox_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n and_o according_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o can_v be_v matt._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o first_o nothing_o so_o much_o distract_v a_o man_n thought_n as_o a_o eager_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n for_o riches_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o be_v acquire_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o very_o slippery_a when_o gain_v that_o as_o to_o get_v they_o will_v exercise_v all_o a_o man_n contrivance_n employ_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o attention_n and_o consume_v his_o whole_a time_n so_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o once_o get_v will_n to_o a_o man_n that_o know_v the_o hardship_n of_o get_v they_o and_o how_o soon_o they_o be_v lose_v again_o engage_v he_o in_o constant_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o watch_v his_o idol_n lest_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o his_o mind_n become_v distract_v with_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o leisure_n for_o no_o other_o thought_n than_o how_o to_o secure_v his_o riches_n and_o this_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n much_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n may_v soon_o perceive_v by_o their_o careful_a anxious_a look_n and_o distrustful_a timorous_a discourse_n now_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n thus_o engross_a a_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o likewise_o require_v time_n and_o diligence_n and_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attend_v close_o to_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o he_o that_o eager_o love_v riches_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n prepossess_v with_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o they_o and_o all_o his_o faculty_n before_o engage_v in_o their_o pursuit_n must_v move_v very_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o move_v at_o all_o nay_o indeed_o rather_o move_v backward_o than_o forward_o and_o the_o more_o he_o love_v the_o world_n grow_v cold_a still_o in_o his_o affection_n to_o god_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o money_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o enchantment_n it_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v he_o less_o sensible_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o so_o dull_v and_o stupefy_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v very_o little_o move_v with_o the_o sermon_n of_o
duty_n of_o a_o good_a steward_n be_v thus_o represent_v in_o the_o 42d_o verse_n of_o this_o 12_o of_o luke_n who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o be_v to_o give_v the_o family_n their_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n now_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v god_n great_a family_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o his_o family_n he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o as_o his_o steward_n and_o purveyor_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o have_v according_a entrust_v they_o with_o such_o a_o share_n of_o his_o revenue_n to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o have_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o order_v they_o to_o expend_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o household_n that_o every_o one_o be_v provide_v for_o according_a to_o his_o needs_o and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v and_o this_o he_o require_v shall_v be_v do_v faithful_o after_o a_o moderate_a provision_n first_o make_v for_o themselves_o and_o relative_n as_o they_o shall_v answer_v it_o at_o that_o great_a audit_n when_o every_o man_n must_v give_v account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n the_o rich_a man_n then_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o every_o other_o rich_a man_n be_v god_n steward_n to_o provide_v for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o necessity_n and_o want_n according_a to_o the_o abundance_n god_n have_v give_v he_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v the_o question_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o his_o great_a increase_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o lay_v my_o fruit_n why_o act_n like_o a_o good_a steward_n for_o thy_o great_a master_n and_o let_v the_o house_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v the_o granary_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o increase_n charity_n to_o the_o necessitous_a be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o bestow_v abundance_n and_o as_o many_o way_n as_o there_o be_v of_o express_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v innumerable_a so_o many_o way_n be_v there_o of_o dispose_n of_o what_o be_v more_o than_o needful_a for_o our_o own_o comfortable_a support_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o give_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a harbour_n to_o distress_a stranger_n clothes_n to_o the_o naked_a visit_v of_o comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o freedom_n to_o prisoner_n to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v to_o discharge_v a_o good_a stewardship_n this_o be_v what_o every_o rich_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v with_o his_o abundance_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o good_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v of_o a_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n his_o master_n will_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o will_v commit_v still_o more_o of_o his_o revenue_n to_o his_o management_n bless_v he_o with_o great_a prosperity_n and_o increase_n and_o at_o last_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n his_o great_a master_n in_o glory_n for_o ever_o whoever_o therefore_o have_v abundance_n need_v not_o much_o to_o perplex_v himself_o how_o he_o shall_v bestow_v it_o for_o the_o poor_a be_v always_o with_o we_o and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n not_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o luxurious_a desire_n must_v god_n extraordinary_a blessing_n be_v lay_v out_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n consider_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o nor_o eager_o pursue_v riches_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o religion_n direct_v if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o bless_v we_o with_o they_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o your_o heart_n upon_o they_o be_v excellent_a advice_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n psal_n 62.10_o and_o very_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n ephes_n 1.6_o 10._o that_o while_n some_o have_v covet_v after_o money_n they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o that_o godliness_n with_o content_a be_v great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o wise_a indeed_o be_v that_o man_n that_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o his_o present_a portion_n and_o by_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o more_o noble_a object_n escape_v the_o snare_n of_o covet_v after_o wealth_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o most_o dangerous_a passion_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o be_v secure_a of_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n amid_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o variety_n of_o fortune_n the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o a_o false_a and_o fickle_a world_n if_o poverty_n shall_v become_v his_o lot_n he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o stability_n in_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o value_v it_o according_o and_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a treasure_n in_o a_o better_a place_n of_o which_o none_o can_v deprive_v he_o and_o which_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v to_o eternity_n and_o upon_o that_o fix_v his_o affection_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o happy_a time_n when_o he_o shall_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o while_o he_o have_v a_o plentiful_a fortune_n he_o act_v like_o a_o good_a steward_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o by_o let_v those_o share_n with_o he_o that_o want_v a_o supply_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bless_a as_o to_o give_v rather_o than_o receive_v and_o in_o every_o respect_n make_v the_o best_a use_n he_o can_v of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a patron_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brethren_n and_o then_o can_v step_v secure_o though_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n threaten_v if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o divert_v they_o and_o continue_v to_o he_o what_o he_o have_v he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v it_o if_o not_o he_o know_v that_o all_o will_v end_v for_o the_o best_a at_o last_o and_o so_o cheerful_o resign_v what_o god_n before_o have_v lend_v he_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o abundance_n and_o that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o soul_n clear_a and_o unspotted_a and_o with_o that_o coarse_a fare_n will_v relish_v well_o and_o a_o homely_a garment_n sit_v easy_a upon_o he_o and_o such_o necessary_n as_o these_o he_o that_o feed_v the_o raven_n and_o clothes_n the_o lily_n will_v sure_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v must_v needs_o be_v in_o perpetual_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o wise_a consequent_o in_o take_v that_o course_n which_o help_v he_o to_o those_o inestimable_a blessing_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o dispose_n of_o abundance_n when_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o bless_v a_o man_n with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a there_o need_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o christian_n than_o for_o they_o to_o read_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o mat._n 25._o where_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o express_v of_o man_n charity_n shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o the_o charitable_a reward_v infinite_o with_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o uncharitable_a doom_v as_o accurse_a person_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o bliss_n into_o everlasting_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o if_o so_o to_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o hell_n and_o arrive_v at_o the_o unspeakable_a happy_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n then_o be_v it_o the_o great_a wisdom_n by_o a_o charitable_a disposal_n of_o man_n abundance_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o make_v provision_n against_o that_o great_a day_n of_o final_a retribution_n when_o charity_n shall_v be_v so_o particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o so_o high_o reward_v there_o remain_v nothing_o now_o to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o urge_v what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o man_n practice_n we_o have_v see_v in_o this_o discourse_n how_o great_a folly_n it_o be_v eager_o to_o desire_n and_o pursue_v abundance_n of_o wealth_n that_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o ever_o such_o desire_n shall_v be_v gratify_v or_o no_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o
dresser_n of_o it_o christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v such_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o consequent_o such_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n 6.11_o heb._n 6.11_o that_o the_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n let_v they_o give_v thanks_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o redeem_a and_o deliver_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infernal_a enemy_n and_o be_v tell_v of_o his_o salvation_n from_o day_n to_o day_n and_o let_v we_o of_o these_o happy_a island_n in_o the_o first_o place_n magnify_v he_o for_o this_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o none_o have_v have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o we_o none_o better_o plant_v nor_o better_a cultivate_v than_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n and_o which_o do_v much_o advance_v the_o blessing_n none_o be_v in_o a_o more_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n than_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o these_o island_n before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o what_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n say_v of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v then_o his_o vineyard_n 5.4_o isa_n 5.4_o may_v be_v very_o true_o say_v of_o his_o gracious_a deal_v with_o this_o our_o church_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o his_o vineyard_n that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o he_o have_v plant_v it_o in_o a_o very_a fruitful_a hill_n and_o fence_v it_o by_o his_o providence_n from_o the_o incursion_n of_o its_o enemy_n and_o gather_v out_o the_o stone_n thereof_o purge_v it_o from_o scandalous_a heresy_n and_o superstition_n which_o be_v stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o build_v a_o tower_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o guarded_z it_o with_o the_o civil_a power_n make_v king_n its_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n its_o nurse_n mother_n and_o make_v a_o wine-press_n in_o it_o furnish_v it_o with_o all_o necessary_n of_o holy_a instruction_n and_o the_o service_n of_o a_o excellent_a ministry_n to_o enforce_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o lay_v all_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o before_o the_o people_n and_o now_o what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o for_o this_o church_n than_o the_o lord_n have_v already_o do_v for_o it_o and_o what_o a_o inestimable_a happiness_n be_v it_o that_o we_o enjoy_v who_o be_v bear_v in_o this_o church_n early_o consecrate_a to_o god_n in_o baptism_n and_o thereby_o plant_v in_o this_o vineyard_n and_o say_v with_o the_o sincere_a and_o unmixed_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n plain_o and_o without_o reserve_n or_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v we_o be_v invite_v to_o a_o frequent_a and_o entire_a reception_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o great_a conveyance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o aid_n and_o have_v as_o many_o and_o as_o move_a exhortation_n to_o live_v up_o to_o our_o holy_a profession_n as_o be_v enjoy_v by_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o a_o inestimable_a happiness_n be_v this_o and_o what_o great_a reason_n have_v we_o as_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n to_o we_o so_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o great_a abundance_n it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o right_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o god_n expect_v it_o from_o all_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n much_o more_o from_o such_o as_o have_v have_v extraordinary_a care_n and_o cultivation_n bestow_v upon_o they_o as_o we_o have_v have_v for_o so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o find_v in_o this_o parable_n that_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o vineyard_n come_v to_o the_o figtree_n he_o have_v plant_v in_o it_o expect_v fruit_n from_o it_o the_o fruit_n that_o god_n expect_v from_o christian_n that_o have_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n be_v the_o advances_n to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n such_o as_o shall_v demonstrate_v a_o sincere_a renovation_n and_o change_n of_o mind_n a_o turn_v from_o a_o course_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n and_o hatred_n of_o he_o to_o entire_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o hearty_a love_n but_o he_o that_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n add_v debauchery_n of_o manner_n and_o instead_o of_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o such_o like_a drudge_n in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o flesh_n such_o as_o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n and_o such_o like_a such_o man_n as_o these_o be_v as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o tree_n 12._o judas_n 12._o who_o fruit_n wither_v without_o fruit_n twice_o dead_a or_o dead_a a_o second_o time_n after_o they_o be_v enliven_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n where_o they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o this_o their_o barrenness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n and_o to_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o and_o who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v when_o our_o lord_n as_o he_o be_v return_v from_o bethany_n to_o jerusalem_n see_v a_o figtree_n at_o a_o distance_n very_o promise_v and_o full_a of_o leave_n and_o go_v to_o it_o expect_v to_o find_v fruit_n upon_o it_o but_o find_v nothing_o thereon_o but_o leave_v only_o curse_v it_o and_o say_v unto_o it_o let_v no_o fruit_n grow_v on_o thou_o henceforward_o for_o ever_o he_o plain_o enough_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n must_v always_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o piety_n that_o he_o expect_v to_o find_v it_o so_o and_o will_v severe_o punish_v where_o he_o find_v it_o otherwise_o the_o leave_n of_o a_o figtree_n be_v broad_a and_o strong_a and_o hang_v thick_a and_o be_v of_o a_o lovely_a colour_n and_o therefore_o very_o apt_a to_o represent_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o make_v the_o fair_a appearance_n of_o any_o religion_n that_o be_v ever_o teach_v the_o world_n and_o the_o title_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v include_v all_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v excellent_a and_o good_a in_o a_o man._n but_o as_o the_o figtree_n beside_o flourish_a leave_n bear_v a_o delicious_a fruit_n and_o have_v always_o upon_o it_o fruit_n come_v to_o maturity_n so_o christianity_n must_v not_o be_v all_o show_n and_o profession_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n must_v appear_v as_o well_o as_o the_o leave_n of_o fair_a speech_n and_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o some_o of_o the_o more_o customary_a and_o public_a duty_n of_o it_o and_o as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o figtree_n there_o must_v always_o be_v some_o fruit_n grow_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n god_n expect_v to_o find_v it_o so_o and_o where_o he_o be_v disappoint_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n will_v be_v their_o portion_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o too_o apt_a with_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o cover_v our_o spiritual_a nakedness_n with_o figleaf_n and_o by_o tack_v together_o a_o few_o external_n observance_n of_o religion_n think_v to_o hide_v our_o shame_n and_o pass_v for_o good_a servant_n and_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o this_o be_v too_o thin_a a_o cover_n to_o conceal_v our_o vileness_n from_o his_o eye_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a and_o who_o know_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o be_v indeed_o a_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n must_v walk_v as_o he_o walk_v imitate_v his_o example_n and_o tread_v in_o his_o bless_a step_n depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n deny_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o vile_a lust_n and_o affection_n obey_v cheerful_o the_o holy_a command_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o his_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_n kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n 8._o 2_o per._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o we_o and_o abound_v they_o make_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v neither_o barren_a nor_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o only_o that_o have_v thus_o his_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n shall_v in_o the_o end_n attain_v everlasting_a life_n
ruin_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n this_o eternal_a torment_n and_o death_n we_o will_v be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a to_o avoid_v this_o place_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o time_n and_o opportunity_n while_o we_o have_v it_o in_o provide_v for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n the_o end_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o eternity_n to_o he_o then_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o no_o more_o space_n for_o repentance_n and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o after_o the_o great_a change_n that_o death_n will_v make_v in_o our_o condition_n no_o more_o change_n from_o thence_o forward_o for_o ever_o no_o intermediate_v purgatory_n to_o cleanse_v our_o remain_a filthiness_n but_o as_o death_n leave_v a_o soul_n so_o shall_v judgement_n find_v it_o and_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o great_a truth_n can_v never_o be_v too_o often_o call_v to_o remembrance_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o to_o a_o wicked_a liver_n that_o whoever_o think_v at_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o husband_n well_o this_o his_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o immediate_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v himself_o from_o that_o gild_n which_o if_o he_o die_v in_o will_v make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o alleviation_n the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o powerful_o enough_o incline_v to_o avoid_v that_o future_a misery_n and_o secure_v his_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o persuasive_n to_o act_v according_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o have_v already_o be_v reveal_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v after_o he_o be_v sad_o assure_v by_o abraham_n that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o this_o abraham_n answer_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o miserable_a rich_a man_n and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o this_o abraham_n give_v this_o final_a answer_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v all_o the_o assurance_n give_v to_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v and_o the_o same_o obstinate_a and_o atheistick_a infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o manner_n that_o make_v man_n disbelieve_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v of_o another_o life_n will_v make_v they_o still_o disbelieve_v it_o though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a before_o the_o gospel_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o dark_o reveal_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v then_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o they_o by_o attend_v to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o confirm_a truth_n to_o we_o christian_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a term_n that_o can_v be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 1.8_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o when_o we_o discourse_v about_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n not_o to_o tremble_v at_o it_o as_o foelix_n do_v but_o with_o perverse_a infidelity_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o whether_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v it_o by_o one_o that_o come_v from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v experience_v what_o we_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o proof_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o laugh_v at_o this_o as_o a_o invention_n of_o churchman_n and_o no_o better_a than_o a_o religious_a cheat._n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a they_o say_v that_o the_o write_n which_o we_o affirm_v be_v divine_o inspire_v do_v very_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o place_v before_o the_o almighty_a judge_n and_o consign_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n and_o consequent_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o assert_v of_o this_o nature_n our_o business_n therefore_o must_v be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o that_o still_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o live_v according_o will_v neither_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v in_o this_o instance_n though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o opposition_n antiscripturists_a make_v against_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v in_o short_a this_o either_o they_o will_v deny_v that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o set_v down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o pick_v out_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o their_o relation_n and_o if_o beat_v from_o that_o post_n they_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o what_o strange_a occurrence_n they_o record_v of_o their_o master_n jesus_n as_o of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o be_v end_v and_o all_o man_n than_o arise_v likewise_o and_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o work_n that_o this_o and_o the_o like_a strange_a passage_n they_o record_v of_o jesus_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o do_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o by_o art_n magic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o can_v it_o be_v make_v good_a will_v be_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n indeed_o and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n soon_o sink_v into_o ruin_n but_o in_o short_a for_o to_o enlarge_v here_o will_v far_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o single_a sermon_n a_o christian_n defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n may_v be_v this_o first_o though_o some_o have_v deny_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v yet_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o can_v prove_v it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o by_o man_n of_o very_o different_a religion_n and_o persuasion_n and_o that_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n there_o teach_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o glad_a to_o have_v prove_v the_o whole_a a_o forgery_n if_o they_o can_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o when_o it_o be_v so_o much_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o can_v not_o and_o since_o they_o be_v to_o this_o day_n approve_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n as_o genuine_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v for_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v either_o throw_v aside_o all_o book_n as_o spurious_a or_o believe_v this_o which_o we_o
dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o devotion_n and_o have_v other_o little_a sinister_a by-ends_a such_o as_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n that_o his_o vanity_n may_v be_v tickle_v by_o be_v esteem_v more_o righteous_a and_o heavenly-minded_n than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o that_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o more_o religion_n than_o ordinary_a he_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o wicked_a underhand_o design_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o sort_n of_o devotionists_n as_o these_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o we_o find_v record_v of_o the_o pharisee_n man_n to_o all_o appearance_n extraordinary_a religious_a fast_v and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o long_o and_o very_o exemplary_a in_o other_o instance_n of_o piety_n when_o after_o all_o our_o lord_n who_o know_v their_o heart_n have_v tell_v we_o they_o do_v it_o to_o be_v see_v and_o to_o have_v praise_n of_o man_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o long_a prayer_n to_o insinuate_v into_o wealthy_a widow_n esteem_v that_o at_o length_n they_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v their_o house_n how_o many_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v nowadays_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n know_v best_a but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o wherever_o the_o gild_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o great_a abomination_n to_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o infinite_o hate_v a_o lie_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o his_o honour_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v wherefore_o let_v those_o who_o find_v themselves_o prick_v by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v take_v care_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o sincere_a for_o the_o future_a lest_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o pharisee_n fall_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o they_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n where_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n three_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v just_a and_o upright_a without_o fraud_n and_o cheat_a art_n and_o oppression_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v hear_v when_o he_o pray_v must_v cleanse_v his_o hand_n from_o these_o must_v do_v as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v to_o and_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n and_o despise_v the_o gain_n of_o oppression_n as_o isaiah_n phrase_n it_o chap._n 33._o verse_n 15._o for_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o holy_a and_o hate_v the_o sly_a wind_n of_o deceit_n and_o fraud_n he_o be_v about_o our_o path_n and_o spi_v out_o all_o our_o way_n and_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o those_o that_o oppress_v instead_o of_o turn_v a_o gracious_a ear_n to_o their_o petition_n 4.6_o 1_o thes_n 4.6_o wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n for_o god_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o but_o take_v care_n that_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o defile_v with_o unjust_a gain_n lest_o it_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v a_o blessing_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o requisite_a to_o our_o pray_v effectual_o the_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n a_o second_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o wrath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o strife_n and_o revenge_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o as_o for_o a_o hot_a angry_a disposition_n nothing_o more_o unfit_v a_o man_n for_o devotion_n than_o that_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n continual_o in_o a_o storm_n break_v the_o order_n and_o connexion_n of_o thought_n put_v the_o whole_a soul_n into_o a_o hurry_n and_o make_v it_o like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n desire_v impure_a and_o displease_v to_o god_n rather_o than_o the_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n of_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n as_o our_o religion_n in_o general_n so_o prayer_n in_o particular_a be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o require_v as_o great_a freedom_n of_o thought_n and_o recollect_v presence_n of_o mind_n as_o any_o thing_n whatever_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a sanctity_n and_o transcendent_a majesty_n and_o this_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o approach_v he_o with_o the_o most_o awful_a and_o sedate_v temper_v of_o mind_n and_o that_o which_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o which_o it_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v our_o reason_n and_o thought_n at_o command_n lest_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v reject_v for_o our_o ill_a management_n of_o it_o now_o nothing_o more_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o deprive_v it_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o passion_n of_o anger_n it_o put_v the_o spirit_n into_o such_o a_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a motion_n as_o make_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o time_n unserviceable_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v in_o strange_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n and_o remember_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a choice_n be_v make_v by_o the_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n consequent_o out_o of_o course_n just_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mad_a man_n only_o the_o fit_a be_v soon_o over_o and_o be_v this_o a_o fit_a temper_n of_o mind_n to_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o great_a god_n in_o and_o prefer_v petition_n for_o the_o great_a blessing_n let_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v be_v brawl_v with_o his_o neighbour_n consider_v if_o he_o be_v to_o go_v immediate_o to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o his_o prince_n whether_o he_o shall_v not_o then_o do_v it_o with_o great_a disadvantage_n how_o apt_a he_o shall_v then_o be_v to_o commit_v indecency_n and_o to_o omit_v matter_n of_o chief_a concern_v in_o his_o request_n and_o the_o like_a and_o then_o let_v he_o say_v what_o he_o think_v of_o address_v to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n in_o such_o a_o ill_a disguise_n of_o soul_n and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v speed_v much_o better_a if_o his_o mind_n be_v calm_a and_o more_o it_o self_n now_o the_o return_v of_o prayer_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o angry_a man_n brawling_n and_o quarrelling_n so_o frequent_a it_o must_v needs_o often_o be_v that_o such_o man_n unless_o they_o omit_v pray_v which_o be_v still_o worse_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n with_o mind_n great_o discompose_v and_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o duty_n at_o least_o with_o any_o success_n as_o for_o a_o revengeful_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o he_o who_o definition_n be_v love_n and_o who_o have_v so_o free_o forgive_v we_o so_o infinite_a a_o debt_n that_o no_o desire_n breathe_v from_o such_o a_o soul_n but_o must_v needs_o stink_v in_o his_o nostril_n and_o be_v utter_o reject_v by_o he_o his_o divine_a son_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o he_o and_o we_o who_o present_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o intercede_v for_o their_o acceptance_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o appear_v in_o a_o implacable_a revengeful_a man_n behalf_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o mat._n 18.23_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o such_o with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n god_n will_v accept_v nothing_o at_o our_o hand_n without_o charity_n and_o a_o gift_n though_o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n must_v not_o be_v offer_v there_o till_o he_o that_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o his_o brother_n be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o a_o three_o requisite_a to_o our_o pray_v successful_o be_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v without_o doubt_v or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v heb._n 22._o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o barren_a fig-tree_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o the_o root_n at_o his_o word_n which_o when_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n wonder_v at_o 2d_o mark_z 11_o 2d_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o god_n for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n be_v thou_o remove_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n he_o say_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o shall_v have_v whatsoever_o he_o say_v therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o 9.23_o mark_v 9.23_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v to_o which_o agree_v
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