about_o spiritual_a humility_n because_o it_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a religion_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v none_o but_o vile_a and_o abject_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v conscious_a of_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o but_o to_o call_v ourselves_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n example_n who_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o but_o since_o it_o can_v be_v true_a for_o a_o sincere_o pious_a sober_a and_o chaste_a man_n for_o instance_n to_o call_v himself_o the_o most_o profane_a the_o most_o intemperate_a and_o debauch_a wretch_n live_v for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a that_o be_v not_o so_o therefore_o a_o more_o discreet_a way_n of_o humiliation_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o fault_n shall_v be_v introduce_v in_o its_o room_n for_o nothing_o that_o be_v untrue_a can_v be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v so_o neither_o shall_v he_o untrue_o vilify_v and_o miscall_v himself_o but_o think_v and_o speak_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o he_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o same_o st._n paul_n advice_n rom._n 12.3_o who_o example_n be_v urge_v for_o so_o extreme_o debase_v a_o man_n self_n in_o his_o own_o esteem_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n it_o must_v look_v back_o to_o his_o former_a wickedness_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v not_o be_v true_a as_o to_o his_o present_a condition_n when_o he_o speak_v it_o for_o he_o be_v then_o a_o choose_a vessel_n and_o not_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o whatever_o good_a man_n will_v use_v that_o expression_n after_o he_o its_o signification_n must_v be_v restrain_v either_o with_o reference_n to_o past_a wickedness_n or_o some_o particular_a vice_n which_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o can_v be_v true_a in_o its_o large_a sense_n of_o any_o sincere_o good_a man._n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o humiliation_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o fault_n which_o a_o man_n never_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o yet_o be_v much_o in_o vogue_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o people_n but_o do_v indeed_o look_v too_o stage-like_a to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o any_o discern_a man._n poverty_n of_o spirit_n therefore_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o man_n make_v himself_n worse_o than_o he_o be_v and_o true_o there_o be_v no_o neâ—â—_n he_o shall_v do_v so_o every_o man_n live_v have_v enough_o of_o real_a vileness_n to_o humble_v he_o before_o god_n and_o in_o overlook_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o he_o and_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o the_o parable_n may_v very_o innocent_o have_v thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n fornicator_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o a_o publican_n have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o much_o worse_a than_o this_o mix_v with_o his_o thanksgiving_n and_o it_o be_v this_o he_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o live_n more_o circumspect_o than_o other_o man_n he_o arrogate_a much_o of_o the_o praise_n to_o himself_o and_o despise_a one_o who_o by_o reason_n his_o profession_n he_o think_v be_v a_o more_o loose_a and_o careless_a liver_n and_o never_o reflect_v upon_o his_o failure_n and_o imperfection_n but_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v himself_o and_o vaunt_v of_o his_o virtue_n and_o do_v not_o return_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o think_v well_o of_o one_o conversation_n and_o virtuous_a live_n that_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n but_o only_o when_o we_o think_v better_o of_o it_o than_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o forget_v our_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n or_o arrogant_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n to_o our_o self_n not_o remember_v who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v and_o neglect_v to_o return_v the_o glory_n to_o he_o and_o be_v so_o exalt_v in_o our_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v other_o because_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o with_o show_n and_o ostentation_n spiritual_a humility_n then_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o not_o overvalue_v our_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o our_o self_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o but_o return_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n it_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o he_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v and_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o good_a thought_n but_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o in_o who_o divine_a aid_n be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n it_o be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o even_o our_o best_a action_n and_o how_o much_o need_n there_o be_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o favourable_a judgement_n after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v in_o his_o service_n it_o be_v to_o remember_v likewise_o that_o with_o such_o great_a assistance_n from_o above_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o may_v have_v be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o have_v practise_v more_o grace_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o when_o there_o arise_v any_o inward_a complacency_n in_o our_o breast_n from_o a_o virtuous_a action_n or_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o commendation_n from_o other_o it_o be_v then_o immediate_o to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o transfer_v all_o the_o praise_n to_o he_o and_o suffer_v no_o vain_a tumor_n to_o remain_v upon_o our_o mind_n nor_o look_v down_o with_o scorn_n upon_o other_o that_o have_v less_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o pollution_n that_o be_v still_o upon_o our_o soul_n and_o reflect_v how_o great_a a_o debt_n of_o gratitude_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o great_a benefactor_n who_o have_v give_v we_o unworthy_a as_o we_o be_v such_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v he_o a_o due_a return_n of_o a_o daily_a increase_a praise_n and_o obedience_n and_o love_n second_o spiritual_a humility_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o overvalue_v our_o virtue_n nor_o our_o self_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o undervalue_v our_o vice_n i._n e._n endeavour_v to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v they_o and_o give_v they_o more_o favourable_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v such_o as_o unavoidable_a frailty_n pitiable_a infirmity_n the_o effect_n of_o surprise_n and_o the_o like_a nor_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v less_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o our_o commission_n of_o they_o than_o indeed_o we_o be_v there_o be_v no_o manliving_a how_o good_a soever_o but_o be_v still_o a_o sinner_n and_o not_o only_a imperfection_n and_o frailty_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n but_o god_n know_v too_o often_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n as_o david_n and_o peter_n we_o know_v fall_v into_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o wickedness_n though_o the_o one_o otherwise_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o the_o other_o a_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o holy_a martyr_n for_o his_o truth_n now_o spiritual_a humility_n will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o spiritual_a vileness_n and_o represen_fw-mi this_o sin_n whatever_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o the_o great_a evil_n a_o violation_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n and_o of_o a_o most_o holy_a and_o just_o and_o good_a law_n and_o the_o very_a height_n of_o ingratitude_n too_o as_o be_v a_o resist_a the_o will_n of_o our_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n and_o it_o will_v show_v he_o the_o aggravation_n of_o his_o gild_n as_o be_v contract_v against_o sufficient_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o when_o he_o have_v sufficient_a aid_n likewise_o from_o abve_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o if_o he_o will_v these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n which_o a_o man_n true_o humble_a in_o spirit_n will_v call_v to_o mind_n will_v humble_v he_o still_o more_o and_o render_v he_o as_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o he_o think_v he_o be_v in_o god_n and_o make_v he_o prostrate_v himself_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n confess_v his_o gild_n condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o humble_o implore_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o offend_a god_n and_o
and_o promise_v as_o fair_a as_o the_o good_a corn_n but_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v nigh_o that_o the_o corn_n shall_v appear_v and_o come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n than_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n and_o what_o appear_v so_o well_o at_o first_o be_v then_o find_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a noxious_a weed_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v too_o often_o in_o religion_n many_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o semblance_n of_o piety_n attend_v the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o much_o seem_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n listen_v to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n as_o that_o dew_n of_o heaven_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o fruitful_a as_o earnest_o as_o other_o do_v and_o this_o look_n very_o well_o and_o be_v as_o far_o as_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v discern_v for_o the_o present_a as_o hopeful_a a_o beginning_n as_o need_v be_v desire_v the_o real_o good_a seed_n can_v send_v forth_o nothing_o more_o promise_v at_o first_o and_o hitherto_o the_o tare_n grow_v undiscovered_a among_o the_o wheat_n by_o any_o eye_n but_o that_o of_o god_n but_o after_o this_o first_o blade_n have_v appear_v and_o that_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n after_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o make_v this_o show_n of_o religion_n instead_o of_o advance_v further_o and_o further_o to_o perfection_n as_o the_o good_a seed_n do_v and_o abound_v in_o every_o good_a work_n like_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n these_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o blade_n and_o stalk_v of_o religion_n no_o fruit_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o no_o real_a substantial_a virtue_n attend_v this_o show_n of_o piety_n but_o rather_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v discernible_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a discovery_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v but_o formal_a not_o sincere_a christian_n vile_a unhappy_a tare_n but_o not_o good_a seed_n for_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o vain_a hope_n from_o a_o formal_a customary_a religion_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a much_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o vanity_n for_o unless_o his_o religion_n make_v he_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v see_v in_o all_o his_o conversation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o make_v a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o it_o at_o church_n and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o most_o provoke_a mockery_n of_o god_n and_o a_o unnatural_a starve_v of_o the_o soul_n with_o such_o fantastic_a food_n and_o will_v consign_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o a_o hypocritical_a religion_n will_v have_v a_o very_a sad_a consequence_n in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o it_o expose_v man_n to_o much_o shame_n and_o contempt_n in_o this_o for_o every_o man_n that_o see_v such_o great_a show_n of_o religion_n such_o pretence_n to_o christian_a virtue_n will_v natural_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o man_n all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o that_o to_o his_o devotion_n and_o show_n of_o godliness_n at_o church_n be_v add_v sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n in_o his_o conversation_n and_o intercourse_n with_o men._n as_o when_o man_n see_v the_o first_o sprouting_n and_o flourish_a of_o a_o field_n that_o be_v sow_o with_o good_a grain_n they_o expect_v to_o find_v increase_n of_o the_o same_o good_a fruit_n but_o when_o after_o all_o this_o fair_a and_o florid_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n there_o appear_v nothing_o but_o tare_n and_o the_o man_n be_v over_o run_v with_o wicked_a habit_n and_o vile_a affection_n little_a or_o no_o sign_n of_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o mind_n but_o rather_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o dishonesty_n in_o his_o deal_n lie_v and_o collusion_n instead_o of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n pride_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o purity_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o such_o vileness_n as_o this_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o a_o man_n show_n of_o religion_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n pharisee_n like_o a_o white_v sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o but_o within_o full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v sometime_o for_o fashion_n sake_n to_o visit_v it_o but_o always_o leave_v it_o there_o behind_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o its_o company_n abroad_o now_o such_o hypocrisy_n as_o this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o hateful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instead_o of_o gain_v reputation_n to_o a_o man_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v he_o a_o common_a scorn_n man_n can_v but_o discover_v the_o abominable_a cheat_n and_o they_o can_v but_o hate_v and_o detest_v it_o tare_n will_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o be_v tare_n and_o the_o soon_o for_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn._n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pretend_v to_o conceal_v under_o a_o fair_a appearance_n what_o will_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n discover_v it_o self_n and_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o hatred_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o next_o and_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o well_o as_o put_v on_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o the_o next_o thing_n it_o inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o holy_a angel_n observation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o christian_n and_o their_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o do_v god_n service_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n that_o be_v the_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o interpretation_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v thou_o not_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o they_o answer_v will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o they_o observe_v by_o the_o loose_a life_n of_o some_o professor_n that_o there_o be_v very_o ill_a man_n that_o go_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o know_v will_v reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o christ_n the_o great_a planter_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n and_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o haste_v to_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v his_o further_a command_n and_o with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o intention_n of_o great_a charity_n to_o we_o poor_a mortal_n they_o offer_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o those_o scandalous_a hypocritical_a member_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n observer_n and_o that_o for_o excellent_a purpose_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o christian_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o this_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o from_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o attentive_a reader_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n must_v often_o have_v observe_v of_o which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o that_o give_v most_o light_a to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a mention_n st._n paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11.10_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n ought_v woman_n to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v in_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v lest_o any_o thing_n indecent_a shall_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o pure_a spirit_n who_o be_v present_a as_o god_n spy_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o men._n the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o one_a chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v likewise_o very_o plain_a to_o this_o purpose_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o angel_n be_v they_o not_o all_o say_v he_o as_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o
unavoidable_a endless_a and_o unconceivable_a misery_n be_v certain_o infinite_a compassion_n wonderful_o great_a and_o beyond_o comparison_n five_o the_o consequence_n of_o god_n forgive_a sinner_n be_v infinite_o happy_a than_o that_o of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o the_o poor_a debtor_n in_o the_o parable_n he_o after_o his_o lord_n be_v lose_v and_o forgive_a he_o be_v out_o of_o fear_n indeed_o of_o that_o sad_a misfortune_n which_o otherwise_o must_v have_v fall_v upon_o he_o he_o enjoy_v his_o liberty_n and_o that_o of_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o continue_v still_o in_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v till_o he_o forfeit_v all_o again_o by_o his_o cruelty_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o be_v no_o mean_a comfort_n but_o then_o this_o be_v all_o we_o read_v of_o no_o new_a favour_n confer_v upon_o he_o or_o that_o he_o be_v entrust_v with_o any_o more_o of_o his_o lord_n revenue_n or_o the_o like_a but_o now_o the_o compassionate_a god_n have_v to_o forgiveness_n of_o sinner_n add_v innumerable_a and_o inestimable_a faziour_n dignify_v they_o with_o the_o title_n of_o his_o son_n communicate_v to_o they_o fresh_a assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o help_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o promise_v they_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n and_o a_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o felicity_n provide_v they_o continue_v sincere_o obedient_a to_o he_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o be_v no_o happiness_n which_o a_o rational_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n free_o and_o bountiful_o confer_v upon_o mankind_n now_o that_o his_o compassion_n have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o he_o 6.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.17_o and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o give_v we_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v and_o for_o god_n not_o only_o to_o forgive_v obstinate_a rebel_n against_o his_o divine_a government_n to_o pass_v by_o their_o vile_a ingratitude_n to_o he_o their_o great_a benefactor_n and_o base_a abuse_n of_o his_o blessing_n to_o his_o dishonour_n but_o to_o confer_v upon_o they_o favour_n of_o the_o great_a value_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o make_v they_o coheir_n with_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n this_o be_v such_o a_o admirable_a expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o love_n of_o mankind_n as_o can_v never_o proceed_v from_o any_o other_o but_o he_o who_o be_v goodness_n itself_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o which_o exalt_v the_o compassion_n of_o god_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o make_v it_o indeed_o miraculous_a be_v the_o amaze_a course_n he_o take_v thus_o to_o show_v mercy_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sinner_n and_o yet_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n too_o the_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v and_o he_o may_v have_v forgive_v without_o further_a regard_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o justice_n in_o that_o case_n a_o great_a debt_n if_o it_o have_v be_v owe_v to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o god_n forgive_a sinner_n it_o be_v otherwise_o god_n have_v before_o solemn_o declare_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o very_o often_o afterward_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o see_v that_o sentence_n execute_v and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n likewise_o it_o be_v perfect_o just_a that_o the_o violator_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o good_a command_n ungrateful_a rebel_n against_o their_o creator_n and_o great_a benefactor_n shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n for_o their_o wickedness_n now_o justice_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o god_n as_o mercy_n and_o though_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n move_v he_o to_o have_v compassion_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o his_o justice_n plead_v for_o their_o punishment_n mercy_n will_v remit_v the_o debt_n but_o justice_n require_v satisfaction_n a_o difficulty_n this_o which_o mortal_a wit_n can_v never_o solve_v but_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o just_a that_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n may_v not_o perish_v nor_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o his_o justice_n likewise_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v contrive_v a_o wondrous_a way_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o sinner_n by_o free_o forgive_n they_o their_o vast_a debt_n and_o yet_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o substitute_v he_o in_o our_o stead_n to_o suffer_v as_o the_o representative_a of_o mankind_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o their_o iniquity_n and_o by_o his_o spotless_a blood_n to_o make_v a_o universal_a atonement_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o his_o precious_a sacrifice_n for_o what_o be_v above_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o purchase_v for_o they_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 3.26_o rom._n 3.26_o to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o the_o justifyer_n likewise_o of_o he_o that_o beleive_v in_o jesus_n thus_o mercy_n and_o truth_n be_v miraculous_o meet_v together_o and_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n have_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v that_o infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a compassion_n which_o in_o so_o wondrous_a a_o manner_n contrive_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o vast_a debt_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n too_o what_o love_n can_v be_v great_a than_o this_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v his_o eternal_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n christ_n shall_v die_v for_o we_o and_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o through_o his_o stripe_n we_o may_v be_v heal_v wonderful_n be_v thou_o o_o lord_n in_o thy_o do_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o thy_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o o_o that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v warm_v with_o the_o same_o divine_a flame_n and_o we_o may_v love_v much_o to_o who_o so_o much_o have_v be_v forgive_v 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 glorious_a example_n of_o forgiveness_n that_o god_n have_v set_v we_o in_o his_o deal_n thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lay_v under_o a_o vast_a debt_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o how_o infinite_o this_o compassion_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n exceed_v the_o great_a and_o most_o generous_a expression_n of_o forgiveness_n that_o can_v be_v show_v by_o one_o man_n to_o another_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o king_n be_v forgive_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n because_o he_o entreat_v he_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o general_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v god_n great_a displeasure_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o imitate_v this_o his_o compassionate_a example_n in_o forgive_a such_o as_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o they_o but_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n to_o who_o the_o king_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a rigid_o require_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o little_a trifle_n and_o punctilio_n as_o he_o no_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o compassionate_a lord_n but_o take_v his_o fellow-servant_n by_o the_o throat_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o hundred_o penny_n and_o though_o entreat_v to_o have_v patience_n as_o earnest_o as_o he_o have_v but_o just_a before_o entreat_v his_o offend_a lord_n yet_o without_o the_o least_o pity_n throw_v he_o into_o prison_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o debt_n the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o revengeful_a temper_n will_v be_v like_o that_o of_o this_o cruel_a servant_n who_o be_v not_o only_o severe_o rebuke_v for_o his_o wickedness_n but_o have_v the_o pardon_n his_o lord_n give_v he_o recall_v and_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n so_o likewise_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n and_o under_o this_o general_n there_o be_v likewise_o as_o be_v say_v three_o particular_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o
another_o and_o show_v what_o wretched_a shift_n ill_a man_n be_v put_v to_o to_o palliate_v their_o great_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o master_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o lord_n be_v answer_v and_o say_v thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o reap_v where_o i_o sow_v not_o thou_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o at_o my_o come_n i_o may_v have_v receive_v my_o own_o with_o usury_n by_o which_o be_v represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n improve_n their_o talon_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v it_o true_a which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o plead_v in_o excuse_n for_o their_o slothful_a negligence_n for_o to_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o so_o austere_a a_o be_v there_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a obligation_n to_o improve_v what_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o his_o trust_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o a_o man_n esteem_v god_n as_o a_o hard_a and_o severe_a master_n therefore_o to_o be_v idle_a and_o negligent_a in_o his_o service_n be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a course_n and_o look_v as_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o provoke_v his_o anger_n against_o he_o but_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n god_n be_v so_o very_o far_o from_o be_v a_o unreasonable_o severe_a master_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o indulgent_a parent_n and_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o practicable_a and_o high_o conducive_a to_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o shall_v create_v a_o filial_a love_n and_o reverence_n in_o we_o towards_o he_o rather_o than_o a_o slavish_a dread_a but_o however_o he_o be_v not_o so_o unreasonable_o fond_a neither_o as_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o provocation_n of_o obstinate_a irreclaimable_a rebel_n and_o clear_v those_o that_o be_v impenitent_a as_o well_o as_o guilty_a that_o have_v heinous_o offend_v he_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o amend_v and_o recover_v his_o favour_n though_o he_o do_v not_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v nor_o gather_v where_o he_o do_v not_o strew_v yet_o he_o expect_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o be_v ready_a likewise_o proportionable_o to_o reward_v our_o industry_n and_o this_o be_v apt_a indeed_o to_o quicken_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o scare_v and_o affright_v we_o from_o it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o for_o god_n to_o expect_v we_o shall_v improve_v what_o he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v obey_v those_o command_n of_o his_o which_z be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o which_o he_o likewise_o assist_v we_o to_o perform_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o say_v god_n be_v a_o unreasonable_o rigid_a master_n and_o his_o command_n intolerable_a burden_n for_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o in_o the_o sequel_n but_o be_v it_o true_a it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n in_o his_o service_n much_o less_o for_o whole_o desert_v it_o but_o rather_o a_o argument_n for_o double_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o slothful_a servant_n command_v his_o one_o unimproved_a talon_n to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o give_v to_o he_o who_o by_o his_o industry_n have_v improve_v his_o five_o talent_n to_o ten_o be_v represent_v god_n deprive_v those_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o so_o much_o neglect_v it_o and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a enas_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v they_o viz._n his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v still_o great_a addition_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o such_o as_o have_v well_o improve_v their_o former_a stock_n and_o by_o his_o command_v the_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n be_v express_v their_o deplorable_a condition_n in_o the_o region_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o despair_n who_o make_v no_o improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o the_o deprivation_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o perdition_n in_o the_o other_o it_o near_o concern_v therefore_o every_o man_n careful_o to_o improve_v the_o talon_n commit_v to_o he_o because_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v this_o parable_n thus_o interpret_v afford_v we_o these_o six_o head_n of_o discourse_n first_o that_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a wherewith_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n second_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o every_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v improve_v what_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o measure_n in_o which_o it_o be_v give_v he_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v three_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o lord_n will_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o desert_n four_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v degree_n of_o man_n happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o other_o world_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o improvement_n or_o negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o this_o five_o that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a to_o charge_n god_n as_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v this_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n and_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o good_a use_v make_v of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n and_o last_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a and_o that_o of_o the_o unprofitable_a unspeakable_o miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o first_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a wherewith_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n i_o say_v to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a because_o i_o will_v confine_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o state_n of_o such_o as_o be_v christian_n and_o such_o of_o they_o as_o have_v the_o use_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o their_o reason_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o christ_n church_n though_o charity_n will_v incline_v we_o to_o hope_v well_o of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n mercy_n will_v extend_v even_o to_o heathen_n that_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n assist_v they_o to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a law_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n yet_o we_o can_v determine_v nothing_o in_o this_o case_n with_o relation_n to_o they_o and_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o conversion_n and_o as_o for_o such_o as_o have_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v afterward_o prove_v idiot_n and_o without_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n their_o case_n be_v likewise_o whole_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o though_o we_o need_v not_o question_n but_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n will_v incline_v he_o to_o pity_v their_o deplorable_a condition_n yet_o which_o way_n he_o will_v express_v his_o mercy_n to_o they_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o say_v hide_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n the_o reveal_v be_v for_o we_o and_o our_o child_n among_o which_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v one_o that_o god_n give_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o sensible_a christian_a wherewith_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o here_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o endless_a and_o most_o abstruse_a dispute_n about_o predestination_n which_o the_o less_o man_n trouble_v their_o head_n about_o the_o better_a it_o be_v for_o they_o in_o all_o respect_n i_o shall_v only_o urge_v two_o or_o three_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v this_o position_n and_o add_v to_o they_o one_o as_o plain_a reason_n the_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o that_o in_o 2_o pet._n 3.9_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n to_o which_o be_v agreeable_a that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epist_n 2.4_o god_n will_v have_v or_o desire_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n now_o the_o next_o scripture_n i_o will_v quote_v which_o be_v 2_o cor._n 3.5_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o
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
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