he_o be_v 1_o joh_n 3.2_o and_o st._n paul_n by_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v he_o even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13.12_o and_o since_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n consist_v in_o a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o his_o divine_a presence_n for_o so_o the_o sentence_n run_v that_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n upon_o these_o account_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o all_o the_o just_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v equal_o happy_a and_o all_o the_o wicked_a be_v for_o ever_o exile_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_o miserable_a but_o this_o argument_n in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o best_a supporter_n of_o it_o for_o since_o it_o be_v 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as_o bear_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o consequent_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o close_a and_o intimate_a vision_n of_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o by_o their_o great_a impiety_n beyond_o other_o man_n be_v most_o estrange_v from_o god_n here_o shall_v be_v banish_v far_a from_o he_o in_o the_o region_n of_o despair_n and_o darkness_n as_o be_v the_o most_o hateful_a to_o he_o because_o the_o most_o unlike_a nay_o contrary_a to_o he_o and_o the_o most_o uncapable_a of_o see_v and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o consequent_o feel_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pang_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n the_o hot_a boiling_n of_o rage_n and_o impatience_n and_o most_o bitter_a remorse_n of_o soul_n for_o bring_v this_o most_o miserable_a condition_n upon_o themselves_o when_o once_o they_o may_v with_o much_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v avoid_v it_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n indeed_o as_o to_o plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o misery_n in_o hell_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v recollect_v any_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n strain_n god_n word_n beyond_o its_o due_a extent_n but_o as_o to_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n i_o think_v there_o be_v several_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o plain_o enough_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v part_n of_o a_o parable_n exact_o the_o same_o in_o the_o conceal_a sense_n of_o it_o with_o that_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v upon_o only_o something_o different_o relate_v by_o s._n luke_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n the_o 15_o and_o 4_o follow_a verse_n where_o we_o find_v when_o the_o king_n come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n improvement_n of_o what_o he_o leave_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o trade_n with_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o exact_o proportion_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o the_o increase_n he_o make_v of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n with_o the_o pound_n his_o lord_n leave_v with_o he_o be_v give_v authority_n over_o as_o many_o city_n and_o so_o to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v five_o proportionable_o authority_n over_o five_o which_o i_o think_v can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o different_a degree_n award_v of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o christian_n improvement_n here_o there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o though_o every_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v as_o clear_v and_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o partake_v in_o a_o agreeable_a measure_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o will_v flow_v from_o such_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o saint_n will_v not_o be_v equal_a some_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o enlarge_v than_o other_o and_o able_a to_o receive_v more_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o so_o though_o every_o of_o those_o vessel_n of_o honour_n shall_v be_v full_a yet_o all_o will_v not_o hold_v alike_o and_o one_o star_n there_o will_v differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v then_o be_v clarify_v and_o refine_a purge_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o soil_v contract_v during_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o render_v more_o agile_a and_o expedite_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o several_a faculty_n and_o its_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n vast_o improve_v but_o that_o soul_n of_o less_o improvement_n here_o shall_v immediate_o upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n receive_v extraordinary_a new_a addition_n to_o equalise_v they_o to_o those_o of_o high_a attainment_n be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v and_o will_v mighty_o discourage_v the_o generous_a endeavour_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o exemplary_a religion_n but_o when_o every_o man_n shall_v in_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n above_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o eminent_a sanctity_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v mighty_o encourage_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o forget_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v on_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o always_o aim_v at_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n the_o improvement_n of_o this_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n upon_o earth_n we_o will_v run_v with_o diligence_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o not_o pretend_v difficulty_n when_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a and_o shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o virtue_n for_o can_v we_o be_v too_o happy_a can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n can_v our_o crown_n be_v too_o glorious_a and_o resplendent_a away_o then_o with_o that_o mean-spirited_n religion_n which_o thus_o lessen_v and_o confine_n our_o happiness_n let_v we_o unfold_v our_o hand_n and_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o bosom_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o a_o excellent_a piety_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v so_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_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 that_o god_n be_v often_o charge_v with_o such_o unreasonable_a severity_n by_o man_n that_o care_v not_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n be_v too_o true_a to_o be_v question_v and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o indulge_v their_o vile_a
practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o prayer_n annex_v to_o each_o discourse_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la libros_fw-la plures_fw-la à _fw-it pluribus_n fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it non_fw-la diversâ_fw-la fide_fw-la etiam_fw-la de_fw-la quaestionibus_fw-la jisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la perveniat_fw-la augustin_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o imprimatur_fw-la sept._n 27._o 1693._o guil._n lancaster_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n ep._n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1694._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n lord_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n my_o lord_n i_o humble_o beg_v your_o lordship_n favourable_a acceptance_n of_o this_o address_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o public_a expression_n of_o the_o great_a veneration_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n and_o of_o the_o grateful_a sense_n i_o retain_v of_o the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n you_o have_v hitherto_o be_v please_v to_o show_v i_o since_o your_o happy_a accession_n to_o this_o see_n i_o do_v not_o can_v think_v this_o a_o present_a worthy_a of_o your_o lordship_n but_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o discourse_n in_o hope_n that_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o dress_n they_o appear_v in_o may_v incline_v some_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o who_o seldom_o take_v notice_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o in_o the_o usual_a garb_n i_o can_v not_o but_o dedicate_v they_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o my_o diocesan_n and_o as_o a_o account_n in_o part_n how_o i_o discharge_v my_o duty_n in_o my_o cure_n under_o your_o lordship_n inspection_n and_o government_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o publication_n i_o be_o sure_a your_o lordship_n will_v not_o disapprove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o therefore_o beg_v your_o lordship_n blessing_n and_o your_o prayer_n that_o these_o my_o well-meant_a endeavour_n however_o otherwise_o deficient_a may_v be_v successful_a to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o your_o lordship_n eminent_a worth_n as_o well_o as_o station_n i_o be_o and_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o care_n to_o approve_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n dutiful_a and_o humble_a servant_n fr._n bragge_n the_o preface_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o in_o a_o familiar_a way_n teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useful_a undertake_n to_o discourse_n practical_o upon_o they_o and_o by_o explain_v they_o and_o enforce_v the_o sense_n couch_v under_o they_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v the_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o great_a master_n jesus_n and_o in_o a_o industrious_a provision_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n themselves_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n why_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o speak_v in_o that_o mystical_a manner_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n which_o his_o own_o disciple_n ask_v he_o after_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o first_o parable_n of_o a_o sour_a they_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o say_v why_o speak_v thou_o unto_o they_o in_o parable_n matt._n 13.10_o to_o this_o our_o lord_n give_v a_o double_a answer_n in_o the_o 11_o and_o follow_a verse_n thus_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n because_o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o my_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n who_o heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a or_o obdurate_a and_o obstinate_a and_o their_o ear_n dull_a of_o hear_v and_o who_o have_v close_v or_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n that_o i_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_n they_o to_o such_o as_o these_o as_o very_o unworthy_a of_o the_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o have_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o only_o mystical_o and_o covert_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o former_a plain_a discourse_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o their_o averseness_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o miracle_n he_o do_v and_o blasphemous_a attribute_v his_o cast_n out_o a_o devil_n from_o one_o possess_v who_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o this_o strange_a obduracy_n of_o they_o that_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o more_o obscure_a way_n of_o instruct_v they_o than_o he_o before_o have_v use_v and_o which_o new_a practice_n of_o he_o be_v a_o tacit_n intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o and_o do_v threaten_v a_o total_a concealment_n of_o those_o glad_a tiding_n from_o they_o which_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v unto_o the_o world_n if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o st._n matthew_n record_v of_o our_o lord_n discourse_n before_o this_o 13_o chapter_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o the_o usual_a manner_n till_o the_o pharisee_n with_o hellish_a malice_n will_v disparage_v the_o great_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v upon_o the_o possess_a man_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o art-magick_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o that_o time_n after_o confound_a that_o objection_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o perverseness_n and_o great_a obstinacy_n he_o very_o frequent_o express_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n in_o his_o public_a discourse_n and_o afterward_o in_o private_a explain_v all_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o do_v verse_n 12._o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v he_o that_o upon_o my_o former_a plain_n and_o open_a instruction_n have_v believe_v and_o obey_v i_o shall_v have_v still_o more_o and_o more_o as_o plain_a manifestation_n make_v to_o he_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o what_o be_v then_o so_o clear_o make_v know_v to_o he_o but_o continue_v still_o faithless_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v deprive_v of_o that_o full_a light_n and_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v afford_v only_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o it_o and_o behold_v it_o as_o through_o a_o veil_n a_o punishment_n this_o have_v they_o understand_v it_o very_o great_a and_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o embrace_v that_o heavenly_a discipline_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o that_o eclipse_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n be_v a_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o that_o eternal_a night_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v unless_o they_o speedy_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o admonition_n to_o we_o likewise_o to_o fear_n und_fw-ge tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n lest_o we_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n lest_o we_o so_o long_o reject_v that_o light_n which_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o as_o to_o become_v utter_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v quite_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o outer_a darkness_n at_o last_o become_v our_o portion_n this_o be_v one_o reason_n our_o lord_n give_v of_o his_o speak_n to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n at_o their_o harden_a infidelity_n there_o be_v another_o and_o that_o a_o very_a merciful_a one_o as_o respect_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n not_o malicious_o faulty_a as_o those_o beforementioned_a but_o chief_o to_o blame_v for_o
his_o blow_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o king_n displeasure_n and_o make_v the_o application_n home_o thou_o be_v the_o man._n and_o this_o mystical_a reproof_n strike_v david_n so_o deep_a that_o without_o make_v any_o excuse_n he_o present_o confess_v his_o gild_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a a_o rough_a and_o more_o downright_a reprimand_n will_v have_v exasperate_v the_o king_n into_o rage_n and_o impatience_n at_o his_o be_v so_o expose_v by_o the_o prophet_n rather_o than_o have_v melt_v he_o into_o so_o humble_a and_o pungent_a a_o remorse_n as_o this_o this_o course_n then_o our_o lord_n take_v not_o without_o great_a wisdom_n and_o by_o parable_n apt_a and_o well_o choose_v and_o very_o expressive_a of_o his_o mean_v reprove_v the_o obstinacy_n hypocrisy_n and_o other_o vice_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v man_n stubborn_a and_o refractory_a and_o impatient_a of_o too_o open_a a_o rebuke_n especial_o the_o pharisees_n who_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o great_a repute_n with_o the_o people_n make_v they_o not_o able_a to_o endure_v any_o thing_n of_o reproof_n though_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o parable_n much_o less_o when_o public_a and_o open_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n though_o as_o to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o this_o mild_a way_n will_v not_o do_v he_o more_o plain_o and_o sharp_o rebuke_v and_o expose_v their_o great_a wickedness_n and_o vile_a hypocrisy_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o lord_n speak_v so_o much_o in_o parable_n and_o it_o be_v a_o course_n which_o many_o of_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v take_v before_o he_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o several_a of_o the_o heathen_n express_v their_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n in_o such_o a_o mystical_a manner_n and_o by_o way_n of_o fable_n or_o feign_a relation_n of_o some_o action_n or_o occurrence_n that_o bear_v resemblance_n to_o what_o they_o will_v inculcate_v as_o be_v very_o evident_a to_o such_o as_o converse_v with_o their_o write_n which_o course_n have_v it_o not_o be_v very_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o reputation_n as_o it_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o effectual_a then_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o still_o if_o not_o to_o frame_v new_a parable_n yet_o to_o explicate_v and_o enforce_v the_o old_a especial_o those_o which_o our_o lord_n with_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o judgement_n make_v use_v of_o to_o reprove_v vice_n by_o and_o encourage_v a_o sincere_a and_o persevere_v piety_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v couch_v under_o these_o parabolical_a expression_n be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o such_o as_o it_o near_o concern_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o and_o practise_v according_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v they_o be_v such_o as_o illustrate_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o very_o move_o recommend_v they_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o familiar_a way_n as_o fit_v they_o to_o all_o capacity_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mean_a sort_n who_o i_o fear_v be_v too_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o more_o abstract_a term_n i_o have_v therefore_o practical_o consider_v the_o most_o and_o most_o useful_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n pass_v by_o those_o only_a that_o whole_o relate_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o infant_n state_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v without_o violence_n be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n especial_o now_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v speak_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o be_v co-incident_a and_o of_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o those_o that_o be_v and_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v not_o be_v a_o unprofitablevndertake_n through_o his_o blessing_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v the_o increase_n to_o advance_v who_o honour_n in_o promote_a the_o good_a of_o soul_n they_o be_v make_v public_a i_o desire_v only_o that_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v further_o observe_v the_o one_o be_v that_o these_o discourse_n be_v on_o purpose_n design_v to_o be_v pure_o practical_a as_o i_o have_v style_v they_o in_o the_o title_n page_n and_o as_o every_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v discern_v when_o he_o find_v i_o wave_v many_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o controversy_n that_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n and_o my_o reason_n for_o so_o do_v i_o think_v be_v very_o sufficient_a viz._n because_o it_o be_v too_o observable_a that_o the_o great_a defect_n of_o christian_n nowadays_o be_v in_o their_o practice_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o other_o be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o excellent_a advice_n of_o preface_n of_o more_n nevochim_n in_o the_o preface_n maimonides_n the_o reader_n expect_v not_o rationem_fw-la &_o explicationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la verborum_fw-la &_o rerum_fw-la in_o parabola_fw-la contentarum_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la significatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o minute_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o every_o word_n and_o thing_n in_o a_o parable_n to_o the_o sense_n that_o be_v couch_v under_o it_o but_o be_v content_v with_o a_o more_o general_a explication_n of_o the_o sum_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o either_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o the_o parable_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v or_o at_o least_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v tire_v in_o hunt_v after_o a_o explication_n of_o what_o can_v be_v explain_v and_o nothing_o be_v the_o result_n of_o such_o fruitless_a study_n but_o that_o empty_a vexatious_a disappointment_n which_o all_o those_o experience_n who_o make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o or_o rather_o force_v from_o the_o word_n of_o a_o author_n that_o which_o the_o author_n himself_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o all_o therefore_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o any_o parable_n be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o main_a drift_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o the_o author_n of_o it_o will_v instruct_v man_n in_o by_o that_o allegorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n but_o though_o this_o be_v excellent_a advice_n and_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n yet_o where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o unnatural_a strain_v and_o violence_n i_o have_v be_v very_o particular_a in_o my_o explication_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n be_v so_o apt_o express_v in_o the_o part_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o whole_a that_o they_o not_o only_o will_v bear_v but_o require_v a_o minute_n application_n of_o the_o allegory_n to_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o it_o and_o which_o receive_v a_o great_a advantage_n from_o it_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v view_n the_o index_n par._n i._o of_o the_o sour_a matt._n 13.3_o etc._n etc._n page_n 1_o par._n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matt._n 13.24_o p._n 35_o par._n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matt._n 1345._o p._n 82_o par._n iu_o of_o a_o merciful_a king_n and_o his_o vnmerciful_a servant_n matt._n 18.23_o p._n 122_o par._n v._o of_o a_o king_n that_o make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n matt._n 22.2_o p._n 164_o par._n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matt._n 25.1_o p._n 204_o par._n vii_o of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n luke_n 10.30_o p._n 232_o par._n viii_o of_o the_o talent_n matt._n 25.14_o p._n 270_o par._n ix_o of_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool._n luke_n 12.16_o p._n 304_o par._n x._o of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o p._n 338_o par._n xi_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n luke_n 15.11_o p._n 365_o par._n xii_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luk._n 16.19_o p._n 395_o par._n xiii_o of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luke_n 18.1_o p._n 424_o par._n fourteen_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n luk._n 18.9_o p_o 456_o the_o most_o considerable_a errata_fw-la occasion_v by_o the_o author_n distance_n from_o the_o press_n the_o reader_n be_v desire_v thus_o to_o correct_v with_o a_o pen_n before_o he_o peruse_v the_o book_n viz._n page_n 14._o line_n 1._o deal_n in_o p_o 15._o l._n 6._o r._n these_o p._n 16._o l._n 24._o r._n tell_v p._n 24._o l._n 28._o deal_n it_o p._n 25._o l._n 14._o deal_n and._n p._n 26._o l._n 29._o r._n come_v oft_o p._n 29._o l._n 23._o r._n shower_n from_o p._n 30._o l._n ult_n r._n track_n p._n 39_o l._n ult_n deal_n in_o the_o ear._n p._n 60._o l._n 6._o r._n our_o p._n 74._o l._n penult_n r._n tare_n that_o p._n 78._o l._n 23._o r._n pass_v p._n 83._o l._n 5._o r._n fine_a
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
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
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
the_o gospel_n what_o else_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o the_o worldly-minded_n though_o press_v never_o so_o home_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n more_o and_o the_o world_n less_o of_o endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o to_o give_v of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n and_o the_o like_a they_o give_v we_o the_o hear_v perhaps_o and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o own_o course_n as_o earnest_o as_o ever_o and_o if_o they_o offer_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o defence_n it_o be_v so_o strange_o weak_a that_o a_o man_n can_v but_o admire_v at_o it_o sometime_o we_o shall_v hear_v they_o say_v they_o do_v know_v what_o strait_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o yet_o before_o they_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o prudence_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o worst_a forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o our_o lord_n express_o forbid_v all_o such_o anxious_a solicitude_n for_o the_o morrow_n and_o command_v a_o humble_a trust_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o never_o forsake_v those_o that_o be_v moderate_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o blessing_n and_o never_o reflect_v upon_o the_o miserable_a straight_o they_o will_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o destitute_a of_o good_a work_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n sometime_o these_o man_n will_v quote_v scripture_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n forget_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o before_o this_o parable_n take_v heed_n beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o in_o matt._n 6.32_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n 5.5_o 1_o cor._n 6.10_o eph._n 5.5_o and_o that_o the_o covetous_a be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n of_o all_o vice_n that_o we_o reprove_v and_o warn_v man_n against_o covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a we_o find_v to_o be_v most_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o indeed_o that_o we_o can_v stop_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o wealth_n so_o strange_o bewitch_v be_v this_o love_n of_o money_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a destructive_a of_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o according_o say_v our_o lord_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n one_o that_o make_v a_o god_n of_o riches_n and_o confide_n and_o trust_v in_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o a_o impossibility_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n change_v his_o heart_n can_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o teach_v their_o scholar_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o will_v philosophize_v well_o and_o find_v out_o pure_a truth_n and_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n wherefore_o we_o see_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n because_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o another_o very_a sad_a consequence_n of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n be_v that_o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o to_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6.9_o say_v they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o more_o express_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o event_n have_v often_o prove_v this_o true_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n have_v prevail_v with_o thousand_o to_o turn_v apostate_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a money_n it_o be_v that_o judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o saviour_n and_o to_o tempt_v with_o money_n be_v a_o way_n of_o proceedure_v so_o very_o successful_a a_o engine_n so_o almost_o irresistible_a that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o sort_n that_o will_v gain_v proselyte_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o great_a tempter_n with_o much_o confidence_n after_o his_o other_o stratagem_n fail_v he_o make_v offer_v of_o riches_n to_o our_o lord_n himself_o as_o his_o best_a reserve_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o and_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o love_n have_v worldly-minded_n man_n for_o wealth_n as_o to_o be_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o frown_n or_o promise_v of_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v or_o take_v away_o riches_n this_o have_v be_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n and_o too_o much_o of_o our_o own_o too_o and_o will_v still_o be_v so_o till_o man_n grow_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o believe_v our_o lord_n word_n that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o that_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v the_o great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o salvation_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o more_o sense_n than_o one_o that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n colos_n 3.5_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o of_o expect_v the_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n from_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n and_o mention_v two_o very_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o covetousness_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o intend_v to_o do_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o rich_a fool_n be_v question_v that_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o the_o great_a increase_n he_o have_v 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 and_o show_v how_o many_o good_a way_n there_o be_v of_o dispose_v of_o abundance_n of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o bestow_v what_o be_v more_o than_o his_o barn_n will_v hold_v by_o which_o i_o suppose_v be_v express_v his_o have_v more_o than_o be_v needful_a to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a subsistance_n covetousness_n will_v let_v this_o rich_a man_n think_v of_o none_o but_o of_o building_n new_a barn_n wherein_o to_o lay_v up_o his_o abundance_n and_o then_o to_o take_v his_o ease_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o be_v merry_a he_o look_v no_o far_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o more_o god_n blessing_n increase_v upon_o he_o the_o more_o he_o purpose_v to_o live_v in_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o epicurise_v away_o that_o which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o much_o better_a purpose_n quod_fw-la superat_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la melius_fw-la quo_fw-la insumere_fw-la possis_fw-la cur_n eget_fw-la indignis_fw-la quisquam_fw-la te_fw-la divite_fw-la quare_fw-la templa_fw-la ruunt_fw-la antiqua_fw-la deum_fw-la cur_n improbe_fw-la chara_fw-la non_fw-la aliquid_fw-la patriae_fw-la tanto_fw-la emetiris_fw-la acervo_fw-la horat._n serm._n lib._n ii_o sat._n 2._o for_o every_o man_n who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o abundance_n be_v god_n steward_n of_o that_o abundance_n and_o must_v bestow_v it_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n for_o so_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 10._o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o the_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
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
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
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