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
alone_o can_v save_v they_o and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o good_a work_n how_o come_v you_o in_o hither_o how_o come_v you_o into_o this_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n what_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o their_o excuse_n will_v they_o not_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n confound_v and_o ashamed_a and_o utter_o speechless_a what_o will_v they_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o bar_n of_o that_o dire_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o bound_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v they_o away_o etc._n etc._n certain_o nothing_o but_o with_o inexpressible_a horror_n and_o despair_n and_o self-condemnation_n must_v submit_v to_o their_o sad_a punishment_n from_o all_o this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o general_a observation_n draw_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o myriad_o of_o people_n and_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v invite_v alike_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o will_v make_v a_o very_a ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o many_o utter_o reject_v this_o invitation_n and_o more_o though_o they_o do_v embrace_v it_o yet_o become_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o by_o not_o lead_v their_o life_n agreeable_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o will_v be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n as_o elect_v or_o choice_a and_o right_a good_a christian_n and_o but_o few_o consequent_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o another_o place_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n as_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v to_o a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o do_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o show_v of_o such_o obedience_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v that_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v eternal_a weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o sincere_a and_o lively_a as_o to_o produce_v good_a work_n such_o as_o may_v make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o our_o belief_n to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n most_o bless_a example_n and_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n cheerful_o and_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o choice_a jewel_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a and_o even_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v conduct_v by_o his_o angel_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o to_o share_v in_o his_o happiness_n to_o eternal_a age_n the_o prayer_n most_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o amaze_a condescension_n have_v invite_v i_o miserable_a creature_n though_o poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a and_o destitute_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v recommend_v i_o to_o thou_o except_o it_o be_v my_o wretchedness_n to_o the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o thy_o glorious_a son_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n of_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o tender_a regard_n his_o protection_n and_o desence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n how_o can_v i_o enough_o praise_n and_o magnify_v this_o thy_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n shall_v i_o embrace_v so_o inestimable_a a_o favour_n but_o i_o alas_o stupid_a as_o i_o be_o and_o bewitch_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n and_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v hitherto_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o disregard_v this_o gracious_a offer_n and_o prefer_v every_o thing_n before_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o best_o have_v defer_v it_o still_o till_o another_o time_n provoke_v thereby_o most_o just_o thy_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v thy_o bless_a presence_n as_o infinite_o unworthy_a but_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o do_v earnest_o repent_v and_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o so_o ungrateful_o sliting_a such_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o vileness_n be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o be_v intolerable_a and_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n i_o beg_v thy_o heavenly_a aid_n that_o now_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n i_o may_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o bless_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_n and_o honour_v the_o messenger_n which_o bring_v i_o those_o glad_a tiding_n and_o since_o my_o maker_n be_v my_o husband_n be_v always_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o unspotted_a fidelity_n and_o love_n be_v his_o entire_o and_o for_o ever_o submit_v without_o reserve_n to_o his_o heavenly_a government_n reverence_v his_o authority_n and_o glorify_v he_o with_o my_o body_n and_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o and_o grant_v o_o merciful_a god_n i_o humble_o entreat_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o infidelity_n may_v never_o possess_v my_o soul_n lest_o i_o total_o reject_v this_o bless_a invitation_n or_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o my_o saviour_n again_o divorce_v myself_o from_o he_o by_o entertain_v strange_a and_o forbid_a love_n and_o since_o i_o be_o so_o high_o honour_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o may_v i_o always_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o call_v and_o not_o debase_v myself_o by_o low_o sink_v brutish_a action_n but_o as_o befit_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n of_o sincere_a purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o i_o may_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o my_o dear_a lord_n but_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o merciful_a father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o bless_a jesus_n amen_n amen_n parable_n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matth._n twenty-five_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o then_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n which_o take_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a they_o that_o be_v foolish_a take_v their_o lamp_n and_o take_v no_o oil_n with_o they_o but_o the_o wise_a take_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o watch_z therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v though_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o forego_n chapter_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sad_a state_n that_o be_v ever_o long_o to_o overtake_v jerusalem_n for_o the_o jew_n
deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o enrich_v his_o industrious_a brother_n and_o add_v to_o his_o abundance_n what_o grace_n he_o have_v before_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v and_o he_o naked_a and_o defenseless_a leave_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n shall_v no_o long_o drop_v upon_o his_o barren_a soul_n but_o parch_a and_o sapless_a it_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o eternal_a burn_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o be_v unfruitful_a under_o all_o his_o care_n and_o fatherly_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n lest_o at_o length_n he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o and_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v still_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n if_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o receive_v it_o into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n that_o be_v obey_v and_o practise_v it_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o we_o remain_v still_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n it_o become_v we_o all_o therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o not_o be_v like_o the_o high-way-side_n suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v from_o the_o instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o leave_v the_o good_a seed_n unregarded_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o expose_v our_o mind_n as_o a_o common_a tract_n to_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o diabolical_a suggestion_n nor_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n impenetrable_a to_o any_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o like_o that_o overrun_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o noxious_a weed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o care_n and_o deceitful_a riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v choke_v the_o word_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a but_o that_o we_o treasure_n up_o this_o divine_a word_n in_o our_o memory_n ponder_v and_o consider_v it_o and_o set_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n now_o 9.10_o 2_o cor._n 9.10_o he_o that_o minister_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a both_o give_v we_o this_o heavenly_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o multiply_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o good_a thing_n to_o all_o bountifulness_n there_o may_v be_v give_v through_o we_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n amen_o amen_n the_o prayer_n i._o most_o holy_a jesus_n thou_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n who_o have_v in_o great_a plenty_n sow_o among_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n even_o thy_o holy_a word_n and_o water_v it_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o be_v want_v in_o nothing_o on_o thy_o part_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o abundant_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n unfeigned_o bless_v this_o thy_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o must_v with_o shame_n confess_v that_o hitherto_o thy_o care_n have_v be_v in_o too_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o my_o inconsiderateness_n and_o obstinacy_n my_o soul_n still_o remain_v barren_a as_o the_o high-way-side_n impenetrable_a to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o best_o flit_a and_o unconstant_a in_o religious_a purpose_n which_o have_v be_v short-lived_a as_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o else_o choke_v with_o the_o briar_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n with_o covetous_a and_o sensual_a desire_n thus_o have_v i_o court_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n but_o now_o be_v awaken_v by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n i_o be_o in_o and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o my_o barrenness_n continue_v i_o humble_o beg_v and_o earnest_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o from_o who_o be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n will_v aid_v i_o with_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n and_o help_v my_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v i_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o thy_o word_n may_v ever_o hereafter_o take_v so_o deep_a a_o root_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o produce_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n ii_o i_o be_o sad_o sensible_a o_o lord_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o do_v thou_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o our_o spirit_n purge_v my_o soul_n of_o all_o lurk_a hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n and_o make_v i_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o cherish_v it_o by_o create_v in_o i_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o sincere_a and_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v so_o serious_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n thy_o goodness_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o entire_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v my_o practice_n to_o my_o belief_n and_o may_v i_o always_o heedful_o preserve_v those_o divine_a instruction_n and_o move_a argument_n to_o a_o persevere_v piety_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o thy_o word_n lest_o the_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n deprive_v i_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o in_o its_o room_n plant_v devilish_a affection_n and_o o_o that_o patience_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o thou_o for_o direction_n and_o defence_n may_v be_v my_o support_n in_o this_o my_o pilgrimage_n that_o so_o cheerful_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o early_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n in_o my_o tender_a year_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o late_a distillation_n of_o thy_o grace_n which_o will_v bring_v my_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n and_o always_o endeavour_v of_o proportion_n my_o increase_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o it_o thy_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o i_o may_v at_o last_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o unfruitfulness_n and_o have_v my_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n through_o thy_o merit_n and_o mercy_n o_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matth._n xiii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o another_o parable_n put_v jesus_n forth_o unto_o they_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o so_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v not_o thou_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o the_o servant_n say_v unto_o he_o will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o he_o say_v nay_o lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v thus_o set_v down_o verse_n 37._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o
and_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o imitate_v this_o example_n of_o our_o merciful_a god_n to_o forgive_v one_o another_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v first_o to_o forgive_v such_o as_o have_v injure_v we_o free_o and_o without_o reserve_n and_o that_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o show_v themselves_o our_o enemy_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v we_o fresh_a mischief_n when_o it_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n for_o thus_o as_o we_o have_v see_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n he_o first_o love_v we_o and_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n and_o consequent_o in_o open_a hostility_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o even_o when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o take_v pity_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v still_o add_v new_a wickedness_n to_o our_o long_a account_n and_o when_o we_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a misery_n think_v upon_o mercy_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o our_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n not_o to_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n but_o contrariwise_o blessing_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o to_o use_v our_o saviour_n enforcement_n of_o this_o if_o those_o only_a share_n in_o our_o affection_n or_o esteem_n who_o be_v as_o beneficial_a and_o kind_a to_o we_o as_o we_o to_o they_o what_o thank_v have_v we_o self-love_n and_o interest_n may_v there_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o very_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n nay_o even_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v be_v as_o eminent_a for_o such_o sort_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o best_a publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o our_o lord_n observe_v do_v the_o same_o but_o christian_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o more_o godlike_a temper_n their_o charity_n more_o free_a and_o disinterest_v the_o great_a and_o more_o frequent_a their_o injury_n the_o more_o ready_a shall_v they_o be_v to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o not_o only_o be_v reconcile_v after_o a_o sevenfold_a wrong_n but_o after_o one_o repeat_v seventy_o time_n seven_o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o further_o enforce_v this_o by_o his_o own_o example_n who_o with_o his_o last_o breath_n pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o cruel_a murderer_n second_o we_o must_v not_o only_o forgive_v such_o as_o but_o little_o deserve_v it_o but_o likewise_o in_o correspondence_n to_o our_o divine_a pattern_n whether_o they_o desire_v it_o or_o no_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o sinner_n he_o prevent_v we_o by_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o compassionate_a goodness_n and_o entreat_v we_o his_o rebellious_a creature_n first_o by_o his_o prophet_n then_o by_o his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o embrace_v their_o pardon_n and_o thus_o those_o that_o will_v be_v imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n must_v likewise_o do_v rather_o than_o enmity_n shall_v continue_v we_o must_v seek_v to_o our_o enemy_n to_o be_v reconcile_v though_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v the_o offence_n and_o this_o however_o hardly_o it_o may_v sound_v be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o general_a conâ—â—â—d_n of_o forgive_a one_o another_o as_o god_n have_v forgive_v we_o but_o be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n mat._n 18.15_o which_o occasion_v that_o question_n of_o st._n peter_n verse_n 21._o how_o often_o shall_v i_o forgive_v my_o brother_n upon_o which_o our_o lord_n deliver_v this_o parable_n his_o word_n be_v these_o and_o deserve_v our_o serious_a attention_n moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o or_o as_o we_o usual_o express_v it_o first_o do_v the_o injury_n or_o give_v the_o affront_n go_v thou_o to_o he_o stay_v not_o till_o he_o come_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n to_o thou_o for_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n man_n be_v very_o backward_o in_o do_v either_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o shame_n or_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n as_o it_o must_v be_v term_v or_o for_o other_o reason_n and_o time_n usual_o widen_v such_o breach_n and_o increase_v strangeness_n and_o aversion_n but_o go_v thou_o therefore_o to_o he_o in_o meekness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o with_o resolution_n of_o pass_v by_o all_o further_a unkindness_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reproacheâ—_n for_o your_o good_a will_n calm_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o he_o and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o will_v hear_v thou_o a_o right_a understanding_n between_o you_o will_v ensue_v and_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o this_o great_a excellence_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o be_v as_o a_o most_o noble_a expression_n of_o christian_n charity_n so_o we_o see_v very_o plain_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o our_o serious_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o our_o agreeable_a practice_n three_o we_o must_v not_o only_o so_o far_o forgive_v as_o not_o to_o revenge_v but_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a pattern_n of_o forgiveness_n set_v before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o beneficence_n to_o our_o enemy_n as_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o his_o need_v require_v remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o great_a master_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o for_o so_o sâ—â—_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v the_o new_a make_v agreement_n by_o more_o than_o ordinary_a expression_n of_o good_a will_n that_o we_o may_v heap_v coal_n upon_o our_o enemy_n head_n to_o melt_v he_o into_o a_o correspondent_a charity_n and_o likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o our_o enemy_n or_o ourselves_o to_o doubt_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o smooth_a word_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o deceitful_a and_o the_o not_o revenge_v a_o injury_n may_v be_v for_o want_n of_o power_n or_o opportunity_n but_o when_o to_o good_a word_n beneficial_a action_n be_v add_v then_o may_v a_o man_n well_o be_v think_v to_o love_n and_o forgive_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v christian_a forgiveness_n of_o injury_n or_o ult_n ephes_n 4._o ult_n in_o the_o apostle_n word_n the_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o i.e._n free_o and_o entire_o though_o their_o malice_n still_o cotinue_v against_o we_o nay_o to_o go_v and_o offer_v they_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n though_o they_o neither_o desire_v nor_o deserve_v it_o and_o to_o accompany_v our_o forgiveness_n with_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a turn_v but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o account_n must_v have_v a_o limitation_n lest_o it_o bind_v indiscriminate_o upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n that_o be_v in_o all_o instance_n of_o wrong_n it_o thwart_v and_o run_v counter_a to_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o just_a limit_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o injury_n may_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n affect_v either_o man_n person_n their_o good_a name_n or_o their_o estate_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v be_v either_o in_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n or_o only_o great_o damage_v or_o the_o injury_n may_v be_v but_o small_a and_o trifle_a and_o such_o as_o bring_v no_o considerable_a and_o last_a ill_a effect_n along_o with_o it_o now_o such_o injury_n as_o threaten_v ruin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v silent_o let_v pass_v nor_o the_o man_n so_o forgive_v as_o to_o have_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n of_o he_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v a_o man_n person_n or_o to_o vindicate_v or_o recover_v his_o blast_a reputation_n and_o to_o preserve_v his_o estate_n all_o or_o either_o of_o which_o will_v be_v ruin_v by_o the_o injurious_a person_n if_o tame_o let_v alone_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o case_n be_v proportionable_o the_o same_o as_o to_o injury_n that_o great_o endamage_v a_o man_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n before_o mention_v and_o be_v all_o
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 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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
passive_o obedient_a but_o likewise_o active_o so_o and_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n so_o ought_v every_o believer_n to_o be_v to_o christ_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o main_a trial_n of_o true_a conjugal_a affection_n and_o be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o all_o other_o show_v of_o love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o reverence_n and_o submission_n for_o where_o true_a love_n reverence_n and_o submission_n be_v a_o cheerful_a obedience_n will_v sure_o follow_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o willing_a cheerful_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o dear_a lord_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v and_o of_o sarah_n it_o be_v say_v she_o obey_v abraham_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o st._n john_n agreeable_o 1_o john_n 2.5_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v and_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o continue_v that_o our_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o obey_v he_o who_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o both_o world_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n to_o those_o of_o marriage_n and_o from_o this_o so_o near_a relation_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n proceed_v the_o increase_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o numerous_a progeny_n to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n leave_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n thus_o our_o lord_n call_v the_o become_a christian_n be_v a_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o say_v our_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o in_o a_o quotation_n from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n allmighty_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o chap._n 3.26_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n as_o st._n john_n do_v 3.1_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v such_o glorious_a expectation_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o first_o general_n namely_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o true_o just_o such_o be_v man_n condition_n before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o to_o this_o happy_a marriage_n despicable_o poor_a we_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o any_o real_a excellency_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n burn_v up_o with_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n no_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n appear_v but_o draw_v still_o near_o and_o near_o to_o everlasting_a perdition_n maim_a we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o faculty_n by_o our_o frequent_a desperate_a fall_v from_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o full_a of_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o our_o best_a performance_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a like_o the_o halting_n of_o a_o cripple_n and_o our_o understanding_n withal_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o put_v out_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o lie_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a surround_v with_o terror_n rack_v by_o uncertainty_n miserable_o poor_a and_o indigent_a and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o when_o lo_o there_o arise_v up_o a_o light_n in_o this_o darkness_n and_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o we_o be_v pity_v and_o commiserate_v by_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n call_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o felicity_n that_o attend_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luke_n 4.18_o and_o according_o he_o enrich_v our_o poverty_n restore_v our_o sight_n heal_v our_o bruise_n and_o confirm_v our_o strength_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a can_v ever_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o ourselves_o wherefore_o as_o we_o shall_v adore_v and_o magnify_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n the_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o receive_v such_o wretched_a pollute_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n into_o so_o intimate_v a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v crown_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v we_o dread_v to_o fall_v back_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n again_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o that_o great_a solemnity_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o gospel_n preach_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n how_o great_a god_n care_n have_v be_v that_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o how_o repeat_v his_o invitation_n to_o man_n have_v be_v that_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o course_n that_o by_o god_n appointment_n have_v be_v take_v ever_o since_o at_o first_o many_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o extraordinary_a ability_n for_o this_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n
in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o with_o this_o message_n and_o these_o supernatural_a ability_n be_v they_o send_v to_o the_o most_o remote_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n even_o our_o britain_n as_o little_o know_v and_o as_o barbarous_a as_o then_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o that_o very_o early_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o the_o cortality_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n that_o no_o age_n may_v want_v those_o that_o shall_v instruct_v man_n in_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o man_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n for_o this_o great_a work_n and_o empower_v to_o ordain_v other_o that_o shall_v tread_v in_o their_o step_n when_o they_o be_v go_v and_o those_o likewise_o other_o and_o so_o down_o successive_o till_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o and_o as_o so_o many_o ambassador_n from_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o proposal_n of_o reconciliation_n make_v to_o they_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o infinite_a happiness_n that_o will_v follow_v upon_o that_o bless_a agreement_n these_o like_o the_o king_n servant_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v to_o let_v man_n know_v what_o bliss_n will_v be_v the_o result_n of_o their_o come_n to_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a to_o complete_a that_o glorious_a solemnity_n the_o feast_n prepare_v the_o ox_n and_o fatling_n kill_v i.e._n heaven_n and_o the_o ineffable_a pleasure_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o receive_v those_o that_o shall_v sincere_o enter_v into_o this_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o continue_v always_o faithful_a in_o it_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o secret_a joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o enravish_a expectation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o those_o felicity_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v shall_v unspeakable_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n and_o be_v as_o so_o many_o antepast_n of_o glory_n this_o be_v like_o the_o course_n that_o the_o lord_n take_v with_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n mention_v jer._n 25.4_o he_o send_v unto_o they_o all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n rise_v early_o and_o send_v they_o they_o cry_v turn_v you_o again_o now_o every_o one_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o father_n for_o ever_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n many_o the_o like_a pathetic_a expression_n there_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n great_a desire_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o earnest_a entreaty_n that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o those_o inestimable_a favour_n he_o will_v confer_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o be_v to_o confer_v the_o favour_n and_o he_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o we_o what_o despicable_a creature_n comparative_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a as_o the_o parable_n express_v it_o how_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o happy_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v and_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v though_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v annihilate_v so_o that_o our_o righteousness_n will_v not_o reach_v to_o he_o to_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o felicity_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o profitable_a to_o he_o that_o we_o make_v our_o way_n perfect_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v likewise_o our_o great_a rebellion_n against_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o even_o until_o now_o the_o little_a desire_n we_o have_v of_o his_o favour_n the_o many_o slight_v that_o we_o have_v make_v of_o his_o overture_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o like_a we_o 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his_o son_n and_o offer_v frivolous_a excuse_n such_o as_o of_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o of_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n will_v engage_v they_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o come_v and_o according_o go_v their_o way_n one_o to_o his_o merchandise_n another_o to_o his_o farm_n and_o the_o rest_n take_v those_o servant_n that_o come_v to_o invite_v they_o and_o entreat_v they_o despiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o in_o general_n slight_v and_o undervalue_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v still_o and_o be_v too_o like_a to_o be_v the_o reception_n of_o it_o man_n lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n dissuade_v they_o from_o embrace_v so_o holy_a a_o religion_n and_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o deed_n make_v they_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o this_o glorious_a light_n which_o will_v discover_v and_o reprove_v they_o and_o man_n have_v so_o little_a relish_n for_o the_o religion_n have_v as_o 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the_o reason_n must_v be_v this_o as_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o we_o be_v therefore_o look_v upon_o as_o man_n enemy_n because_o we_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n because_o we_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v too_o fond_a of_o the_o world_n and_o deny_v and_o mortify_v the_o unruly_a passion_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o lead_v this_o present_a life_n in_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n if_o they_o hope_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o we_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n as_o king_n ahab_n say_v to_o elijah_n and_o as_o such_o make_v the_o object_n of_o man_n scorn_n and_o hate_n but_o as_o our_o lord_n take_v all_o the_o kindness_n reverence_n and_o respect_n which_o his_o minister_n receive_v as_o do_v unto_o himself_o the_o treatment_n of_o a_o ambassador_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o treatment_n of_o the_o prince_n that_o send_v he_o and_o we_o be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o 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