to_o divert_v their_o mind_n from_o ponder_v the_o truth_n why_o if_o he_o see_v a_o soul_n once_o come_v to_o this_o he_o be_v afraid_a that_o he_o shall_v lose_v he_o nothing_o more_o affright_v this_o politic_a enemy_n than_o to_o see_v soul_n begin_v to_o be_v serious_a he_o know_v his_o kingdom_n be_v maintain_v by_o fallacy_n keep_v up_o by_o darkness_n hence_o when_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n flash_v upon_o any_o conscience_n he_o labour_v to_o extinguish_v it_o by_o draw_v the_o mind_n off_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n he_o seek_v to_o stop_v their_o ear_n divert_v their_o thought_n occupy_v they_o some_o other_o way_n some_o he_o lull_v asleep_a other_o he_o invite_v to_o private_a discourse_n to_o other_o he_o present_v some_o object_n on_o which_o their_o eye_n may_v be_v fix_v and_o he_o fill_v other_o with_o fancy_n which_o occasion_n rove_a thought_n that_o they_o may_v not_o attend_v and_o if_o any_o be_v touch_v by_o the_o word_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v affect_v he_o hurry_v they_o away_o not_o to_o their_o closert_n but_o either_o to_o their_o vain_a company_n or_o secular_a business_n he_o find_v something_o for_o other_o to_o employ_v their_o mind_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o diversion_n that_o so_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v not_o have_v no_o more_o serious_a thought_n of_o those_o matter_n this_o be_v emblematize_v to_o we_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o high_a way_n ground_n those_o fowl_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o pick_v up_o the_o seed_n be_v satan_n and_o by_o those_o mean_n it_o be_v that_o he_o keep_v up_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 3._o the_o reason_n why_o worldly_a occasion_n or_o delight_n be_v to_o carnal_a heart_n so_o great_a a_o obstruction_n to_o their_o conversion_n why_o they_o choke_v good_a thought_n good_a motion_n and_o this_o be_v discover_v in_o the_o thorny_a ground_n care_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o the_o world_n be_v these_o thorn_n alas_o man_n have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v not_o with_o those_o guest_n mat._n 22._o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o come_v at_o the_o ordinance_n but_o if_o they_o do_v in_o compliment_n attend_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o time_n or_o leisure_n to_o improve_v what_o they_o hear_v by_o consideration_n man_n have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v here_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o can_v find_v a_o convenient_a time_n to_o think_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o clamour_n of_o outward_a business_n speak_v so_o much_o that_o they_o have_v no_o time_n to_o say_v a_o serious_a word_n to_o themselves_o about_o eternity_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n they_o be_v always_o in_o a_o crowd_n and_o hurry_v and_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o meditation_n one_o have_v his_o shop_n to_o look_v after_o another_z his_o ship_n to_o fit_v out_o lawful_a thing_n and_o duty_n in_o their_o time_n and_o place_n but_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o thought_n mean_a while_n of_o those_o great_a matter_n and_o hence_o no_o wonder_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o difficult_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v convert_v because_o his_o mind_n be_v so_o take_v up_o his_o heart_n so_o fix_v his_o thought_n so_o occupy_v here_o that_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o trumpet_n sound_n nor_o take_v the_o alarm_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o ever_o so_o much_o as_o serious_o think_v of_o a_o after_o state_n and_o how_o much_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o use_v 2._o for_o a_o word_n of_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n unto_o sinner_n oh_o be_v persuade_v as_o you_o love_v your_o soul_n and_o desire_v their_o good_a as_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v convert_v and_o heal_v that_o you_o will_v be_v entreat_v to_o call_v your_o heart_n to_o a_o account_n and_o put_v yourselves_o upon_o serious_a and_o solemn_a consideration_n consider_v your_o state_n your_o way_n your_o end_n and_o for_o motive_n 1._o consider_v your_o misery_n be_v not_o less_o but_o your_o danger_n be_v great_a because_o you_o do_v not_o mind_v it_o naturalist_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o great_a but_o foolish_a creature_n which_o when_o danger_n be_v near_o it_o thrust_v its_o head_n into_o a_o bush_n and_o presume_v because_o she_o see_v not_o she_o be_v secure_a just_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o poor_a sinner_n when_o god_n threaten_v wrath_n and_o declare_v judgement_n against_o they_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o stop_v their_o ear_n will_v not_o mind_v it_o and_o now_o they_o think_v all_o be_v safe_a but_o know_v it_o assure_o that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v whether_o you_o will_v hear_v or_o whether_o you_o will_v forbear_v he_o that_o sleep_v at_o the_o top_n of_o a_o mast_n be_v not_o in_o less_o but_o more_o danger_n of_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o drown_v because_o he_o be_v asleep_a and_o be_v sure_a hell_n will_v be_v no_o whit_n easy_a to_o bear_v because_o you_o drop_v into_o it_o unaware_o 2._o know_v and_o assure_v yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v labour_v under_o dangerous_a mistake_n you_o think_v you_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o be_v well_o but_o you_o be_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o condemnation_n of_o hell_n you_o think_v your_o way_n be_v your_o wisdom_n but_o this_o way_n and_o this_o thought_n be_v your_o folly_n you_o conceive_v a_o way_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o gainful_a trade_n but_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o the_o great_a loss_n when_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o it_o have_v lose_v your_o soul_n you_o account_v god_n way_n those_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v unprofitable_a but_o it_o be_v nothing_o so_o and_o if_o you_o will_v right_o consider_v you_o shall_v find_v all_o these_o to_o be_v great_a and_o gross_a delusion_n and_o very_o dangerous_a for_o they_o be_v undo_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o on_o these_o principle_n you_o must_v needs_o perish_v for_o ever_o 3._o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v that_o you_o may_v do_v well_o though_o you_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o destruction_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o withdraw_v your_o foot_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o way_n of_o life_n this_o the_o poor_a prodigal_n find_v though_o he_o have_v run_v far_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o hinder_v your_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n but_o your_o ignorance_n inadvertency_n and_o thence_o proceed_v obstinacy_n and_o wilfulness_n all_o that_o obstruct_v be_v in_o yourselves_o there_o be_v better_a way_n than_o those_o you_o be_v go_v in_o think_v of_o they_o the_o wise_a woman_n consider_v a_o field_n and_o buy_v it_o the_o wise_a merchant_n consider_v a_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o purchase_v it_o what_o if_o you_o part_v with_o all_o for_o it_o it_o will_v recompense_v all_o your_o cost_n 4._o it_o be_v great_a rashness_n in_o you_o either_o to_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n or_o condemn_v the_o way_n of_o godliness_n before_o you_o have_v well_o consider_v of_o both_o why_o shall_v you_o take_v up_o thing_n upon_o trust_n why_o shall_v you_o say_v of_o godliness_n this_o way_n be_v every_o where_o evil_o speak_v of_o how_o know_v you_o but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v injurious_o and_o by_o such_o who_o do_v as_o little_a know_v and_o have_v as_o little_o consider_v of_o it_o as_o you_o have_v do_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a prove_v they_o by_o consideration_n hear_v what_o each_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o what_o god_n have_v to_o say_v for_o his_o way_n as_o well_o as_o the_o plead_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o they_o 5._o think_v it_o will_v short_o be_v too_o late_o to_o consider_v to_o any_o comfort_n or_o profit_n they_o that_o will_v not_o consider_v now_o shall_v consider_v at_o the_o last_o jer._n 23._o 20._o but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a consideration_n when_o all_o the_o fruit_n thou_o can_v reap_v by_o thy_o reflection_n will_v be_v only_o the_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n retort_v thy_o incurable_a and_o irreparable_a folly_n upon_o thou_o when_o its_o best_a language_n shall_v be_v to_o upbraid_v thou_o with_o precipitancy_n and_o tell_v thou_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o own_o way_n in_o despite_n of_o admonition_n warning_n counsel_n thou_o be_v tell_v of_o this_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o way_n how_o undo_v 2_o course_n thou_o be_v take_v thou_o be_v entreat_v to_o be_v a_o little_a serious_a and_o open_v thy_o ear_n to_o instruction_n thou_o be_v proffer_v better_a thing_n thou_o may_v
more_o wonder_n at_o his_o violence_n his_o eager_a and_o immoderate_a pursuit_n after_o they_o every_o man_n love_v life_n be_v â—oth_o to_o perish_v and_o be_v therefore_o in_o distress_n ready_a to_o say_v who_o shall_v show_v i_o good_a and_o now_o through_o his_o own_o mistake_n increase_v by_o the_o devil_n delusion_n and_o the_o world_n flattery_n he_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v find_v it_o oh_o think_v he_o can_v i_o but_o have_v my_o belly_n full_a of_o these_o husk_n i_o shall_v be_v well_o of_o it_o he_o envy_v the_o very_a swine_n their_o draff_n and_o can_v he_o but_o be_v quarter_v with_o they_o he_o will_v desire_v no_o more_o use_v 2._o here_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o a_o eager_a resolute_a and_o insatiable_a pursuit_n after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n or_o a_o evidence_n of_o one_o that_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o true_o convert_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a that_o a_o man_n chief_a good_a be_v his_o high_a pursuit_n and_o hence_o if_o he_o make_v those_o thing_n his_o utmost_a reach_n it_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o he_o never_o know_v better_a and_o that_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v so_o violent_a after_o they_o wonder_v not_o then_o that_o covetousness_n be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o idolatry_n it_o be_v a_o resolve_v and_o not_o to_o be_v question_v truth_n that_o the_o world_n be_v the_o covetous_a man_n god_n use_v 3._o let_v this_o consideration_n be_v a_o incentive_a and_o strong_a persuasive_a to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o more_o eagerness_n in_o pursuit_n after_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o to_o look_v for_o your_o soul_n satisfaction_n in_o they_o when_o you_o see_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n so_o eager_a and_o busy_a in_o seek_v to_o load_v themselves_o with_o thick_a clay_n how_o shall_v it_o fill_v you_o with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n and_o excite_v you_o with_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o labour_n to_o outstrip_v they_o in_o this_o more_o profitable_a pursuit_n and_o it_o may_v encourage_v you_o to_o be_v as_o diligent_a as_o yea_o more_o solicitous_a than_o they_o to_o consider_v 1._o that_o they_o labour_v for_o the_o thing_n that_o perish_v but_o you_o be_v a_o endure_a substance_n when_o they_o have_v get_v it_o if_o ever_o they_o do_v get_v the_o world_n it_o soon_o vanish_v away_o again_o but_o what_o you_o have_v in_o your_o eye_n and_o aim_n be_v a_o treasure_n that_o endure_v and_o never_o will_v wax_v old_a or_o go_v to_o decay_v with_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n stir_v up_o his_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 25._o they_o do_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o corruptible_a crown_n but_o we_o be_v incorruptible_a 2._o they_o seek_v that_o which_o shall_v never_o fill_v their_o belly_n never_o give_v they_o satisfaction_n their_o eye_n be_v never_o satisfy_v with_o see_v etc._n etc._n but_o god_n have_v promise_v you_o to_o satisfy_v your_o most_o enlarge_a desire_n psal_n 81._o 9_o open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o he_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v give_v you_o durable_a riches_n and_o righteousness_n you_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v and_o fill_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o enjoy_v abundance_n to_o inherit_v substance_n your_o labour_n shall_v never_o be_v lose_v nor_o shall_v you_o ever_o see_v cause_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o care_n and_o pain_n when_o you_o shall_v find_v not_o your_o hand_n full_a of_o husk_n which_o satisfy_v not_o but_o your_o soul_n replenish_v with_o grace_n and_o glory_n doct._n iii_o wicked_a man_n be_v mere_a swine_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n by_o this_o term_n aim_v at_o these_o and_o indeed_o they_o be_v very_o much_o alike_o for_o 1._o swine_n love_n to_o live_v upon_o husk_n and_o draff_n the_o course_v and_o mean_a thing_n best_o content_v they_o thus_o give_v a_o natural_a man_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o let_v who_o like_v it_o take_v heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o earth_n jer._n 17._o 13._o they_o aspire_v no_o high_o how_o like_o a_o hog_n do_v he_o express_v himself_o that_o protest_v he_o will_v not_o change_v his_o part_n in_o paris_n for_o a_o part_n in_o paradise_n 2._o they_o be_v most_o unprofitable_a as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v they_o do_v no_o good_a all_o their_o life_n time_n they_o clothe_v we_o not_o as_o the_o sheep_n nor_o labour_n for_o we_o as_o the_o ox_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v a_o mere_a charge_n without_o service_n and_o as_o little_a good_a do_v ungodly_a man_n while_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n rom._n 3._o 12._o they_o be_v altogether_o become_v unprofitable_a they_o bring_v god_n no_o honour_n but_o dishonour_v he_o all_o their_o day_n only_o as_o swine_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a be_v for_o our_o service_n so_o when_o wicked_a man_n die_v god_n will_v get_v glory_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o eternal_a triumph_n of_o divine_a revenge_n 3._o they_o be_v a_o very_a mischievous_a creature_n they_o be_v always_o do_v damage_n except_o careful_o look_v after_o root_n up_o the_o ground_n and_o break_v into_o the_o corn_n etc._n etc._n such_o be_v the_o way_n of_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n they_o be_v ever_o provoke_v he_o dishonour_v his_o name_n and_o do_v mischief_n to_o his_o people_n psal_n 58._o 3_o 4._o 4._o they_o be_v a_o nasty_a brutish_a filthy_a loathsome_a creature_n always_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n defile_v themselves_o and_o pollute_v of_o all_o that_o come_v near_o they_o if_o you_o shall_v wash_v they_o clean_o they_o will_v present_o fall_v to_o wallow_v in_o the_o next_o slough_n they_o meet_v withal_o and_o such_o be_v the_o whole_a life_n of_o wicked_a man_n a_o mere_a pollution_n they_o be_v always_o defile_v themselves_o with_o unclean_a lust_n wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o sin_n and_o never_o content_a but_o when_o they_o be_v entertain_v themselves_o with_o filthiness_n hence_o call_v corrupt_a and_o abominable_a psal_n 14._o 1_o 3._o use_v let_v this_o humble_a every_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v you_o out_o of_o christ_n you_o here_o see_v that_o though_o you_o think_v yourselves_o of_o worth_n and_o excellency_n person_n of_o merit_n and_o account_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o vile_a account_n which_o jesus_n christ_n set_v upon_o you_o how_o long_o and_o base_a you_o be_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o let_v it_o teach_v all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n on_o person_n and_o thing_n not_o overmuch_o to_o admire_v or_o set_v too_o high_a a_o esteem_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v less_o than_o the_o base_a idolatry_n to_o worship_n and_o adore_v a_o nasty_a filthy_a swine_n doct._n iu._n god_n many_o time_n when_o he_o intend_v a_o soul_n true_a good_a withhold_v from_o he_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n though_o he_o long_o for_o and_o lay_v oâ—_n after_o they_o never_o so_o earnest_o man_n labour_v hard_a take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n weary_a themselves_o in_o pursuit_n and_o think_v why_o may_v not_o they_o obtain_v it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o their_o opportunity_n be_v as_o fair_a their_o understanding_n as_o pregnant_a their_o endeavour_n as_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a and_o still_o there_o be_v a_o unseen_a obstacle_n a_o remora_fw-la that_o be_v put_v to_o their_o endeavour_n that_o they_o prosper_v not_o that_o this_o be_v of_o god_n the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o hab._n 2._o 13._o and_o he_o oftentimes_o make_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o best_a good_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v this_o course_n be_v 1._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n which_o there_o be_v in_o outward_a prosperity_n to_o hinder_v a_o sinner_n conversion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o make_v he_o proud_a self-conceited_a deaf_a to_o counsel_v jer._n 22._o 21._o i_o speak_v to_o thou_o in_o thy_o prosperity_n and_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v when_o man_n be_v settle_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v at_o ease_n they_o like_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v 2._o because_o the_o natural_a man_n will_v never_o go_v to_o god_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o hope_n elsewhere_o if_o he_o can_v but_o have_v his_o belly_n full_a of_o husk_n he_o care_v for_o seek_v no_o far_o he_o must_v therefore_o be_v take_v off_o from_o every_o thing_n here_o before_o he_o come_v to_o rest_v upon_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o true_a rest_n use_v 1._o to_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o interpret_v god_n providence_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n do_v not_o be_v too_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o he_o hate_v you_o when_o he_o strip_v you_o
mysterious_a truth_n in_o obscurity_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o riddle_n which_o require_v great_a study_n to_o enode_n they_o christ_n to_o this_o end_n speak_v they_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n mat._n 13._o 10_o 11._o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o be_v to_o break_v their_o tooth_n upon_o the_o shell_n and_o not_o come_v at_o the_o kernel_n hence_o they_o be_v call_v dark_a say_n prov._n 1._o 6._o and_o this_o be_v this_o their_o nature_n when_o there_o be_v only_o the_o proposition_n or_o parable_n itself_o propose_v without_o its_o illustration_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o explicate_v and_o clear_v up_o a_o truth_n to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o sense_n they_o speak_v of_o sensible_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v obvious_a to_o our_o eye_n ear_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o conception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v do_v when_o the_o reddition_n or_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v give_v see_v mat._n 13_o 18._o when_o a_o parable_n be_v open_v it_o bring_v more_o light_n to_o man_n understanding_n then_o plain_a enunciation_n of_o truth_n and_o add_v to_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o the_o move_n of_o the_o affection_n now_o if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o genuine_a improvement_n of_o parable_n we_o must_v careful_o attend_v unto_o these_o two_o rule_n 1._o that_o parable_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o argumentation_n as_o for_o illustration_n or_o the_o open_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o argue_v by_o a_o similitude_n though_o there_o be_v something_o of_o argument_n in_o it_o too_o if_o it_o be_v pertinent_o frame_v as_o clear_v up_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v upon_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o be_v speak_v 2._o that_o we_o must_v not_o strain_v the_o circumstance_n of_o parable_n beyond_o the_o purpose_n or_o intent_n of_o the_o similitude_n but_o rest_n in_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o they_o for_o because_o they_o be_v similitude_n that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v improve_v to_o shadow_n out_o unto_o we_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n run_v man_n into_o many_o error_n we_o must_v carry_v this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v condemn_v by_o plain_a scripture_n prohibition_n be_v in_o vain_a seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o parable_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o parable_n itself_o let_v it_o not_o be_v think_v vain_a or_o needless_a that_o christ_n use_v so_o many_o word_n and_o divers_a parable_n to_o insinuate_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n but_o let_v it_o inform_v we_o of_o our_o stupidity_n &_o christ_n rich_a condescendency_n to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o take_v so_o great_a pain_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o soul_n welfare_n the_o main_a scope_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o miserable_a self-undone_a sinner_n and_o the_o great_a pleasure_n which_o he_o take_v in_o their_o conversion_n it_o therefore_o present_v we_o with_o the_o pattern_n of_o a_o grieyous_a sinner_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o both_o what_o he_o be_v before_o conversion_n and_o how_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o what_o welcome_a he_o find_v with_o god_n upon_o his_o return_n unto_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v unto_o which_o there_o be_v add_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o malice_n of_o carnal_a professor_n against_o sincere_a convert_v all_o of_o which_o be_v shadow_v out_o to_o we_o under_o the_o comparison_n of_o a_o father_n and_o his_o two_o son_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o each_o of_o they_o this_o parable_n among_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o prodigal_n because_o such_o a_o one_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o principal_o intend_a subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n the_o parable_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o four_o principal_a part_n beside_o the_o introduction_n to_o they_o in_o ver_fw-la 11._o viz._n 1._o the_o prodigal_n go_n away_o from_o his_o father_n with_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 12_o to_o 17._o 2._o his_o return_n to_o his_o father_n with_o the_o motive_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 17_o to_o 20_o 3._o the_o entertainment_n which_o he_o find_v with_o his_o father_n at_o his_o return_v ver_fw-la 20_o to_o 25_o 4._o the_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n of_o his_o elder_a brother_n with_o the_o circumstance_n depend_v ver_fw-la 25_o to_o the_o end_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o god_n shall_v assist_v to_o speak_v to_o each_o of_o these_o several_o and_o in_o order_n the_o introduction_n you_o have_v in_o ver_fw-la 11_o in_o which_o we_o have_v the_o person_n and_o relation_n use_v in_o the_o parable_n intimate_v viz_o a_o father_n and_o his_o two_o son_n interpreter_n various_o assign_v the_o intent_n or_o meaning_n of_o these_o person_n that_o god_n himself_o be_v here_o represent_v under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o father_n be_v without_o any_o just_a reason_n of_o be_v doubt_v for_o although_o spiritual_a adoption_n be_v not_o here_o aim_v at_o nor_o possible_o be_v there_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o visible_a and_o external_a relation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o outward_a adoption_n rom._n 9_o 4._o yet_o herein_o our_o saviour_n intend_v to_o express_v the_o carriage_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n by_o that_o of_o a_o father_n to_o his_o child_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o creation_n and_o providence_n call_v the_o father_n of_o all_o flesh_n some_o by_o the_o two_o son_n understand_v the_o jew_n the_o elder_a and_o the_o gentile_n the_o young_a but_o i_o rather_o close_o with_o their_o judgement_n who_o refer_v the_o parable_n to_o the_o present_a case_n and_o question_n doubtless_o christ_n design_n here_o be_v to_o lay_v matter_n of_o conviction_n before_o these_o jew_n and_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o their_o injurious_a aspersion_n of_o have_v undue_a commerce_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n by_o the_o elder_n son_n then_o be_v intend_v these_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n those_o strict_a order_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o make_v a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o rigid_a austerity_n in_o legal_a performance_n and_o so_o count_v themselves_o the_o deserve_a heir_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o by_o the_o young_a be_v intend_v publican_n and_o sinner_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o a_o right_n to_o this_o inheritance_n man_n that_o be_v self-condemned_n and_o can_v pretend_v to_o no_o such_o hope_n it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n or_o business_n to_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n only_o let_v we_o by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n call_v god_n father_n who_o be_v yet_o either_o a_o profane_a sinner_n or_o at_o least_o a_o hypocritical_a professor_n the_o challenge_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n so_o build_v will_v stand_v man_n in_o little_a stead_n if_o we_o will_v call_v god_n father_n profitable_o let_v we_o carry_v ourselves_o as_o become_v his_o child_n let_v not_o man_n boast_v of_o their_o privilege_n and_o for_o that_o count_n themselves_o elder_a brethren_n know_v that_o there_o may_v come_v those_o from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n the_o north_n and_o south_n that_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n with_o isaac_n and_o with_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o may_v encourage_v convict_v sensible_a sinner_n to_o come_v humble_o to_o god_n and_o to_o wait_v upon_o he_o in_o hope_n for_o those_o that_o so_o do_v be_v in_o the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o find_v he_o a_o father_n to_o they_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n verse_n 12._o 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 inheritance_n the_o first_o part_n describe_v to_o we_o the_o prodigal_n go_n away_o from_o his_o father_n with_o the_o circumstance_n and_o event_n we_o must_v not_o seek_v for_o mystery_n in_o every_o word_n the_o general_a scope_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v we_o how_o far_o sin_n lead_v we_o from_o god_n how_o many_o provocation_n it_o have_v in_o it_o and_o to_o what_o misery_n and_o strait_n it_o reduce_v we_o and_o this_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o pattern_n of_o a_o foolish_a ingrateful_a son_n deal_v most_o unworthy_o by_o a_o kind_n and_o indulgent_a father_n merit_v by_o his_o carriage_n to_o be_v reject_v and_o bring_v of_o himself_o to_o all_o miserable_a exigency_n by_o his_o so_o do_v
there_o upon_o awaken_v to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o entreat_v he_o to_o take_v we_o under_o his_o watch_n care_n and_o rule_v then_o only_o be_v we_o safe_a when_o he_o undertake_v to_o manage_v we_o by_o his_o fatherly_a counsel_n sermon_n iii_o 4._o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o father_n concede_a act_n or_o yield_v unto_o the_o unreasonble_a demand_n of_o his_o son_n in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n to_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o portion_n due_a from_o god_n to_o any_o man_n be_v a_o strain_v the_o parable_n beyond_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n this_o action_n of_o the_o father_n be_v bring_v in_o here_o only_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v to_o we_o god_n bounty_n that_o by_o compare_v of_o it_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v better_o advantage_v to_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o man_n impiety_n and_o withal_o to_o give_v we_o to_o see_v and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n can_v without_o deserve_v any_o just_a imputation_n indulge_v wicked_a man_n and_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o sinful_a way_n hence_o doct._n god_n sometime_o grant_v wicked_a man_n large_a portion_n of_o common_a favour_n and_o leau_v they_o to_o use_v they_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n without_o control_v he_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n and_o let_v they_o go_v and_o do_v what_o they_o will_v with_o it_o gratify_v their_o sinful_a desire_n by_o give_v they_o what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v such_o course_n in_o the_o improve_a thereof_o as_o their_o own_o curse_a inclination_n lead_v they_o to_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o the_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o 2._o answer_v some_o doubt_n about_o it_o 3._o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n be_v order_v &_o dispose_v of_o by_o divine_a providence_n whatsoever_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n have_v or_o enjoy_v it_o be_v of_o god_n the_o universal_a extent_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o all_o affair_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o principle_n whereof_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o question_n the_o denial_n whereof_o even_o in_o the_o sound_a judgement_n of_o mere_a ethnic_n be_v brand_v with_o the_o deserve_a note_n of_o atheism_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v full_o establi_v in_o scripture_n assign_v to_o all_o creature_n a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o disposal_n hereof_o see_v psal_n 145._o 15_o 16._o the_o eye_n all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 2._o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o this_o providence_n many_o wicked_a man_n enjoy_v all_o favour_n in_o abundance_n this_o be_v so_o notorious_a a_o truth_n that_o the_o so_o frequent_a and_o almost_o constant_a observation_n of_o it_o have_v sometime_o dazzle_v the_o weak_a eye_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o put_v they_o to_o a_o demur_n in_o their_o thought_n in_o job_n time_n it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n so_o obscure_a as_o his_o friend_n will_v have_v make_v of_o it_o hence_o job_n in_o his_o own_o vindication_n ample_o describe_v it_o job_n 21._o begin_v david_n or_o asaph_n give_v no_o less_o a_o pathetical_a description_n of_o it_o and_o his_o own_o imbecility_n in_o those_o offence_n which_o he_o have_v take_v at_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o psal_n 73._o begin_v jeremiah_n also_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o some_o suspense_n about_o it_o chap._n 12._o 1._o what_o power_n honour_n and_o and_o dominion_n have_v nebuchadnezzer_n confer_v upon_o he_o what_o a_o oracle_n of_o wit_n and_o policy_n for_o his_o time_n be_v achitophel_n what_o eloquent_a curious_a language_n have_v herod_n and_o tertullus_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v still_o observe_v man_n to_o be_v full_a fraught_n with_o these_o common_a favour_n who_o neither_o glorify_v god_n nor_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o glorify_v he_o therewithal_o 3._o that_o these_o man_n be_v leave_v of_o god_n to_o use_v these_o or_o rather_o abuse_v they_o at_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n be_v evident_a in_o those_o divers_a way_n wherein_o he_o so_o leave_v they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v restrain_v wicked_a man_n unto_o such_o limit_n as_o he_o see_v meet_v even_o such_o as_o shall_v make_v all_o serviceable_a to_o his_o glory_n at_o last_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o very_o high_a measure_n give_v up_o by_o god_n for_o 1._o that_o they_o do_v abuse_v they_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o evil_a improvement_n which_o they_o make_v of_o they_o observe_v but_o what_o course_n man_n of_o great_a advantage_n do_v usual_o steer_v in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o all_o drive_v at_o the_o advance_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n and_o how_o few_o great_a man_n improve_v their_o power_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o most_o do_v it_o for_o his_o dishonour_n hear_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 16._o not_o many_o wiseman_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a etc._n etc._n these_o carnal_a thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n serve_v but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o enmity_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o god_n poor_a weak_a and_o base_a thing_n be_v they_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v christ_n 2._o god_n leave_v they_o thus_o to_o do_v discover_v itself_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o his_o withhold_v his_o spirit_n and_o not_o afford_v to_o they_o his_o renew_n or_o assist_v grace_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v improve_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o god_n do_v not_o give_v a_o man_n a_o heart_n to_o be_v for_o he_o he_o thereby_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n moses_n bewail_v it_o deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o this_o suspension_n the_o consequent_a upon_o which_o be_v for_o man_n to_o go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o sight_n of_o their_o eye_n when_o god_n intend_v that_o a_o people_n shall_v go_v in_o his_o way_n he_o promise_v they_o his_o spirit_n ezek._n 36._o 27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n into_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o inward_a guide_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v desert_v by_o he_o be_v consequent_o give_v up_o to_o their_o own_o guidance_n 2._o his_o lay_n not_o outward_a check_n or_o restrain_v upon_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o or_o stop_v their_o course_n when_o god_n will_v no_o long_o leave_n israel_n to_o himself_o he_o hedge_v up_o his_o way_n with_o thorn_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o way_n to_o come_v at_o his_o lust_n and_o lover_n hos_fw-la 2_o 6_o 7_o but_o where_o he_o let_v man_n have_v a_o large_a range_n liberty_n and_o opportunity_n when_o he_o afflict_v they_o not_o but_o they_o prosper_v and_o have_v all_o at_o will_n and_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a control_v this_o be_v a_o leave_v man_n thus_o god_n do_v to_o ephraim_n hos_n 4._o 7._o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o 3._o his_o turn_n of_o these_o favour_n into_o snare_n and_o provocation_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o allure_v and_o draw_v they_o after_o they_o there_o be_v many_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o these_o outward_a mercy_n be_v suitable_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o worâ—_n upon_o and_o when_o god_n let_v it_o be_v so_o yea_o judicial_o order_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o give_v they_o their_o table_n to_o be_v a_o snare_n their_o wealth_n a_o snare_n their_o health_n and_o strength_n a_o snare_n their_o wiâ—â—_n and_o knowledge_n a_o snare_n when_o pride_n profaneness_n and_o sensuality_n be_v promove_v and_o nourish_v by_o these_o thing_n than_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o walk_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n psal_n 81._o 12._o he_o put_v their_o portion_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o go_v whither_o they_o will_v and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v with_o it_o 2._o to_o answer_v some_o doubt_n which_o may_v here_o arise_v 1._o whether_o this_o do_v not_o cast_v imputation_n upon_o god_n holiness_n in_o give_v man_n his_o favour_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o when_o he_o know_v they_o will_v both_o abuse_v they_o and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o their_o so_o do_v whereas_o his_o holiness_n engage_v he_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n ans_fw-fr that_o god_n will_v be_v no_o loser_n of_o
engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o serve_v god_n oâ—_n glorify_v he_o but_o dishonour_v he_o with_o all_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o prophet_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o wicked_a king_n dan._n 5._o 23._o the_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n thy_o breath_n be_v and_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o way_n thou_o have_v not_o glorify_v and_o this_o paâ—_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o evidence_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o truth_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o lie_v together_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o heart_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v estratâ—ged_v from_o god_n they_o be_v bear_v so_o psal_n 53._o 3â—_n they_o go_v astray_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v there_o be_v aâ—_n estrangement_n in_o the_o understanding_n they_o know_v he_o not_o though_o god_n be_v near_o they_o they_o seâ—_n he_o not_o though_o he_o do_v all_o for_o they_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o hos_fw-la 2._o 8._o she_o do_v not_o know_v i_o give_v her_o corn_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o estrangement_n in_o the_o will_n they_o care_v not_o for_o god_n they_o be_v his_o enemy_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o against_o he_o rom._n 8._o 7._o they_o be_v estrange_v in_o their_o affection_n hence_o they_o be_v call_v hater_n of_o god_n rom._n â—_o 30._o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o estrangedness_n they_o be_v whole_o indispose_v and_o utter_o averse_a to_o the_o fear_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o which_o he_o be_v enslave_v man_n by_o seek_v a_o unbounded_a liberty_n have_v change_v one_o good_a lord_n for_o many_o tyrannical_a one_o that_o have_v usurp_v the_o dominion_n over_o his_o soul_n tit._n 3._o 3_o serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n the_o word_n intimate_v one_o that_o be_v addict_v unto_o or_o whole_o at_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v our_o serve_v of_o god_n man_n lust_n rule_v they_o their_o work_n and_o business_n be_v to_o gratify_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a lust_n but_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o and_o he_o be_v at_o the_o command_n of_o they_o all_o each_o claim_v a_o empire_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o set_v he_o on_o work_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o there_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o carnal_a concupiscence_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o covetousness_n the_o pride_n of_o the_o life_n or_o ambition_n these_o must_v all_o be_v obey_v 3._o the_o lust_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v infatiable_a like_o the_o horseleech_n two_o daughter_n or_o like_o the_o barren_a womb_n they_o never_o say_v they_o have_v enough_o or_o like_o the_o grave_n which_o be_v still_o gape_v after_o more_o hence_o so_o compare_v rom._n 3._o 13._o their_o throat_n be_v a_o open_a sepulchre_n all_o concupiscence_n labour_v of_o a_o dropsy_n the_o more_o it_o have_v the_o more_o it_o crave_v when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a to_o make_v provision_n for_o he_o can_v never_o give_v content_a to_o his_o carnal_a desire_n pro._n 27._o 20._o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o concupiscence_n have_v divert_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o only_a soul_n satisfy_v object_n to_o empty_a thing_n 4._o the_o outward_a favour_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n upon_o which_o their_o lust_n be_v place_v &_o from_o which_o they_o seek_v their_o satisfaction_n every_o carnal_a heart_n have_v with_o demas_n embrace_v the_o present_a world_n when_o man_n leave_v god_n he_o go_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o what_o god_n have_v provide_v to_o express_v his_o bounty_n to_o he_o in_o that_o have_v he_o abuse_v to_o serve_v his_o lust_n withal_o it_o be_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o love_n with_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n 1._o joh._n 2._o 15._o god_n have_v in_o just_a judgement_n set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o they_o know_v no_o other_o good_a nor_o seek_v any_o other_o content_a not_o god_n himself_o but_o his_o common_a favour_n be_v their_o portion_n whether_o natural_a endowment_n or_o occasional_a blessing_n 5._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v spare_v nothing_o of_o these_o from_o his_o lust_n the_o truth_n be_v all_o be_v too_o little_a every_o thing_n be_v lose_v that_o do_v not_o feed_v some_o lust_n or_o other_o every_o lust_n be_v like_o nabal_n only_o generous_a and_o noble_a to_o itself_o but_o churlish_a to_o david_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o every_o lust_n as_o be_v say_v of_o great_a alexander_n unus_n pellaeo_n juveni_fw-la non_fw-la sufficit_fw-la orbis_fw-la hence_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o so_o many_o lust_n think_v themselves_o straighten_a the_o natural_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o please_v all_o his_o lust_n and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o a_o whole_a world_n to_o give_v they_o content_a and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a if_o he_o can_v spare_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o they_o 6._o the_o serve_v of_o god_n and_o serve_v a_o man_n lust_n be_v thing_n direct_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o a_o man_n can_v do_v they_o both_o that_o man_n who_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n can_v seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o that_o mind_v their_o own_o thing_n can_v mind_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n why_o man_n can_v allow_v god_n nothing_o of_o glory_n at_o all_o because_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v then_o wrong_v themselves_o dissatisfie_v their_o own_o lust_n if_o man_n shall_v sincere_o improve_v their_o wit_n and_o part_n for_o god_n they_o shall_v then_o lose_v their_o own_o commendation_n from_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v lay_v out_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n for_o god_n their_o lust_n will_v want_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o be_v full_o resolve_v in_o it_o to_o deny_v their_o concupiscence_n nothing_o hence_o they_o gather_v all_o together_o and_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o and_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hoof_n for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n use_v 1._o hence_o we_o see_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v subject_v not_o willing_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o he_o who_o have_v subject_v it_o in_o hope_n rom._n 8._o 20._o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v here_o sinful_a man_n have_v get_v it_o into_o his_o hand_n god_n have_v providential_o give_v he_o a_o portion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o he_o through_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o mind_n have_v it_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n have_v carry_v it_o away_o from_o god_n and_o divert_v it_o from_o its_o native_a and_o proper_a use_n which_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o wicked_a and_o sinister_a end_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o creature_n have_v in_o its_o self_n its_o usefulness_n every_o creature_n of_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a capacity_n of_o be_v improve_v to_o his_o glory_n man_n may_v as_o well_o honour_n god_n with_o his_o wit_n and_o part_n and_o substance_n as_o dishonour_v he_o they_o be_v talent_n which_o may_v be_v trade_v withal_o for_o he_o but_o a_o wicked_a heart_n have_v seduce_v he_o he_o turn_v they_o into_o another_o stream_n and_o so_o in_o application_n they_o lose_v their_o end_n and_o become_v vain_a use_v 2._o here_o also_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o person_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o advantage_n be_v many_o time_n the_o most_o averse_a from_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o often_o see_v it_o be_v so_o and_o wonder_v whence_o it_o come_v so_o to_o be_v we_o think_v oh_o what_o and_o how_o much_o may_v such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n do_v for_o god_n if_o he_o will_v but_o propound_v it_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o business_n to_o live_v to_o he_o but_o alas_o as_o they_o have_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o god_n blessing_n so_o they_o have_v great_a lust_n to_o gratify_v and_o they_o live_v at_o their_o devotion_n hereupon_o let_v god_n call_v for_o their_o service_n let_v their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n let_v the_o name_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n call_v never_o so_o much_o for_o their_o assistance_n lust_n countermand_v sin_n that_o reign_v there_o will_v not_o have_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o man_n have_v take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o practical_a resolution_n that_o they_o will_v soon_o displease_v god_n than_o their_o lust_n use_v
if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v wrought_v i_o answer_v god_n spirit_n do_v it_o sometime_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n sometime_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o wise_o order_v providence_n speak_v in_o they_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a frequent_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o back_o the_o word_n in_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o sinner_n under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o conviction_n yea_o providence_n sometime_o begin_v and_o give_v a_o general_a conviction_n the_o word_n than_o set_v in_o and_o more_o particular_o point_v out_o his_o condition_n providence_n many_o time_n tell_v a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v miserable_a and_o then_o the_o word_n come_v and_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v a_o full_a demonstration_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o tell_v we_o both_o what_o we_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v so_o it_o declare_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o show_v how_o man_n come_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o it_o it_o convince_v by_o clear_a and_o plain_a evidence_n it_o be_v a_o glass_n in_o which_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v see_v his_o own_o face_n without_o those_o painting_n wherewith_o carnal_a reason_n be_v wont_a to_o varnish_v and_o hide_v it_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v give_v 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 2._o divine_a providence_n concur_v to_o the_o set_n home_o of_o this_o truth_n thus_o 1._o god_n often_o bring_v secure_a sinner_n into_o a_o afflict_a condition_n who_o be_v before_o that_o prosperous_a and_o while_o prosperous_a they_o be_v secure_a but_o now_o god_n begin_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o this_o young_a son_n text_n and_o context_n 2._o in_o this_o afflict_a estate_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o ponder_v and_o think_v of_o their_o condition_n affliction_n put_v man_n upon_o consideration_n and_o make_v they_o usual_o more_o ready_a to_o hear_v and_o take_v into_o their_o meditation_n such_o thing_n as_o may_v concern_v they_o hos_n 5._o 15._o 3._o now_o god_n many_o time_n bring_v home_n the_o word_n to_o they_o and_o move_v they_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o particular_a consideration_n of_o it_o their_o own_o concern_v be_v now_o in_o it_o whereas_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o as_o unconcern_v before_o in_o prosperity_n they_o will_v not_o hear_v but_o now_o the_o word_n be_v make_v more_o to_o affect_v they_o than_o former_o 4._o now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o make_v many_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v very_o unwelcome_a to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v put_v they_o away_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o credit_v so_o that_o 1._o they_o now_o feel_v that_o they_o be_v mortal_a and_o must_v go_v short_o to_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o think_v of_o this_o former_o nor_o do_v practical_o believe_v it_o but_o now_o they_o apprehend_v it_o as_o a_o reality_n and_o matter_n of_o concern_v 2._o they_o be_v make_v to_o discern_v that_o trust_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o the_o world_n be_v vain_a and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o forego_n truth_n they_o now_o rememh_o that_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o think_v of_o time_n and_o provide_v for_o that_o but_o have_v forget_v eternity_n they_o think_v of_o no_o heaven_n but_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o favous_a of_o it_o but_o now_o they_o see_v that_o all_o this_o will_v not_o avail_v they_o for_o a_o everlasting_a state_n 3._o they_o now_o remember_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n against_o such_o as_o do_v these_o and_o those_o thing_n or_o against_o all_o the_o progeny_n of_o fall_v adam_n in_o a_o natural_a condition_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v the_o man_n against_o who_o they_o be_v denounce_v and_o now_o apprehend_v themselves_o haste_v to_o eternity_n and_o to_o have_v do_v nothing_o in_o way_n of_o provide_v for_o it_o this_o become_v a_o terrible_a thought_n in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v extreme_o terrify_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a state_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v take_v no_o care_n the_o severity_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n oppress_v they_o and_o they_o know_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o go_v into_o another_o world_n and_o now_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n all_o be_v leave_v they_o and_o they_o be_v naked_a and_o have_v no_o portion_n and_o the_o world_n can_v keep_v they_o alive_a for_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n the_o thought_n of_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n possess_v they_o with_o fearfulness_n isa_n 35._o 14._o reas_n from_o the_o usefulness_n there_o be_v of_o this_o conviction_n in_o order_n to_o conversion_n it_o be_v useful_a 1._o for_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o it_o god_n intend_v to_o advance_v himself_o in_o man_n salvation_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v declarative_a for_o his_o essential_a glory_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o advancement_n hence_o the_o more_o gracious_a he_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o more_o glory_n redound_v to_o his_o great_a name_n now_o the_o greatness_n of_o grace_n herein_o appear_v in_o one_o discovery_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o misery_n from_o which_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v deliver_v for_o the_o illustration_n whereof_o this_o work_n be_v very_o fit_a and_o seasonable_a for_o 1._o man_n must_v see_v his_o own_o misery_n or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o admire_v god_n mercy_n 2._o the_o best_a knowledge_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v by_o a_o sensible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o distress_a efficacy_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n can_v be_v so_o well_o after_o conversion_n because_o then_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n mercy_n apply_v to_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n can_v but_o afford_v some_o relief_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o misery_n though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o right_a improvement_n of_o this_o be_v after_o mercy_n have_v be_v apprehend_v yet_o still_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o distress_n be_v a_o main_a help_n to_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o admiration_n isa_n 53._o 6._o 2._o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o receive_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o 1._o christ_n work_n be_v salvation_n work_v hence_o he_o be_v call_v jesus_n the_o saviour_n and_o say_v to_o come_v on_o this_o errand_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n 2._o hence_o this_o work_n be_v for_o none_o but_o such_o as_o need_v salvation_n and_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v miserable_a what_o shall_v a_o physician_n do_v among_o man_n that_o be_v hail_n and_o sound_v luk._n 5._o 31._o 3._o hence_o till_o man_n feel_v this_o misery_n they_o will_v certain_o despise_v christ_n till_o than_o they_o will_v bid_v the_o almighty_a to_o depart_v from_o they_o job_n 21._o 14._o use_v 1._o for_o information_n hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o they_o make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n that_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n before_o ever_o they_o be_v make_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o misery_n a_o faith_n that_o antedate_v conviction_n may_v just_o be_v suspect_v he_o that_o never_o know_v his_o own_o distress_n never_o go_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o saviour_n there_o be_v indeed_o divers_a step_n from_o this_o conviction_n to_o true_a conversion_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o step_n from_o natural_a security_n and_o usual_o the_o first_o though_o a_o man_n can_v see_v sin_n sinful_a which_o be_v the_o true_a conviction_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n yet_o by_o the_o common_a work_n of_o illumination_n he_o may_v see_v the_o woeful_a estate_n of_o it_o god_n like_o a_o wise_a builder_n dig_v for_o a_o foundation_n before_o he_o lay_v it_o conviction_n of_o misery_n be_v not_o our_o foundation_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n faith_n be_v that_o which_o only_o build_v we_o upon_o he_o but_o by_o conviction_n the_o loose_a and_o unstable_a earth_n be_v remove_v the_o false_a and_o fail_a hope_n of_o man_n be_v dug_n up_o god_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o give_v hope_n before_o he_o have_v bring_v the_o soul_n to_o despair_v he_o apply_v not_o comfort_n antecedent_n to_o conviction_n it_o may_v therefore_o put_v we_o upon_o it_o to_o enqiure_v whether_o ever_o it_o be_v thus_o it_o may_v be_v now_o you_o be_v rich_a in_o your_o own_o conceit_n like_a laodicea_n but_o do_v you_o ever_o know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a if_o not_o your_o riches_n be_v but_o a_o fancy_n and_o your_o hope_n be_v empty_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o those_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o
the_o famine_n though_o all_o natural_a man_n be_v prodigal_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o make_v away_o with_o their_o portion_n they_o still_o have_v something_o to_o support_v they_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v themselves_o poor_a perish_a creature_n but_o be_v like_o laodicea_n rev._n 3._o 17._o rich_a and_o want_n for_o nothing_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n the_o full_a fupplye_n that_o be_v with_o he_o that_o he_o have_v where_o withal_o to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n what_o care_v they_o they_o need_v it_o not_o the_o be_v not_o hungry_a and_o pinch_v the_o most_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n think_v they_o can_v do_v sufficient_o without_o christ_n therefore_o they_o say_v to_o he_o depart_v from_o we_o job_n 21._o 14._o the_o gospel_n invitation_n be_v present_v to_o poor_a blind_a sick_a perish_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o man_n do_v not_o take_v it_o to_o themselves_o they_o hope_v they_o be_v not_o such_o and_o therefore_o till_o we_o see_v man_n distress_v till_o we_o find_v they_o despair_v till_o we_o hear_v they_o cry_v out_o sensible_o of_o their_o woeful_a misery_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v they_o shall_v do_v any_o other_o then_o compliment_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o they_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o gospel_n feast_n mat._n 22._o to_o frame_n excuse_n and_o use_v delay_n 2._o what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o preach_v the_o law_n or_o legal_a truth_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n and_o christ_n only_o ought_v to_o be_v preach_v i._n e._n as_o the_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n but_o as_o the_o law_n be_v of_o old_a so_o it_o be_v still_o a_o schoolmaster_n to_o christ_n i._n e._n to_o make_v man_n see_v and_o feel_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o true_o without_o it_o man_n will_v never_o give_v he_o that_o true_a welcome_n which_o he_o deserve_v in_o their_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o right_a glass_n in_o which_o man_n be_v make_v to_o see_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o to_o understand_v his_o misery_n this_o be_v it_o that_o discover_v man_n to_o be_v a_o bankrupt_a the_o world_n a_o empty_a hungry_a place_n this_o display_v man_n sin_n god_n justice_n and_o our_o own_o utter_a inability_n and_o all_o this_o be_v the_o very_a groundwork_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o feel_v ourselves_o perish_v god_n will_v humble_a sinner_n before_o he_o will_v save_v they_o he_o will_v make_v they_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o need_n and_o not_o in_o compliment_n they_o be_v therefore_o stranger_n from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o brand_v this_o with_o the_o aspersion_n of_o legal_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o it_o be_v necessary_o introductive_a 3._o the_o usefulness_n of_o affliction_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v many_o time_n please_v to_o lay_v these_o chain_n upon_o they_o why_o they_o be_v very_o suitable_a for_o the_o help_a forward_o this_o great_a affair_n in_o the_o soul_n hence_o when_o god_n will_v do_v ephraim_n good_a he_o afflict_v he_o hos_fw-la 5._o 15._o with_o 6._o 1._o and_o see_v for_o this_o also_o job_n 37._o 16._o etc._n etc._n man_n be_v high_a mind_a and_o self-conceited_a when_o he_o have_v his_o health_n strength_n wealth_n and_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o but_o affliction_n depress_v he_o it_o help_v to_o bore_v his_o ear_n it_o put_v he_o upon_o consideration_n which_o we_o hear_v be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o conversion_n affliction_n be_v a_o school_n in_o which_o a_o sinner_n be_v set_v to_o study_v here_o be_v his_o folly_n and_o vain_a trust_n anatomize_v here_o his_o misery_n begin_v to_o appear_v and_o he_o find_v how_o he_o have_v deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n not_o that_o affliction_n of_o and_o by_o itself_o will_v open_v a_o blind_a eye_n or_o soften_v a_o hard_a heart_n there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v harden_v and_o make_v worse_o by_o it_o but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o set_v in_o with_o it_o it_o have_v that_o in_o it_o which_o be_v of_o use_n to_o help_v man_n to_o see_v something_o of_o himself_o be_v not_o then_o angry_a with_o affliction_n 4._o that_o a_o soul_n sensible_a of_o groan_v under_o and_o ready_a to_o die_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o oppression_n of_o his_o spiritual_a distress_n and_o want_v be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o know_v their_o be_v a_o despair_n through_o the_o weight_n of_o horror_n that_o set_v a_o soul_n further_o from_o good_a and_o drive_v he_o to_o hell_n with_o violence_n such_o be_v cain_n and_o judas_n and_o true_o separate_v this_o state_n from_o the_o sweet_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v the_o clear_a emblem_n of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n that_o can_v be_v but_o yet_o in_o the_o gospel-way_n christ_n be_v near_o to_o such_o a_o soul_n to_o tender_v himself_o to_o he_o isa_n 4._o 17._o yea_o his_o special_a invitation_n be_v to_o such_o and_o all_o encouragement_n be_v set_v before_o they_o isa_n 55._o 1._o ho_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v to_o the_o water_n mat._n 11._o 28._o come_v to_o i_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v rev._n 22._o 17._o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v till_o it_o come_v to_o this_o our_o hope_n for_o man_n be_v build_v but_o upon_o general_a proposition_n god_n may_v call_v they_o it_o be_v possible_a because_o they_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o under_o the_o mean_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o god_n be_v do_v the_o work_n and_o as_o when_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o travel_a woman_n increase_v there_o be_v expectation_n that_o she_o will_v ere_o long_o be_v deliver_v so_o these_o cry_n give_v encouragement_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n let_v it_o serve_v to_o call_v upon_o and_o invite_v every_o unregenerate_a sinner_n to_o serious_a and_o solemn_a consideration_n of_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v perish_v starve_a famish_v die_v it_o be_v the_o sad_a sight_n in_o the_o world_n to_o see_v poor_a miserable_a man_n and_o woman_n die_v and_o they_o ignorant_a drop_v every_o day_n into_o hell_n because_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o live_v upon_o and_o yet_o not_o consider_v if_o you_o ask_v i_o who_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o perish_a prodigal_n i_o answer_v if_o thou_o be_v unconvert_v thou_o be_v the_o person_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o and_o make_v to_o apprehend_v it_o take_v into_o thought_n these_o thing_n 1._o thy_o poor_a soul_n must_v have_v something_o to_o live_v upon_o or_o else_o it_o will_v perish_v everlasting_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o man_n little_o think_v of_o hence_o he_o care_v onoy_n for_o his_o outward_a man_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a man_n be_v every_o way_n a_o dependent_a creature_n if_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o spiritual_a food_n to_o live_v on_o it_o must_v needs_o die_v as_o the_o life_n be_v lose_v without_o food_n so_o be_v the_o soul_n lose_v without_o christ_n hence_o call_v our_o life_n col._n 3._o 4._o 2._o thou_o have_v nothing_o in_o thyself_o to_o live_v upon_o and_o therefore_o in_o thyself_o be_v certain_o perish_v such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o every_o soul_n out_o of_o christ_n he_o be_v go_v to_o destruction_n look_v upon_o thyself_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v in_o thou_o all_o the_o symptom_n of_o a_o perish_a creature_n all_o thou_o have_v to_o live_v upon_o be_v spend_v or_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v be_v spend_v without_o thy_o profit_n original_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n thou_o have_v lose_v already_o and_o thy_o vain_a and_o carnal_a hope_n thou_o will_v lose_v soon_o or_o latter_o thou_o be_v a_o law_n breaker_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n sentence_v to_o die_v everlasting_o god_n in_o who_o favour_n alone_o be_v life_n be_v thy_o enemy_n the_o law_n in_o obedience_n to_o which_o thou_o may_v have_v live_v be_v break_v by_o thou_o and_o call_v for_o thy_o destruction_n thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o redeem_v thou_o from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v no_o power_n to_o obey_v it_o no_o price_n to_o satisfy_v with_o for_o thy_o violation_n of_o it_o thou_o have_v lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n thou_o have_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n thou_o have_v lose_v strength_n to_o obey_v he_o thou_o be_v fast_o bind_v in_o cord_n of_o vanity_n divine_a vengeance_n be_v pursue_v hard_o after_o thou_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o pit_n be_v open_a to_o receive_v thou_o and_o who_o then_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v if_o thou_o be_v not_o 3._o the_o thing_n which_o
abundant_o pardon_v what_o need_v more_o if_o then_o thou_o have_v thought_n to_o return_v to_o god_n fix_v these_o thought_n and_o rise_v and_o do_v so_o if_o thou_o sit_v still_o faint_a or_o give_v back_o all_o be_v lose_v and_o thou_o be_v more_o miserable_a than_o ever_o but_o if_o thou_o rise_v and_o return_v this_o will_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o thy_o resolution_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v all_o kind_a welcome_n and_o soul-satisfying_a entertainment_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v sermon_n xx._n ver._n 20._o 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 we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n express_v the_o entertainment_n the_o prodigal_n find_v with_o his_o father_n which_o be_v with_o all_o kindness_n and_o high_a expression_n of_o great_a love_n the_o purpose_n of_o it_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o inexpressible_a bounty_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o so_o express_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o come_v by_o believe_v describe_v ver_fw-la 20_o to_o 25._o and_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v 1._o the_o meeting_n and_o greeting_n between_o he_o and_o his_o father_n ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o 2._o the_o provision_n make_v for_o and_o entertainment_n afford_v to_o he_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23_o 24._o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o greet_v there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o his_o father_n carriage_n towards_o he_o ver_fw-la 20._o 2._o his_o deportment_n towards_o his_o father_n ver_fw-la 21._o in_o his_o father_n carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v 1._o the_o time_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o it_o in_o several_a circumstance_n 1._o to_o begin_v at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o entertainment_n or_o treaty_n be_v it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v of_o weight_n to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o confirm_v of_o the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n of_o repentance_n some_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n and_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o forego_n in_o order_n of_o time_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n he_o have_v describe_v the_o son_n repentance_n in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o he_o so_o in_o this_o three_o part_n set_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o the_o father_n entertainment_n he_o begin_v it_o at_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o that_o before_o be_v the_o lead_a cause_n of_o his_o repentance_n q._n d._n before_o he_o can_v rise_v &_o come_v to_o his_o father_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o other_o suppose_v the_o order_n of_o time_n be_v here_o observe_v and_o so_o account_v that_o here_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o so_o put_v over_o the_o former_a to_o preparatory_a work_n q._n d._n while_o he_o be_v resolve_v and_o practise_v to_o use_v mean_n with_o a_o preparatory_a hope_n god_n come_v in_o with_o save_v grace_n but_o i_o close_o rather_o with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o for_o doubtless_o this_o arise_v and_o go_v must_v express_v true_a repentance_n and_o the_o expression_n in_o our_o text_n discover_v the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o show_v the_o original_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o be_v before_o any_o repentance_n of_o we_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o the_o son_n repentance_n be_v that_o which_o moâ—ed_v his_o father_n bowel_n and_o his_o acknowledgement_n have_v break_v his_o heart_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o god_n come_v first_o his_o bowel_n outrun_v our_o repenting_n hence_o doct._n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n god_n free_a grace_n prevent_v and_o so_o become_v the_o first_o and_o lead_v cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o expression_n of_o god_n save_v love_n meet_v the_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o nature_n do_v not_o prevent_v grace_n but_o grace_n nature_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n as_o with_o humane_a father_n who_o heart_n be_v turn_v with_o their_o child_n humble_a and_o submissive_a subject_n themselves_o to_o they_o god_n grace_n indeed_o appear_v in_o receive_v the_o true_o penitent_a but_o it_o be_v neither_o move_v by_o their_o penitence_n nor_o do_v it_o here_o begin_v but_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o lead_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o here_o understand_v all_o that_o special_a good_a will_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n in_o appoint_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n which_o grace_n first_o appear_v to_o any_o in_o particular_a when_o it_o effectual_o work_v for_o their_o salvation_n grace_v neither_o be_v tie_v to_o nor_o wait_v for_o nor_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o man_n a_o brief_a open_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v couch_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n 1._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v by_o his_o natural_a power_n move_v one_o step_n towards_o god_n the_o high_a improvement_n of_o nature_n by_o our_o own_o principle_n bring_v we_o not_o one_o foot_n in_o our_o way_n towards_o heaven_n the_o scripture_n expression_n of_o man_n be_v dead_a impotent_a dry_a bone_n a_o carcase_n etc._n etc._n though_o metaphor_n yet_o be_v not_o hyperhole_n if_o by_o the_o image_n of_o god_n on_o man_n we_o understand_v the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o nature_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o image_n be_v whole_o deface_v and_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o relic_n of_o it_o leave_v man_n be_v blind_a deaf_a dumb_a dead_a 2._o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o unto_o salvation_n so_o have_v he_o appoint_v a_o way_n in_o which_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o thereunto_o and_o this_o way_n become_v by_o his_o ordination_n a_o necessary_a medium_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o a_o path_n of_o life_n psal_n 16._o ult_n out_o of_o this_o way_n none_o ever_o come_v to_o heaven_n 3._o hence_o man_n salvation_n be_v wrought_v applicatory_o by_o bring_v he_o into_o and_o keep_v he_o in_o this_o way_n eternal_a life_n be_v ascertain_v to_o it_o gal._n 6._o 16._o they_o that_o find_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o lose_v it_o not_o never_o miss_v of_o glory_n the_o promise_n be_v so_o firm_a that_o it_o can_v fail_v all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o receive_v it_o 4._o that_o the_o discover_v of_o this_o way_n and_o appoint_v salvation_n in_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n be_v evident_a for_o god_n and_o man_n be_v fall_v out_o and_o god_n may_v choose_v whether_o ever_o he_o will_v accept_v he_o any_o more_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o proportion_n between_o what_o be_v require_v and_o the_o consequent_a salvation_n beside_o christ_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o it_o be_v free_o give_v to_o open_v this_o way_n 5._o that_o the_o bring_n of_o any_o into_o and_o keep_v of_o they_o in_o this_o way_n be_v also_o of_o grace_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v and_o will_v clear_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o remove_v all_o legal_a respect_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v hence_o appear_v 1._o that_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o work_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o a_o elect_a person_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o another_o he_o be_v dead_a as_o well_o as_o he_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n even_o as_o other_o eph._n 2._o 3._o one_o have_v not_o a_o better_a nature_n or_o better_a disposition_n than_o the_o other_o abraham_n be_v a_o idolater_n rahab_n a_o harlot_n marry_o magdalen_n no_o better_o paul_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o persecutor_n and_o in_o his_o rage_n the_o spirit_n meet_v he_o 2._o the_o very_a common_a work_n of_o preparation_n be_v not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o grace_n there_o be_v common_a and_o there_o be_v special_a grace_n the_o sinner_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o convince_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v conscience_n awaken_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v a_o sinner_n under_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n joh._n 16._o 9_o man_n be_v natural_o stupid_a a_o convince_a sinner_n be_v near_a the_o kingdom_n than_o another_o this_o be_v not_o of_o
temptation_n now_o he_o be_v sometime_o at_o a_o stand_n his_o affection_n cool_v with_o carnal_a thing_n and_o his_o heart_n distract_v with_o worldly_a care_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o sometime_o hear_v god_n call_v his_o people_n back_o to_o their_o first_o love_n rev._n 2._o 5._o 3._o here_o also_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o believer_n have_v usual_o more_o ravishment_n and_o ecstasy_n and_o abound_a comfort_n at_o first_o conversion_n than_o afterward_o it_o be_v because_o the_o robe_n be_v now_o bring_v out_o to_o they_o and_o put_v on_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a entertainment_n they_o be_v ever_o at_o and_o they_o themselves_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o this_o feast_n last_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o therefore_o 1._o be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v thus_o at_o this_o time_n lay_v in_o against_o a_o time_n of_o want_n that_o may_v come_v before_o you_o think_v of_o it_o store_v yourselves_o now_o with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o love_n expression_n which_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o you_o in_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o time_n with_o you_o as_o you_o shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n while_o you_o live_v again_o 2._o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o in_o your_o christian_a race_n you_o meet_v with_o doubt_n and_o darkness_n and_o be_v put_v to_o a_o stand_n in_o regard_n of_o your_o spiritual_a state_n be_v sure_a to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o day_n of_o espousal_n call_v to_o mind_n the_o garment_n the_o ring_n the_o fat_a calf_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 77._o 10._o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n unto_o awaken_v sinner_n in_o special_a to_o repent_v and_o return_v to_o god_n to_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o beg_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o confess_v your_o unworthiness_n oh_o long_o for_o the_o day_n of_o conversion_n it_o will_v be_v a_o joyful_a day_n god_n himself_o will_v rejoice_v in_o thou_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o god_n it_o be_v his_o delight_n he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o sinner_n return_v thou_o can_v not_o give_v he_o great_a content_n by_o any_o thing_n thou_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o be_v exceed_o satisfy_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n thou_o will_v glad_v the_o soul_n of_o glorify_a saint_n if_o not_o now_o because_o they_o know_v it_o not_o yet_o when_o thou_o shall_v go_v to_o they_o and_o thy_o presence_n in_o that_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v shall_v be_v a_o witness_n to_o it_o then_o will_v they_o magnify_v god_n for_o it_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o thou_o thou_o shall_v wondrous_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o militant_a saint_n thy_o godly_a parent_n faithful_a minister_n pious_a neighbour_n these_o shall_v have_v smile_n instead_o of_o tear_n and_o shall_v take_v delight_n in_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o many_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n thou_o will_v grieve_v none_o but_o devil_n and_o devilish_a man_n nay_o it_o be_v thy_o own_o concern_n thou_o be_v now_o mourn_a thou_o shall_v then_o rejoice_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o unspeakable_a gladness_n of_o heart_n nay_o god_n himself_o will_v make_v a_o feast_n for_o thou_o a_o wedding_n day_n shall_v be_v keep_v with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o thou_o thyself_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o triumph_n and_o song_n of_o joy_n oh_o then_o all_o forsake_v satan_n camp_n come_v over_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n then_o shall_v those_o that_o have_v be_v grieve_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o obstinancy_n have_v their_o heart_n refresh_v by_o you_o and_o all_o rejoice_v together_o with_o you_o in_o your_o conversion_n sermon_n xxv_o there_o be_v some_o other_o more_o particular_a useful_a observation_n may_v be_v here_o make_v viz._n doct._n 1._o god_n use_v his_o servant_n as_o instrument_n â—n_v bestow_v his_o spiritual_a blessing_n upon_o his_o child_n he_o do_v not_o usual_o dispense_v these_o thing_n immediate_o but_o in_o and_o with_o the_o mean_n we_o may_v here_o consider_v 1._o who_o be_v these_o servant_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o who_o be_v these_o servant_n answ_n touch_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v a_o truth_n heb._n 1._o 14._o yet_o the_o way_n be_v more_o secret_a and_o i_o very_o believe_v they_o do_v more_o for_o the_o saint_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o may_v be_v as_o active_a in_o suggestion_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o satan_n that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v here_o to_o particularize_v therefore_o 2._o by_o these_o servant_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o this_o end_n to_o be_v labourer_n under_o christ_n for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o bring_v of_o they_o to_o glory_n eph._n 4._o 10_o 11_o 12._o these_o be_v therefore_o call_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o now_o ambassador_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o manage_v foreign_a affair_n in_o their_o name_n and_o these_o do_v dispense_v for_o christ_n the_o gospel_n of_o reconciliation_n vers_fw-la 19_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v minister_n and_o steward_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o who_o work_n be_v to_o distribute_v their_o master_n estate_n according_a to_o order_n they_o be_v also_o call_v deacon_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o because_o as_o they_o do_v by_o office_n distribute_v the_o outward_a so_o do_v these_o the_o spiritual_a treasure_n 2._o for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o clear_a light_n for_o this_o truth_n beside_o that_o allegorical_a direction_n cant._n 1._o 7_o 8._o see_v mal._n 2._o 7_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v ask_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o gospel_n time_n beside_o illustrious_a example_n add_v confirmation_n to_o it_o that_o of_o paul_n act._n 9_o 14_o of_o cornelius_n act_n 10_o of_o the_o eunuch_n act_n 8_o show_v what_o care_n god_n take_v to_o ratify_v this_o way_n though_o paul_n be_v enlighten_v and_o awaken_v extraordinary_o he_o must_v be_v confirm_v and_o comfort_v by_o a_o minister_n though_o a_o angel_n appear_v to_o comfort_n cornelius_n and_o counsel_n he_o yet_o his_o instruction_n and_o receive_v the_o spirit_n must_v be_v under_o peter_n ministry_n though_o god_n work_v a_o miracle_n upon_o philip_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o he_o yet_o the_o eunuch_n must_v receive_v the_o gospel_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o the_o ground_n be_v 1_o negative_o not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n in_o god_n he_o need_v not_o the_o assistance_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n he_o sometime_o do_v without_o they_o though_o to_o keep_v up_o and_o credit_v his_o appoint_a order_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o 2_o positive_o god_n do_v it_o 1_o to_o suit_v our_o nature_n the_o people_n beg_v that_o moses_n may_v speak_v to_o they_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o familiar_o when_o he_o speak_v by_o man_n like_o ourselves_o 2_o to_o honour_v his_o servant_n it_o be_v a_o honour_n to_o any_o creature_n to_o be_v use_v by_o god_n in_o any_o service_n of_o he_o but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a work_n that_o be_v so_o much_o more_o this_o be_v it_o which_o so_o elevate_v paul_n eph_n 3_o 8_o to_o i_o who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v etc._n etc._n use_v 1_o for_o information_n 1_o see_v their_o folly_n who_o contemn_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n expect_v all_o their_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n to_o come_v from_o himself_o immediate_o they_o scorn_v to_o receive_v the_o best_a robe_n etc._n etc._n at_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n servant_n but_o must_v have_v it_o from_o he_o without_o mean_n though_o shall_v god_n grant_v we_o our_o desire_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a that_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v helpful_a in_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a frame_n in_o a_o prodigal_n that_o he_o will_v be_v limit_v his_o father_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v relieve_v he_o or_o not_o at_o all_o what_o can_v we_o not_o see_v the_o father_n love_n in_o the_o gift_n because_o it_o be_v send_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o messenger_n well_o if_o god_n own_o way_n can_v content_v man_n they_o be_v like_a to_o go_v without_o his_o blessing_n 2._o that_o those_o be_v likely_a to_o receive_v the_o great_a manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n to_o their_o soul_n that_o be_v most_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o ordinance_n in_o heaven_n indeed_o we_o shall_v derive_v all_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o upon_o earth_n
psal_n 81._o 11._o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o but_o when_o the_o will_n be_v turn_v the_o work_n be_v do_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v give_v to_o god_n all_o be_v he_o 6._o the_o will_n will_v never_o be_v gain_v till_o all_o the_o forementioned_a obstruction_n be_v take_v away_o for_o they_o be_v so_o many_o fortress_n in_o which_o it_o serl_v and_o secure_v itself_o as_o long_o as_o the_o heart_n remain_v deceive_v it_o be_v also_o unperswadable_a isa_n 44._o 20_o a_o deceive_v heart_n have_v turn_v he_o aside_o that_o he_o can_v deliver_v his_o soul_n while_o man_n call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a while_o a_o man_n own_o way_n be_v right_a and_o pleasant_a and_o accustom_a and_o god_n way_n be_v uneasy_a and_o unprofitable_a while_o he_o find_v substance_n in_o a_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o fill_v his_o house_n with_o spoil_n and_o he_o see_v no_o profit_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o how_o can_v he_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n nay_o he_o will_v say_v to_o the_o almighty_a depart_v 44._o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o till_o he_o find_v sin_n to_o be_v bitter_a the_o way_n of_o it_o dangerous_a the_o end_n death_n till_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o this_o way_n and_o see_v the_o beauty_n in_o holiness_n he_o will_v never_o reject_v his_o old_a and_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o new_a way_n 7._o the_o way_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v this_o conviction_n be_v by_o bring_v man_n under_o serious_a consideration_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v other_o way_n to_o be_v effect_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o truth_n any_o further_a affect_v we_o or_o move_v with_o we_o than_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v particular_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v ever_o the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v everlasting_a truth_n it_o be_v ever_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n lead_v to_o that_o chamber_n of_o death_n that_o they_o be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n that_o the_o way_n of_o wisdom_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v peace_n but_o these_o be_v general_a truth_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n practise_v not_o according_o be_v because_o they_o never_o apply_v these_o truth_n to_o themselves_o or_o compare_v their_o way_n by_o they_o hence_o that_o complaint_n isa_n 1._o 3._o my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v and_o hence_o that_o be_v the_o first_o direction_n of_o the_o prophet_n hag._n 1._o 5._o now_o therefore_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n consider_v your_o way_n 2._o this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o ourselves_o be_v the_o work_n of_o consideration_n this_o let_n in_o the_o first_o distinct_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v make_v privy_a to_o its_o own_o state_n and_o stir_v up_o to_o seek_v the_o better_n of_o it_o consideration_n then_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o deliberate_a ponder_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o near_o concern_v we_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o and_o draw_v useful_a practical_a conclusion_n from_o they_o all_o this_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o word_n he_o say_v consideration_n be_v a_o inward_a discourse_n or_o ratiocination_n but_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o act_n itself_o be_v a_o deliberate_a ponder_v in_o the_o mind_n call_v communing_n with_o the_o heart_n psal_n 4._o 4._o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o rove_a consideration_n fix_v it_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o chew_v the_o cud_n wherein_o the_o food_n be_v turn_v over_o and_o over_o it_o be_v a_o look_v upon_o and_o into_o a_o thing_n with_o diligent_a inspection_n it_o be_v call_v a_o lay_v a_o thing_n to_o heart_n isa_n 42._o 25._o which_o be_v a_o close_a and_o serious_a mind_v and_o weigh_v it_o 2._o the_o matter_n which_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o near_o concern_v we_o it_o be_v every_o one_o work_n to_o look_v to_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v wise_a be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o our_o conversion_n be_v not_o advance_v in_o be_v busy_a in_o other_o man_n matter_n but_o in_o our_o own_o thy_o way_n and_o thy_o do_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o be_v think_v of_o 3._o that_o which_o give_v weight_n to_o these_o thing_n within_o we_o be_v that_o we_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o our_o consideration_n many_o a_o man_n hear_v weighty_a and_o seasonable_a truth_n speak_v in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o he_o believe_v they_o not_o and_o so_o reject_v they_o truth_n must_v be_v believe_v before_o it_o can_v be_v improve_v hence_o that_o psal_n 106._o 24._o they_o despise_v the_o pleasant_a land_n they_o believe_v not_o his_o word_n 4._o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o be_v to_o draw_v useful_a practical_a conclusion_n from_o it_o all_o truth_n lead_v to_o practice_n and_o that_o consideration_n that_o issue_v not_o here_o be_v fruitless_a the_o work_n of_o consideration_n be_v to_o say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v or_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o or_o so_o now_o till_o the_o soul_n come_v unto_o this_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o way_n to_o conversion_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n draw_v yet_o the_o soul_n follow_v and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o blind_a or_o dead_a thing_n but_o as_o it_o be_v affect_v or_o persuade_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o which_o lead_v it_o sweet_o after_o and_o whereof_o it_o can_v give_v a_o account_n and_o render_v a_o reason_n for_o what_o it_o do_v thus_o lydia_n heart_n be_v touch_v and_o she_o hearken_v &c_n &c_n thus_o the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o reason_n within_o himself_o use_v 1._o for_o information_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v 1._o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o many_o under_o the_o clear_a gospel_n dispensation_n that_o live_v and_o lie_v in_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o light_n for_o scripture_n truth_n be_v write_v with_o sunbeam_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v full_a of_o demonstration_n it_o be_v not_o because_o man_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o they_o for_o their_o everlasting_a concern_v be_v therein_o contain_v but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o due_a consideration_n man_n come_v and_o go_v they_o hear_v the_o word_n the_o most_o pertinent_a and_o profitable_a truth_n but_o few_o make_v personal_a application_n few_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o themselves_o it_o be_v god_n complaint_n jer._n 8._o 6._o no_o man_n repent_v of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v man_n rush_v into_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v bold_a and_o fearless_a though_o god_n see_v and_o threaten_v and_o why_o because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v of_o this_o hos_fw-la 7._o 2._o they_o consider_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o i_o remember_v all_o their_o wickedness_n jerusalem_n be_v obstinate_a till_o she_o be_v ruin_v and_o why_o see_v lam._n 1._o 9_o she_o remember_v not_o her_o last_o end_n therefore_o she_o come_v down_o wonderful_o the_o young_a fool_n follow_v his_o harlot_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n and_o how_o be_v this_o prov._n 7._o 25._o he_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n be_v wilful_o blind_a because_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v counsel_n if_o man_n will_v look_v into_o their_o sinful_a way_n and_o compare_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o terrify_v and_o fright_v they_o therefrom_o but_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o think_v of_o it_o if_o they_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n of_o god_n they_o may_v discover_v the_o purity_n and_o pleasantness_n of_o they_o but_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v their_o thought_n to_o dwell_v there_o hence_o they_o be_v call_v sottish_a child_n nay_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o touch_v and_o prick_v they_o they_o be_v never_o well_o till_o they_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o seriousness_n or_o sense_n of_o regret_n hence_o they_o be_v compare_v to_o man_n that_o be_v drink_v and_o asleep_a that_o can_v abide_v to_o be_v awaken_v and_o if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o rub_v their_o eye_n they_o soon_o fall_v asleep_a again_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v endure_v soul-searching_a truth_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v disquiet_v and_o thus_o man_n go_v on_o till_o they_o drop_v into_o hell_n for_o want_n of_o consideration_n 2._o the_o reason_n why_o satan_n especial_o under_o powerful_a mean_n so_o much_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o consideration_n and_o