the_o gospel_n what_o else_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o the_o worldly-minded_n though_o press_v never_o so_o home_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n more_o and_o the_o world_n less_o of_o endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o to_o give_v of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n and_o the_o like_a they_o give_v we_o the_o hear_v perhaps_o and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o own_o course_n as_o earnest_o as_o ever_o and_o if_o they_o offer_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o defence_n it_o be_v so_o strange_o weak_a that_o a_o man_n can_v but_o admire_v at_o it_o sometime_o we_o shall_v hear_v they_o say_v they_o do_v know_v what_o strait_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o yet_o before_o they_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o prudence_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o worst_a forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o our_o lord_n express_o forbid_v all_o such_o anxious_a solicitude_n for_o the_o morrow_n and_o command_v a_o humble_a trust_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o never_o forsake_v those_o that_o be_v moderate_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o blessing_n and_o never_o reflect_v upon_o the_o miserable_a straight_o they_o will_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o destitute_a of_o good_a work_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n sometime_o these_o man_n will_v quote_v scripture_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n forget_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o before_o this_o parable_n take_v heed_n beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o in_o matt._n 6.32_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n 5.5_o 1_o cor._n 6.10_o eph._n 5.5_o and_o that_o the_o covetous_a be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n of_o all_o vice_n that_o we_o reprove_v and_o warn_v man_n against_o covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a we_o find_v to_o be_v most_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o indeed_o that_o we_o can_v stop_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o wealth_n so_o strange_o bewitch_v be_v this_o love_n of_o money_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a destructive_a of_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o according_o say_v our_o lord_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n one_o that_o make_v a_o god_n of_o riches_n and_o confide_n and_o trust_v in_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o a_o impossibility_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n change_v his_o heart_n can_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o teach_v their_o scholar_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o will_v philosophize_v well_o and_o find_v out_o pure_a truth_n and_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n wherefore_o we_o see_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n because_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o another_o very_a sad_a consequence_n of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n be_v that_o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o to_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6.9_o say_v they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o more_o express_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o event_n have_v often_o prove_v this_o true_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n have_v prevail_v with_o thousand_o to_o turn_v apostate_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a money_n it_o be_v that_o judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o saviour_n and_o to_o tempt_v with_o money_n be_v a_o way_n of_o proceedure_v so_o very_o successful_a a_o engine_n so_o almost_o irresistible_a that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o sort_n that_o will_v gain_v proselyte_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o great_a tempter_n with_o much_o confidence_n after_o his_o other_o stratagem_n fail_v he_o make_v offer_v of_o riches_n to_o our_o lord_n himself_o as_o his_o best_a reserve_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o and_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o love_n have_v worldly-minded_n man_n for_o wealth_n as_o to_o be_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o frown_n or_o promise_v of_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v or_o take_v away_o riches_n this_o have_v be_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n and_o too_o much_o of_o our_o own_o too_o and_o will_v still_o be_v so_o till_o man_n grow_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o believe_v our_o lord_n word_n that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o that_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v the_o great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o salvation_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o more_o sense_n than_o one_o that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n colos_n 3.5_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o of_o expect_v the_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n from_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n and_o mention_v two_o very_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o covetousness_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o intend_v to_o do_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o rich_a fool_n be_v question_v that_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o the_o great_a increase_n he_o have_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o lay_v my_o fruit_n and_o show_v how_o many_o good_a way_n there_o be_v of_o dispose_v of_o abundance_n of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o bestow_v what_o be_v more_o than_o his_o barn_n will_v hold_v by_o which_o i_o suppose_v be_v express_v his_o have_v more_o than_o be_v needful_a to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a subsistance_n covetousness_n will_v let_v this_o rich_a man_n think_v of_o none_o but_o of_o building_n new_a barn_n wherein_o to_o lay_v up_o his_o abundance_n and_o then_o to_o take_v his_o ease_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o be_v merry_a he_o look_v no_o far_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o more_o god_n blessing_n increase_v upon_o he_o the_o more_o he_o purpose_v to_o live_v in_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o epicurise_v away_o that_o which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o much_o better_a purpose_n quod_fw-la superat_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la melius_fw-la quo_fw-la insumere_fw-la possis_fw-la cur_n eget_fw-la indignis_fw-la quisquam_fw-la te_fw-la divite_fw-la quare_fw-la templa_fw-la ruunt_fw-la antiqua_fw-la deum_fw-la cur_n improbe_fw-la chara_fw-la non_fw-la aliquid_fw-la patriae_fw-la tanto_fw-la emetiris_fw-la acervo_fw-la horat._n serm._n lib._n ii_o sat._n 2._o for_o every_o man_n who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o abundance_n be_v god_n steward_n of_o that_o abundance_n and_o must_v bestow_v it_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n for_o so_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 10._o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o the_o
before_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n learn_v this_o short_a but_o excellent_a lesson_n namely_o that_o when_o sudden_a ill_a accident_n befall_v our_o neighbour_n we_o do_v not_o present_o make_v conclusion_n as_o be_v too_o often_o do_v especial_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o enmity_n or_o difference_n between_o the_o party_n that_o god_n have_v meet_v with_o they_o by_o his_o judgement_n for_o some_o extraordinary_a wickedness_n of_o they_o and_o pronounce_v they_o worse_o man_n than_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o escape_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a sentence_n and_o may_v be_v far_o from_o truth_n but_o rather_o by_o god_n severity_n upon_o other_o be_v incline_v to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o self_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o our_o own_o iniquity_n and_o entire_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n lest_o we_o likewise_o fall_v under_o the_o like_a express_v of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o infinite_o worse_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o parable_n itself_o be_v represent_v god_n method_n of_o proceed_v with_o sinner_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o it_o be_v this_o first_o he_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o by_o the_o good_a cultivate_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o refresh_a influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v fit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o which_o in_o due_a season_n they_o be_v to_o be_v transplant_v after_o they_o be_v thus_o place_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o look_v for_o a_o proportionable_a fruitfulness_n from_o they_o and_o that_o after_o all_o his_o care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o they_o will_v for_o their_o part_n make_v he_o a_o due_a return_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o poor_a to_o a_o rich_a soil_n and_o much_o care_n and_o husbandry_n use_v about_o it_o it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v grow_v and_o flourish_v according_o and_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit._n after_o god_n have_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n yearly_o seek_v for_o fruit_n from_o they_o and_o be_v as_o often_o disappoint_v his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n prompt_v he_o to_o rid_v his_o vineyard_n of_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o those_o unprofitable_a tree_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o society_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n those_o that_o be_v a_o trouble_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o they_o and_o as_o barren_a tree_n be_v lay_v aside_o to_o be_v burn_v so_o to_o consign_v they_o to_o those_o everlasting_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o though_o in_o justice_n he_o purpose_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o unfruitful_a yet_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o dresser_n of_o this_o his_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n incline_v he_o to_o a_o still_o far_a forbearance_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v cultivate_v and_o manure_v afresh_o by_o the_o again_o repeat_v instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reiterated_a motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o then_o if_o they_o bear_v fruit_n well_o happy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o if_o not_o after_o that_o he_o will_v cut_v they_o down_o and_o utter_o destroy_v they_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v now_o discourse_v in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o be_v god_n wondrous_a care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o sinner_n in_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n as_o the_o parable_n express_v it_o that_o be_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o they_o be_v cultivate_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o their_o soul_n water_v with_o gentle_a shower_n from_o above_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v flourish_n and_o become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o in_o due_a time_n they_o shall_v be_v transplant_v before_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v god_n vineyard_n his_o peculiar_a enclosure_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o government_n and_o all_o but_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v exclude_v as_o wild_a uncultivated_a tree_n and_o leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v all_o but_o the_o land_n of_o jewry_n the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n afterward_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v that_o god_n will_v take_v pity_n upon_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o receive_v all_o mankind_n to_o his_o favour_n he_o then_o enlarge_v that_o his_o vineyard_n and_o give_v a_o free_a admittance_n to_o all_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o culture_n and_o government_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n who_o he_o send_v to_o break_v down_o the_o former_a enclosure_n and_o make_v it_o more_o capacious_a even_o as_o large_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o his_o management_n make_v he_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o this_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n that_o through_o his_o excellent_a direction_n and_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o decree_n from_o above_o of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o above_o all_o through_o the_o wondrous_a efficacy_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n with_o which_o he_o plentiful_o enrich_v this_o his_o new_a plantation_n it_o may_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v even_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o repentance_n such_o as_o may_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o the_o salvation_n of_o innumerable_a soul_n that_o none_o make_v after_o his_o image_n may_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o everlasting_a life_n god_n vineyard_n then_o be_v thus_o enlarge_v and_o his_o church_n now_o no_o long_o confine_v to_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n make_v universal_a that_o all_o man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n man_n be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o paradise_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n it_o be_v again_o put_v into_o his_o power_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o maker_n favour_n and_o after_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v transplant_v into_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o river_n of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n which_o flow_v for_o evermore_o as_o through_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n mankind_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o doom_v to_o live_v and_o labour_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n as_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o then_o to_o die_v and_o return_v to_o his_o dust_n so_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o atonement_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n all_o that_o sad_a sentence_n and_o condemnation_n be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n reverse_v and_o we_o be_v again_o plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o garden_n of_o god_n recall_v from_o the_o portion_n of_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o at_o length_n to_o change_v this_o corruptible_a for_o incorruptible_a this_o dishonour_n and_o weakness_n for_o glory_n and_o power_n this_o natural_a for_o a_o spiritual_a body_n this_o mortal_a life_n for_o immortality_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o say_v that_o be_v write_v 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n o_o bless_a alteration_n o_o happy_a change_n of_o misery_n and_o shame_n for_o happiness_n and_o glory_n o_o the_o miraculous_a love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o thus_o commiserate_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_n we_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n and_o be_v plant_v in_o this_o spiritual_a vineyard_n and_o under_o the_o care_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o great_a
the_o night_n to_o hide_v his_o abominable_a wickedness_n and_o his_o own_o blush_n that_o attend_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o what_o put_v a_o man_n upon_o more_o pitiful_a and_o unmanly_a shift_n to_o attain_v his_o desire_n what_o sneak_v and_o cringe_v to_o a_o base_a strumpet_n and_o her_o base_a servant_n before_o access_n can_v be_v have_v to_o a_o neighbour_n bed_n or_o a_o virgin_n innocence_n defile_v and_o as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o shame_n of_o drunkenness_n that_o swinish_a vice_n which_o make_v a_o man_n more_o vile_a and_o despicable_a than_o the_o foul_a of_o brute_n it_o be_v a_o vice_n every_o way_n odious_a and_o unmanly_a and_o full_a of_o the_o most_o detestable_a consequence_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o base_a character_n even_o by_o infidel_n and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o sensual_a vice_n the_o shame_n and_o baseness_n be_v notorious_a these_o devilish_a passion_n likewise_o to_o which_o man_n become_v subject_a that_o throw_v off_o the_o government_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o pride_n vainglory_n and_o hypocrisy_n envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o such_o like_a do_v great_o defile_v our_o excellent_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o great_a disparagement_n to_o those_o that_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v infest_a with_o they_o as_o will_v be_v soon_o apparent_a can_v we_o but_o persuade_v they_o to_o so_o much_o seriousness_n as_o to_o recollect_v with_o themselves_o how_o odious_a these_o vice_n have_v appear_v when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o they_o in_o other_o men._n and_o if_o they_o look_v so_o ill_o in_o other_o certain_o not_o man_n can_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o think_v they_o amiable_a qualification_n in_o himself_o but_o must_v confess_v that_o whoever_o be_v so_o foolish_o prodigal_a as_o to_o waste_v and_o squander_v away_o what_o be_v of_o real_a excellency_n as_o virtue_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o such_o devilish_a passion_n as_o those_o before_o mention_v and_o the_o service_n of_o such_o vile_a lust_n debases_n himself_o much_o low_a than_o that_o vile_a office_n of_o serve_v the_o vile_a of_o brute_n great_a reason_n therefore_o have_v such_o man_n serious_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o remorse_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o go_v along_o with_o such_o course_n and_o be_v once_o awaken_v resolve_v to_o return_v again_o to_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o the_o prodigal_a son_n be_v come_v to_o himself_o and_o thus_o reason_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n misery_n and_o shame_n and_o repentance_n always_o tread_v close_o at_o the_o heel_n of_o wickedness_n and_o indeed_o so_o much_o misery_n and_o shame_n as_o sin_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o must_v needs_o make_v any_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o be_v not_o harden_v in_o his_o iniquity_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v it_o when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n 21._o rom._n 6.20_o 21._o you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n you_o have_v what_o you_o desire_v and_o live_v without_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o yourselves_o as_o the_o prodigal_n weary_a of_o his_o father_n inspection_n over_o he_o desire_v his_o portion_n and_o go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o live_v riotous_o and_o without_o control_v but_o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v death_n and_o this_o the_o young_a prodigal_n find_v too_o true_a likewise_o by_o a_o sad_a experience_n and_o waste_v what_o he_o have_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o hunger_n and_o glad_a to_o submit_v to_o the_o base_a servitude_n for_o sustenance_n and_o at_o last_o be_v fain_o with_o much_o shame_n and_o repentance_n to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o humble_o confess_v his_o folly_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o be_v call_v any_o more_o his_o son_n and_o desire_v only_o the_o favour_n of_o be_v make_v as_o one_o of_o his_o hire_a servant_n the_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v always_o unfruitful_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v real_o satisfy_v and_o good_a but_o bring_v forth_o briar_n and_o thorn_n in_o abundance_n many_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n wherewith_o to_o tear_v and_o torment_v the_o miserable_a sinful_a soul_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o this_o resolution_n of_o the_o prodigal_a to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o he_o take_v it_o up_o the_o parable_n say_v he_o make_v this_o resolution_n when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o consider_v how_o many_o of_o his_o father_n hire_a servant_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v while_o he_o that_o be_v his_o son_n be_v ready_a to_o perish_v with_o hunger_n indeed_o every_o wicked_a man_n be_v beside_o himself_o out_o of_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o wit_n quem_fw-la mala_fw-la stultitia_fw-la &_o quaecunque_fw-la inscitia_fw-la very_fw-la coecum_fw-la agit_fw-fr insanum_fw-la crysippi_n porticus_fw-la &_o grex_fw-la horat._n serm._n lib._n ii_o sat._n 3._o ubi_fw-la parva_fw-la stultitia_fw-la hic_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la insania_fw-la qui_fw-la sceleratus_fw-la et_fw-la furiosus_fw-la erit_fw-la horat._n ibid._n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n will_v act_v so_o strange_o and_o make_v such_o disadvantageous_a choice_n as_o a_o sinner_n do_v who_o with_o his_o wit_n about_o he_o will_v take_v all_o way_n possible_a to_o make_v himself_o miserable_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o he_o may_v with_o less_o trouble_v make_v himself_o eternal_o happy_a who_o that_o can_v make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n will_v choose_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o brute_n a_o goat_n or_o a_o swine_n for_o instance_n rather_o than_o that_o of_o a_o man_n or_o a_o angel_n nay_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n will_v part_v with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n for_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o a_o bag_n of_o counter_n and_o yet_o this_o do_v every_o obstinate_a sinner_n do_v and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n and_o beside_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v wilful_o so_o and_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v he_o his_o madness_n be_v his_o fault_n rather_o than_o his_o misfortune_n and_o the_o extravagance_n of_o it_o will_v be_v without_o excuse_n in_o this_o moral_a frenzy_n be_v the_o prodigal_n in_o the_o parable_n when_o he_o leave_v his_o father_n and_o waste_v his_o substance_n afar_o off_o in_o excess_n of_o riot_n till_o at_o length_n the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o his_o extravagancy_n bring_v he_o again_o to_o his_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o resolve_v to_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n come_v to_o himself_o in_o a_o religious_a sense_n be_v the_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o reflect_v upon_o the_o past_a error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n in_o consider_v the_o many_o sad_a consequence_n of_o vice_n and_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v upon_o all_o account_n to_o live_v religious_o and_o full_o purpose_v upon_o such_o consideration_n to_o break_v off_o all_o evil_a course_n and_o live_v for_o the_o future_a as_o become_v man_n and_o christian_n for_o a_o man_n be_v never_o more_o himself_o than_o when_o he_o exercise_v his_o reason_n upon_o the_o best_a of_o object_n religion_n and_o consider_v how_o he_o may_v best_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o holy_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o purpose_n to_o do_v according_o and_o he_o that_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o impetuous_a passion_n and_o unruly_a lust_n to_o commit_v vile_a action_n and_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o govern_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n his_o affection_n act_n more_o like_o a_o brute_n than_o a_o man_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o himself_o consideration_n be_v indeed_o the_o life_n of_o both_o speculative_a and_o practical_a religion_n and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o man_n believe_v and_o live_v amiss_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v for_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n a_o christian_n be_v to_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 terror_n in_o it_o to_o a_o wicked_a liver_n that_o whoever_o think_v at_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o husband_n well_o this_o his_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o immediate_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v himself_o from_o that_o gild_n which_o if_o he_o die_v in_o will_v make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o alleviation_n the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o powerful_o enough_o incline_v to_o avoid_v that_o future_a misery_n and_o secure_v his_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o persuasive_n to_o act_v according_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o have_v already_o be_v reveal_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v after_o he_o be_v sad_o assure_v by_o abraham_n that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o this_o abraham_n answer_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o miserable_a rich_a man_n and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o this_o abraham_n give_v this_o final_a answer_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v all_o the_o assurance_n give_v to_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v and_o the_o same_o obstinate_a and_o atheistick_a infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o manner_n that_o make_v man_n disbelieve_v what_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v of_o another_o life_n will_v make_v they_o still_o disbelieve_v it_o though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a before_o the_o gospel_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o dark_o reveal_v in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v now_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v then_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o they_o by_o attend_v to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o confirm_a truth_n to_o we_o christian_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assure_v we_o of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o express_a term_n that_o can_v be_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 1.8_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o when_o we_o discourse_v about_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n not_o to_o tremble_v at_o it_o as_o foelix_n do_v but_o with_o perverse_a infidelity_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o whether_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v it_o by_o one_o that_o come_v from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v experience_v what_o we_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o proof_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o laugh_v at_o this_o as_o a_o invention_n of_o churchman_n and_o no_o better_a than_o a_o religious_a cheat._n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a they_o say_v that_o the_o write_n which_o we_o affirm_v be_v divine_o inspire_v do_v very_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o place_v before_o the_o almighty_a judge_n and_o consign_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n and_o consequent_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o assert_v of_o this_o nature_n our_o business_n therefore_o must_v be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o that_o still_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o live_v according_o will_v neither_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v in_o this_o instance_n though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o opposition_n antiscripturists_a make_v against_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v in_o short_a this_o either_o they_o will_v deny_v that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o set_v down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o pick_v out_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o their_o relation_n and_o if_o beat_v from_o that_o post_n they_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o what_o strange_a occurrence_n they_o record_v of_o their_o master_n jesus_n as_o of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o be_v end_v and_o all_o man_n than_o arise_v likewise_o and_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o work_n that_o this_o and_o the_o like_a strange_a passage_n they_o record_v of_o jesus_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o do_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o by_o art_n magic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o can_v it_o be_v make_v good_a will_v be_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n indeed_o and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n soon_o sink_v into_o ruin_n but_o in_o short_a for_o to_o enlarge_v here_o will_v far_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o single_a sermon_n a_o christian_n defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n may_v be_v this_o first_o though_o some_o have_v deny_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v yet_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o can_v prove_v it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o by_o man_n of_o very_o different_a religion_n and_o persuasion_n and_o that_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n there_o teach_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o glad_a to_o have_v prove_v the_o whole_a a_o forgery_n if_o they_o can_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o when_o it_o be_v so_o much_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o can_v not_o and_o since_o they_o be_v to_o this_o day_n approve_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n as_o genuine_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v for_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v either_o throw_v aside_o all_o book_n as_o spurious_a or_o believe_v this_o which_o we_o
heedless_a inadvertency_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v v._o 13._o of_o this_o 13._o ch_z therefore_o speak_v i_o to_o they_o in_o parable_n because_o they_o see_v see_v not_o and_o hear_v they_o hear_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o understand_v that_o be_v because_o his_o plain_a and_o more_o common_a discourse_n be_v but_o little_o regard_v by_o they_o and_o not_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o forget_v as_o soon_o as_o hear_v therefore_o the_o more_o to_o engage_v their_o attention_n and_o induce_v they_o to_o look_v close_o into_o and_o dwell_v long_o upon_o what_o he_o say_v he_o put_v his_o discourse_n into_o a_o more_o mystical_a and_o uncommon_a dress_n that_o their_o desire_n of_o understand_v his_o hide_a mean_v may_v employ_v more_o of_o their_o thought_n about_o it_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o make_v a_o further_a enquiry_n than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v do_v and_o by_o that_o mean_v his_o doctrine_n make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o memory_n for_o man_n be_v natural_o desirous_a of_o find_v out_o mystery_n and_o hide_a meaning_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a attentive_a to_o what_o be_v unusual_a and_o out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o talk_v and_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o parable_n and_o be_v much_o more_o please_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o a_o hide_a treasure_n to_o which_o our_o lord_n elsewhere_o resemble_v the_o gospel_n than_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n have_v be_v offer_v they_o at_o a_o easy_a rate_n and_o according_o st._n luke_n after_o he_o have_v record_v several_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n subjoin_v that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v very_o attentive_a to_o hear_v he_o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a to_o understand_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o indeed_o though_o this_o be_v a_o mystical_a way_n of_o instruction_n and_o have_v something_o of_o obscurity_n in_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o may_v be_v manage_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o familiar_a or_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a auditor_n for_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n be_v but_o little_a receptive_a of_o abstract_a notion_n and_o nice_a and_o lofty_a speculation_n and_o that_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o take_v with_o they_o which_o be_v clothe_v in_o a_o dress_n they_o have_v be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o illustrate_v by_o some_o material_a representation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o truth_n which_o otherwise_o deliver_v they_o will_v either_o not_o apprehend_v or_o not_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o be_v express_v by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n to_o what_o they_o have_v be_v much_o use_v to_o and_o understand_v very_o well_o be_v present_o entertain_v and_o become_v familiar_a and_o easy_a to_o they_o and_o they_o can_v as_o well_o remember_v and_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o to_o other_o common_a concern_v of_o life_n and_o according_o we_o find_v our_o lord_n parable_n take_v either_o from_o some_o common_a and_o know_v action_n of_o man_n such_o as_o of_o a_o husbandman_n sow_v corn_n in_o his_o field_n and_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o weed_n with_o the_o good_a corn_n of_o a_o fisher_n throw_v his_o net_n into_o the_o sea_n of_o the_o look_v for_o a_o lose_a sheep_n and_o the_o extravagancy_n and_o repentance_n of_o a_o prodigal_a son_n and_o the_o like_a or_o from_o some_o common_a accident_n and_o event_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o of_o a_o treasure_n find_v that_o be_v hide_v in_o a_o field_n the_o plentiful_a product_n of_o a_o man_n ground_n the_o vnfruitfulness_n of_o a_o tree_n the_o reckon_a of_o a_o master_n with_o his_o servant_n the_o importunacy_n of_o a_o poor_a widow_n for_o justice_n and_o such_o like_a relation_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v easy_o remember_v and_o people_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o listen_v and_o attend_v to_o they_o and_o the_o mean_a capacity_n can_v understand_v and_o apprehend_v they_o and_o if_o well_o manage_v they_o make_v what_o be_v repesent_v by_o they_o appear_v very_o lively_a and_o affect_v as_o if_o it_o be_v act_v before_o our_o eye_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o truth_n deliver_v under_o that_o disguise_n insensible_o insinuate_v themselves_o and_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n even_o before_o a_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o it_o or_o can_v set_v himself_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o as_o these_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o most_o familiar_a thing_n they_o be_v so_o apt_a likewise_o and_o so_o excellent_o manage_v and_o there_o be_v so_o great_a analogy_n between_o the_o thing_n represent_v and_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o that_o a_o little_a thought_n and_o reflection_n of_o even_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n will_v discover_v what_o be_v hide_v under_o so_o thin_a a_o veil_n and_o according_o we_o find_v several_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n take_v present_o by_o the_o auditor_n in_o their_o true_a and_o naked_a meaning_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o more_o be_v so_o than_o the_o evangelist_n take_v notice_n of_o but_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v apprehend_v we_o find_v our_o lord_n when_o in_o private_a explain_v they_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o give_v they_o command_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o light_n what_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o darkness_n 10.27_o matt._n 10.27_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o impression_n which_o the_o parable_n make_v upon_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o people_n at_o the_o first_o relation_n of_o it_o will_v afterward_o either_o by_o man_n own_o interpretation_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o their_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n beside_o this_o general_a vsefulness_n of_o parable_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n they_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a proper_a for_o and_o that_o be_v reproof_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n man_n be_v most_o of_o all_o impatient_a of_o and_o that_o must_v be_v manage_v with_o great_a prudence_n and_o nicety_n or_o it_o will_v do_v much_o more_o harm_n than_o good_n if_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a and_o open_a and_o severe_a it_o often_o harden_v a_o offender_n still_o more_o and_o if_o it_o be_v too_o cool_a and_o lifeless_a it_o lose_v its_o force_n and_o make_v no_o impression_n in_o a_o effectual_a reproof_n then_o there_o must_v be_v sufficient_a strength_n and_o smartness_n and_o likewise_o so_o much_o privacy_n and_o secrecy_n in_o it_o as_o may_v not_o exasperate_v the_o man_n too_o much_o from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o ignominy_n that_o attend_v the_o lay_n open_v his_o fault_n to_o the_o world_n now_o reprove_v by_o way_n of_o parable_n do_v all_o this_o there_o may_v be_v strength_n and_o smartness_n enough_o in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v well_o choose_v and_o apply_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o a_o disguise_n and_o cover_v upon_o it_o as_o make_v it_o very_o private_a and_o not_o to_o grate_v so_o much_o upon_o that_o tender_a passion_n of_o shame_n as_o a_o more_o public_a and_o barefaced_a reproof_n will_v do_v it_o be_v as_o one_o handsome_o express_v it_o like_o lance_v a_o sore_a with_o the_o lancet_n wrap_v up_o in_o a_o sponge_n when_o under_o pretence_n and_o show_n of_o nothing_o but_o smooth_a and_o gentle_a usage_n the_o place_n be_v unexpected_o open_v and_o the_o corruption_n let_v out_o which_o the_o patient_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v to_o be_v do_v if_o attempt_v rough_o and_o without_o that_o stratagem_n and_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o this_o parabolical_a way_n of_o reprove_v mention_v 2_o sam._n 12._o upon_o david_n murder_n of_o uriah_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v his_o wife_n without_o disturbance_n the_o prophet_n nathan_n be_v send_v to_o reprove_v he_o for_o it_o and_o denounce_v god_n great_a displeasure_n against_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v this_o the_o more_o effectual_o do_v not_o flat_o and_o immediate_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o great_a wickedness_n but_o frame_v a_o parable_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n that_o have_v great_a flock_n and_o herd_n of_o his_o own_o who_o yet_o to_o entertain_v his_o guest_n take_v the_o only_a little_a ewe_n lamb_n of_o a_o poor_a neighbour_n of_o he_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v and_o nourish_v up_o with_o great_a tenderness_n and_o pleasure_n and_o dress_v it_o for_o the_o man_n that_o be_v come_v to_o he_o and_o david_n be_v anger_n the_o story_n say_v be_v great_o kindle_v against_o the_o man_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o nathan_n as_o the_o lord_n live_v the_o man_n that_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o shall_v restore_v the_o lamb_n fourfold_a because_o he_o do_v this_o thing_n and_o because_o he_o have_v no_o pity_n when_o the_o prophet_n see_v that_o his_o design_n have_v so_o far_o take_v effect_n he_o immediate_o follow_v
his_o blow_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o king_n displeasure_n and_o make_v the_o application_n home_o thou_o be_v the_o man._n and_o this_o mystical_a reproof_n strike_v david_n so_o deep_a that_o without_o make_v any_o excuse_n he_o present_o confess_v his_o gild_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o lord_n when_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a a_o rough_a and_o more_o downright_a reprimand_n will_v have_v exasperate_v the_o king_n into_o rage_n and_o impatience_n at_o his_o be_v so_o expose_v by_o the_o prophet_n rather_o than_o have_v melt_v he_o into_o so_o humble_a and_o pungent_a a_o remorse_n as_o this_o this_o course_n then_o our_o lord_n take_v not_o without_o great_a wisdom_n and_o by_o parable_n apt_a and_o well_o choose_v and_o very_o expressive_a of_o his_o mean_v reprove_v the_o obstinacy_n hypocrisy_n and_o other_o vice_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v man_n stubborn_a and_o refractory_a and_o impatient_a of_o too_o open_a a_o rebuke_n especial_o the_o pharisees_n who_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n and_o great_a repute_n with_o the_o people_n make_v they_o not_o able_a to_o endure_v any_o thing_n of_o reproof_n though_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o parable_n much_o less_o when_o public_a and_o open_a and_o in_o plain_a term_n though_o as_o to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o this_o mild_a way_n will_v not_o do_v he_o more_o plain_o and_o sharp_o rebuke_v and_o expose_v their_o great_a wickedness_n and_o vile_a hypocrisy_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o lord_n speak_v so_o much_o in_o parable_n and_o it_o be_v a_o course_n which_o many_o of_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n have_v take_v before_o he_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o several_a of_o the_o heathen_n express_v their_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n in_o such_o a_o mystical_a manner_n and_o by_o way_n of_o fable_n or_o feign_a relation_n of_o some_o action_n or_o occurrence_n that_o bear_v resemblance_n to_o what_o they_o will_v inculcate_v as_o be_v very_o evident_a to_o such_o as_o converse_v with_o their_o write_n which_o course_n have_v it_o not_o be_v very_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o reputation_n as_o it_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o effectual_a then_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o still_o if_o not_o to_o frame_v new_a parable_n yet_o to_o explicate_v and_o enforce_v the_o old_a especial_o those_o which_o our_o lord_n with_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o judgement_n make_v use_v of_o to_o reprove_v vice_n by_o and_o encourage_v a_o sincere_a and_o persevere_v piety_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v couch_v under_o these_o parabolical_a expression_n be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o such_o as_o it_o near_o concern_v we_o to_o attend_v to_o and_o practise_v according_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v they_o be_v such_o as_o illustrate_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o very_o move_o recommend_v they_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o familiar_a way_n as_o fit_v they_o to_o all_o capacity_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mean_a sort_n who_o i_o fear_v be_v too_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o more_o abstract_a term_n i_o have_v therefore_o practical_o consider_v the_o most_o and_o most_o useful_a of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n pass_v by_o those_o only_a that_o whole_o relate_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o infant_n state_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v without_o violence_n be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o improvement_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n especial_o now_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v speak_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o and_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o be_v co-incident_a and_o of_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o those_o that_o be_v and_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v not_o be_v a_o unprofitablevndertake_n through_o his_o blessing_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v the_o increase_n to_o advance_v who_o honour_n in_o promote_a the_o good_a of_o soul_n they_o be_v make_v public_a i_o desire_v only_o that_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v further_o observe_v the_o one_o be_v that_o these_o discourse_n be_v on_o purpose_n design_v to_o be_v pure_o practical_a as_o i_o have_v style_v they_o in_o the_o title_n page_n and_o as_o every_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v discern_v when_o he_o find_v i_o wave_v many_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o controversy_n that_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n and_o my_o reason_n for_o so_o do_v i_o think_v be_v very_o sufficient_a viz._n because_o it_o be_v too_o observable_a that_o the_o great_a defect_n of_o christian_n nowadays_o be_v in_o their_o practice_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o other_o be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o excellent_a advice_n of_o preface_n of_o more_n nevochim_n in_o the_o preface_n maimonides_n the_o reader_n expect_v not_o rationem_fw-la &_o explicationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la verborum_fw-la &_o rerum_fw-la in_o parabola_fw-la contentarum_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la significatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o minute_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o every_o word_n and_o thing_n in_o a_o parable_n to_o the_o sense_n that_o be_v couch_v under_o it_o but_o be_v content_v with_o a_o more_o general_a explication_n of_o the_o sum_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o either_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o the_o parable_n will_v be_v quite_o lose_v or_o at_o least_o the_o mind_n will_v be_v tire_v in_o hunt_v after_o a_o explication_n of_o what_o can_v be_v explain_v and_o nothing_o be_v the_o result_n of_o such_o fruitless_a study_n but_o that_o empty_a vexatious_a disappointment_n which_o all_o those_o experience_n who_o make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o or_o rather_o force_v from_o the_o word_n of_o a_o author_n that_o which_o the_o author_n himself_o never_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o all_o therefore_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o any_o parable_n be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o main_a drift_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o the_o author_n of_o it_o will_v instruct_v man_n in_o by_o that_o allegorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n but_o though_o this_o be_v excellent_a advice_n and_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n yet_o where_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o unnatural_a strain_v and_o violence_n i_o have_v be_v very_o particular_a in_o my_o explication_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n be_v so_o apt_o express_v in_o the_o part_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o whole_a that_o they_o not_o only_o will_v bear_v but_o require_v a_o minute_n application_n of_o the_o allegory_n to_o that_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o it_o and_o which_o receive_v a_o great_a advantage_n from_o it_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v view_n the_o index_n par._n i._o of_o the_o sour_a matt._n 13.3_o etc._n etc._n page_n 1_o par._n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matt._n 13.24_o p._n 35_o par._n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matt._n 1345._o p._n 82_o par._n iu_o of_o a_o merciful_a king_n and_o his_o vnmerciful_a servant_n matt._n 18.23_o p._n 122_o par._n v._o of_o a_o king_n that_o make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n matt._n 22.2_o p._n 164_o par._n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matt._n 25.1_o p._n 204_o par._n vii_o of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n luke_n 10.30_o p._n 232_o par._n viii_o of_o the_o talent_n matt._n 25.14_o p._n 270_o par._n ix_o of_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool._n luke_n 12.16_o p._n 304_o par._n x._o of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o p._n 338_o par._n xi_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n luke_n 15.11_o p._n 365_o par._n xii_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luk._n 16.19_o p._n 395_o par._n xiii_o of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luke_n 18.1_o p._n 424_o par._n fourteen_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n luk._n 18.9_o p_o 456_o the_o most_o considerable_a errata_fw-la occasion_v by_o the_o author_n distance_n from_o the_o press_n the_o reader_n be_v desire_v thus_o to_o correct_v with_o a_o pen_n before_o he_o peruse_v the_o book_n viz._n page_n 14._o line_n 1._o deal_n in_o p_o 15._o l._n 6._o r._n these_o p._n 16._o l._n 24._o r._n tell_v p._n 24._o l._n 28._o deal_n it_o p._n 25._o l._n 14._o deal_n and._n p._n 26._o l._n 29._o r._n come_v oft_o p._n 29._o l._n 23._o r._n shower_n from_o p._n 30._o l._n ult_n r._n track_n p._n 39_o l._n ult_n deal_n in_o the_o ear._n p._n 60._o l._n 6._o r._n our_o p._n 74._o l._n penult_n r._n tare_n that_o p._n 78._o l._n 23._o r._n pass_v p._n 83._o l._n 5._o r._n fine_a
be_v plant_v wherever_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v he_o expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o seed_n be_v good_a and_o most_o of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soil_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o for_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o therefore_o most_o natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o great_a plenty_n there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o god_n word_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v water_v sufficient_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o man_n that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o at_o our_o peril_n we_o must_v all_o be_v fruitful_a none_o of_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o our_o great_a lord_n empty_a lest_o the_o punishment_n of_o barrenness_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o we_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n this_o seed_n then_o or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o actual_o sow_o the_o christian_a religion_n plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n do_v on_o god_n part_n in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v fruitful_a and_o which_o according_o he_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o nothing_o make_v it_o otherwise_o that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o or_o scatter_v by_o the_o way_n side_n which_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n we_o must_v not_o be_v think_v less_o and_o inconsiderate_a after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v like_o a_o highway_n lay_v open_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o comer_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o wander_a useless_a and_o wicked_a thought_n which_o throng_v in_o abundance_n will_v trample_v down_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o more_o appear_v be_v no_o more_o think_v of_o or_o remember_v by_o we_o nor_o must_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o legion_n who_o like_o bird_n of_o prey_n hover_v over_o we_o continual_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o catch_v away_o immediate_o those_o good_a instruction_n instill_a into_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v grow_v into_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o which_o they_o see_v lie_v scatter_v and_o unregarded_a by_o we_o and_o unobserved_a throw_v in_o their_o place_n the_o seed_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o like_o ill_a weed_n will_v flourish_v any_o where_n and_o grow_v apace_o thus_o heedless_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n must_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v but_o by_o recollection_n of_o thought_n advert_v close_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exclude_v all_o wander_a and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o careful_o gather_v up_o those_o notion_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v scatter_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o some_o order_n and_o connexion_n and_o infix_v they_o by_o meditation_n still_o deep_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o dry_a barren_a and_o common_a way_n for_o all_o temptation_n and_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o numerous_a and_o vain_a and_o incoherent_a fancy_n we_o shall_v by_o serious_a attention_n to_o those_o concern_v truth_n that_o we_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v make_v our_o soul_n as_o solomon_n express_v it_o a_o garden_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o 4.12_o cant._n 4.12_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v and_o then_o no_o fear_n of_o the_o seed_n be_v tread_v down_o or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o it_o will_v remain_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o will_v bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n second_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o in_o stony_a and_o rocky_a place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n lest_o it_o spring_v up_o too_o hasty_o and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v hot_a it_o be_v scorch_a and_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n that_o be_v as_o our_o lord_n interpret_v it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o have_v a_o extempore_o superficial_a religion_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v only_o for_o a_o while_n but_o likewise_o to_o endure_v and_o not_o be_v offend_v or_o discourage_v though_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o rocky_a hearer_n that_o perhaps_o be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v handsomse_o tell_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o hear_v a_o well-penned_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o present_a ready_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o be_v discourse_v to_o they_o and_o believe_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o rejoice_v at_o the_o news_n of_o be_v freeed_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o be_v make_v child_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n immediate_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o infinite_o reward_v and_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o conducive_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o such_o endless_a bliss_n hereafter_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o please_v in_o the_o theory_n to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o hearer_n that_o like_o rocky_a place_n have_v only_o a_o surface_n of_o good_a earth_n and_o retain_v this_o good_a affection_n to_o religion_n but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n be_v impenetrable_a as_o a_o rock_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o shoot_v so_o deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o take_v so_o firm_a a_o root_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n their_o spring_n be_v quick_o over_o a_o blade_n or_o a_o stalk_v be_v the_o far_a progress_n their_o religion_n make_v and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o or_o any_o opposition_n to_o it_o either_o without_o from_o man_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n temptation_n within_o for_o want_v of_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o moisture_n they_o fall_v and_o wither_v away_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o promise_n they_o will_v with_o joy_n indeed_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a nay_o that_o happiness_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a that_o at_o present_a they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o for_o a_o spurt_n set_v cheerful_o about_o it_o and_o a_o shallow_a crust_n of_o earth_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n but_o unless_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o pliable_a and_o there_o be_v deepness_n of_o earth_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v that_o this_o divine_a seed_n shall_v take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o likewise_o the_o moisture_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o our_o former_a barrenness_n and_o stony_a hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o word_n will_v take_v but_o shallow_a root_n for_o all_o our_o sudden_a rapture_n and_o upon_o upon_o every_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o languish_v and_o wither_v especial_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n strike_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o too_o often_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o man_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o insensible_a than_o ever_o those_o therefore_o that_o find_v themselves_o of_o this_o rocky_a temper_n so_o difficult_a to_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o so_o ready_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o theory_n of_o it_o admire_v the_o promise_n of_o christianity_n but_o find_v great_a resistance_n in_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o fruitful_a piety_n these_o person_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v still_o
sow_v these_o tare_n because_o he_o be_v the_o busy_a prompter_n to_o vice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o great_a encourager_n of_o it_o by_o his_o sly_a and_o wheedle_a insinuation_n and_o wicked_a injection_n he_o be_v that_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o good_a and_o who_o constant_a endeavour_v it_o be_v to_o oppose_v and_o weaken_v the_o kingdom_n of_o righteousness_n and_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o to_o establish_v his_o infernal_a dominion_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o harvest_n because_o then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n gather_v all_o man_n from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o dispose_v they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o good_a corn_n at_o harvest_n be_v take_v from_o off_o the_o ground_n and_o carryed-away_a and_o lay_v up_o in_o repository_n of_o safety_n but_o the_o tare_n and_o other_o noxious_a weed_n sever_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o bind_v up_o in_o bundle_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o reaper_n at_o this_o great_a harvest_n because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o ministry_n that_o god_n will_v execute_v his_o most_o equal_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n the_o righteous_a shall_v by_o they_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o like_o good_a corn_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garner_n for_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a shall_v by_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o good_a and_o like_o vile_a tare_n be_v throw_v into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o thus_o much_o in_o short_a for_o the_o aptness_n of_o this_o parable_n to_o express_v the_o sense_n that_o our_o lord_n conceal_v under_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v its_o several_a part_n and_o it_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o six_o thing_n first_o it_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n as_o tare_n and_o wheat_n together_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o field_n of_o corn_n and_o that_o the_o two_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o good_a and_o evil_a respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o this_o world_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o there_o be_v that_o be_v christian_n by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o because_o their_o father_n be_v so_o before_o they_o and_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n procure_v their_o reception_n into_o that_o communion_n but_o seldom_o look_v any_o further_a into_o the_o reason_n and_o inducement_n to_o such_o belief_n and_o trouble_v themselves_o but_o very_o little_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o much_o less_o to_o practice_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o that_o holy_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v mahometan_n or_o jew_n have_v their_o parent_n be_v so_o and_o educate_v they_o in_o that_o way_n and_o therefore_o be_v christian_n by_o chance_n not_o choice_n and_o this_o those_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o spend_v the_o whole_a six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o drudge_a for_o the_o world_n from_o morning_n until_o night_n and_o then_o like_o tire_a beast_n when_o they_o have_v fill_v their_o belly_n without_o any_o further_a thought_n lay_v they_o down_o to_o rest_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n day_n come_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o nourishment_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o piety_n and_o goodness_n and_o their_o instruction_n in_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v of_o make_v little_o better_a use_v of_o it_o than_o their_o horse_n do_v in_o the_o stable_a rest_n from_o bodily_a labour_n and_o saunter_n and_o prate_n and_o drink_v away_o the_o day_n but_o seldom_o come_v at_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o instruction_n and_o if_o they_o do_v be_v as_o little_a the_o better_a for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v absent_a let_v such_o consider_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a whether_o this_o sort_n of_o christianity_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n or_o no_o whether_o their_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n will_v save_v they_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v whether_o their_o tell_v our_o lord_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o country_n where_o his_o holy_a religion_n be_v profess_v and_o of_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o be_v by_o they_o present_v to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v to_o call_v themselves_o christians_o all_o their_o life_n and_o now_o and_o then_o come_v to_o church_n as_o other_o christian_n do_v let_v they_o consider_v whether_o at_o that_o great_a day_n such_o a_o empty_a plea_n will_v be_v accept_v when_o the_o judge_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o what_o obedience_n they_o have_v pay_v to_o his_o commandment_n if_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o why_o do_v our_o lord_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 7.14_o mat._n 7.14_o and_o why_o be_v the_o way_n say_v to_o be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o doubtless_o it_o high_o concern_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v more_o serious_o of_o religion_n than_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o unless_o they_o think_v their_o soul_n not_o worth_a take_v care_n of_o or_o that_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o those_o of_o repentance_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n assign_v above_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o ill_a man_n here_o go_v under_o the_o common_a name_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o title_n be_v all_o the_o christianity_n they_o can_v boast_v of_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a wonder_n indeed_o if_o such_o empty_a tare_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v lay_v up_o with_o the_o good_a wheat_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n as_o much_o by_o chance_n as_o they_o become_v christian_n further_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o find_v ill_a man_n among_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n because_o man_n be_v free_a agent_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o force_n but_o only_o by_o proper_a method_n incline_v and_o persuade_v and_o those_o who_o in_o their_o infancy_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o educate_v in_o his_o discipline_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n may_v yet_o through_o the_o predominancy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o together_o with_o their_o own_o careless_a inadvertency_n be_v when_o grow_v up_o incline_v to_o live_v at_o quite_o another_o rate_n than_o christianity_n allow_v and_o though_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o choose_v to_o be_v indeed_o the_o servant_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n to_o conclude_v as_o they_o do_v that_o because_o many_o that_o profess_v christianity_n live_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o cheat_n because_o do_v they_o believe_v what_o that_o religion_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o live_v in_o such_o continual_a opposition_n to_o it_o indeed_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o christian_n very_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o conversation_n lest_o they_o bring_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n as_o this_o upon_o their_o holy_a religion_n remember_v our_o lord_n word_n woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v but_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o of_o a_o profession_n live_v contrary_a to_o its_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n that_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o forgery_n for_o believe_v and_o do_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o a_o man_n may_v habitual_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o actual_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a pit_n in_o his_o way_n and_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
the_o great_a riches_n when_o possess_v and_o that_o they_o be_v often_o very_o sudden_o lose_v again_o and_o then_o the_o grief_n for_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o will_v fill_v the_o soul_n with_o abundant_o great_a trouble_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o do_v with_o pleasure_n and_o we_o have_v see_v as_o the_o folly_n so_o the_o vileness_n of_o covetousness_n how_o much_o a_o christian_n be_v debase_v by_o thus_o grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o he_o and_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o be_v of_o infinite_o great_a value_n than_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o ten_o thousand_o world_n we_o have_v see_v likewise_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o covetousness_n what_o a_o great_a hindrance_n it_o be_v to_o nay_o destroyer_n of_o religion_n how_o it_o indispose_v a_o man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o endanger_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n his_o steady_a adherence_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v be_v direct_v to_o much_o better_a way_n of_o dispose_v our_o abundance_n when_o we_o be_v bless_v with_o it_o than_o either_o in_o hoard_v it_o up_o or_o waste_v it_o in_o luxury_n and_o excess_n namely_o in_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o will_v entitle_v we_o to_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a steward_n even_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o we_o have_v see_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o a_o content_a mind_n the_o blessedness_n of_o not_o overvalue_v riches_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o will_v be_v make_v by_o the_o charitable_a disposal_n of_o they_o when_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o man_n work_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o excellent_a exhortation_n of_o our_o lord_n immediate_o after_o my_o text_n let_v none_o of_o we_o take_v anxious_a and_o perplex_v think_v for_o our_o life_n what_o we_o shall_v eat_v nor_o for_o the_o body_n what_o we_o shall_v put_v on_o for_o the_o life_n be_v more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n and_o he_o that_o give_v the_o great_a will_n no_o question_n provide_v the_o lesser_a let_v we_o consider_v the_o raven_n for_o they_o neither_o sow_n nor_o reap_v have_v neither_o store-house_n nor_o barn_n and_o god_n feed_v they_o how_o much_o better_a be_v we_o than_o the_o fowl_n and_o which_o of_o we_o by_o take_v thought_n can_v add_v one_o cubit_n unto_o his_o stature_n if_o we_o then_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v what_o be_v least_o why_o take_v we_o think_v for_o the_o rest_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o lily_n how_o they_o grow_v they_o toil_v not_o they_o spin_v not_o and_o yet_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o if_o then_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o clothe_v we_o who_o very_o much_o betray_v our_o little_a faith_n in_o doubt_v it_o wherefore_o let_v we_o not_o immoderate_o seek_v what_o we_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o we_o shall_v drink_v or_o wherewithal_o be_v clothe_v neither_o be_v of_o doubtful_a or_o anxious_a and_o too_o careful_a mind_n for_o our_o father_n know_v that_o we_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o we_o in_o such_o a_o proportion_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n know_v to_o be_v best_a for_o we_o remember_v that_o as_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool_n in_o this_o parable_n that_o trust_v in_o his_o riches_n and_o propose_v to_o himself_o much_o happiness_n from_o a_o luxurious_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o be_v sudden_o snatch_v from_o they_o to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o every_o one_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o he_o self_n and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n the_o prayer_n oeternal_a god_n the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o all_o the_o disposal_n of_o thy_o providence_n be_v infinite_a grant_v i_o the_o wisdom_n to_o be_v content_v with_o my_o present_a lot_n and_o satisfy_v with_o a_o moderate_a proportion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a in_o my_o pursuit_n even_o of_o that_o for_o ever_o preserve_v i_o i_o entreat_v thou_o from_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o sin_n of_o covetousness_n and_o may_v i_o be_v so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o riches_n both_o in_o the_o get_n and_o the_o keep_n how_o unsatisfy_v they_o be_v when_o possess_v and_o the_o many_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o attend_v they_o as_o always_o to_o preserve_v a_o great_a indifferency_n to_o they_o and_o make_v it_o my_o chief_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o real_a happiness_n of_o a_o content_a spirit_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o sensible_a how_o vile_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o place_v my_o felicity_n in_o what_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o i_o as_o these_o perish_a riches_n be_v and_o which_o instead_o of_o improve_n i_o in_o what_o be_v real_o valuable_a tend_v to_o betray_v i_o into_o many_o vile_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n retard_v my_o progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o too_o often_o betray_v into_o apostasy_n from_o thy_o truth_n o_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v act_v like_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a and_o make_v it_o my_o chief_a aim_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o thou_o my_o god_n and_o to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o if_o through_o thy_o bountiful_a goodness_n riches_n here_o increase_v give_v i_o grace_n i_o entreat_v thou_o not_o to_o set_v my_o heart_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o so_o as_o may_v most_o conduce_v to_o thy_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n that_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n according_a to_o thy_o bless_a will_n when_o these_o fade_a riches_n shall_v fail_v and_o be_v leave_v behind_o i_o my_o charity_n may_v procure_v for_o i_o a_o reception_n into_o these_o everlasting_a habitation_n where_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o glorious_a inheritance_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o where_o neither_o rust_n nor_o moth_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v not_o through_o and_o steal_v and_o where_o my_o happiness_n shall_v be_v ineffable_a full_o satisfy_v and_o eternal_a amen_n bless_a god_n amen_o amen_n parable_n x._o of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n xiii_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o a_o certain_a man_n have_v a_o figtree_n plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o come_v and_o seek_v fruit_n thereon_o and_o find_v none_o then_o say_v he_o to_o the_o dresser_n of_o his_o vineyard_n behold_v these_o three_o year_n i_o come_v seek_v fruit_n on_o this_o figtree_n and_o find_v none_o cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n and_o he_o answer_v say_v unto_o he_o lord_n let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o till_o i_o shall_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o and_o if_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o and_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o this_o parable_n be_v speak_v upon_o the_o news_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o our_o lord_n of_o the_o sad_a fate_n of_o some_o factious_a galilean_n who_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n have_v set_v upon_o and_o destroy_v mingle_v their_o blood_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n they_o be_v offer_v to_o this_o our_o lord_n first_o make_v this_o answer_n suppose_v you_o that_o those_o galilean_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v or_o those_o eighteen_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o another_o sad_a accident_n that_o have_v late_o happen_v think_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o then_o he_o add_v this_o parable_n that_o he_o may_v further_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n in_o all_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o escape_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o next_o from_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n upon_o the_o sad_a fate_n of_o the_o galilean_n and_o those_o slay_v by_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n think_v you_o that_o they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v
believe_v and_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v be_v so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o so_o conducive_a to_o entire_a happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o that_o no_o man_n that_o due_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o either_o but_o will_v be_v powerful_o incline_v to_o assent_v to_o the_o one_o and_o practice_v the_o other_o and_o be_v no_o long_o a_o infidel_n or_o heretic_n or_o live_v a_o vicious_a irreligious_a life_n it_o be_v consideration_n make_v the_o prodigal_a son_n resolve_v to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o humble_v himself_o before_o he_o and_o can_v the_o sinner_n of_o this_o age_n be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n together_o they_o will_v soon_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o wise_a course_n to_o live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o former_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o extravagance_n by_o repentance_n but_o what_o do_v this_o prodigal_n consider_v when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o that_o so_o powerful_o incline_v he_o to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n with_o such_o a_o humble_a and_o shameful_a confession_n of_o his_o extravagancy_n it_o be_v this_o how_o many_o of_o my_o father_n hire_a servant_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n he_o find_v by_o a_o woeful_a experience_n that_o however_o uneasy_a it_o be_v to_o he_o former_o to_o be_v under_o his_o father_n eye_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o command_n it_o be_v by_o far_o a_o happy_a condition_n than_o that_o which_o by_o his_o prodigality_n he_o be_v then_o reduce_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o father_n servant_n be_v in_o happy_a circumstance_n than_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o his_o wise_a course_n to_o arise_v and_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o a_o sinner_n will_v he_o but_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n together_o he_o will_v find_v by_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n if_o he_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o all_o his_o extravagance_n from_o which_o at_o first_o he_o expect_v to_o reap_v so_o much_o happiness_n be_v not_o only_a vanity_n empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a but_o likewise_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n full_a of_o trouble_n and_o misfortune_n attend_v with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n inward_a remorse_n and_o gripe_n of_o conscience_n and_o dire_a forboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v soon_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o much_o great_a happiness_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o have_v none_o of_o all_o this_o misery_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n inward_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o such_o consideration_n will_v be_v his_o resolution_n to_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o with_o much_o humility_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o indeed_o the_o poor_a good_a man_n that_o be_v a_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o infinite_o happy_a condition_n than_o the_o great_a wicked_a prince_n he_o experience_n more_o true_a happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v hear_v the_o joyful_a sound_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n and_o wicked_a emperor_n be_v thrust_v away_o with_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n then_o shall_v all_o the_o world_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o the_o former_a shall_v have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v their_o happiness_n shall_v be_v complete_a and_o full_a while_o the_o latter_a shall_v perish_v with_o a_o keen_a hunger_n after_o what_o they_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v send_v empty_a away_o after_o the_o prodigal_n have_v consider_v himself_o into_o a_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o his_o father_n he_o put_v his_o resolution_n into_o practice_n and_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o say_v father_n i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n and_o true_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a resolve_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o amendment_n of_o life_n we_o must_v act_v agreeable_o and_o that_o immediate_o too_o or_o else_o our_o resolution_n though_o never_o so_o earnest_o make_v will_v vanish_v into_o nothing_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o still_o more_o increase_v our_o gild_n for_o when_o a_o man_n have_v proceed_v so_o far_o towards_o a_o new_a life_n as_o to_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_o no_o long_o to_o insist_v in_o his_o former_a vile_a course_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v rouse_v and_o awaken_v from_o its_o spiritual_a sleep_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o that_o he_o discern_v his_o error_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o still_o persist_v in_o it_o he_o then_o sin_n against_o clear_a light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o a_o fault_n as_o a_o sinner_n therefore_o shall_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v become_v sensible_a of_o his_o sin_n immediate_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v it_o and_o return_v to_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o must_v he_o immediate_o put_v his_o resolution_n into_o practice_n for_o otherwise_o he_o do_v but_o mock_n god_n and_o deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o will_v only_o increase_v his_o damnation_n a_o well-grounded_n resolution_n be_v a_o good_a preparative_a to_o amendment_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o preparative_a and_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n we_o all_o of_o we_o i_o hope_v that_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n so_o far_o consider_v as_o to_o grieve_v and_o be_v ashamed_a for_o have_v offend_v our_o good_a god_n and_o be_v at_o that_o instant_n resolve_v never_o willing_o to_o transgress_v his_o holy_a will_n again_o let_v we_o but_o keep_v our_o resolution_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a for_o such_o as_o with_o the_o prodigal_n actual_o return_v to_o their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a with_o the_o great_a expression_n of_o kindness_n to_o receive_v to_o his_o favour_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n viz._n the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o such_o as_o repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o perform_v their_o resolve_n of_o amendment_n his_o readiness_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o extraordinary_a joy_n for_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o return_v prodigal_a be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a galf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n have_v compassion_n and_o run_v to_o meet_v he_o by_o this_o be_v express_v god_n great_a desire_n that_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n shall_v be_v complete_v he_o will_v meet_v he_o and_o that_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n lest_o any_o temptation_n shall_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o divert_v his_o return_n and_o make_v he_o change_v or_o defer_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o good_a resolution_n he_o have_v take_v up_o he_o prevent_v a_o real_a penitent_a with_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o labour_v with_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v a_o thorough_a change_n of_o life_n he_o with_o infinite_a charity_n and_o compassion_n come_v forth_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o by_o his_o divine_a aid_n he_o may_v secure_v his_o retreat_n from_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o vile_a affection_n to_o bring_v he_o back_o to_o his_o former_a vain_a and_o wicked_a course_n which_o by_o god_n grace_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o break_v off_o by_o repentance_n and_o when_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n be_v complete_v and_o he_o be_v actual_o return_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n