the_o sun_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o favour_n to_o shine_v alike_o upon_o the_o vicious_a and_o the_o virtuous_a he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o that_o fear_v he_o not_o and_o therefore_o he_o require_v of_o all_o those_o sinner_n that_o hope_v to_o recover_v his_o favour_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o and_o hearty_a remorse_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o actual_a reformation_n of_o their_o evil_a way_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n in_o which_o consist_v that_o repentance_n which_o we_o careful_o describe_v under_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o he_o accept_v beginning_n and_o pardon_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o conversion_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o before_o those_o vital_a principle_n of_o grace_n attain_v their_o full_a maturity_n and_o perfection_n wherefore_o be_v both_o a_o holy_a and_o a_o merciful_a god_n as_o his_o benignity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n prompt_v he_o to_o receive_v such_o into_o mercy_n who_o have_v sincere_a though_o weak_a beginning_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n put_v he_o upon_o require_v full_a measure_n of_o conformity_n to_o himself_o in_o those_o he_o make_v the_o object_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n than_o what_o for_o the_o present_a he_o accept_v of_o in_o consequence_n of_o which_o it_o be_v that_o have_v as_o we_o have_v show_v receive_v the_o penitent_a to_o pardon_v he_o than_o proceed_v to_o make_v he_o a_o vessel_n of_o honour_n fit_a for_o his_o use_n by_o confer_v upon_o he_o further_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n i._n e._n put_v upon_o he_o the_o best_a robe_n agreeable_o to_o which_o sense_n speak_v these_o follow_a scripture_n jo._n 15._o 2._o every_o branch_n in_o i_o that_o bear_v fruit_n he_o purge_v it_o that_o it_o may_v bear_v more_o fruit_n ephes_n 5._o 14._o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o light_n and_o again_o phil._n 1._o 6._o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v also_o perform_v or_o perfect_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o which_o scripture_n plain_o intimate_v thus_o much_o that_o some_o measure_n of_o sincere_a sanctification_n go_v before_o justification_n the_o full_a accomplishment_n of_o which_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v gradual_o attain_v afterward_o it_o be_v among_o the_o well_o know_a paradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o virtue_n be_v equal_a and_o that_o all_o goodness_n consist_v in_o punto_n in_o a_o very_a point_n which_o notion_n mensura_fw-la seneca_n confirm_v and_o explain_v thus_o that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n for_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o than_o true_a and_o therefore_o no_o one_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a than_o another_o that_o be_v true_a so_o say_v he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o rectitude_n of_o humane_a action_n 65._o virtue_n consist_v in_o a_o certain_a proportion_n which_o whatsoever_o exact_o observe_v not_o be_v not_o virtue_n and_o agreeable_o hereto_o plutarch_n report_v the_o say_n of_o aristo_n of_o chios_n moral_a that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o virtue_n which_o therefore_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o health_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o say_n of_o that_o stubborn_a sect_n and_o whatever_o else_o may_v be_v pretend_v by_o such_o as_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n there_o be_v without_o doubt_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o what_o god_n will_v merciful_o accept_v and_o what_o he_o may_v and_o do_v righteous_o require_v between_o those_o low_a degree_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o find_v acceptance_n for_o the_o present_a and_o that_o generous_a state_n of_o holiness_n which_o god_n design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o by_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o follow_v their_o metaphor_n as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o athletic_a health_n and_o that_o proper_a for_o a_o student_n so_o be_v there_o no_o less_o between_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o new_a convert_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o a_o old_a stable_n and_o well_o exercise_v christian_a and_o consequent_o allow_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v still_o room_n for_o further_a improvement_n and_o this_o full_a sanctification_n which_o we_o here_o understand_v by_o the_o best_a robe_n for_o the_o clear_a eviction_n of_o which_o both_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o comfort_v beginner_n for_o the_o present_a and_o also_o to_o cure_v their_o sloth_n and_o security_n for_o the_o future_a i_o subjoin_v these_o three_o particular_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o usual_a stature_n of_o beginner_n and_o the_o high_a attainment_n of_o great_a proficient_o in_o religion_n §_o iii_o 1._o when_o a_o sinner_n be_v new_o convert_v from_o his_o evil_a way_n although_o the_o change_n be_v very_o sincere_a and_o such_o as_o in_o time_n will_v draw_v after_o it_o a_o universal_a reformation_n yet_o usual_o it_o express_v itself_o at_o first_o by_o a_o remarkable_a zeal_n against_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o notorious_a miscarriage_n which_o such_o a_o person_n have_v be_v liable_a to_o and_o do_v not_o present_o amend_v all_o the_o lesser_a deviation_n of_o his_o life_n partly_o because_o perhaps_o he_o do_v not_o yet_o discern_v they_o and_o partly_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o have_v yet_o so_o much_o to_o do_v of_o the_o former_a kind_n as_o to_o employ_v all_o his_o intention_n and_o power_n for_o the_o present_a the_o new_a birth_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o scripture_n represent_v by_o the_o natural_a and_o in_o nothing_o do_v the_o resemblance_n hold_v more_o true_a then_o in_o this_o viz._n as_o in_o nature_n there_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a man_n form_v at_o first_o with_o all_o his_o member_n and_o in_o his_o just_a dimension_n but_o only_o a_o salient_a particle_n a_o little_a fountain_n of_o life_n that_o bubble_n up_o and_o by_o degree_n display_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o curious_a line_n of_o humane_a shape_n so_o here_o in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v a_o vital_a principle_n a_o divine_a particle_n that_o in_o its_o first_o essay_n draw_v only_o a_o heart_n or_o some_o of_o the_o great_a viscera_fw-la of_o the_o new_a man_n but_o be_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a in_o process_n of_o time_n display_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o function_n of_o holy_a life_n they_o therefore_o that_o talk_n of_o a_o instantaneous_a conversion_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n shall_v present_o start_v up_o sound_a and_o perfect_a and_o without_o so_o much_o as_o his_o grave-cloath_n about_o he_o neither_o understand_v themselves_o nor_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o orderly_a and_o almost_o insensible_a progress_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n it_o be_v true_a in_o every_o regenerate_a person_n there_o be_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n a_o resolution_n against_o all_o sin_n a_o detestation_n of_o and_o declare_v hostility_n against_o all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o the_o war_n be_v not_o finish_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v proclaim_v or_o commence_v he_o that_o fight_v against_o principality_n and_o power_n must_v war_v a_o great_a while_n and_o perhaps_o have_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v say_v praelio_fw-la saepe_fw-la bello_fw-la nunquam_fw-la superati_fw-la they_o get_v ground_n daily_o upon_o the_o whole_a though_o sometime_o defeat_v in_o particular_a design_n there_o be_v no_o decretorian_a battle_n nor_o be_v the_o business_n decide_v upon_o a_o push_n it_o be_v sincere_o do_v to_o conquer_v our_o belove_a lust_n and_o great_a enormity_n though_o yet_o some_o small_a infirmity_n be_v not_o vanquish_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v honest_o resolve_v against_o for_o it_o be_v well_o and_o wise_o do_v first_o to_o break_v the_o head_n and_o main_a body_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o glean_v up_o the_o straggler_n if_o once_o the_o principal_a disease_n be_v remedy_v the_o symptom_n will_v by_o degree_n be_v out-grown_a and_o most_o man_n of_o that_o rank_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o find_v it_o a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o come_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o conquer_v wander_a thought_n imperfect_a duty_n and_o beginning_n of_o evil_a beside_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o virtue_n but_o to_o each_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o wise_a prince_n against_o a_o powerful_a enemy_n to_o associate_v not_o only_o their_o friend_n and_o ancient_a ally_n but_o also_o those_o they_o do_v not_o
condition_n not_o to_o his_o mind_n and_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o run_v upon_o adventure_n and_o to_o make_v experiment_n that_o he_o may_v give_v his_o mind_n full_a scope_n and_o contentment_n hence_o it_o be_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o sacred_a language_n be_v call_v reshagnim_n unquiet_a seditious_a and_o turbulent_a pride_n and_o discontent_n prompt_v they_o to_o unruly_a attempt_n against_o god_n dispute_v his_o prerogative_n and_o break_v down_o the_o law_n and_o boundary_n he_o have_v settle_v either_o such_o man_n conceit_n god_n have_v not_o be_v benign_a enough_o in_o the_o provision_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n or_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n be_v too_o many_o and_o too_o hard_a and_o too_o great_a intrenchment_n make_v upon_o humane_a liberty_n thereby_o that_o god_n consult_v his_o own_o prerogative_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o law_n rather_o than_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n that_o man_n may_v be_v more_o happy_a if_o he_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o counsel_n will_v god_n permit_v they_o they_o think_v nothing_o so_o sweet_a as_o meram_fw-la haurire_fw-la libertatem_fw-la pure_a and_o unconfined_a liberty_n that_o all_o restraint_n be_v intolerable_a slavery_n to_o a_o generous_a mind_n and_o imagine_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o admirable_a delight_n in_o those_o thing_n god_n forbid_v have_v thereupon_o a_o mighty_a mind_n and_o huge_a impetus_fw-la upon_o they_o to_o try_v those_o thing_n above_o all_o other_o whatever_o come_v of_o it_o such_o kind_n of_o mutinous_a thought_n such_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n be_v the_o immediate_a issue_n of_o pride_n and_o the_o seminality_n of_o all_o rebellion_n against_o god_n it_o be_v the_o current_a opinion_n of_o divine_n that_o it_o be_v only_o this_o height_n of_o pride_n which_o ruin_v the_o apostate_n angel_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o imaginable_a what_o else_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o regard_n they_o be_v before_o their_o fall_n bright_a intellectual_a being_n no_o cloud_n of_o ignorance_n can_v probable_o so_o overwhelm_v they_o as_o to_o betray_v they_o to_o that_o fatal_a miscarriage_n and_o be_v also_o pure_a spiritual_a substance_n they_o lay_v under_o no_o corporeal_a allurement_n it_o seem_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o conclude_v that_o a_o overween_a reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o height_n fool_v they_o into_o that_o presumption_n to_o forget_v themselves_o and_o to_o vie_v with_o the_o almighty_a and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v plain_o enough_o glance_v at_o by_o the_o prophet_n when_o he_o describe_v the_o fall_n of_o proud_a sennacherib_n isa_n 14._o 12_o 13_o 14._o how_o be_v thou_o fall_v from_o heaven_n o_o lucifer_n son_n of_o the_o morning_n for_o thou_o have_v say_v in_o thy_o heart_n i_o will_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n i_o will_v exalt_v my_o throne_n above_o the_o star_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a etc._n etc._n and_o undoubted_o this_o be_v the_o ruin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o mankind_n first_o turn_v prodigal_a god_n have_v deal_v most_o liberal_o &_o benign_o with_o they_o as_o a_o gracious_a father_n he_o bring_v not_o they_o into_o the_o world_n till_o he_o have_v furnish_v it_o like_o a_o large_a house_n with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o their_o accommodation_n and_o delight_n night_n and_o day_n be_v distinguish_v sea_n and_o land_n separate_v the_o earth_n bless_v a_o paradise_n plant_v with_o all_o delicacy_n and_o then_o he_o bring_v this_o his_o young_a son_n man_n as_o to_o a_o plentiful_a table_n of_o most_o delightful_a entertainment_n beside_o this_o he_o put_v all_o inferior_a creature_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o young_a lord_n and_o master_n nay_o make_v that_o high_a order_n of_o glorious_a spirit_n the_o angel_n to_o minister_v to_o he_o and_o keep_v watch_n about_o he_o and_o above_o all_o place_v he_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n under_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n design_v he_o for_o yet_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a felicity_n as_o his_o favourite_n and_o darling_n now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v put_v somewhat_o a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o he_o it_o ought_v just_o to_o have_v seem_v easy_a and_o reasonable_a be_v sweeten_v by_o so_o great_a obligation_n but_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o show_v that_o in_o this_o also_o he_o remember_v the_o kindness_n of_o a_o father_n make_v his_o law_n and_o government_n as_o gentle_a as_o his_o favour_n be_v great_a for_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o huge_a indulgence_n and_o that_o large_a scope_n of_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n he_o lay_v a_o interdict_v but_o upon_o one_o say_v of_o all_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o garden_n you_o may_v free_o eat_v save_v only_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o garden_n of_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o eat_v lest_o you_o die_v who_o can_v now_o think_v any_o thing_n shall_v become_v a_o temptation_n strong_a enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o debauch_v mankind_n notwithstanding_o here_o the_o serpent_n find_v occasion_n to_o set_v pride_n on_o work_n and_o to_o raise_v a_o discontent_n and_o first_o he_o begin_v thus_o gen._n 3._o 1._o have_v god_n say_v etc._n etc._n q._n d._n be_v it_o not_o a_o mistake_n that_o you_o be_v forbid_v that_o fruit_n be_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o almighty_a possible_o your_o gracious_a creator_n have_v no_o such_o intention_n for_o why_o shall_v you_o be_v restrain_v in_o this_o why_o not_o leave_v perfect_o to_o your_o own_o election_n have_v not_o you_o faculty_n to_o choose_v and_o desire_n to_o gratify_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v curb_v or_o deny_v sure_o he_o never_o make_v a_o power_n which_o be_v not_o to_o come_v into_o act_n nor_o a_o capacity_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v nay_o this_o one_o abridgement_n despoil_v you_o perfect_o of_o your_o liberty_n law_n and_o freedom_n be_v incompetible_a you_o be_v not_o use_v like_o son_n if_o you_o be_v thus_o chain_v up_o and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o set_v such_o a_o fence_n about_o that_o one_o tree_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v it_o to_o exercise_v authority_n arbitrary_o over_o you_o or_o to_o tempt_v your_o patience_n or_o rather_o be_v there_o not_o some_o great_a good_a which_o he_o know_v in_o that_o fruit_n and_o envy_v you_o the_o participation_n of_o why_o shall_v not_o you_o that_o be_v make_v in_o his_o image_n be_v like_a god_n in_o this_o also_o know_v good_a and_o evil_a after_o this_o manner_n the_o old_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n temper_v his_o poison_n partly_o seem_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o command_n partly_o insinuate_a suspicion_n of_o god_n goodness_n but_o principal_o blow_v they_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n which_o while_o they_o swell_v withal_o they_o break_v to_o piece_n and_o thus_o fall_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o same_o tempter_n both_o know_v now_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o encourage_v also_o with_o this_o success_n attempt_v the_o second_o adam_n christ_n jesus_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n matt._n 4._o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o try_v all_o his_o artifices_fw-la upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o assail_v he_o both_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n yet_o if_o we_o careful_o consider_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o effort_n of_o ruine_v he_o by_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n be_v that_o which_o he_o principal_o trust_v to_o and_o aim_v at_o in_o all_o the_o temptation_n but_o more_o conspicuous_o in_o the_o two_o former_a of_o they_o for_o so_o vers_n 3._o when_o find_v he_o a_o hunger_a he_o begin_v thus_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n our_o saviour_n come_v not_o long_o since_o from_o his_o baptism_n and_o then_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n a_o voice_n come_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v of_o which_o the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o make_v his_o advantage_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o q._n d._n if_o god_n own_v thou_o as_o his_o son_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v let_v he_o do_v something_o prodigious_a and_o pompous_a that_o may_v give_v remarkable_a testimony_n to_o it_o use_v thy_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o some_o signal_n miracle_n especial_o to_o supply_v thy_o necessity_n now_o thou_o be_v hungry_a for_o certain_o he_o will_v rather_o do_v that_o then_o suffer_v his_o belove_a son_n to_o
forsake_v thou_o but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o heat_n and_o a_o bravery_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o have_v not_o serious_o consider_v the_o business_n nor_o forecast_v what_o may_v ensue_v there_o be_v no_o mature_a deliberation_n no_o preparation_n for_o a_o real_a encounter_n and_o therefore_o it_o speed_v according_o and_o he_o come_v off_o shameful_o and_o in_o he_o we_o have_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o great_a passion_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n that_o counsel_n and_o deliberation_n ground_n our_o resolution_n by_o which_o mean_v also_o they_o will_v become_v 2._o decretory_n and_o peremptory_a which_o be_v the_o second_o property_n of_o virtuous_a resolution_n there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o a_o affectionate_a discourse_n a_o serious_a sermon_n or_o any_o notable_a accident_n will_v put_v into_o a_o fit_a of_o devotion_n which_o shall_v last_v only_o until_o something_o else_o come_v in_o the_o way_n and_o then_o theformer_n impression_n give_v way_n to_o the_o latter_a these_o we_o common_o call_v good_a nature_a man_n who_o facility_n of_o temper_n put_v they_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o contingency_n and_o they_o be_v good_a and_o bad_a as_o occasion_n serve_v cloud_n they_o be_v without_o water_n carry_v about_o of_o every_o wind_n as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o vers_n 12._o or_o as_o st._n james_n double_v mind_v man_n and_o unstable_a in_o all_o their_o way_n jam._n 1._o 8._o that_o have_v no_o settle_a principle_n nothing_o fix_v and_o constant_a to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o to_o these_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n concern_v his_o son_n reuben_n may_v fit_o be_v apply_v gen._n 49._o 4._o unstable_a as_o water_n therefore_o thou_o shall_v not_o excel_v such_o irresolute_a temper_n can_v never_o arrive_v at_o any_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o doubt_n a_o good_a mind_n to_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n notwithstanding_o whenever_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n then_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v again_o by_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n and_o none_o of_o these_o light_n and_o mutable_a person_n ever_o come_v to_o the_o good_a land_n there_o be_v anakim_v and_o giant_n and_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n run_v in_o their_o head_n which_o enfeeble_v they_o for_o the_o enterprise_n only_a joshua_n and_o caleb_n and_o such_o as_o be_v animate_v by_o their_o brave_a example_n and_o say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v only_o such_o i_o say_v come_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o 1_o king_n 18._o 21._o how_o long_o halt_v you_o between_o two_o opinion_n say_v the_o prophet_n to_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n if_o baal_n be_v god_n serve_v he_o but_o if_o jehovah_n be_v god_n then_o serve_v he_o q._n d._n whether_o you_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n or_o the_o false_a irresolution_n spoil_v all_o devotion_n either_o way_n for_o whilst_o you_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v your_o way_n you_o do_v but_o halt_v towards_o your_o end_n and_o design_n according_o moses_n endeavour_n to_o raise_v a_o generosity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n by_o those_o word_n deut._n 26._o 17._o thou_o have_v vouch_v the_o lord_n this_o day_n to_o be_v thy_o god_n q._n d._n it_o now_o become_v you_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o earnest_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o you_o have_v now_o put_v it_o past_o all_o dispute_n you_o have_v choose_v and_o resolve_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v your_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v consistent_a with_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o a_o faint_a velleity_n when_o man_n shall_v speak_v as_o agrippa_n in_o the_o act_n almost_o thou_o persuade_v i_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v no_o wisdom_n to_o put_v in_o caution_n now_o it_o be_v only_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sluggard_n to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n postquam_fw-la consulueris_fw-la maturè_fw-la facto_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la all_o gallantry_n of_o mind_n be_v now_o after_o deliberation_n to_o take_v up_o a_o immovable_a resolution_n for_o virtue_n be_v neither_o a_o wary_a diffidence_n nor_o a_o hot_a fit_n of_o zeal_n but_o a_o constant_a vital_a heat_n and_o a_o settle_a temper_n of_o mind_n the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n st._n mark_v 10._o 22._o come_v to_o our_o saviour_n good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n he_o think_v it_o a_o fine_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o candidate_n of_o the_o other_o world_n eternal_a life_n which_o our_o saviour_n preach_v and_o promise_v be_v a_o glorious_a and_o very_a desirable_a thing_n and_o he_o can_v be_v well_o content_a to_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o do_v some_o very_a good_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v attain_v it_o for_o indeed_o eternal_a life_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v but_o desire_n to_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v save_v be_v no_o sign_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o man_n must_v express_o hate_v himself_o shall_v he_o do_v otherwise_o thus_o far_o therefore_o he_o be_v right_a but_o after_o all_o this_o he_o go_v away_o sorrowful_a without_o his_o errand_n he_o have_v not_o thorough_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o he_o can_v not_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n like_o the_o wise_a merchant_n to_o sell_v and_o part_n with_o all_o he_o have_v to_o purchase_v this_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n but_o the_o true_a penitent_n set_v down_o a_o immovable_a resolution_n to_o go_v through_o whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o i_o have_v faulter_v too_o long_o already_o faith_n he_o now_o stat_fw-la sententia_fw-la it_o be_v as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n with_o i_o nothing_o shall_v dispense_v with_o my_o purpose_n or_o assoil_v my_o resolution_n i_o will_v now_o return_v and_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 3._o third_z property_n of_o a_o virtuous_a resolution_n it_o be_v de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la a_o present_a resolution_n like_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 119._o vers_fw-la 59_o 60._o i_o think_v upon_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n to_o thy_o precept_n i_o make_v haste_n and_o delay_v not_o to_o keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n q._n d._n my_o consideration_n lead_v i_o to_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o i_o find_v the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o that_o be_v such_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o delay_n i_o therefore_o set_v present_o about_o it_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n which_o commence_v not_o present_o but_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o be_v no_o repentance_n nor_o any_o good_a sign_n of_o grace_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n at_o least_o under_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o who_o have_v ever_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o or_o think_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n but_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o resolve_v to_o become_v a_o new_a man_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o most_o fatal_a cheat_v man_n put_v upon_o themselves_o and_o i_o fear_v now_o there_o be_v multitude_n enter_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o irreversible_a estate_n that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o both_o conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n and_o resolution_n one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o set_v about_o it_o exemplar_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v but_o self-love_n to_o desire_v eternal_a life_n and_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v at_o all_o can_v think_v but_o something_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o or_o so_o think_v can_v so_o desperate_o abandon_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o but_o he_o understand_v not_o sufficient_o either_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n much_o less_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o virtue_n 3_o that_o can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o procrastinate_v and_o adjourn_v the_o resolution_n of_o cast_v off_o the_o former_a and_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o latter_a 19_o for_o where_o the_o mischief_n be_v intolerable_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n 5._o and_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n the_o most_o unspeakable_a and_o high_a that_o can_v be_v on_o the_o other_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o safety_n in_o any_o other_o course_n than_o that_o which_o solomon_n direct_v eccles_n 9_o 10._o whatever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v when_o once_o death_n have_v close_v our_o eye_n the_o time_n of_o probation_n be_v over_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n certain_o shut_v in_o and_o the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_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 q._n d._n it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o importunity_n of_o prayer_n or_o address_n that_o will_v avail_v without_o obedience_n so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o let_v he_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n q._n d._n the_o election_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v frustrate_a nor_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n death_n defeat_v nevertheless_o let_v no_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o one_o nor_o interest_v in_o the_o other_o but_o he_o that_o be_v real_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o not_o to_o heap_v up_o scripture_n unnecessary_o in_o so_o plain_a a_o case_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o a_o walk_n a_o course_n a_o warfare_n a_o life_n etc._n etc._n because_o that_o which_o god_n require_v indispensable_o of_o man_n be_v not_o a_o agony_n or_o passion_n for_o their_o miscarriage_n or_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n but_o a_o habit_n of_o virtuous_a conversation_n and_o all_o this_o be_v graphical_o represent_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o parable_n not_o unlike_o this_o before_o we_o matt._n 21._o vers_fw-la 28_o 29_o etc._n etc._n what_o think_v you_o a_o certain_a man_n have_v two_o son_n and_o he_o say_v to_o the_o first_o son_n go_v work_n to_o day_n in_o my_o vineyard_n he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o will_v not_o but_o afterward_o he_o repent_v and_o go_v and_o he_o come_v to_o the_o second_o and_o say_v likewise_o and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o whether_o of_o they_o twain_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n the_o case_n be_v this_o the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o piety_n they_o complemented_a god_n with_o prayer_n and_o other_o address_n and_o seem_v ready_o press_v for_o his_o service_n whereas_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n have_v live_v with_o as_o little_a pretence_n of_o piety_n as_o morality_n yet_o these_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o danger_n come_v to_o repentance_n and_o real_o perform_v what_o the_o other_o do_v but_o promise_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o story_n in_o plutarch_n very_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n precept_n it_o happen_v that_o the_o image_n of_o minerva_n the_o great_a goddess_n of_o athens_n be_v to_o be_v new_o make_v and_o in_o a_o case_n which_o they_o esteem_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n all_o care_n be_v take_v to_o employ_v the_o most_o accurate_a and_o able_a workman_n whereupon_o every_o artist_n both_o desirous_a of_o the_o honour_n and_o profit_n by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o employment_n but_o among_o the_o rest_n appear_v one_o who_o in_o a_o long_a and_o eloquent_a oration_n magnify_v his_o own_o ability_n in_o that_o kind_n and_o draw_v all_o man_n eye_n upon_o he_o till_o at_o last_o another_o rise_v up_o and_o use_v only_o this_o short_a but_o significant_a say_n whatever_o that_o man_n have_v say_v i_o will_v perform_v this_o man_n no_o doubt_n be_v entertain_v for_o the_o employment_n and_o most_o assure_o the_o man_n who_o actual_o perform_v his_o vow_n and_o do_v what_o other_o talk_v of_o or_o make_v pretence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o find_v acceptance_n with_o the_o almighty_a for_o second_o it_o will_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n very_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o god_n as_o a_o easy_a majesty_n shall_v he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v put_v off_o with_o complemental_a address_n or_o divert_v his_o just_a indignation_n without_o honourable_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o think_v to_o prevail_v with_o he_o by_o costly_a sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n will_v speak_v he_o a_o necessitous_a deity_n that_o can_v either_o be_v please_v with_o such_o trifle_n or_o be_v fond_a of_o such_o empty_a thing_n as_o man_n dote_v upon_o it_o will_v also_o take_v away_o all_o the_o veneration_n of_o his_o law_n and_o divest_v he_o of_o that_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o justice_n if_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o dispense_v with_o obedience_n upon_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n to_o imagine_v that_o sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o will_v propitiate_v he_o charge_v he_o with_o severity_n and_o cruelty_n as_o if_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o calamity_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o creature_n it_o make_v he_o appear_v like_a to_o the_o pagan_a idol_n baal_n who_o priest_n not_o only_o with_o vehement_a importunity_n call_v upon_o he_o from_o morning_n till_o noon_n o_o baal_n hear_v we_o 1_o king_n 18._o but_o in_o a_o frantic_a mood_n leap_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lancet_n till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v move_v his_o compassion_n towards_o they_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o yet_o no_o man_n that_o consider_v these_o thing_n can_v reasonable_o doubt_v but_o god_n may_v abate_v his_o creature_n these_o thing_n if_o he_o please_v and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v very_o sad_a for_o if_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o require_v those_o thing_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o he_o may_v abate_v all_o religion_n be_v make_v arbitrary_a and_o the_o most_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o obedience_n destroy_v and_o the_o horrible_a imputation_n lay_v upon_o god_n that_o if_o he_o damn_v any_o it_o be_v because_o he_o rigid_o insist_o upon_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o may_v have_v indulge_v now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v intolerable_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a that_o the_o only_a way_n of_o propitiate_a the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v by_o be_v sincere_o good_a by_o ingenuous_a compliance_n with_o his_o law_n by_o actual_a reformation_n for_o this_o render_v he_o true_o great_a and_o just_a and_o good_a this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n worthy_a of_o his_o excellency_n when_o all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v make_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o amend_v though_o no_o such_o thing_n actual_o follow_v because_o god_n see_v thing_n in_o their_o cause_n and_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n need_v not_o the_o fruit_n since_o he_o foresee_v it_o in_o the_o root_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o where_o it_o please_v god_n by_o cut_v off_o the_o thread_n of_o man_n life_n to_o interrupt_v the_o prosecution_n of_o their_o intend_a reformation_n there_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n but_o wherever_o he_o afford_v opportunity_n of_o execute_v man_n intention_n there_o at_o least_o can_v be_v no_o just_a expectation_n that_o he_o shall_v admit_v of_o less_o than_o what_o be_v both_o so_o agreeable_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o also_o so_o much_o necessary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o glory_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o the_o divine_a sovereignty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o law_n all_o which_o have_v be_v violate_v by_o sin_n shall_v be_v vindicate_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o sinner_n retract_v his_o own_o act_n and_o do_v contrary_a to_o that_o wherein_o he_o have_v offend_v and_o that_o by_o let_v his_o good_a work_n shine_v before_o man_n he_o may_v glorify_v his_o heavenly_a father_n as_o heretofore_o he_o have_v dishonour_v he_o by_o his_o neglect_n and_o disobedience_n but_o three_o if_o it_o be_v both_o consistent_a with_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o also_o with_o his_o glory_n and_o interest_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o actual_a reformation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o can_v god_n be_v suppose_v inclinable_a to_o dispense_v with_o it_o yet_o the_o very_a condition_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o other_o world_n will_v necessary_o require_v it_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o hebr._fw-la 6._o 9_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n some_o thing_n that_o carry_v such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o other_o world_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v damn_v with_o they_o nor_o save_v without_o they_o or_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v elsewhere_o 1_o col._n 12._o there_o be_v certain_a thing_n that_o make_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o penitent_n pardon_v saint_n t._n peter_n cor_fw-la contritum_fw-la s_o t._n mary_n magdalene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o penitent_n pardon_v or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o repentance_n under_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n by_o j._n goodman_n d._n d._n rectour_n of_o hadham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d s._n chrysost_o london_n print_v by_o e._n flesher_n for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n an._n dom._n mdclxxix_o imprimatur_fw-la hic_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n maii_n 14._o 1678._o guil._n sill_n r._n p._n d._n henr._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la to_o the_o right_n honourable_a arthur_z earl_n of_o essex_n viscount_n malden_n baron_n of_o hadham_n lord_n lieutenant_z of_o the_o county_n of_o hartford_n one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o have_v so_o deep_a a_o sense_n of_o those_o manifold_a and_o great_a favour_n which_o through_o the_o course_n of_o many_o year_n without_o interruption_n it_o have_v please_v your_o lordship_n to_o confer_v upon_o i_o that_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o make_v any_o proportionable_a return_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a for_o i_o to_o omit_v any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v my_o just_a acknowledgement_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o my_o obligation_n to_o your_o lordship_n be_v as_o well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n as_o great_a in_o themselves_o i_o think_v it_o become_v i_o and_o be_o persuade_v all_o man_n but_o your_o lord_n shp_n expect_v it_o from_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o public_a expression_n of_o my_o gratitude_n i_o will_v therefore_o do_v that_o right_n to_o myself_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o i_o first_o deliberate_v about_o the_o adventure_n these_o paper_n to_o the_o press_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a argument_n to_o determine_v i_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o dedication_n of_o this_o part_n of_o my_o study_n to_o your_o lordship_n name_n i_o shall_v have_v opportunity_n of_o perform_v so_o just_a a_o duty_n and_o of_o do_v honour_n to_o so_o great_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o my_o lord_n i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o make_v reflection_n upon_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o be_v quick_o sensible_a how_o great_a a_o error_n my_o zeal_n be_v likely_a to_o betray_v i_o into_o in_o intitle_v a_o work_n almost_o whole_o level_v against_o debauchery_n to_o a_o personage_n of_o so_o severe_a virtue_n and_o sanctity_n for_o i_o consider_v your_o lordship_n early_a as_o well_o as_o eminent_a and_o habitual_a piety_n and_o what_o need_n think_v i_o be_v there_o of_o physic_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o perfect_a health_n and_o if_o as_o s._n paul_n assert_n the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n because_o such_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n suitable_o preach_v to_o those_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n need_v no_o repentance_n thus_o i_o feel_v a_o conflict_n within_o myself_o my_o discretion_n oppose_v the_o design_n of_o my_o gratitude_n and_o my_o present_a reason_n stagger_v my_o former_a resolution_n but_o then_o my_o lord_n i_o consider_v also_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o see_v the_o divine_a majesty_n himself_o be_v well_o please_v with_o those_o oblation_n that_o be_v beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o himself_o nor_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o happiness_n i_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o your_o lordship_n who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o zeal_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n will_v permit_v your_o name_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o countenance_v a_o design_n of_o bring_v man_n home_n to_o god_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o of_o recover_v the_o age_n from_o the_o mischief_n of_o extravagancy_n and_o debauchery_n which_o it_o too_o lamentable_o groan_v under_o and_o this_o my_o lord_n refixed_n my_o resolution_n to_o entitle_v your_o lordship_n to_o this_o plain_a piece_n of_o practical_a divinity_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o hope_v that_o the_o direct_v man_n eye_n and_o thought_n to_o so_o great_a and_o rare_a a_o example_n of_o clear_a and_o unspotted_a virtue_n amid_o all_o the_o disturbance_n of_o business_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o a_o plentiful_a fortune_n will_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v all_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o heroic_a goodness_n and_o may_v have_v as_o much_o efficacy_n to_o convince_v and_o shame_v they_o out_o of_o their_o folly_n as_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o encourage_v their_o amendment_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o as_o well_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o my_o book_n as_o of_o my_o gratitude_n make_v a_o draught_n of_o your_o lordship_n in_o your_o full_a proportion_n that_o be_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v you_o as_o great_a as_o your_o own_o virtue_n add_v to_o the_o nobility_n of_o your_o blood_n have_v make_v you_o i_o may_v if_o my_o skill_n fail_v i_o not_o exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n a_o piece_n of_o that_o masculine_a perfection_n wherein_o the_o most_o curious_a will_v not_o know_v what_o to_o desire_v nor_o the_o most_o envious_a what_o to_o suspect_v forasmuch_o as_o not_o only_o this_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o that_o of_o ireland_n but_o several_a of_o the_o neighbour_n state_n and_o kingdom_n also_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o your_o lordship_n steadiness_n in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n your_o loyalty_n to_o your_o prince_n your_o piety_n humanity_n justice_n temperance_n prudence_n courage_n and_o all_o other_o great_a and_o illustrious_a ornament_n nor_o do_v i_o fear_v by_o such_o a_o character_n to_o derive_v any_o envy_n upon_o your_o lordship_n since_o very_o few_o of_o your_o laurel_n be_v the_o mere_a favour_n of_o fortune_n but_o that_o reward_n of_o virtue_n the_o acquest_n of_o prudence_n and_o conduct_n and_o win_v by_o wise_a counsel_n by_o generous_a resolution_n and_o noble_a employment_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o man_n will_v not_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o envy_n the_o effect_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o bravery_n to_o imitate_v the_o cause_n thus_o my_o lord_n i_o can_v satisfy_v my_o own_o conscience_n and_o do_v right_a to_o the_o world_n in_o set_v before_o they_o such_o a_o pattern_n as_o will_v at_o once_o inflame_v the_o generous_a and_o shame_v the_o slothful_a and_o vicious_a but_o i_o know_v your_o lordship_n temper_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o your_o mind_n too_o well_o to_o think_v that_o hereby_o i_o shall_v do_v a_o acceptable_a service_n to_o your_o lordship_n wherefore_o i_o add_v no_o more_o but_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o it_o will_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o bless_v your_o lordship_n and_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o pious_a countess_n with_o long_a life_n and_o prosperity_n to_o succeed_v your_o lordship_n study_n and_o endeavour_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o religion_n your_o prince_n and_o country_n and_o to_o preserve_v your_o hopeful_a offspring_n that_o they_o may_v uphold_v your_o family_n name_n and_o honour_n to_o after_o generation_n this_o my_o lord_n be_v the_o constant_a duty_n and_o shall_v be_v the_o incessant_a desire_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a servant_n jo._n goodman_n octob._n 1._o 1678._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o these_o paper_n may_v a_o little_a surprise_v some_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n they_o may_v fall_v not_o so_o much_o in_o regard_n that_o this_o subject_n have_v be_v handle_v by_o other_o for_o i_o modest_o hope_v that_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v see_v or_o hear_v of_o from_o other_o pen_n this_o discourse_n may_v have_v its_o place_n and_o use_v but_o because_o i_o be_o aware_a that_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n who_o have_v be_v privy_a to_o my_o intention_n and_o to_o the_o course_n of_o my_o study_n have_v make_v i_o a_o debtor_n to_o the_o public_a of_o a_o work_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o this_o which_o i_o now_o present_a and_o i_o be_o not_o unwilling_a so_o far_o to_o own_o the_o obligation_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v now_o for_o a_o good_a time_n apply_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o discovery_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a and_o i_o do_v hope_n if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o continue_v i_o life_n and_o health_n that_o in_o due_a time_n i_o shall_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n acquit_v the_o credit_n of_o
my_o friend_n in_o that_o point_n and_o satisfy_v the_o expectation_n of_o sober_a man_n but_o because_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o importance_n require_v the_o most_o mature_a deliberation_n and_o exact_a discussion_n and_o because_o i_o willing_o confess_v myself_o to_o be_v none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v as_o wise_a at_o the_o first_o prospect_n of_o a_o business_n as_o ever_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v and_o who_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n present_o jump_v into_o a_o infallibility_n of_o opinion_n which_o they_o can_v never_o after_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o retract_v or_o outgrow_a i_o therefore_o think_v it_o both_o fit_a and_o safe_a that_o a_o work_n of_o that_o nature_n shall_v be_v digest_v by_o several_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o ripen_v by_o time_n which_o certain_o be_v the_o best_a counsellor_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o account_n kind_a reader_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o more_o close_a and_o speculative_a this_o plain_a and_o practical_a discourse_n be_v now_o put_v into_o thy_o hand_n and_o recommend_v to_o thy_o candour_n which_o notwithstanding_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v be_v not_o altogether_o so_o remote_a from_o the_o design_n of_o the_o other_o as_o may_v at_o first_o glimpse_n be_v imagine_v for_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n gal._n 5._o 20._o reckon_v heresy_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n as_o if_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o man_n opinion_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o irregularity_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o man_n mind_n deprave_a and_o bias_v by_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o animal_n power_n and_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v not_o only_o very_o witty_a man_n to_o be_v oftentimes_o most_o absurd_o and_o barbarous_o vicious_a but_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a we_o shall_v see_v very_o bad_a man_n of_o very_a good_a opinion_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a very_o good_a and_o virtuous_a person_n under_o most_o silly_a and_o despicable_a persuasion_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o reason_n and_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o so_o much_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o either_o natural_a probity_n or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o last_o mention_v case_n or_o else_o interest_n and_o humour_n in_o the_o other_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o the_o platonist_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o may_v calculate_v what_o religious_a pretension_n most_o man_n will_v be_v of_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o their_o temper_n or_o interest_n for_o so_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o swagger_a hector_n become_v a_o easy_a proselyte_n to_o the_o hobbian_a philosophy_n a_o licentious_a voluptuary_n present_o commence_v a_o epicurean_a atheist_n and_o a_o undevout_a temper_n set_v up_o for_o a_o theist_n or_o something_o worse_o upon_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o most_o successful_a way_n of_o recover_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o put_v they_o under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o be_v to_o imitate_v physician_n who_o when_o the_o head_n be_v ill_o affect_v apply_v not_o immediate_o to_o that_o which_o though_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n be_v seldom_o primary_o affect_v but_o to_o the_o stomach_n or_o hypochondria_n or_o some_o other_o inferior_a faculty_n which_o influence_n upon_o it_o and_o make_v it_o bear_v a_o share_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o respective_a disorder_n agreeable_o whereunto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o strike_v at_o debauchery_n as_o at_o the_o root_n of_o most_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o do_v not_o more_o deform_v man_n life_n then_o distort_v their_o reason_n and_o either_o stifle_v or_o pervert_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o though_o i_o will_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o libel_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o by_o rip_v up_o the_o disorder_n thereof_o thereby_o to_o raise_v the_o value_n of_o this_o small_a performance_n yet_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v both_o design_v public_a good_a in_o this_o undertake_n and_o not_o vary_v from_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o be_v my_o first_o projection_n but_o dismiss_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o that_o kind_n as_o for_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o have_v neither_o such_o a_o fondness_n to_o my_o own_o production_n nor_o be_o so_o much_o a_o stranger_n either_o to_o the_o humour_n of_o man_n or_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o have_v be_v much_o easy_a to_o have_v gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o both_o some_o other_o way_n notwithstanding_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o day_n more_o light_a than_o heat_n and_o less_o seriousness_n then_o either_o and_o consequent_o more_o need_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n shall_v be_v stir_v up_o than_o any_o notion_n start_v or_o controversy_n move_v i_o be_o therefore_o apt_a to_o hope_v this_o labour_n will_v not_o seem_v unseasonable_a or_o however_o i_o be_o well_o content_a to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o have_v rather_o save_v one_o soul_n then_o please_v ten_o thousand_o i_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o serious_a but_o may_v be_v expose_v to_o drollery_n by_o atheistical_a wit_n who_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n not_o to_o spare_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n itself_o and_o i_o know_v the_o world_n be_v never_o free_a from_o a_o sort_n of_o idle_a invidious_a person_n who_o find_v it_o a_o far_o easy_a matter_n to_o find_v fault_n then_o to_o mend_v carp_n at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v public_a under_o this_o only_a security_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o unprofitableness_n and_o sloth_n no_o body_n can_v find_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o wherein_o to_o pay_v they_o in_o their_o own_o coin_n neither_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v i_o trouble_v myself_o about_o and_o as_o for_o wise_a man_n i_o know_v they_o will_v see_v many_o imperfection_n in_o this_o book_n but_o they_o will_v also_o pardon_v they_o especial_o consider_v that_o no_o man_n can_v think_v or_o write_v in_o all_o thing_n just_a to_o the_o gust_n of_o another_o but_o only_o those_o that_o have_v mercenary_a pen_n and_o parasytical_a prostitute_a conscience_n it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o i_o design_n to_o profit_v by_o this_o discourse_n will_v think_v they_o observe_v some_o very_a necessary_a thing_n omit_v or_o but_o slight_o touch_v upon_o such_o as_o especial_o concern_v faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o my_o answer_n be_v that_o i_o will_v as_o glad_o and_o as_o copious_o have_v discourse_v on_o that_o point_n as_o any_o other_o have_v either_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o design_n or_o indeed_o the_o series_n of_o the_o parable_n lead_v i_o thereto_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v good_a to_o as_o many_o as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o none_o neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o greek_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n seem_v obscure_a in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o this_o book_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o that_o read_v on_o shall_v find_v it_o clear_v up_o in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v unadvised_o deliver_v which_o god_n forbid_v that_o be_v either_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n i_o wish_v it_o unsay_v and_o hereby_o retract_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n the_o bookseller_n be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o charge_n to_o represent_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o sculpture_n which_o if_o it_o serve_v either_o to_o illustrate_v the_o matter_n or_o to_o invite_v thy_o attention_n the_o cost_n be_v well_o bestow_v the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a part_n and_o chapter_n of_o this_o work_n part_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o curious_a and_o admirable_a structure_n of_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n brief_o represent_v page_z 1_o 2._o the_o special_a design_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o the_o usefullness_n of_o explain_v it_o and_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o author_n in_o the_o present_a explication_n p._n 3_o 4_o 5._o of_o parable_n in_o general_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o gentile_a oracle_n old_a philosopher_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o the_o figurative_a way_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 5_o 6._o some_o reason_n of_o the_o affect_a obscurity_n of_o pagan_a writer_n p._n 7._o reason_n of_o the_o