and_o promise_v as_o fair_a as_o the_o good_a corn_n but_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v nigh_o that_o the_o corn_n shall_v appear_v and_o come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n than_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n and_o what_o appear_v so_o well_o at_o first_o be_v then_o find_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a noxious_a weed_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v too_o often_o in_o religion_n many_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o semblance_n of_o piety_n attend_v the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o much_o seem_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n listen_v to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n as_o that_o dew_n of_o heaven_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o fruitful_a as_o earnest_o as_o other_o do_v and_o this_o look_n very_o well_o and_o be_v as_o far_o as_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v discern_v for_o the_o present_a as_o hopeful_a a_o beginning_n as_o need_v be_v desire_v the_o real_o good_a seed_n can_v send_v 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for_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o vain_a hope_n from_o a_o formal_a customary_a religion_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a much_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o vanity_n for_o unless_o his_o religion_n make_v he_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v see_v in_o all_o his_o conversation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o make_v a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o it_o at_o church_n and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o most_o provoke_a mockery_n of_o god_n and_o a_o unnatural_a starve_v of_o the_o soul_n with_o such_o fantastic_a food_n and_o will_v consign_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o a_o hypocritical_a religion_n will_v have_v a_o very_a sad_a consequence_n in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o it_o expose_v man_n to_o much_o shame_n and_o contempt_n in_o this_o for_o every_o man_n that_o see_v such_o great_a show_n of_o religion_n such_o pretence_n to_o christian_a virtue_n will_v natural_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o man_n all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o that_o to_o his_o devotion_n and_o show_n of_o godliness_n at_o church_n be_v add_v sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n in_o his_o conversation_n and_o intercourse_n with_o men._n as_o when_o man_n see_v the_o first_o sprouting_n and_o flourish_a of_o a_o field_n that_o be_v sow_o with_o good_a grain_n they_o expect_v to_o find_v increase_n of_o the_o same_o good_a fruit_n but_o when_o after_o all_o this_o fair_a and_o florid_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n there_o appear_v nothing_o but_o tare_n and_o the_o man_n be_v over_o run_v with_o wicked_a habit_n and_o vile_a affection_n little_a or_o no_o sign_n of_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o mind_n but_o rather_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o dishonesty_n in_o his_o deal_n lie_v and_o collusion_n instead_o of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n pride_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o purity_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o such_o vileness_n as_o this_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o a_o man_n show_n of_o religion_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n pharisee_n like_o a_o white_v sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o but_o within_o full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v sometime_o for_o fashion_n sake_n to_o visit_v it_o but_o always_o leave_v it_o there_o behind_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o its_o company_n abroad_o now_o such_o hypocrisy_n as_o this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o hateful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instead_o of_o gain_v reputation_n to_o a_o man_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v he_o a_o common_a scorn_n man_n can_v but_o discover_v the_o abominable_a cheat_n and_o they_o can_v but_o hate_v and_o detest_v it_o tare_n will_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o be_v tare_n and_o the_o soon_o for_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn._n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pretend_v to_o conceal_v under_o a_o fair_a appearance_n what_o will_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n discover_v it_o self_n and_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o hatred_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o next_o and_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o well_o as_o put_v on_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o the_o next_o thing_n it_o inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o holy_a angel_n 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have_v his_o further_a command_n and_o with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o intention_n of_o great_a charity_n to_o we_o poor_a mortal_n they_o offer_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o those_o scandalous_a hypocritical_a member_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n observer_n and_o that_o for_o excellent_a purpose_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o christian_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o this_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o from_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o attentive_a reader_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n must_v often_o have_v observe_v of_o which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o that_o give_v most_o light_a to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a mention_n st._n paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11.10_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n ought_v woman_n to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v in_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v lest_o any_o thing_n indecent_a shall_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o pure_a spirit_n who_o be_v present_a as_o god_n spy_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o men._n the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o one_a chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v likewise_o very_o plain_a to_o this_o purpose_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o angel_n be_v they_o not_o all_o say_v he_o as_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o
together_o and_o they_o both_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o mind_v their_o own_o petty_a affair_n and_o which_o may_v have_v be_v as_o well_o let_v alone_o till_o another_o time_n before_o that_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n do_v they_o in_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n and_o they_o may_v well_o believe_v such_o excuse_n will_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o provoke_v the_o king_n to_o anger_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o favour_n make_v thus_o light_a of_o and_o man_n common_a business_n prefer_v before_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n too_o many_o now-adays_a be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o plead_v business_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n in_o excuse_n of_o their_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n our_o calling_n must_v be_v follow_v business_n must_v be_v do_v our_o family_n must_v be_v maintain_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v be_v much_o at_o leisure_n for_o religion_n at_o the_o present_a when_o the_o fatigue_n of_o this_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v over_o and_o we_o draw_v near_o the_o other_o then_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o and_o this_o though_o few_o man_n will_v speak_v it_o out_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o too_o many_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o practice_n and_o true_o some_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o declare_v this_o open_o now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o business_n must_v be_v mind_v and_o our_o family_n maintain_v and_o industry_n be_v as_o much_o a_o christian_a duty_n as_o any_o other_o and_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o piety_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n and_o will_v not_o commute_v for_o a_o neglect_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nay_o this_o sort_n of_o industry_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o piety_n and_o provide_v the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o commendable_a to_o abate_v of_o our_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o next_o thus_o when_o jesus_n come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o martha_n and_o mary_n and_o martha_n out_o of_o a_o commendable_a zeal_n to_o entertain_v he_o well_o be_v busy_v in_o make_v ready_a provision_n for_o he_o while_o mary_n set_v at_o his_o foot_n listen_v to_o his_o divine_a instruction_n when_o martha_n complain_v to_o he_o that_o her_o sister_n have_v leave_v all_o the_o trouble_v to_o she_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o order_v that_o she_o shall_v help_v she_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o she_o martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v above_o all_o needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o luk._n 10.40_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_o in_o his_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n mat._n 6.24_o 25._o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n say_v our_o lord_n therefore_o take_v no_o thought_n i.e._n no_o anxious_a over_o eager_a concern_v for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o be_v clothe_v but_o verse_n 33._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 seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n let_v it_o be_v your_o principle_n care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o then_o a_o moderate_a care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_n with_o god_n blessing_n which_o alone_o can_v give_v prosperity_n be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o be_v too_o common_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o first_o provide_v with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o at_o last_o think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v such_o a_o ungodly_a and_o unreasonable_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o bitter_a remorse_n at_o last_o and_o utter_a confusion_n so_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a be_v this_o first_o excuse_n man_n offer_v for_o their_o not_o entertain_v religion_n so_o affectionate_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v namely_o that_o they_o have_v buy_v farm_n and_o ox_n and_o must_v look_v after_o they_o i._n e._n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n the_o other_o excuse_v offer_v in_o the_o parable_n for_o absent_v from_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n be_v the_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n the_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o new_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v no_o appetite_n for_o those_o at_o the_o king_n son_n wedding_n and_o this_o as_o little_a of_o validity_n as_o it_o have_v in_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n very_o often_o plead_v by_o man_n against_o their_o meddle_v with_o religion_n at_o least_o at_o present_a they_o be_v young_a they_o say_v and_o in_o the_o age_n of_o pleasure_n and_o jollity_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o sweet_a to_o they_o and_o religion_n be_v too_o austere_a for_o they_o as_o yet_o what_o pleasure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o their_o propension_n and_o inclination_n and_o therefore_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o they_o do_v leave_v these_o present_a satisfaction_n but_o enjoy_v they_o while_o they_o can_v and_o afterward_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o may_v advert_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n which_o though_o they_o have_v hear_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o they_o can_v frame_v any_o so_o lovely_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o leave_v what_o by_o experience_n they_o find_v so_o grateful_a to_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o young_a person_n express_v but_o many_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o own_v it_o plain_o but_o since_o they_o talk_v of_o experience_n i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o more_o disappointment_n than_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o great_a sensual_a pleasure_n they_o have_v enjoy_v the_o thing_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o they_o tacit_o confess_v it_o by_o shift_a pleasure_n so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v for_o where_o there_o be_v satisfaction_n what_o need_v of_o change_n and_o i_o may_v likewise_o bold_o assert_v this_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o very_a many_o that_o have_v taste_v both_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n those_o of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o flow_v from_o a_o sincere_a religion_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o study_a gratification_n of_o sense_n nay_o even_o those_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n relish_v much_o better_a for_o be_v season_v with_o religion_n so_o that_o to_o neglect_v religion_n out_o of_o a_o fondness_n for_o pleasure_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v run_v from_o a_o fountain_n because_o he_o be_v parch_v with_o thirst_n no_o pleasure_n certain_o like_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o once_o drink_v of_o those_o river_n of_o delight_n that_o flow_v from_o she_o will_v never_o thirst_v again_o after_o the_o taint_a puddle_n of_o brutal_a enjoyment_n for_o her_o way_n only_o be_v way_n of_o sincere_a and_o unmixed_a pleasure_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o suppose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v indeed_o as_o great_a as_o some_o man_n after_o all_o their_o baulks_n and_o disappointment_n will_v still_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o austere_a and_o rugged_a thing_n and_o but_o little_a or_o no_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yet_o since_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v very_o short_a and_o momentary_a and_o must_v certain_o die_v with_o we_o and_o general_o leave_v we_o long_o before_o we_o die_v and_o since_o religion_n how_o unpleasant_a soever_o here_o will_v secure_v to_o we_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o unconceivable_a pleasure_n that_o be_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o rational_a man_n but_o will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a childish_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o plead_v our_o fondness_n of_o the_o gaiety_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v like_o a_o child_n slight_v a_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o rather_o pursue_v a_o empty_a
final_o want_v in_o a_o sufficient_a degree_n to_o such_o as_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o in_o another_o parable_n mark_v 4.26_o which_o for_o its_o near_a resemblance_n to_o this_o and_o the_o next_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a particular_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o of_o grace_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v he_o know_v not_o how_o from_o the_o blade_n to_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o when_o the_o fruit_n be_v ripe_a he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v come_v that_o be_v though_o good_a man_n progress_n in_o religion_n oftentime_o be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a as_o they_o may_v and_o wish_n yet_o though_o almost_o insensible_o it_o may_v daily_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o at_o last_o the_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v visible_a in_o their_o conversation_n therefore_o let_v not_o a_o slow_a improvement_n discourage_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a of_o make_v still_o high_a advances_n but_o let_v he_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o already_o have_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n still_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o with_o patience_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o more_o plentiful_a increase_n in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o and_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a when_o a_o husbandman_n sow_n his_o seed_n if_o he_o sow_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n we_o know_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v in_o a_o proportionable_a abundance_n and_o when_o he_o sow_n more_o spare_o and_o the_o soil_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o increase_n his_o expectation_n be_v according_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n from_o such_o as_o be_v of_o pregnant_a part_n and_o ability_n able_a to_o entertain_v and_o consider_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o enjoy_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n all_o the_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o abundant_a increase_n from_o such_o man_n as_o these_o god_n will_v expect_v much_o fruit_n even_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o hundred-fold_a they_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v so_o rich_o in_o they_o line_n upon_o line_n precept_n upon_o precept_n treasure_n of_o instruction_n heap_v one_o upon_o another_o a_o scanty_a penurious_a increase_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v much_o less_o a_o total_a and_o entire_a barrenness_n excuse_v for_o so_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6.7_o 8._o the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o our_o lord_n in_o very_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n say_v the_o same_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n alike_o nor_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n either_o in_o the_o sow_v of_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soil_n god_n will_v proportionable_o abate_v in_o his_o expectation_n of_o increase_n but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o increase_n from_o every_o man_n yet_o he_o will_v expect_v some_o if_o not_o a_o hundred-fold_a yet_o sixty_o or_o if_o not_o sixty_o yet_o at_o least_o thirty_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v myriad_o of_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n who_o receive_v the_o seed_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o considerable_a increase_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o unfruitful_a as_o if_o their_o soul_n have_v lie_v always_o fallow_a and_o be_v never_o cultivate_v and_o impregnate_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a instruction_n let_v such_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o immortal_a soul_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o that_o stupid_a numbness_n and_o insensibility_n that_o so_o fatal_o beset_v they_o and_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v when_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o god_n will_v gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n and_o dispose_v they_o in_o his_o heavenly_a garner_n when_o at_o that_o great_a day_n our_o lord_n shall_v expect_v fruit_n from_o the_o seed_n that_o he_o have_v sow_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n wickedness_n and_o impurity_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n they_o will_v be_v in_o when_o their_o unfruitfulness_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o number_n and_o sharpness_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n increase_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o they_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o frequent_o importune_v they_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o way_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o his_o testimony_n and_o be_v no_o long_o unprofitable_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n and_o how_o soon_o god_n alone_o can_v tell_v and_o perhaps_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v the_o last_o invitation_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o some_o that_o hear_v it_o may_v ever_o have_v or_o at_o least_o the_o last_o that_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o fruitful_a wherefore_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n shall_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n consider_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o this_o of_o mat._n 13.12_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o the_o instruction_n he_o have_v already_o hear_v shall_v receive_v abundant_o more_o grace_n far_o great_a assistance_n and_o much_o large_a and_o more_o frequent_a shower_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n than_o ever_o former_o he_o do_v christ_n will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v express_v rev._n 3.20_o that_o be_v will_v free_o communicate_v to_o he_o of_o his_o divine_a favour_n and_o refreshment_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a festivity_n and_o joy_n between_o they_o his_o saviour_n will_v take_v he_o into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v his_o brother_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n that_o be_v as_o tender_o regard_v by_o he_o as_o those_o dear_a relative_n and_o how_o must_v that_o soul_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v which_o be_v thus_o plentiful_o water_v with_o shower_n above_o and_o enrich_v with_o stream_n issue_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o intolerable_a will_v be_v his_o misery_n that_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v these_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o a_o careless_a hearer_n only_o deceive_a sad_o
yet_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o mind_v other_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o danger_n and_o heedless_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v habitual_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o pit_n of_o bottomless_a destruction_n which_o will_v at_o length_n swallow_v up_o the_o incorrigible_o wicked_a and_o yet_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o it_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_a but_o suppose_v some_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v innumerable_a more_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o live_v according_o and_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n methinks_v shall_v be_v a_o better_a argument_n in_o the_o affirmative_a than_o the_o infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o a_o few_o titular_a christian_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o though_o to_o a_o man_n that_o style_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o believe_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o he_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o nothing_o yet_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v real_o and_o indeed_o a_o fiction_n for_o that_o may_v be_v assure_o true_a and_o that_o to_o their_o cost_n which_o some_o man_n dont_fw-fr care_n to_o believe_v thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o go_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o though_o some_o be_v much_o scandalize_v at_o it_o and_o raise_v a_o objection_n from_o it_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n that_o make_v a_o christian_n he_o only_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o that_o to_o a_o right_a belief_n adjoin_v good_a work_n the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n or_o the_o tare_n the_o bad_a or_o good_a professor_n of_o christianity_n respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n christ_n by_o teach_v a_o holy_a reliligion_n to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o shall_v conduct_v man_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o by_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o do_v endeavour_n to_o make_v all_o man_n happy_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o sin_n be_v weed_v out_o of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o misery_n in_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o which_o after_o a_o persevere_v righteousness_n here_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o instate_v the_o devil_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o great_a enemy_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n make_v it_o his_o great_a endeavour_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o wiles_n â—nd_v stratagem_n to_o obliterate_v the_o divine_a impression_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n upon_o man_n soul_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o attend_v to_o its_o great_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o duration_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o here_o lie_v the_o only_a scene_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o a_o future_a felicity_n or_o misery_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o amuse_v and_o frighten_v child_n withal_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n be_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v gratify_v they_o to_o the_o full_a and_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o mortify_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v make_v ourselves_o happy_a while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o not_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o uncertain_a reversion_n and_o when_o he_o can_v whole_o blot_v out_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v it_o by_o persuade_v we_o that_o a_o very_a little_a religion_n will_v serve_v turn_n see_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o so_o merciful_a a_o god_n and_o if_o by_o these_o mean_n or_o the_o like_a of_o which_o he_o have_v great_a variety_n he_o can_v incline_v man_n if_o not_o entire_o to_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n yet_o like_o tare_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o name_n and_o appearance_n of_o christian_n and_o live_v at_o loose_a and_o random_n and_o follow_v the_o stream_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o desire_n and_o his_o sly_a insinuation_n and_o tempt_a delusion_n then_o he_o have_v his_o end_n and_o will_v at_o length_n cheat_v they_o of_o the_o happiness_n that_o christ_n design_v they_o and_o decoy_n they_o into_o his_o own_o possession_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o portion_n of_o tare_n and_o noxious_a weed_n that_o furnace_n of_o fire_n prepare_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o angel_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o tender_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n we_o must_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o observant_a that_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o this_o our_o great_a enemy_n whatever_o will_v disparage_v religion_n or_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o good_a life_n come_v certain_o from_o that_o infernal_a tempter_n the_o temptation_n to_o a_o excessive_a gratification_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n assure_o come_v from_o he_o the_o opportunity_n of_o vice_n be_v of_o his_o dispose_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o engage_v we_o in_o so_o great_a a_o love_n and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abomination_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o happiness_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o bless_a motion_n that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o often_o feel_v to_o a_o more_o pious_a and_o holy_a conversation_n must_v be_v thankful_o embrace_v and_o cheerful_o follow_v as_o the_o direction_n and_o excitation_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n to_o what_o be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n they_o be_v those_o heavenly_a dew_n which_o will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n and_o improve_v their_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o holiness_n and_o if_o sincere_o cooperate_v with_o will_v at_o length_n bring_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o perfection_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o bad_a and_o good_a under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n as_o good_a corn_n and_o weed_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 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 together_o with_o the_o improvement_n of_o each_o consideration_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o before_o i_o quite_o leave_v this_o particular_a i_o shall_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o promiscuous_a mixture_n of_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o god_n suffering_n it_o to_o be_v so_o without_o any_o extraordinary_a discrimination_n from_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o some_o to_o object_n as_o too_o many_o do_v against_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o our_o church_n because_o as_o they_o say_v we_o admit_v any_o that_o will_v come_v even_o those_o that_o have_v be_v scandalous_a liver_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o solemnity_n be_v profane_v and_o make_v less_o beneficial_a to_o the_o good_a but_o now_o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v that_o we_o admit_v any_o that_o will_v come_v though_o man_n of_o ill_a life_n i_o say_v not_o grant_v this_o for_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o false_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o communicant_n before_o and_o at_o the_o solemnity_n and_o from_o the_o rubric_n of_o that_o office_n and_o from_o the_o 26_o 27_o and_o 28_o cannon_n of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o minister_n be_v express_o forbid_v to_o admit_v notorious_a offender_n schismatic_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o communion_n but_o suppose_v this_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o false_a as_o to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v true_a as_o to_o some_o particular_a minister_n why_o must_v communicate_v with_o such_o minister_n and_o as_o we_o think_v in_o such_o profane_a company_n be_v unchristian_o abstain_v from_o and_o the_o minister_n declaim_v against_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n at_o this_o rate_n they_o may_v as_o well_o desert_a the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o ill_a man_n be_v intermxied_a in_o all_o though_o they_o may_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o if_o their_o company_n
say_v to_o his_o angelical_a reaper_n gather_v you_o first_o together_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n and_o according_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o that_o have_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o it_o and_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o christianity_n have_v do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n that_o be_v when_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o whole_a intelligent_a creation_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n man_n to_o receive_v their_o several_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n according_a to_o their_o several_a desert_n and_o angel_n to_o execute_v these_o sentence_n then_o shall_v the_o sincere_o good_a christian_n indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v place_v by_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o just_a judge_n and_o after_o a_o display_v of_o their_o excellent_a piety_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n hear_v this_o joyful_a sound_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o be_v immediate_o catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o dear_a lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o from_o thenceforth_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n have_v crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n place_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o loud_a and_o rapturous_a halleluja_n in_o their_o mouth_n whilst_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o know_v no_o more_o of_o christianity_n than_o the_o name_n in_o who_o religion_n be_v only_o show_v and_o formality_n have_v no_o real_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o piety_n whilst_o these_o shall_v find_v to_o their_o confusion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v place_v on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v doom_v to_o depart_v for_o ever_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n into_o eternal_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n then_o will_v the_o good_a find_v by_o a_o happy_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o however_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o discourage_v here_o their_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o will_v the_o mock_v hypocritical_a christian_n be_v sad_o assure_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o plea_n of_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o at_o his_o table_n and_o of_o his_o have_v teach_v in_o their_o street_n that_o without_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n for_o cringe_v and_o fawn_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o magnificent_a title_n lord_n lord_n jesus_n saviour_n but_o hee_v little_a his_o commandment_n they_o shall_v be_v reject_v with_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o then_o will_v god_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o find_v to_o be_v not_o a_o unconcern_v spectator_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o a_o wise_a all-knowing_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o throne_n then_o will_v there_o be_v eternal_a joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o the_o blissful_a beatify_v soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n in_o the_o wretched_a company_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o ever_o 4.1_o mal._n 4.1_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o prophet_n malachi_n that_o shall_v burn_v like_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o all_o they_o that_o do_v wicked_o shall_v be_v as_o stubble_n and_o the_o day_n that_o come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v burn_v they_o up_o that_o it_o shall_v leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n 9.6_o rev._n 9.6_o and_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v man_n seek_v death_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o shall_v desire_v to_o die_v and_o death_n shall_v flee_v from_o they_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n since_o from_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o a_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n may_v pass_v well_o enough_o in_o this_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o no_o open_a discrimination_n or_o punishment_n from_o god_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o after_o reckon_a when_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o their_o vile_a hypocrisy_n and_o secret_a impiety_n lay_v open_a before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n of_o great_a severity_n pay_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n since_o this_o be_v true_a it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o name_n and_o appearance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o true_a disciple_n of_o this_o holy_a institution_n by_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n diligent_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v of_o this_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a remember_v that_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o prayer_n i._o o_o holy_a saviour_n jesus_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o our_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o who_o expect_v our_o concurrence_n with_o thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o sincerity_n permit_v thy_o and_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o scatter_v his_o hellish_a injection_n where_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o heavenly_a doctrine_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o so_o to_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o life-giving_a spirit_n that_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o happiness_n may_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o active_a as_o to_o manifest_v that_o i_o be_o thou_o not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v ever_o esteem_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o i_o feel_v to_o a_o progressive_a holiness_n to_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v my_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o may_v i_o always_o thankful_o and_o cheerful_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o and_o whatever_o thought_n and_o inclination_n tend_v to_o discourage_v sincere_a religion_n and_o persuade_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n help_v i_o to_o reject_v they_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o indignation_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n to_o involve_v i_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o since_o it_o be_v while_n we_o sleep_v that_o our_o great_a adversary_n sow_n these_o his_o tare_n give_v i_o grace_n o_o bless_a jesus_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o rouse_v from_o my_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n and_o shake_v off_o my_o dream_n of_o vanity_n lest_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n at_o length_n prove_v fatal_a and_o betray_v i_o into_o eternal_a death_n ii_o thou_o have_v assure_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o our_o probation_n o_o therefore_o grant_v that_o now_o in_o this_o our_o day_n all_o we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o embrace_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n that_o by_o serious_a consideration_n we_o may_v make_v religion_n our_o choice_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o firm_o with_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o be_v in_o reality_n thy_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n remember_v thy_o bless_a word_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v and_o that_o though_o here_o the_o wicked_a go_v unpunished_a it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o and_o at_o last_o hypocrisy_n shall_v meet_v with_o its_o desert_n and_o
unavoidable_a endless_a and_o unconceivable_a misery_n be_v certain_o infinite_a compassion_n wonderful_o great_a and_o beyond_o comparison_n five_o the_o consequence_n of_o god_n forgive_a sinner_n be_v infinite_o happy_a than_o that_o of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o the_o poor_a debtor_n in_o the_o parable_n he_o after_o his_o lord_n be_v lose_v and_o forgive_a he_o be_v out_o of_o fear_n indeed_o of_o that_o sad_a misfortune_n which_o otherwise_o must_v have_v fall_v upon_o he_o he_o enjoy_v his_o liberty_n and_o that_o of_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o continue_v still_o in_o possession_n of_o what_o he_o have_v till_o he_o forfeit_v all_o again_o by_o his_o cruelty_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o be_v no_o mean_a comfort_n but_o then_o this_o be_v all_o we_o read_v of_o no_o new_a favour_n confer_v upon_o he_o or_o that_o he_o be_v entrust_v with_o any_o more_o of_o his_o lord_n revenue_n or_o the_o like_a but_o now_o the_o compassionate_a god_n have_v to_o forgiveness_n of_o sinner_n add_v innumerable_a and_o inestimable_a faziour_n dignify_v they_o with_o the_o title_n of_o his_o son_n communicate_v to_o they_o fresh_a assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o help_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o promise_v they_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n and_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n and_o a_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o felicity_n provide_v they_o continue_v sincere_o obedient_a to_o he_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o be_v no_o happiness_n which_o a_o rational_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n free_o and_o bountiful_o confer_v upon_o mankind_n now_o that_o his_o compassion_n have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o he_o 6.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.17_o and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o give_v we_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v and_o for_o god_n not_o only_o to_o forgive_v obstinate_a rebel_n against_o his_o divine_a government_n to_o pass_v by_o their_o vile_a ingratitude_n to_o he_o their_o great_a benefactor_n and_o base_a abuse_n of_o his_o blessing_n to_o his_o dishonour_n but_o to_o confer_v upon_o they_o favour_n of_o the_o great_a value_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o make_v they_o coheir_n with_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o advance_v they_o to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n this_o be_v such_o a_o admirable_a expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o love_n of_o mankind_n as_o can_v never_o proceed_v from_o any_o other_o but_o he_o who_o be_v goodness_n itself_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o which_o exalt_v the_o compassion_n of_o god_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o make_v it_o indeed_o miraculous_a be_v the_o amaze_a course_n he_o take_v thus_o to_o show_v mercy_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sinner_n and_o yet_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n too_o the_o king_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o as_o he_o please_v and_o he_o may_v have_v forgive_v without_o further_a regard_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o justice_n in_o that_o case_n a_o great_a debt_n if_o it_o have_v be_v owe_v to_o he_o but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o god_n forgive_a sinner_n it_o be_v otherwise_o god_n have_v before_o solemn_o declare_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o very_o often_o afterward_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o see_v that_o sentence_n execute_v and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n likewise_o it_o be_v perfect_o just_a that_o the_o violator_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o good_a command_n ungrateful_a rebel_n against_o their_o creator_n and_o great_a benefactor_n shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n for_o their_o wickedness_n now_o justice_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o god_n as_o mercy_n and_o though_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n move_v he_o to_o have_v compassion_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o his_o justice_n plead_v for_o their_o punishment_n mercy_n will_v remit_v the_o debt_n but_o justice_n require_v satisfaction_n a_o difficulty_n this_o which_o mortal_a wit_n can_v never_o solve_v but_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o just_a that_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n may_v not_o perish_v nor_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o his_o justice_n likewise_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v contrive_v a_o wondrous_a way_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o sinner_n by_o free_o forgive_n they_o their_o vast_a debt_n and_o yet_o make_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o substitute_v he_o in_o our_o stead_n to_o suffer_v as_o the_o representative_a of_o mankind_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o their_o iniquity_n and_o by_o his_o spotless_a blood_n to_o make_v a_o universal_a atonement_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o his_o precious_a sacrifice_n for_o what_o be_v above_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o purchase_v for_o they_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o 3.26_o rom._n 3.26_o to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o may_v be_v just_a and_o the_o justifyer_n likewise_o of_o he_o that_o beleive_v in_o jesus_n thus_o mercy_n and_o truth_n be_v miraculous_o meet_v together_o and_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n have_v kiss_v each_o other_o and_o for_o ever_o bless_v be_v that_o infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a compassion_n which_o in_o so_o wondrous_a a_o manner_n contrive_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o vast_a debt_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n too_o what_o love_n can_v be_v great_a than_o this_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v his_o eternal_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n christ_n shall_v die_v for_o we_o and_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o through_o his_o stripe_n we_o may_v be_v heal_v wonderful_n be_v thou_o o_o lord_n in_o thy_o do_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o thy_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o o_o that_o our_o heart_n may_v be_v warm_v with_o the_o same_o divine_a flame_n and_o we_o may_v love_v much_o to_o who_o so_o much_o have_v be_v forgive_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o glorious_a example_n of_o forgiveness_n that_o god_n have_v set_v we_o in_o his_o deal_n thus_o merciful_o with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lay_v under_o a_o vast_a debt_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o how_o infinite_o this_o compassion_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n exceed_v the_o great_a and_o most_o generous_a expression_n of_o forgiveness_n that_o can_v be_v show_v by_o one_o man_n to_o another_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o king_n be_v forgive_n ten_o thousand_o talent_n to_o his_o poor_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n because_o he_o entreat_v he_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o general_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v god_n great_a displeasure_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o imitate_v this_o his_o compassionate_a example_n in_o forgive_a such_o as_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o they_o but_o like_o that_o wicked_a servant_n to_o who_o the_o king_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a rigid_o require_v full_a satisfaction_n for_o little_a trifle_n and_o punctilio_n as_o he_o no_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o compassionate_a lord_n but_o take_v his_o fellow-servant_n by_o the_o throat_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o hundred_o penny_n and_o though_o entreat_v to_o have_v patience_n as_o earnest_o as_o he_o have_v but_o just_a before_o entreat_v his_o offend_a lord_n yet_o without_o the_o least_o pity_n throw_v he_o into_o prison_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o debt_n the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o revengeful_a temper_n will_v be_v like_o that_o of_o this_o cruel_a servant_n who_o be_v not_o only_o severe_o rebuke_v for_o his_o wickedness_n but_o have_v the_o pardon_n his_o lord_n give_v he_o recall_v and_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n so_o likewise_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n and_o under_o this_o general_n there_o be_v likewise_o as_o be_v say_v three_o particular_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o withal_o to_o declare_v god_n purpose_n of_o receive_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n upon_o their_o despise_n and_o reject_v that_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o moreover_o that_o whoever_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n must_v live_v agreeable_o and_o be_v conformable_a to_o all_o its_o holy_a law_n or_o else_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v more_o deplorable_a than_o ever_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o have_v another_o aspect_n which_o be_v entire_o christian_a and_o be_v full_a of_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o we_o that_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v very_o apt_o expressive_a of_o these_o four_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o it_o be_v lively_a expressive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n as_o represent_v it_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o wedding_n supper_n second_o of_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v forth_o other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n three_o it_o very_o apt_o express_v what_o kind_n of_o reception_n this_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n represent_v here_o by_o man_n make_n light_a of_o the_o invitation_n to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o offer_v excuse_n such_o as_o of_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o of_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n will_v engage_v their_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v and_o according_o go_v their_o own_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n and_o another_o to_o his_o merchandise_n and_o the_o rest_n take_v those_o servant_n that_o come_v to_o invite_v they_o and_o entreat_v they_o spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o four_o it_o express_v how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v that_o either_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o yet_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v the_o preacher_n of_o it_o or_o else_o though_o they_o do_v profess_v it_o yet_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o it_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o king_n be_v find_v a_o man_n at_o the_o marriage_n supper_n that_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o the_o man_n be_v speechless_a upon_o it_o and_o the_o king_n be_v command_v his_o servant_n to_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o the_o former_a be_v express_v by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v wrath_n with_o those_o that_o stight_v his_o invitation_n and_o pronounce_v they_o not_o worthy_a of_o it_o and_o resolve_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v other_o to_o the_o wedding_n and_o command_v his_o army_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n that_o have_v spiteful_o entreat_v and_o slay_v his_o servant_n and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n and_o then_o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o general_a observation_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v of_o each_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o order_n first_o this_o parable_n do_v very_o lively_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v here_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o as_o guest_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o wedding_n supper_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 14_o say_z that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a or_o purchase_a people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o ephes_n 1.14_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o purchase_a possession_n in_o allusion_n i_o suppose_v both_o to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n of_o the_o man_n give_v a_o dowry_n to_o she_o who_o he_o make_v his_o wife_n thereby_o purchase_v she_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o peculiar_a and_o likewise_o to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n who_o have_v a_o officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o educate_v and_o form_n and_o refine_v woman_n design_v for_o marriage_n and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o to_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v their_o husband_n agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o pure_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n and_o according_o our_o lord_n often_o compare_v himself_o to_o a_o bridegroom_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o bride_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n or_o the_o friend_n and_o special_a attendant_n of_o the_o bride_n and_o bridegroom_n and_o ephes_n 5.35_o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n and_o then_o verse_n 30._o we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n and_o wife_n gen._n 2.24_o they_o two_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n and_o verse_n 32._o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n then_o or_o christian_a religion_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o marriage_n make_v by_o god_n the_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o christ_n the_o promulg_a of_o this_o gospel_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v that_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n and_o the_o church_n or_o those_o that_o believe_v this_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v this_o religion_n be_v the_o bride_n it_o inform_v we_o in_o general_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n be_v like_o that_o of_o marriage_n and_o make_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o entitle_v to_o like_a privilege_n and_o oblige_v to_o like_a duty_n and_o be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n first_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n make_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o man_n and_o wife_n i._n e._n the_o near_a the_o dear_a and_o likewise_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n for_o that_o marriage_n be_v the_o near_a relation_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v gen._n 2.24_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n it_o be_v the_o dear_a relation_n because_o a_o man_n wife_n be_v as_o himself_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n as_o eve_n be_v of_o adam_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o and_o man_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n and_o he_o that_o love_v his_o wife_n still_o love_v himself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a relation_n likewise_o for_o though_o god_n permit_v divorce_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o christ_n in_o some_o case_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n permit_v it_o to_o we_o christian_n yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v so_o near_o join_v together_o be_v not_o at_o first_o intend_v ever_o to_o be_v put_v a_o sunder_o but_o by_o death_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o gospel_n
alone_o can_v save_v they_o and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o good_a work_n how_o come_v you_o in_o hither_o how_o come_v you_o into_o this_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n what_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o their_o excuse_n will_v they_o not_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n confound_v and_o ashamed_a and_o utter_o speechless_a what_o will_v they_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o bar_n of_o that_o dire_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o bound_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v they_o away_o etc._n etc._n certain_o nothing_o but_o with_o inexpressible_a horror_n and_o despair_n and_o self-condemnation_n must_v submit_v to_o their_o sad_a punishment_n from_o all_o this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o general_a observation_n draw_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o myriad_o of_o people_n and_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v invite_v alike_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o will_v make_v a_o very_a ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o many_o utter_o reject_v this_o invitation_n and_o more_o though_o they_o do_v embrace_v it_o yet_o become_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o by_o not_o lead_v their_o life_n agreeable_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o will_v be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n as_o elect_v or_o choice_a and_o right_a good_a christian_n and_o but_o few_o consequent_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o another_o place_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n as_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v to_o a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o do_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o show_v of_o such_o obedience_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v that_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v eternal_a weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o sincere_a and_o lively_a as_o to_o produce_v good_a work_n such_o as_o may_v make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o our_o belief_n to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n most_o bless_a example_n and_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n cheerful_o and_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o choice_a jewel_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a and_o even_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v conduct_v by_o his_o angel_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o to_o share_v in_o his_o happiness_n to_o eternal_a age_n the_o prayer_n most_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o amaze_a condescension_n have_v invite_v i_o miserable_a creature_n though_o poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a and_o destitute_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v recommend_v i_o to_o thou_o except_o it_o be_v my_o wretchedness_n to_o the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o thy_o glorious_a son_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n of_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o tender_a regard_n his_o protection_n and_o desence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n how_o can_v i_o enough_o praise_n and_o magnify_v this_o thy_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n shall_v i_o embrace_v so_o inestimable_a a_o favour_n but_o i_o alas_o stupid_a as_o i_o be_o and_o bewitch_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n and_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v hitherto_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o disregard_v this_o gracious_a offer_n and_o prefer_v every_o thing_n before_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o best_o have_v defer_v it_o still_o till_o another_o time_n provoke_v thereby_o most_o just_o thy_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v thy_o bless_a presence_n as_o infinite_o unworthy_a but_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o do_v earnest_o repent_v and_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o so_o ungrateful_o sliting_a such_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o vileness_n be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o be_v intolerable_a and_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n i_o beg_v thy_o heavenly_a aid_n that_o now_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n i_o may_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o bless_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_n and_o honour_v the_o messenger_n which_o bring_v i_o those_o glad_a tiding_n and_o since_o my_o maker_n be_v my_o husband_n be_v always_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o unspotted_a fidelity_n and_o love_n be_v his_o entire_o and_o for_o ever_o submit_v without_o reserve_n to_o his_o heavenly_a government_n reverence_v his_o authority_n and_o glorify_v he_o with_o my_o body_n and_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o and_o grant_v o_o merciful_a god_n i_o humble_o entreat_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o infidelity_n may_v never_o possess_v my_o soul_n lest_o i_o total_o reject_v this_o bless_a invitation_n or_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o my_o saviour_n again_o divorce_v myself_o from_o he_o by_o entertain_v strange_a and_o forbid_a love_n and_o since_o i_o be_o so_o high_o honour_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o may_v i_o always_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o call_v and_o not_o debase_v myself_o by_o low_o sink_v brutish_a action_n but_o as_o befit_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n of_o sincere_a purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o i_o may_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o my_o dear_a lord_n but_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o merciful_a father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o bless_a jesus_n amen_n amen_n parable_n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matth._n twenty-five_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o then_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n which_o take_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a they_o that_o be_v foolish_a take_v their_o lamp_n and_o take_v no_o oil_n with_o they_o but_o the_o wise_a take_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o watch_z therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v though_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o forego_n chapter_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sad_a state_n that_o be_v ever_o long_o to_o overtake_v jerusalem_n for_o the_o jew_n
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
will_v they_o have_v man_n forcible_o withhold_v from_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vice_n as_o ruin_v thousand_o such_o as_o pride_n and_o luxury_n and_o wantonness_n and_o excess_n or_o if_o as_o well_o they_o may_v they_o think_v this_o too_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v desire_v will_v they_o have_v god_n when_o man_n be_v thus_o reduce_v to_o poverty_n immediate_o work_v miracle_n for_o their_o relief_n will_v they_o have_v raven_n bring_v food_n to_o the_o hungry_a as_o they_o do_v to_o elijah_n 17.6_o 1_o king_n 17.6_o or_o will_v they_o have_v every_o poor_a widow_n cruise_n of_o oil_n and_o barrel_n of_o meal_n be_v as_o lasting_a as_o the_o widow_n be_v of_o sarepta_n be_v 16._o 16._o or_o will_v they_o have_v water_n spring_n from_o rock_n and_o be_v immediate_o turn_v into_o wine_n to_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v such_o as_o be_v parch_v with_o thirst_n will_v they_o have_v our_o lord_n come_v down_o a_o second_o time_n from_o heaven_n to_o heal_v disease_n or_o a_o angel_n always_o set_v open_v the_o prison_n door_n when_o good_a man_n be_v confine_v and_o macerate_v or_o the_o like_a that_o such_o extraordinary_a thing_n have_v be_v sometime_o do_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o to_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v always_o so_o be_v foolish_o presumptuous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v those_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o will_v yet_o by_o all_o mean_n have_v god_n take_v a_o severe_a course_n with_o his_o unfaithful_a steward_n than_o he_o do_v and_o at_o least_o displace_v they_o and_o give_v their_o riches_n to_o other_o that_o man_n may_v see_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o thus_o man_n will_v be_v reply_v against_o god_n and_o the_o clay_n say_v to_o the_o potter_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o these_o counselor_n of_o the_o alwise_a god_n will_v have_v all_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n use_v in_o this_o manner_n or_o only_o some_o for_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o all_o the_o world_n will_v quick_o be_v in_o confusion_n by_o such_o frequent_a change_n in_o state_n and_o government_n and_o private_a family_n as_o will_v then_o be_v make_v if_o some_o only_a in_o terrorem_fw-la and_o to_o affright_v the_o rest_n into_o a_o more_o conscientious_a discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n why_o that_o be_v often_o do_v nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o the_o rise_v and_o fall_v of_o man_n and_o family_n and_o sometime_o their_o decay_n be_v make_v very_o remarkable_a by_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n which_o if_o man_n will_v observe_v it_o be_v warning_n enough_o to_o they_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v thoughtless_a and_o regard_v it_o not_o the_o blame_v aught_o to_o be_v they_o not_o god_n and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n too_o at_o the_o long_a run_n when_o he_o shall_v call_v every_o man_n before_o he_o to_o make_v up_o his_o account_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n any_o more_o for_o the_o future_a pass_v impious_a and_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o alwise_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n because_o his_o servant_n neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o rather_o humble_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v he_o to_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o a_o better_a observance_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a command_n and_o if_o the_o poor_a shall_v still_o go_v unpitied_a and_o unrelieve_v let_v we_o commit_v their_o cause_n unto_o he_o who_o if_o with_o patience_n they_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n will_v at_o length_n abundant_o recompense_v their_o suffering_n here_o with_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v the_o great_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o wicked_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o thereby_o bring_v such_o odious_a aspersion_n upon_o their_o great_a benefactor_n and_o so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n upon_o mankind_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o low_o sink_v so_o vile_o brutish_a and_o degenerate_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o shine_v coach_n and_o gay_a livery_n be_v and_o vanity_n and_o profuse_a folly_n in_o many_o other_o instance_n before_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o a_o poor_a afflict_a christian_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o hear_v the_o groan_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o atheist_n against_o that_o god_n who_o give_v they_o all_o they_o have_v rather_o than_o by_o retrench_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o excessive_a way_n of_o live_v to_o silence_n either_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a complicate_v impiety_n this_o and_o will_v at_o last_o pull_v down_o a_o heavy_a vengeance_n wherefore_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o infer_v in_o the_o last_o place_n how_o high_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o discreet_o and_o thorough_o charitabe_v samaritan_n in_o the_o parable_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o this_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o if_o we_o prove_v ill_a steward_n of_o the_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o unfaithfulness_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o the_o profane_a flout_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a the_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n of_o the_o desperate_o miserable_a the_o theft_n and_o murder_n and_o other_o villainy_n of_o such_o who_o unrelieved_a poverty_n force_v to_o be_v thus_o wicked_a and_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o die_v for_o want_v of_o succour_n all_o this_o will_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o and_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o eternal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v while_o we_o have_v time_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o all_o this_o world_n be_v good_a shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n let_v we_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o be_v faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o we_o lest_o our_o great_a lord_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o time_n when_o we_o think_v not_o of_o he_o and_o place_v we_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o pass_v this_o dismal_a and_o irreversible_a sentence_n upon_o we_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n for_o i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o not_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o not_o sick_a and_o in_o 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and_o have_v the_o less_o to_o give_v to_o those_o that_o true_o want_v and_o since_o the_o poverty_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deplorable_a o_o that_o i_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o by_o fraternal_a correption_n and_o seasonable_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n according_a to_o my_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o relieve_v the_o spiritual_a necessity_n of_o my_o brethren_n and_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o may_v i_o always_o cheerful_o perform_v this_o godlike_a duty_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o make_v light_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o thereby_o vindicate_v thy_o providence_n from_o the_o vile_a aspersion_n of_o
what_o instruction_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n what_o plenty_n of_o religious_a discourse_n and_o exhortation_n he_o have_v enjoy_v and_o how_o frequent_o he_o have_v feel_v motion_n from_o within_o to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n he_o that_o have_v experience_v all_o this_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n that_o have_v have_v his_o pregnant_a natural_a capacity_n well_o cultivate_v by_o a_o early_a and_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n plain_o lay_v before_o he_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n duty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o be_v often_o and_o affectionate_o exhort_v to_o live_v according_o in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v frequent_o feel_v secret_a internal_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o this_o man_n have_v receive_v much_o more_o than_o one_o talon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o god_n will_v expect_v from_o he_o a_o proportionable_a improvement_n and_o he_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a ability_n natural_o neither_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n nor_o the_o same_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n will_v abate_v proportionable_o in_o his_o expectation_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o one_o talon_n have_v he_o gain_v but_o one_o other_o with_o it_o will_v have_v be_v call_v a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n let_v we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n each_o in_o his_o station_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n faithful_o and_o industrious_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o each_o one_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n and_o call_v for_o every_o one_o particular_a account_n we_o may_v all_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a cheerful_o give_v it_o up_o and_o receive_v the_o immense_a reward_n of_o a_o sincere_a diligence_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o great_a lord_n will_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o every_o man_n improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deserve_a that_o there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n both_o of_o quick_a and_o dead_a when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o see_v a_o great_a white_a throne_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o from_o who_o face_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n flee_v away_o and_o there_o be_v find_v no_o place_n for_o they_o he_o proceed_v i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o the_o sea_n give_v up_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o be_v the_o record_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a wherein_o every_o man_n receipt_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v and_o those_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v find_v proportionable_o good_a according_a to_o the_o assistance_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o above_o or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v make_v a_o answerable_a improvement_n to_o the_o number_n of_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o those_o who_o can_v then_o give_v no_o good_a account_n of_o their_o talent_n show_v no_o suitable_a improvement_n in_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v shall_v never_o see_v life_n but_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n and_o because_o so_o very_a few_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v due_a preparation_n for_o this_o great_a day_n of_o account_n by_o improve_n the_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o
affection_n and_o can_v afford_v to_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o be_v religious_a be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v they_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o urge_v man_n to_o be_v much_o too_o hard_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o law_n fit_a for_o angel_n than_o man_n and_o though_o they_o wish_v they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v it_o and_o can_v but_o consent_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o they_o find_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v they_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o that_o they_o do_v and_o they_o take_v up_o with_o this_o as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n and_o because_o god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o good_a they_o think_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o great_a hardship_n of_o his_o command_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o perform_v they_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o his_o slothful_a unprofitable_a servant_n out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v those_o wretched_a person_n that_o thus_o mock_v and_o abuse_n god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n into_o ruin_n for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o man_n beyond_o their_o ability_n nor_o command_v their_o service_n and_o obedience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o consequent_o what_o this_o merciful_a and_o good_a god_n command_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v do_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o dispensation_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v dare_v wilful_o to_o disobey_v he_o this_o every_o man_n no_o question_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v in_o sufficient_a measure_n give_v to_o every_o man._n and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o what_o less_o be_v the_o give_v man_n such_o command_v as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o withal_o threaten_v and_o actual_o inflict_v unconceivable_a torment_n for_o such_o be_v those_o of_o hell_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o the_o impracticable_a law_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o require_v brick_n without_o straw_n as_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n do_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v on_o stripe_n for_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o work_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o worse_o because_o the_o punishment_n for_o irreligion_n and_o not_o improve_n our_o talent_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o shall_v be_v inflict_v to_o all_o eternity_n since_o therefore_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o difficult_a his_o command_n will_v be_v to_o we_o and_o how_o proportionable_a our_o ability_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o superaddition_n of_o grace_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o since_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o will_v not_o overload_v his_o creature_n nor_o exact_v impossible_a task_n or_o such_o as_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a and_o but_o one_o degree_n below_o impossible_a since_o he_o be_v likewise_o infinite_o just_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v myriad_o of_o poor_a wretch_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o not_o make_v a_o impossible_a improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n and_o expect_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o from_o all_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o plead_v inability_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v able_a through_o the_o never_o deficient_a grace_n of_o that_o good_a god_n to_o such_o as_o heedful_o attend_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v his_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a command_n and_o make_v improvement_n suitable_a to_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o if_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perish_v his_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n for_o the_o future_a be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o expect_v impossible_a service_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o think_v to_o palliate_v his_o irreligion_n by_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o extreme_a hardship_n of_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a but_o let_v every_o man_n set_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o about_o his_o duty_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o his_o daily_a improvement_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talent_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a beyond_o expression_n miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o first_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talon_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o above_o in_o this_o world_n a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a conscience_n will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o sense_n of_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n of_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o sincere_a account_n though_o not_o a_o perfect_a one_o to_o their_o great_a master_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o look_v into_o their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o stewardship_n this_o will_v fill_v their_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n their_o soul_n will_v be_v calm_a and_o their_o thought_n at_o rest_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o fidelity_n their_o life_n not_o imbitter_v with_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o sad_a after_o reckon_v but_o like_o that_o of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n who_o be_v in_o his_o master_n favour_n steady_a and_o easy_a and_o move_v cheerful_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o in_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o diligence_n when_o his_o great_a lord_n shall_v advance_v he_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o that_o of_o a_o friend_n and_o bosom_n favourite_n nay_o of_o a_o coheir_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o beside_o this_o serenity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o to_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v comparable_a the_o improve_n christian_a shall_v have_v more_o talent_n give_v he_o more_o grace_n shower_v down_o upon_o his_o soul_n what_o the_o slothful_a have_v forfeit_v shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o what_o condition_n can_v approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n than_o that_o of_o a_o holy_a soul_n thus_o plentiful_o store_v with_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o if_o grace_n and_o glory_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o one_o be_v but_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o a_o soul_n so_o fill_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o improve_n soul_n will_v be_v must_v needs_o live_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o have_v frequent_a antepast_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o that_o other_o world_n when_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n then_o will_v their_o happiness_n be_v as_o ineffable_a as_o endless_a it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n they_o shall_v be_v conduct_v after_o have_v give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n by_o the_o bless_a angel_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n where_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o with_o wonder_v eye_n and_o enravished_a heart_n behold_v his_o glory_n gaze_v upon_o his_o splendour_n and_o near_o view_v his_o beauty_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o
riches_n or_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o which_o nowadays_o we_o esteem_v riches_n chief_o to_o consist_v they_o be_v real_o no_o better_o than_o heap_n of_o earth_n of_o different_a colour_n impress_v with_o different_a stamp_n and_o make_v of_o different_a size_n and_o to_o which_o man_n have_v give_v a_o different_a value_n and_o esteem_n according_a to_o their_o different_a colour_n size_n and_o impression_n and_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v good_a for_o little_a but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o which_o he_o that_o will_v live_v must_v part_v with_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o exchange_n for_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o subsistence_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o base_a than_o for_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n so_o far_o to_o degrade_v himself_o as_o to_o employ_v his_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n and_o desire_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n which_o be_v original_o make_v for_o he_o to_o tread_v upon_o and_o produce_v thing_n for_o his_o food_n and_o pleasure_n to_o make_v that_o his_o master_n nay_o his_o god_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o dote_v upon_o a_o senseless_a clod_n to_o neglect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o infinite_o perfect_a maker_n and_o admire_v one_o of_o the_o low_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o desire_v a_o piece_n of_o earth_n with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o have_v no_o value_n for_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o very_a much_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o his_o happiness_n to_o bestow_v no_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o abject_a than_o this_o what_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n where_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v a_o trifle_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n disregard_v that_o which_o be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o where_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v be_v redeem_v not_o by_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n where_o be_v his_o religion_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o make_v silver_n and_o gold_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o admire_v mammon_n more_o than_o his_o saviour_n what_o more_o vile_a and_o brutish_a than_o this_o what_o more_o stupid_o ungrateful_a this_o be_v to_o come_v down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o it_o be_v to_o sink_v much_o low_a for_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o choose_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o serve_v he_o obedient_o in_o that_o rank_n of_o be_v in_o which_o he_o have_v place_v they_o but_o that_o man_n much_o more_o that_o christian_a that_o make_v perish_v riches_n the_o main_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o degenerate_v many_o degree_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n disobey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creator_n slight_v the_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o his_o saviour_n despise_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o a_o vile_a muckworm_n delight_v in_o nothing_o noble_a and_o excellent_a but_o grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v more_o vilify_v and_o degrade_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o such_o base_a affection_n as_o these_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o vile_a degeneracy_n and_o render_v a_o man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o universe_n both_o to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a men._n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n as_o in_o they_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o beside_o that_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n they_o cause_n mention_v before_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1_o it_o mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 2._o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n first_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n do_v mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v remember_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o matt._n 13.22_o say_v that_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n like_o thorn_n that_o spring_v up_o with_o seed_n choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o in_o another_o parable_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v at_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n 14.18_o matt._n 22._o luk._n 14.18_o by_o which_o as_o be_v discourse_v upon_o that_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o glad_a tiding_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o detain_v man_n from_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v after_o and_o ox_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n and_o according_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o can_v be_v matt._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o first_o nothing_o so_o much_o distract_v a_o man_n thought_n as_o a_o eager_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n for_o riches_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o be_v acquire_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o very_o slippery_a when_o gain_v that_o as_o to_o get_v they_o will_v exercise_v all_o a_o man_n contrivance_n employ_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o attention_n and_o consume_v his_o whole_a time_n so_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o once_o get_v will_n to_o a_o man_n that_o know_v the_o hardship_n of_o get_v they_o and_o how_o soon_o they_o be_v lose_v again_o engage_v he_o in_o constant_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o watch_v his_o idol_n lest_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o his_o mind_n become_v distract_v with_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o leisure_n for_o no_o other_o thought_n than_o how_o to_o secure_v his_o riches_n and_o this_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n much_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n may_v soon_o perceive_v by_o their_o careful_a anxious_a look_n and_o distrustful_a timorous_a discourse_n now_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n thus_o engross_a a_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o likewise_o require_v time_n and_o diligence_n and_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attend_v close_o to_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o he_o that_o eager_o love_v riches_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n prepossess_v with_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o they_o and_o all_o his_o faculty_n before_o engage_v in_o their_o pursuit_n must_v move_v very_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o move_v at_o all_o nay_o indeed_o rather_o move_v backward_o than_o forward_o and_o the_o more_o he_o love_v the_o world_n grow_v cold_a still_o in_o his_o affection_n to_o god_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o money_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o enchantment_n it_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v he_o less_o sensible_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o so_o dull_v and_o stupefy_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v very_o little_o move_v with_o the_o sermon_n of_o
the_o gospel_n what_o else_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o the_o worldly-minded_n though_o press_v never_o so_o home_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n more_o and_o the_o world_n less_o of_o endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o to_o give_v of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n and_o the_o like_a they_o give_v we_o the_o hear_v perhaps_o and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o own_o course_n as_o earnest_o as_o ever_o and_o if_o they_o offer_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o defence_n it_o be_v so_o strange_o weak_a that_o a_o man_n can_v but_o admire_v at_o it_o sometime_o we_o shall_v hear_v they_o say_v they_o do_v know_v what_o strait_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o yet_o before_o they_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o prudence_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o worst_a forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o our_o lord_n express_o forbid_v all_o such_o anxious_a solicitude_n for_o the_o morrow_n and_o command_v a_o humble_a trust_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o never_o forsake_v those_o that_o be_v moderate_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o blessing_n and_o never_o reflect_v upon_o the_o miserable_a straight_o they_o will_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o destitute_a of_o good_a work_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n sometime_o these_o man_n will_v quote_v scripture_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n forget_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o before_o this_o parable_n take_v heed_n beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o in_o matt._n 6.32_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n 5.5_o 1_o cor._n 6.10_o eph._n 5.5_o and_o that_o the_o covetous_a be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n of_o all_o vice_n that_o we_o reprove_v and_o warn_v man_n against_o covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a we_o find_v to_o be_v most_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o indeed_o that_o we_o can_v stop_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o wealth_n so_o strange_o bewitch_v be_v this_o love_n of_o money_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a destructive_a of_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o according_o say_v our_o lord_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n one_o that_o make_v a_o god_n of_o riches_n and_o confide_n and_o trust_v in_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o a_o impossibility_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n change_v his_o heart_n can_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o teach_v their_o scholar_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o will_v philosophize_v well_o and_o find_v out_o pure_a truth_n and_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n wherefore_o we_o see_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n because_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o another_o very_a sad_a consequence_n of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n be_v that_o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o to_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6.9_o say_v they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o more_o express_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o event_n have_v often_o prove_v this_o true_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n have_v prevail_v with_o thousand_o to_o turn_v apostate_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a money_n it_o be_v that_o judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o saviour_n and_o to_o tempt_v with_o money_n be_v a_o way_n of_o proceedure_v so_o very_o successful_a a_o engine_n so_o almost_o irresistible_a that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o sort_n that_o will_v gain_v proselyte_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o great_a tempter_n with_o much_o confidence_n after_o his_o other_o stratagem_n fail_v he_o make_v offer_v of_o riches_n to_o our_o lord_n himself_o as_o his_o best_a reserve_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o and_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o love_n have_v worldly-minded_n man_n for_o wealth_n as_o to_o be_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o frown_n or_o promise_v of_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v or_o take_v away_o riches_n this_o have_v be_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n and_o too_o much_o of_o our_o own_o too_o and_o will_v still_o be_v so_o till_o man_n grow_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o believe_v our_o lord_n word_n that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o that_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v the_o great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o salvation_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o more_o sense_n than_o one_o that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n colos_n 3.5_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o of_o expect_v the_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n from_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n and_o mention_v two_o very_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o covetousness_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o intend_v to_o do_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o rich_a fool_n be_v question_v that_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o the_o great_a increase_n he_o have_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o lay_v my_o fruit_n and_o show_v how_o many_o good_a way_n there_o be_v of_o dispose_v of_o abundance_n of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o bestow_v what_o be_v more_o than_o his_o barn_n will_v hold_v by_o which_o i_o suppose_v be_v express_v his_o have_v more_o than_o be_v needful_a to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a subsistance_n covetousness_n will_v let_v this_o rich_a man_n think_v of_o none_o but_o of_o building_n new_a barn_n wherein_o to_o lay_v up_o his_o abundance_n and_o then_o to_o take_v his_o ease_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o be_v merry_a he_o look_v no_o far_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o more_o god_n blessing_n increase_v upon_o he_o the_o more_o he_o purpose_v to_o live_v in_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o epicurise_v away_o that_o which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o much_o better_a purpose_n quod_fw-la superat_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la melius_fw-la quo_fw-la insumere_fw-la possis_fw-la cur_n eget_fw-la indignis_fw-la quisquam_fw-la te_fw-la divite_fw-la quare_fw-la templa_fw-la ruunt_fw-la antiqua_fw-la deum_fw-la cur_n improbe_fw-la chara_fw-la non_fw-la aliquid_fw-la patriae_fw-la tanto_fw-la emetiris_fw-la acervo_fw-la horat._n serm._n lib._n ii_o sat._n 2._o for_o every_o man_n who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o abundance_n be_v god_n steward_n of_o that_o abundance_n and_o must_v bestow_v it_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n for_o so_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 10._o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o the_o
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
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
it_o be_v fruit_n then_o god_n expect_v from_o christian_n not_o leave_n not_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o not_o to_o be_v call_v lord_n lord_n but_o to_o have_v his_o command_n obey_v but_o since_o god_n be_v infinite_o full_a already_o and_o can_v receive_v no_o addition_n to_o his_o inexhaustible_a store_n since_o our_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o profit_n to_o he_o that_o we_o make_v our_o way_n perfect_a it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o account_v god_n so_o strict_o and_o indispensible_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o own_o account_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o god_n expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n from_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n that_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o good_a god_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o because_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v to_o spend_v a_o life_n here_o below_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o world_n above_o and_o which_o if_o we_o disregard_n and_o deviate_v from_o a_o double_a misery_n will_v be_v our_o portion_n and_o in_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a parent_n with_o his_o child_n he_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o what_o will_v conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n though_o he_o himself_o receive_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o it_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v his_o off_o spring_n happy_a it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n the_o great_a dresser_n of_o god_n vineyard_n and_o his_o servant_n the_o apostle_n so_o often_o press_v the_o observance_n of_o such_o rule_n as_o have_v chief_o relation_n to_o the_o comfortable_a live_n in_o this_o world_n as_o with_o relation_n to_o other_o mercifulness_n charity_n meekness_n forbearance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n peaceableness_n compassion_n and_o pity_n together_o with_o exact_a justice_n and_o honesty_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v be_v no_o comfort_n of_o society_n and_o man_n will_v be_v like_o so_o many_o wild_a beast_n prey_v upon_o and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o self_n we_o be_v teach_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o chastity_n and_o moderation_n in_o all_o thing_n contentment_n of_o mind_n patience_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o neither_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o body_n will_v be_v at_o ease_n nor_o taste_v any_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n in_o life_n indeed_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o annex_v the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o sincere_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o man_n cheerful_o and_o diligent_o to_o set_v about_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o have_v a_o direct_a influence_n upon_o and_o be_v therefore_o command_v and_o therefore_o encourage_v that_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o low_a world_n for_o as_o for_o the_o contrary_a vice_n as_o cruelty_n and_o unmercifulness_n rage_n and_o intemperate_a anger_n uncharitableness_n and_o revenge_n strife_n and_o envy_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o like_a these_o will_v make_v a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o quite_o destroy_v society_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o world_n like_o a_o desert_n and_o force_v man_n to_o the_o shelter_n of_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v if_o intemperance_n and_o ungoverned_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o use_v of_o the_o gratification_n of_o sense_n discontent_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n impatience_n and_o the_o like_a shall_v follow_v they_o their_o misery_n will_v be_v endless_a and_o happiness_n a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v value_v so_o much_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o praise_n and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a and_o disinterest_v goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o such_o rule_n of_o live_v as_o if_o observe_v will_v procure_v that_o happiness_n and_o who_o beside_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fail_v to_o observe_v they_o have_v over_o and_o above_o propose_v to_o we_o ineffable_o glorious_a reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v and_o threaten_v as_o great_a a_o misery_n in_o hell_n if_o we_o do_v not_o that_o be_v he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n happy_a in_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o give_v all_o possible_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o that_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o cooperate_v with_o his_o gracious_a intention_n for_o our_o good_a for_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o will_v be_v promote_v by_o it_o not_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o god_n so_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a even_o in_o this_o world_n without_o they_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o of_o bliss_n and_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o enjoyment_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o correspondence_n and_o agreeableness_n between_o the_o object_n and_o the_o faculty_n no_o soul_n but_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n the_o soul_n therefore_o of_o every_o man_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n stain_v and_o pollute_v full_a of_o vile_a affection_n and_o lust_n such_o as_o render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o so_o pure_a and_o divine_a a_o happiness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v refine_v and_o purify_v and_o have_v heavenly_a affection_n and_o desire_v plant_v in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o vile_a and_o brutish_a one_o and_o recover_v the_o divine_a likeness_n which_o have_v be_v so_o shameful_o deface_v that_o so_o at_o length_n by_o the_o actual_a excercise_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n here_o we_o may_v become_v in_o some_o measure_n capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o celestial_a happiness_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n that_o be_v like_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o probation_n we_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o see_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o a_o observance_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n will_v effect_v and_o they_o be_v therefore_o give_v that_o they_o may_v effect_v it_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n humble_a and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v conduct_v safe_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o to_o mourn_v for_o our_o former_a vileness_n and_o degeneracy_n and_o estrangement_n from_o god_n and_o flee_v from_o all_o wickedness_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v in_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n and_o as_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o be_v urge_v to_o purity_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v see_v god_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a because_o he_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n be_v that_o the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n so_o strict_o and_o indispensible_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n after_o he_o have_v plant_v we_o in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o
cultivate_v we_o by_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o his_o servant_n the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n and_o other_o inferior_a minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n o_o that_o man_n will_v therefore_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o declare_v the_o wonder_n that_o he_o do_v for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n psal_n 107.8_o the_o three_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v god_n long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n and_o that_o though_o he_o do_v indeed_o expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n from_o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o his_o spiritual_a vineyard_n the_o christian_a church_n yet_o he_o expect_v it_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n and_o be_v not_o so_o extreme_o rigid_a as_o to_o punish_v for_o the_o first_o disappointment_n he_o meet_v with_o but_o wait_v still_o further_o to_o see_v if_o time_n will_v work_v amendment_n and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n his_o come_n three_o year_n seek_v fruit_n on_o his_o fig._n tree_n and_o still_o find_v none_o of_o this_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n every_o sinner_n that_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v a_o argument_n which_o of_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v not_o be_v less_o fruitful_a than_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o then_o god_n may_v with_o the_o great_a reason_n expect_v from_o we_o consider_v the_o mean_n of_o improvement_n that_o we_o have_v enjoy_v and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o three_o year_n but_o for_o three_o many_o time_n repeat_v how_o many_o have_v be_v whole_o unfruitful_a and_o that_o for_o score_n of_o year_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o care_n and_o cultivation_n of_o god_n minister_n and_o have_v be_v all_o the_o while_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o god_n and_o man_n do_v despite_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n slave_n to_o their_o vile_a passion_n and_o lust_n without_o thought_n of_o religion_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o 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and_o dress_v with_o the_o great_a public_a care_n and_o tenderness_n so_o that_o nothing_o on_o god_n side_n be_v want_v to_o their_o happiness_n consider_v how_o provoke_a it_o be_v for_o creature_n under_o such_o strong_a obligation_n to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n obstinate_o and_o continual_o for_o so_o many_o year_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o miracle_n of_o divine_a forbearance_n that_o any_o wilsul_n sinner_n be_v on_o this_o side_n hell_n but_o to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o our_o unspeakable_a shame_n too_o so_o it_o be_v and_o still_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o father_n of_o compassion_n turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v indeed_o of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n only_o that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o but_o be_v new_a every_o morning_n but_o though_o to_o he_o 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so_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v tell_v in_o this_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n have_v long_o expect_v fruit_n from_o his_o fig_n tree_n and_o still_o find_v none_o he_o say_v cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n and_o indeed_o god_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o sinner_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o wickedness_n that_o if_o they_o right_o consider_v it_o it_o be_v a_o prevail_a motive_n to_o a_o speedy_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o forbearance_n do_v imply_v a_o precede_a gild_n and_o obnoxiousness_n to_o punishment_n which_o though_o respite_v for_o a_o time_n be_v not_o whole_o remit_v but_o if_o it_o be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o sinner_n will_v be_v at_o length_n pour_v down_o in_o full_a measure_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o wicked_a man_n reflect_v upon_o his_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n and_o 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like_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o he_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o divine_a justice_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o course_n of_o a_o river_n it_o may_v be_v damn_v up_o and_o its_o progress_n hinder_v for_o a_o time_n but_o unless_o its_o stream_n be_v divert_v some_o other_o way_n it_o will_v swell_v till_o at_o last_o it_o bear_v down_o the_o obstacle_n and_o rush_v on_o with_o great_a violence_n for_o be_v interrupt_v in_o its_o way_n so_o here_o the_o great_a benignity_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n nature_n may_v sometime_o interpose_v between_o the_o stroke_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o wretched_a offender_n to_o see_v if_o he_o will_v repent_v and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o that_o so_o the_o divine_a nemesis_n may_v steer_v another_o course_n but_o if_o all_o this_o prove_v at_o length_n to_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o man_n refuse_v to_o return_v and_o seek_v after_o god_n he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n and_o make_v ready_a his_o arrow_n against_o the_o face_n of_o he_o vengeance_n shall_v then_o have_v its_o free_a course_n and_o torrent_n of_o god_n inflame_a anger_n shall_v overwhelm_v his_o soul_n for_o ever_o there_o be_v many_o place_n in_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o attentive_a reader_n that_o they_o need_v not_o be_v here_o recite_v and_o true_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n be_v so_o great_a a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n and_o disparagement_n to_o religion_n and_o like_o a_o contagious_a pest_n to_o society_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v remove_v to_o a_o place_n more_o proper_a for_o they_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o still_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n be_v our_o intercessor_n and_o when_o after_o god_n long_o abuse_v forbearance_n justice_n be_v ready_a to_o strike_v he_o plead_v in_o virtue_n of_o his_o blood_n for_o a_o
still_o long_o reprieve_n hope_v that_o at_o length_n the_o sinner_n may_v be_v awaken_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o see_v and_o fear_v his_o danger_n and_o return_v by_o repentance_n and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n give_v order_n that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n shall_v be_v cut_v down_o the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n by_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v represent_v answer_v say_v unto_o he_o 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 christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n 18._o heb._n 2.17_o 18._o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o know_v our_o infirmity_n and_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 7.25_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o move_v for_o a_o still_o long_o respite_n and_o promise_n to_o use_v new_a method_n that_o we_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o will_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o father_n sight_n and_o according_o cultivate_v and_o manure_n our_o soul_n with_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n press_v the_o discourse_n of_o his_o minister_n still_o more_o home_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o give_v new_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n provide_v new_a happy_a circumstance_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o our_o good_a such_o as_o a_o faithful_a instructor_n good_a conversation_n and_o example_n pious_a book_n and_o discourse_n which_o may_v warm_v and_o enliven_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o awaken_v attention_n and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o render_v it_o penetrable_a by_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receptive_a of_o the_o bless_a impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o as_o loosen_a the_o mould_n about_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o cherish_v it_o with_o the_o kindly_a warmth_n of_o dung_n be_v very_o conducive_a to_o the_o spread_a of_o its_o fibre_n and_o make_v it_o flourish_v and_o grow_v fruitful_a so_o these_o gracious_a method_n of_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o god_n spiritual_a vinevard_n christ_n jesus_n may_v so_o influence_n the_o soul_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o make_v they_o bear_v much_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v the_o last_o course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o sinner_n safety_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o long_a hope_n it_o be_v like_o the_o intercession_n of_o a_o favourite_n for_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a upon_o condition_n of_o his_o better_a conversation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o he_o again_o return_v to_o his_o old_a vile_a course_n his_o friend_n then_o abandon_v he_o as_o one_o that_o deserve_v to_o perish_v and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n christ_n the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n intercede_v for_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n ready_a for_o destruction_n and_o beg_v a_o reprieve_n for_o he_o to_o see_v if_o time_n and_o far_a care_n will_v cure_v his_o wickedness_n but_o if_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n his_o intercessor_n will_v then_o give_v he_o over_o for_o desperate_a and_o suffer_v justice_n to_o take_v its_o course_n for_o so_o say_v the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o his_o lord_n if_o after_o i_o have_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_v it_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o but_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o and_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o such_o as_o after_o all_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o reformation_n be_v still_o harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n christ_n will_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o behalf_n no_o more_o thought_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o their_o safety_n but_o their_o compassionate_a intercessor_n shall_v then_o become_v their_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o when_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o doom_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o miserable_a wretch_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n to_o receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n then_o shall_v that_o jesus_n who_o once_o so_o earnest_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n pronounce_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n depart_v from_o i_o your_o saviour_n and_o once_o compassionate_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o you_o be_v from_o henceforch_n and_o for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o redemption_n and_o reinstatement_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o my_o father_n be_v banish_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o intercourse_n with_o heaven_n without_o any_o intercessor_n any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n any_o advocate_n to_o plead_v their_o cause_n and_o without_o any_o place_n for_o repentance_n to_o eternal_a age_n depart_v to_o the_o region_n of_o endless_a horror_n and_o despair_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o be_v but_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o your_o obstinate_a wickedness_n who_o despise_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v have_v lead_v you_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a end_n of_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o unfruitful_a profession_n of_o christianity_n wherefore_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o that_o forget_v god_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a lest_o he_o pluck_v they_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o 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extend_v even_o to_o we_o though_o so_o remote_a from_o thy_o first_o plantation_n and_o for_o those_o extraordinary_a help_n we_o of_o this_o church_n have_v in_o order_n to_o our_o increase_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o earnest_o beg_v that_o we_o may_v not_o produce_v leave_v only_o the_o mock_v appearance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sincere_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holy_a conversation_n ii_o i_o acknowledge_v with_o admiration_n at_o thy_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n thou_o respect_v in_o thus_o indispensible_o require_v fruit_n of_o we_o not_o any_o acquisition_n to_o thyself_o who_o art_n infinite_o full_a already_o and_o the_o overflow_a fountain_n of_o all_o possible_a good_a thou_o command_v that_o our_o fruit_n shall_v be_v unto_o holiness_n because_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o misery_n in_o this_o low_a world_n o_o lord_n as_o be_v thy_o majesty_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o make_v i_o due_o sensible_a of_o thy_o tender_a care_n of_o my_o happiness_n and_o may_v it_o never_o through_o my_o wretched_a obstinacy_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o in_o vain_a it_o will_v be_v be_v not_o thy_o long-suffering_a wonderful_a with_o what_o amaze_a patience_n do_v thou_o wait_v to_o see_v if_o at_o length_n i_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a how_o often_o have_v i_o disappoint_v thy_o just_a expectation_n and_o yet_o thou_o have_v still_o forbear_v i_o through_o thy_o own_o compassion_n and_o the_o intercession_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n the_o dresser_n of_o thy_o vineyard_n who_o have_v ply_v i_o with_o new_a method_n of_o conversion_n fresh_a application_n to_o invigorate_v my_o piety_n that_o at_o the_o last_o i_o may_v return_v thou_o acceptable_a fruit_n and_o escape_v the_o sad_a punishment_n of_o barrenness_n
and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o thrive_v they_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o those_o that_o do_v as_o look_v upon_o prosperity_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v throughout_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v neither_o a_o certain_a argument_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o their_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o neither_o be_v affliction_n a_o certain_a sign_n of_o god_n cast_v man_n off_o here_o or_o a_o sure_a forerunner_n of_o eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o but_o frequent_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o good_a be_v calamitous_a in_o this_o world_n but_o receive_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n in_o the_o other_o and_o those_o that_o be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a here_o too_o often_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n hereafter_o prosperity_n be_v in_o itself_o indeed_o a_o blessing_n and_o promise_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n and_o according_o many_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a even_o here_o and_o be_v all_o true_o good_a all_o will_v be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a for_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o make_v the_o world_n miserable_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n affliction_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a evil_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n joyous_a but_o grievous_a and_o be_v always_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o offence_n but_o oftentimes_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v send_v as_o a_o curse_n rather_o than_o a_o blessing_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o only_a happiness_n that_o some_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v and_o adversity_n prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o paternal_a regard_n the_o only_a misery_n some_o shall_v ever_o feel_v and_o a_o introduction_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n some_o in_o mercy_n be_v correct_v here_o for_o their_o fault_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o everlasting_a punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o other_o fat_v up_o here_o as_o to_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o suffer_v since_o they_o choose_v it_o to_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n as_o abraham_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o through_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o torment_n beg_v that_o he_o will_v send_v he_o who_o be_v once_o a_o poor_a lazarus_n but_o then_o in_o a_o place_n of_o happiness_n to_o dip_v his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o come_v and_o cool_v his_o tongue_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n his_o evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o that_o prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v so_o often_o end_v in_o misery_n in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o affliction_n man_n meet_v with_o here_o be_v turn_v into_o happiness_n hereafter_o for_o worldly_a prosperity_n however_o charm_v it_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o be_v a_o state_n so_o full_a of_o danger_n so_o beset_v with_o temptation_n to_o vice_n so_o apt_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o attend_v to_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a moment_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o adversity_n on_o the_o contrary_a though_o very_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o be_v so_o apt_a therefore_o to_o wean_v man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fade_a vanity_n of_o it_o and_o make_v they_o out_o of_o love_n with_o what_o be_v so_o fickle_a and_o uncertain_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o be_v a_o state_n that_o humble_v man_n much_o and_o increase_v devotion_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o repentance_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v that_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n seem_v by_o far_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o likelihood_n be_v there_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o happy_a place_n than_o the_o prosperous_a enjoyment_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o according_o say_v the_o apostle_n not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o that_o riches_n be_v a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o drown_v man_n in_o divers_a hurtful_a lust_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n and_o therefore_o exhort_v man_n to_o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n or_o affliction_n the_o use_v then_o that_o we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o not_o to_o be_v deject_v under_o adversity_n as_o if_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n and_o utter_o deprive_v of_o his_o favour_n nor_o puff_v up_o by_o prosperity_n as_o if_o peculiarly_a dear_a to_o heaven_n but_o in_o every_o state_n to_o make_v it_o our_o great_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v our_o main_a interest_n and_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o the_o one_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a calamitous_a or_o prosperous_a shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o with_o which_o any_o man_n in_o whatsoever_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o maker_n if_o riches_n increase_v by_o honest_a industry_n and_o conscientious_a deal_v and_o prudent_a management_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o blessing_n and_o humble_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o nor_o grow_v high-minded_a and_o conceit_v of_o ourselves_o as_o if_o great_o in_o favour_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o our_o prosperity_n the_o reward_n of_o our_o extraordinary_a virtue_n nor_o despise_v the_o poverty_n of_o other_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o less_o holy_a because_o not_o so_o prosperous_a as_o we_o neither_o shall_v we_o grow_v vain_a and_o luxurious_a or_o covetous_a and_o sordid_a but_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o act_n like_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n and_o ready_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o want_n remember_v always_o that_o many_o have_v all_o their_o share_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o while_o they_o dote_v immoderate_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o place_v their_o chief_a good_a in_o be_v prosperous_a here_o forfeit_v their_o glorious_a reversion_n hereafter_o and_o always_o fear_v lest_o our_o prosperity_n become_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o we_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o curse_n by_o our_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o and_o become_v such_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o little_a of_o the_o world_n to_o lose_v our_o immortal_a soul_n what_o comfort_n have_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o all_o his_o former_a prosperity_n when_o he_o lie_v welter_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n all_o his_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o sumptuous_a fare_n because_o he_o abuse_v they_o to_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o grow_v negligent_a of_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o inflame_a tongue_n if_o affliction_n and_o poverty_n shall_v be_v our_o lot_n it_o be_v then_o our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v content_v and_o not_o despond_v as_o if_o utter_o reject_v of_o god_n but_o to_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a world_n in_o which_o those_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o for_o ever_o happy_a that_o be_v patient_a and_o resign_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n love_v who_o he_o chasten_v and_o that_o if_o we_o comply_v with_o the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n and_o amend_v under_o his_o paternal_a rod_n our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n lazarus_n in_o the_o parable_n we_o read_v be_v miserable_o poor_a desirous_a though_o but_o of_o the_o fragment_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o full_a of_o noisome_a painful_a sore_n a_o sad_a spectacle_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o die_v be_v carry_v up_o by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v outward_a circumstance_n that_o god_n respect_n but_o the_o inward_a temper_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o often_o make_v his_o outward_a condition_n calamitous_a 16.7_o 1_o sam._n 16.7_o that_o his_o mind_n may_v grow_v
the_o danger_n of_o the_o night_n past_a god_n careful_a watch_v over_o we_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o lengthen_v out_o our_o opportunity_n for_o repentance_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o better_a life_n ought_v certain_o to_o bring_v we_o upon_o our_o knee_n in_o humble_a adoration_n of_o that_o good_a god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n in_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o future_a and_o devout_a oblation_n of_o our_o whole_a self_n and_o our_o whole_a time_n to_o his_o service_n who_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n and_o health_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o since_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n without_o he_o to_o beg_v his_o bless_a presence_n with_o we_o that_o he_o will_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o will_v guide_v and_o protect_v we_o and_o bless_v and_o prosper_v our_o honest_a undertake_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o watch_v over_o we_o for_o good_a that_o we_o may_v be_v undefiled_a by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n and_o look_v back_o with_o comfort_n upon_o our_o action_n when_o we_o cast_v up_o our_o account_n at_o night_n 2._o as_o for_o our_o midday_n devotion_n because_o we_o be_v then_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n beset_v on_o every_o side_n with_o allurement_n to_o do_v evil_a it_o will_v high_o concern_v we_o afresh_o to_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o support_v that_o we_o may_v stand_v upright_o if_o we_o have_v pass_v secure_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o day_n it_o become_v we_o to_o pay_v our_o humble_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o divine_a guardian_n and_o guide_n and_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v it_o become_v we_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o confess_v our_o vileness_n and_o deprecate_v god_n anger_n and_o beg_v his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o circumspect_a the_o remainder_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o wonderful_a order_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o variety_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n god_n have_v make_v for_o all_o our_o necessity_n will_v then_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o engage_v our_o thought_n and_o will_v minister_v abundant_a matter_n for_o devotion_n and_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o fill_v our_o breast_n with_o holy_a breathe_n and_o aspiration_n towards_o that_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o power_n infinite_a who_o by_o his_o word_n speak_v all_o this_o into_o be_v 3._o and_o for_o prayer_n at_o evening_n our_o protection_n from_o the_o many_o evil_a accident_n and_o the_o many_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o day_n past_a the_o miscarriage_n likewise_o and_o failures_n of_o it_o if_o no_o worse_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o approach_a night_n be_v sufficient_a motive_n and_o engagement_n to_o renew_v our_o devout_a address_n to_o the_o almighty_a and_o as_o private_a prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v thus_o constant_a and_o without_o wilful_a intermission_n so_o and_o more_o especial_o no_o opportunity_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n shall_v be_v omit_v for_o this_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o and_o primary_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o write_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n most_o part_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v spend_v in_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a management_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o the_o command_n of_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o place_n and_o that_o ephes_n 6.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o every_o opportunity_n must_v primary_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a as_o any_o capable_a person_n may_v perceive_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o according_o those_o convert_v make_v by_o s._n peter_n act_v 2.42_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o v._o 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n we_o find_v they_o all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n act_v 2.1_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o iniquity_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o begin_v to_o wax_v cold_a but_o methinks_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o these_o public_a devotion_n above_o the_o private_a shall_v have_v some_o influence_n upon_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o constant_a attendance_n at_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v express_o promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n there_o and_o that_o the_o prayer_n there_o offer_v shall_v be_v successful_a thus_o matt._n 18.19_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o church_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v there_o who_o happy_a employment_n be_v to_o admire_v adore_v and_o extol_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o as_o there_o so_o here_o the_o devotion_n of_o other_o will_v raise_v our_o affection_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n quicken_v our_o devotion_n to_o which_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n by_o pious_a example_n and_o devout_a behaviour_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o close_a of_o those_o public_a office_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n think_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o mean_a regard_n whatever_o low_a thought_n man_n nowadays_o may_v have_v of_o it_o to_o this_o head_n of_o public_a prayer_n may_v be_v reduce_v the_o assemble_v of_o a_o family_n together_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o joint_a petition_n to_o god_n whether_o by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o family_n or_o by_o some_o minister_n of_o religion_n if_o present_a and_o this_o have_v be_v a_o practice_n of_o very_o long_o stand_v and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n it_o keep_v a_o family_n in_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o accustom_n youth_n to_o it_o betimes_o and_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o mark_v and_o imitate_v their_o parent_n and_o master_n step_v more_o than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o young_a people_n will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v those_o of_o who_o prudence_n and_o experience_n they_o have_v a_o opinion_n so_o serious_o set_v about_o it_o the_o return_v of_o these_o family-devotion_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n ought_v not_o without_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o they_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v people_n more_o industrious_a and_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n as_o keep_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n a_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o a_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o prevent_v abundance_n of_o folly_n and_o levity_n and_o looseness_n of_o manner_n and_o make_v the_o day_n sober_a and_o honest_a and_o the_o night_n innocent_a and_o chaste_a and_o this_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a difference_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v between_o family_n where_o this_o holy_a custom_n be_v and_o be_v not_o observe_v idleness_n and_o laziness_n pilfer_v and_o cheat_v swear_v and_o lie_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n of_o all_o sort_n general_o where_o it_o be_v neglect_v and_o good_a order_n modesty_n and_o sobriety_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o it_o be_v observe_v for_o it_o tend_v so_o much_o as_o it_o evident_o do_v to_o the_o make_v man_n good_a christian_n it_o consequent_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v they_o good_a in_o every_o relation_n these_o solemn_a family_n devotion_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a preparation_n for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o the_o more_o public_a office_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n for_o they_o tend_v to_o create_v that_o habitual_a seriousness_n
and_o recollection_n of_o thought_n which_o our_o public_a prayer_n command_v and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v offer_v but_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n the_o more_o man_n be_v affect_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o family_n at_o home_n the_o more_o sacred_a and_o awful_a will_v the_o public_a service_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o they_o if_o attentive_a and_o devout_a there_o much_o more_o so_o here_o and_o the_o more_o they_o feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o joint_a devotion_n in_o their_o own_o house_n the_o more_o desirous_a will_v they_o be_v of_o and_o the_o more_o benefit_v and_o refresh_v by_o the_o harmony_n of_o a_o full_a choir_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o holy_a temple_n i_o be_o afraid_a this_o pious_a custom_n be_v nowadays_o too_o much_o neglect_v some_o grudge_v to_o take_v so_o much_o time_n from_o their_o other_o employment_n as_o this_o duty_n require_v and_o other_o on_o evening_n especial_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o by_o tarry_v long_o at_o the_o wine_n and_o enflame_v themselves_o with_o strong_a drink_n and_o some_o true_o think_v it_o too_o precise_a and_o puritanical_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v practise_v nowadays_o but_o these_o last_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o throw_v ill_a name_n upon_o what_o our_o religion_n have_v make_v our_o duty_n and_o what_o have_v all_o along_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v those_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n mark_v 8.38_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v it_o a_o fit_a reason_n that_o a_o thing_n so_o excellent_a as_o this_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o disuse_v because_o those_o that_o in_o other_o matter_n dissent_v from_o we_o be_v so_o careful_a to_o observe_v it_o let_v their_o piety_n in_o this_o instance_n rather_o shame_v we_o into_o amendment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v behind_o they_o in_o no_o good_a work_n and_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n of_o cavil_v and_o make_v objection_n against_o our_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o careless_a indifferent_a religion_n of_o some_o that_o be_v of_o our_o communion_n in_o particular_a this_o neglect_n of_o family-devotion_n be_v often_o throw_v in_o our_o tooth_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o take_v off_o the_o aspersion_n be_v hearty_o to_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v our_o great_a happiness_n be_v we_o due_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v member_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a encourager_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n and_o methinks_v we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a have_v we_o any_o love_n for_o this_o church_n any_o desire_n that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v and_o prosper_v not_o to_o disparage_v it_o by_o our_o so_o disagreeable_a conversation_n other_o sect_n and_o party_n we_o see_v extraordinary_a diligent_a to_o gain_v honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o their_o profession_n that_o their_o antagonist_n may_v discover_v no_o flaw_n or_o indecency_n no_o breach_n of_o the_o order_n and_o custom_n they_o have_v embrace_v while_o we_o that_o have_v the_o best_a cause_n be_v general_o the_o worst_a manager_n of_o it_o for_o shame_n let_v we_o at_o length_n grow_v wise_a and_o live_v up_o to_o what_o we_o profess_v in_o this_o and_o every_o other_o particular_a and_o transcribe_v the_o excellent_a rule_n of_o our_o church_n in_o our_o conversation_n let_v we_o act_v like_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o talk_v as_o such_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n but_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n will_v prevail_v we_o be_v as_o a_o city_n build_v upon_o a_o hill_n a_o light_n set_v in_o a_o eminent_a place_n many_o envious_a eye_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o rejoice_v to_o see_v our_o taper_n burn_v dim_a and_o our_o city_n defile_v by_o wickedness_n and_o impurity_n wherefore_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o trim_v our_o lamp_n and_o purge_v out_o our_o stain_n and_o shine_v bright_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n that_o these_o man_n see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v at_o length_n glorify_v our_o heavenly_a father_n by_o a_o hearty_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o we_o and_o return_v to_o the_o fold_n which_o they_o have_v so_o groundless_o desert_v as_o for_o such_o as_o grudge_v time_n for_o this_o duty_n of_o pray_v in_o their_o family_n let_v they_o consider_v whether_o they_o can_v indeed_o improve_v it_o more_o to_o their_o advantage_n whether_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o little_a money_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o have_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o guidance_n and_o protection_n of_o his_o good_a providence_n and_o whether_o their_o time_n be_v not_o chief_o give_v they_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o and_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o as_o for_o such_o as_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o this_o holy_a duty_n by_o night_n revel_n and_o intemperance_n they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a that_o that_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a excuse_n such_o as_o they_o shall_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o a_o fault_n which_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o speedy_o to_o amend_v remember_v that_o drunkard_n be_v in_o that_o black_a list_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.10_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v 1_o tim._n 2.8_o add_v to_o the_o importunity_n recommend_v in_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v upon_o will_v doubtless_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o be_v avail_v the_o apostle_n word_n be_v these_o i_o will_v that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o of_o these_o requisite_n i_o shall_v first_o discourse_n and_o then_o of_o importunity_n first_o if_o we_o will_v be_v accept_v at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o must_v lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o constant_o use_v the_o ceremony_n of_o wash_v before_o they_o pray_v which_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o clean_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o god_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o that_o can_v behold_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o therefore_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o solomon_n observe_v must_v needs_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o and_o bring_v down_o a_o curse_n rather_o than_o a_o blessing_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_a only_o his_o delight_n prov._n 15.8_o more_o particular_o by_o this_o expression_n of_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n be_v mean_v these_o three_o qualification_n first_o that_o the_o suppliant_a be_v one_o of_o a_o good_a life_n or_o if_o he_o have_v not_o former_o be_v so_o repent_v and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o future_a for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o be_v a_o rebel_n to_o god_n a_o traitor_n and_o judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o that_o will_v obey_v none_o but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o vile_a lust_n how_o can_v such_o a_o one_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v hearken_v to_o his_o request_n who_o consume_v god_n blessing_n upon_o his_o lust_n 4.3_o jam._n 4.3_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o and_z as_o s._n paul_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o sin_n still_o more_o that_o grace_n may_v still_o abound_v and_o be_v encourage_v by_o god_n goodness_n to_o persist_v in_o his_o wickedness_n he_o only_o can_v with_o reason_n expect_v to_o be_v hear_v by_o a_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v either_o actual_o pious_a and_o good_a or_o hearty_o desire_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o second_o by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n be_v mean_v purity_n of_o intention_n unmixed_a desire_n of_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o real_a needs_o and_o of_o promote_a our_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v no_o man_n must_v
that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o that_o fierce_a anger_n from_o he_o which_o he_o be_v very_o sensible_a he_o have_v but_o too_o much_o deserve_v thus_o david_n frame_v a_o psalm_n on_o purpose_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v his_o great_a transgression_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n he_o than_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o he_o and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o his_o former_a excellent_a piety_n shall_v cover_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o foul_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o search_v for_o excuse_n and_o endeavour_v to_o extenuate_v his_o gild_n but_o like_o a_o true_o humble_a penitent_n change_v his_o usual_a strain_n of_o praise_n and_o thansgiving_n for_o the_o accent_n of_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o better_a remorse_n acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n ever_o before_o he_o and_o with_o the_o most_o pathetic_a earnestness_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n beg_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v again_o great_a in_o he_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o as_o if_o those_o his_o great_a wickedness_n have_v not_o only_o pollute_v all_o that_o before_o be_v good_a in_o he_o but_o quite_o destroy_v the_o rectitude_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o david_n so_o s._n peter_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a baseness_n of_o deny_v his_o divine_a master_n and_o saviour_n his_o spirit_n be_v so_o true_o humble_v that_o without_o endeavour_v in_o the_o least_o to_o conceal_v or_o palliate_v his_o fault_n he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o so_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o parable_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o and_o with_o great_a compunction_n of_o spirit_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v viz._n a_o not_o overvalue_a our_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o ourselves_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o nor_o despise_v other_o as_o less_o holy_a but_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v nor_o undervalue_v or_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v and_o extenuate_v our_o wickedness_n but_o a_o impartial_a consider_v the_o vileness_n and_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o sincere_a humble_v ourselves_o for_o they_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o show_v how_o excellent_a and_o beneficial_a this_o virtue_n be_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o this_o virtue_n be_v very_o excellent_a and_o of_o great_a benefit_n to_o christian_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o beatitude_n which_o he_o begin_v thus_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n like_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n low_a of_o a_o building_n that_o be_v to_o reach_v so_o very_o high_a and_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n must_v be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v advance_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n piety_n without_o humility_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n top-heavy_a and_o overset_a like_o a_o ship_n without_o her_o ballast_n it_o be_v this_o that_o preserve_v the_o soul_n unshaken_a amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o make_v a_o ship_n sail_v sure_a and_o steady_a amid_o the_o mighty_a billow_n the_o house_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o sandy_a surface_n of_o the_o earth_n soon_o yield_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o tempest_n and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o our_o lord_n therefore_o begin_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o basis_n and_o great_a security_n of_o all_o his_o other_o building_n which_o he_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v be_v to_o undergo_v the_o shock_n of_o many_o a_o furious_a storm_n and_o contend_v with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n but_o more_o particular_o this_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a that_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n nor_o render_v he_o more_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n first_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a affair_n that_o nothing_o make_v man_n more_o industrious_a than_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n and_o the_o poorness_n of_o their_o stock_n whereas_o when_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v abundance_n he_o be_v general_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o impoverishment_n become_v his_o lot_n rather_o than_o a_o far_a improvement_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o double_o diligent_a and_o consequent_o to_o improve_v great_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n but_o haughty_a conceitedness_n will_v certain_o make_v he_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o nay_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o humble_a mind_a man_n improvement_n for_o it_o be_v always_o find_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o more_o real_a virtue_n increase_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n the_o more_o and_o great_a the_o defect_n of_o his_o virtue_n appear_v to_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v his_o diligence_n be_v quicken_v and_o spur_v on_o as_o st._n paul_n the_o far_o he_o advance_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n the_o more_o conscious_a he_o grow_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o apprehend_v what_o he_o endeavour_v after_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a and_o that_o make_v he_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o reach_v out_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o what_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o and_o eager_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a diligence_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a growth_n and_o increase_n and_o so_o still_o onward_o in_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n till_o he_o finish_v his_o virtuous_a race_n and_o be_v perfect_a as_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n make_v a_o man_n move_v swift_o in_o the_o christian_a course_n so_o it_o make_v he_o tread_v sure_o too_o it_o balance_n he_o and_o keep_v he_o upon_o his_o centre_n and_o secure_v he_o from_o those_o dangerous_a fall_n which_o too_o often_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o high-minded_a and_o proud_a for_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v that_o ruine_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o his_o accomplice_n but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o subtle_a art_n of_o the_o tempter_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a lowly_a jesus_n and_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o most_o of_o all_o apt_a for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o infinite_a value_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o entitle_v a_o man_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n for_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a second_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o a_o christian_a so_o do_v it_o render_v he_o high_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n all_o man_n love_v a_o humble_a man_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o he_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o it_o nor_o despise_v or_o haughty_o reflect_v upon_o other_o that_o live_v more_o at_o large_a than_o he_o do_v but_o advise_v they_o better_o seasonable_o and_o with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n such_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n that_o see_v his_o good_a work_n mix_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v so_o lovely_a a_o example_n and_o glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n and_o as_o for_o god_n s._n peter_n and_o s._n james_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n all_o agree_v that_o he_o resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o our_o lord_n himself_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o