of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o may_v brief_o take_v this_o partition_n it_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n or_o hold_v out_o to_o we_o 1._o the_o folly_n of_o the_o young_a son_n 2._o the_o misery_n which_o ensue_v upon_o it_o 1._o his_o folly_n display_v itself_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o his_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o ins_n portion_n to_o have_v it_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o dispose_v ver_fw-la 12._o 2._o his_o improvident_a and_o wasteful_a misimprovement_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 13._o 1._o his_o unreasonable_a demand_n this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o have_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o twelve_o verse_n in_o which_o description_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o person_n make_v this_o demand_n the_o young_a son_n 2._o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o make_v this_o demand_n his_o father_n he_o say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n 3._o the_o demand_n itself_o give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o 4._o the_o father_n concede_a act_n and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n 1._o touch_v the_o person_n that_o make_v this_o demand_n he_o be_v call_v the_o young_a son_n whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o will_v hold_v that_o will_v have_v he_o call_v the_o young_a to_o note_v his_o folly_n and_o childishness_n i_o can_v well_o see_v though_o it_o be_v a_o proverbial_a speech_n in_o some_o nation_n to_o call_v a_o giddy_a shallow_a witted_a person_n a_o young_a brother_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v so_o use_v among_o the_o jew_n i_o find_v not_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o may_v rather_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v here_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o grace_n represent_v this_o son_n at_o all_o disadvantage_n whereof_o this_o be_v one_o if_o a_o father_n have_v no_o son_n but_o one_o he_o may_v have_v great_a seem_n reason_n to_o bear_v more_o with_o he_o and_o pass_v by_o many_o and_o great_a offence_n as_o have_v no_o other_o to_o confer_v his_o love_n upon_o and_o if_o he_o have_v more_o than_o one_o the_o elder_a son_n may_v promise_v himself_o most_o of_o his_o father_n patience_n and_o connivance_n as_o look_v upon_o under_o great_a advantage_n and_o often_o carry_v away_o the_o best_a portion_n not_o of_o good_n only_o but_o of_o affection_n also_o but_o for_o a_o young_a son_n thus_o to_o abuse_v his_o father_n this_o aggravate_v his_o fault_n and_o for_o he_o after_o this_o to_o find_v favour_n and_o obtain_v acceptance_n when_o there_o be_v a_o elder_a brother_n this_o enhaunch_v the_o kindness_n and_o may_v teach_v we_o thus_o much_o doct._n that_o god_n grace_n oftentimes_o choose_v the_o vile_a and_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o make_v itself_o know_v upon_o such_o as_o man_n will_v least_o regard_v god_n have_v many_o time_n the_o large_a favour_n for_o hence_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 21._o 31._o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o you_o and_o here_o the_o father_n special_a love_n be_v express_v to_o the_o young_a son_n all_o jesse_n elder_a son_n be_v refuse_v by_o god_n and_o david_n the_o young_a be_v appoint_v and_o anoint_a king_n and_o many_o that_o be_v last_o be_v first_o reas_n for_o the_o exaltation_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n good_a pleasure_n shall_v god_n make_v application_n of_o his_o save_a mercy_n only_o to_o man_n of_o a_o sober_a profession_n and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o outward_o advantage_v man_n may_v begin_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o worth_n in_o their_o person_n some_o merit_n in_o their_o civil_a carriage_n some_o obligation_n on_o god_n by_o their_o visible_a relation_n to_o give_v they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n but_o how_o when_o he_o choose_v such_o a_o one_o here_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o creature_n to_o obscure_v his_o grace_n this_o peter_n acknowledge_v when_o he_o see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_a believer_n act._n 10._o 34_o 35._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o this_o account_n be_v our_o saviour_n doxology_n 〈◊〉_d thankful_a celebration_n of_o god_n grace_n mat._n 1â—_n 25_o 26._o use_v 1._o to_o refute_v the_o arminian_n doctrine_n of_o something_o in_o we_o foresee_v as_o that_o which_o â—â—rects_v the_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n aboâ—â—_n our_o future_a good_a how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o ordinary_a waâ—_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n very_o obvious_a let_v the_o pattern_n of_o this_o poor_a prodigal_n stand_v for_o ever_o to_o confront_v that_o opinion_n look_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o his_o disadvantage_n he_o haâ—_n no_o law_n to_o pretend_v to_o the_o righteous_a observation_n of_o and_o make_v a_o plea_n from_o thence_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d good_a work_n to_o enumerate_v and_o challenge_v acceptance_n for_o he_o have_v no_o covenant_n whenâ—_n to_o pretend_v a_o interest_n in_o and_o heirship_n to_o the_o kingdom_n he_o be_v a_o young_a brother_n a_o prodigal_n a_o riotous_a liver_n and_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a use_v 2._o to_o encourage_v such_o poor_a soul_n whâ—â—_n be_v under_o deep_a conviction_n do_v find_v nothing_o of_o advantage_n in_o themselves_o to_o rely_v upon_o anâ—_n be_v hereupon_o ready_a to_o say_v i_o have_v nothing_o 〈◊〉_d do_v with_o the_o covenant_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a abject_a publican_n etc._n etc._n why_o be_v assure_v that_o you_o aâ—â—_n for_o this_o never_o the_o further_o off_o from_o savinâ—_n grace_n nor_o ought_v you_o to_o be_v any_o thing_n tâ—_n more_o discourage_v from_o go_v to_o god_n though_o you_o be_v a_o young_a son_n and_o a_o prodigal_a too_o yâ—â—_n if_o you_o go_v to_o he_o in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 〈◊〉_d will_v own_v thou_o for_o a_o son_n as_o the_o father_n do_v â—â—ch_a a_o one_o be_v not_o then_o daunt_v or_o beat_v off_o with_o fright_n and_o fear_n but_o venture_v into_o his_o preâ—â—nce_n he_o know_v how_o where_o sin_n have_v abound_v make_v grace_n more_o than_o abound_v but_o i_o pass_v sermon_n ii_o touch_v the_o party_n of_o who_o he_o make_v the_o demand_n and_o title_n which_o he_o put_v upon_o he_o father_n while_o he_o study_v ingratitude_n and_o proud_a self-dependence_n he_o put_v on_o a_o cloak_n of_o submission_n he_o acknowledge_v his_o father_n â—y_a his_o title_n although_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v at_o â—is_n dispose_v hence_o we_o may_v observe_v doct._n 1._o that_o the_o most_o wicked_a intention_n be_v sometime_o clothe_v with_o the_o fair_a pretence_n man_n be_v not_o content_a to_o dissemble_v one_o with_o another_o but_o with_o god_n too_o the_o name_n father_n â—s_v a_o name_n of_o honour_n and_o when_o the_o son_n call_v he_o father_n he_o make_v a_o show_n of_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o all_o that_o dignity_n power_n privilege_n which_o a_o father_n have_v of_o his_o child_n he_o come_v mannerly_a as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o grieve_v he_o while_o yet_o he_o be_v plot_v his_o great_a disgrace_n and_o how_o to_o carry_v himself_o most_o unworthy_o reas_n from_o the_o natural_o remain_v activity_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v in_o man_n and_o have_v in_o all_o some_o power_n except_v such_o conscience_n as_o be_v cauterise_v man_n have_v something_o in_o they_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v rom._n 2._o 15._o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o fall_v meâ—_n ready_o close_a with_o and_o approve_v of_o wickedness_n yet_o their_o natural_a shame_n fear_v self-condemnation_n make_v they_o to_o palliate_v and_o shadow_v it_o under_o self-cheating_a and_o deceive_a pretence_n thus_o they_o hide_v their_o sin_n from_o themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v so_o from_o god_n too_o use_v to_o admonish_v we_o to_o look_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o special_a to_o beware_v to_o ourselves_o in_o our_o prayer_n we_o often_o seem_v to_o go_v fair_o to_o god_n and_o call_v he_o father_n to_o ask_v thing_n of_o he_o which_o to_o we_o may_v seem_v rational_a thus_o the_o young_a son_n think_v it_o but_o fair_a that_o be_v as_o he_o suppose_v at_o age_n and_o discretion_n to_o dispose_v oâ—_n his_o own_o he_o may_v without_o fault_n demand_v his_o portion_n we_o many_o time_n ask_v these_o and_o those_o thing_n in_o prayer_n mannerly_a in_o expression_n but_o let_v we_o beware_v lest_o for_o all_o that_o the_o wickedness_n oâ—_n our_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o we_o ask_v gift_n but_o possible_a to_o be_v proud_a of_o and_o get_v applause_n by_o and_o not_o tâ—_n serve_v god_n with_o they_o we_o ask_v comfort_n oâ—_n this_o life_n but_o not_o to_o encourage_v our_o cheerful_a serve_v of_o god_n with_o they_o but_o
reason_n of_o the_o sudden_a and_o strange_a alteration_n which_o we_o may_v sometime_o see_v wrought_v in_o a_o sinner_n one_o who_o the_o other_o day_n we_o see_v bleed_v to_o death_n in_o his_o sin_n rot_v in_o his_o grave_n spend_v all_o in_o riot_n slight_v all_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o destruction_n now_o change_v and_o become_v another_o man_n all_o new_a in_o he_o yea_o one_o that_o be_v wound_v under_o amazement_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n despair_v and_o die_v under_o conviction_n now_o rejoice_v and_o ravish_v with_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n these_o be_v strange_a alteration_n but_o not_o to_o be_v misbelieved_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o haste_n that_o god_n make_v to_o find_v out_o and_o take_v into_o his_o arm_n die_v sinner_n and_o the_o ravish_a embrace_n he_o afford_v they_o when_o god_n come_v he_o run_v he_o may_v delay_v a_o while_n and_o let_v the_o sinner_n run_v himself_o out_o and_o not_o come_v present_o to_o convert_v he_o but_o when_o he_o do_v come_v he_o come_v without_o delay_n nothing_o stop_v he_o hab._n 2._o 2._o cant._n 2._o 8._o use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n to_o the_o regenerate_a or_o such_o as_o have_v be_v convert_v unto_o god_n meditate_v much_o upon_o and_o labour_n to_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n wonderful_a love_n to_o you_o think_v often_o 1._o what_o have_v he_o make_v i_o be_v die_v despair_a hopeless_a but_o he_o speedy_o come_v and_o put_v under_o a_o everlasting_a arm_n or_o ever_o i_o be_v aware_a etc._n etc._n 2._o with_o what_o ardour_n of_o affection_n he_o fall_v upon_o thy_o neck_n oh_o remember_v those_o embrace_n how_o he_o take_v thou_o up_o in_o his_o arm_n a_o unworthy_a filthy_a pollute_a armful_n how_o kind_a be_v those_o clasp_n which_o encircle_v thou_o those_o embrace_n which_o take_v thou_o out_o of_o thy_o pit_n 3._o how_o he_o kiss_v thou_o breathe_v his_o soul_n into_o thou_o and_o fill_v thou_o with_o his_o love_n pardon_v all_o thy_o sin_n take_v thou_o to_o be_v his_o son_n again_o influence_v thou_o with_o his_o grace_n in_o thy_o far_a country_n speak_v comfortable_o to_o thou_o oh_o love_v the_o lord_n all_o you_o his_o saint_n and_o let_v your_o heart_n boil_v over_o in_o ardent_a affection_n to_o he_o sermon_n xxiii_o verse_n 21._o and_o the_o son_n say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n we_o now_o come_v to_o observe_v the_o son_n deportment_n to_o his_o father_n or_o how_o he_o carry_v it_o under_o these_o large_a and_o liberal_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o and_o that_o be_v with_o all_o humble_a and_o penitent_a carriage_n the_o blot_v out_o and_o pardon_v of_o his_o sin_n do_v not_o blot_v they_o out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n or_o make_v he_o ever_o the_o less_o apprehensive_a of_o his_o unworthiness_n no_o but_o it_o draw_v out_o his_o humble_a and_o penitent_a confession_n this_o acknowledgement_n be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n which_o he_o have_v resolve_v upon_o vers_n 18_o 19_o he_o purpose_v if_o ever_o he_o can_v meet_v his_o father_n thus_o he_o will_v say_v he_o now_o not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o find_v himself_o in_o his_o embrace_n and_o here_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n to_o he_o there_o be_v only_o the_o last_o clause_n omit_v and_o why_o omit_v be_v not_o essential_a to_o inquire_v divers_a reason_n be_v give_v and_o that_o which_o seem_v most_o probable_a be_v that_o his_o father_n kind_a carriage_n and_o abundant_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n have_v leave_v he_o no_o room_n for_o it_o because_o he_o now_o find_v himself_o accept_v in_o quality_n of_o a_o son_n the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n as_o they_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a repentance_n have_v be_v speak_v to_o from_o vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o that_o which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o consider_v be_v only_o his_o express_v of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n after_o his_o father_n have_v show_v himself_o full_o reconcile_v and_o so_o signal_o testify_v it_o in_o his_o carriage_n to_o he_o hence_o doct._n when_o god_n manifest_v his_o special_a love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n in_o conversion_n it_o will_v draw_v forth_o the_o most_o kindly_a act_n of_o true_a repentance_n god_n pardon_v and_o accept_v grace_n sensible_o apprehend_v will_v make_v a_o soul_n more_o to_o loathe_v his_o sin_n accuse_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o be_v ashamed_a at_o they_o though_o while_o god_n be_v kindle_v these_o resolve_n he_o come_v in_o with_o they_o and_o â—rings_v his_o salvation_n yet_o this_o shall_v not_o extinguish_v those_o resolution_n but_o help_v they_o this_o be_v the_o season_n to_o express_v and_o act_n godly_a sorrow_n humiliation_n and_o repentance_n we_o have_v david_n in_o this_o for_o a_o exe_v …_o nt_v example_n who_o when_o the_o prophet_n have_v convince_v for_o his_o great_a sin_n he_o confess_v it_o but_o when_o he_o have_v witness_v from_o god_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v than_o he_o break_v forth_o in_o a_o penitential_a psalm_n viz._n psal_n 51._o wherein_o he_o humble_v himself_o into_o the_o very_a dust_n reas_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a repentance_n sound_a humiliation_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o be_v such_o as_o before_o grace_v receive_v from_o god_n can_v act_v kind_o no_o not_o at_o all_o all_o that_o the_o man_n have_v before_o he_o be_v convert_v be_v legal_a take_v the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o all_o act_n presume_v their_o habit_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o logic_n that_o no_o effect_n exceed_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o tree_n must_v first_o be_v make_v good_a before_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n the_o thorn_n turn_v into_o a_o figtree_n if_o it_o bear_v figs._n there_o must_v be_v a_o habit_n before_o there_o can_v be_v act_n correspondent_a there_o must_v be_v a_o eye_n before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o sight_n so_o there_o must_v be_v habitual_a repentance_n or_o a_o principle_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n before_o there_o can_v be_v exertion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o principle_n or_o habit_n be_v not_o in_o the_o soul_n before_o conversion_n conversion_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n this_o be_v do_v by_o change_v his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o faculty_n it_o be_v by_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o he_o be_v thus_o make_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n into_o he_o or_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o sanctification_n in_o his_o soul_n repentance_n be_v a_o grace_n a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o we_o in_o the_o former_a doctrine_n observe_v that_o all_o grace_n come_v at_o once_o and_o then_o when_o god_n take_v a_o sinner_n into_o favour_n than_o he_o furnish_v he_o with_o his_o grace_n hence_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v convertible_a 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o 2._o the_o act_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o actual_a turn_n from_o sin_n and_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o have_v both_o these_o part_n in_o it_o as_o be_v before_o hint_v at_o verse_n 18_o 19_o if_o it_o want_v one_o it_o want_v all_o for_o man_n be_v a_o dependent_a creature_n must_v have_v will_v have_v some_o object_n now_o here_o the_o soul_n utter_o and_o everlasting_o relinquish_v all_o its_o sinful_a object_n hos_fw-la 14._o 8._o it_o free_o and_o willing_o part_n with_o they_o and_o it_o turn_v to_o god_n close_v with_o he_o as_o the_o only_a object_n on_o who_o it_o can_v rest_v for_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a scope_n of_o repentance_n jer._n 4._o 1._o now_o such_o a_o act_n of_o choose_v and_o close_v with_o god_n which_o must_v needs_o accompany_v repentance_n necessary_o suppose_v faith_n for_o a_o sinner_n can_v close_v with_o god_n but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o repentance_n than_o there_o be_v a_o habit_n whence_o that_o act_n flow_v 3._o inasmuch_o as_o repentance_n be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o foot_n of_o the_o soul_n carry_v it_o from_o and_o to_o its_o object_n and_o hence_o be_v a_o fix_v they_o upon_o some_o other_o object_n than_o they_o former_o dwell_v upon_o where_o also_o the_o prime_a affection_n main_o discover_v themselves_o viz._n love_n and_o hatred_n it_o necessary_o prerequire_v to_o this_o act_n a_o gracious_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o these_o affection_n in_o repentance_n the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o hate_v sin_n which_o before_o it_o love_v as_o its_o life_n and_o it_o love_v god_n who_o before_o it_o hate_v and_o the_o one_o of_o these_o
hate_v his_o child_n and_o as_o there_o be_v war_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n so_o also_o there_o be_v opposition_n betwixt_o their_o seed_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o envy_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o fall_a man_n jam_z 4._o 5._o it_o have_v for_o its_o object_n person_n and_o thing_n the_o person_n who_o it_o most_o express_v itself_o against_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o joh._n 15._o 19_o and_o the_o thing_n be_v all_o their_o prosperity_n so_o far_o as_o they_o apprehend_v it_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n be_v not_o envy_v at_o that_o they_o can_v rejoice_v and_o say_v aha!_o so_o will_v we_o have_v it_o but_o their_o prosperity_n the_o singular_a favour_n of_o god_n their_o comfort_n their_o hope_n their_o profess_a assurance_n these_o they_o can_v bear_v and_o hence_o they_o be_v spiteful_o enrage_v and_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n psal_n 112._o 8._o 9_o 10._o 2._o where_o this_o spirit_n be_v find_v rule_v in_o a_o professor_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a note_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n i_o know_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o have_v its_o motion_n in_o a_o believer_n but_o it_o do_v not_o there_o reign_v but_o where_o it_o so_o do_v let_v a_o man_n profession_n be_v what_o it_o will_v it_o prove_v it_o vain_a and_o dissemble_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o contradict_v this_o property_n of_o a_o believer_n grace_n which_o be_v to_o rejoice_v both_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o neighbour_n good_a both_o of_o which_o be_v herein_o so_o eminent_o manifest_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o grace_n stir_v it_o will_v be_v raise_v by_o it_o god_n most_o prize_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o that_o more_o appear_v the_o more_o vile_a and_o unworthy_a the_o subject_n have_v be_v and_o the_o joy_n of_o conversion_n be_v the_o real_a and_o best_a joy_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v have_v that_o of_o glory_n differ_v from_o it_o but_o in_o degree_n and_o he_o that_o envy_v god_n glory_n and_o his_o neighbour_n good_a he_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n at_o once_o use_v 1._o here_o we_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o from_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o from_o many_o pretender_n to_o it_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o more_o god_fw-we favour_n they_o the_o more_o they_o envy_v they_o alas_o all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o that_o profess_v god_n and_o yet_o hate_v godliness_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v endure_v that_o god_n shall_v bless_v the_o godly_a they_o therefore_o persecute_v they_o and_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o disturb_v they_o in_o their_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n let_v not_o these_o thing_n amuse_v we_o bet_n let_v it_o satisfy_v we_o if_o god_n love_v we_o though_o man_n hate_v we_o if_o god_n give_v we_o joy_n in_o himself_o peace_n in_o our_o conscience_n though_o other_o seek_v to_o trouble_v we_o be_v not_o discontent_n nor_o let_v we_o seek_v man_n favour_n but_o god_n yea_o let_v that_o always_o be_v our_o prayer_n psal_n 109._o 28._o though_o they_o curse_v do_v thou_o bless_v use_v 2._o for_o examination_n here_o we_o have_v one_o rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o sincerity_n i._n e._n how_o be_v we_o affect_v when_o we_o see_v and_o hear_v that_o this_o or_o that_o poor_a prodigal_n that_o be_v lie_v in_o sin_n and_o have_v dishonour_v god_n be_v convert_v and_o bring_v home_o and_o make_v partake_v in_o his_o grace_n and_o rich_a benefit_n do_v we_o true_o rejoice_v with_o they_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o or_o do_v we_o envy_v they_o and_o grow_v angry_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o do_v we_o hate_v they_o and_o the_o more_o because_o we_o think_v god_n love_v they_o this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a note_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o true_o if_o man_n will_v search_v their_o own_o heart_n they_o may_v find_v too_o much_o of_o this_o spirit_n god_n people_n be_v hate_v for_o their_o liberty_n privilege_n their_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o man_n pretend_v other_o reason_n but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n but_o let_v i_o expostulate_v with_o such_o spirit_n as_o god_n do_v with_o cain_n if_o you_o do_v well_o if_o you_o also_o be_v convert_v there_o be_v enough_o for_o you_o god_n can_v fill_v all_o soul_n with_o joy_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o want_v if_o you_o be_v not_o convert_v you_o have_v more_o need_n to_o mourn_v than_o envy_n the_o fault_n be_v your_o own_o not_o they_o do_v as_o they_o have_v do_v return_n and_o humble_v yourselves_o before_o god_n and_o you_o may_v fare_v as_o they_o do_v use_v 3._o to_o exhort_v believer_n to_o show_v a_o spirit_n contrary_a to_o the_o envious_a spirit_n of_o wicked_a man_n do_v you_o therefore_o pray_v for_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n in_o your_o compass_n endeavour_v the_o conversion_n of_o prodigal_n long_o and_o travel_v for_o the_o regeneration_n of_o sinner_n and_o when_o you_o see_v it_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o glorify_v god_n for_o it_o so_o shall_v you_o approve_v yourselves_o to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o you_o shall_v also_o share_v in_o their_o joy_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o compliment_n of_o your_o happiness_n to_o be_v fellow_n commoner_n with_o they_o in_o the_o bless_a thing_n which_o god_n prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o sermon_n xxvii_o verse_n 28._o and_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o will_v not_o go_v in_o therefore_o come_v his_o father_n out_o and_o entreat_v he_o verse_n 29._o and_o he_o answer_v say_v to_o his_o father_n lo_o those_o many_o year_n i_o do_v serve_v thou_o neither_o at_o any_o time_n transgress_v i_o thy_o commandment_n &_o yet_o thou_o never_o give_v i_o a_o kid_n that_o i_o may_v make_v merry_a with_o my_o friend_n verse_n 30._o but_o as_o soon_o as_o this_o thy_o son_n be_v come_v which_o have_v devour_v thy_o live_n with_o harlot_n thou_o have_v kill_v for_o he_o the_o fat_a calf_n it_o follow_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o offence_n itself_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v here_o principal_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o plea_n which_o his_o son_n use_v to_o justify_v his_o anger_n in_o particular_a we_o may_v observe_v 1._o wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o anger_n he_o will_v not_o go_v in_o 2_o his_o father_n meekness_n and_o condescendency_n to_o he_o he_o go_v out_o and_o entreat_v he_o 3._o his_o resolute_a refusal_n ground_v upon_o a_o pretend_a plea_n of_o just_a offence_n where_o he_o charge_v his_o father_n for_o a_o double_a partiality_n 1._o in_o neglect_v of_o he_o and_o not_o reward_v of_o his_o faithful_a service_n wherein_o he_o accuse_v he_o of_o great_a unkindness_n vers_fw-la 29._o 2._o in_o show_v such_o extraordinary_a favour_n to_o his_o young_a brother_n who_o deserve_v ill_o at_o his_o hand_n hence_o 1._o he_o revise_v his_o former_a wicked_a carriage_n 2._o add_v his_o father_n kind_a entertainment_n to_o it_o to_o make_v it_o look_v odious_a vers_fw-la 30._o as_o if_o his_o father_n have_v by_o this_o approve_a of_o his_o prodigality_n he_o therefore_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o return_n hence_o doct._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n own_o fault_n that_o he_o do_v not_o partake_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o their_o joy_n the_o father_n do_v not_o shut_v the_o elder_a son_n out_o but_o he_o will_v not_o come_v in_o yea_o though_o his_o father_n entreat_v he_o he_o still_o refuse_v object_n but_o he_o be_v not_o invite_v how_o then_o shall_v he_o come_v ans_fw-fr but_o if_o he_o have_v have_v a_o ingenious_a and_o brotherly_a spirit_n he_o may_v have_v come_v when_o he_o hear_v of_o it_o the_o word_n tacit_o insinuate_v that_o the_o servant_n do_v entreat_v he_o but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o but_o to_o give_v a_o close_a decision_n of_o the_o case_n unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v invite_v there_o be_v not_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a powerful_a invitation_n which_o compel_v they_o and_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o grace_n draw_v they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o general_a doctrinal_a conditional_a invitation_n present_v to_o all_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v in_o which_o god_n by_o his_o servant_n speak_v serious_o plead_v earnest_o expostulate_v industrious_o wait_v patient_o as_o one_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o desirous_a that_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o this_o be_v the_o invitation_n which_o they_o reject_v and_o of_o such_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n use_v those_o expression_n joh._n 3._o 29._o man_n choose_v darkness_n chap._n
to_o spend_v they_o upon_o our_o lust_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v god_n great_a love_n to_o deny_v we_o jam._n 4._o 3._o doct._n ii_o wicked_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o challenge_v special_a propriety_n in_o god_n the_o prodigal_n accost_v his_o father_n with_o a_o title_n of_o near_a relation_n the_o degenerate_a and_o profane_a jew_n that_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n yet_o must_v needs_o challenge_v he_o to_o be_v their_o father_n joh._n 8._o 41._o we_o have_v one_o father_n even_o god_n oftentimes_o there_o be_v none_o more_o confident_a than_o such_o god_n be_v their_o god_n they_o profess_v he_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o reas_n 1._o from_o the_o conviction_n which_o every_o natural_a man_n carry_v upon_o his_o mind_n of_o his_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o that_o he_o alone_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o although_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o man_n by_o his_o sinful_a course_n practical_o contradict_v and_o a_o light_n which_o he_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o extinguish_v it_o be_v yet_o so_o rivet_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v whole_o evade_v it_o it_o stick_v as_o close_v to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o he_o neither_o love_v nor_o care_v for_o serve_v of_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v maintain_v a_o hope_n which_o may_v uphold_v his_o spirit_n from_o sink_v though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o rot_a hope_n reas_n 2._o from_o the_o carnal_a confidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o ungodly_a man_n they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v themselves_o such_o and_z so_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v but_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o the_o temple_n though_o fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n jer._n 7._o 4._o man_n build_v upon_o false_a ground_n and_o place_v their_o trust_n in_o lie_v word_n and_o suppose_v that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o fair_o dissemble_v with_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o believe_v they_o use_v this_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o it_o to_o try_v our_o hope_n and_o prove_v what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o confidence_n be_v ground_v upon_o we_o say_v we_o call_v god_n father_n and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v so_o right_o consider_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojcurn_v here_o in_o fear_n it_o will_v little_o avail_v we_o to_o challenge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o father_n if_o he_o refuse_v to_o own_v we_o as_o his_o child_n and_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o image_n we_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o our_o pretence_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n it_o be_v not_o verbal_a call_n of_o god_n our_o father_n but_o a_o careful_a do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n that_o will_v render_v we_o bless_v 3._o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o demand_n itself_o give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o this_o i_o call_v his_o unreasonable_a demand_n for_o though_o at_o first_o blush_v it_o may_v look_v as_o if_o it_o be_v rational_a he_o ask_v but_o his_o portion_n his_o share_n that_o which_o fall_v to_o he_o by_o the_o right_n of_o sonship_n and_o he_o say_v give_v seem_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o father_n power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o bounty_n which_o he_o depend_v upon_o although_o the_o word_n give_v do_v not_o always_o intimate_v a_o free_a favour_n but_o sometime_o a_o deliver_n of_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n to_o another_o which_o be_v his_o by_o right_n but_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o demand_n appear_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o the_o positiveness_n of_o it_o though_o he_o call_v he_o father_n yet_o he_o ask_v in_o a_o way_n of_o challenge_n as_o though_o his_o father_n have_v stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o his_o ask_n as_o though_o the_o estate_n be_v he_o during_o his_o father_n life_n he_o do_v not_o beg_v but_o as_o it_o be_v command_v 2._o his_o ask_n be_v under_o the_o notion_n or_o consideration_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o it_o he_o call_v it_o therefore_o the_o portion_n fall_v to_o he_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v quoth_v eont_v it_o that_o which_o befall_v he_o of_o itself_o q._n d._n that_o which_o providence_n have_v make_v i_o as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o beholen_v to_o his_o father_n courtesy_n yea_o as_o if_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o injury_n in_o his_o father_n to_o have_v deny_v he_o 3._o his_o discontent_n in_o be_v at_o his_o father_n disposal_n and_o provide_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n he_o seek_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o father_n government_n will_v be_v order_v by_o he_o no_o long_o and_o proud_o think_v himself_o wise_a than_o he_o he_o can_v order_v thing_n better_o for_o his_o own_o benefit_n than_o his_o father_n have_v do_v the_o substance_n be_v he_o will_v be_v from_o under_o command_n and_o have_v all_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n 4._o instead_o of_o relieve_v his_o father_n in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v he_o but_o leave_v he_o as_o poor_a and_o bare_a as_o he_o can_v will_v rake_v and_o scrape_v all_o from_o he_o that_o he_o can_v come_v at_o but_o do_v he_o no_o service_n at_o all_o what_o our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o by_o this_o portion_n be_v the_o main_a enquiry_n some_o there_o be_v who_o refer_v it_o to_o all_o that_o furniture_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n when_o he_o create_v he_o but_o this_o interpretation_n can_v suit_v to_o the_o state_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n which_o be_v here_o allude_v to_o though_o we_o have_v all_o in_o adam_n and_o bear_v the_o woeful_a punishment_n of_o his_o loss_n i_o rather_o judge_v it_o to_o aim_v at_o all_o that_o which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o natural_a man_n to_o some_o of_o who_o he_o give_v more_o and_o to_o some_o less_o it_o may_v include_v all_o god_n common_a favour_n all_o but_o save_v grace_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o do_v providential_o fall_v to_o their_o share_n in_o god_n sovereign_a distribution_n as_o wit_n understanding_n good_a natural_a disposition_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n aâ—â—_n health_n strength_n wealth_n honour_n etc._n etc._n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v god_n please_v to_o make_v the_o portion_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o this_o life_n psal_n 1â—_n 14_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n see_v how_o large_a it_o sometime_o be_v job_n 21._o begin_v psal_n 73._o begin_v hence_o than_o we_o may_v observe_v doct._n i._o that_o all_o the_o common_a gift_n and_o grace_n and_o worldly_a favour_n which_o man_n enjoy_v iâ—_n this_o life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n the_o son_n however_o otherwise_o wicked_a yet_o in_o this_o do_v express_v that_o which_o be_v true_a by_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o father_n have_v his_o portion_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o at_o his_o dispose_n &_o that_o by_o a_o power_n of_o sovereignty_n although_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o as_o will_v be_v see_v in_o the_o next_o doctrine_n and_o true_o nature_n itself_o teach_v this_o lesson_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o unaccountable_a disposal_n of_o these_o thing_n evident_o affirm_v it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v first_o blot_v out_o the_o remain_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o experience_n before_o he_o can_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v god_n who_o give_v to_o man_n all_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o the_o power_n of_o they_o he_o make_v not_o only_o the_o eye_n but_o the_o see_a eye_n man_n understanding_n and_o affection_n wit_n and_o will_n part_n and_o disposition_n and_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n that_o in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v accommodate_v withal_o be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o god_n bounty_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n they_o be_v god_n gift_n in_o several_a respect_n 1._o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n god_n form_v the_o eye_n he_o plant_v the_o ear_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 94._o 9_o god_n be_v under_o no_o natural_a obligation_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o owe_v he_o not_o so_o much_o as_o his_o be_v nor_o any_o either_o internal_a or_o external_a ornament_n of_o it_o he_o stand_v no_o more_o engage_v to_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wiseman_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o fool_n nabal_n have_v as_o much_o right_n and_o as_o good_a a_o claim_n to_o counsel_n and_o understanding_n as_o achitophel_n etc._n etc._n whatever_o man_n have_v they_o have_v
engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o serve_v god_n oâ—_n glorify_v he_o but_o dishonour_v he_o with_o all_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n which_o the_o prophet_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o wicked_a king_n dan._n 5._o 23._o the_o god_n in_o who_o hand_n thy_o breath_n be_v and_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o way_n thou_o have_v not_o glorify_v and_o this_o paâ—_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o guise_n of_o man_n who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o the_o evidence_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o truth_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o lie_v together_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o heart_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v estratâ—ged_v from_o god_n they_o be_v bear_v so_o psal_n 53._o 3â—_n they_o go_v astray_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v there_o be_v aâ—_n estrangement_n in_o the_o understanding_n they_o know_v he_o not_o though_o god_n be_v near_o they_o they_o seâ—_n he_o not_o though_o he_o do_v all_o for_o they_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v it_o hos_fw-la 2._o 8._o she_o do_v not_o know_v i_o give_v her_o corn_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o estrangement_n in_o the_o will_n they_o care_v not_o for_o god_n they_o be_v his_o enemy_n yea_o enmity_n itself_o against_o he_o rom._n 8._o 7._o they_o be_v estrange_v in_o their_o affection_n hence_o they_o be_v call_v hater_n of_o god_n rom._n â—_o 30._o now_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o estrangedness_n they_o be_v whole_o indispose_v and_o utter_o averse_a to_o the_o fear_n and_o service_n of_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v many_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o which_o he_o be_v enslave_v man_n by_o seek_v a_o unbounded_a liberty_n have_v change_v one_o good_a lord_n for_o many_o tyrannical_a one_o that_o have_v usurp_v the_o dominion_n over_o his_o soul_n tit._n 3._o 3_o serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n the_o word_n intimate_v one_o that_o be_v addict_v unto_o or_o whole_o at_o the_o devotion_n of_o another_o and_o be_v use_v to_o express_v our_o serve_v of_o god_n man_n lust_n rule_v they_o their_o work_n and_o business_n be_v to_o gratify_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a lust_n but_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o and_o he_o be_v at_o the_o command_n of_o they_o all_o each_o claim_v a_o empire_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o set_v he_o on_o work_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o there_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o carnal_a concupiscence_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o covetousness_n the_o pride_n of_o the_o life_n or_o ambition_n these_o must_v all_o be_v obey_v 3._o the_o lust_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v infatiable_a like_o the_o horseleech_n two_o daughter_n or_o like_o the_o barren_a womb_n they_o never_o say_v they_o have_v enough_o or_o like_o the_o grave_n which_o be_v still_o gape_v after_o more_o hence_o so_o compare_v rom._n 3._o 13._o their_o throat_n be_v a_o open_a sepulchre_n all_o concupiscence_n labour_v of_o a_o dropsy_n the_o more_o it_o have_v the_o more_o it_o crave_v when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v his_o utmost_a to_o make_v provision_n for_o he_o can_v never_o give_v content_a to_o his_o carnal_a desire_n pro._n 27._o 20._o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o concupiscence_n have_v divert_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o the_o only_a soul_n satisfy_v object_n to_o empty_a thing_n 4._o the_o outward_a favour_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n upon_o which_o their_o lust_n be_v place_v &_o from_o which_o they_o seek_v their_o satisfaction_n every_o carnal_a heart_n have_v with_o demas_n embrace_v the_o present_a world_n when_o man_n leave_v god_n he_o go_v to_o the_o creature_n and_o what_o god_n have_v provide_v to_o express_v his_o bounty_n to_o he_o in_o that_o have_v he_o abuse_v to_o serve_v his_o lust_n withal_o it_o be_v the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o love_n with_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n 1._o joh._n 2._o 15._o god_n have_v in_o just_a judgement_n set_v the_o world_n in_o man_n heart_n for_o that_o they_o know_v no_o other_o good_a nor_o seek_v any_o other_o content_a not_o god_n himself_o but_o his_o common_a favour_n be_v their_o portion_n whether_o natural_a endowment_n or_o occasional_a blessing_n 5._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v spare_v nothing_o of_o these_o from_o his_o lust_n the_o truth_n be_v all_o be_v too_o little_a every_o thing_n be_v lose_v that_o do_v not_o feed_v some_o lust_n or_o other_o every_o lust_n be_v like_o nabal_n only_o generous_a and_o noble_a to_o itself_o but_o churlish_a to_o david_n it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o every_o lust_n as_o be_v say_v of_o great_a alexander_n unus_n pellaeo_n juveni_fw-la non_fw-la sufficit_fw-la orbis_fw-la hence_o than_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o so_o many_o lust_n think_v themselves_o straighten_a the_o natural_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o please_v all_o his_o lust_n and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o a_o whole_a world_n to_o give_v they_o content_a and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a if_o he_o can_v spare_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o they_o 6._o the_o serve_v of_o god_n and_o serve_v a_o man_n lust_n be_v thing_n direct_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o hence_o a_o man_n can_v do_v they_o both_o that_o man_n who_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n can_v seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o that_o mind_v their_o own_o thing_n can_v mind_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n why_o man_n can_v allow_v god_n nothing_o of_o glory_n at_o all_o because_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v then_o wrong_v themselves_o dissatisfie_v their_o own_o lust_n if_o man_n shall_v sincere_o improve_v their_o wit_n and_o part_n for_o god_n they_o shall_v then_o lose_v their_o own_o commendation_n from_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v lay_v out_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n and_o power_n and_o wealth_n for_o god_n their_o lust_n will_v want_v it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o be_v full_o resolve_v in_o it_o to_o deny_v their_o concupiscence_n nothing_o hence_o they_o gather_v all_o together_o and_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o and_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o so_o much_o as_o a_o hoof_n for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n use_v 1._o hence_o we_o see_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v subject_v not_o willing_o but_o by_o reason_n of_o he_o who_o have_v subject_v it_o in_o hope_n rom._n 8._o 20._o the_o reason_n of_o it_o lie_v here_o sinful_a man_n have_v get_v it_o into_o his_o hand_n god_n have_v providential_o give_v he_o a_o portion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o he_o through_o the_o vanity_n of_o his_o mind_n have_v it_o at_o his_o own_o dispose_n have_v carry_v it_o away_o from_o god_n and_o divert_v it_o from_o its_o native_a and_o proper_a use_n which_o be_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o his_o own_o wicked_a and_o sinister_a end_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o come_v to_o be_v in_o vain_a the_o creature_n have_v in_o its_o self_n its_o usefulness_n every_o creature_n of_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a capacity_n of_o be_v improve_v to_o his_o glory_n man_n may_v as_o well_o honour_n god_n with_o his_o wit_n and_o part_n and_o substance_n as_o dishonour_v he_o they_o be_v talent_n which_o may_v be_v trade_v withal_o for_o he_o but_o a_o wicked_a heart_n have_v seduce_v he_o he_o turn_v they_o into_o another_o stream_n and_o so_o in_o application_n they_o lose_v their_o end_n and_o become_v vain_a use_v 2._o here_o also_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o person_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o advantage_n be_v many_o time_n the_o most_o averse_a from_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o often_o see_v it_o be_v so_o and_o wonder_v whence_o it_o come_v so_o to_o be_v we_o think_v oh_o what_o and_o how_o much_o may_v such_o and_o such_o a_o man_n do_v for_o god_n if_o he_o will_v but_o propound_v it_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o business_n to_o live_v to_o he_o but_o alas_o as_o they_o have_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o god_n blessing_n so_o they_o have_v great_a lust_n to_o gratify_v and_o they_o live_v at_o their_o devotion_n hereupon_o let_v god_n call_v for_o their_o service_n let_v their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o they_o wrong_v their_o own_o soul_n let_v the_o name_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n call_v never_o so_o much_o for_o their_o assistance_n lust_n countermand_v sin_n that_o reign_v there_o will_v not_o have_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o man_n have_v take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o practical_a resolution_n that_o they_o will_v soon_o displease_v god_n than_o their_o lust_n use_v
look_v upon_o he_o but_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o that_o put_v he_o forward_o so_o it_o shall_v do_v thou_o hence_o god_n have_v write_v his_o name_n in_o letter_n of_o goodness_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o and_o to_o help_v here_o 1._o consider_v how_o much_o god_n do_v for_o such_o as_o never_o return_v to_o he_o nor_o ask_v mercy_n of_o he_o god_n general_a goodness_n shall_v lead_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n rom._n 2._o 4._o when_o you_o see_v how_o god_n spare_v profane_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v yea_o provide_v liberal_o for_o they_o fill_v they_o with_o hide_v treasure_n give_v they_o more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o the_o water_n of_o a_o overflow_a cup_n be_v wring_v out_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o food_n and_o gladness_n they_o crown_v their_o head_n with_o rosebud_n and_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o wealth_n and_o leave_v the_o residue_n to_o their_o babe_n argue_v from_o hence_o what_o goodness_n have_v he_o then_o in_o store_n for_o they_o that_o humble_a themselves_o forsake_v their_o sin_n repent_v and_o return_v to_o he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n 2._o consider_v how_o many_o repent_v prodigal_n have_v upon_o their_o return_n be_v entertain_v and_o make_v welcome_a by_o he_o who_o once_o do_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v run_v themselves_o out_o spend_v all_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o famish_v but_o betake_v themselves_o to_o he_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o save_v alive_a and_o this_o may_v give_v you_o hope_n to_o find_v the_o like_a favour_n at_o his_o hand_n consider_v therefore_o 1._o they_o be_v such_o who_o as_o little_o deserve_v this_o favour_n as_o thou_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o merit_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v bid_v welcome_a and_o relieve_v in_o their_o distress_n for_o all_o mankind_n stand_v guilty_a before_o god_n rom._n 3._o 19_o 2._o they_o have_v go_v away_o from_o he_o and_o waste_v all_o in_o riot_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v what_o a_o prodigal_n be_v manasseh_n how_o miserable_o have_v he_o run_v himself_o out_o yet_o he_o obtain_v favour_n what_o a_o great_a sinner_n have_v paul_n be_v yet_o he_o be_v accept_v 3._o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v as_o little_a to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o as_o thou_o have_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v but_o mercy_n condescend_v mercy_n undeserved_a mercy_n they_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n have_v lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o a_o sinner_n for_o themselves_o or_o of_o themselves_o all_o they_o can_v say_v be_v only_o to_o make_v this_o poor_a prodigal_n be_v acknowledgement_n vers_fw-la 19_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o reject_v but_o find_v mercy_n 3._o consider_v what_o relent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n especial_a of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n for_o that_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a q._n d._n if_o a_o father_n can_v have_v so_o much_o mercy_n a_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o little_a kindness_n a_o little_a pity_n with_o he_o what_o may_v we_o hope_v then_o that_o god_n will_v do_v can_v a_o prodigal_n so_o argue_v from_o his_o father_n bounty_n and_o encourage_v himself_o by_o it_o how_o much_o more_o a_o poor_a guilty_a sinner_n from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n with_o who_o be_v everlasting_a mercy_n 4._o consider_v how_o rich_o god_n have_v entertain_v return_v sinner_n the_o poor_a mean_a believer_n have_v enough_o and_o to_o spare_v no_o believer_n in_o christ_n family_n want_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v ps_n 34._o 10._o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o more_o than_o they_o can_v express_v and_o though_o they_o sometime_o seem_v to_o complain_v yet_o it_o be_v their_o infirmity_n and_o infidelity_n what_o can_v a_o believer_n want_v which_o he_o have_v not_o pardon_v of_o sin_n title_n of_o inheritance_n to_o all_o good_a thing_n favour_n with_o god_n grace_n to_o serve_v he_o a_o fatherly_a care_n for_o he_o yea_o and_o to_o spare_v he_o have_v joy_n consolation_n ravish_v of_o soul_n he_o may_v not_o only_o feed_v but_o feast_v it_o by_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n if_o you_o say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o who_o have_v no_o lot_n or_o share_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v this_o to_o thou_o it_o shall_v encourage_v thou_o to_o hope_n and_o not_o utter_o to_o despare_v of_o find_v mercy_n and_o from_o hence_o to_o animate_v thy_o soul_n to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o to_o seek_v he_o diligent_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o to_o resolve_v not_o to_o sit_v still_o &_o die_v of_o the_o famine_n silent_o but_o to_o make_v thy_o moan_n to_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o thy_o complaint_n before_o he_o to_o arise_v and_o leave_v this_o far_a country_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o famine_n and_o death_n and_o with_o the_o prodigal_n take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o return_v to_o god_n and_o ask_v gracious_a entertainment_n with_o he_o for_o a_o poor_a die_a perish_a sinner_n who_o be_v he_o alone_o with_o who_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n sermon_n fourteen_o verse_n 18._o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o verse_n 19_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o have_v the_o prodigal_a quicken_a and_o encourage_v himself_o to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o deliberation_n 2._o in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o his_o deliberate_a conclusion_n or_o consultation_n and_o determination_n what_o improvement_n to_o make_v of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v in_o sum_n to_o make_v proof_n of_o his_o father_n love_n in_o the_o most_o penitent_a and_o humble_a manner_n more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v upon_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o will_v return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n 2._o how_o he_o will_v demean_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o he_o viz._n in_o the_o most_o submissive_a and_o self_n abase_v manner_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o this_o appear_v both_o in_o his_o confession_n and_o petition_n 1._o in_o his_o confession_n in_o which_o he_o acknowledge_v 1._o his_o sin_n aggravate_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o object_n against_o who_o against_o heaven_n 2._o the_o presence_n in_o which_o before_o thou_o 2._o the_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n 2._o his_o petition_n submit_v to_o his_o father_n disposal_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o inquire_v to_o what_o head_n in_o divinity_n this_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v whither_o to_o a_o preparatory_a or_o to_o a_o save_a work_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a that_o it_o refer_v to_o a_o save_a work_n and_o that_o true_a conversion_n be_v here_o decipher_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o these_o and_o the_o follow_a word_n verse_n 20._o begin_v it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v in_o these_o word_n only_o his_o deliberate_a purpose_n express_v but_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o will_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o that_o be_v true_o turn_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n wrought_v and_o the_o whole_a man_n will_v follow_v and_o so_o it_o do_v in_o this_o vers_n 20_o he_o have_v now_o renounce_v his_o far_a country_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n the_o work_n here_o describe_v be_v repentance_n but_o not_o a_o separate_a from_o but_o join_v with_o &_o flow_v from_o save_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n work_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o act_v of_o it_o who_o make_v he_o to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o adventure_v his_o soul_n upon_o god_n and_o withal_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o penitent_a manner_n hence_o those_o that_o place_n true_a repentance_n in_o order_n before_o faith_n mistake_v though_o faith_n usual_o first_o discover_v itself_o to_o we_o in_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v sensible_o feel_v after_o repentance_n yea_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o that_o be_v exert_v in_o repentance_n lead_v the_o soul_n in_o deep_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o adventure_v itself_o upon_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o a_o just_o offend_v god_n in_o return_v to_o he_o furthermore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o because_o
shall_v have_v be_v as_o holy_a as_o the_o angel_n but_o if_o he_o purpose_v i_o to_o be_v such_o a_o sinner_n how_o can_v i_o help_v it_o such_o the_o apostle_n confront_v rom._n 9_o 19_o thus_o hypocrite_n like_o spider_n suck_v poison_n out_o of_o the_o precious_a doctrine_n of_o predestination_n 2._o he_o will_v charge_v god_n himself_o for_o the_o author_n of_o his_o temptation_n will_v say_v divine_a allefficiency_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o assist_v i_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n he_o present_v the_o object_n or_o i_o have_v not_o follow_v such_o the_o apostle_n james_n set_v himself_o against_o jam._n 1._o 13_o etc._n etc._n 3._o nay_o he_o will_v blame_v the_o very_a goodness_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o a_o curse_n or_o at_o least_o a_o reason_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o god_n in_o stead_n of_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o his_o favour_n shall_v be_v upbraid_v so_o adam_n gen._n 3._o 12._o the_o woman_n mhom_n thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o etc._n etc._n god_n have_v give_v she_o for_o a_o meet_a help_n to_o he_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v well_o without_o she_o and_o yet_o if_o he_o abuse_v this_o favour_n god_n be_v charge_v for_o it_o and_o why_o then_o do_v he_o bestow_v she_o upon_o i_o 4._o he_o will_v turn_v it_o off_o upon_o those_o that_o be_v his_o tempter_n they_o solicit_v i_o persuade_v i_o draw_v i_o in_o thus_o adam_n lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o woman_n and_o she_o upon_o the_o serpent_n and_o thus_o man_n be_v oft_o ready_a to_o say_v i_o may_v thank_v such_o a_o one_o who_o draw_v i_o in_o who_o will_v not_o let_v i_o alone_o but_o follow_v i_o and_o prevail_v upon_o i_o with_o importunity_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o he_o i_o have_v not_o draw_v away_o 5._o he_o will_v excuse_v and_o mince_v it_o with_o all_o deminutive_a circumstance_n to_o make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o very_a little_a fault_n as_o 1._o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o he_o know_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v in_o it_o but_o think_v that_o he_o have_v do_v well_o enough_o thus_o saul_n excuse_v himself_o for_o sacrifice_v 1_o sam._n 13._o 11_o 12._o 2._o he_o do_v but_o follow_v his_o natural_a inclination_n it_o be_v at_o worst_a but_o a_o trick_n of_o youth_n etc._n etc._n 3._o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n and_o other_o frequent_o do_v the_o like_a 4._o he_o be_v provoke_v to_o it_o yea_o have_v many_o great_a provocation_n which_o bear_v he_o down_o these_o and_o many_o the_o like_a excuse_n the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o frame_v but_o when_o god_n set_v sin_n home_o upon_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o right_a conception_n of_o it_o he_o than_o lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o himself_o and_o that_o with_o great_a aggravation_n in_o which_o 1._o he_o acquit_v god_n lay_v it_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o his_o charge_n but_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v altogether_o blameless_a david_n take_v his_o sin_n to_o himself_o that_o god_n may_v be_v righteous_a and_o justify_v psal_n 51._o 4._o q._n d._n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o accuse_v god_n of_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a 2._o he_o look_v not_o too_o much_o upon_o instrument_n and_o occasion_n he_o lay_v not_o his_o own_o blame_n to_o another_o do_v not_o charge_v it_o as_o satan_n fault_n that_o he_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n but_o count_v it_o his_o own_o peter_n blame_v ananias_n that_o satan_n have_v tempt_v he_o deut._n 5._o 3._o it_o be_v satan_n fault_n to_o tempt_v but_o he_o to_o be_v tempt_v 3._o charge_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o vile_a heart_n and_o nature_n that_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o actual_a transgression_n he_o be_v therefore_o lead_v up_o to_o it_o and_o make_v to_o bewail_v that_o before_o god_n as_o the_o root_n of_o all_o psal_n 51._o 5._o i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n q._n d._n hence_o come_v all_o this_o here_o it_o be_v fountain_v thus_o the_o prodigal_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v i_o ask_v my_o portion_n and_o be_v not_o content_a till_o i_o have_v it_o in_o my_o own_o hand_n i_o take_v it_o and_o go_v away_o into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o waste_v all_o there_o in_o riot_n i_o dishonour_v my_o original_n by_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o a_o stranger_n keep_v swine_n and_o feed_v with_o they_o upon_o husk_n i_o do_v all_o thus_o voluntary_o without_o any_o compulsion_n i_o do_v it_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o bond_n of_o filial_a obedience_n he_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v a_o trick_n of_o youth_n and_o these_o good_a follow_v pot_n companion_n gamester_n and_o harlot_n draw_v i_o in_o and_o so_o i_o do_v it_o the_o true_o penitent_a so_o see_v his_o own_o guilt_n and_o wilful_a obstinacy_n that_o he_o can_v look_v no_o where_o else_o what_o ever_o his_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n be_v yet_o still_o he_o see_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v against_o it_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v hearken_v to_o notwithstanding_o all_o temptation_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v prevail_v he_o give_v his_o consent_n or_o else_o it_o have_v never_o be_v 2._o he_o aggravate_v it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v against_o god_n q._n d._n have_v i_o only_o wrong_v a_o creature_n it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o but_o this_o be_v it_o that_o render_v it_o heinous_a it_o be_v against_o heaven_n all_o sin_n be_v against_o god_n wrong_n be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o person_n wrong_v a_o thing_n be_v count_v treason_n when_o do_v against_o a_o prince_n which_o will_v be_v a_o little_a fault_n if_o only_o do_v to_o a_o subject_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o in_o the_o parable_n itself_o the_o young_a son_n be_v bring_v in_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n to_o be_v against_o heaven_n rather_o than_o against_o the_o father_n nothing_o that_o the_o wrong_n we_o do_v to_o other_o be_v therein_o most_o to_o be_v bewail_v in_o that_o they_o be_v against_o god_n hence_o david_n confess_v it_o with_o a_o emphasis_n psal_n 51._o 4._o against_o thou_o thou_o only_o it_o be_v against_o uriah_n against_o bathsheba_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o be_v little_o compare_v to_o and_o therefore_o swallow_v up_o in_o this_o true_a repentance_n run_v sin_n up_o to_o the_o last_o object_n against_o who_o it_o be_v now_o all_o sin_n be_v against_o god_n in_o that_o it_o be_v 1._o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v sin_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 4._o it_o be_v not_o the_o hurt_n which_o another_o receive_v nor_o what_o we_o ourselves_o suffer_v but_o what_o we_o do_v that_o first_o demonstrate_v it_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v the_o contrariety_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o holy_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n he_o that_o break_v thy_o king_n law_n wrong_n the_o king_n himself_o 2._o against_o the_o love_n of_o god_n his_o good_a will_n his_o bounty_n and_o beneficence_n to_o his_o creature_n by_o which_o he_o do_v invite_v and_o engage_v all_o man_n to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o it_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o despise_n of_o his_o goodness_n rom._n 2._o 4._o the_o father_n bounty_n make_v the_o son_n sin_n the_o worse_o he_o have_v ready_o give_v he_o a_o plentiful_a portion_n and_o yet_o he_o spend_v it_o in_o riot_n 3._o against_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n they_o slight_v the_o one_o and_o contemn_v the_o other_o be_v not_o in_o love_n with_o the_o promise_n nor_o afraid_a of_o his_o wrath_n there_o be_v great_a promise_n make_v to_o obedience_n but_o they_o forsake_v these_o mercy_n count_v they_o as_o worthless_a thing_n see_v psal_n 81._o 9_o to_o 13._o god_n have_v fearful_o menace_v and_o denounce_v heavy_a judgement_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n and_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o sin_n because_o of_o they_o jer._n 6._o 8._o be_v instruct_v lest_o my_o soul_n depart_v from_o thou_o and_o because_o these_o be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o honour_v his_o servant_n and_o to_o make_v inexpressible_o miserable_a his_o enemy_n this_o be_v a_o sore_a aggravation_n 4._o against_o god_n earnest_n and_o heart_n break_v call_v and_o counsel_n yea_o strong_a motive_n and_o persuasion_n what_o strong_a plea_n can_v god_n use_v against_o sin_n than_o to_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o &_o his_o soul_n hate_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o grief_n to_o his_o spirit_n and_o will_v oppress_v he_o and_o yet_o thus_o god_n plead_v with_o sinner_n jer._n 44._o 4._o 5._o against_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o against_o the_o declarative_a glory_n of_o god_n as_o sin_n be_v yea_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v against_o it_o
abundant_o pardon_v what_o need_v more_o if_o then_o thou_o have_v thought_n to_o return_v to_o god_n fix_v these_o thought_n and_o rise_v and_o do_v so_o if_o thou_o sit_v still_o faint_a or_o give_v back_o all_o be_v lose_v and_o thou_o be_v more_o miserable_a than_o ever_o but_o if_o thou_o rise_v and_o return_v this_o will_v evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o thy_o resolution_n and_o thou_o shall_v find_v all_o kind_a welcome_n and_o soul-satisfying_a entertainment_n with_o god_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v sermon_n xx._n ver._n 20._o but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n express_v the_o entertainment_n the_o prodigal_n find_v with_o his_o father_n which_o be_v with_o all_o kindness_n and_o high_a expression_n of_o great_a love_n the_o purpose_n of_o it_o be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o inexpressible_a bounty_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o so_o express_v the_o great_a benefit_n that_o come_v by_o believe_v describe_v ver_fw-la 20_o to_o 25._o and_o here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v 1._o the_o meeting_n and_o greeting_n between_o he_o and_o his_o father_n ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o 2._o the_o provision_n make_v for_o and_o entertainment_n afford_v to_o he_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23_o 24._o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o greet_v there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o his_o father_n carriage_n towards_o he_o ver_fw-la 20._o 2._o his_o deportment_n towards_o his_o father_n ver_fw-la 21._o in_o his_o father_n carriage_n towards_o he_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v 1._o the_o time_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o it_o in_o several_a circumstance_n 1._o to_o begin_v at_o the_o time_n when_o this_o entertainment_n or_o treaty_n be_v it_o be_v express_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n be_v of_o weight_n to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o confirm_v of_o the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n of_o repentance_n some_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n and_o that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o forego_n in_o order_n of_o time_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o second_o part_n he_o have_v describe_v the_o son_n repentance_n in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o he_o so_o in_o this_o three_o part_n set_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o the_o father_n entertainment_n he_o begin_v it_o at_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o that_o before_o be_v the_o lead_a cause_n of_o his_o repentance_n q._n d._n before_o he_o can_v rise_v &_o come_v to_o his_o father_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o other_o suppose_v the_o order_n of_o time_n be_v here_o observe_v and_o so_o account_v that_o here_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o save_a grace_n and_o so_o put_v over_o the_o former_a to_o preparatory_a work_n q._n d._n while_o he_o be_v resolve_v and_o practise_v to_o use_v mean_n with_o a_o preparatory_a hope_n god_n come_v in_o with_o save_v grace_n but_o i_o close_o rather_o with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o for_o doubtless_o this_o arise_v and_o go_v must_v express_v true_a repentance_n and_o the_o expression_n in_o our_o text_n discover_v the_o prevent_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o show_v the_o original_n of_o his_o favour_n to_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o be_v before_o any_o repentance_n of_o we_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o the_o son_n repentance_n be_v that_o which_o moâ—ed_v his_o father_n bowel_n and_o his_o acknowledgement_n have_v break_v his_o heart_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o god_n come_v first_o his_o bowel_n outrun_v our_o repenting_n hence_o doct._n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n god_n free_a grace_n prevent_v and_o so_o become_v the_o first_o and_o lead_v cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o first_o expression_n of_o god_n save_v love_n meet_v the_o sinner_n when_o he_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o nature_n do_v not_o prevent_v grace_n but_o grace_n nature_n it_o be_v not_o with_o god_n as_o with_o humane_a father_n who_o heart_n be_v turn_v with_o their_o child_n humble_a and_o submissive_a subject_n themselves_o to_o they_o god_n grace_n indeed_o appear_v in_o receive_v the_o true_o penitent_a but_o it_o be_v neither_o move_v by_o their_o penitence_n nor_o do_v it_o here_o begin_v but_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o lead_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o here_o understand_v all_o that_o special_a good_a will_n which_o he_o bear_v to_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n in_o appoint_v they_o heir_n of_o glory_n which_o grace_n first_o appear_v to_o any_o in_o particular_a when_o it_o effectual_o work_v for_o their_o salvation_n grace_v neither_o be_v tie_v to_o nor_o wait_v for_o nor_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o man_n a_o brief_a open_n of_o this_o doctrine_n may_v be_v couch_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n 1._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v by_o his_o natural_a power_n move_v one_o step_n towards_o god_n the_o high_a improvement_n of_o nature_n by_o our_o own_o principle_n bring_v we_o not_o one_o foot_n in_o our_o way_n towards_o heaven_n the_o scripture_n expression_n of_o man_n be_v dead_a impotent_a dry_a bone_n a_o carcase_n etc._n etc._n though_o metaphor_n yet_o be_v not_o hyperhole_n if_o by_o the_o image_n of_o god_n on_o man_n we_o understand_v the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o nature_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o image_n be_v whole_o deface_v and_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o relic_n of_o it_o leave_v man_n be_v blind_a deaf_a dumb_a dead_a 2._o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o unto_o salvation_n so_o have_v he_o appoint_v a_o way_n in_o which_o he_o will_v bring_v they_o thereunto_o and_o this_o way_n become_v by_o his_o ordination_n a_o necessary_a medium_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o way_n to_o glory_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o a_o path_n of_o life_n psal_n 16._o ult_n out_o of_o this_o way_n none_o ever_o come_v to_o heaven_n 3._o hence_o man_n salvation_n be_v wrought_v applicatory_o by_o bring_v he_o into_o and_o keep_v he_o in_o this_o way_n eternal_a life_n be_v ascertain_v to_o it_o gal._n 6._o 16._o they_o that_o find_v it_o and_o follow_v it_o and_o lose_v it_o not_o never_o miss_v of_o glory_n the_o promise_n be_v so_o firm_a that_o it_o can_v fail_v all_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o receive_v it_o 4._o that_o the_o discover_v of_o this_o way_n and_o appoint_v salvation_n in_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n be_v evident_a for_o god_n and_o man_n be_v fall_v out_o and_o god_n may_v choose_v whether_o ever_o he_o will_v accept_v he_o any_o more_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o proportion_n between_o what_o be_v require_v and_o the_o consequent_a salvation_n beside_o christ_n by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o it_o be_v free_o give_v to_o open_v this_o way_n 5._o that_o the_o bring_n of_o any_o into_o and_o keep_v of_o they_o in_o this_o way_n be_v also_o of_o grace_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v and_o will_v clear_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o remove_v all_o legal_a respect_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o will_v hence_o appear_v 1._o that_o before_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o work_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o a_o elect_a person_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o another_o he_o be_v dead_a as_o well_o as_o he_o a_o child_n of_o wrath_n even_o as_o other_o eph._n 2._o 3._o one_o have_v not_o a_o better_a nature_n or_o better_a disposition_n than_o the_o other_o abraham_n be_v a_o idolater_n rahab_n a_o harlot_n marry_o magdalen_n no_o better_o paul_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o persecutor_n and_o in_o his_o rage_n the_o spirit_n meet_v he_o 2._o the_o very_a common_a work_n of_o preparation_n be_v not_o of_o nature_n but_o of_o grace_n there_o be_v common_a and_o there_o be_v special_a grace_n the_o sinner_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o convince_v himself_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v conscience_n awaken_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v a_o sinner_n under_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n joh._n 16._o 9_o man_n be_v natural_o stupid_a a_o convince_a sinner_n be_v near_a the_o kingdom_n than_o another_o this_o be_v not_o of_o
it_o be_v otherwise_o hence_o that_o promise_n prov._n 8._o 35_o 36._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o hear_v i_o watch_v daily_o at_o my_o gate_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v vain_a for_o man_n to_o depend_v upon_o immediate_a revelation_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v let_v they_o use_v they_o god_n way_n be_v in_o his_o temple_n david_n desire_v to_o dwell_v in_o god_n house_n there_o to_o behold_v his_o beauty_n psal_n 27._o 4._o and_o declare_v such_o as_o do_v so_o to_o be_v bless_v because_o they_o will_v still_o be_v praise_v he_o psal_n 84._o 4._o i_o e._n they_o will_v be_v always_o find_v matter_n of_o praise_n use_v for_o exhortation_n it_o may_v advise_v all_o such_o as_o will_v receive_v the_o spiritual_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n servant_n his_o minister_n do_v you_o want_v help_v relief_n comfort_n repair_v to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n only_o can_v give_v it_o and_o all_o mean_n avail_v not_o without_o his_o blessing_n yet_o be_v also_o true_a that_o by_o they_o he_o dispense_v it_o ordinary_o now_o as_o the_o mean_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n so_o he_o honour_v they_o with_o the_o presence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o else_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v where_o there_o be_v such_o advantage_n truth_n may_v be_v the_o same_o speak_v by_o a_o minister_n and_o another_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v come_v with_o more_o efficacy_n from_o such_o a_o one_o than_o from_o another_o not_o from_o any_o virtue_n in_o he_o but_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o will_v thus_o own_o his_o own_o appointment_n be_v you_o in_o trouble_n and_o want_n help_v may_v you_o not_o blame_v yourselves_o you_o say_v alas_o what_o can_v such_o a_o one_o stead_v i_o i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o of_o himself_o but_o god_n come_v where_o he_o will_v and_o may_v just_o leave_v you_o without_o the_o blessing_n if_o you_o despise_v his_o way_n let_v then_o the_o message_n of_o peace_n be_v welcome_a to_o you_o if_o god_n send_v you_o comfort_n by_o his_o servant_n do_v not_o refuse_v but_o receive_v it_o doct._n 2._o god_n testify_v his_o love_n to_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n not_o so_o much_o in_o word_n as_o in_o deed_n we_o do_v not_o here_o observe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v mention_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o humble_a son_n weep_v out_o his_o confession_n to_o he_o in_o his_o arm_n but_o he_o call_v for_o his_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o present_o to_o do_v for_o he_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v a_o real_a testimony_n of_o his_o entire_a love_n what_o be_v do_v for_o he_o shall_v speak_v his_o affection_n better_o than_o ten_o thousand_o complemental_a profession_n use_v this_o may_v show_v we_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o man_n these_o make_v many_o proffer_n and_o protestation_n say_v be_v feed_v be_v clothe_v but_o mean_v while_o the_o needy_a creature_n may_v perish_v for_o all_o they_o but_o now_o god_n see_v a_o miserable_a soul_n in_o distress_n he_o take_v it_o up_o into_o his_o arm_n gives_z him_z what_o he_o want_v clothes_n his_o nakedness_n feed_v his_o hunger_n take_v away_o his_o disgrace_n it_o may_v also_o direct_v we_o in_o clear_v up_o our_o evidence_n you_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v can_v i_o but_o hear_v or_o understand_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o this_o or_o that_o promise_n it_o will_v great_o satisfy_v my_o doubt_n but_o i_o reply_v be_v there_o not_o a_o convince_a language_n in_o deed_n and_o do_v you_o find_v that_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o you_o which_o the_o promise_n speak_v of_o be_v there_o suitable_a spiritual_a supply_n bring_v into_o your_o soul_n do_v you_o find_v that_o there_o which_o answer_v your_o want_n and_o shall_v not_o this_o satisfy_v and_o certify_v you_o of_o your_o father_n love_n and_o your_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n nay_o you_o may_v safe_o thus_o argue_v the_o case_n can_v he_o do_v this_o for_o i_o if_o he_o love_v i_o not_o be_o i_o not_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o son_n and_o shall_v i_o any_o long_a doubt_n of_o my_o sonship_n doct._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o very_a eminent_a and_o glorious_a change_n wrought_v in_o conversion_n this_o be_v express_v vers_fw-la 24._o under_o two_o resemblance_n wherein_o the_o state_n of_o man_n before_o and_o after_o conversion_n be_v oppose_v 1._o of_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v now_o alive_a the_o natural_a man_n be_v spiritual_o dead_a eph._n 2._o 1._o this_o part_n of_o the_o curse_n actual_o fall_v upon_o adam_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o fall_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o posterity_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v or_o have_v a_o be_v they_o be_v every_o way_n like_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a have_v no_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n be_v whole_o without_o sanctification_n which_o be_v the_o inform_a principle_n of_o their_o theological_a life_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a can_v neither_o stir_v hand_n or_o foot_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n he_o stink_v in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n all_o that_o come_v from_o he_o be_v rot_v and_o noisome_a he_o see_v hear_v understand_v nothing_o spiritual_o but_o the_o convert_n be_v alive_a gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o live_v the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v restore_v his_o eye_n be_v open_v ear_n bore_v and_o he_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o do_v god_n service_n and_o glorify_v of_o he_o in_o his_o life_n he_o can_v now_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n 2._o of_o one_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v every_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n be_v lose_v go_v astray_o know_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n be_v in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o can_v find_v the_o way_n out_o of_o it_o can_v tell_v where_o he_o be_v nor_o what_o he_o be_v do_v nor_o whither_o he_o be_v go_v and_o will_v certain_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o grace_n follow_v he_o not_o into_o the_o wilderness_n seek_v he_o out_o take_v he_o up_o into_o arm_n of_o mercy_n and_o bring_v he_o home_o but_o the_o convert_n be_v find_v grace_n have_v seek_v and_o find_v he_o in_o the_o mountain_n set_v he_o in_o his_o right_a way_n and_o become_v his_o conductor_n and_o now_o he_o be_v go_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o shall_v arrive_v at_o glory_n use_v 1._o to_o teach_v we_o how_o unjust_o they_o boast_v of_o their_o conversion_n who_o be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v no_o changeling_n who_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v as_o dead_a and_o sapless_a and_o unfavoury_a as_o ever_o who_o be_v wander_v from_o god_n and_o from_o his_o way_n let_v we_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o where_o grace_n have_v be_v at_o work_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o if_o man_n have_v receive_v spiritual_a life_n they_o will_v live_v if_o they_o be_v find_v they_o will_v seek_v and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n in_o tit._n 1._o 16._o see_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o some_o that_o say_v they_o be_v convert_v and_o such_o as_o be_v so_o indeed_o use_v 2._o for_o comfort_v to_o those_o that_o find_v this_o change_n wrought_v in_o they_o these_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a life_n this_o the_o father_n give_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o joyful_a feast_n can_v you_o say_v you_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a you_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o consolation_n in_o you_o and_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o other_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n he_o that_o live_v spiritual_o shall_v live_v eternal_o and_o he_o who_o christ_n have_v find_v he_o will_v save_v and_o he_o shall_v be_v lose_v no_o more_o he_o may_v have_v his_o wander_n but_o he_o shall_v never_o whole_o swerve_v doct._n 4._o the_o believer_n joy_n be_v but_o begin_v in_o this_o life_n they_o begin_v to_o be_v merry_a they_o be_v but_o the_o sip_v and_o foretaste_v inchoation_n of_o joy_n which_o they_o partake_v in_o in_o this_o world_n the_o saint_n have_v joy_n here_o transcend_v all_o the_o world_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n such_o as_o indeed_o they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o apprehend_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o but_o compare_v with_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v they_o be_v but_o drop_n essay_n inchoation_n reas_n 1._o from_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o their_o fruition_n of_o the_o object_n of_o their_o joy_n their_o joy_n here_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o joy_n of_o hope_n but_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o joy_n of_o possession_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o fight_n they_o be_v now_o heir_n and_o their_o inheritance_n be_v glorious_a and_o the_o forethought_a of_o it_o afford_v they_o great_a joy_n but_o they_o
also_o be_v another_o ground_n of_o and_o defect_n in_o the_o do_n of_o these_o pharisee_n mat._n 6._o 7._o rom._n 9_o 31_o 32._o use_v 1._o here_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o that_o have_v in_o their_o time_n be_v great_a professor_n and_o careful_a do_v afterward_o degenerate_a and_o grow_v licentious_a for_o if_o all_o that_o so_o profess_v be_v not_o sincere_a do_v not_o act_v from_o a_o sound_a principle_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o decline_v if_o the_o seed_n that_o have_v no_o root_n though_o it_o grow_v a_o while_n and_o outgrow_a many_o do_v at_o last_o die_v wither_v decay_n we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v nor_o ought_v this_o any_o way_n to_o discourage_v those_o that_o be_v sinner_n use_v 2._o let_v it_o counsel_v we_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o ground_v our_o confidence_n in_o this_o that_o we_o do_v more_o than_o other_o think_v not_o ourselves_o better_a or_o sure_a mere_o for_o this_o though_o god_n will_v not_o reprove_v you_o for_o your_o sacrifice_n yet_o he_o may_v for_o your_o hypocrisy_n and_o so_o you_o may_v weary_v he_o with_o your_o vain_a oblation_n isa_n 1._o 13._o remember_v there_o be_v no_o justification_n legal_a by_o the_o work_n we_o do_v doct._n 2._o the_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o nor_o invite_v to_o the_o solemnisation_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n which_o be_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n while_o this_o joyful_a entertainment_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o afford_v to_o this_o young_a son_n his_o elder_a brother_n be_v in_o the_o field_n the_o father_n do_v not_o send_v and_o call_v he_o in_o unto_o it_o this_o be_v not_o without_o its_o spiritual_a meaning_n hypocrite_n may_v seem_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o still_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o and_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o true_a believer_n prov._n 14._o 10._o reas_n because_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o joy_n viz._n convert_v grace_n he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v what_o be_v the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o nor_o what_o be_v those_o ground_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n which_o proceed_v from_o it_o these_o be_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o therefore_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o the_o hypocrite_n be_v true_o unregenerate_a and_o hence_o he_o move_v in_o a_o inferior_a orb_n and_o can_v no_o more_o know_v what_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v than_o a_o beast_n can_v understand_v the_o nature_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n he_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o these_o be_v not_o fleshly_a joy_n use_v 1._o this_o may_v show_v we_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o hypocritical_a man_n be_v so_o little_o affect_v with_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o god_n when_o the_o report_n of_o it_o come_v to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v angry_a and_o envious_a however_o they_o be_v not_o stir_v up_o by_o it_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o they_o to_o congratulate_v with_o they_o their_o happiness_n and_o partake_v in_o their_o joy_n alas_o they_o be_v not_o invite_v they_o do_v not_o see_v nor_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a to_o be_v restore_v from_o spiritual_a death_n to_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o god_n of_o a_o prodigal_a to_o be_v make_v a_o son_n use_v 2._o here_o we_o also_o see_v a_o reason_n why_o unconverted_a man_n wonder_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o people_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o their_o joy_n and_o comfort_n whereas_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sorrowful_a and_o miserable_a man_n and_o think_v they_o mad_a to_o please_v themselves_o with_o phantasm_n and_o dream_n whereas_o their_o own_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o admiration_n foelix_n think_v paul_n be_v distract_v whereas_o he_o himself_o be_v distemper_v hence_o let_v not_o the_o people_n of_o god_n judge_v themselves_o by_o or_o think_v worse_o of_o themselves_o for_o worldly_a man_n opinion_n concern_v they_o use_v 3._o if_o hypocrite_n may_v not_o feast_v it_o with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n here_o much_o less_o shall_v they_o do_v it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n if_o they_o may_v not_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n much_o less_o in_o their_o consummation_n how_o miserable_a a_o thing_n than_o be_v it_o to_o be_v a_o professor_n and_o no_o more_o to_o hew_v wood_n and_o draw_v water_n with_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o do_v the_o drudgery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o not_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o legal_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o much_o business_n but_o of_o no_o comfort_n there_o be_v many_o terror_n which_o may_v oppress_v the_o conscience_n for_o default_n and_o much_o labour_n in_o strive_v to_o attain_v a_o unattainable_a legal_a perfection_n but_o no_o true_a joy_n which_o can_v only_o flow_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o pardon_n in_o jesus_n christ_n beware_v than_o of_o hypocrisy_n 2._o we_o may_v observe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o offence_n viz._n the_o information_n he_o have_v of_o his_o brother_n kind_a entertainment_n this_o he_o guess_v at_o by_o the_o noise_n he_o hear_v of_o joy_n but_o wait_v for_o further_a information_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o one_o of_o the_o servant_n who_o ready_o inform_v he_o of_o it_o and_o full_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o occasion_n the_o action_n of_o this_o servant_n be_v exemplary_a it_o tell_v we_o thus_o much_o observe_v that_o in_o our_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o all_o fidelity_n and_o candour_n to_o make_v the_o best_a of_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o worst_a the_o servant_n both_o tell_v what_o his_o master_n have_v do_v and_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o one_o will_v think_v may_v have_v be_v convince_a however_o it_o be_v otherwise_o take_v it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o a_o story_n may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o so_o tell_v as_o may_v be_v advantageous_a or_o prejudicial_a to_o he_o who_o it_o concern_v doeg_n for_o all_o that_o we_o read_v speak_v true_a of_o ahimelech_n but_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o carry_v a_o lie_n in_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v a_o lie_a tongue_n psal_n 52._o begin_v which_o may_v give_v we_o warning_n to_o beware_v how_o we_o represent_v matter_n in_o our_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v a_o care_n therefore_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o detraction_n else_o its_o certain_a the_o most_o spotless_a action_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n may_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o malice_n and_o spite_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o avoid_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n the_o time_n labour_v of_o there_o be_v something_o also_o commendable_a and_o imitable_a in_o the_o action_n of_o the_o elder_a son_n he_o inquire_v before_o he_o determine_v he_o do_v not_o present_o conclude_v from_o what_o he_o hear_v but_o seek_v to_o be_v certify_v in_o the_o truth_n which_o if_o it_o be_v more_o practise_v among_o christian_n will_v prevent_v many_o unjust_a censure_n which_o be_v by_z over_z credulity_n pass_v upon_o the_o innocent_a but_o i_o especial_o intend_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o ground_n itself_o of_o his_o offence_n whence_o observe_v this_o doct._n 3._o it_o be_v the_o guise_n and_o character_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o he_o be_v offend_v and_o angry_a at_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o those_o who_o he_o convert_v and_o take_v into_o favour_n they_o can_v bear_v that_o god_n shall_v show_v any_o love_n to_o repent_v prodigal_n the_o elder_a brother_n be_v angry_a that_o his_o father_n shall_v make_v a_o feast_n for_o his_o return_a son_n the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o a_o penitent_a be_v his_o great_a eyesore_n the_o scrib_n and_o pharisee_n can_v not_o bear_v that_o christ_n shall_v converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n hence_o the_o more_o they_o observe_v of_o god_n love_n to_o any_o the_o more_o they_o hate_v and_o abhor_v they_o this_o be_v cain_n sin_n and_o for_o this_o very_a cause_n he_o murder_v his_o innocent_a brother_n because_o god_n have_v more_o respect_n to_o his_o sacrifice_n than_o to_o cain_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o persecution_n and_o their_o prosecute_n they_o with_o all_o malice_n and_o study_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o do_v they_o injury_n they_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o these_o man_n can_v bear_v i_o shall_v give_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o natural_a enmity_n of_o the_o wicked_a against_o the_o godly_a make_v they_o to_o grieve_v at_o all_o their_o prosperity_n which_o they_o partake_v in_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o the_o evil_a one_o who_o next_o to_o god_n himself_o