very_a pitiful_a plight_n either_o quite_o naked_a or_o at_o most_o cover_v with_o rag_n he_o therefore_o call_v for_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o that_o not_o only_a necessity_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o and_o his_o nakedness_n cover_v but_o he_o will_v have_v he_o appear_v in_o a_o equipage_n suitable_a to_o the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n again_o second_o whereas_o the_o son_n in_o contemplation_n of_o his_o present_a distress_n and_o former_a miscarriage_n have_v no_o high_a ambition_n then_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o hire_a servant_n now_o the_o father_n on_o the_o other_o side_n will_v have_v he_o adorn_v with_o the_o ensign_n of_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o of_o a_o son_n and_o therefore_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o among_o most_o nation_n be_v use_v to_o denote_v either_o eminent_a quality_n or_o singular_a favour_n three_o the_o son_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o rebellion_n among_o other_o misfortune_n become_v a_o slave_n as_o we_o have_v observe_v before_o and_o among_o most_o nation_n it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n for_o such_o to_o go_v barefoot_a and_o only_a freeman_n to_o be_v shod_a now_o the_o father_n in_o token_n of_o his_o son_n emancipation_n command_v to_o put_v shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n all_o which_o three_o thing_n together_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o the_o father_n have_v forgive_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o submission_n and_o return_n now_o put_v he_o into_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n in_o all_o respect_n as_o he_o be_v in_o before_o his_o rebellion_n and_o from_o thence_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n upon_o the_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o full_o reconcile_v to_o they_o that_o they_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o he_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o sin_v they_o be_v restore_v to_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o of_o adam_n in_o innocency_n and_o we_o may_v content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o general_a application_n but_o that_o st._n chrysostom_n st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o ancient_n carry_v it_o further_o and_o make_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o these_o several_a passage_n in_o conformity_n to_o who_o judgement_n we_o will_v thus_o render_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a favour_n 1._o by_o the_o best_a robe_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o excellent_a ornament_n of_o more_o complete_a holiness_n and_o full_a sanctification_n which_o god_n work_v in_o and_o bestow_v upon_o a_o sinner_n upon_o his_o reconciliation_n to_o himself_o 2._o by_o the_o ring_n be_v intimate_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o those_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v and_o sanctify_v as_o the_o pledge_n of_o their_o adoption_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o inheritance_n 3._o by_o the_o shoe_n the_o honour_n of_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o the_o draw_v other_o home_n to_o he_o the_o ground_n of_o which_o interpretation_n i_o will_v assign_v as_o i_o handle_v the_o particular_n several_o and_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o 1._o the_o best_a robe_n stolam_fw-la say_v st._n jerom_n quam_fw-la adam_n peccando_fw-la perdiderat_fw-la stolam_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o alia_fw-la parabola_fw-la dicitur_fw-la indumentum_fw-la nuptiale_fw-la the_o robe_n which_o adam_n lose_v when_o he_o sin_v and_o in_o defect_n of_o which_o he_o cover_v himself_o with_o figleaf_n that_o robe_n which_o in_o another_o parable_n be_v call_v the_o wedding_n garment_n 〈◊〉_d and_o st._n chrysostom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o garment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a contexture_n the_o white_a robe_n which_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o that_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n agreeable_o herewith_o theophylact_v the_o best_a or_o first_o robe_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n in_o the_o text_n import_v that_o be_v say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_a robe_n which_o we_o wear_v before_o we_o sin_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n mean_v when_o it_o say_v put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v put_v you_o off_o the_o old_a vicious_a habit_n and_o practice_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o put_v on_o the_o holy_a temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n whosoever_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o little_o conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v but_o have_v observe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o usual_a stile_n thereof_o to_o denote_v both_o the_o inward_a quality_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o outward_a accustomary_a action_n of_o the_o life_n by_o the_o garment_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o therefore_o tedious_a to_o recite_v the_o many_o passage_n there_o to_o be_v find_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o i_o can_v omit_v that_o in_o the_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o verse_n 8._o to_o she_o be_v give_v to_o be_v array_v in_o fine_a linen_n clean_a and_o white_a for_o white_a linen_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o saint_n by_o the_o woman_n be_v there_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n call_v the_o lamb_n wife_n who_o ornament_n be_v righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o represent_v by_o white_a garment_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o use_n of_o garment_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o exact_o correspond_v therewith_o nor_o more_o fit_a to_o be_v figurative_o express_v by_o allusion_n to_o they_o then_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a qualification_n for_o if_o garment_n be_v use_v for_o distinction_n what_o make_v a_o great_a and_o true_a distinction_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n then_o their_o life_n and_o temper_n it_o be_v not_o be_v high_a or_o low_o rich_a or_o poor_a noble_a or_o ignoble_a learned_a or_o idiotical_a which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o as_o when_o one_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o another_o vicious_a and_o profane_a if_o garment_n be_v for_o ornament_n and_o to_o cover_v our_o uncomeliness_n what_o be_v there_o represent_v a_o man_n more_o lovely_a and_o beautiful_a than_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n a_o just_a temper_n a_o holy_a life_n and_o what_o disguise_n and_o deform_v man_n like_a to_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n if_o again_o garment_n be_v for_o defence_n against_o the_o injury_n of_o weather_n and_o other_o accident_n what_o be_v there_o that_o give_v a_o man_n that_o security_n and_o confidence_n which_o innocency_n of_o life_n and_o sincere_a piety_n afford_v he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o expose_v and_o lay_v a_o man_n open_a to_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o naughty_a and_o evil_a practice_n proceed_v from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a temper_n wherefore_o there_o be_v both_o plain_a reason_n and_o good_a authority_n of_o all_o kind_n to_o make_v this_o application_n of_o the_o first_o favour_n which_o the_o reconcile_a father_n vouchsafe_v his_o return_a son_n and_o to_o say_v that_o thereby_o be_v denote_v in_o the_o figurative_a sense_n that_o god_n when_o he_o have_v pardon_v the_o penitent_a then_o confer_v further_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n upon_o he_o §_o ii_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o sanctification_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n inasmuch_o as_o though_o a_o earthly_a parent_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o son_n that_o be_v not_o true_o good_a yet_o god_n can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o sinner_n continue_v so_o or_o until_o they_o become_v new_a man_n and_o therefore_o some_o other_o allegory_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v here_o and_o not_o that_o which_o we_o concurrent_o with_o the_o father_n have_v pitch_v upon_o i_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a which_o this_o objection_n be_v ground_v upon_o but_o the_o inference_n therefrom_o will_v not_o reach_v we_o for_o i_o have_v show_v already_o that_o some_o measure_n of_o real_a sanctification_n must_v go_v before_o justification_n and_o pardon_n because_o god_n though_o he_o bear_v a_o constant_a goodwill_n to_o mankind_n yet_o as_o the_o objection_n well_o suggest_v and_o we_o have_v acknowledge_v before_o be_v he_o not_o transport_v with_o any_o fondness_n towards_o any_o man_n mere_a person_n so_o as_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o whilst_o he_o stand_v at_o defiance_n with_o himself_o because_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a holy_a and_o just_a majesty_n and_o consequent_o can_v without_o deny_v himself_o and_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o nature_n either_o delight_n in_o a_o vicious_a person_n or_o hate_v a_o good_a man_n and_o beside_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o nature_n yet_o will_v not_o his_o wisdom_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n permit_v that_o he_o cause_v
abandon_v he_o my_o youthful_a heat_n and_o folly_n precipitate_v i_o upon_o my_o own_o ruin_n but_o as_o he_o have_v more_o wisdom_n than_o i_o so_o perhaps_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n be_v more_o strong_a than_o those_o of_o a_o child_n and_o the_o more_o he_o see_v my_o foolishness_n the_o more_o argument_n will_v he_o find_v to_o show_v i_o mercy_n at_o least_o i_o will_v make_v trial_n of_o his_o clemency_n i_o will_v humble_o prostrate_v myself_o before_o he_o i_o will_v embrace_v those_o knee_n that_o educate_v i_o i_o will_v lick_v the_o dust_n of_o that_o threshold_n which_o i_o contemptuous_o forsake_v i_o will_v own_v my_o fault_n and_o take_v shame_n to_o myself_o and_o so_o both_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n if_o he_o receive_v i_o and_o justify_v his_o proceed_n if_o he_o reject_v i_o i_o know_v my_o father_n be_v subject_a or_o obnoxious_a to_o no_o body_n who_o shall_v blame_v he_o for_o pardon_v or_o set_v limit_n to_o his_o mercy_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v the_o measure_n of_o a_o father_n bowel_n it_o may_v be_v too_o there_o be_v irresistible_a eloquence_n in_o misery_n and_o the_o spectacle_n of_o a_o son_n adversity_n may_v have_v rhetoric_n enough_o in_o it_o to_o carry_v the_o cause_n where_o a_o father_n be_v judge_n or_o if_o he_o provoke_v by_o my_o folly_n at_o first_o and_o extravagancy_n since_o will_v no_o more_o own_v i_o as_o a_o son_n perhaps_o he_o may_v receive_v i_o as_o a_o servant_n for_o if_o my_o rebellion_n have_v extinguish_v in_o he_o the_o peculiar_a affection_n of_o a_o father_n yet_o it_o have_v not_o destroy_v the_o common_a passion_n of_o humanity_n mercy_n and_o pity_n if_o he_o will_v receive_v i_o in_o that_o low_a quality_n i_o be_o now_o break_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o shall_v think_v his_o yoke_n easy_a hereafter_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o so_o sharp_a and_o heavy_a a_o one_o i_o will_v cheerful_o submit_v my_o ear_n to_o be_v bore_v to_o his_o door-post_n and_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o ever_o or_o last_o if_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v a_o runagate_n nor_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v ever_o prove_v a_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a servant_n that_o have_v once_o desert_v his_o station_n let_v he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v i_o as_o a_o hire_a servant_n who_o he_o may_v turn_v off_o at_o pleasure_n make_v trial_n of_o i_o and_o admit_v i_o only_o upon_o good_a behaviour_n but_o if_o all_o fail_v and_o he_o shall_v utter_o cast_v i_o off_o which_o yet_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o i_o can_v but_o perish_v and_o that_o i_o do_v however_o well_o this_o be_v resolve_v he_o cast_v a_o long_a look_n towards_o his_o father_n house_n and_o put_v himself_o on_o his_o way_n thither_o but_o no_o soon_o be_v he_o on_o his_o way_n though_o yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o but_o his_o father_n spy_v he_o those_o lean_a and_o wan_a cheek_n and_o the_o hollow_a sink_a eye_n his_o extremity_n have_v reduce_v he_o to_o have_v not_o so_o disfigure_v he_o nor_o those_o rag_n unable_a to_o cover_v his_o nakedness_n so_o disguise_v he_o but_o his_o father_n know_v he_o and_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o former_a disobedience_n have_v not_o so_o cancel_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o son_n or_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n but_o that_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o present_a misery_n kindle_v his_o compassion_n and_o while_o the_o son_n partly_o through_o that_o weakness_n which_o his_o vice_n and_o his_o suffering_n have_v conspire_v to_o bring_v upon_o he_o and_o partly_o through_o a_o combination_n of_o shame_n and_o just_a fear_n of_o his_o father_n indignation_n with_o difficulty_n make_v towards_o he_o the_o father_n prompt_v by_o paternal_a affection_n and_o transport_v between_o joy_n and_o pity_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o the_o son_n though_o astonish_v at_o this_o condescension_n and_o surprise_v with_o the_o unexpected_a benignity_n of_o such_o a_o reception_n yet_o can_v not_o but_o remember_v what_o his_o father_n joy_n make_v he_o forget_v namely_o his_o former_a disingenuity_n and_o rebellion_n and_o therefore_o humble_o fall_v on_o his_o knee_n again_o and_o with_o shame_n and_o remorse_n make_v his_o contrite_a acknowledgement_n after_o this_o manner_n father_n for_o so_o this_o admirable_a goodness_n of_o you_o give_v i_o encouragement_n to_o call_v you_o more_o than_o the_o blood_n and_o life_n which_o i_o derive_v from_o you_o i_o have_v i_o confess_v forfeit_v all_o the_o interest_n the_o privilege_n of_o my_o birth_n may_v have_v afford_v i_o in_o your_o affection_n have_v become_v a_o rebel_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o you_o have_v i_o not_o first_o neglect_v he_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v never_o grieve_v you_o and_o have_v forsake_v you_o i_o have_v not_o only_o violate_v the_o great_a obligation_n i_o have_v upon_o i_o save_o that_o to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n but_o also_o despise_v and_o affront_v a_o goodness_n like_a to_o his_o whatsoever_o therefore_o i_o have_v suffer_v be_v but_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o my_o folly_n and_o contumacy_n and_o whatsoever_o sentence_n you_o shall_v pass_v upon_o i_o further_o i_o submit_v to_o and_o here_o expect_v my_o doom_n from_o you_o i_o condemn_v myself_o as_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v your_o son_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v i_o but_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o mean_a servant_n and_o i_o have_v more_o than_o my_o miscarriage_n give_v i_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o while_o the_o son_n be_v go_v on_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o father_n bowel_n yearn_v too_o earnest_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o delay_n of_o long_a apology_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o interrupt_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n then_o to_o adjourn_v his_o own_o joy_n or_o the_o other_o comfort_n and_o because_o he_o think_v word_n not_o sufficient_a in_o the_o case_n he_o make_v deed_n the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n command_v his_o servant_n forthwith_o to_o bring_v out_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o his_o son_n together_o with_o a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n i_o e._n in_o all_o point_n to_o habit_n he_o as_o his_o son_n and_o as_o the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n by_o all_o which_o he_o make_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o a_o perfect_a reconciliation_n and_o not_o content_v herewith_o to_o give_v vent_n to_o his_o own_o joy_n that_o it_o may_v not_o overpower_v he_o while_o he_o confine_v it_o to_o his_o own_o bosom_n and_o perhaps_o also_o that_o those_o who_o have_v share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o sorrow_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o belove_a son_n may_v participate_v also_o in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o recovery_n he_o go_v on_o bring_v out_o also_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v and_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v merry_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a jollity_n it_o happen_v the_o elder_a son_n who_o as_o we_o say_v before_o have_v always_o continue_v in_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o father_n come_v out_o of_o the_o field_n where_o he_o have_v be_v negotiate_v his_o father_n affair_n and_o wonder_n at_o the_o unusual_a jubilee_n and_o when_o demand_v the_o occasion_n they_o of_o the_o family_n have_v make_v he_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a matter_n he_o take_v it_o ill_o and_o interpret_n this_o marvellous_a transport_n of_o joy_n at_o his_o brother_n return_n to_o be_v in_o derogation_n from_o himself_o as_o if_o his_o father_n be_v too_o easy_a and_o inclinable_a towards_o he_o but_o severe_a to_o himself_o and_o unmindful_a of_o the_o long_a and_o faithful_a service_n he_o have_v do_v he_o begin_v to_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n somewhat_o warm_o with_o his_o father_n but_o the_o good_a old_a man_n mild_o reply_v son_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a of_o and_o set_v a_o just_a value_n upon_o the_o long_a course_n of_o your_o obedience_n and_o i_o have_v it_o both_o in_o my_o power_n and_o in_o my_o will_n to_o reward_v you_o it_o be_v true_a i_o have_v not_o hitherto_o make_v such_o solemn_a expression_n of_o my_o love_n to_o you_o as_o i_o have_v now_o do_v upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o the_o case_n do_v not_o require_v it_o you_o as_o you_o have_v be_v always_o dutiful_a to_o i_o so_o you_o have_v have_v my_o house_n and_o all_o i_o have_v constant_o to_o accommodate_v you_o as_o you_o have_v never_o rebel_v against_o i_o so_o you_o have_v never_o feel_v the_o hardship_n your_o poor_a brother_n have_v undergo_v by_o his_o foolishness_n and_o as_o you_o that_o have_v never_o offend_v i_o never_o can_v distrust_v my_o favour_n nor_o need_v such_o
hypocrisy_n i_o know_v he_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o reward_v sincerity_n above_o desert_n above_o expectation_n beyond_o all_o thought_n and_o imagination_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o only_o loiter_v in_o his_o service_n but_o decline_v it_o nay_o oppose_v affront_v rebel_v against_o he_o i_o have_v list_v myself_o under_o his_o profess_a enemy_n and_o under_o that_o banner_n i_o have_v spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o time_n now_o may_v it_o please_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o accept_v i_o at_o last_o i_o vow_v to_o be_v entire_o he_o i_o will_v dispute_v no_o command_n i_o will_v make_v no_o exception_n but_o i_o will_v double_v my_o diligence_n and_o say_v with_o the_o exemplary_a convert_n st._n paul_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v lord_n §_o iv._o thus_o we_o have_v see_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o hinge_n of_o conversion_n but_o let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o be_v the_o spring_n or_o plummet_n that_o set_v this_o great_a engine_n on_o work_n or_o what_o be_v the_o consideration_n by_o way_n of_o motive_n that_o put_v man_n upon_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n and_o they_o be_v principal_o these_o four_o 1._o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unsuccessfull_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o god_n if_o we_o true_o repent_v at_o last_o though_o we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n before_o 2._o a_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o become_v perfect_o new_a man_n notwithstanding_o our_o pre-ingagement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a so_o to_o do_v if_o we_o set_v about_o it_o in_o earnest_n 4._o a_o clear_a perception_n that_o whether_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o difficult_a there_o be_v a_o plain_a necessity_n of_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v do_v 1._o the_o first_o motive_n to_o a_o resolution_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o god_n be_v not_o inexorable_a but_o that_o repentance_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o it_o be_v a_o memorable_a story_n concern_v the_o tusculani_n a_o little_a people_n in_o italy_n who_o have_v so_o high_o provoke_v the_o roman_n that_o camillus_n be_v lead_v his_o army_n towards_o they_o to_o take_v revenge_n but_o they_o grow_v quick_o apprehensive_a of_o their_o danger_n take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o appease_v a_o generous_a enemy_n for_o they_o make_v no_o show_n of_o resistance_n but_o set_v open_v their_o gate_n and_o be_v find_v every_o man_n hard_o at_o his_o ordinary_a affair_n submit_v all_o to_o the_o will_n of_o those_o they_o know_v themselves_o unable_a to_o contend_v with_o whereupon_o the_o brave_a camillus_n speak_v to_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n you_o say_v he_o among_o all_o people_n have_v only_o find_v out_o the_o true_a way_n of_o abate_v the_o roman_a fury_n invenistis_fw-la and_o your_o submission_n have_v be_v your_o best_a defence_n upon_o these_o term_n we_o can_v no_o more_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o injure_v you_o then_o upon_o other_o term_n you_o can_v have_v find_v power_n to_o oppose_v we_o to_o who_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n on_o the_o other_o side_n thus_o reply_v 6._o we_o have_v say_v he_o so_o in_o good_a earnest_n repent_v we_o of_o our_o former_a folly_n that_o in_o confidence_n of_o that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o generous_a enemy_n we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o fault_n not_o much_o unlike_a to_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n for_o think_v he_o what_o i_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o can_v neither_o answer_v to_o myself_o nor_o to_o my_o father_n i_o can_v neither_o deny_v the_o fact_n nor_o defend_v it_o therefore_o i_o must_v try_v what_o repentance_n will_v do_v and_o appeal_v from_o his_o justice_n to_o his_o mercy_n it_o be_v true_a i_o forsake_v my_o father_n but_o it_o be_v a_o father_n i_o forsake_v and_o that_o name_n speak_v benignity_n and_o what_o may_v not_o a_o son_n hope_v for_o from_o a_o father_n there_o be_v rhetoric_n in_o confession_n and_o contrite_a submission_n have_v mighty_a prevalence_n upon_o all_o ingenuous_a nature_n quem_fw-la poenitet_fw-la peccasse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la repentance_n use_v to_o have_v the_o success_n even_o of_o innocency_n itself_o and_o i_o that_o have_v fail_v of_o the_o one_o will_v try_v the_o other_o my_o acknowledgement_n will_v prevent_v my_o accusation_n if_o i_o condemn_v myself_o i_o save_v my_o father_n a_o labour_n and_o when_o i_o abhor_v myself_o i_o move_v his_o pity_n especial_o if_o i_o become_v another_o man_n he_o will_v see_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o receive_v i_o then_o as_o he_o have_v to_o reject_v i_o now_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a towards_o god_n i_o have_v offend_v the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o he_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o name_n speak_v goodness_n if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v he_o be_v not_o god_n and_o if_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a can_v proceed_v from_o he_o and_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a but_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v agree_v to_o make_v it_o the_o constant_a stile_n of_o god_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o great_a goodness_n or_o the_o best_a greatness_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n nay_o the_o very_a latter_a infer_v the_o former_a for_o what_o be_v there_o can_v tempt_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v cruel_a and_o inexorable_a he_o that_o have_v all_o fullness_n in_o himself_o can_v certain_o envy_v nothing_o can_v hate_v nothing_o that_o he_o have_v make_v but_o must_v needs_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v below_o he_o and_o delight_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o such_o as_o need_v he_o envy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o mere_a weakness_n fear_n want_v and_o impotency_n the_o poor_a be_v apt_a to_o envy_v the_o rich_a because_o they_o enjoy_v what_o they_o want_v and_o we_o common_o observe_v that_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o timorous_a creature_n be_v most_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a the_o coward_n be_v deadly_a and_o sanguinary_a because_o he_o be_v not_o secure_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o slip_v his_o opportunity_n but_o strike_v home_o and_o mortal_o lest_o the_o danger_n shall_v recoil_v upon_o himself_o but_o what_o rich_a and_o great_a man_n envy_v the_o beggar_n or_o what_o valiant_a man_n be_v ever_o remorseless_a and_o sanguinary_a the_o former_a have_v all_o the_o argument_n to_o pity_n because_o he_o can_v want_v and_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o inducement_n to_o pardon_v because_o he_o can_v fear_v god_n be_v above_o all_o danger_n can_v be_v hurt_v by_o nothing_o needs_o nothing_o have_v nothing_o to_o receive_v but_o much_o to_o bestow_v he_o can_v therefore_o be_v prompt_v to_o take_v advantage_n against_o his_o creature_n or_o delight_n in_o their_o misery_n since_o the_o only_a end_n he_o have_v to_o serve_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o enjoy_v his_o own_o fullness_n by_o reflection_n the_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o thereby_o make_v they_o happy_a when_o god_n be_v high_o provoke_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o david_n in_o number_v the_o people_n in_o which_o fact_n there_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o many_o evil_n there_o be_v disobedience_n to_o a_o express_a law_n there_o be_v distrust_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o vain_a confidence_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n it_o please_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o notify_v his_o displeasure_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n and_o withal_o give_v david_n his_o choice_n either_o of_o pestilence_n 24._o famine_n or_o sword_n the_o king_n refer_v it_o back_o again_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o punish_v by_o the_o famine_n or_o by_o the_o pestilence_n for_o say_v he_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a but_o let_v we_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n he_o have_v rather_o trust_v the_o mercy_n of_o a_o incense_a god_n then_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o mortal_a man_n he_o know_v they_o be_v transport_v with_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o god_n be_v pitiful_a they_o often_o forget_v themselves_o but_o god_n remember_v sinner_n be_v but_o man_n 13._o and_o dust_n and_o ash_n they_o will_v plague_v one_o another_o malicious_o but_o god_n chastise_v in_o wisdom_n and_o measure_n and_o that_o with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o phrase_n of_o st._n james_n mercy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rejoice_v against_o glori_v and_o triumph_v over_o justice_n the_o discourse_n of_o a_o brave_a heathen_a be_v excellent_a to_o this_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d we_o think_v it_o just_a say_v
that_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v especial_o and_o most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o the_o charity_n of_o parent_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n for_o they_o ready_o believe_v well_o of_o their_o child_n because_o they_o so_o passionate_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o son_n can_v not_o think_v his_o father_n so_o soft_a and_o easy_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o word_n and_o ceremony_n and_o himself_o be_v not_o now_o so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o abuse_v so_o much_o goodness_n if_o it_o it_o have_v be_v in_o his_o power_n wherefore_o the_o text_n say_v vers_fw-la 20._o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n i._n e._n he_o do_v not_o only_o change_v his_o note_n his_o address_n his_o countenance_n but_o he_o change_v his_o course_n he_o return_v to_o his_o father_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n and_o we_o have_v under_o this_o type_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o see_v describe_v the_o preface_n and_o introduction_n to_o repentance_n towards_o god_n namely_o the_o sinner_n bewail_v his_o sin_n take_v shame_n to_o himself_o under_o agony_n of_o mind_n prick_v to_o the_o heart_n humble_o implore_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o cry_v earnest_o for_o mercy_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o repentance_n mean_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o behind_o viz._n actual_a reformation_n this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o awaken_v conscience_n in_o its_o agony_n promise_n and_o resolve_v upon_o this_o god_n expect_v and_o every_o sincere_a convert_n real_o perform_v for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o empty_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n and_o mere_a hypocrisy_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v anon_o but_o when_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a such_o a_o person_n from_o thenceforth_o be_v a_o new_a man_n and_o in_o a_o new_a estate_n he_o have_v complete_o make_v his_o return_n to_o god_n as_o the_o son_n in_o the_o text_n be_v say_v to_o have_v actual_o return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o have_v note_v heretofore_o that_o all_o irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n be_v wont_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v express_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o depart_v from_o god_n or_o go_v out_o from_o he_o or_o forsake_v he_o and_o so_o the_o whole_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v contrariwise_o set_v forth_o by_o draw_v nigh_o to_o or_o come_v to_o god_n particular_o hebr._n 11._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n q._n d._n he_o that_o become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o religion_n for_o from_o thence_o do_v that_o word_n proselyte_n take_v its_o original_n wherefore_o now_o we_o will_v first_o observe_v what_o be_v employ_v by_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o son_n be_v return_v or_o come_v to_o his_o father_n and_o in_o proportion_n thereto_o describe_v this_o most_o important_a business_n of_o the_o penitent'_v return_v to_o god_n which_o be_v his_o actual_a conversion_n or_o reformation_n and_o in_o the_o former_a these_o three_o thing_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v comprehend_v 1._o that_o the_o son_n now_o return_v home_n to_o his_o father_n family_n and_o presence_n 2._o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o son_n by_o obedience_n and_o compliance_n with_o his_o father_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o submit_v to_o his_o father_n government_n and_o provision_n therefore_o in_o the_o latter_a namely_o conversion_n to_o god_n these_o three_o thing_n must_v semblable_o be_v imply_v 1._o that_o the_o penitent_a put_v himself_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n and_o life_n in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n 2._o that_o he_o frame_v himself_o to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n 3._o that_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o divine_a disposal_n and_o entire_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a or_o remarkable_a to_o all_o experience_n and_o observation_n than_o the_o great_a fervour_n of_o devotion_n in_o all_o true_a convert_v from_o a_o evil_a life_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o man_n to_o be_v find_v under_o such_o a_o character_n but_o present_o with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o seriousness_n he_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o worshipper_n or_o devout_a person_n to_o be_v the_o common_a name_n by_o which_o convert_v to_o religion_n be_v express_v and_o these_o act_v 13._o 48._o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d candidate_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o put_v into_o order_n and_o dispose_v for_o salvation_n compare_v vers_fw-la 43._o with_o 48._o more_o particular_o it_o be_v observable_a of_o st._n paul_n that_o when_o from_o a_o superstitious_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v reclaim_v and_o make_v a_o christian_a the_o assurance_n that_o god_n give_v to_o ananias_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v act_n 9_o 11._o behold_v he_o pray_v and_o so_o of_o manasses_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 18._o among_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o real_a reformation_n the_o scripture_n take_v especial_a notice_n of_o the_o prayer_n that_o he_o pray_v and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o think_v from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n hypocritical_o to_o put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v notable_o careful_a in_o this_o point_n for_o so_o the_o pharisee_n cloak_v all_o their_o villainy_n with_o this_o garb_n of_o piety_n now_o hypocrisy_n will_v miss_v altogether_o of_o its_o design_n if_o it_o do_v not_o resemble_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o usual_o their_o over_o solicitude_n and_o over_n herein_o betray_v they_o to_o act_v a_o part_n only_o in_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o true_a penitent_n express_v his_o conversion_n by_o though_o this_o be_v by_o some_o too_o fantastical_o call_v duty_n as_o if_o all_o piety_n consist_v in_o that_o only_a for_o as_o the_o literal_a prodigal_a return_n to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o family_n so_o the_o mystical_a return_n to_o god_n house_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o associate_n himself_o with_o god_n servant_n in_o all_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n viz._n in_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v meditation_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n now_o he_o think_v a_o day_n spend_v in_o god_n court_n better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o one_o thing_n he_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v most_o passionate_a in_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o he_o so_o high_o value_v the_o privilege_n of_o god_n church_n that_o no_o private_a opinion_n no_o trifle_a scrupulosity_n nor_o petty_a disgust_n shall_v ever_o alienate_v he_o from_o it_o here_o he_o find_v himself_o fortify_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o great_a example_n of_o holy_a man_n his_o prayer_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o good_a people_n here_o he_o be_v under_o the_o public_a dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n the_o very_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o which_o he_o now_o with_o the_o great_a convert_n st._n austin_n value_v and_o admire_v more_o than_o all_o the_o greek_a or_o roman_a eloquence_n of_o speech_n or_o subtlety_n of_o philosophy_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n else_o seem_v flat_a and_o insipid_a before_o above_o all_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n put_v he_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o this_o he_o think_v himself_o in_o god_n presence_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o admit_v a_o guest_n at_o his_o table_n the_o crumb_n of_o which_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o here_o he_o refresh_v his_o hungry_a soul_n with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o his_o wound_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o in_o both_o he_o think_v he_o see_v his_o provoke_v but_o compassionate_a father_n stand_v with_o open_a arm_n to_o receive_v he_o this_o he_o approach_v with_o great_a reverence_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n past_a together_o with_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o be_v negligent_a of_o it_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o public_a and_o private_a the_o convert_n express_v such_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o extraordinary_a
minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la as_o if_o they_o will_v divide_v a_o hair_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o love_a god_n too_o much_o or_o bid_v too_o high_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o supererogation_n erogation_n as_o some_o vain_o speak_v i._n e._n whereby_o we_o may_v make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o overplus_n and_o be_v able_a to_o contribute_v towards_o a_o public_a stock_n beside_o our_o own_o necessity_n yet_o if_o a_o man_n conscious_a of_o his_o own_o many_o fail_n shall_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o notwithstanding_o he_o love_v god_n sincere_o oblige_v himself_o suppose_v to_o pray_v often_o or_o give_v alm_n more_o liberal_o than_o be_v express_o require_v of_o he_o this_o sure_a will_v not_o be_v unblamable_a and_o again_o be_v hearty_o trouble_v for_o what_o evil_n he_o have_v commit_v heretofore_o he_o endeavour_v to_o retract_v and_o undo_v they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a not_o only_o labour_v to_o prevent_v the_o contagion_n of_o his_o example_n but_o where_o the_o case_n will_v admit_v it_o rescind_v and_o nullify_n the_o very_a effect_n so_o manasses_n that_o have_v set_v up_o idolatry_n effectual_o reform_v it_o and_o zacheus_n beside_o the_o half_a of_o his_o good_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a make_v a_o fourfold_a restitution_n wherever_o he_o have_v wrong_v nay_o the_o jailor_n wash_v the_o stripe_n he_o have_v inflict_v &_o s._n paul_n zealous_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n which_o before_o he_o persecute_v last_o such_o be_v the_o indignation_n which_o the_o true_a convert_n have_v against_o himself_o for_o his_o former_a rebellion_n and_o such_o a_o holy_a jealousy_n have_v he_o over_o himself_o lest_o he_o shall_v relapse_n that_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o another_o extreme_a for_o whereas_o heretofore_o he_o too_o much_o indulge_v the_o humour_n of_o his_o body_n now_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o abridge_v it_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o endanger_v his_o health_n perhaps_o in_o time_n past_a he_o live_v in_o too_o much_o gaiety_n and_o now_o so_o grave_o that_o there_o be_v some_o danger_n his_o strictness_n shall_v sour_v into_o austerity_n heretofore_o he_o live_v lawless_o and_o now_o be_v ready_a by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o vehement_a incline_v the_o contrary_a way_n to_o fall_v into_o scrupulosity_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o s._n austin_n factum_fw-la horretur_fw-la licitum_fw-la ob_fw-la vicinitatem_fw-la illiciti_fw-la which_o i_o render_v by_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n he_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n now_o that_o be_v wont_a to_o swallow_v a_o camel_n those_o that_o have_v have_v experience_n of_o new_a and_o zealous_a convert_v know_v this_o which_o i_o have_v last_o say_v to_o be_v too_o true_a and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o management_n of_o such_o person_n find_v it_o become_v their_o prudence_n not_o only_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o holy_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o to_o interpret_v to_o they_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o in_o defect_n of_o such_o care_n and_o prudence_n it_o very_o often_o unhappy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n work_v upon_o that_o well_o mean_v but_o intemperate_a zeal_n find_v advantage_n of_o insinuate_a their_o curiosity_n their_o superstition_n nay_o their_o very_a morosity_n and_o the_o distinctive_a badge_n of_o their_o peculiar_a faction_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o both_o indispose_v these_o honest_a mind_n to_o some_o of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o render_v they_o uncomfortable_a in_o themselves_o and_o scandalous_a to_o religion_n but_o abate_v this_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o bad_a weed_n but_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o good_a soil_n all_o that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v say_v otherwise_o be_v in_o the_o temper_n and_o practice_n of_o every_o true_a convert_n as_o be_v most_o eminent_o to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v convert_v from_o paganism_n or_o judaisme_n to_o christ_n jesus_n but_o especial_o the_o former_a the_o whole_a world_n see_v they_o strange_o improve_v and_o metamorphose_v to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d upon_o which_o account_n the_o primitive_a father_n origen_n justin_n martyr_n eusebius_n lactantius_n etc._n etc._n glory_v in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shame_v the_o blind_a pagan_n out_o of_o their_o contempt_n of_o it_o they_o despise_v it_o for_o the_o plainness_n and_o familiarity_n of_o the_o phrase_n but_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o it_o be_v mighty_a in_o operation_n far_o beyond_o all_o the_o admire_a write_n of_o philosopher_n 26._o for_o whereas_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o usual_o extend_v no_o further_o then_o to_o furnish_v man_n head_n with_o notion_n or_o to_o guild_v the_o outside_n this_o change_v they_o thorough_o make_v the_o drunkard_n become_v grave_a the_o lascivious_a person_n chaste_a and_o modest_a the_o gripe_a oppressor_n merciful_a and_o liberal_a and_o in_o short_a make_v the_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a become_v uniform_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n intimate_v in_o the_o son_n be_v return_v to_o his_o father_n he_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n and_o obedience_n but_o 3._o three_o and_o last_o when_o the_o son_n return_v to_o his_o father_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o then_o submit_v himself_o to_o his_o father_n providence_n and_o accommodation_n that_o whereas_o heretofore_o the_o way_n of_o his_o father_n family_n be_v too_o frugal_a and_o parsimonious_a for_o he_o he_o must_v live_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n and_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o portion_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v please_v himself_o now_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o he_o find_v that_o his_o prodigality_n have_v bring_v he_o to_o rag_n and_o his_o riot_n to_o hunger_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v starve_v this_o therefore_o have_v like_a to_o have_v break_v his_o heart_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o have_v break_v his_o spirit_n and_o now_o he_o will_v not_o capitulate_v nor_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o his_o father_n but_o be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n make_v i_o but_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o penitent_n of_o old_a to_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o to_o sprinkle_v themselves_o with_o ash_n as_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v vile_a earth_n and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o mean_a accommodation_n and_o what_o be_v thus_o do_v emblematical_o on_o the_o solemn_a time_n of_o humiliation_n be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o every_o sincere_a convert_n he_o be_v sensible_a that_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v heretofore_o pride_n begin_v his_o ruin_n and_o therefore_o humility_n must_v recover_v he_o time_n be_v that_o he_o swell_v against_o god_n as_o the_o proud_a wave_n against_o their_o bank_n strive_v to_o break_v down_o and_o overrun_v all_o the_o restraint_n of_o providence_n because_o he_o can_v not_o bring_v his_o condition_n to_o his_o mind_n therefore_o he_o swell_v and_o murmur_v rage_v and_o blaspheme_v why_o must_v he_o be_v poor_a and_o limit_v sick_a or_o of_o short_a continuance_n why_o since_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o man_n shall_v not_o he_o have_v his_o full_a swing_n and_o like_o leviathan_n sport_n himself_o therein_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suspect_v some_o malevolent_a or_o evil_a genius_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o not_o such_o a_o wise_a and_o benign_a be_v as_o man_n talk_v of_o in_o short_a as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o straight_o so_o be_v his_o providence_n and_o he_o can_v brook_v neither_o of_o they_o but_o as_o we_o have_v see_v upon_o this_o change_n his_o compliance_n with_o the_o former_a so_o we_o shall_v now_o see_v his_o conformity_n to_o the_o latter_a he_o have_v now_o like_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v turn_v out_o to_o grass_n till_o by_o his_o affliction_n he_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o now_o the_o clay_n have_v learn_v not_o to_o dispute_v with_o the_o potter_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o now_o whatever_o condition_n it_o please_v god_n to_o put_v he_o in_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v better_a than_o he_o deserve_v if_o he_o will_v that_o he_o be_v a_o beggar_n in_o disgrace_n sickness_n prison_n where_o and_o what_o he_o please_v so_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o his_o soul_n he_o have_v learn_v to_o say_v with_o jacob_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o god_n mercy_n 10._o and_o with_o the_o israelite_n humble_v by_o their_o captivity_n thou_o always_o punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o iniquity_n
another_o some_o man_n call_v the_o betake_v themselves_o to_o a_o cloister_n or_o monastery_n by_o the_o name_n of_o forsake_v the_o world_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o great_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n whereas_o in_o truth_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v especial_o if_o that_o state_n of_o retirement_n be_v order_v as_o it_o shall_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o severity_n to_o one_o self_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_o to_o consult_v a_o man_n ease_n and_o comfort_n it_o be_v to_o forsake_v the_o hurry_n the_o trouble_n vexation_n and_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o enjoy_v free_o and_o without_o interruption_n the_o best_a thing_n this_o world_n have_v which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o person_n just_a like_o a_o man_n self_n without_o the_o annoyance_n of_o different_a humour_n quality_n and_o interest_n and_o doubtless_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o this_o world_n which_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n pretend_v it_o be_v the_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v here_o that_o so_o many_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n who_o destiny_n themselves_o only_o to_o the_o study_n of_o virtue_n and_o knowledge_n who_o be_v all_o of_o a_o mind_n all_o in_o a_o like_a condition_n who_o have_v no_o cross_n or_o interfere_a interest_n among_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v one_o another_o constant_o under_o the_o same_o roof_n relieve_v one_o another_o necessity_n improve_v one_o another_o part_n and_o comfort_v each_o other_o mind_n such_o a_o condition_n i_o say_v be_v it_o any_o where_o to_o be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n will_v tempt_v man_n to_o say_v with_o st._n peter_n master_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o etc._n etc._n but_o alas_o whatever_o man_n talk_v or_o fancy_n there_o be_v no_o so_o select_a company_n but_o there_o be_v some_o weakness_n and_o folly_n among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o recess_n but_o emulation_n and_o passion_n find_v entrance_n no_o wilderness_n without_o a_o devil_n and_o temptation_n nor_o any_o life_n whatsoever_o in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o care_n and_o vexation_n because_o there_o be_v sickliness_n and_o passion_n divers_a humour_n of_o body_n and_o different_a constitution_n of_o mind_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v of_o several_a stature_n their_o interest_n thwart_v one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v peevishness_n and_o misunderstanding_n whisper_n and_o jealousy_n passion_n and_o party_n among_o man_n while_o they_o be_v here_o but_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n there_o meet_v the_o spirit_n only_o of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a holy_a man_n free_v from_o misunderstanding_n passion_n or_o imperfection_n no_o annoyance_n either_o by_o the_o vicinage_n of_o the_o wicked_a or_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o sincere_o virtuous_a all_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n of_o one_o lip_n one_o heart_n no_o say_n i_o be_o of_o paul_n i_o of_o cephas_n or_o i_o of_o christ_n for_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o they_o all_o and_o what_o a_o felicity_n this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v we_o may_v partly_o guess_v by_o the_o distraction_n of_o the_o church_n here_o below_o for_o want_v of_o it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o say_v whether_o religion_n suffer_v more_o by_o its_o unite_a enemy_n or_o by_o its_o divide_a friend_n and_o whether_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o as_o lamentable_a as_o the_o persecution_n of_o pagan_n but_o there_o dispute_v shall_v cease_v all_o heat_n be_v abate_v all_o controversy_n umpire_v and_o all_o have_v one_o end_n and_o interest_n the_o only_a emulation_n shall_v be_v who_o shall_v embrace_v the_o other_o with_o the_o more_o ardent_a love_n and_o more_o adore_v and_o magnify_v the_o divine_a majesty_n there_o shall_v be_v the_o glorious_a panegyris_n the_o assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v a_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o good_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n here_o shall_v be_v no_o private_a spirit_n no_o narrow_a hidebound_a mind_n that_o can_v love_v only_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o party_n or_o kindred_n or_o benefactor_n but_o a_o generous_a love_n a_o universal_a goodwill_n those_o shall_v embrace_v that_o never_o see_v each_o other_o before_o because_o the_o same_o image_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a society_n who_o will_v not_o make_v one_o of_o this_o assembly_n who_o will_v not_o get_v into_o this_o ark_n out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a froward_a contentious_a world_n and_o there_o live_v in_o love_n in_o joy_n in_o peace_n to_o all_o eternity_n these_o be_v some_o cluster_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n this_o be_v a_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a draught_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n this_o i_o say_v be_v according_a as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o set_v it_o forth_o the_o entertainment_n which_o god_n give_v his_o child_n when_o they_o come_v home_o to_o he_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n the_o father_n apology_n or_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a dispensation_n we_o have_v now_o go_v through_o all_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n which_o we_o observe_v at_o our_o entrance_n upon_o it_o and_o in_o the_o first_o of_o they_o under_o the_o type_n of_o a_o loose_a and_o undutiful_a son_n we_o have_v see_v the_o extravagant_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o second_o under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o same_o son_n recover_v his_o right_a mind_n and_o return_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o father_n we_o have_v have_v set_v before_o we_o a_o lively_a draught_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o in_o the_o last_o by_o the_o compassion_n and_o kindness_n of_o a_o earthly_a parent_n in_o receive_v blessing_n and_o rejoice_v in_o such_o a_o son_n upon_o his_o return_n we_o have_v have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o pardon_v sanctify_a and_o save_v penitent_a sinner_n and_o now_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o epilogue_n or_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o in_o the_o letter_n contain_v the_o apology_n which_o the_o father_n make_v for_o this_o his_o indulgent_a proceed_n with_o his_o son_n and_o in_o the_o mystery_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o a_o vindication_n of_o god_n justice_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o treat_v great_a sinner_n upon_o their_o repentance_n with_o all_o those_o demonstration_n of_o favour_n and_o bounty_n which_o we_o have_v late_o discourse_v of_o for_o as_o we_o have_v note_v in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o this_o parable_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n take_v great_a offence_n both_o at_o the_o kind_n and_o oblige_a conversation_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v towards_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o at_o the_o encouragement_n he_o give_v they_o in_o his_o doctrine_n to_o hope_v for_o pardon_n and_o reception_n with_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v the_o immediate_a discharge_n of_o that_o gracious_a embassy_n our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n upon_o viz._n to_o amend_v it_o and_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o former_a be_v only_o a_o prudent_a oeconomy_n of_o he_o to_o oblige_v their_o attention_n and_o to_o gain_v opportunity_n of_o treat_v with_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reformation_n but_o those_o ill-natured_a and_o self-weening_a person_n who_o will_v engross_v all_o god_n favour_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o character_n interpret_v this_o condescension_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o bad_a man_n to_o be_v in_o derogation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v good_a and_o traduce_v the_o comfortableness_n of_o his_o gospel_n as_o a_o encouragement_n to_o looseness_n for_o why_o say_v they_o shall_v god_n the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v think_v to_o debase_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o send_v ambassador_n to_o rebel_n have_v he_o more_o kindness_n for_o they_o then_o for_o his_o most_o dutiful_a subject_n have_v he_o like_a david_n such_o soft_a indulgence_n towards_o a_o comely_a but_o disobedient_a absolom_n that_o he_o prefer_v his_o safety_n before_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o his_o most_o loyal_a servant_n can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v like_o some_o good_a nature_a person_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o forget_v their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o too_o what_o be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a no_o distinction_n be_v heaven_n prepare_v for_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o other_o be_v he_o likely_a
go_v quite_o back_o again_o and_o undo_v all_o he_o have_v do_v beside_o the_o agony_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o strong_a convulsion_n which_o he_o must_v suffer_v that_o cast_v off_o a_o long_o settle_v and_o habitual_a course_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o add_v that_o whatever_o diligence_n or_o zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n a_o late_a convert_n that_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n may_v express_v at_o last_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v do_v god_n a_o great_a dishonour_n heretofore_o whereas_o he_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v one_o that_o come_v in_o at_o the_o first_o hour_n labour_v all_o day_n in_o god_n work_n and_o equal_o carry_v on_o the_o affair_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o his_o own_o comfort_n here_o and_o salvation_n hereafter_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n so_o rash_a and_o injudicious_a as_o notwithstanding_o to_o press_v all_o man_n without_o distinction_n in_o order_n to_o their_o title_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o make_v the_o same_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o themselves_o or_o to_o show_v the_o like_a sensible_a and_o discernible_a change_n in_o their_o life_n let_v they_o know_v by_o this_o unskilfulness_n of_o they_o they_o unreasonable_o minister_v trouble_v to_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o design_n quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o profess_v he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o just_a man_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n that_o be_v have_v no_o need_n to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o whole_a course_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a as_o notorious_a sinner_n ought_v to_o do_v both_o which_o place_n i_o take_v to_o be_v clear_o interpret_v and_o to_o the_o sense_n we_o be_v assign_v to_o they_o by_o that_o other_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n jo._n 13._o 10._o he_o that_o be_v wash_v need_v not_o save_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n only_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v already_o engage_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o habituate_v to_o the_o way_n of_o piety_n have_v only_o need_v to_o be_v due_o cleanse_v from_o those_o occasional_a soil_n and_o defilement_n which_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n suffer_v no_o man_n whole_o to_o escape_v but_o not_o to_o enter_v upon_o a_o new_a state_n or_o begin_v a_o whole_a course_n of_o repentance_n to_o which_o effect_n i_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o origen_n in_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n jesus_n say_v he_o be_v send_v indeed_o a_o physician_n to_o cure_v and_o recover_v sinner_n but_o to_o improve_v and_o instruct_v those_o further_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v already_o virtuous_a i_o will_v conclude_v and_o confirm_v all_o i_o have_v say_v of_o this_o kind_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o manasses_n which_o he_o express_v in_o his_o famous_a penitential_a prayer_n thou_o o_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o just_a have_v not_o appoint_v repentance_n to_o the_o just_a as_o to_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n but_o thou_o have_v appoint_v repentance_n unto_o i_o who_o be_o a_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o determination_n who_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o then_o we_o can_v be_v much_o to_o seek_v who_o be_v denote_v by_o the_o young_a for_o what_o we_o have_v now_o say_v be_v grant_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o by_o the_o young_a son_n be_v describe_v all_o such_o person_n as_o have_v run_v a_o dangerous_a risk_a of_o sin_n and_o impiety_n that_o have_v commit_v gross_a and_o heinous_a transgression_n and_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o impenitency_n after_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o text_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v these_o be_v say_v to_o forsake_v their_o father_n house_n and_o presence_n to_o misspend_v their_o portion_n in_o riotous_a live_n who_o yet_o at_o last_o be_v reduce_v to_o extremity_n come_v to_o themselves_o turn_v serious_a penitent_n bewail_v their_o folly_n resolve_v upon_o amendment_n implore_v pardon_n double_v their_o diligence_n and_o care_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o of_o old_a sinner_n become_v young_a saint_n whereupon_o they_o be_v by_o a_o gracious_a god_n admit_v to_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o adoption_n for_o these_o the_o best_a robe_n be_v fetch_v out_o the_o fat_a calf_n slay_v and_o upon_o their_o conversion_n as_o a_o thing_n utter_o despair_v of_o and_o unexpected_a there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o holy_a angel_n these_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n but_o be_v now_o quicken_v and_o revive_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o now_o become_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v resolve_v of_o we_o have_v a_o key_n by_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o open_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o whole_a parable_n so_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o insist_v long_o upon_o a_o general_a interpretation_n nevertheless_o lest_o there_o shall_v seem_v one_o difficulty_n not_o sufficient_o provide_v against_o or_o any_o man_n shall_v yet_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o if_o the_o elder_a brother_n denote_v sincere_o good_a man_n it_o can_v stand_v with_o their_o character_n to_o grumble_v at_o the_o merciful_a reception_n of_o poor_a penitent_n as_o here_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o do_v and_o moreover_o it_o may_v raise_v another_o doubt_n if_o the_o elder_a brother_n be_v set_v to_o describe_v man_n of_o constant_a and_o unblemished_a sanctity_n how_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v fit_a to_o denote_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v certain_o very_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a man_n unless_o a_o plain_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o either_o we_o have_v not_o hit_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o the_o parable_n do_v not_o answer_v to_o the_o occasion_n wherefore_o to_o these_o i_o answer_v joint_o that_o our_o saviour_n the_o more_o effectual_o to_o convince_v these_o jew_n that_o reproach_v and_o censure_v he_o proceed_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n namely_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v as_o eminent_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o either_o take_v themselves_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v indeed_o as_o bad_a as_o they_o esteem_v they_o i_o mean_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o signify_v that_o these_o censorious_a person_n be_v indeed_o good_a man_n for_o upon_o all_o occasion_n we_o see_v he_o upbraid_v their_o rottenness_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o because_o they_o out_o of_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o sanctity_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o reproach_v his_o carriage_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o the_o design_n to_o show_v they_o that_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o they_o as_o good_a man_n as_o they_o be_v extreme_o bad_a yet_o upon_o due_a consideration_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o blame_v his_o management_n of_o himself_o and_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n wonder_v that_o instead_o of_o apply_v myself_o to_o your_o conversation_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a note_n for_o sanctity_n and_o devotion_n and_o never_o blemish_v with_o any_o great_a disorder_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o lay_v out_o myself_o upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o flagitious_a and_o desperate_a sinner_n now_o see_v your_o own_o unreasonableness_n in_o this_o instance_n you_o will_v allow_v a_o father_n to_o be_v more_o passionate_o concern_v for_o and_o express_v a_o great_a joy_n upon_o the_o recovery_n of_o a_o lose_a son_n than_o he_o usual_o do_v about_o he_o that_o be_v always_o with_o he_o and_o out_o of_o danger_n and_o if_o that_o son_n who_o have_v never_o depart_v from_o his_o father_n and_o so_o never_o give_v he_o occasion_n for_o those_o change_n of_o passion_n shall_v expostulate_v with_o his_o father_n for_o his_o affectionateness_n in_o such_o a_o case_n you_o will_v in_o your_o own_o thought_n blame_v he_o as_o envious_a and_o undutiful_a now_o apply_v this_o to_o yourselves_o and_o think_v as_o well_o as_o you_o can_v of_o yourselves_o yet_o upon_o the_o premise_n you_o will_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o calumniate_v my_o endeavour_n of_o reclaim_v sinner_n or_o my_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n towards_o they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n by_o this_o time_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o whole_a
he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o cure_n of_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v a_o sentence_n of_o death_n within_o themselves_o and_o have_v be_v give_v up_o as_o no_o long_a man_n of_o this_o world_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v good_a store_n of_o patient_n there_o be_v far_o great_a reason_n to_o expect_v it_o that_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o pretend_v to_o give_v relief_n to_o guilty_a conscience_n to_o open_v a_o sure_a port_n for_o all_o trouble_a soul_n shall_v find_v acceptance_n with_o all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o one_o of_o those_o fit_n of_o madness_n we_o late_o speak_v of_o tertullian_n write_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o repentance_n tacet_fw-la give_v this_o serious_a account_n of_o so_o do_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o treatise_n be_v conscious_a say_v he_o to_o myself_o that_o i_o be_o a_o great_a sinner_n i_o can_v easy_o be_v silent_a concern_v repentance_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v preach_v and_o recommend_v to_o all_o posterity_n by_o our_o first_o parent_n adam_n as_o that_o which_o he_o find_v by_o experience_n to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a expedient_a of_o restore_v he_o again_o to_o paradise_n after_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n and_o not_o only_o our_o first_o parent_n but_o all_o their_o offspring_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v extreme_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v do_v amiss_o no_o man_n live_v can_v be_v justify_v repentance_n be_v as_o the_o same_o author_n call_v it_o the_o pharos_n or_o watchtower_n which_o give_v light_n by_o night_n to_o those_o who_o be_v bewilder_v by_o their_o own_o vanity_n and_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v of_o their_o own_o leak_n it_o be_v the_o great_a asylum_n and_o sanctuary_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n the_o port_n of_o a_o trouble_a soul_n a_o plank_n to_o a_o shipwreckt_a conscience_n a_o sovereign_a plaster_n to_o the_o sore_a and_o wound_a physic_n to_o the_o sick_a nay_o life_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_a repentance_n be_v the_o miracle_n of_o divine_a goodness_n the_o reconciler_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n justice_n and_o mercy_n the_o relief_n and_o succour_n of_o humane_a frailty_n the_o envy_n of_o devil_n as_o that_o which_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o and_o the_o peculiar_a and_o inestimable_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n that_o which_o their_o amendment_n comfort_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o therefore_o it_o may_v just_o seem_v a_o wonder_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o moysaicall_a institution_n be_v never_o intend_v as_o the_o method_n of_o attain_v eternal_a life_n but_o principal_o as_o a_o political_a law_n and_o according_o it_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o matter_n of_o fact_n allow_v no_o retrieval_fw-fr but_o say_v curse_v be_v he_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o the_o prophet_n all_o along_o earnest_o recommend_v repentance_n with_o this_o both_o our_o saviour_n and_o s._n jo._n baptist_n begin_v their_o preach_a and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n that_o god_n will_v wink_v at_o the_o time_n of_o former_a ignorance_n and_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n act._n 17._o 30_o 31._o it_o be_v true_a as_o we_o have_v intimate_v already_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o not_o of_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o circumstance_n because_o all_o have_v not_o run_v the_o same_o risk_a of_o folly_n nor_o blacken_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o same_o enormous_a commission_n that_o some_o other_o have_v and_o therefore_o can_v have_v such_o bitter_a reflection_n for_o which_o they_o have_v give_v no_o cause_n nor_o can_v find_v such_o difficulty_n of_o recover_v themselves_o have_v never_o be_v habituate_v to_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n so_o we_o intend_v not_o this_o discourse_n principal_o for_o such_o person_n but_o for_o those_o that_o have_v run_v a_o long_a course_n of_o notorious_a sin_n that_o have_v provoke_v god_n offend_v their_o conscience_n deform_v their_o nature_n and_o put_v themselves_o under_o just_a and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o a_o sad_a account_n hereafter_o it_o be_v the_o infinite_a concern_v of_o such_o man_n if_o they_o do_v not_o desperate_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o eternal_a misery_n to_o attend_v to_o this_o happy_a expedient_a which_o now_o i_o be_o to_o explain_v to_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o business_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n before_o we_o represent_v the_o prodigal_n make_v his_o retreat_n in_o this_o order_n 1._o he_o become_v a_o think_n and_o considerative_a person_n and_o debate_v his_o own_o case_n with_o himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n before_o he_o drive_v on_o furious_o consider_v nothing_o present_a reflect_v on_o nothing_o past_a nor_o regard_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v come_v after_o now_o he_o grow_v cool_a reason_n the_o case_n and_o deliberate_v what_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o present_a state_n and_o what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o future_a and_o thus_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n the_o first_o essay_n of_o repentance_n be_v a_o relent_a thoughtfullnesse_n a_o serious_a and_o pensive_a consideratenesse_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v get_v out_o of_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n the_o charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o his_o own_o passion_n he_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v he_o practise_v to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o be_v lead_v by_o rumour_n and_o example_n he_o exercise_v his_o reason_n and_o resolve_v to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o from_o this_o point_n of_o time_n the_o first_o conception_n of_o good_a in_o he_o bear_v date_n 2._o from_o the_o aforesaid_a deliberation_n he_o proceed_v to_o resolution_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n q._n d._n i_o foolish_o hurry_v on_o hitherto_o and_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o destruction_n before_o i_o apprehend_v my_o danger_n i_o dream_v of_o new_a discovery_n of_o fresh_a pleasure_n in_o my_o bold_a adventure_n but_o i_o now_o perceive_v there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n with_o i_o i_o must_v try_v my_o father_n clemency_n or_o perish_v whether_o he_o will_v receive_v i_o or_o no_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o that_o i_o find_v must_v be_v the_o way_n or_o none_o therefore_o i_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n it_o be_v better_a to_o retract_v my_o folly_n and_o live_v then_o obstinate_o to_o maintain_v my_o post_n and_o die_v miserable_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n this_o way_n and_o none_o at_o all_o the_o other_o therefore_o jacta_fw-la est_fw-la alea_fw-la i_o will_v return_v thus_o also_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n now_o say_v he_o my_o eye_n be_v open_v and_o though_o very_o late_o yet_o now_o at_o last_o i_o see_v my_o danger_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n that_o i_o see_v whither_o i_o be_v go_v before_o the_o case_n be_v utter_o desperate_a i_o be_o sure_a to_o be_v damn_v if_o i_o continue_v my_o course_n whatever_o come_v on_o it_o therefore_o i_o will_v return_v whatsoever_o discouragement_n for_o my_o acceptance_n my_o former_a rebellion_n set_v before_o i_o or_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v for_o a_o old_a habituate_v sinner_n to_o change_v his_o bias_n i_o be_o resolve_v however_o not_o to_o perish_v foolish_o with_o my_o hand_n fold_v up_o in_o my_o bosom_n i_o will_v arise_v i_o will_v try_v 3._o this_o resolution_n be_v follow_v by_o execution_n and_o actual_a return_v so_o he_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n he_o that_o consider_v and_o come_v to_o no_o resolution_n be_v like_o the_o man_n that_o plough_v his_o ground_n but_o sow_v nothing_o upon_o it_o and_o he_o that_o resolve_v but_o execute_v not_o be_v yet_o more_o sottish_a for_o he_o be_v at_o all_o the_o cost_n and_o take_v all_o the_o pain_n but_o reap_v no_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n there_o be_v such_o a_o near_a connexion_n between_o consideration_n resolution_n and_o execution_n and_o they_o be_v so_o natural_o consequent_a upon_o one_o another_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n consideration_n bring_v on_o
pandora_n box_n of_o calamity_n if_o there_o be_v none_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o repent_v fruitless_a to_o weep_v endless_a to_o bewail_v madness_n to_o add_v to_o my_o own_o infelicity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o rigid_a fate_n upon_o i_o i_o will_v curse_v god_n and_o die_v but_o sure_o while_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v goodness_n his_o name_n speak_v his_o nature_n will_v he_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n will_v he_o contend_v with_o dust_n and_o ash_n can_v infinite_a perfection_n be_v implacable_a and_o inexorable_a it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o i_o but_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o can_v delight_v in_o my_o misery_n he_o can_v repent_v and_o change_v his_o mind_n because_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v from_o the_o beginning_n all_o possible_a contingency_n but_o if_o i_o repent_v and_o change_v my_o mind_n the_o same_o inchangeableness_n of_o he_o will_v oblige_v he_o as_o well_o then_o to_o save_v i_o as_o before_z to_o destroy_v i_o how_o far_o he_o will_v extend_v mercy_n and_o what_o instance_n he_o will_v make_v of_o it_o i_o can_v define_v but_o who_o know_v but_o he_o may_v yet_o admit_v of_o my_o submission_n however_o i_o can_v be_v worse_a than_o i_o be_o and_o it_o be_v possible_a my_o condition_n may_v be_v better_a here_o i_o perish_v certain_o if_o i_o cast_v myself_o upon_o his_o goodness_n i_o can_v but_o perish_v therefore_o i_o will_v try_v i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o his_o deliberation_n bring_v he_o to_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n chap._n ii_o of_o resolution_n the_o content_n §_o i._o that_o consideration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o previous_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n frequent_o miscarry_v and_o be_v nothing_o till_o they_o be_v fix_v by_o resolution_n §_o ii_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n of_o the_o will_n and_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n thereof_o which_o be_v show_v to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o devil_n nor_o any_o other_o be_v under_o god_n can_v force_v it_o the_o importance_n of_o that_o truth_n brief_o show_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o experience_n §_o iii_o the_o property_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a resolution_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o rash_a but_o deliberate_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v peremptory_a 3._o present_a and_o 4._o uniform_a and_o universal_a §_o iv._o the_o inducement_n of_o a_o penitent_a resolution_n 1._o it_o be_v availableness_n with_o god_n by_o the_o exorableness_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o the_o possibility_n of_o perform_v it_o and_o 3._o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o the_o flat_a necessity_n of_o come_v to_o it_o §_o i._o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o motion_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n the_o work_n of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n and_o therein_o the_o first_o glimpse_n of_o hope_n and_o sign_n of_o recovery_n but_o let_v not_o any_o man_n think_v that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v at_o this_o condition_n his_o work_n be_v do_v his_o peace_n make_v with_o god_n and_o he_o become_v a_o true_a convert_n for_o if_o he_o stay_v here_o he_o perish_v as_o certain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o make_v any_o reflection_n or_o consider_v at_o all_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o one_o danger_n and_o a_o far_o great_a to_o have_v escape_v it_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o disease_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o cure_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o cure_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o unhappy_a but_o not_o a_o unusual_a sight_n to_o see_v man_n upon_o who_o either_o the_o pain_n of_o some_o present_a affliction_n or_o the_o fearful_a prospect_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n hereafter_o may_v have_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o make_v they_o with_o great_a shame_n and_o abhorrence_n reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a disorder_n and_o cast_v up_o their_o pleasant_a morsel_n who_o yet_o shall_v quick_o return_v again_o to_o their_o own_o vomit_n and_o resume_v their_o usual_a extravagancy_n a_o rock_n itself_o may_v be_v observe_v to_o drop_v upon_o change_n of_o weather_n which_o nevertheless_o relent_v not_o but_o be_v as_o hard_o and_o as_o much_o a_o rock_n as_o ever_o and_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n may_v rouse_v the_o most_o careless_a sinner_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o a_o effort_n of_o purge_v off_o his_o impurity_n who_o yet_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o shall_v settle_v again_o upon_o his_o lees._n it_o be_v no_o very_o rare_a thing_n to_o observe_v man_n dissolve_v into_o tear_n and_o weep_v as_o hearty_o over_o their_o old_a sin_n as_o ancient_a friend_n do_v when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o part_v and_o yet_o like_o they_o wish_v and_o hope_v to_o meet_v and_o enjoy_v each_o other_o again_o therefore_o as_o we_o see_v the_o former_o dissolute_a but_o now_o relent_a son_n in_o the_o text_n content_v not_o himself_o with_o passionate_a expression_n or_o ineffective_a wish_n but_o resolve_v upon_o action_n i_o will_v arise_v say_v he_o and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n so_o the_o true_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o be_v in_o earnest_a to_o save_v his_o soul_n sit_v not_o down_o under_o a_o doze_a melancholy_n please_v not_o himself_o with_o wish_v and_o complain_v spend_v not_o his_o time_n in_o doubt_v and_o dispute_v but_o put_v himself_o forward_o upon_o the_o business_n for_o say_v he_o while_o i_o sit_v still_o time_n pass_v away_o life_n fly_v away_o apace_o and_o death_n and_o judgement_n be_v come_v on_o wherefore_o some_o speedy_a course_n must_v be_v take_v and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n what_o afford_v any_o hope_n which_o be_v that_o of_o real_a reformation_n in_o which_o case_n no_o deliberation_n shall_v hold_v i_o long_o in_o suspense_n no_o sloth_n shall_v benumb_v i_o nothing_o shall_v tempt_v i_o to_o delay_v any_o long_o i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v make_v the_o experiment_n of_o become_v a_o new_a man_n from_o a_o old_a sinner_n and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o will_v cast_v myself_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o if_o i_o perish_v i_o perish_v §_o ii_o this_o be_v the_o second_o stage_n of_o repentance_n viz._n resolution_n which_o i_o be_o now_o further_o to_o treat_v of_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o resolution_n we_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a logical_a conclusion_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n from_o premise_n that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v best_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v for_o every_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v choose_v but_o speculative_o assent_v to_o this_o as_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o interest_n the_o proceed_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o those_o of_o sense_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o a_o man_n power_n to_o deny_v a_o plain_a consequence_n or_o disbelieve_v what_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n for_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o moral_a virtue_n in_o such_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v perish_v notwitstanding_n as_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o many_o do_v who_o act_n contrary_a to_o such_o conclusion_n of_o their_o reason_n but_o the_o resolution_n we_o here_o intend_v and_o which_o we_o make_v the_o second_o step_n of_o repentance_n be_v practical_a and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n namely_o its_o decretory_n and_o definitive_a sentence_n for_o the_o actual_a prosecution_n of_o such_o a_o course_n as_o by_o consideration_n and_o the_o former_a process_n of_o reason_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o will_n actual_a application_n of_o itself_o to_o the_o business_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o all_o the_o inferior_a power_n be_v put_v into_o action_n also_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authority_n influence_v upon_o by_o its_o power_n and_o carry_v about_o with_o the_o swinge_n of_o this_o primum_fw-la mobile_a this_o first_o and_o great_a orb_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o resolution_n let_v we_o suppose_v reason_n and_o sense_n as_o two_o party_n plead_v their_o respective_a cause_n and_o interest_n in_o which_o case_n if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o kind_n of_o draw_a battle_n between_o they_o and_o the_o matter_n leave_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la notwithstanding_o it_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v the_o cause_n which_o way_n it_o please_v or_o suppose_v also_o that_o reason_n acquitt_v itself_o never_o so_o well_o and_o baffle_v its_o adversary_n yet_o all_o will_v be_v but_o a_o speculation_n and_o no_o effect_n follow_v till_o the_o will_n interpose_v its_o sovereignty_n and_o decree_n peremptory_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o
call_v thy_o son_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v utter_o abandon_v exclude_v your_o care_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o your_o thought_n as_o i_o cast_v myself_o out_o of_o your_o family_n and_o so_o the_o penitent_a i_o be_o so_o far_a lord_n from_o deserve_v thy_o favour_n or_o eternal_a life_n that_o i_o deserve_v not_o the_o least_o crum_n from_o thy_o table_n less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o thy_o mercy_n nay_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v deserve_v to_o go_v with_o sorrow_n to_o my_o grave_n and_o to_o undergo_v the_o dreadful_a viol_n of_o thy_o wrath_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o prodigal_n do_v not_o only_o thus_o condemn_v himself_o while_o he_o anxious_o stand_v expect_v his_o doom_n from_o his_o father_n but_o even_o then_o when_o his_o father_n have_v express_v compassion_n to_o he_o have_v run_v to_o meet_v he_o and_o kiss_v he_o for_o so_o vers_n 21._o we_o find_v he_o repeat_v his_o own_o condemnation_n in_o the_o same_o word_n as_o before_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n after_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n and_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o apostleship_n to_o be_v continual_o rip_v up_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o condemn_v himself_o for_o they_o as_o if_o the_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v touch_v thus_o the_o penitent_a always_o judge_n and_o condemn_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o severity_n towards_o himself_o he_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n poenit._n for_o as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o in_o quantum_fw-la non_fw-la peperceris_fw-la tibi_fw-la in_fw-la tantum_fw-la deus_fw-la tibi_fw-la parcet_fw-la if_o we_o like_o phineas_n stand_v up_o and_o execute_v judgement_n the_o plague_n will_v be_v stay_v he_o that_o anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o erect_v a_o private_a but_o impartial_a tribunal_n prevent_v the_o dreadfullness_n of_o that_o day_n in_o short_a if_o we_o be_v just_a god_n will_v be_v merciful_a and_o therefore_o when_o the_o penitent_a have_v be_v accuser_n witness_n and_o judge_v against_o himself_o he_o may_v then_o with_o hope_n of_o success_n become_v 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n intercessor_n for_o himself_o also_o and_o deprecate_v the_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o implore_v his_o favour_n so_o the_o son_n do_v here_o make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n q._n d._n let_v i_o not_o be_v utter_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o family_n but_o have_v at_o least_o this_o instance_n of_o thy_o favour_n that_o i_o may_v still_o retain_v some_o relation_n to_o thou_o and_o so_o the_o penitent_a now_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n within_o himself_o sue_v out_o his_o pardon_n o_o take_v not_o my_o confession_n mere_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o my_o guilt_n but_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o contrition_n break_v not_o the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n it_o be_v thy_o prerogative_n o_o lord_n to_o pardon_v and_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v angry_a for_o ever_o will_v his_o jealousy_n burn_v like_o fire_n o_o consider_v my_o frame_n remember_v i_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n call_v to_o mind_v thy_o mercy_n of_o old_a thou_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n above_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o man_n turn_v thy_o face_n away_o from_o my_o sin_n and_o blot_v out_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n in_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o away_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o give_v i_o the_o comfort_n of_o thy_o help_n again_o and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o free_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 51._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o saint_n cyprian_n report_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a penitent_n out_o of_o their_o quick_a and_o prick_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n earnest_o to_o implore_v the_o martyr_n that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n and_o sharp_a agony_n they_o will_v remember_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n think_v such_o affectionate_a intercession_n of_o those_o that_o pour_v out_o their_o blood_n and_o request_n together_o must_v needs_o be_v available_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o penitent_a address_n himself_o also_o to_o a_o high_a and_o more_o prevalent_a advocate_n who_o add_v the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o come_v up_o as_o sweet_a odour_n before_o the_o almighty_a and_o who_o be_v exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v give_v success_n to_o the_o prayer_n of_o such_o contrite_a person_n to_o which_o add_v that_o not_o only_o the_o deep_a apprehension_n of_o guilt_n and_o of_o danger_n which_o such_o a_o person_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v under_o must_v needs_o mkee_v he_o ardent_a and_o importunate_a and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n but_o also_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v wont_a to_o assist_v such_o with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n which_o be_v unutterable_a §_o ii_o now_o for_o the_o acceptableness_n of_o this_o penitent_a confession_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v although_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o the_o pitiful_a moan_n in_o the_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o most_o true_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o address_n and_o complemental_a form_n by_o the_o accent_n of_o man_n voice_n by_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o tear_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o passion_n as_o man_n be_v yet_o have_v demonstrate_v already_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v no_o restraint_n upon_o he_o but_o what_o himself_o please_v and_o that_o all_o his_o action_n towards_o his_o creature_n be_v so_o subject_a to_o his_o wisdom_n that_o whenever_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n for_o mercy_n he_o can_v show_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o rigour_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o demand_n of_o his_o justice_n if_o now_o we_o also_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o from_o those_o discovery_n which_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o aforesaid_a humble_a and_o contrite_a address_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o require_v by_o he_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v in_o their_o kind_n be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o as_o successful_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o penitent_a son_n submission_n be_v with_o his_o earthly_a parent_n and_o this_o will_v be_v easy_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o dishonour_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o divine_a perfection_n such_o penitential_a acknowledgement_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v do_v in_o great_a measure_n repair_v that_o injury_n and_o do_v right_a to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n as_o we_o will_v instance_n in_o particular_a 1._o sin_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o that_o wilful_o break_v any_o law_n of_o god_n proclaim_v himself_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la or_o lawless_a and_o say_v with_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o we_o now_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n though_o it_o can_v recall_v the_o act_n which_o be_v past_a yet_o it_o revoke_v and_o retract_v the_o affront_n and_o settle_v god_n authority_n again_o 2._o sin_n be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o god_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n lay_v a_o imputation_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v either_o not_o foresee_v what_o liberty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v allow_v to_o his_o creature_n or_o have_v not_o order_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o benignity_n that_o mankind_n can_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o temptation_n to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o for_o his_o own_o necessary_a accommodation_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a confession_n take_v shame_n and_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o god_n constitution_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v take_v that_o expression_n luk._n 7._o 29._o the_o publican_n justify_v god_n
be_v baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n i._n e._n they_o enter_v into_o a_o penitential_a state_n which_o john_n baptism_n initiate_v they_o into_o condemn_v themselves_o and_o proclaim_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n method_n 3._o sin_n be_v a_o tacit_n denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n the_o sinner_n say_v with_o they_o in_o the_o psalmist_n tush_o do_v god_n see_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 73._o 11._o and_o with_o those_o other_o in_o job_n how_o do_v god_n know_v can_v he_o judge_v through_o the_o dark_a cloud_n thick_a cloud_n be_v a_o cover_n to_o he_o that_o he_o see_v not_o and_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n job_n 22._o 13_o 14._o either_o they_o conclude_v with_o the_o epicurean_o that_o it_o be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o man_n or_o that_o it_o will_v create_v he_o too_o much_o trouble_v and_o business_n or_o some_o odd_a conceit_n or_o other_o they_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v who_o dare_v adventure_n to_o sin_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o all-seeing_a eye_n will_v give_v the_o most_o kerbing_a check_n to_o sin_n that_o can_v be_v and_o indeed_o this_o attribute_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a how_o he_o shall_v be_v god_n that_o be_v how_o he_o shall_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o the_o present_a or_o judge_v it_o hereafter_o without_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v if_o not_o the_o only_a foundation_n yet_o the_o immediate_a obligation_n to_o all_o worship_n and_o religious_a observance_n for_o suppose_v a_o god_n as_o the_o epicurean_o do_v that_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o mind_v the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o make_v he_o otherwise_o as_o great_a excellent_a and_o adorable_a as_o we_o will_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o restrain_v man_n from_o hypocrisy_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o no_o apprehension_n that_o their_o action_n and_o carriage_n towards_o he_o be_v eye_v by_o he_o now_o he_o that_o ingenuous_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o take_v shame_n to_o himself_o for_o it_o do_v honour_n to_o this_o divine_a perfection_n and_o uphold_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o joshua_n to_o achan_n jos_n 7._o 9_o my_o son_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o confess_v thy_o fault_n q._n d._n thou_o have_v dishonour_v god_n by_o thy_o sin_n and_o both_o reproach_v his_o wisdom_n in_o make_v such_o a_o law_n and_o also_o call_v in_o question_n his_o omniscience_n by_o thy_o dare_a to_o violate_v it_o now_o therefore_o make_v he_o the_o best_a amends_o thou_o can_v by_o a_o ingenuous_a confession_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o when_o thou_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v wicked_o thou_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o promise_v thyself_o security_n yet_o now_o upon_o more_o deliberate_a thought_n thou_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v nothing_o can_v hide_v thou_o from_o he_o 4._o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o aforesaid_a do_v right_a to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n for_o thereby_o the_o sinner_n express_v his_o shame_n and_o blush_v at_o his_o own_o impurity_n seem_v to_o loathe_v himself_o for_o his_o unlikeness_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o original_a perfection_n to_o which_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o beside_o that_o in_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n the_o sinner_n place_n himself_o in_o the_o near_a posture_n and_o under_o the_o very_a eye_n of_o god_n and_o the_o quick_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o the_o great_a awefullness_n of_o his_o majesty_n he_o also_o put_v a_o brand_n and_o odious_a mark_n upon_o all_o sin_n and_o by_o his_o thus_o suffer_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o withal_o express_v a_o great_a distaste_n of_o it_o show_v a_o abhorrence_n a_o mind_n alienate_v from_o it_o and_o so_o consequent_o by_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o it_o give_v the_o best_a security_n against_o relapse_n into_o it_o again_o upon_o all_o which_o it_o be_v not_o untrue_o say_v quem_fw-la poenitet_fw-la peccâsse_fw-la paenè_fw-la est_fw-la innocens_fw-la and_o though_o it_o be_v best_a of_o all_o not_o to_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n towards_o innocency_n who_o be_v thus_o penitent_a for_o his_o offence_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n for_o pardon_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o the_o psalmist_n who_o both_o can_v and_o will_v if_o that_o will_v have_v do_v as_o well_o have_v bring_v the_o most_o costly_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o have_v atone_v his_o sin_n and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o he_o yet_o pronounce_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n god_n will_v not_o despise_v those_o other_o sacrifice_n it_o seem_v though_o god_n permit_v they_o and_o in_o some_o case_n accept_v yet_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n at_o first_o only_o they_o be_v way_n which_o man_n think_v apt_a to_o express_v their_o homage_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o by_o which_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o gratitude_n or_o by_o the_o cost_n of_o they_o to_o impose_v a_o mulct_n upon_o themselves_o for_o offend_v or_o otherwise_o by_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o those_o that_o attend_v immediate_o upon_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o propitiate_v he_o towards_o they_o as_o if_o in_o the_o language_n of_o our_o saviour_n man_n seek_v this_o way_n to_o make_v to_o themselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n notwithstanding_o in_o themselves_o all_o those_o costly_a oblation_n seem_v to_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n as_o represent_v he_o a_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a deity_n for_o which_o cause_n several_a of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a philosopher_n of_o old_a forbid_v all_o costly_a sacrifice_n and_o require_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v proper_o be_v repute_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o platonist_n express_v it_o i._n e._n the_o worship_n of_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a be_v and_o such_o especial_o be_v this_o of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n which_o as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o every_o man_n have_v to_o give_v that_o will_n so_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o common_a father_n of_o they_o and_o as_o it_o cost_v they_o least_o so_o it_o do_v the_o true_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o whereas_o paganism_n admit_v no_o repentance_n and_o in_o their_o philosophic_a write_n we_o meet_v often_o with_o expiation_n and_o lustration_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o repentance_n the_o reason_n must_v be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n common_o consider_v he_o only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o rigid_a fate_n or_o of_o absolute_a sovereignty_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o benignity_n or_o compassion_n in_o he_o which_o whoso_o right_o understand_v god_n must_v needs_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o he_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o he_o that_o so_o consider_v he_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o those_o instance_n of_o penitence_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o he_o especial_o if_o they_o come_v attend_v with_o real_a reformation_n which_o we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o as_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o penitent'_v resolution_n and_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a point_n of_o repentance_n chap._n iu._n of_o actual_a reture_n or_o reformation_n the_o content_n actual_a reformation_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o care_v of_o god_n worship_n 2._o conscience_n of_o all_o his_o command_n 3._o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n all_o which_o be_v describe_v according_a to_o such_o measure_n as_o be_v practicable_a in_o themselves_o necessary_o require_v by_o god_n and_o conscientious_o observe_v by_o all_o true_a convert_v we_o have_v hitherto_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o parable_n see_v the_o former_o extravagant_a son_n perform_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o resolution_n confess_v his_o fault_n condemn_v his_o folly_n fall_v at_o his_o father_n foot_n and_o implore_v his_o pardon_n but_o there_o be_v something_o else_o mean_v when_o he_o say_v i_o will_v return_v to_o my_o father_n and_o he_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o filial_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v the_o best_a apology_n for_o his_o former_a transgression_n for_o though_o he_o know_v how_o great_a a_o interest_n the_o very_a relation_n of_o a_o son_n give_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n and_o
be_v true_a the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o son_n death_n have_v seize_v he_o so_o long_o that_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o and_o by_o the_o report_n of_o his_o life_n his_o wound_n bleed_v afresh_o and_o the_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o he_o be_v so_o renew_v that_o the_o good_a man_n sink_v into_o a_o deliquium_fw-la but_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o report_v the_o whole_a business_n to_o relate_v the_o message_n be_v bring_v from_o joseph_n and_o especial_o come_v to_o real_a proof_n show_v he_o the_o wagon_n which_o his_o son_n have_v send_v to_o bring_v he_o down_o into_o egypt_n then_o say_v the_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n revive_v and_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o be_v transport_v with_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n now_o as_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o sadness_n before_o but_o he_o recover_v himself_o and_o israel_n say_v it_o be_v enough_o joseph_n my_o son_n be_v yet_o alive_a i_o will_v go_v down_o and_o see_v he_o before_o i_o die_v the_o story_n beside_o the_o unquestionable_a authority_n of_o sacred_a record_n carry_v the_o natural_a mark_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v so_o do_v as_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v do_v upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o for_o the_o lively_a stroke_n of_o passion_n in_o it_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o history_n be_v able_a to_o match_v it_o grief_n and_o joy_n great_a as_o their_o several_a cause_n take_v place_n successive_o vie_v with_o and_o set_v off_o each_o other_o now_o although_o the_o business_n which_o we_o have_v at_o present_a before_o we_o be_v only_o a_o parable_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o that_o history_n for_o here_o we_o find_v a_o belove_a son_n at_o different_a time_n under_o the_o extremity_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a one_o while_o as_o miserable_a as_o folly_n and_o misfortune_n can_v make_v he_o another_o while_n recover_v himself_o and_o his_o station_n again_o and_o in_o all_o this_o diversity_n of_o fortune_n a_o good_a father_n passionate_o concern_v with_o he_o grieve_v and_o rejoice_v respective_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o son_n give_v he_o occasion_n and_o all_o express_v with_o equal_a life_n as_o in_o the_o former_a history_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o representation_n of_o what_o may_v be_v do_v but_o what_o be_v real_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v hitherto_o see_v the_o tragical_a part_n only_o the_o son_n folly_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o father_n grief_n the_o son_n run_v on_o from_o one_o intemperance_n to_o another_o till_o his_o father_n despair_v of_o he_o and_o he_o find_v himself_o ruin_v but_o then_o by_o a_o great_a providence_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o return_n but_o as_o we_o say_v by_o weep_v cross_n but_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v the_o son_n be_v recover_v and_o the_o father_n revive_v and_o all_o be_v joy_n and_o gladness_n here_o the_o good_a shepherd_n bring_v his_o lose_a sheep_n home_o on_o his_o shoulder_n rejoice_v here_o we_o see_v the_o good_a samaritan_n pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o bind_v up_o the_o wound_n of_o he_o that_o be_v miserable_o wound_v and_o in_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n in_o short_a here_o we_o have_v a_o kind_a father_n own_v receive_v and_o indow_v his_o return_a son_n and_o here_o we_o have_v god_n almighty_a the_o father_n of_o spirit_n pardon_v and_o bless_v penitent_a sinner_n §_o ii_o but_o to_o come_v to_o particular_n whether_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o literal_a or_o the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o parable_n in_o this_o last_o part_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v easy_o observe_v these_o four_o remarkable_a passage_n 1._o the_o passionate_a interview_n the_o benign_a aspect_n and_o kind_a greeting_n the_o father_n afford_v his_o son_n upon_o his_o first_o appearance_n in_o his_o way_n homeward_o 2._o the_o kind_n and_o present_a supply_n of_o the_o son_n want_n or_o he_o ornament_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o now_o return_v 3._o the_o splendid_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n he_o make_v for_o he_o 4._o and_o four_a and_o last_o his_o apology_n for_o so_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o passionate_a greeting_n at_o the_o first_o interview_n express_v thus_o vers_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22._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 and_o the_o son_n say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v etc._n etc._n the_o son_n relent_v and_o the_o father_n melt_v into_o compassion_n the_o son_n be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o father_n bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o father_n prevent_v the_o son_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n and_o yet_o the_o father_n kindness_n will_v not_o discharge_v or_o supersede_n the_o son_n duty_n there_o be_v a_o noble_a contention_n between_o they_o the_o one_o will_v demonstrate_v more_o love_n and_o the_o other_o strive_v to_o equal_v that_o with_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o observe_v order_n in_o passion_n however_o in_o the_o father_n carriage_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o step_n first_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o his_o son_n at_o a_o distance_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o though_o probable_o his_o former_a vice_n have_v disfigure_v he_o and_o his_o poverty_n disguise_v he_o long_a absence_n may_v have_v estrange_v he_o and_o age_n have_v somewhat_o alter_v he_o yet_o paternal_a affection_n be_v quick_a and_o sagacious_a he_o discover_v and_o distinguish_v he_o notwithstanding_o second_o his_o sight_n affect_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o see_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o have_v compassion_n his_o bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o far_o soon_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n dissolve_v into_o kindness_n then_o that_o of_o a_o son_n into_o obedience_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o resolution_n at_o last_o bring_v the_o son_n to_o recover_v his_o sense_n of_o duty_n but_o the_o father_n take_v fire_n present_o and_o the_o flame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v for_o three_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o passion_n prompt_v he_o beyond_o the_o gravity_n of_o his_o year_n the_o dignity_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o above_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o just_a offence_n for_o he_o run_v to_o meet_v his_o son_n and_o then_o last_o he_o indulge_v his_o affection_n or_o can_v command_v they_o he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o he_o forget_v all_o former_a undutifullness_n and_o provocation_n he_o stand_v not_o rigid_o expostulate_v the_o matter_n nor_o scrupulous_o weigh_v formality_n but_o make_v the_o full_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o indearment_n now_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n to_o all_o these_o particular_n make_v only_o a_o just_a allowance_n for_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condescension_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n towards_o return_v sinner_n as_o i_o will_v show_v by_o draw_v the_o parallel_n in_o all_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n something_o more_o at_o large_a first_o as_o a_o earthly_a parent_n that_o have_v lose_v a_o son_n carry_v the_o image_n of_o he_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o never_o so_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o that_o upon_o every_o the_o least_o occasion_n he_o occurr_v to_o his_o mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v be_v quick_a in_o apprehend_v the_o first_o approach_n of_o he_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o return_v so_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v so_o tender_a a_o love_n to_o man_n and_o such_o a_o concern_n for_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n that_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o first_o motion_n towards_o himself_o he_o discern_v the_o first_o reason_v the_o releting_n the_o agony_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o dawning_n towards_o a_o resolution_n of_o return_v we_o see_v not_o the_o corn_n grow_v only_o we_o discover_v when_o it_o be_v grow_v nor_o do_v we_o discern_v how_o our_o own_o member_n be_v fashion_v in_o the_o womb_n but_o the_o curious_a eye_n of_o god_n observe_v the_o first_o line_n and_o trace_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o essay_n and_o palpitation_n of_o life_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o psalmist_n admire_v the_o divine_a providence_n psal_n 139._o 14_o 15_o 16._o i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_a and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a and_o in_o thy_o book_n all_o my_o member_n be_v write_v which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v fashion_v when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o much_o more_o do_v
although_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v some_o very_a great_a and_o admirable_a person_n who_o be_v the_o prodigy_n of_o the_o age_n they_o live_v in_o yet_o ordinary_o christianity_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v afford_v far_o the_o most_o and_o brave_a hero_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o mighty_a great_a and_o clear_a promise_n therein_o exhibit_v the_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n hebr._n 7._o 19_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v for_o shall_v not_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n outshine_v the_o felicity_n of_o a_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o be_v as_o operative_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o what_o though_o the_o one_o be_v present_a and_o the_o other_o to_o come_v yet_o to_o every_o good_a man_n this_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o and_o to_o every_o wise_a man_n the_o unspeakable_a odds_o in_o the_o thing_n abundant_o recompense_v that_o disadvantage_n of_o circumstance_n what_o man_n that_o have_v a_o persuasion_n of_o eternal_a life_n can_v choose_v but_o disdain_v the_o present_a life_n further_o than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o probation_n for_o the_o other_o and_o scorn_n that_o the_o mean_a pleasure_n and_o allurement_n here_o shall_v interrupt_v his_o course_n thither_o what_o difficulty_n will_v he_o not_o glory_n in_o and_o what_o duty_n will_v he_o not_o perform_v to_o assure_v his_o interest_n therein_o 1_o jo._n 3._o 3_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a especial_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v these_o thing_n not_o only_o make_v certain_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o make_v near_o to_o he_o also_o when_o he_o shall_v consider_v himself_o now_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o those_o celestial_a mansion_n and_o that_o every_o day_n he_o approach_v near_a and_o near_o to_o heaven_n now_o therefore_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o all_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n when_o he_o remember_v rom._n 13._o 11._o that_o now_o his_o salvation_n be_v near_a than_o when_o he_o first_o believe_v and_o find_v that_o a_o little_a more_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o his_o desire_a haven_n three_o and_o last_o our_o heavenly_a father_n put_v this_o best_a robe_n upon_o the_o son_n who_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o pardon_v not_o only_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o ordinary_a advantage_n of_o his_o church_n and_o family_n but_o extraordinary_o improve_v the_o sanctification_n of_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o especial_a superintendency_n guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o member_n of_o the_o parable_n he_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n which_o express_v the_o second_o blessing_n the_o reconcile_a father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o penitent_a son_n which_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o visit_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n or_o residence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v reside_v with_o and_o inhabit_v very_o good_a man_n §_o ii_o the_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o four_o respect_n §_o iii_o that_o although_o some_o good_a man_n have_v no_o experience_n of_o this_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o certain_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o case_n the_o peculiar_a qualification_n of_o person_n fit_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o divine_a guest_n §_o iv._o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o satan_n or_o the_o result_v of_o our_o own_o temper_n §_o 1._o the_o second_o favour_n which_o the_o father_n bestow_v upon_o his_o son_n after_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o be_v he_o puts_z a_o ring_n upon_o his_o hand_n this_o have_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v symbolical_a either_o of_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o riches_n and_o affluence_n of_o singular_a favour_n and_o respect_n or_o of_o quality_n and_o nobility_n most_o of_o these_o thing_n st._n james_n bear_v testimony_n to_o in_o that_o passage_n of_o he_o chap._n 2._o 2._o if_o there_o come_v into_o your_o assembly_n a_o man_n have_v a_o gold_n ring_n and_o goodly_a apparel_n and_o there_o come_v in_o also_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o vile_a raiment_n and_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o he_o in_o the_o gay_a clothing_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o famous_a battle_n of_o cannae_n where_o the_o roman_n suffer_v a_o total_a defeat_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o victory_n be_v estimate_v by_o this_o as_o livy_n observe_v that_o more_o than_o a_o bushel_n of_o ring_n be_v take_v by_o the_o conqueror_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o slay_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o many_o principal_a roman_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n fall_v in_o the_o battle_n and_o thus_o the_o father_n put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o son_n shall_v signify_v in_o the_o general_a his_o reinstating_a he_o in_o the_o quality_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o son_n but_o st._n jerom_n st._n austin_n st._n chrysostom_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o other_o consider_v here_o more_o particular_o that_o a_o principal_a use_n of_o the_o ring_n be_v for_o seal_v as_o common_o bear_v the_o image_n impress_n or_o cognizance_n of_o he_o that_o wear_v it_o and_o consequent_o they_o apply_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o mystical_a sense_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n st._n chrysostom_n express_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v my_o son_n a_o ring_n also_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o carrying_z that_o about_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v in_o safeguard_n by_o it_o that_o bear_v my_o signet_n he_o may_v both_o become_v formidable_a to_o all_o his_o enemy_n and_o public_o appear_v the_o son_n of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o more_o natural_a because_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n favour_n that_o after_o he_o have_v justify_v than_o he_o further_o sanctify_v and_o for_o the_o completion_n of_o that_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wager_n which_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n contend_v about_o but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o sensuality_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o title_n be_v decide_v and_o such_o a_o person_n become_v the_o devil_n peculiar_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o he_o sincere_o addict_v himself_o to_o virtue_n god_n recover_v his_o right_n and_o takes_z possession_n of_o he_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n agreeable_o hereunto_o we_o read_v ephes_n 1._o 13._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n and_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o eph._n 4._o 30._o grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n for_o the_o more_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n do_v employ_v his_o holy_a spirit_n about_o man_n before_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o so_o gen._n 6._o 3._o he_o be_v say_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o have_v strive_v with_o the_o old_a world_n and_o after_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n for_o isa_n 63._o 10._o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christianity_n the_o holy_a spirit_n apply_v itself_o awaken_n conscience_n suggest_v good_a thought_n and_o give_v check_n to_o their_o course_n of_o sin_n insomuch_o that_o whatsoever_o degree_n or_o beginning_n of_o good_a there_o be_v in_o any_o man_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o it_o for_o as_o no_o good_a can_v come_v but_o from_o god_n so_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o despise_v by_o god_n but_o that_o some_o overture_n of_o good_a have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o worthy_a of_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o this_o good_a spirit_n do_v quite_o abandon_v any_o man_n upon_o who_o it_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v till_o such_o person_n have_v resist_v quench_v grieve_a and_o at_o last_o drive_v it_o away_o from_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o
i_o lie_v long_o enough_o under_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n for_o god_n require_v not_o sorrow_n for_o itself_o but_o for_o its_o end_n and_o it_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o he_o that_o his_o creature_n lie_v under_o affrightful_a apprehension_n beside_o our_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v then_o dry_a our_o eye_n and_o be_v comfortable_a when_o the_o cause_n be_v take_v away_o and_o not_o before_o for_o than_o be_v it_o godly_a sorrow_n when_o it_o bring_v forth_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 10._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o great_a uncomfortableness_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n for_o beside_o the_o horrible_a madness_n of_o trust_v the_o issue_n of_o eternity_n upon_o extempore_o preparation_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o give_v a_o man_n both_o the_o grace_n and_o the_o opportunity_n then_o at_o last_o serious_o to_o bethink_v himself_o to_o feel_v remorse_n for_o his_o sin_n to_o make_v resolution_n and_o to_o renew_v his_o baptismal_a covenant_n yet_o than_o he_o can_v give_v no_o proof_n to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n because_o he_o can_v repair_v god_n honour_n he_o can_v make_v no_o conquest_n over_o satan_n he_o can_v leave_v no_o example_n to_o the_o world_n he_o can_v by_o habit_n and_o exercise_n make_v the_o way_n of_o god_n become_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o himself_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o therefore_o can_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n of_o such_o as_o for_o the_o penitent_a thief_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o accompany_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o suffering_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v that_o he_o shall_v that_o day_n be_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n his_o case_n be_v peculiar_a probable_o he_o have_v live_v in_o great_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o never_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n till_o now_o but_o however_o it_o be_v not_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v something_o extraordinary_a at_o that_o great_a time_n and_o to_o signalise_v the_o efficacy_n of_o our_o saviour_n mediatorship_n by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o dignity_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o person_n be_v most_o cloud_v and_o obscure_v and_o as_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o will_v be_v such_o another_o occasion_n as_o this_o so_o it_o be_v great_a and_o desperate_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o trust_v to_o such_o a_o experiment_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o parable_n matth._n 20._o vers_fw-la 12._o those_o labourer_n that_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n be_v reward_v equal_o with_o those_o that_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v observe_v that_o though_o they_o come_v late_o yet_o not_o so_o late_o but_o that_o they_o do_v real_o work_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o then_o beside_o here_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v press_v for_o we_o be_v far_o from_o intention_n of_o discourage_v any_o to_o return_v at_o last_o or_o from_o limit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o be_v able_a to_o foresee_v what_o a_o late_a convert_n will_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v opportunity_n and_o may_v according_o extend_v mercy_n to_o he_o all_o therefore_o which_o i_o say_v be_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o uncomfortable_a state_n when_o a_o man_n conscience_n can_v give_v security_n for_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o afford_v he_o positive_a ground_n of_o hope_n have_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n only_o he_o have_v a_o general_a refuge_n in_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o god_n mercy_n wherefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o trust_v to_o preface_n and_o praeludia_fw-la beginning_n and_o first_o eslay_v of_o repentance_n but_o let_v it_o have_v its_o perfect_a work_n that_o with_o the_o prodigal_a son_n he_o not_o only_o sit_v down_o and_o bewail_v his_o misery_n or_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o return_v to_o his_o father_n but_o that_o he_o forthwith_o set_v about_o it_o and_o effect_v it_o so_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n what_o entertainment_n he_o meet_v with_o from_o his_o father_n upon_o so_o do_v i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n the_o father_n say_v to_o the_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o etc._n etc._n s_o t._n luke_n 15._o 22._o non_fw-la patitur_fw-la contriti_fw-la cordis_fw-la holocaustum_fw-la repulsam_fw-la quotiens_fw-la te_fw-la in_o conspectu_fw-la domini_fw-la video_fw-la suspirantem_fw-la spiritum_fw-la sanctum_fw-la non_fw-la dubito_fw-la aspirantem_fw-la cum_fw-la intuâ—or_fw-la flentem_fw-la sentio_fw-la ignoscentem_fw-la cypr_fw-la serm_fw-la de_fw-la coena_fw-la page_n 240._o 241._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n part_n iii_o the_o prodigal_n receive_v and_o reconcile_v or_o god_n gracious_a reception_n of_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n s._n luke_n 15._o verse_n 22_o 23_o 24._o but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n of_o reconciliation_n or_o justification_n the_o content_n §_o i._o the_o passionate_a story_n of_o joseph_n gen._n 37._o parallel_n to_o this_o parable_n before_o we_o §_o ii_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o good_a in_o man_n the_o use_n of_o that_o consideration_n §_o iii_o god_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n to_o man_n under_o agony_n of_o mind_n yet_o without_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a passion_n §_o iv._o god_n not_o only_o take_v delight_n in_o beginning_n of_o good_a but_o promote_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n the_o famous_a story_n in_o eusebius_n of_o st._n john_n and_o a_o dissolute_a young_a man_n and_o several_a useful_a observation_n thereupon_o §_o v._o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n pardon_v mercy_n and_o the_o fullness_n and_o compleatness_n thereof_o upon_o repentance_n set_v out_o in_o several_a great_a instance_n full_a of_o unspeakable_a consolation_n to_o the_o penitent_a and_o wherein_o god_n mercy_n outgo_v those_o of_o merciful_a man_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n in_o crucify_a our_o lord_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v both_o pardon_v §_o vi_o of_o the_o novation_n heresy_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o §_o vii_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o justification_n §_o i._o 45._o it_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pathetic_a story_n which_o moses_n give_v we_o concern_v jacob_n and_o his_o son_n especial_o his_o belove_a son_n joseph_n to_o this_o effect_n the_o brethren_n of_o joseph_n envy_v he_o that_o great_a share_n he_o have_v in_o his_o father_n affection_n resolve_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o dispatch_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o that_o they_o may_v not_o imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o his_o blood_n they_o conclude_v to_o sell_v he_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o midianite_n that_o happen_v at_o that_o time_n to_o come_v in_o the_o way_n and_o to_o hide_v their_o own_o fault_n from_o their_o father_n they_o kill_v a_o kid_n and_o dip_v joseph_n coat_n in_o the_o blood_n and_o tell_v a_o demure_a story_n to_o the_o old_a man_n impose_v upon_o his_o belief_n that_o some_o wild_a beast_n have_v devour_v his_o son_n which_o when_o the_o good_a man_n be_v possess_v of_o he_o most_o tender_o resent_v the_o affliction_n rend_v his_o clothes_n put_v sackcloth_n upon_o his_o loin_n and_o mourn_v many_o day_n whereupon_o his_o son_n and_o daughter_n and_o even_o those_o especial_o that_o have_v raise_v the_o tragedy_n personate_v so_o well_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v his_o comforter_n but_o the_o wound_n be_v too_o deep_a to_o be_v easy_o cure_v for_o he_o refuse_v consolation_n no_o say_v he_o i_o will_v go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n to_o my_o son_n mourning_n my_o grief_n shall_v only_o wear_v away_o with_o my_o life_n and_o only_o the_o land_n of_o oblivion_n shall_v make_v i_o forget_v joseph_n at_o last_o after_o a_o long_a and_o sad_a time_n of_o lamentation_n there_o come_v the_o surprise_v news_n to_o the_o good_a man_n joseph_n thy_o son_n be_v yet_o alive_a and_o ruler_n of_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n the_o age_a father_n faint_v at_o the_o tiding_n the_o news_n be_v too_o good_a to_o