god_n forbearance_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n those_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o what_o they_o deserve_v be_v his_o great_a care_n and_o tenderness_n even_o of_o the_o temporal_a quiet_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o intermixture_n with_o the_o wicked_a here_o will_v at_o least_o be_v very_o much_o disturb_v through_o the_o root_n up_o a_o wicked_a generation_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o miracle_n many_o a_o good_a man_n may_v perish_v in_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n but_o miracle_n we_o find_v god_n have_v never_o think_v fit_a to_o work_v but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n when_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v secure_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o punish_v the_o wicked_a by_o destroy_v they_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o consequent_o of_o miraculous_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v true_o good_a from_o a_o general_a ruin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o both_o may_v live_v together_o until_o then_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a lest_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v come_v into_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a do_v general_o restrain_v the_o zeal_n of_o those_o bless_a spirit_n the_o angel_n and_o forbear_v the_o tare_n till_o that_o universal_a harvest_n when_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o its_o burden_n and_o then_o the_o good_a seed_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o the_o tare_n leave_v to_o be_v consume_v in_o that_o great_a conflagration_n when_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o it_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o when_o in_o case_n of_o almost_o a_o total_a corruption_n of_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o other_o and_o convince_v the_o obdurate_a world_n that_o god_n see_v and_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v obstinate_a and_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o suffer_v his_o bright_a host_n of_o angel_n utter_o to_o destroy_v such_o wicked_a place_n as_o sometime_o we_o know_v he_o have_v do_v we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n of_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o 91._o psal_n 91._o though_o thousand_o have_v fall_v by_o their_o side_n the_o destruction_n have_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n of_o this_o great_a care_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o good_a either_o in_o preserve_v for_o their_o sake_n community_n destine_v to_o ruin_n or_o else_o cover_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o providence_n and_o shield_v they_o from_o danger_n till_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o there_o be_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o by_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v abraham_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n which_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v for_o the_o abominable_a and_o incurable_a wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v with_o what_o he_o think_v will_v most_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v the_o place_n and_o tell_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v hazard_v and_o that_o they_o will_v share_v in_o the_o common_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o lest_o he_o shall_v slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o he_o know_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v far_o from_o do_v he_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o a_o small_a number_n one_o will_v think_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o populous_a though_o wicked_a place_n and_o at_o length_n be_v encourage_v by_o god_n wondrous_a goodness_n who_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o every_o request_n and_o as_o he_o sink_v the_o number_n promise_v he_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v he_o by_o degree_n descend_v to_o ten_o which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o his_o modesty_n will_v reach_v and_o one_o will_v think_v far_o enough_o to_o secure_v the_o most_o wicked_a city_n upon_o earth_n peradventure_o ten_o be_v find_v there_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o ten_o be_v sake_n rather_o than_o those_o ten_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o perish_v in_o the_o general_a ruin_n he_o will_v recall_v the_o destroy_a angel_n and_o at_o least_o respite_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n reprieve_v the_o condemn_a place_n of_o their_o abide_v and_o when_o through_o the_o extreme_a wickedness_n of_o those_o city_n that_o small_a number_n of_o good_a man_n be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o and_o god_n therefore_o proceed_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o fiery_a indignation_n upon_o they_o yet_o he_o remember_v righteous_a lot_n and_o his_o small_a family_n and_o send_v two_o angel_n to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o out_o of_o that_o accurse_a place_n who_o hasten_v lot_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v consume_v in_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o city_n and_o upon_o his_o request_n spare_v zoar_v which_o he_o flee_v to_o and_o bid_v he_o make_v haste_n thither_o for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o danger_n as_o you_o may_v read_v gen._n 19.22_o and_o what_o a_o boundless_a ocean_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o gracious_o accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o to_o take_v they_o into_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n likewise_o that_o destruction_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v nigh_o their_o dwelling_n to_o spare_v those_o that_o have_v just_o merit_v the_o severe_a express_v of_o his_o displeasure_n this_o do_v indeed_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o true_a holiness_n which_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o security_n in_o perilous_a time_n both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o hate_v and_o despise_v and_o afflict_v the_o good_a who_o yet_o be_v as_o so_o many_o guardian_n angel_n to_o it_o and_o shield_v it_o from_o the_o express_v of_o god_n just_a vengeance_n so_o it_o will_v silence_v that_o objection_n against_o providence_n draw_v from_o the_o continue_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o their_o live_n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o command_n for_o we_o see_v they_o be_v but_o reprieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o ruin_n pour_v upon_o the_o ungodly_a their_o punishment_n be_v but_o respite_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o at_o the_o great_a assize_n god_n justice_n will_v have_v its_o full_a course_n and_o sink_v they_o into_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n may_v observe_v the_o tare_n be_v among_o his_o good_a corn_n and_o resolve_v at_o length_n to_o bind_v they_o up_o in_o bundle_n and_o burn_v they_o though_o his_o prudential_a care_n of_o the_o good_a corn_n incline_v he_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n and_o not_o pluck_v they_o up_o whilst_o the_o good_a corn_n be_v stand_v and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n lest_o it_o be_v root_v up_o together_o with_o they_o so_o god_n see_v and_o resolve_v in_o due_a time_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n the_o vile_a hypocritical_a christian_n but_o in_o a_o wise_a and_o tender_a regard_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a withhold_v his_o judgement_n during_o their_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v sure_o repay_v the_o wicked_a wretch_n what_o they_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o though_o these_o vile_a unhappy_a tare_n be_v forbear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o let_v pass_v without_o bear_v any_o public_a mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n of_o discrimination_n even_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n 3.18_o mal._n 3.18_o and_o then_o shall_v all_o man_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o for_o then_o will_v the_o great_a husbandman_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n
be_v plant_v wherever_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v he_o expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o seed_n be_v good_a and_o most_o of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soil_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o for_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o therefore_o most_o natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o great_a plenty_n there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o god_n word_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v water_v sufficient_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o man_n that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o at_o our_o peril_n we_o must_v all_o be_v fruitful_a none_o of_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o our_o great_a lord_n empty_a lest_o the_o punishment_n of_o barrenness_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o we_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n this_o seed_n then_o or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o actual_o sow_o the_o christian_a religion_n plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n do_v on_o god_n part_n in_o order_n to_o its_o be_v fruitful_a and_o which_o according_o he_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v it_o high_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o nothing_o make_v it_o otherwise_o that_o be_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o or_o scatter_v by_o the_o way_n side_n which_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o the_o foot_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n we_o must_v not_o be_v think_v less_o and_o inconsiderate_a after_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v like_o a_o highway_n lay_v open_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o comer_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o wander_a useless_a and_o wicked_a thought_n which_o throng_v in_o abundance_n will_v trample_v down_o the_o good_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o more_o appear_v be_v no_o more_o think_v of_o or_o remember_v by_o we_o nor_o must_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o legion_n who_o like_o bird_n of_o prey_n hover_v over_o we_o continual_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o catch_v away_o immediate_o those_o good_a instruction_n instill_a into_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v grow_v into_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o which_o they_o see_v lie_v scatter_v and_o unregarded_a by_o we_o and_o unobserved_a throw_v in_o their_o place_n the_o seed_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o like_o ill_a weed_n will_v flourish_v any_o where_n and_o grow_v apace_o thus_o heedless_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n must_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v but_o by_o recollection_n of_o thought_n advert_v close_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exclude_v all_o wander_a and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o careful_o gather_v up_o those_o notion_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v scatter_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o some_o order_n and_o connexion_n and_o infix_v they_o by_o meditation_n still_o deep_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o dry_a barren_a and_o common_a way_n for_o all_o temptation_n and_o injection_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o numerous_a and_o vain_a and_o incoherent_a fancy_n we_o shall_v by_o serious_a attention_n to_o those_o concern_v truth_n that_o we_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v make_v our_o soul_n as_o solomon_n express_v it_o a_o garden_n enclose_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o 4.12_o cant._n 4.12_o and_o a_o fountain_n seal_v and_o then_o no_o fear_n of_o the_o seed_n be_v tread_v down_o or_o devour_v by_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o it_o will_v remain_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o will_v bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n in_o its_o season_n second_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o like_a seed_n sow_o in_o stony_a and_o rocky_a place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n lest_o it_o spring_v up_o too_o hasty_o and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v hot_a it_o be_v scorch_a and_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n that_o be_v as_o our_o lord_n interpret_v it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o have_v a_o extempore_o superficial_a religion_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v only_o for_o a_o while_n but_o likewise_o to_o endure_v and_o not_o be_v offend_v or_o discourage_v though_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o rocky_a hearer_n that_o perhaps_o be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v handsomse_o tell_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o hear_v a_o well-penned_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o present_a ready_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o be_v discourse_v to_o they_o and_o believe_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o rejoice_v at_o the_o news_n of_o be_v freeed_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o unruly_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o be_v make_v child_n and_o heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o set_v about_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o duty_n immediate_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o shall_v be_v so_o infinite_o reward_v and_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o conducive_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o such_o endless_a bliss_n hereafter_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o please_v in_o the_o theory_n to_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o after_o all_o this_o i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o hearer_n that_o like_o rocky_a place_n have_v only_o a_o surface_n of_o good_a earth_n and_o retain_v this_o good_a affection_n to_o religion_n but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n be_v impenetrable_a as_o a_o rock_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o shoot_v so_o deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o take_v so_o firm_a a_o root_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n their_o spring_n be_v quick_o over_o a_o blade_n or_o a_o stalk_v be_v the_o far_a progress_n their_o religion_n make_v and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o or_o any_o opposition_n to_o it_o either_o without_o from_o man_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n temptation_n within_o for_o want_v of_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o moisture_n they_o fall_v and_o wither_v away_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o promise_n they_o will_v with_o joy_n indeed_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o glorious_a description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a nay_o that_o happiness_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a that_o at_o present_a they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v of_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o for_o a_o spurt_n set_v cheerful_o about_o it_o and_o a_o shallow_a crust_n of_o earth_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n but_o unless_o the_o heart_n be_v thorough_o pliable_a and_o there_o be_v deepness_n of_o earth_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v that_o this_o divine_a seed_n shall_v take_v root_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o likewise_o the_o moisture_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n for_o our_o former_a barrenness_n and_o stony_a hardness_n of_o heart_n the_o word_n will_v take_v but_o shallow_a root_n for_o all_o our_o sudden_a rapture_n and_o upon_o upon_o every_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n be_v ready_a to_o languish_v and_o wither_v especial_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n strike_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o too_o often_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o man_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o insensible_a than_o ever_o those_o therefore_o that_o find_v themselves_o of_o this_o rocky_a temper_n so_o difficult_a to_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o so_o ready_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o theory_n of_o it_o admire_v the_o promise_n of_o christianity_n but_o find_v great_a resistance_n in_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o fruitful_a piety_n these_o person_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v still_o
be_v the_o devil_n the_o harvest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reaper_n be_v the_o angel_n as_o therefore_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n from_o this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a and_o terror_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o wicked_a professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o name_n and_o outside_n and_o who_o in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v confuse_o intermix_v among_o the_o good_a and_o go_v undiscovered_a of_o man_n and_o unpunished_a of_o god_n nay_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v here_o more_o than_o the_o good_a and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n whilst_o the_o sincere_o good_a undergo_v many_o affliction_n and_o appear_v to_o man_n to_o be_v under_o god_n displeasure_n yet_o in_o the_o great_a harvest_n that_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o distinction_n make_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o hypocritical_a shall_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o former_a consign_v to_o ever_o last_a burn_n and_o the_o latter_a receive_v into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n the_o place_n prepare_v for_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o this_o sense_n and_o then_o discourse_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convert_v man_n to_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sow_v of_o seed_n because_o as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a parable_n the_o gospel_n like_o seed_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o a_o future_a great_a increase_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v that_o which_o if_o sincere_o embrace_v and_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n not_o hinder_v will_v spring_v up_o to_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o seed_n sow_o or_o commit_v to_o the_o furrow_n and_o then_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n and_o the_o favourable_a influence_n of_o heaven_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v actual_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o to_o particular_a person_n leave_v to_o make_v its_o way_n by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o its_o transcendent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n together_o with_o the_o constant_a dew_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n that_o attend_v it_o without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a mean_n unless_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n to_o make_v it_o take_v root_n and_o fructify_v it_o be_v general_o propose_v to_o all_o in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n which_o be_v the_o sow_v of_o it_o and_o then_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n whether_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o with_o its_o promise_n or_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o its_o threat_n without_o any_o irresistible_a force_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o only_o the_o small_a still_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o grace_n descend_v like_o the_o gentle_a dew_n to_o soften_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o cherish_v this_o good_a seed_n which_o be_v the_o leave_v the_o gospel_n to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n with_o only_a the_o benign_a water_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n our_o lord_n be_v call_v the_o sour_a of_o the_o good_a seed_n because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n and_o its_o validity_n to_o the_o great_a purpose_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v depend_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o invigorate_n virtue_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n by_o his_o death_n that_o he_o receive_v authority_n to_o mark_v out_o to_o we_o this_o way_n to_o life_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o the_o only_a principle_n and_o seed_n of_o immortality_n the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o field_n where_o this_o seed_n be_v sow_o because_o this_o bless_a religion_n be_v catholic_a and_o universal_a not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o people_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v but_o whosoever_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o people_n soever_o shall_v believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o agreeable_o in_o another_o parable_n which_o for_o its_o great_a analogy_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 13.47_o mat._n 13.47_o not_o any_o particular_a lake_n or_o river_n and_o this_o world_n be_v style_v the_o field_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a place_n of_o receive_v this_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a and_o expect_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v this_o divine_a seed_n now_o while_o he_o continue_v here_o or_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n again_o but_o suffer_v for_o ever_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o obstinate_a infidelity_n or_o barren_a unfruitfulness_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a field_n this_o life_n the_o only_a seedtime_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o come_v that_o one_o great_a harvest_n which_o shall_v consign_v man_n to_o a_o eternal_a condition_n either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o their_o barrenness_n or_o fruitfulness_n during_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o growth_n and_o increase_n the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a christian_n entire_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a master_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o precede_a parable_n these_o be_v themselves_o likewise_o compare_v to_o good_a seed_n because_o they_o have_v a_o substantial_a piety_n the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o their_o holy_a religion_n that_o divine_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n have_v produce_v not_o only_o the_o blade_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n the_o same_o kind_a of_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o spirit_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o holiness_n produce_v real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v good_a seed_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o true_o pious_a man_n be_v likewise_o call_v good_a seed_n as_o the_o genuine_a product_n and_o increase_v of_o that_o first_o principle_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o good_a seed_n sow_o and_o the_o sincere_o religious_a be_v the_o good_a seed_n as_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o be_v produce_v by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o or_o the_o hypocritical_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o tare_n or_o gockle_n because_o they_o have_v only_o a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n as_o tare_n and_o cockle_n have_v of_o corn_n but_o like_o they_o no_o substance_n of_o good_a corn_n none_o of_o the_o real_a excellency_n of_o religion_n nothing_o but_o hurtful_a and_o vicious_a quality_n as_o tare_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hurtful_a to_o themselves_o in_o the_o final_a consequence_n as_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o miserable_a a_o end_n and_o hurtful_a to_o other_o by_o their_o ill_a neighbourhood_n and_o converse_n as_o tare_n to_o wheat_n and_o likewise_o injurious_a to_o the_o holy_a religion_n they_o profess_v as_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o it_o by_o their_o scandalous_a conversation_n upon_o all_o account_n it_o be_v infoelix_fw-la lolium_fw-la as_o the_o poet_n call_v it_o unhappy_a tare_n they_o be_v that_o bring_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n and_o destruction_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o fit_o style_v the_o enemy_n that_o
say_v to_o his_o angelical_a reaper_n gather_v you_o first_o together_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n and_o according_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o that_o have_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o it_o and_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o christianity_n have_v do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n that_o be_v when_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o whole_a intelligent_a creation_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n man_n to_o receive_v their_o several_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n according_a to_o their_o several_a desert_n and_o angel_n to_o execute_v these_o sentence_n then_o shall_v the_o sincere_o good_a christian_n indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v place_v by_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o just_a judge_n and_o after_o a_o display_v of_o their_o excellent_a piety_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n hear_v this_o joyful_a sound_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o be_v immediate_o catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o dear_a lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o from_o thenceforth_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n have_v crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n place_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o loud_a and_o rapturous_a halleluja_n in_o their_o mouth_n whilst_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o know_v no_o more_o of_o christianity_n than_o the_o name_n in_o who_o religion_n be_v only_o show_v and_o formality_n have_v no_o real_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o piety_n whilst_o these_o shall_v find_v to_o their_o confusion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v place_v on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v doom_v to_o depart_v for_o ever_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n into_o eternal_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n then_o will_v the_o good_a find_v by_o a_o happy_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o however_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o discourage_v here_o their_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o will_v the_o mock_v hypocritical_a christian_n be_v sad_o assure_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o plea_n of_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o at_o his_o table_n and_o of_o his_o have_v teach_v in_o their_o street_n that_o without_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n for_o cringe_v and_o fawn_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o magnificent_a title_n lord_n lord_n jesus_n saviour_n but_o hee_v little_a his_o commandment_n they_o shall_v be_v reject_v with_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o then_o will_v god_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o find_v to_o be_v not_o a_o unconcern_v spectator_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o a_o wise_a all-knowing_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o throne_n then_o will_v there_o be_v eternal_a joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o the_o blissful_a beatify_v soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n in_o the_o wretched_a company_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o ever_o 4.1_o mal._n 4.1_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o prophet_n malachi_n that_o shall_v burn_v like_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o all_o they_o that_o do_v wicked_o shall_v be_v as_o stubble_n and_o the_o day_n that_o come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v burn_v they_o up_o that_o it_o shall_v leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n 9.6_o rev._n 9.6_o and_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v man_n seek_v death_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o shall_v desire_v to_o die_v and_o death_n shall_v flee_v from_o they_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n since_o from_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o a_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n may_v pass_v well_o enough_o in_o this_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o no_o open_a discrimination_n or_o punishment_n from_o god_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o after_o reckon_a when_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o their_o vile_a hypocrisy_n and_o secret_a impiety_n lay_v open_a before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n of_o great_a severity_n pay_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n since_o this_o be_v true_a it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o name_n and_o appearance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o true_a disciple_n of_o this_o holy_a institution_n by_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n diligent_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v of_o this_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a remember_v that_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o prayer_n i._o o_o holy_a saviour_n jesus_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o our_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o who_o expect_v our_o concurrence_n with_o thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o sincerity_n permit_v thy_o and_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o scatter_v his_o hellish_a injection_n where_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o heavenly_a doctrine_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o so_o to_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o life-giving_a spirit_n that_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o happiness_n may_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o active_a as_o to_o manifest_v that_o i_o be_o thou_o not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v ever_o esteem_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o i_o feel_v to_o a_o progressive_a holiness_n to_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v my_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o may_v i_o always_o thankful_o and_o cheerful_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o and_o whatever_o thought_n and_o inclination_n tend_v to_o discourage_v sincere_a religion_n and_o persuade_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n help_v i_o to_o reject_v they_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o indignation_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n to_o involve_v i_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o since_o it_o be_v while_n we_o sleep_v that_o our_o great_a adversary_n sow_n these_o his_o tare_n give_v i_o grace_n o_o bless_a jesus_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o rouse_v from_o my_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n and_o shake_v off_o my_o dream_n of_o vanity_n lest_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n at_o length_n prove_v fatal_a and_o betray_v i_o into_o eternal_a death_n ii_o thou_o have_v assure_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o our_o probation_n o_o therefore_o grant_v that_o now_o in_o this_o our_o day_n all_o we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o embrace_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n that_o by_o serious_a consideration_n we_o may_v make_v religion_n our_o choice_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o firm_o with_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o be_v in_o reality_n thy_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n remember_v thy_o bless_a word_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v and_o that_o though_o here_o the_o wicked_a go_v unpunished_a it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o and_o at_o last_o hypocrisy_n shall_v meet_v with_o its_o desert_n and_o
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
necessary_a advice_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v rev._n 16.15_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v behold_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o keep_v his_o garment_n lest_o he_o walk_v naked_a and_o they_o see_v his_o shame_n by_o a_o cry_n be_v make_v at_o midnight_n behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o move_o represent_v how_o unexpected_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v surprise_v the_o drowsy_a world_n and_o how_o sudden_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v tell_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o midnight_n be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a silence_n and_o destine_v to_o rest_n and_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o toil_v and_o trouble_v of_o the_o day_n and_o then_o sudden_a outcry_n and_o alarm_n be_v double_o scare_v and_o affright_v and_o seize_v with_o a_o inexpressible_a confusion_n horror_n and_o consternation_n and_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o spiritual_a night_n employ_v in_o deed_n of_o darkness_n give_v up_o to_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o forgetful_a of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n then_o shall_v that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n steal_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n the_o terrify_a cry_n shall_v be_v make_v behold_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n say_v the_o apostle_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o travail_n upon_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v 1_o thes_n 5.3_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n those_o that_o be_v think_v happy_a upon_o earth_n instead_o of_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v this_o judge_n hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v rev._n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n dread_v to_o go_v meet_v his_o angry_a judge_n and_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a with_o all_o his_o stain_n and_o pollution_n about_o he_o appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n who_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n have_v provoke_v he_o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o since_o all_o this_o be_v so_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o that_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o be_v thus_o surprise_v and_o hurry_v into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o so_o quick_a and_o unforeseen_a a_o summons_n which_o no_o man_n be_v sure_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o case_n since_o many_o have_v be_v call_v away_o with_o little_a or_o not_o warn_v that_o have_v no_o more_o expect_v than_o we_o do_v now_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v sure_o be_v move_v by_o such_o consideration_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o fatal_a drowsiness_n which_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o departure_n hence_o be_v ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o great_a master_n call_n whether_o at_o even_o or_o at_o midnight_n or_o at_o the_o cockcrow_n or_o in_o the_o morning_n lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v he_o sleep_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n when_o that_o midnight_n cry_v be_v make_v be_v represent_v the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n that_o even_o good_a person_n ought_v to_o take_v when_o by_o age_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o any_o distemper_n the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n hence_o seem_v to_o be_v near_o approach_v to_o enliven_v their_o piety_n and_o by_o put_v a_o recruit_v of_o oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n acquire_v new_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n and_o warm_v their_o soul_n with_o great_a ardour_n of_o devotion_n and_o holy_a love_n prepare_v to_o go_v cheerful_o to_o meet_v their_o lord_n then_o be_v the_o time_n when_o every_o sincere_a christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o adorn_v his_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a religion_n he_o profess_v to_o improve_v every_o remain_a minute_n of_o his_o time_n to_o this_o best_a of_o purpose_n to_o redeem_v the_o many_o hour_n former_o misspend_v in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o by_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a glory_n sanctity_n and_o bliss_n of_o that_o heavenly_a world_n to_o which_o he_o then_o so_o sensible_o draw_v near_o inflame_v his_o desire_n of_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o wearisome_a journey_n to_o it_o and_o fit_v himself_o for_o the_o spiritual_a unspotted_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n by_o have_v as_o little_a commerce_n as_o be_v possible_a with_o this_o world_n below_o and_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o will_v so_o quick_o be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o everlasting_a abide_v by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n say_v to_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o be_v represent_v the_o want_n of_o preparation_n among_o the_o careless_a and_o inconsiderate_a for_o this_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a change_n and_o their_o mighty_a consternation_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o vain_a and_o insignificant_a course_n they_o will_v take_v in_o their_o surprise_n to_o make_v up_o if_o possible_a their_o own_o defect_n by_o borrow_v of_o other_o that_o have_v soul_n better_o furnish_v with_o piety_n than_o they_o and_o by_o the_o wise_a answer_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o and_o bid_v they_o go_v rather_o and_o buy_v for_o themselves_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o groundless_a to_o expect_v at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o retribution_n when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n to_o fare_v the_o better_a for_o the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o lamp_n alive_a with_o his_o own_o oil_n must_v nourish_v his_o soul_n with_o his_o own_o virtue_n for_o there_o be_v never_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v any_o mere_a man_n so_o holy_a and_o excellent_a but_o must_v return_v this_o same_o answer_n as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n do_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v beg_v they_o to_o bestow_v some_o of_o their_o virtue_n or_o merit_n upon_o they_o not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o ourselves_o and_o you_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n if_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o virtue_n enough_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o that_o through_o infinite_a mercy_n too_o and_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v there_o any_o leave_v for_o he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o other_o but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v much_o money_n into_o their_o coffer_n and_o therefore_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o maintain_v it_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n come_n while_o those_o foolish_a virgin_n go_v about_o so_o unlikely_a a_o employment_n as_o then_o immediate_o to_o furnish_v their_o lamp_n with_o oil_n which_o before_o be_v unregarded_a and_o suffer_v to_o go_v out_o and_o the_o door_n before_o 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