will_v have_v return_v again_o to_o their_o dream_n of_o vanity_n when_o this_o their_o fright_a be_v a_o little_a over_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o think_v not_o of_o repentance_n till_o death_n and_o judgement_n stare_v they_o in_o the_o face_n they_o be_v then_o wondrous_a sorry_a for_o have_v offend_v god_n because_o they_o see_v they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o punish_v for_o it_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o wish_v they_o have_v live_v better_a and_o beg_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o and_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o all_o this_o very_a seldom_o proceed_v from_o love_n to_o god_n or_o his_o holy_a religion_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o ever_o when_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o former_a health_n but_o such_o repentance_n as_o this_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o mockery_n and_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v it_o must_v be_v a_o real_a and_o thorough_a change_n of_o mind_n express_v in_o a_o entire_a reformation_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o will_v incline_v god_n to_o pardon_n and_o forgive_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hurry_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n to_o get_v oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n upon_o this_o sudden_a notice_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v come_v because_o their_o lamp_n be_v before_o suffer_v to_o go_v out_o we_o see_v the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n that_o be_v ready_a their_o go_v in_o with_o the_o bridegroom_n to_o the_o marriage_n feast_n be_v represent_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a who_o by_o holy_a live_n be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v for_o their_o departure_n hence_o into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v as_o there_o be_v great_a preparation_n make_v to_o receive_v the_o bridegroom_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o eastern_n great_a joy_n and_o festivity_n and_o which_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n or_o those_o that_o attend_v the_o bridegroom_n do_v partake_v of_o sing_v epithalamium_n or_o nuptial_a song_n in_o praise_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o his_o bride_n and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o happiness_n and_o wish_v they_o long_a prosperity_n so_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n which_o be_v the_o marriage_n chamber_n of_o this_o divine_a bridegroom_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o society_n of_o innumerable_a saint_n and_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n be_v prepare_v for_o those_o that_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a holy_a life_n be_v ready_a to_o leave_v these_o earthly_a habitation_n and_o enter_v with_o he_o into_o that_o holy_a place_n where_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o most_o blissful_a eternity_n for_o ever_o sing_v halleluja'_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o honour_n of_o that_o glorious_a name_n in_o which_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bless_v praise_v god_n and_o say_n 9_o rev._n 19.7_o 9_o let_v we_o be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v and_o give_v honour_n to_o he_o for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v come_v and_o his_o wife_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a and_o bless_v be_v they_o which_o be_v call_v to_o the_o marriage_n supper_n of_o the_o lamb._n and_o well_o be_v that_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o holy_a preparation_n repay_v which_o will_v procure_v a_o entrance_n into_o that_o holy_a place_n where_o christ_n be_v sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o sharer_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o angel_n and_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o dear_a redeemer_n in_o the_o last_o place_n by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n come_v after_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o his_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o be_v express_v the_o sad_a and_o remidiless_a condition_n of_o those_o who_o death_n and_o judgement_n surprise_v unaware_o and_o that_o be_v not_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o may_v cry_v lord_n lord_n long_o enough_o in_o the_o bitterness_n and_o anguish_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o that_o he_o have_v teach_v in_o their_o street_n and_o the_o like_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o without_o a_o constant_a persevere_v piety_n christ_n will_v tell_v they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n and_o what_o inconceivable_a agony_n will_v those_o exclude_v wretch_n then_o be_v in_o what_o horror_n and_o despair_n will_v then_o take_v seizure_n of_o their_o soul_n what_o outcry_n what_o hideous_a wail_n will_v there_o be_v how_o will_v some_o frame_v fruitless_a excuse_n lord_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n etc._n etc._n while_o other_o with_o deep_a sigh_n in_o vain_a beg_v pity_n and_o commiseration_n of_o he_o who_o never_o before_o deny_v it_o what_o intolerable_a anguish_n will_v they_o feel_v to_o see_v those_o who_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v on_o earth_n then_o enter_v into_o the_o glorious_a marriage_n chamber_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o themselves_o they_o who_o be_v prosperous_a here_o and_o to_o all_o appearance_n the_o friend_n and_o favourite_n of_o the_o divine_a bridegroom_n eternal_o shut_v out_o from_o his_o presence_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o those_o celestial_a region_n and_o leave_v behind_o in_o unconceivable_a torment_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o malicious_a fiend_n and_o devil_n to_o linger_v under_o a_o eternity_n of_o misery_n no_o word_n can_v ever_o reach_v those_o horror_n nor_o can_v our_o thought_n conceive_v they_o and_o may_v none_o of_o we_o ever_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o feel_v they_o but_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v ready_a and_o have_v our_o lamp_n burn_v and_o ourselves_o always_o prepare_v for_o this_o great_a come_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o we_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o particular_a plain_a and_o practical_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n whereof_o five_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o foolish_a and_o show_v as_o i_o go_v along_o 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 i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v to_o urge_v that_o watchfulness_n and_o preparation_n by_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a live_n against_o this_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o joy_n and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a the_o wisdom_n of_o so_o do_v be_v and_o how_o great_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n be_v call_v wise_a virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o their_o lamp_n out_o be_v call_v foolish_a as_o for_o the_o folly_n of_o not_o take_v care_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v against_o that_o great_a change_n of_o death_n shall_v come_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n just_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o man_n who_o know_v that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o they_o must_v sure_o die_v and_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o their_o death_n and_o that_o they_o must_v die_v but_o once_o and_o that_o without_o any_o any_o further_a probation_n after_o death_n come_v judgement_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o those_o who_o know_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a as_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o do_v shall_v live_v so_o much_o at_o random_n and_o be_v so_o foolish_o careless_a in_o manage_v their_o last_o stake_n so_o heedless_a in_o do_v that_o well_o which_o admit_v of_o no_o repetition_n and_o which_o if_o do_v ill_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a it_o be_v the_o very_a height_n of_o folly_n this_o and_o which_o one_o will_v think_v a_o man_n of_o any_o sense_n can_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n be_v more_o afraid_a of_o than_o die_a and_o yet_o so_o strange_o contradictious_a be_v they_o to_o themselves_o they_o make_v the_o least_o provision_n against_o this_o great_a evil._n in_o other_o matter_n man_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v themselves_o against_o their_o fear_n they_o provide_v against_o poverty_n by_o diligence_n and_o parsimony_n against_o pain_n and_o disease_n by_o proper_a antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o the_o approach_n of_o enemy_n by_o the_o best_a defence_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v and_o the_o like_a and_o this_o many_o time_n when_o there_o be_v only_o a_o probability_n of_o these_o evil_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o yet_o against_o
malice_n and_o revenge_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n if_o we_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o wondrous_a compassion_n of_o god_n to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n in_o forgive_a we_o the_o vast_a debt_n we_o have_v contract_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n by_o reason_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o have_v discharge_v ourselves_o whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a punishment_n of_o they_o and_o moreover_o make_v son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o celestial_a glory_n if_o we_o be_v due_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o this_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o which_o to_o effect_n be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n let_v we_o express_v our_o deep_a resentment_n of_o his_o gracious_a forgiveness_n of_o we_o by_o imitate_v so_o excellent_a a_o example_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a happiness_n that_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o will_v attend_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o endless_a misery_n that_o will_v close_o follow_v the_o contrary_n we_o must_v forgive_v if_o we_o will_v be_v forgive_v we_o must_v show_v mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o our_o brethren_n that_o offend_v we_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o find_v any_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o how_o sweet_a soever_o we_o may_v fancy_v revenge_n to_o be_v now_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o if_o not_o speedy_o repent_v of_o to_o be_v eternal_a damnation_n from_o which_o sad_a condition_n and_o that_o hellish_a temper_n that_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o it_o let_v we_o pray_v earnest_o that_o the_o good_a lord_n will_v deliver_v we_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o merciful_a saviour_n the_o prayer_n i._o o_o holy_a and_o most_o merciful_a king_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v forgive_v a_o world_n of_o miserable_a wretch_n a_o infinite_a debt_n and_o deliver_v those_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v from_o the_o extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o have_v command_v that_o in_o return_v we_o do_v to_o other_o as_o thou_o have_v do_v to_o we_o i_o who_o be_o a_o happy_a sharer_n in_o thy_o wondrous_a compassion_n do_v praise_v thou_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o earnest_o entreat_v the_o assistance_n of_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v never_o be_v want_v in_o a_o sincere_a and_o cheerful_a imitation_n of_o thy_o bless_a example_n but_o delight_n to_o copy_n after_o so_o lovely_a a_o original_a and_o free_o and_o entire_o forgive_v nay_o love_v and_o do_v good_a to_o my_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n and_o since_o thou_o love_v we_o first_o and_o do_v prevent_v we_o with_o the_o riches_n of_o thy_o goodness_n o_o that_o i_o can_v in_o this_o resemble_v thou_o too_o and_o even_o court_v my_o injurer_n to_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o with_o a_o christian_a bravery_n of_o spirit_n offer_v they_o that_o forgiveness_n which_o they_o will_v not_o ask_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a say_v to_o my_o deprave_a nature_n and_o revenge_n seem_v sweet_a far_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o though_o my_o reason_n i_o confess_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o performance_n yet_o my_o passion_n i_o must_v with_o shame_n own_o likewise_o run_v violent_o the_o contrary_a way_n and_o bear_v i_o down_o with_o their_o rapid_a course_n thy_o aid_n i_o therefore_o beg_v almighty_a god_n and_o that_o thy_o spirit_n may_v enable_v i_o to_o stem_v this_o dangerous_a current_n and_o strenuous_o to_o resist_v and_o master_v all_o motion_n to_o revenge_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o open_a forgiveness_n at_o thy_o hand_n and_o that_o judgement_n without_o mercy_n shall_v be_v my_o portion_n if_o i_o show_v no_o mercy_n ii_o convince_v i_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o of_o my_o base_a ingratitude_n to_o thou_o and_o inhuman_a barbarity_n to_o my_o brethren_n in_o bear_v malice_n and_o rancour_n for_o trifle_a injury_n such_o as_o be_v the_o great_a we_o can_v offer_v to_o each_o other_o in_o compare_n with_o what_o thy_o mercy_n have_v forgive_v we_o and_o do_v thou_o o_o meek_a jesus_n sweeten_v our_o temper_n and_o turn_v all_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n into_o love_n and_o mutual_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v each_o other_o happiness_n and_o may_v we_o all_o conspire_v in_o offer_v up_o our_o joint_a praise_n to_o our_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v remit_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o infinite_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n o_o that_o this_o thy_o mercy_n may_v be_v imprint_v in_o lively_a and_o everlasting_a character_n upon_o my_o soul_n so_o as_o powerful_o to_o incline_v i_o to_o transcribe_v it_o in_o my_o intercourse_n with_o man_n then_o shall_v i_o experience_v the_o bless_a influence_n this_o thy_o commandment_n will_v have_v upon_o my_o happiness_n even_o here_o and_o in_o the_o most_o acceptable_a manner_n express_v my_o thankfulness_n for_o thy_o pity_n show_v to_o i_o and_o at_o last_o by_o bear_v this_o thy_o badge_n upon_o my_o soul_n be_v own_a by_o thou_o as_o thy_o true_a disciple_n and_o receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o thou_o our_o dear_a lord_n which_o grant_v o_o most_o compassionate_a jesus_n for_o thy_o own_o mercy_n sake_n amen_n amen_n parable_n v._o of_o a_o king_n that_o make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n matth._n xxii_o 2_o 3._o luk._n fourteen_o 18_o 19_o 20._o matth._n xxii_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o certain_a king_n 22.2_o mat._n 22.2_o that_o make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n and_o send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o they_o will_v not_o come_v and_o they_o all_o with_o one_o consent_n begin_v to_o make_v excuse_n 14.18_o luk._n 14.18_o the_o first_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o go_v and_o see_v it_o i_o pray_v thou_o have_v i_o excuse_v and_o another_o say_v i_o have_v buy_v five_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prove_v they_o i_o pray_v thou_o have_v i_o excuse_v and_o another_o say_v i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v again_o he_o send_v forth_o other_o servant_n 22.4_o mat._n 22.4_o say_v tell_v they_o which_o be_v bid_v behold_v i_o have_v prepare_v my_o dinner_n my_o ox_n and_o my_o fatling_n be_v kill_v and_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n but_o they_o make_v light_a of_o it_o and_o go_v their_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n another_o to_o his_o merchandise_n and_o the_o remnant_n take_v his_o servant_n and_o entreat_v they_o spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o but_o when_o the_o king_n hear_v thereof_o he_o be_v wroth_a and_o he_o send_v forth_o his_o army_n and_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n and_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n then_o say_v he_o to_o his_o servant_n the_o wedding_n be_v ready_a but_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v be_v not_o worthy_a go_v you_o therefore_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o as_o many_o as_o you_o shall_v find_v bid_v to_o the_o marriage_n so_o those_o servant_n go_v out_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o gather_v together_o all_o as_o many_o as_o they_o find_v both_o bad_a and_o good_a and_o the_o wedding_n be_v furnish_v with_o guest_n and_o when_o the_o king_n come_v in_o to_o see_v the_o guest_n he_o see_v there_o a_o man_n that_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o he_o be_v speechless_a then_o say_v the_o king_n to_o the_o servant_n bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v this_o parable_n i_o suppose_v be_v in_o its_o first_o intention_n design_v to_o reprove_v the_o harden_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o obstinate_o reject_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o their_o vile_a ingratitude_n to_o he_o for_o his_o peculiar_a care_n of_o they_o in_o so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o be_v speak_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o wicked_a husbandman_n in_o mat._n 21.33_o which_o for_o its_o great_a affinity_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o entire_a relation_n to_o the_o jew_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o pass_v by_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o intend_v to_o show_v god_n great_a anger_n against_o they_o for_o that_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o malicious_a treatment_n of_o
be_v now_o consider_v say_v express_o he_o that_o exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o the_o humble_a publican_n go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v rather_o than_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi so_o beneficial_a and_o high_o valuable_a both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n be_v humility_n of_o spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v opinionate_a and_o proud_a of_o one_o virtue_n be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n as_o well_o as_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n hate_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v despise_v and_o disgrace_v by_o every_o body_n to_o what_o will_v otherwise_o be_v real_o praiseworthy_a it_o bring_v the_o great_a disparagement_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o man_n conversation_n be_v but_o indifferent_a and_o like_o other_o man_n then_o nothing_o make_v he_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o much_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o what_o be_v of_o so_o little_a or_o no_o excellency_n and_o what_o a_o pain_n it_o be_v for_o man_n that_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o extraordinary_a person_n to_o see_v other_o so_o far_o from_o that_o opinion_n as_o rather_o to_o slight_v and_o deprecate_v they_o may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o mishap_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n always_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o entertainment_n as_o this_o man_n set_v themselves_o on_o purpose_n to_o tease_v and_o worry_v they_o that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v make_v they_o ashamed_a and_o weary_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o general_o hate_v but_o beside_o this_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n that_o attend_v spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v something_o much_o worse_a to_o be_v say_v of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o man_n infect_v with_o this_o vice_n ever_o to_o improve_v in_o religion_n and_o grow_v better_o for_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nothing_o slacken_v diligence_n and_o industry_n more_o than_o this_o without_o which_o no_o progress_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o at_o best_a a_o very_a slow_a one_o especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n to_o be_v struggle_v with_o as_o in_o religion_n and_o what_o signify_v instruction_n or_o reproof_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o gall_n and_o enrage_v he_o to_o a_o man_n that_o think_v his_o virtue_n very_o extraordinary_a if_o not_o complete_a already_o and_o beside_o god_n from_o who_o we_o derive_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o therefore_o as_o solomon_n say_v no_o wonder_n if_o when_o pride_n come_v then_o come_v destruction_n and_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o a_o fall_n beside_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n be_v now_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o imperfection_n for_o such_o be_v the_o virtue_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o earth_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proud_a of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o no_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o virtue_n be_v indeed_o virtuous_a that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v want_v which_o give_v the_o value_n to_o all_o religious_a action_n and_o render_v they_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o it_o not_o only_o pollute_v and_o unhallows_n what_o may_v otherwise_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o it_o keep_v a_o man_n from_o grow_v better_o it_o blind_v he_o that_o he_o can_v discern_v his_o fault_n and_o he_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v his_o excellency_n and_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o the_o like_a that_o his_o great_a defect_n pass_v unobserved_a by_o he_o and_o with_o the_o man_n in_o the_o fable_n he_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o gaze_v upon_o thing_n above_o himself_o that_o he_o perceive_v not_o the_o danger_n under_o his_o foot_n till_o he_o fall_v into_o they_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n and_o how_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a a_o grace_n it_o be_v and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o hateful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o show_v how_o high_o this_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v which_o be_v express_v thus_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o parable_n he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v that_o be_v in_o short_a man_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n in_o point_n of_o virtue_n their_o self-annihilation_a and_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o good_a action_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o whatever_o be_v commendable_a in_o they_o and_o without_o pride_v themselves_o in_o their_o present_a attainment_n press_v on_o still_o to_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o heavenly_a life_n this_o shall_v in_o the_o world_n of_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o glory_n be_v reward_v with_o the_o impression_n of_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o that_o divine_a fountain_n of_o holiness_n and_o perfection_n who_o here_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n they_o shall_v then_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o no_o failure_n no_o slip_v or_o imperfection_n no_o avocation_n from_o the_o happy_a employment_n of_o admire_v and_o love_v god_n shall_v be_v there_o which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o perpetual_a clog_n and_o vexation_n of_o a_o holy_a soul_n but_o with_o their_o faculty_n free_a and_o vigorous_a they_o shall_v full_o enjoy_v this_o supreme_a good_a without_o interruption_n to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o heaven_n this_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o heaven_n and_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n who_o here_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o virtuous_a action_n and_o their_o humble_v themselves_o before_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o vileness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v not_o whole_o without_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o from_o their_o prostration_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o bosom_n and_o joy_n extraordinary_a joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n for_o their_o repentance_n they_o shall_v be_v exalt_v from_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n to_o that_o of_o friend_n nay_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o tear_n for_o the_o future_a shall_v be_v for_o ever_o wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o shall_v participate_v of_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o such_o a_o exaltation_n as_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o all_o the_o pain_n of_o spiritual_a mortification_n and_o a_o repentance_n so_o reward_v will_v never_o be_v repent_v of_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o ineffable_a felicity_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o this_o humility_n of_o spirit_n we_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o we_o must_v make_v it_o our_o endeavour_n to_o tread_v the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o we_o must_v humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n above_o describe_v that_o he_o may_v exalt_v we_o in_o due_a time_n and_o as_o without_o who_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n we_o must_v with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n beg_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n and_o return_v he_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o pious_a advances_n who_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o be_v so_o due_o affect_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o wickedness_n as_o with_o the_o publican_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n and_o with_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n to_o smite_v upon_o our_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n the_o prayer_n o_o meek_n and_o lowly_a jesus_n who_o resiste_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o have_v place_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o front_n of_o thy_o beatitude_n as_o the_o foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o thy_o holy_a religion_n teach_v i_o this_o excellent_a grace_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o and_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v hate_v and_o shun_v pride_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a vice_n which_o defile_v every_o thing_n however_o otherwise_o commendable_a and_o excellent_a and_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o to_o allay_v all_o vain_a tumour_n that_o shall_v arise_v give_v i_o o_o bless_a saviour_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n my_o many_o heinous_a violation_n of_o my_o duty_n my_o vile_a ungratitude_n to_o thou_o my_o great_a benefactor_n and_o the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o even_o my_o best_a service_n and_o that_o whatever_o i_o have_v do_v that_o be_v praiseworthy_a be_v owe_v to_o thy_o gracious_a assistance_n and_o that_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a o_o may_v i_o therefore_o never_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o what_o shall_v be_v whole_o thou_o nor_o despise_v any_o man_n like_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o have_v nothing_o myself_o but_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o thou_o but_o in_o sincere_a humility_n of_o spirit_n return_v thou_o all_o the_o glory_n say_v after_o i_o have_v do_v all_o that_o i_o can_v i_o be_o still_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v but_o what_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v and_o grant_v that_o in_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o my_o still_o great_a defect_n consider_v what_o vast_a assistance_n i_o have_v have_v i_o may_v smite_v upon_o my_o breast_n and_o say_v with_o the_o publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n grant_v this_o thou_o meek_a and_o humble_a lamb_n of_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o thy_o own_o tender_a mercy_n amen_n and_o amen_n finis_fw-la
prevent_v their_o run_n into_o course_n ruinous_a and_o to_o shield_v they_o from_o the_o mischievous_a assault_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o place_n more_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o before_o or_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v observe_v those_o thing_n he_o have_v teach_v he_o without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v angel_n then_o present_a as_o observer_n and_o witness_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v and_o discourse_v it_o be_v then_o thus_o plain_a from_o scripture_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v observer_n of_o man_n life_n and_o action_n especial_o of_o those_o of_o christian_n as_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o as_o minister_n of_o his_o divine_a government_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o make_v curious_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n appoint_v angel_n to_o observe_v and_o minister_v to_o we_o since_o nothing_o escape_v his_o own_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o his_o own_o almighty_a arm_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o all_o deep_a place_n nor_o of_o what_o rank_n and_o order_n those_o angel_n be_v and_o how_o many_o that_o be_v thus_o employ_v and_o whether_o every_o man_n have_v a_o particular_a angel_n assign_v he_o as_o his_o guardian_n and_o the_o inspector_n of_o his_o action_n which_o thing_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o mortal_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o they_o but_o shall_v make_v this_o good_a use_n of_o this_o particular_a relate_n to_o our_o practice_n that_o since_o we_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o such_o pure_a and_o holy_a spirit_n and_o who_o concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n be_v very_o great_a since_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o most_o secret_a action_n and_o though_o invisible_a and_o unobserved_a themselves_o be_v our_o curious_a observer_n methinks_v we_o that_o be_v ourselves_o but_o in_o one_o rank_n of_o be_v below_o they_o here_o and_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o shall_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v find_v by_o they_o wallow_v like_o swine_n in_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n degrade_n ourselves_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o in_o base_a hypocrisy_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n when_o indeed_o we_o act_v like_o infidel_n nay_o too_o often_o like_o devil_n incarnate_a how_o do_v those_o good_a spirit_n though_o they_o may_v pity_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n yet_o withal_o despise_v and_o abominate_a the_o servile_a baseness_n of_o such_o excellent_a nature_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n yet_o quit_v their_o heavenly_a reversion_n for_o the_o low_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o contemptible_a earth_n methinks_v shame_n shall_v deter_v we_o from_o vile_a and_o impious_a action_n if_o nothing_o else_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n not_o suffer_v we_o to_o act_v so_o much_o beneath_o ourselves_o and_o a_o man_n not_o brutish_o impudent_a shall_v not_o endure_v to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o angel_n in_o such_o vile_a circumstance_n as_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v find_v in_o by_o any_o man_n he_o reverence_v and_o respect_n nay_o by_o a_o servant_n or_o a_o child_n and_o as_o the_o angel_n be_v observer_n of_o human_a action_n so_o be_v they_o god_n intelligencer_n to_o give_v he_o account_v of_o they_o not_o that_o god_n need_v such_o information_n for_o every_o thing_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o own_o all_o see_a eye_n but_o for_o the_o great_a order_n and_o decorum_n of_o his_o government_n and_o this_o their_o office_n they_o perform_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v the_o tare_n discern_v by_o they_o to_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn_n the_o formal_a empty_a christian_n to_o be_v intermix_v with_o the_o sincere_o good_a but_o they_o hasten_v to_o give_v account_n of_o it_o to_o their_o great_a master_n and_z as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o great_a dishonour_n reflect_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o pure_a of_o religion_n by_o their_o base_a hypocrisy_n and_o impious_a conversation_n they_o offer_v with_o his_o permission_n to_o remove_v those_o evil_a doer_n those_o not_o only_o unprofitable_a but_o wicked_a servant_n as_o unworthy_a to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o so_o sacred_a a_o society_n as_o that_o of_o christian_n will_v thou_o that_o we_o gather_v they_o up_o say_v they_o will_v thou_o permit_v we_o to_o weed_v this_o thy_o great_a field_n of_o those_o noxious_a tare_n to_o cull_v out_o the_o empty_a nominal_a christian_n and_o exert_v that_o power_n thou_o have_v give_v we_o to_o their_o deserve_a ruin_n that_o the_o residue_n of_o thy_o servant_n may_v see_v it_o and_o fear_n and_o keep_v from_o their_o abomination_n and_o that_o those_o bless_a spirit_n that_o angelic_a host_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v this_o service_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o remember_v how_o one_o angel_n in_o one_o night_n destroy_v all_o the_o first-born_a in_o egypt_n now_o this_o their_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n shall_v put_v we_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o do_v god_n will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v that_o we_o who_o here_o on_o earth_n 20.36_o luk._n 20.36_o be_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o shall_v in_o heaven_n be_v equal_a to_o they_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_v they_o as_o we_o can_v and_o with_o the_o utmost_a cheerfulness_n alacrity_n and_o diligence_n perform_v the_o duty_n our_o great_a governor_n have_v set_v we_o and_o with_o a_o prudent_a zeal_n endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a station_n by_o discountenance_v vice_n and_o encourage_v and_o promote_a virtue_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n and_o reputation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n if_o magistrate_n will_v take_v due_a notice_n of_o those_o that_o live_v scandalous_o and_o wicked_o and_o not_o bear_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil-doer_n and_o praise_n and_o encourage_v those_o that_o do_v well_o if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v style_v angel_n in_o scripture_n will_v act_v like_o the_o angel_n in_o this_o parable_n and_o curious_o inspect_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o by_o such_o method_n as_o the_o law_n allow_v either_o turn_v the_o tare_n into_o good_a seed_n which_o though_o impossible_a in_o nature_n yet_o may_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v often_o be_v do_v in_o religion_n or_o pluck_v they_o up_o if_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a if_o governor_n of_o private_a family_n warm_v with_o the_o like_a holy_a zeal_n will_v take_v the_o like_a measure_n and_o either_o reform_v their_o irreligious_a servant_n and_o dependent_n or_o else_o rid_v themselves_o of_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o due_a legal_a punishment_n if_o this_o wholesome_a course_n be_v take_v with_o due_a diligence_n watchfulness_n and_o prudence_n vice_n will_v soon_o be_v dishearten_v and_o virtue_n more_o and_o more_o thrive_v and_o increase_v god_n honour_n will_v be_v vindicate_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n redeem_v our_o own_o temporal_a happiness_n advance_v and_o innumerable_a soul_n save_v that_o otherwise_o will_v for_o ever_o have_v perish_v and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o work_n true_o worthy_a of_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o angelic_a undertake_n and_o every_o man_n that_o pray_v hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v bind_v in_o his_o own_o sphere_n and_o according_a to_o his_o best_a ability_n to_o promote_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o petition_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o expect_v and_o hope_n to_o have_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o follow_a petition_n and_o receive_v his_o daily_a bread_n and_o have_v his_o trespass_n forgive_v he_o and_o to_o be_v preserve_v or_o support_v in_o temptation_n and_o deliver_v from_o evil._n the_o five_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n as_o yet_o to_o gather_v out_o the_o tare_n from_o among_o the_o good_a seed_n to_o discriminate_a hypocritical_a from_o sincere_a christian_n and_o give_v they_o their_o due_a punishment_n namely_o lest_o while_o they_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n they_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o reason_n of_o
may_v i_o always_o so_o attend_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o constant_a inspection_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorious_a self_n in_o all_o my_o way_n as_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o thy_o presence_n who_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o expose_v my_o vileness_n to_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o goat_n and_o the_o swine_n shall_v be_v discover_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o o_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o alacrity_n of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n in_o thy_o service_n and_o for_o thy_o glory_n may_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o so_o when_o the_o great_a harvest_n shall_v come_v and_o thou_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o angelic_a reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_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 my_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n i_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o terrible_a day_n and_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o bless_a jesus_n i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o amen_n parable_n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matth._n xiii_o 45_o 46_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o by_o this_o and_o the_o parable_n immediate_o before_o it_o of_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v represent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o be_v without_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o pearl_n of_o so_o great_a price_n so_o immense_a a_o treasure_n that_o nothing_o here_o below_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o david_n express_v it_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o than_o much_o find_v gold_n and_o he_o profess_v that_o himself_o have_v more_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n than_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o riches_n and_o solomon_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o word_n of_o these_o parable_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o of_o find_v gold_n etc._n prov._n 3.13_o etc._n etc._n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n such_o great_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o best_o know_v its_o excellency_n and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o very_o backward_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o prefer_v every_o little_a worldly_a good_a before_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o comparable_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v so_o fatal_a no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o by_o due_a consideration_n to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o long_o childish_o dote_v upon_o empty_a gaye_n and_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v what_o be_v of_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a good_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n above_o recite_v to_o weigh_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n that_o upon_o a_o fair_a experiment_n we_o may_v see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a and_o according_o be_v convince_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o then_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v our_o affection_n for_o the_o world_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o deserve_v to_o feel_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a choice_n and_o taste_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o this_o unsatisfy_a empty_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a when_o we_o may_v first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o eph._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o these_o three_o may_v be_v reduce_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v valuable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v pleasure_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n riches_n great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n this_o be_v that_o trinity_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n adore_v and_o impatient_o desire_v and_o place_v their_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o will_v now_o inquire_v what_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v general_o first_fw-mi in_o man_n esteem_n and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v often_o content_a to_o part_v with_o the_o other_o two_n now_o these_o may_v be_v rank_v in_o this_o order_n viz._n the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v and_o of_o great_a jollity_n and_o mirth_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o high_o grateful_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v this_o in_o general_a of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o the_o more_o insipid_a still_o they_o grow_v to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o empty_a nature_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o consequent_a disability_n to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o old_a barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n 19.35_o 2_o sam._n 19.35_o can_v i_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o invite_v he_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court._n and_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o unsatisfy_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v it_o not_o after_o a_o few_o year_n we_o shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n whatever_o man_n expectation_n may_v be_v of_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n from_o they_o they_o can_v but_o find_v by_o their_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o disappointment_n in_o they_o and_o the_o pleasure_n much_o great_a in_o imagination_n than_o reality_n they_o be_v indeed_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o often_o make_v man_n miserable_a even_o here_o but_o never_o happy_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n only_o say_v not_o prove_v and_o the_o cinical_a conclusion_n of_o a_o freeze_a dispirited_a student_n who_o narrow_a course_n of_o life_n have_v make_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o give_v a_o worse_a character_n of_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v i_o shall_v vouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n who_o fill_v the_o throne_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o flourish_a kingdom_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o his_o desire_n perfect_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a solâ—_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
will_v they_o have_v man_n forcible_o withhold_v from_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o vice_n as_o ruin_v thousand_o such_o as_o pride_n and_o luxury_n and_o wantonness_n and_o excess_n or_o if_o as_o well_o they_o may_v they_o think_v this_o too_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v desire_v will_v they_o have_v god_n when_o man_n be_v thus_o reduce_v to_o poverty_n immediate_o work_v miracle_n for_o their_o relief_n will_v they_o have_v raven_n bring_v food_n to_o the_o hungry_a as_o they_o do_v to_o elijah_n 17.6_o 1_o king_n 17.6_o or_o will_v they_o have_v every_o poor_a widow_n cruise_n of_o oil_n and_o barrel_n of_o meal_n be_v as_o lasting_a as_o the_o widow_n be_v of_o sarepta_n be_v 16._o 16._o or_o will_v they_o have_v water_n spring_n from_o rock_n and_o be_v immediate_o turn_v into_o wine_n to_o cheer_v and_o refresh_v such_o as_o be_v parch_v with_o thirst_n will_v they_o have_v our_o lord_n come_v down_o a_o second_o time_n from_o heaven_n to_o heal_v disease_n or_o a_o angel_n always_o set_v open_v the_o prison_n door_n when_o good_a man_n be_v confine_v and_o macerate_v or_o the_o like_a that_o such_o extraordinary_a thing_n have_v be_v sometime_o do_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o to_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v always_o so_o be_v foolish_o presumptuous_a but_o it_o may_v be_v those_o that_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o will_v yet_o by_o all_o mean_n have_v god_n take_v a_o severe_a course_n with_o his_o unfaithful_a steward_n than_o he_o do_v and_o at_o least_o displace_v they_o and_o give_v their_o riches_n to_o other_o that_o man_n may_v see_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o thus_o man_n will_v be_v reply_v against_o god_n and_o the_o clay_n say_v to_o the_o potter_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o these_o counselor_n of_o the_o alwise_a god_n will_v have_v all_o that_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n use_v in_o this_o manner_n or_o only_o some_o for_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o rest_n if_o all_o the_o world_n will_v quick_o be_v in_o confusion_n by_o such_o frequent_a change_n in_o state_n and_o government_n and_o private_a family_n as_o will_v then_o be_v make_v if_o some_o only_a in_o terrorem_fw-la and_o to_o affright_v the_o rest_n into_o a_o more_o conscientious_a discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n why_o that_o be_v often_o do_v nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o the_o rise_v and_o fall_v of_o man_n and_o family_n and_o sometime_o their_o decay_n be_v make_v very_o remarkable_a by_o some_o extraordinary_a accident_n which_o if_o man_n will_v observe_v it_o be_v warning_n enough_o to_o they_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n but_o if_o they_o will_v be_v thoughtless_a and_o regard_v it_o not_o the_o blame_v aught_o to_o be_v they_o not_o god_n and_o they_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n too_o at_o the_o long_a run_n when_o he_o shall_v call_v every_o man_n before_o he_o to_o make_v up_o his_o account_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n any_o more_o for_o the_o future_a pass_v impious_a and_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o alwise_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n because_o his_o servant_n neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o rather_o humble_o and_o earnest_o entreat_v he_o to_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o a_o better_a observance_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a command_n and_o if_o the_o poor_a shall_v still_o go_v unpitied_a and_o unrelieve_v let_v we_o commit_v their_o cause_n unto_o he_o who_o if_o with_o patience_n they_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n will_v at_o length_n abundant_o recompense_v their_o suffering_n here_o with_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n second_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v the_o great_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o wicked_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o thereby_o bring_v such_o odious_a aspersion_n upon_o their_o great_a benefactor_n and_o so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n upon_o mankind_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o low_o sink_v so_o vile_o brutish_a and_o degenerate_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o shine_v coach_n and_o gay_a livery_n be_v and_o vanity_n and_o profuse_a folly_n in_o many_o other_o instance_n before_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o a_o poor_a afflict_a christian_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o hear_v the_o groan_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o atheist_n against_o that_o god_n who_o give_v they_o all_o they_o have_v rather_o than_o by_o retrench_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o excessive_a way_n of_o live_v to_o silence_n either_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a complicate_v impiety_n this_o and_o will_v at_o last_o pull_v down_o a_o heavy_a vengeance_n wherefore_o from_o the_o whole_a i_o infer_v in_o the_o last_o place_n how_o high_o it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o discreet_o and_o thorough_o charitabe_v samaritan_n in_o the_o parable_n and_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o this_o our_o duty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o if_o we_o prove_v ill_a steward_n of_o the_o talent_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o unfaithfulness_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o the_o profane_a flout_n and_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a the_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n of_o the_o desperate_o miserable_a the_o theft_n and_o murder_n and_o other_o villainy_n of_o such_o who_o unrelieved_a poverty_n force_v to_o be_v thus_o wicked_a and_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o as_o die_v for_o want_v of_o succour_n all_o this_o will_v be_v charge_v upon_o we_o and_o overwhelm_v we_o with_o eternal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n wherefore_o to_o conclude_v while_o we_o have_v time_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o to_o those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o all_o this_o world_n be_v good_a shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n let_v we_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o be_v faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o we_o lest_o our_o great_a lord_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o time_n when_o we_o think_v not_o of_o he_o and_o place_v we_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n and_o pass_v this_o dismal_a and_o irreversible_a sentence_n upon_o we_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n for_o i_o be_v hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o drink_n a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o not_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o not_o sick_a and_o in_o prison_n and_o you_o visit_v i_o not_o from_o which_o terrible_a condemnation_n and_o that_o harden_a disposition_n that_o deserve_v it_o and_o will_v inevitable_o bring_v it_o down_o upon_o we_o if_o not_o speedy_o amend_v the_o merciful_a and_o good_a lord_n deliver_v we_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o compassion_n in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n amen_n amen_n the_o prayer_n o_o most_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o great_a pattern_n of_o charity_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o flesh_n went_a about_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n relieve_v the_o necessity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o have_v command_v thy_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o do_v likewise_o give_v i_o the_o grace_n i_o beseech_v thou_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n to_o be_v charitable_a to_o all_o that_o be_v real_o necessitous_a without_o except_v any_o but_o always_o to_o guide_v these_o good_a work_n with_o discretion_n lest_o by_o my_o ill-placed_a alm_n i_o encourage_v debauchery_n and_o sloth_n and_o have_v the_o less_o to_o give_v to_o those_o that_o true_o want_v and_o since_o the_o poverty_n and_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o deplorable_a o_o that_o i_o may_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o by_o fraternal_a correption_n and_o seasonable_a wholesome_a counsel_n and_o advice_n according_a to_o my_o opportunity_n and_o capacity_n to_o relieve_v the_o spiritual_a necessity_n of_o my_o brethren_n and_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n and_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o may_v i_o always_o cheerful_o perform_v this_o godlike_a duty_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o distress_a and_o make_v light_n the_o burden_n of_o the_o afflict_a and_o thereby_o vindicate_v thy_o providence_n from_o the_o vile_a aspersion_n of_o
wicked_a man_n and_o occasion_v much_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n o_o may_v i_o never_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o the_o steward_n only_o of_o that_o portion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a with_o which_o thou_o have_v entrust_v i_o for_o the_o good_a of_o thy_o great_a family_n and_o that_o thou_o will_v one_o day_n call_v i_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o my_o stewardship_n particular_o inquire_v into_o my_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o infinite_o reward_v i_o if_o i_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o this_o trust_n and_o for_o ever_o punish_v i_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n if_o i_o be_v not_o and_o that_o i_o may_v abound_v the_o more_o in_o this_o excellent_a grace_n of_o charity_n assist_v i_o effectual_o and_o immediate_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o excess_n and_o vain_a superfluity_n of_o life_n and_o never_o let_v i_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o all_o piety_n and_o humanity_n as_o to_o suffer_v my_o poor_a fellow-servant_n to_o want_v necessary_n rather_o than_o retrench_v my_o vile_a extravagancy_n may_v this_o most_o excellent_a and_o royal_a law_n of_o thou_o be_v always_o present_a with_o i_o as_o my_o rule_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o i_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o like_a circumstance_n and_o in_o all_o the_o express_v of_o my_o charity_n let_v thy_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o my_o brethren_n and_o the_o public_a be_v my_o sole_a end_n and_o remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n this_o and_o whatever_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n grant_v i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o o_o most_o compassionate_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n viii_o of_o the_o talent_n matth._n twenty-five_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o a_o man_n travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n who_o call_v his_o own_o servant_n and_o deliver_v unto_o they_o his_o good_n and_o unto_o one_o he_o give_v five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o another_o one_o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o several_a ability_n and_o straightway_o take_v his_o journey_n then_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o five_o talent_n go_v and_o trade_v with_o they_o and_o make_v they_o other_o five_o talent_n and_o likewise_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o he_o also_o gain_v other_o two_o but_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v one_o go_v and_o dig_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o hide_v his_o lord_n money_n after_o a_o long_a time_n the_o lord_n of_o these_o servant_n come_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o and_o so_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v five_o talent_n come_v and_o bring_v other_o five_o talent_n say_v lord_n thou_o deliver'd_v unto_o i_o five_o talent_n behold_v i_o have_v gain_v beside_o they_o five_o talent_n more_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n he_o also_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o talent_n come_v and_o say_v lord_n thou_o deliver'd_v unto_o i_o two_o talent_n behold_v i_o have_v gain_v two_o other_o talent_n beside_o they_o his_o lord_n say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v etc._n etc._n then_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v the_o one_o talon_n come_v and_o say_v lord_n i_o know_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n reap_v where_o thou_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o gather_v where_o thou_o have_v not_o strew_v and_o i_o be_v afraid_a and_o go_v and_o hide_v thy_o talon_n in_o the_o earth_n lo_o there_o thou_o have_v that_o be_v thou_o his_o lord_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o reap_v where_o i_o do_v not_o sow_v and_o gather_v where_o i_o have_v not_o strew_v thou_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n and_o then_o at_o my_o come_n i_o shall_v have_v receive_v i_o own_o with_o usury_n take_v therefore_o the_o talon_n from_o he_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o he_o that_o have_v ten_o talent_n for_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v and_o cast_v you_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n may_v be_v this_o by_o a_o man_n travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n be_v represent_v our_o saviour_n leave_v this_o world_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o by_o his_o call_n to_o he_o his_o own_o servant_n and_o deliver_v to_o they_o his_o good_n be_v signify_v his_o enable_v his_o disciple_n with_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o perform_v that_o duty_n and_o service_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o in_o his_o absence_n by_o his_o give_v to_o one_o five_o talent_n to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o a_o three_o but_o one_o according_a to_o their_o several_a ability_n be_v express_v that_o god_n afford_v his_o grace_n according_a to_o man_n natural_a capacity_n of_o serve_v he_o for_o there_o be_v a_o previous_a ability_n first_o suppose_v and_o suitable_a to_o that_o be_v the_o number_n of_o talent_n that_o be_v give_v and_o to_o the_o kind_a and_o degree_n of_o service_n that_o he_o thereupon_o expect_v from_o they_o he_o that_o by_o the_o previous_a gift_n of_o god_n in_o his_o natural_a endowment_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v he_o great_a service_n and_o of_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o other_o and_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n design_v for_o or_o actual_o place_v in_o a_o eminent_a station_n and_o employ_v in_o a_o service_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o difficulty_n to_o he_o be_v give_v great_a aid_n from_o above_o because_o he_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o improve_n what_o he_o receive_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v likewise_o great_a need_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n he_o be_v to_o perform_v and_o he_o that_o natural_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a receive_v proportionable_o less_o aid_n from_o heaven_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v he_o to_o discharge_v that_o duty_n which_o according_a to_o his_o natural_a capacity_n be_v require_v of_o he_o by_o his_o trade_n that_o have_v receive_v five_o talent_n and_o gain_v other_o five_o and_o his_o gain_v other_o two_o that_o have_v receive_v but_o two_o be_v show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o supernatural_a assistance_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v so_o shall_v their_o improvement_n be_v and_o that_o faithful_a christian_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o make_v such_o improvement_n and_o by_o his_o hide_v his_o talon_n in_o the_o ground_n that_o have_v but_o one_o be_v represent_v the_o inexcusable_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n of_o wicked_a man_n who_o will_v not_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o improve_v though_o but_o one_o talon_n in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o those_o servant_n come_v after_o a_o long_a time_n and_o reckon_n with_o they_o be_v represent_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n then_o to_o inquire_v into_o every_o man_n work_n and_o reward_n or_o punish_v as_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n by_o his_o receive_v the_o diligent_a into_o his_o joy_n be_v express_v the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a in_o the_o blissful_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o the_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n who_o be_v therefore_o wicked_a because_o slothful_a by_o his_o bring_v his_o one_o talon_n to_o his_o lord_n unimprove_v and_o excuse_v his_o unprofitableness_n by_o say_v that_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o hard_a man_n unreasonable_o gripe_v expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o therefore_o he_o bring_v he_o his_o own_o again_o as_o he_o give_v it_o he_o fear_v to_o employ_v it_o lest_o he_o shall_v have_v lose_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o his_o lord_n by_o this_o be_v represent_v the_o base_a thought_n too_o many_o have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bear_v his_o yoke_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n he_o exact_v such_o unreasonable_a service_n from_o we_o but_o this_o be_v only_o to_o excuse_v one_o wickedness_n by_o
what_o instruction_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n what_o plenty_n of_o religious_a discourse_n and_o exhortation_n he_o have_v enjoy_v and_o how_o frequent_o he_o have_v feel_v motion_n from_o within_o to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n he_o that_o have_v experience_v all_o this_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n that_o have_v have_v his_o pregnant_a natural_a capacity_n well_o cultivate_v by_o a_o early_a and_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n plain_o lay_v before_o he_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n duty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o be_v often_o and_o affectionate_o exhort_v to_o live_v according_o in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v frequent_o feel_v secret_a internal_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o this_o man_n have_v receive_v much_o more_o than_o one_o talon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o god_n will_v expect_v from_o he_o a_o proportionable_a improvement_n and_o he_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a ability_n natural_o neither_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n nor_o the_o same_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n will_v abate_v proportionable_o in_o his_o expectation_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o one_o talon_n have_v he_o gain_v but_o one_o other_o with_o it_o will_v have_v be_v call_v a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n let_v we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n each_o in_o his_o station_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n faithful_o and_o industrious_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o each_o one_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n and_o call_v for_o every_o one_o particular_a account_n we_o may_v all_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a cheerful_o give_v it_o up_o and_o receive_v the_o immense_a reward_n of_o a_o sincere_a diligence_n for_o in_o the_o three_o place_n there_o will_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n when_o our_o great_a lord_n will_v come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o every_o man_n improvement_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v he_o and_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deserve_a that_o there_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n both_o of_o quick_a and_o dead_a when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o see_v a_o great_a white_a throne_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o from_o who_o face_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n flee_v away_o and_o there_o be_v find_v no_o place_n for_o they_o he_o proceed_v i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o the_o sea_n give_v up_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o be_v the_o record_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a wherein_o 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to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o
he_o be_v 1_o joh_n 3.2_o and_o st._n paul_n by_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v he_o even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13.12_o and_o since_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n consist_v in_o a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o his_o divine_a presence_n for_o so_o the_o sentence_n run_v that_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n upon_o these_o account_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o all_o the_o just_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v equal_o happy_a and_o all_o the_o wicked_a be_v for_o ever_o exile_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_o miserable_a but_o this_o argument_n in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o best_a supporter_n of_o it_o for_o since_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o hell_n in_o a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o he_o and_o since_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o some_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n approach_v near_o to_o he_o and_o see_v more_o of_o his_o excellency_n and_o bear_v a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o he_o than_o other_o and_o so_o become_v capable_a of_o a_o more_o intimate_a vision_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n on_o the_o contrary_a wander_v to_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o here_o and_o become_v more_o unlike_o he_o by_o their_o great_a impiety_n than_o other_o sinner_n do_v and_o so_o become_v more_o incapable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a vision_n than_o other_o that_o be_v less_o wicked_a since_o this_o be_v so_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a man_n here_o shall_v be_v the_o happy_a saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o bear_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o consequent_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o close_a and_o intimate_a vision_n of_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o by_o their_o great_a impiety_n beyond_o other_o man_n be_v most_o estrange_v from_o god_n here_o shall_v be_v banish_v far_a from_o he_o in_o the_o region_n of_o despair_n and_o darkness_n as_o be_v the_o most_o hateful_a to_o he_o because_o the_o most_o unlike_a nay_o contrary_a to_o he_o and_o the_o most_o uncapable_a of_o see_v and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o consequent_o feel_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pang_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n the_o hot_a boiling_n of_o rage_n and_o impatience_n and_o most_o bitter_a remorse_n of_o soul_n for_o bring_v this_o most_o miserable_a condition_n upon_o themselves_o when_o once_o they_o may_v with_o much_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v avoid_v it_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n indeed_o as_o to_o plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o misery_n in_o hell_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v recollect_v any_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n strain_n god_n word_n beyond_o its_o due_a extent_n but_o as_o to_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n i_o think_v there_o be_v several_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o plain_o enough_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v part_n of_o a_o parable_n exact_o the_o same_o in_o the_o conceal_a sense_n of_o it_o with_o that_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v upon_o only_o something_o different_o relate_v by_o s._n luke_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n the_o 15_o and_o 4_o follow_a verse_n where_o we_o find_v when_o the_o king_n come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n improvement_n of_o what_o he_o leave_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o trade_n with_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o exact_o proportion_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o the_o increase_n he_o make_v of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n with_o the_o pound_n his_o lord_n leave_v with_o he_o be_v give_v authority_n over_o as_o many_o city_n and_o so_o to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v five_o proportionable_o authority_n over_o five_o which_o i_o think_v can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o different_a degree_n award_v of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o christian_n improvement_n here_o there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o though_o every_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v as_o clear_v and_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o partake_v in_o a_o agreeable_a measure_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o will_v flow_v from_o such_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o saint_n will_v not_o be_v equal_a some_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o enlarge_v than_o other_o and_o able_a to_o receive_v more_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o so_o though_o every_o of_o those_o vessel_n of_o honour_n shall_v be_v full_a yet_o all_o will_v not_o hold_v alike_o and_o one_o star_n there_o will_v differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v then_o be_v clarify_v and_o refine_a purge_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o soil_v contract_v during_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o render_v more_o agile_a and_o expedite_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o several_a faculty_n and_o its_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n vast_o improve_v but_o that_o soul_n of_o less_o improvement_n here_o shall_v immediate_o upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n receive_v extraordinary_a new_a addition_n to_o equalise_v they_o to_o those_o of_o high_a attainment_n be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v and_o will_v mighty_o discourage_v the_o generous_a endeavour_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o exemplary_a religion_n but_o when_o every_o man_n shall_v in_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n above_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o eminent_a sanctity_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v mighty_o encourage_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o forget_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v on_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o always_o aim_v at_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n the_o improvement_n of_o this_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n upon_o earth_n we_o will_v run_v with_o diligence_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o not_o pretend_v difficulty_n when_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a and_o shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o virtue_n for_o can_v we_o be_v too_o happy_a can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n can_v our_o crown_n be_v too_o glorious_a and_o resplendent_a away_o then_o with_o that_o mean-spirited_n religion_n which_o thus_o lessen_v and_o confine_n our_o happiness_n let_v we_o unfold_v our_o hand_n and_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o bosom_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o a_o excellent_a piety_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v so_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o good_a use_v make_v of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n that_o god_n be_v often_o charge_v with_o such_o unreasonable_a severity_n by_o man_n that_o care_v not_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n be_v too_o true_a to_o be_v question_v and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o indulge_v their_o vile_a
affection_n and_o can_v afford_v to_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o be_v religious_a be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v they_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o urge_v man_n to_o be_v much_o too_o hard_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o law_n fit_a for_o angel_n than_o man_n and_o though_o they_o wish_v they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v it_o and_o can_v but_o consent_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o they_o find_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v they_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o that_o they_o do_v and_o they_o take_v up_o with_o this_o as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n and_o because_o god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o good_a they_o think_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o great_a hardship_n of_o his_o command_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o perform_v they_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o his_o slothful_a unprofitable_a servant_n out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v those_o wretched_a person_n that_o thus_o mock_v and_o abuse_n god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n into_o ruin_n for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o man_n beyond_o their_o ability_n nor_o command_v their_o service_n and_o obedience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o consequent_o what_o this_o merciful_a and_o good_a god_n command_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v do_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o dispensation_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v dare_v wilful_o to_o disobey_v he_o this_o every_o man_n no_o question_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v in_o sufficient_a measure_n give_v to_o every_o man._n and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o what_o less_o be_v the_o give_v man_n such_o command_v as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o withal_o threaten_v and_o actual_o inflict_v unconceivable_a torment_n for_o such_o be_v those_o of_o hell_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o the_o impracticable_a law_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o require_v brick_n without_o straw_n as_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n do_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v on_o stripe_n for_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o work_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o worse_o because_o the_o punishment_n for_o irreligion_n and_o not_o improve_n our_o talent_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o shall_v be_v inflict_v to_o all_o eternity_n since_o therefore_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o difficult_a his_o command_n will_v be_v to_o we_o and_o how_o proportionable_a our_o ability_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o superaddition_n of_o grace_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o since_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o will_v not_o overload_v his_o creature_n nor_o exact_v impossible_a task_n or_o such_o as_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a and_o but_o one_o degree_n below_o impossible_a since_o he_o be_v likewise_o infinite_o just_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v myriad_o of_o poor_a wretch_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o not_o make_v a_o impossible_a improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n and_o expect_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o from_o all_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o plead_v inability_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v able_a through_o the_o never_o deficient_a grace_n of_o that_o good_a god_n to_o such_o as_o heedful_o attend_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v his_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a command_n and_o make_v improvement_n suitable_a to_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o if_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perish_v his_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n for_o the_o future_a be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o expect_v impossible_a service_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o think_v to_o palliate_v his_o irreligion_n by_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o extreme_a hardship_n of_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a but_o let_v every_o man_n set_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o about_o his_o duty_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o his_o daily_a improvement_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talent_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a beyond_o expression_n miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o first_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talon_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o above_o in_o this_o world_n a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a conscience_n will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o sense_n of_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n of_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o sincere_a account_n though_o not_o a_o perfect_a one_o to_o their_o great_a master_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o look_v into_o their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o stewardship_n this_o will_v fill_v their_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n their_o soul_n will_v be_v calm_a and_o their_o thought_n at_o rest_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o fidelity_n their_o life_n not_o imbitter_v with_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o sad_a after_o reckon_v but_o like_o that_o of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n who_o be_v in_o his_o master_n favour_n steady_a and_o easy_a and_o move_v cheerful_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o in_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o diligence_n when_o his_o great_a lord_n shall_v advance_v he_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o that_o of_o a_o friend_n and_o bosom_n favourite_n nay_o of_o a_o coheir_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o beside_o this_o serenity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o to_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v comparable_a the_o improve_n christian_a shall_v have_v more_o talent_n give_v he_o more_o grace_n shower_v down_o upon_o his_o soul_n what_o the_o slothful_a have_v forfeit_v shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o what_o condition_n can_v approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n than_o that_o of_o a_o holy_a soul_n thus_o plentiful_o store_v with_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o if_o grace_n and_o glory_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o one_o be_v but_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o a_o soul_n so_o fill_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o improve_n soul_n will_v be_v must_v needs_o live_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o have_v frequent_a antepast_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o that_o other_o world_n when_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n then_o will_v their_o happiness_n be_v as_o ineffable_a as_o endless_a it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n they_o shall_v be_v conduct_v after_o have_v give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n by_o the_o bless_a angel_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n where_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o with_o wonder_v eye_n and_o enravished_a heart_n behold_v his_o glory_n gaze_v upon_o his_o splendour_n and_o near_o view_v his_o beauty_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o
before_o we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n learn_v this_o short_a but_o excellent_a lesson_n namely_o that_o when_o sudden_a ill_a accident_n befall_v our_o neighbour_n we_o do_v not_o present_o make_v conclusion_n as_o be_v too_o often_o do_v especial_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o enmity_n or_o difference_n between_o the_o party_n that_o god_n have_v meet_v with_o they_o by_o his_o judgement_n for_o some_o extraordinary_a wickedness_n of_o they_o and_o pronounce_v they_o worse_o man_n than_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o escape_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o uncharitable_a sentence_n and_o may_v be_v far_o from_o truth_n but_o rather_o by_o god_n severity_n upon_o other_o be_v incline_v to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o self_n and_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o for_o our_o own_o iniquity_n and_o entire_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n lest_o we_o likewise_o fall_v under_o the_o like_a express_v of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o infinite_o worse_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o parable_n itself_o be_v represent_v god_n method_n of_o proceed_v with_o sinner_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o it_o be_v this_o first_o he_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o by_o the_o good_a cultivate_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o refresh_a influence_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n they_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v fit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n to_o which_o in_o due_a season_n they_o be_v to_o be_v transplant_v after_o they_o be_v thus_o place_v in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o cultivate_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o look_v for_o a_o proportionable_a fruitfulness_n from_o they_o and_o that_o after_o all_o his_o care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o they_o will_v for_o their_o part_n make_v he_o a_o due_a return_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n as_o when_o a_o tree_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o poor_a to_o a_o rich_a soil_n and_o much_o care_n and_o husbandry_n use_v about_o it_o it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v grow_v and_o flourish_v according_o and_o bring_v forth_o more_o and_o better_a fruit._n after_o god_n have_v with_o much_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n yearly_o seek_v for_o fruit_n from_o they_o and_o be_v as_o often_o disappoint_v his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n prompt_v he_o to_o rid_v his_o vineyard_n of_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o those_o unprofitable_a tree_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o society_n of_o his_o faithful_a disciple_n those_o that_o be_v a_o trouble_n and_o a_o scandal_n to_o they_o and_o as_o barren_a tree_n be_v lay_v aside_o to_o be_v burn_v so_o to_o consign_v they_o to_o those_o everlasting_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n but_o though_o in_o justice_n he_o purpose_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o unfruitful_a yet_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n through_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n the_o dresser_n of_o this_o his_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n incline_v he_o to_o a_o still_o far_a forbearance_n till_o they_o shall_v be_v cultivate_v and_o manure_v afresh_o by_o the_o again_o repeat_v instruction_n and_o exhortation_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o reiterated_a motion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o then_o if_o they_o bear_v fruit_n well_o happy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o if_o not_o after_o that_o he_o will_v cut_v they_o down_o and_o utter_o destroy_v they_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o shall_v now_o discourse_v in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o be_v god_n wondrous_a care_n and_o tenderness_n of_o sinner_n in_o plant_v they_o in_o his_o vineyard_n as_o the_o parable_n express_v it_o that_o be_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o they_o be_v cultivate_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o their_o soul_n water_v with_o gentle_a shower_n from_o above_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o may_v flourish_n and_o become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n to_o which_o in_o due_a time_n they_o shall_v be_v transplant_v before_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v god_n vineyard_n his_o peculiar_a enclosure_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o more_o immediate_a care_n and_o government_n and_o all_o but_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n be_v exclude_v as_o wild_a uncultivated_a tree_n and_o leave_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n be_v all_o but_o the_o land_n of_o jewry_n the_o lot_n of_o their_o inheritance_n afterward_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v that_o god_n will_v take_v pity_n upon_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o adam_n and_o receive_v all_o mankind_n to_o his_o favour_n he_o then_o enlarge_v that_o his_o vineyard_n and_o give_v a_o free_a admittance_n to_o all_o that_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o culture_n and_o government_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n who_o he_o send_v to_o break_v down_o the_o former_a enclosure_n and_o make_v it_o more_o capacious_a even_o as_o large_a as_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o commit_v it_o to_o his_o management_n make_v he_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o this_o vineyard_n the_o head_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o universal_a church_n that_o through_o his_o excellent_a direction_n and_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o decree_n from_o above_o of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o above_o all_o through_o the_o wondrous_a efficacy_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n with_o which_o he_o plentiful_o enrich_v this_o his_o new_a plantation_n it_o may_v thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v even_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o repentance_n such_o as_o may_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o the_o salvation_n of_o innumerable_a soul_n that_o none_o make_v after_o his_o image_n may_v perish_v but_o all_o come_v to_o everlasting_a life_n god_n vineyard_n then_o be_v thus_o enlarge_v and_o his_o church_n now_o no_o long_o confine_v to_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n make_v universal_a that_o all_o man_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n man_n be_v again_o as_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o paradise_n and_o reconcile_v to_o god_n it_o be_v again_o put_v into_o his_o power_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o maker_n favour_n and_o after_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v transplant_v into_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o river_n of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n which_o flow_v for_o evermore_o as_o through_o the_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o adam_n mankind_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o paradise_n and_o doom_v to_o live_v and_o labour_v among_o briar_n and_o thorn_n as_o under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o then_o to_o die_v and_o return_v to_o his_o dust_n so_o through_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o second_o adam_n even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o atonement_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n all_o that_o sad_a sentence_n and_o condemnation_n be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n reverse_v and_o we_o be_v again_o plant_v in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o garden_n of_o god_n recall_v from_o the_o portion_n of_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o restore_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o at_o length_n to_o change_v this_o corruptible_a for_o incorruptible_a this_o dishonour_n and_o weakness_n for_o glory_n and_o power_n this_o natural_a for_o a_o spiritual_a body_n this_o mortal_a life_n for_o immortality_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o say_v that_o be_v write_v 15._o 1_o cor._n 15._o death_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o victory_n o_o bless_a alteration_n o_o happy_a change_n of_o misery_n and_o shame_n for_o happiness_n and_o glory_n o_o the_o miraculous_a love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o thus_o commiserate_v our_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o translate_n we_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n and_o be_v plant_v in_o this_o spiritual_a vineyard_n and_o under_o the_o care_n and_o cultivation_n of_o the_o great_a
it_o be_v fruit_n then_o god_n expect_v from_o christian_n not_o leave_n not_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o not_o to_o be_v call_v lord_n lord_n but_o to_o have_v his_o command_n obey_v but_o since_o god_n be_v infinite_o full_a already_o and_o can_v receive_v no_o addition_n to_o his_o inexhaustible_a store_n since_o our_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o profit_n to_o he_o that_o we_o make_v our_o way_n perfect_a it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o account_v god_n so_o strict_o and_o indispensible_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a and_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o own_o account_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n first_o god_n expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n from_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v plant_v in_o his_o vineyard_n that_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o good_a god_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o because_o we_o be_v place_v in_o this_o world_n to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o heaven_n and_o be_v to_o spend_v a_o life_n here_o below_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n which_o if_o we_o walk_v by_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o world_n above_o and_o which_o if_o we_o disregard_n and_o deviate_v from_o a_o double_a misery_n will_v be_v our_o portion_n and_o in_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a parent_n with_o his_o child_n he_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o what_o will_v conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n though_o he_o himself_o receive_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o it_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v his_o off_o spring_n happy_a it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n the_o great_a dresser_n of_o god_n vineyard_n and_o his_o servant_n the_o apostle_n so_o often_o press_v the_o observance_n of_o such_o rule_n as_o have_v chief_o relation_n to_o the_o comfortable_a live_n in_o this_o world_n as_o with_o relation_n to_o other_o mercifulness_n charity_n meekness_n forbearance_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n peaceableness_n compassion_n and_o pity_n together_o with_o exact_a justice_n and_o honesty_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v be_v no_o comfort_n of_o society_n and_o man_n will_v be_v like_o so_o many_o wild_a beast_n prey_v upon_o and_o devour_v one_o another_o and_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o self_n we_o be_v teach_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o chastity_n and_o moderation_n in_o all_o thing_n contentment_n of_o mind_n patience_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o neither_o a_o man_n mind_n or_o body_n will_v be_v at_o ease_n nor_o taste_v any_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n in_o life_n indeed_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o annex_v the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o sincere_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n as_o a_o further_a encouragement_n to_o man_n cheerful_o and_o diligent_o to_o set_v about_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o they_o have_v a_o direct_a influence_n upon_o and_o be_v therefore_o command_v and_o therefore_o encourage_v that_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o low_a world_n for_o as_o for_o the_o contrary_a vice_n as_o cruelty_n and_o unmercifulness_n rage_n and_o intemperate_a anger_n uncharitableness_n and_o revenge_n strife_n and_o envy_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o like_a these_o will_v make_v a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o quite_o destroy_v society_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o and_o make_v the_o world_n like_o a_o desert_n and_o force_v man_n to_o the_o shelter_n of_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v if_o intemperance_n and_o ungoverned_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o use_v of_o the_o gratification_n of_o sense_n discontent_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n impatience_n and_o the_o like_a shall_v follow_v they_o their_o misery_n will_v be_v endless_a and_o happiness_n a_o utter_a stranger_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v value_v so_o much_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o praise_n and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a and_o disinterest_v goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o such_o rule_n of_o live_v as_o if_o observe_v will_v procure_v that_o happiness_n and_o who_o beside_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fail_v to_o observe_v they_o have_v over_o and_o above_o propose_v to_o we_o ineffable_o glorious_a reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v and_o threaten_v as_o great_a a_o misery_n in_o hell_n if_o we_o do_v not_o that_o be_v he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n happy_a in_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o give_v all_o possible_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o that_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o cooperate_v with_o his_o gracious_a intention_n for_o our_o good_a for_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n that_o will_v be_v promote_v by_o it_o not_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o god_n so_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a even_o in_o this_o world_n without_o they_o a_o second_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o next_o life_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o of_o bliss_n and_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o enjoyment_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o correspondence_n and_o agreeableness_n between_o the_o object_n and_o the_o faculty_n no_o soul_n but_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a god_n the_o soul_n therefore_o of_o every_o man_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n stain_v and_o pollute_v full_a of_o vile_a affection_n and_o lust_n such_o as_o render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o so_o pure_a and_o divine_a a_o happiness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v refine_v and_o purify_v and_o have_v heavenly_a affection_n and_o desire_v plant_v in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o vile_a and_o brutish_a one_o and_o recover_v the_o divine_a likeness_n which_o have_v be_v so_o shameful_o deface_v that_o so_o at_o length_n by_o the_o actual_a excercise_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n here_o we_o may_v become_v in_o some_o measure_n capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o celestial_a happiness_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n that_o be_v like_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o probation_n we_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o see_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o a_o observance_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n will_v effect_v and_o they_o be_v therefore_o give_v that_o they_o may_v effect_v it_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n humble_a and_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v conduct_v safe_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o grace_n here_o and_o glory_n hereafter_o to_o mourn_v for_o our_o former_a vileness_n and_o degeneracy_n and_o estrangement_n from_o god_n and_o flee_v from_o all_o wickedness_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v comfort_v in_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n and_o as_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o be_v urge_v to_o purity_n of_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v see_v god_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a because_o he_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n be_v that_o the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n so_o strict_o and_o indispensible_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n after_o he_o have_v plant_v we_o in_o his_o vineyard_n and_o
that_o of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n james_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n promise_n of_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v according_o shall_v when_o they_o pray_v for_o his_o help_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v as_o they_o desire_v so_o all_o other_o believer_n if_o their_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o promise_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o and_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o willingness_n to_o grant_v they_o their_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o they_o shall_v certain_o speed_v well_o and_o receive_v a_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o very_a petition_n they_o offer_v up_o if_o for_o their_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v they_o and_o if_o not_o for_o their_o good_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v bestow_v something_o else_o upon_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o for_o their_o advantage_n and_o they_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v send_v away_o empty_a but_o he_o that_o waver_v and_o be_v of_o doubtful_a mind_n in_o these_o particular_n and_o pray_v with_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o prevail_a as_o his_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o cool_a and_o without_o that_o life_n and_o fervour_n and_o importunacy_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o our_o success_n so_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v in_o strange_a agitation_n and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n of_o two_o contrary_a and_o very_a perplex_v passion_n hope_v and_o fear_n and_o the_o latter_a have_v manifest_o the_o advantage_n with_o such_o a_o man_n for_o if_o his_o hope_n be_v strong_a than_o his_o fear_n he_o will_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o steady_a than_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o at_o length_n after_o intolerable_a disquietude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n he_o will_v split_v upon_o despair_n or_o downright_a atheism_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 6_o 8._o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v about_o and_o toss_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v and_o be_v actual_o persuade_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o petition_n if_o for_o our_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v we_o by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n more_o require_v if_o we_o will_v succeed_v in_o our_o devotion_n and_o which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a avail_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o lord_n deliver_v two_o parable_n cite_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o delay_n and_o denial_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o length_n the_o importunate_n prevail_v now_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o this_o importunity_n can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o parable_n god_n quietness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v nor_o he_o tease_v and_o weary_a into_o compliance_n as_o those_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o prevail_a and_o that_o we_o indeed_o high_o value_v what_o we_o thus_o importunate_o beg_v for_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o prize_v a_o blessing_n the_o more_o which_o we_o so_o hardly_o come_v by_o and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o thankful_a for_o it_o when_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o lose_v or_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n a_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o teach_v humility_n and_o self-denial_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o fault_n lest_o our_o continuance_n in_o they_o render_v we_o unworthy_a of_o god_n favour_n it_o make_v devotion_n burn_v bright_a and_o vigorous_o and_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o good_a god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n free_o and_o upbraid_v not_o have_v make_v importunity_n a_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v our_o request_n and_o indeed_o the_o blessing_n god_n encourage_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n and_o most_o importunate_a address_n and_o the_o long_a attendance_n will_v be_v abundant_o repay_v with_o a_o grant_n at_o last_o have_v thus_o do_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v and_o what_o those_o requisite_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n viz_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n sincerity_n of_o intention_n just_a and_o upright_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o express_v by_o st._n paul_n by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o likewise_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a temper_n of_o mind_n not_o give_v to_o strife_n and_o wrath_n but_o apt_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o forgive_v together_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o veracity_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v exhort_v diligent_o and_o hearty_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o place_n no_o time_n but_o we_o have_v need_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o may_v always_o and_o in_o every_o place_n beseech_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o accept_v we_o whenever_o we_o address_v to_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v prayer_n that_o sanctify_v prosperity_n and_o make_v light_v the_o burden_n of_o adversity_n and_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o business_n and_o calling_n and_o be_v the_o great_a cordial_n upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n wherefore_o let_v we_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o by_o a_o importunity_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v do_v a_o please_a violence_n to_o heaven_n for_o every_o one_o that_o thus_o ask_v etc._n matth._n 11.10_o etc._n etc._n receive_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v any_o of_o we_o that_o be_v a_o father_n bread_n or_o a_o fish_n or_o a_o egg_n will_v we_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o a_o scorpion_n if_o we_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o other_o needful_a blessing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o prayer_n most_o gracious_a god_n who_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o do_v encourage_v nay_o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o thou_o and_o have_v promise_v by_o thy_o bless_a son_n that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n so_o to_o advert_v to_o the_o all-sufficiency_n and_o almighty_a goodness_n of_o thy_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o miserable_a indigency_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o due_a value_n for_o this_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o be_v so_o much_o my_o own_o friend_n as_o often_o to_o bend_v my_o knee_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o lay_v my_o supplication_n before_o thou_o i_o humble_o confess_v o_o lord_n and_o deplore_v my_o hitherto_o great_a and_o stupid_a backwardness_n in_o this_o heavenly_a and_o most_o beneficial_a duty_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o will_v prepare_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o
false_o and_o be_v content_a with_o their_o wage_n luke_n 3.12_o 13_o 14._o a_o man_n that_o consider_v thing_n will_v not_o choose_v to_o be_v of_o a_o employment_n that_o carry_v great_a temptation_n along_o with_o it_o to_o wickedness_n but_o if_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o to_o such_o a_o employment_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o subsist_v in_o any_o other_o way_n his_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o lie_v the_o great_a temptation_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o arm_v himself_o diligent_o against_o that_o and_o then_o he_o may_v live_v as_o innocent_o and_o serve_v god_n as_o acceptable_o as_o his_o neighbour_n but_o to_o live_v wicked_o in_o such_o a_o call_v and_o then_o lie_v the_o blame_v upon_o the_o temptation_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o be_v too_o slender_a a_o excuse_n to_o do_v any_o service_n for_o if_o the_o call_v be_v lawful_a no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v be_v innocent_o manage_v if_o the_o man_n please_v and_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a he_o must_v for_o no_o consideration_n whatever_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o a_o soldier_n or_o a_o publican_n for_o instance_n though_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o lawful_a profession_n yet_o we_o see_v may_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o live_v orderly_a and_o repent_v and_o serve_v god_n as_o acceptable_o nay_o perhaps_o more_o so_o than_o other_o of_o high_a pretension_n for_o the_o publican_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pharisee_n go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v and_o the_o publican_n go_v away_o justify_v rather_o than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o one_o will_v think_v a_o man_n of_o so_o great_a sanctity_n as_o a_o pharisee_n shall_v be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o so_o vile_a a_o sinner_n as_o a_o publican_n why_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o publican_n notwithstanding_o the_o ill_a character_n his_o profession_n throw_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o high_a pretension_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o publican_n be_v the_o better_a man_n of_o the_o two_n the_o pharisee_fw-mi with_o much_o pride_n and_o self-esteem_a advance_v high_a into_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o vaunt_o insist_v in_o his_o own_o praise_n i_o fast_o twice_o a_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v and_o utter_o devoid_a of_o the_o fundamental_a grace_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n he_o look_v upon_o his_o righteousness_n as_o too_o much_o his_o own_o and_o uncharitable_o judge_v the_o publican_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o profession_n and_o then_o haughty_o scorn_v he_o as_o vile_a and_o profane_a in_o comparison_n with_o himself_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n he_o that_o be_v not_o so_o wicked_a as_o other_o man_n ought_v indeed_o to_o give_v god_n thanks_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o make_v he_o to_o differ_v but_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o humility_n and_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a vileness_n and_o propensity_n to_o vice_n and_o of_o those_o remain_a wickedness_n which_o still_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o give_v god_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o he_o and_o reserve_v to_o himself_o only_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n for_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v still_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o for_o his_o not_o make_v so_o good_a use_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n as_o he_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v do_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o the_o pharisee'_v thanksgiving_n it_o be_v only_o full_a of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o that_o unhallowed_a every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v good_a in_o he_o and_o render_v he_o and_o his_o prayer_n abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n only_o to_o the_o humble_a such_o as_o be_v that_o publican_n who_o he_o so_o haughty_o despise_v for_o he_o in_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o his_o former_a wickedness_n and_o deep_a shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o stand_v afar_o off_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o come_v near_o the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o pollute_a eye_n to_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o purity_n but_o like_o a_o true_a self-condemned_a penitent_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o in_o bitter_a remorse_n of_o soul_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o for_o this_o his_o humble_a penitence_n he_o go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v rather_o than_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi for_o every_o one_o that_o exalt_v himself_o shall_v be_v abase_v and_o he_o that_o humble_v himself_o shall_v be_v exalt_v a_o true_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n be_v better_a than_o all_o the_o outward_a performance_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o penitent_a publican_n that_o be_v indeed_o poor_a in_o spirit_n be_v far_o more_o esteem_v of_o god_n than_o he_o that_o make_v long_a prayer_n and_o fast_n often_o and_o tithe_n all_o his_o substance_n and_o be_v proud_a of_o this_o when_o he_o have_v do_v and_o despise_v those_o that_o make_v not_o so_o much_o ostentation_n of_o religion_n as_o he_o do_v without_o humility_n all_o be_v vainglory_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o seem_o most_o sanctify_v person_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v like_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o but_o full_a of_o rottenness_n within_o by_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v by_o way_n of_o comment_n upon_o this_o parable_n and_o from_o the_o introduction_n and_o conclusion_n of_o it_o as_o be_v say_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v design_v to_o recommend_v the_o great_a nay_o fundamental_a grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n or_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n with_o relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o show_v that_o let_v a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o of_o virtue_n or_o religion_n if_o he_o be_v proud_a of_o it_o it_o render_v all_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o humble_a soul_n be_v his_o delight_n in_o my_o discourse_n therefore_o upon_o this_o parable_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v what_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v second_o how_o excellent_a and_o beneficial_a a_o grace_n it_o be_v and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v and_o three_o how_o high_o this_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v as_o for_o the_o first_o what_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v i_o in_o the_o first_o place_n think_v in_o the_o negative_a that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o think_v worse_o of_o a_o man_n self_n than_o he_o real_o deserve_v for_o no_o man_n certain_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o religion_n to_o be_v mistake_v in_o himself_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o we_o learn_v in_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o ethic_n right_o to_o know_v one_o self_n and_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v indeed_o praiseworthy_a i_o can_v see_v why_o the_o man_n himself_o may_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o innocent_o please_v himself_o with_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o love_v what_o bear_v so_o much_o resemblance_n to_o and_o be_v a_o emanation_n from_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n nay_o he_o that_o dwell_v much_o with_o himself_o and_o heedful_o reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o the_o bend_a and_o inclination_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o he_o any_o more_o than_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o same_o attention_n which_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o man_n may_v know_v his_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n will_v likewise_o inform_v he_o of_o what_o be_v virtuous_a in_o he_o and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o further_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v thankful_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n for_o the_o intellectual_a favour_n he_o bestow_v upon_o he_o of_o which_o grace_n to_o live_v virtuous_o be_v the_o chief_n who_o be_v not_o first_o conscious_a that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o blessing_n the_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n that_o take_v their_o crown_n from_o their_o head_n and_o cast_v they_o before_o the_o throne_n as_o a_o acknowledgement_n from_o who_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o first_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o know_v that_o they_o have_v they_o on_o and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o st._n peter_n call_v the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o good_a action_n before_o he_o can_v feel_v that_o inward_a approbation_n of_o they_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v thus_o much_o in_o the_o negative_a
that_o he_o will_v turn_v away_o that_o fierce_a anger_n from_o he_o which_o he_o be_v very_o sensible_a he_o have_v but_o too_o much_o deserve_v thus_o david_n frame_v a_o psalm_n on_o purpose_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v his_o great_a transgression_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n he_o than_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o he_o and_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o his_o former_a excellent_a piety_n shall_v cover_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o foul_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o search_v for_o excuse_n and_o endeavour_v to_o extenuate_v his_o gild_n but_o like_o a_o true_o humble_a penitent_n change_v his_o usual_a strain_n of_o praise_n and_o thansgiving_n for_o the_o accent_n of_o grief_n and_o shame_n and_o better_a remorse_n acknowledge_v his_o transgression_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n ever_o before_o he_o and_o with_o the_o most_o pathetic_a earnestness_n of_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n beg_v god_n forgiveness_n and_o that_o he_o will_v again_o great_a in_o he_o a_o clean_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o he_o as_o if_o those_o his_o great_a wickedness_n have_v not_o only_o pollute_v all_o that_o before_o be_v good_a in_o he_o but_o quite_o destroy_v the_o rectitude_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o david_n so_o s._n peter_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a baseness_n of_o deny_v his_o divine_a master_n and_o saviour_n his_o spirit_n be_v so_o true_o humble_v that_o without_o endeavour_v in_o the_o least_o to_o conceal_v or_o palliate_v his_o fault_n he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o and_o so_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o parable_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o low_a of_o all_o and_o with_o great_a compunction_n of_o spirit_n smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o the_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v viz._n a_o not_o overvalue_a our_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o ourselves_o by_o reason_n of_o they_o nor_o despise_v other_o as_o less_o holy_a but_o return_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v nor_o undervalue_v or_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v and_o extenuate_v our_o wickedness_n but_o a_o impartial_a consider_v the_o vileness_n and_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o sincere_a humble_v ourselves_o for_o they_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o show_v how_o excellent_a and_o beneficial_a this_o virtue_n be_v in_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o how_o vile_a and_o mischievous_a the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o this_o virtue_n be_v very_o excellent_a and_o of_o great_a benefit_n to_o christian_n that_o our_o lord_n have_v place_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o his_o beatitude_n which_o he_o begin_v thus_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n like_o a_o wise_a master-builder_n he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n low_a of_o a_o building_n that_o be_v to_o reach_v so_o very_o high_a and_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n must_v be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o will_v advance_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n piety_n without_o humility_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n top-heavy_a and_o overset_a like_o a_o ship_n without_o her_o ballast_n it_o be_v this_o that_o preserve_v the_o soul_n unshaken_a amid_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o make_v a_o ship_n sail_v sure_a and_o steady_a amid_o the_o mighty_a billow_n the_o house_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o sandy_a surface_n of_o the_o earth_n soon_o yield_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o tempest_n and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o our_o lord_n therefore_o begin_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o basis_n and_o great_a security_n of_o all_o his_o other_o building_n which_o he_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v be_v to_o undergo_v the_o shock_n of_o many_o a_o furious_a storm_n and_o contend_v with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n but_o more_o particular_o this_o grace_n of_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o high_o beneficial_a that_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n nor_o render_v he_o more_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n first_o nothing_o more_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n spiritual_a growth_n and_o increase_v in_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a affair_n that_o nothing_o make_v man_n more_o industrious_a than_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o want_n and_o the_o poorness_n of_o their_o stock_n whereas_o when_o a_o man_n think_v he_o have_v abundance_n he_o be_v general_o slothful_a and_o careless_a and_o impoverishment_n become_v his_o lot_n rather_o than_o a_o far_a improvement_n a_o humble_a sense_n of_o a_o man_n imperfection_n and_o sin_n will_v make_v he_o double_o diligent_a and_o consequent_o to_o improve_v great_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n but_o haughty_a conceitedness_n will_v certain_o make_v he_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o nay_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o the_o humble_a mind_a man_n improvement_n for_o it_o be_v always_o find_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o as_o of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o more_o real_a virtue_n increase_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o good_a man_n the_o more_o and_o great_a the_o defect_n of_o his_o virtue_n appear_v to_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o will_v his_o diligence_n be_v quicken_v and_o spur_v on_o as_o st._n paul_n the_o far_o he_o advance_v in_o the_o christian_a race_n the_o more_o conscious_a he_o grow_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o apprehend_v what_o he_o endeavour_v after_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a and_o that_o make_v he_o forget_v what_o be_v behind_o his_o former_a attainment_n and_o reach_v out_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o what_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o and_o eager_o press_v forward_o to_o the_o mark_n the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a diligence_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a growth_n and_o increase_n and_o so_o still_o onward_o in_o a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n till_o he_o finish_v his_o virtuous_a race_n and_o be_v perfect_a as_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n make_v a_o man_n move_v swift_o in_o the_o christian_a course_n so_o it_o make_v he_o tread_v sure_o too_o it_o balance_n he_o and_o keep_v he_o upon_o his_o centre_n and_o secure_v he_o from_o those_o dangerous_a fall_n which_o too_o often_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o the_o high-minded_a and_o proud_a for_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v that_o ruine_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n and_o his_o accomplice_n but_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o a_o christian_a against_o the_o subtle_a art_n of_o the_o tempter_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o meek_a lowly_a jesus_n and_o be_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o most_o of_o all_o apt_a for_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o infinite_a value_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o entitle_v a_o man_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n for_o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a second_o as_o this_o spiritual_a humility_n be_v of_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o a_o christian_a so_o do_v it_o render_v he_o high_o dear_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man._n all_o man_n love_v a_o humble_a man_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o he_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o circumspect_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o proud_a of_o it_o nor_o despise_v or_o haughty_o reflect_v upon_o other_o that_o live_v more_o at_o large_a than_o he_o do_v but_o advise_v they_o better_o seasonable_o and_o with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n such_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n that_o see_v his_o good_a work_n mix_v with_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n they_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o imitate_v so_o lovely_a a_o example_n and_o glorify_v their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n by_o tread_v in_o his_o step_n and_o as_o for_o god_n s._n peter_n and_o s._n james_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n all_o agree_v that_o he_o resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o our_o lord_n himself_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o