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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
heaven_n jesus_n lord_n see_v 7,565 5 3.6443 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29181 Practical discourses upon the parables of our blessed Saviour with prayers annexed to each discourse / by Francis Bragge ... Bragge, Francis, 1664-1728. 1694 (1694) Wing B4201; ESTC R35338 242,722 507

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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
p._n 91._o l._n 17._o r._n to_o p._n 111._o l._n 10._o r._n eternal_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o deal_n the._n p._n 129._o l._n 17._o r._n have_v p._n 133._o l._n 15._o r._n affect_v ib_o antip_v r._n their_o p._n 141._o l._n 3._o r._n then_o p._n 142._o l._n 7._o deal_n we_o 144._o l._n 20._o r._n if_o 162._o l._n 7._o r._n own_o p._n 171._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n p._n 185._o l._n 20._o deal_n and._n p._n 186._o l._n 23._o r._n us_o as_o 202._o l._n 10._o r._n slight_v p._n 223._o l._n 3._o r._n be_v p._n 227._o l._n 13._o r._n his_o 228._o l._n 28._o r._n break_v p._n 234._o l._n 12._o r._n strike_v so_o p_o 239._o l._n 6._o r._n behaviour_n p._n 241._o l._n 16._o deal_n such_o ib._n l._n 17._o r._n which_o 245._o l._n 17._o r._n that_o p._n 252._o l._n 12_o r._n mankind_n p._n 257._o l._n 29._o r._n general_a 266._o l._n 12._o r._n relief_n p._n 284._o l._n 14._o r._n of_o p._n 289._o l._n 23._o r._n from_o p._n 328._o l._n 13._o r._n indignus_fw-la ibid._n l._n 15._o r._n charae_fw-la p._n 329._o l._n 6._o r._n according_o p._n 332._o l._n 3._o r._n sleep_n p._n 333._o l._n 6._o r._n unspeakable_o p._n 335._o l._n 12._o r._n we_o p._n 342._o l._n 28._o r._n dewes_n p._n 355._o l._n 29._o deal_n public_a p._n 361._o l._n 25._o r._n your_o p._n 374._o l._n 18_o 19_o for_o they_o r._n he_o p._n 378._o l_o 10._o r._n she_o p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n those_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n passion_n p._n 382._o deal_n crysippi_n porticus_fw-la &_o grex_fw-la ibid._n r._n prava_fw-la p._n 392._o l._n 4._o for_o saviour_n r._n father_n 404._o l._n 3._o r._n in_o the_o favour_n 405._o l._n 27._o r._n make_v p._n 415._o l._n 27._o r._n can_v not_o p._n 416._o l._n 26._o r._n irreconcilable_a p._n 430._o l._n 2._o r._n numb_v p._n 441._o l._n 25_o r._n encourager_n p._n 457._o l._n 23._o r._n favour_n p._n 470._o l._n 25._o r._n bitter_a p._n 475_o l._n 29._o r._n depreciate_n parable_n i._o of_o the_o sour_a that_o go_v forth_o to_o sow_v his_o seed_n matth._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o behold_v a_o sower_n go_v forth_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o he_o sow_v some_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o way-side_n and_o the_o foul_n come_v and_o devour_v they_o up_o some_o fall_v upon_o sttony_n place_n where_o they_o have_v not_o much_o earth_n and_o forthwith_o they_o spring_v up_o because_o they_o have_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v up_o they_o be_v scorch_v and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o root_n they_o wither_v away_o and_o some_o fall_v among_o thorn_n and_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v they_o but_o other_o fell_a into_o good_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n some_o a_o hundred-fold_a some_o sixty-fold_a some_o thirty-fold_a this_o parable_n be_v very_o fit_o place_v first_o as_o giving_z account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n fruitfulness_n or_o unfruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o direct_v to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v better_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o will_v be_v christian_n indeed_o our_o lord_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n 8.11_o matth._n 13.19_o mark_v 4.14_o luk._n 8.11_o from_o a_o collation_n of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o record_v it_o be_v this_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n the_o religion_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n when_o any_o one_o hear_v this_o word_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o wicked_a one_o or_o satan_n immediate_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v he_o who_o receive_v seed_n by_o the_o way-side_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o rocky_a or_o stony_a place_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o present_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v not_o root_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o endure_v or_o believe_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v soon_o offend_v or_o discourage_v and_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n he_o also_o that_o receive_a seed_n among_o the_o thorn_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o go_v forth_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a or_o at_o best_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v seed_n into_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n understand_v or_o consider_v it_o and_o receive_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a from_o the_o parable_n thus_o interpret_v by_o its_o divine_a author_n it_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n improve_n or_o not_o improve_n under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o avoid_v and_o what_o to_o embrace_v and_o endeavour_v after_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v fruitful_a under_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n we_o enjoy_v we_o shall_v now_o consider_v each_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n with_o its_o interpretation_n the_o first_o be_v behold_v a_o sower_n go_v forth_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o he_o sow_v some_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o wayes-side_n and_o be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o devour_v they_o up_o the_o interpretation_n be_v that_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o any_o one_o hear_v this_o word_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o wicked_a one_o immediate_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v he_o that_o receive_v seed_n by_o the_o way-side_n or_o this_o be_v that_o seed_n which_o fall_v by_o the_o way-side_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o seed_n because_o of_o its_o fructify_a grow_a and_o increase_a nature_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v when_o sow_o unless_o kill_v and_o make_v unfruitful_a by_o accidental_a injury_n spring_v up_o into_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o in_o great_a abundance_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nourish_a strengthen_v nav_v the_o immortalise_a of_o man_n for_o of_o this_o divine_a seed_n consist_v that_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o whoso_o eat_v of_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o seed_n that_o bring_v forth_o those_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v it_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o object_n our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v this_o that_o be_v its_o preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o a_o earnest_a of_o that_o immortal_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n for_o wheresoever_o that_o seed_n be_v sow_o 6.22_o rom._n 6.22_o and_o spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_v most_o certain_o will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o for_o these_o reason_n compare_v to_o seed_n but_o to_o seed_n sow_o it_o be_v not_o only_o potential_o fruitful_a but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v now_o call_v forth_o into_o act_n it_o be_v actual_o sow_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n its_o excellent_a precept_n be_v open_o declare_v and_o plant_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o infinite_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o such_o as_o do_v or_o do_v not_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o this_o seed_n thus_o sow_o be_v water_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o distillation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n which_o be_v in_o sufficient_a plenty_n afford_v to_o every_o man_n so_o that_o god_n the_o great_a husbandman_n be_v not_o want_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o flourish_a and_o increase_n of_o that_o seed_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o commit_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o he_o expect_v and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v to_o see_v it_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n wherever_o it_o
allure_v by_o its_o temptration_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n to_o life_n enable_v i_o i_o entreat_v thou_o so_o steadfast_o to_o attend_v thy_o divine_a instruction_n that_o i_o may_v more_o and_o more_o daily_o take_v my_o love_n from_o that_o which_o do_v not_o can_v satisfy_v and_o be_v indeed_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n valuable_a that_o so_o i_o may_v be_v convince_v by_o a_o happpy_a experience_n that_o true_a pleasure_n and_o freedom_n and_o happiness_n be_v only_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o thy_o service_n and_o that_o i_o be_o so_o little_o design_v for_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o sense_n that_o the_o long_o i_o live_v to_o prove_v they_o the_o less_o capable_a i_o shall_v be_v of_o their_o enjoyment_n o_o may_v that_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n within_o my_o own_o breast_n that_o quiet_v with_o other_o that_o health_n and_o length_n of_o day_n which_o be_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o durable_a riches_n and_o true_a honour_n that_o be_v in_o she_o leave_v and_o that_o cheer_v expectation_n of_o heaven_n when_o this_o frail_a tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v may_v this_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o true_a piety_n leave_v so_o lovely_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o upon_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v value_v it_o as_o indeed_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o may_v i_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o where_o my_o treasure_n be_v there_o to_o fix_v my_o desire_n and_o thither_o to_o direct_v my_o endeavour_n and_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v my_o hindrance_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o and_o since_o this_o pearl_n be_v not_o cast_v before_o swine_n and_o this_o treasure_n must_v be_v diligent_o seek_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v find_v do_v thou_o so_o purify_v and_o refine_v my_o affection_n that_o i_o may_v above_o all_o thing_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n and_o diligent_o search_v for_o this_o save_a wisdom_n as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n and_o may_v thy_o bless_a spirit_n which_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n so_o guide_v and_o direct_v i_o in_o my_o search_n that_o seek_v i_o may_v find_v and_o have_v find_v never_o more_o part_n with_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n though_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o rather_o sell_v all_o even_o life_n itself_o to_o secure_v my_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o this_o wisdom_n i_o earnest_o beg_v of_o thou_o o_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n thy_o belove_a son_n our_o only_a saviour_n amen_n parable_n iv_o of_o a_o merciful_a king_n and_o his_o unmerciful_a servant_n matth._n xviii_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35._o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o certain_a king_n which_o will_v take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o when_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o reckon_v one_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o which_o owe_v he_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v not_o to_o pay_v his_o lord_n command_v he_o to_o be_v sell_v and_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o payment_n to_o be_v make_v the_o servant_n therefore_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o say_v lord_n have_v patience_n with_o i_o and_o i_o will_v pay_v thou_o all_o then_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n and_o loose_v he_o and_o forgive_v he_o the_o debt_n but_o the_o same_o servant_n go_v out_o and_o find_v one_o of_o his_o fellow-servant_n which_o ought_v he_o a_o hundred_o penny_n and_o he_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n say_v pay_v i_o that_o thou_o owe_v and_o his_o fellow-servant_n fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n say_v have_v patience_n with_o i_o and_o i_o will_v pay_v thou_o all_o and_o he_o will_v not_o but_o go_v and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v the_o debt_n so_o when_o his_o fellow-servant_n see_v what_o be_v do_v they_o be_v very_o sorry_a and_o come_v and_o tell_v unto_o their_o lord_n all_o that_o be_v do_v then_o his_o lord_n after_o that_o he_o have_v call_v he_o say_v unto_o he_o o_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n i_o forgive_v thou_o all_o that_o debt_n because_o thou_o desire_v i_o shall_v not_o thou_o also_o have_v compassion_n of_o thy_o fellow-servant_n even_o as_o i_o have_v pity_n on_o thou_o and_o his_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o so_o also_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v also_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o everyone_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n this_o parable_n be_v speak_v upon_o st._n peter_n ask_n our_o lord_n 21._o verse_n 21._o how_o often_o shall_v my_o brother_n sin_n against_o i_o and_o i_o forgive_v he_o till_o seven_o time_n to_o which_o question_n the_o compassionate_a jesus_n first_o answer_v direct_o verse_n verse_n i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o till_o seven_o time_n but_o till_o seventy_o time_n seven_o and_o then_o illustrate_v that_o his_o answer_n and_o show_v how_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o how_o sad_a will_v be_v our_o punishment_n if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o parable_n above_o write_v in_o which_o parable_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o general_a to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o merciful_a example_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lie_v under_o a_o vast_a debt_n to_o his_o justice_n express_v by_o a_o king_n be_v take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o forgive_a etc._n etc._n second_o his_o great_a displeasure_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o imitate_v that_o his_o compassionate_a example_n in_o forgive_a such_o as_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o they_o express_v by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v wrath_n with_o his_o unmerciful_a servant_n who_o though_o he_o receive_v so_o much_o kindness_n himself_o will_v show_v none_o to_o his_o fellow-servant_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o trifle_n in_o comparison_n but_o without_o the_o least_o compassion_n throw_v he_o into_o prison_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v it_o upon_o which_o his_o lord_n deliver_v he_o over_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o under_o the_o first_o general_n there_o be_v three_o particular_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o by_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n express_v by_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n second_o the_o impossibility_n of_o our_o ever_o clear_v this_o debt_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o it_o still_o shall_v have_v remain_v upon_o account_n express_v here_o by_o the_o king_n debtor_n have_v nothing_o to_o pay_v and_o the_o king_n be_v command_v that_o therefore_o he_o shall_v be_v sell_v and_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o so_o payment_n may_v be_v make_v three_o the_o wondrous_a compassion_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o pity_v our_o miserable_a condition_n and_o forgive_a we_o all_o our_o debt_n express_v by_o that_o king_n be_v be_v move_v with_o compassion_n at_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o his_o insolvent_a servant_n and_o lose_v he_o and_o forgive_n him_z the_o debt_n under_o the_o second_o general_n there_o be_v likewise_o three_o particular_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o and_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o imitate_v this_o example_n of_o our_o merciful_a god_n second_o our_o great_a baseness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o and_o three_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n that_o will_v attend_v that_o baseness_n we_o shall_v provoke_v god_n to_o recall_v his_o pardon_n to_o we_o and_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o we_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o the_o first_o general_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v god_n example_n in_o deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lie_v under_o a_o vast_a debt_n to_o his_o justice_n express_v by_o a_o king_n be_v take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o free_o forgive_a one_o that_o be_v deep_o indebt_v to_o he_o and_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v under_o it_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o by_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n by_o contract_v a_o debt_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v mean_v the_o have_v violate_v the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o just_a anger_n unless_o we_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
thou_o my_o god_n may_v i_o be_v frequent_a in_o pious_a ejaculation_n and_o mental_a breathe_n towards_o thou_o my_o chief_a good_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o more_o solemn_a return_v both_o of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n and_o that_o i_o may_v be_v successful_a and_o my_o prayer_n bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v listen_v up_o holy_a hand_n to_o thou_o without_o wrath_n or_o doubt_v be_v pure_a in_o my_o intention_n careful_a to_o practice_v these_o grace_n that_o i_o pray_v for_o and_o in_o all_o my_o conversation_n pious_a and_o just_a free_a from_o all_o strife_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v displease_v to_o thou_o remember_v that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n and_o may_v a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a importunity_n always_o accompany_v my_o address_n to_o thou_o that_o so_o i_o may_v not_o be_v send_v empty_a away_o but_o receive_v a_o greacious_a answer_n to_o my_o petition_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o my_o necessity_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o thy_o glory_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n in_o who_o name_n we_o present_v all_o that_o we_o beg_v of_o thy_o bounty_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v hear_v through_o his_o prevail_a intercession_n amen_n parable_n fourteen_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o publican_n luke_n xviii_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o jesus_n speak_v this_o parable_n unto_o certain_a which_o trust_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o despise_v other_o two_o man_n go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v the_o one_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o other_o a_o publican_n the_o pharisee_n stand_v and_o pray_v thus_o 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 extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n i_o fast_o twice_o in_o the_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v and_o the_o publican_n stand_v afar_o off_o will_v not_o lift_v up_o so_o much_o as_o his_o eye_n unto_o heaven_n but_o smite_v upon_o his_o breast_n say_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n i_o tell_v you_o this_o man_n go_v down_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v rather_o than_o the_o other_o 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 this_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o see_v from_o the_o introduction_n and_o conclusion_n of_o it_o be_v level_v against_o spiritual_a pride_n or_o the_o be_v high_o opinionate_a of_o one_o own_o righteousness_n and_o so_o puff_v up_o by_o it_o as_o to_o despise_v other_o as_o vile_a profane_a person_n who_o religion_n be_v not_o with_o ostentation_n and_o who_o pretend_v not_o to_o such_o extraordinary_a sanctity_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o show_v that_o a_o humble_a self-condemned_a sinner_n who_o though_o he_o have_v be_v wicked_a be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n confess_v his_o gild_n before_o god_n be_v more_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o shall_v be_v soon_o pardon_v by_o he_o and_o advance_v to_o his_o honour_n than_o he_o that_o vaunt_v of_o his_o virtue_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o religion_n his_o pride_n and_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o shall_v abase_v he_o while_o the_o other_o humility_n shall_v exalt_v he_o and_o this_o be_v very_o lively_o represent_v in_o this_o parable_n in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o a_o publican_n and_o their_o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v the_o pharisee_n be_v a_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o make_v the_o great_a tension_n to_o extraordinary_a holiness_n and_o strict_a observance_n of_o every_o punctilio_n of_o their_o law_n they_o wear_v a_o peculiar_a garb_n and_o use_v a_o different_a sort_n of_o gait_n from_o other_o man_n as_o person_n always_o busy_v in_o the_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n they_o be_v of_o very_o reserve_v conversation_n and_o of_o very_o morose_a countenance_n as_o great_o mortify_v and_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n their_o prayer_n be_v public_a and_o long_a their_o fast_n severe_a and_o often_o their_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n diligent_a and_o their_o contribution_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o god_n minister_n exact_a and_o very_a liberal_a they_o pay_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o they_o possess_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v high_o reverence_v by_o the_o people_n and_o as_o high_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o the_o publican_n be_v man_n of_o quite_o another_o character_n and_o estimation_n they_o be_v officer_n that_o gather_v up_o the_o roman_a custom_n and_o tribute_n and_o hire_v or_o farm_a they_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o then_o raise_v estate_n to_o themselves_o by_o exaction_n and_o oppression_n and_o their_o life_n be_v so_o busy_a and_o so_o constant_o take_v up_o with_o such_o vile_a affair_n as_o these_o that_o they_o think_v but_o little_a of_o religion_n and_o pretend_v to_o as_o little_a and_o therefore_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o call_v sinner_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n these_o two_o so_o very_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v to_o see_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o the_o temple_n be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v the_o great_a frequenter_n of_o that_o holy_a place_n and_o as_o constant_a at_o divine_a service_n as_o the_o priest_n that_o minister_v but_o to_o meet_v a_o publican_n there_o be_v a_o great_a rarity_n the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n be_v all_o the_o temple_n they_o general_o frequent_v and_o mammon_n be_v the_o god_n they_o worship_v in_o it_o and_o how_o to_o gripe_v and_o overreach_v and_o oppress_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o their_o devotion_n but_o however_o unusual_a it_o may_v be_v yet_o we_o see_v a_o publican_n go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v as_o scandalous_a as_o his_o profession_n be_v as_o full_a of_o hurry_n and_o application_n to_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o find_v time_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o indeed_o no_o lawful_a profession_n of_o how_o ill_o repute_v soever_o but_o may_v be_v very_o consistent_a with_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o man_n of_o the_o most_o busy_a employment_n may_v if_o they_o please_v find_v time_n and_o that_o daily_a too_o to_o go_v up_o into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v and_o that_o employment_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o however_o gainful_a that_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o religion_n public_a as_o well_o as_o private_a be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n unlawful_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v over_o for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n there_o be_v many_o calling_n or_o way_n of_o get_v a_o livelihood_n nowadays_o which_o have_v a_o ill_a repute_n and_o that_o deserve_o through_o the_o ill_a behaviour_n of_o some_o that_o follow_v they_o which_o yet_o be_v very_o lawful_a and_o very_o necessary_a in_o a_o state_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o those_o that_o have_v such_o employment_n plead_v they_o in_o excuse_n for_o their_o profaneness_n and_o irreligion_n as_o if_o their_o employment_n be_v the_o unavoidable_a occasion_n of_o their_o be_v wicked_a for_o if_o their_o employment_n be_v neither_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n they_o may_v conscientious_o and_o religious_o discharge_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v upon_o either_o account_n unlawful_a they_o must_v immediate_o leave_v they_o and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o other_o honest_a profession_n the_o employment_n of_o a_o publican_n be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o scandalous_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o not_o without_o reason_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v a_o publican_n at_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o the_o more_o acceptable_a suppliant_a of_o the_o two_o and_o if_o one_o why_o not_o the_o whole_a order_n if_o they_o have_v please_v and_o according_o when_o the_o publican_n come_v to_o john_n the_o baptist_n a_o person_n of_o the_o severe_a sanctity_n to_o be_v baptise_v of_o he_o and_o say_v unto_o he_o master_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v he_o do_v not_o charge_v they_o immediate_o to_o leave_v their_o profession_n but_o only_o not_o to_o exact_v more_o than_o be_v appoint_v they_o it_o be_v exaction_n make_v their_o office_n hateful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o if_o that_o be_v amend_v the_o employment_n be_v as_o innocent_a as_o other_o and_o when_o the_o soldier_n man_n general_o of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o loose_a and_o wicked_a demand_v of_o he_o likewise_o and_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v he_o do_v not_o condemn_v their_o profession_n but_o bid_v they_o do_v no_o violence_n to_o any_o man_n nor_o accuse_v any_o
deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o enrich_v his_o industrious_a brother_n and_o add_v to_o his_o abundance_n what_o grace_n he_o have_v before_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v and_o he_o naked_a and_o defenseless_a leave_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n shall_v no_o long_o drop_v upon_o his_o barren_a soul_n but_o parch_a and_o sapless_a it_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o eternal_a burn_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o be_v unfruitful_a under_o all_o his_o care_n and_o fatherly_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n lest_o at_o length_n he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o and_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v still_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n if_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o receive_v it_o into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n that_o be_v obey_v and_o practise_v it_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o we_o remain_v still_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n it_o become_v we_o all_o therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o not_o be_v like_o the_o high-way-side_n suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v from_o the_o instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o leave_v the_o good_a seed_n unregarded_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o expose_v our_o mind_n as_o a_o common_a tract_n to_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o diabolical_a suggestion_n nor_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n impenetrable_a to_o any_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o like_o that_o overrun_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o noxious_a weed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o care_n and_o deceitful_a riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v choke_v the_o word_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a but_o that_o we_o treasure_n up_o this_o divine_a word_n in_o our_o memory_n ponder_v and_o consider_v it_o and_o set_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n now_o 9.10_o 2_o cor._n 9.10_o he_o that_o minister_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a both_o give_v we_o this_o heavenly_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o multiply_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o good_a thing_n to_o all_o bountifulness_n there_o may_v be_v give_v through_o we_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n amen_o amen_n the_o prayer_n i._o most_o holy_a jesus_n thou_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n who_o have_v in_o great_a plenty_n sow_o among_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n even_o thy_o holy_a word_n and_o water_v it_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o be_v want_v in_o nothing_o on_o thy_o part_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o abundant_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n unfeigned_o bless_v this_o thy_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o must_v with_o shame_n confess_v that_o hitherto_o thy_o care_n have_v be_v in_o too_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o my_o inconsiderateness_n and_o obstinacy_n my_o soul_n still_o remain_v barren_a as_o the_o high-way-side_n impenetrable_a to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o best_o flit_a and_o unconstant_a in_o religious_a purpose_n which_o have_v be_v short-lived_a as_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o else_o choke_v with_o the_o briar_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n with_o covetous_a and_o sensual_a desire_n thus_o have_v i_o court_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n but_o now_o be_v awaken_v by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n i_o be_o in_o and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o my_o barrenness_n continue_v i_o humble_o beg_v and_o earnest_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o from_o who_o be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n will_v aid_v i_o with_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n and_o help_v my_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v i_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o thy_o word_n may_v ever_o hereafter_o take_v so_o deep_a a_o root_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o produce_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n ii_o i_o be_o sad_o sensible_a o_o lord_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o do_v thou_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o our_o spirit_n purge_v my_o soul_n of_o all_o lurk_a hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n and_o make_v i_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o cherish_v it_o by_o create_v in_o i_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o sincere_a and_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v so_o serious_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n thy_o goodness_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o entire_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v my_o practice_n to_o my_o belief_n and_o may_v i_o always_o heedful_o preserve_v those_o divine_a instruction_n and_o move_a argument_n to_o a_o persevere_v piety_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o thy_o word_n lest_o the_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n deprive_v i_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o in_o its_o room_n plant_v devilish_a affection_n and_o o_o that_o patience_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o thou_o for_o direction_n and_o defence_n may_v be_v my_o support_n in_o this_o my_o pilgrimage_n that_o so_o cheerful_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o early_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n in_o my_o tender_a year_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o late_a distillation_n of_o thy_o grace_n which_o will_v bring_v my_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n and_o always_o endeavour_v of_o proportion_n my_o increase_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o it_o thy_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o i_o may_v at_o last_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o unfruitfulness_n and_o have_v my_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n through_o thy_o merit_n and_o mercy_n o_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matth._n xiii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o another_o parable_n put_v jesus_n forth_o unto_o they_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o so_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v not_o thou_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o the_o servant_n say_v unto_o he_o will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o he_o say_v nay_o lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o 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 the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v thus_o set_v down_o verse_n 37._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_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
passive_o obedient_a but_o likewise_o active_o so_o and_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n so_o ought_v every_o believer_n to_o be_v to_o christ_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o main_a trial_n of_o true_a conjugal_a affection_n and_o be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o all_o other_o show_v of_o love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o reverence_n and_o submission_n for_o where_o true_a love_n reverence_n and_o submission_n be_v a_o cheerful_a obedience_n will_v sure_o follow_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o willing_a cheerful_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o dear_a lord_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v and_o of_o sarah_n it_o be_v say_v she_o obey_v abraham_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o st._n john_n agreeable_o 1_o john_n 2.5_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v and_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o continue_v that_o our_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o obey_v he_o who_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o both_o world_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n to_o those_o of_o marriage_n and_o from_o this_o so_o near_a relation_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n proceed_v the_o increase_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o numerous_a progeny_n to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n leave_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n thus_o our_o lord_n call_v the_o become_a christian_n be_v a_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o say_v our_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o in_o a_o quotation_n from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n allmighty_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o chap._n 3.26_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n as_o st._n john_n do_v 3.1_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v such_o glorious_a expectation_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o first_o general_n namely_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o true_o just_o such_o be_v man_n condition_n before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o to_o this_o happy_a marriage_n despicable_o poor_a we_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o any_o real_a excellency_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n burn_v up_o with_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n no_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n appear_v but_o draw_v still_o near_o and_o near_o to_o everlasting_a perdition_n maim_a we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o faculty_n by_o our_o frequent_a desperate_a fall_v from_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o full_a of_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o our_o best_a performance_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a like_o the_o halting_n of_o a_o cripple_n and_o our_o understanding_n withal_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o put_v out_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o lie_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a surround_v with_o terror_n rack_v by_o uncertainty_n miserable_o poor_a and_o indigent_a and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o when_o lo_o there_o arise_v up_o a_o light_n in_o this_o darkness_n and_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o we_o be_v pity_v and_o commiserate_v by_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n call_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o felicity_n that_o attend_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luke_n 4.18_o and_o according_o he_o enrich_v our_o poverty_n restore_v our_o sight_n heal_v our_o bruise_n and_o confirm_v our_o strength_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a can_v ever_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o ourselves_o wherefore_o as_o we_o shall_v adore_v and_o magnify_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n the_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o receive_v such_o wretched_a pollute_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n into_o so_o intimate_v a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v crown_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v we_o dread_v to_o fall_v back_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n again_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o that_o great_a solemnity_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o gospel_n preach_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n how_o great_a god_n care_n have_v be_v that_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o how_o repeat_v his_o invitation_n to_o man_n have_v be_v that_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o course_n that_o by_o god_n appointment_n have_v be_v take_v ever_o since_o at_o first_o many_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o extraordinary_a ability_n for_o this_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n
alone_o can_v save_v they_o and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o good_a work_n how_o come_v you_o in_o hither_o how_o come_v you_o into_o this_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n what_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o their_o excuse_n will_v they_o not_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n confound_v and_o ashamed_a and_o utter_o speechless_a what_o will_v they_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o bar_n of_o that_o dire_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o bound_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v they_o away_o etc._n etc._n certain_o nothing_o but_o with_o inexpressible_a horror_n and_o despair_n and_o self-condemnation_n must_v submit_v to_o their_o sad_a punishment_n from_o all_o this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o general_a observation_n draw_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o myriad_o of_o people_n and_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v invite_v alike_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o will_v make_v a_o very_a ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o many_o utter_o reject_v this_o invitation_n and_o more_o though_o they_o do_v embrace_v it_o yet_o become_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o by_o not_o lead_v their_o life_n agreeable_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o will_v be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n as_o elect_v or_o choice_a and_o right_a good_a christian_n and_o but_o few_o consequent_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o another_o place_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n as_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v to_o a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o do_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o show_v of_o such_o obedience_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v that_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v eternal_a weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o sincere_a and_o lively_a as_o to_o produce_v good_a work_n such_o as_o may_v make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o our_o belief_n to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n most_o bless_a example_n and_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n cheerful_o and_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o choice_a jewel_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a and_o even_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v conduct_v by_o his_o angel_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o to_o share_v in_o his_o happiness_n to_o eternal_a age_n the_o prayer_n most_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o amaze_a condescension_n have_v invite_v i_o miserable_a creature_n though_o poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a and_o destitute_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v recommend_v i_o to_o thou_o except_o it_o be_v my_o wretchedness_n to_o the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o thy_o glorious_a son_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n of_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o tender_a regard_n his_o protection_n and_o desence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n how_o can_v i_o enough_o praise_n and_o magnify_v this_o thy_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n shall_v i_o embrace_v so_o inestimable_a a_o favour_n but_o i_o alas_o stupid_a as_o i_o be_o and_o bewitch_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n and_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v hitherto_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o disregard_v this_o gracious_a offer_n and_o prefer_v every_o thing_n before_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o best_o have_v defer_v it_o still_o till_o another_o time_n provoke_v thereby_o most_o just_o thy_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o 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and_o grant_v o_o merciful_a god_n i_o humble_o entreat_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o infidelity_n may_v never_o possess_v my_o soul_n lest_o i_o total_o reject_v this_o bless_a invitation_n or_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o my_o saviour_n again_o divorce_v myself_o from_o he_o by_o entertain_v strange_a and_o forbid_a love_n and_o since_o i_o be_o so_o high_o honour_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o may_v i_o always_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o call_v and_o not_o debase_v myself_o by_o low_o sink_v brutish_a action_n but_o as_o befit_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n of_o sincere_a purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o i_o may_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o my_o dear_a lord_n but_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o merciful_a father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o bless_a jesus_n amen_n amen_n parable_n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matth._n twenty-five_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o then_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n which_o take_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a they_o that_o be_v foolish_a take_v their_o lamp_n and_o take_v no_o oil_n with_o they_o but_o the_o wise_a take_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o watch_z therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v though_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o forego_n chapter_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sad_a state_n that_o be_v ever_o long_o to_o overtake_v jerusalem_n for_o the_o jew_n
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 every_o man_n receipt_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v and_o those_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v find_v proportionable_o good_a according_a to_o the_o assistance_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o above_o or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v make_v a_o answerable_a improvement_n to_o the_o number_n of_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o those_o who_o can_v then_o give_v no_o good_a account_n of_o their_o talent_n show_v no_o suitable_a improvement_n in_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v shall_v never_o see_v life_n but_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n and_o because_o so_o very_a few_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v due_a preparation_n for_o this_o great_a day_n of_o account_n by_o improve_n the_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o
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
perfection_n he_o who_o be_v light_n itself_o and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o will_v hide_v nothing_o of_o his_o glory_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o pure_a and_o prepare_v mind_n but_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o their_o beatified_a soul_n and_o make_v they_o full_a of_o divine_a gladness_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o countenance_n their_o apprehension_n shall_v be_v clear_v and_o brighten_v their_o faculty_n act_v upon_o this_o best_a of_o object_n vigorous_o and_o without_o any_o hindrance_n or_o distraction_n and_o every_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n shall_v discover_v new_a grace_n and_o perfection_n for_o god_n be_v a_o immense_a and_o fathomless_a ocean_n of_o beauty_n as_o plato_n excellent_o express_v it_o and_o their_o capacity_n by_o every_o such_o view_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o make_v still_o more_o and_o more_o capacious_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o follow_a great_a manifestation_n and_o so_o their_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o this_o divine_a be_v always_o increase_v and_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o complete_a and_o full_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o capacity_n their_o joy_n and_o happiness_n will_v be_v like_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o because_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a and_o since_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o pious_a industry_n will_v be_v such_o a_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o these_o low_a good_n and_o dote_v no_o long_o upon_o these_o vain_a and_o worthless_a trifle_n nor_o throw_v away_o our_o love_n upon_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o and_o spend_v our_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n but_o make_v it_o our_o great_a endeavour_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o by_o improve_n the_o talent_n he_o have_v give_v we_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o remember_v that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o certain_o that_o diligence_n be_v well_o bestow_v which_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n but_o with_o the_o unprofitable_a and_o slothful_a servant_n it_o be_v not_o so_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o next_o in_o this_o world_n the_o lash_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o continual_a torment_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o have_v careless_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o perform_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n the_o just_a command_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n but_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o a_o good_a account_n when_o his_o lord_n shall_v come_v expect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n this_o will_v fill_v his_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o worldly_a enjoyment_n with_o the_o mixture_n of_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o severe_a after-reckoning_a and_o the_o terrify_a expectation_n of_o his_o sad_a fate_n that_o will_v ensue_v will_v be_v to_o he_o even_o like_o a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o cruciate_v his_o soul_n with_o unspeakable_a pang_n and_o agony_n and_o which_o be_v much_o worse_a still_o the_o grace_n that_o have_v so_o long_o lie_v unimprove_v shall_v at_o length_n be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o the_o man_n as_o desperate_a and_o irreclaimable_a be_v give_v over_o and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o remediless_a misery_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n at_o that_o great_a day_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v actual_o call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o work_n the_o dire_a sentence_n of_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 shall_v strike_v he_o through_o with_o horror_n and_o confusion_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v drive_v into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o he_o shall_v eternal_o bewail_v his_o miserable_a condition_n and_o gnash_v his_o tooth_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n for_o bring_v himself_o to_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n by_o slothful_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n with_o which_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v have_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n cry_v out_o to_o eternal_a age_n in_o utter_a despair_n and_o most_o torment_a agony_n of_o soul_n o_o that_o i_o have_v consider_v in_o that_o my_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o do_v belong_v unto_o my_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o my_o eye_n and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n here_o be_v in_o this_o parable_n we_o see_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n all_o the_o encouragement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n and_o a_o lively_a improve_n piety_n such_o as_o more_o and_o more_o abundance_n of_o grace_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a attendant_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n here_o be_v what_o if_o due_o consider_v will_v make_v any_o man_n afraid_a of_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n for_o if_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o god_n grace_n here_o and_o doom_v to_o eternal_a misery_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n wherefore_o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v now_o commented_a upon_o this_o parable_n and_o beg_v of_o god_n so_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o our_o good_a that_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o management_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o prayer_n most_o glorious_a god_n the_o fountain_n of_o perfection_n who_o i_o humble_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n i_o beseech_v thou_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o according_a to_o thy_o just_a expectation_n i_o may_v make_v a_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o thy_o bounty_n to_o thy_o glory_n and_o the_o public_a good_n and_o may_v my_o industry_n be_v excite_v by_o this_o great_a consideration_n that_o thou_o will_v certain_o call_v i_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o improvement_n and_o very_o speedy_o perhaps_o and_o will_v proportionable_o reward_v or_o punish_v i_o in_o the_o eternal_a world_n i_o thankful_o own_o most_o merciful_a father_n that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o sufficient_a grace_n wherewith_o to_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o want_v to_o i_o in_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n o_o may_v i_o not_o be_v want_v to_o myself_o and_o neglect_v and_o bury_v this_o precious_a talon_n but_o with_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n endeavour_v to_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n with_o it_o in_o fear_n and_o tremble_v remember_v what_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o how_o utter_o without_o plea_n or_o excuse_n when_o for_o my_o wicked_a slothfulness_n thou_o shall_v consign_v i_o to_o outer_a darkness_n since_o thou_o do_v enable_v i_o to_o perform_v all_o thou_o expect_v from_o i_o and_o may_v the_o unspeakable_o happy_a condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a encourage_v i_o to_o a_o active_a persevere_v piety_n and_o always_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o thou_o my_o lord_n since_o i_o know_v my_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o be_v reward_v with_o still_o large_a addition_n of_o thy_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n and_o with_o the_o participation_n in_o great_a degree_n of_o thy_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o o_o god_n assist_v i_o more_o and_o more_o with_o this_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o may_v i_o always_o grateful_o acknowledge_v from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o return_v thou_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v do_v well_o by_o thy_o assistance_n and_o always_o fear_v lest_o by_o my_o negligence_n i_o forfeit_v it_o that_o so_o faithful_o improve_n the_o talon_n thou_o have_v here_o commit_v to_o my_o trust_n i_o may_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o retribution_n hear_v these_o bless_a word_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_z thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n which_o grant_n o_o gracious_a god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n thy_o belove_a amen_n parable_n ix_o of_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool._n luke_n twelve_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o jesus_n speak_v a_o parable_n unto_o they_o say_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o certain_a rich_a man_n bring_v forth_o plentiful_o and_o
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
thou_o have_v do_v all_o o_o bless_a god_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o secure_v the_o happiness_n of_o rational_a and_o free_a agent_n i_o therefore_o beg_v with_o all_o the_o earnestness_n of_o a_o awaken_v soul_n that_o thy_o goodness_n long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n may_v soften_v my_o spirit_n and_o lead_v i_o to_o repentance_n and_o melt_v i_o into_o shame_n and_o tear_n of_o penitential_a sorrow_n for_o have_v so_o long_o abuse_v the_o tender_a kindness_n of_o so_o good_a a_o god_n o_o let_v not_o thy_o lenity_n ever_o extinguish_v the_o dread_a of_o thy_o vengeance_n which_o though_o slow_a be_v sure_a and_o may_v i_o serious_o consider_v that_o if_o this_o thy_o mercy_n be_v not_o effectual_a to_o my_o reformation_n it_o will_v but_o add_v weight_n to_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n i_o deserve_v may_v these_o consideration_n most_o gracious_a god_n never_o depart_v from_o my_o mind_n till_o fruit_n be_v add_v to_o my_o leave_n and_o i_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o true_a godliness_n which_o thing_n if_o thou_o will_v grant_v i_o then_o will_v i_o praise_v thou_o without_o cease_v and_o magnify_v thy_o goodness_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n amen_n parable_n xi_o of_o the_o prodigal_n son_n luke_n xv_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o jesus_n say_v a_o certain_a man_n have_v two_o son_n and_o the_o young_a of_o they_o say_v to_o his_o father_n father_n give_v i_o the_o portion_n of_o good_n that_o fall_v to_o i_o and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n and_o not_o many_o day_n after_o the_o young_a son_n gather_v all_o together_o and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o there_o waste_v his_o substance_n in_o riotous_a live_n and_o when_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o there_o arise_v a_o mighty_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o he_o go_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o citizen_n of_o that_o country_n and_o he_o send_v he_o into_o his_o field_n to_o feed_v swine_n and_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n do_v eat_v and_o no_o man_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n and_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n but_o when_o he_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o his_o father_n see_v he_o and_o have_v compassion_n and_o run_v and_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o and_o the_o son_n say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a again_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v this_o whole_a chapter_n from_o the_o three_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n be_v intend_v to_o represent_v the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n his_o great_a desire_n that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o turn_v from_o their_o wicked_a course_n and_o how_o high_o please_v to_o he_o it_o be_v when_o they_o sincere_o do_v so_o and_o this_o be_v express_v in_o three_o parable_n the_o first_o of_o a_o man_n seek_v diligent_o a_o sheep_n that_o he_o have_v lose_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o flock_n till_o he_o have_v find_v it_o and_o then_o rejoice_v great_o and_o tell_v his_o neighbour_n the_o good_a news_n and_o invite_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o joy_n the_o second_o be_v of_o a_o woman_n have_v lose_v a_o piece_n of_o silver_n and_o seek_v very_o careful_o till_o she_o have_v find_v it_o and_o then_o in_o like_a manner_n rejoice_v with_o her_o friend_n for_o her_o good_a success_n and_o the_o three_o parable_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o because_o they_o be_v all_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourse_v of_o one_o of_o they_o only_o and_o the_o last_o be_v the_o most_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a i_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v speak_v these_o parable_n be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n find_v fault_n with_o he_o for_o instruct_v and_o converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o very_o scandalous_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o pollution_n to_o have_v any_o familiarity_n with_o those_o worst_a of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v they_o and_o murmur_v against_o our_o saviour_n say_v this_o man_n receive_v sinner_n and_o eat_v with_o they_o ver_fw-la 2._o to_o this_o objection_n of_o they_o against_o he_o he_o answer_v in_o the_o parable_n before_o mention_v and_o show_v how_o unreasonable_o uncharitable_a they_o be_v to_o think_v much_o of_o his_o teach_v and_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o because_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n have_v therefore_o the_o most_o need_n of_o his_o holy_a instruction_n and_o excellent_a example_n that_o they_o may_v be_v reform_v and_o reclaim_v from_o their_o wicked_a practice_n for_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_o those_o that_o be_v lose_v and_o not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n nay_o more_o he_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o seven_o and_o 10_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v more_o joy_n in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n or_o such_o a_o total_a change_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o a_o sinner_n that_o break_v off_o his_o vile_a course_n by_o repentance_n and_o far_o to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v this_o great_a and_o most_o comfortable_a truth_n and_o represent_v it_o more_o lively_a to_o their_o apprehension_n he_o speak_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n and_o therein_o very_o natural_o and_o move_o express_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o the_o great_a extravagancy_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o government_n of_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n second_o the_o sad_a condition_n such_o man_n quick_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o by_o that_o their_o extravagancy_n and_o loose_v self-willed_a course_n of_o life_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o miserable_a consequence_n of_o debauchery_n and_o riot_n three_o the_o sharp_a remorse_n of_o conscience_n that_o attend_v such_o course_n the_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o a_o awaken_v sinner_n to_o return_v again_o to_o his_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o four_o the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n to_o such_o as_o repent_v in_o earnest_n and_o keep_v their_o resolution_n his_o readiness_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o great_a joy_n for_o their_o return_n because_o they_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v which_o last_v particular_a be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o be_v a_o very_a satisfactory_a account_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v so_o often_o converse_v with_o and_o instruct_v publican_n and_o sinner_n for_o they_o have_v the_o most_o need_n of_o that_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n and_o consequent_o their_o salvation_n will_v cause_v the_o great_a joy_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n so_o industrious_o endeavour_v their_o conversion_n and_o have_v the_o pharisee_n have_v any_o of_o that_o goodness_n in_o they_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o they_o will_v have_v rejoice_v at_o our_o lord_n charity_n and_o admire_v and_o love_v he_o for_o it_o rather_o than_o have_v murmur_v at_o it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o use_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o he_o the_o first_o thing_n express_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v the_o great_a extravagancy_n
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