the_o gospel_n what_o else_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o strange_a unconcernedness_n in_o the_o worldly-minded_n though_o press_v never_o so_o home_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v religion_n more_o and_o the_o world_n less_o of_o endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o to_o give_v of_o their_o abundance_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n and_o the_o like_a they_o give_v we_o the_o hear_v perhaps_o and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o own_o course_n as_o earnest_o as_o ever_o and_o if_o they_o offer_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o defence_n it_o be_v so_o strange_o weak_a that_o a_o man_n can_v but_o admire_v at_o it_o sometime_o we_o shall_v hear_v they_o say_v they_o do_v know_v what_o strait_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o yet_o before_o they_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o think_v it_o but_o prudence_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o worst_a forget_v all_o 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for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o in_o matt._n 6.32_o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n 5.5_o 1_o cor._n 6.10_o eph._n 5.5_o and_o that_o the_o covetous_a be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n of_o all_o vice_n that_o we_o reprove_v and_o warn_v man_n against_o covetousness_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a we_o find_v to_o be_v most_o stubborn_a and_o irreclaimable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o indeed_o that_o we_o can_v stop_v a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o hot_a pursuit_n of_o wealth_n so_o strange_o bewitch_v be_v this_o love_n of_o money_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a destructive_a of_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o 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concern_v we_o to_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n because_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o another_o very_a sad_a consequence_n of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n be_v that_o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o to_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6.9_o say_v they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o more_o express_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o event_n have_v often_o prove_v this_o true_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n have_v prevail_v with_o thousand_o to_o turn_v apostate_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a money_n it_o be_v that_o judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o saviour_n and_o to_o tempt_v with_o money_n be_v a_o way_n of_o proceedure_v so_o very_o successful_a a_o engine_n so_o almost_o irresistible_a that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o all_o sort_n that_o will_v gain_v proselyte_n to_o a_o party_n and_o the_o great_a tempter_n with_o much_o confidence_n after_o his_o other_o stratagem_n fail_v he_o make_v offer_v of_o riches_n to_o our_o lord_n himself_o as_o his_o best_a reserve_n when_o he_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o and_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o love_n have_v worldly-minded_n man_n for_o wealth_n as_o to_o be_v and_o do_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o frown_n or_o promise_v of_o he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v or_o take_v away_o riches_n this_o have_v be_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o former_a age_n and_o too_o much_o of_o our_o own_o too_o and_o will_v still_o be_v so_o till_o man_n grow_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o food_n and_o raiment_n and_o believe_v our_o lord_n word_n that_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v and_o that_o godliness_n with_o contentment_n be_v the_o great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o salvation_n be_v worth_a so_o much_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o more_o sense_n than_o one_o that_o it_o be_v idolatry_n colos_n 3.5_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o of_o expect_v the_o happiness_n even_o of_o this_o life_n from_o abundance_n of_o wealth_n and_o mention_v two_o very_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o covetousness_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o intend_v to_o do_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v the_o rich_a fool_n be_v question_v that_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o the_o great_a increase_n he_o have_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o lay_v my_o fruit_n and_o show_v how_o many_o good_a way_n there_o be_v of_o dispose_v of_o abundance_n of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o bestow_v what_o be_v more_o than_o his_o barn_n will_v hold_v by_o which_o i_o suppose_v be_v express_v his_o have_v more_o than_o be_v needful_a to_o his_o own_o comfortable_a subsistance_n covetousness_n will_v let_v this_o rich_a man_n think_v of_o none_o but_o of_o building_n new_a barn_n wherein_o to_o lay_v up_o his_o abundance_n and_o then_o to_o take_v his_o ease_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o be_v merry_a he_o look_v no_o far_a than_o himself_o and_o the_o more_o god_n blessing_n increase_v upon_o he_o the_o more_o he_o purpose_v to_o live_v in_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o epicurise_v away_o that_o which_o god_n give_v he_o to_o a_o quite_o different_a and_o much_o better_a purpose_n quod_fw-la superat_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la melius_fw-la quo_fw-la insumere_fw-la possis_fw-la cur_n eget_fw-la indignis_fw-la quisquam_fw-la te_fw-la divite_fw-la quare_fw-la templa_fw-la ruunt_fw-la antiqua_fw-la deum_fw-la cur_n improbe_fw-la chara_fw-la non_fw-la aliquid_fw-la patriae_fw-la tanto_fw-la emetiris_fw-la acervo_fw-la horat._n serm._n lib._n ii_o sat._n 2._o for_o every_o man_n who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o abundance_n be_v god_n steward_n of_o that_o abundance_n and_o must_v bestow_v it_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n for_o so_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 10._o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n even_o so_o minister_v one_o to_o another_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n now_o the_o
practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o prayer_n annex_v to_o each_o discourse_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n utile_fw-la est_fw-la libros_fw-la plures_fw-la à _fw-it pluribus_n fieri_fw-la diverso_fw-la stilo_fw-it non_fw-la diversâ_fw-la fide_fw-la etiam_fw-la de_fw-la quaestionibus_fw-la jisdem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la plurimos_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la sic_fw-la ad_fw-la alios_fw-la autem_fw-la sic_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la perveniat_fw-la augustin_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o imprimatur_fw-la sept._n 27._o 1693._o guil._n lancaster_n r._n p._n d._n henrico_n ep._n lond._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal-exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1694._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n lord_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n my_o lord_n i_o humble_o beg_v your_o lordship_n favourable_a acceptance_n of_o this_o address_n which_o be_v design_v as_o a_o public_a expression_n of_o the_o great_a veneration_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n and_o of_o the_o grateful_a sense_n i_o retain_v of_o the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n you_o have_v hitherto_o be_v please_v to_o show_v i_o since_o your_o happy_a accession_n to_o this_o see_n i_o do_v not_o can_v think_v this_o a_o present_a worthy_a of_o your_o lordship_n but_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o discourse_n in_o hope_n that_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o dress_n they_o appear_v in_o may_v incline_v some_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o who_o seldom_o take_v notice_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n when_o in_o the_o usual_a garb_n i_o can_v not_o but_o dedicate_v they_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o my_o diocesan_n and_o as_o a_o account_n in_o part_n how_o i_o discharge_v my_o duty_n in_o my_o cure_n under_o your_o lordship_n inspection_n and_o government_n if_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o do_v any_o service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o this_o publication_n i_o be_o sure_a your_o lordship_n will_v not_o disapprove_v of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o therefore_o beg_v your_o lordship_n blessing_n and_o your_o prayer_n that_o these_o my_o well-meant_a endeavour_n however_o otherwise_o deficient_a may_v be_v successful_a to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o your_o lordship_n eminent_a worth_n as_o well_o as_o station_n i_o be_o and_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o care_n to_o approve_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n dutiful_a and_o humble_a servant_n fr._n bragge_n the_o preface_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o in_o a_o familiar_a way_n teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useful_a undertake_n to_o discourse_n practical_o upon_o they_o and_o by_o explain_v they_o and_o enforce_v the_o sense_n couch_v under_o they_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v the_o engage_v man_n in_o a_o hearty_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o our_o great_a master_n jesus_n and_o in_o a_o industrious_a provision_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o parable_n themselves_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n why_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o speak_v in_o that_o mystical_a manner_n to_o his_o hearer_n and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n which_o his_o own_o disciple_n ask_v he_o after_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o first_o parable_n of_o a_o sour_a they_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o say_v why_o speak_v thou_o unto_o they_o in_o parable_n matt._n 13.10_o to_o this_o our_o lord_n give_v a_o double_a answer_n in_o the_o 11_o and_o follow_a verse_n thus_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n because_o it_o be_v give_v to_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o my_o faithful_a disciple_n to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v as_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o 15_o verse_n who_o heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a or_o obdurate_a and_o obstinate_a and_o their_o ear_n dull_a of_o hear_v and_o who_o have_v close_v or_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n that_o i_o manifest_a to_o the_o world_n lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_n they_o to_o such_o as_o these_o as_o very_o unworthy_a of_o the_o favour_n it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o have_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o only_o mystical_o and_o covert_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n that_o be_v it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o despise_v and_o reject_v his_o former_a plain_a discourse_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o their_o averseness_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o miracle_n he_o do_v and_o blasphemous_a attribute_v his_o cast_n out_o a_o devil_n from_o one_o possess_v who_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n for_o this_o strange_a obduracy_n of_o they_o that_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o that_o more_o obscure_a way_n of_o instruct_v they_o than_o he_o before_o have_v use_v and_o which_o new_a practice_n of_o he_o be_v a_o tacit_n intimation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o and_o do_v threaten_v a_o total_a concealment_n of_o those_o glad_a tiding_n from_o they_o which_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v unto_o the_o world_n if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o disbelief_n and_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o st._n matthew_n record_v of_o our_o lord_n discourse_n before_o this_o 13_o chapter_n which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o the_o usual_a manner_n till_o the_o pharisee_n with_o hellish_a malice_n will_v disparage_v the_o great_a miracle_n he_o wrought_v upon_o the_o possess_a man_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o art-magick_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o that_o time_n after_o confound_a that_o objection_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o perverseness_n and_o great_a obstinacy_n he_o very_o frequent_o express_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n in_o his_o public_a discourse_n and_o afterward_o in_o private_a explain_v all_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o his_o so_o do_v verse_n 12._o for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o he_o have_v that_o be_v he_o that_o upon_o my_o former_a plain_n and_o open_a instruction_n have_v believe_v and_o obey_v i_o shall_v have_v still_o more_o and_o more_o as_o plain_a manifestation_n make_v to_o he_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o that_o have_v make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o what_o be_v then_o so_o clear_o make_v know_v to_o he_o but_o continue_v still_o faithless_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v deprive_v of_o that_o full_a light_n and_o sunshine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v afford_v only_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o it_o and_o behold_v it_o as_o through_o a_o veil_n a_o punishment_n this_o have_v they_o understand_v it_o very_o great_a and_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o embrace_v that_o heavenly_a discipline_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o that_o eclipse_n of_o that_o glorious_a light_n be_v a_o certain_a forerunner_n of_o that_o eternal_a night_n which_o be_v to_o follow_v unless_o they_o speedy_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o admonition_n to_o we_o likewise_o to_o fear_n und_fw-ge tremble_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a circumspection_n lest_o we_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n lest_o we_o so_o long_o reject_v that_o light_n which_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o prefer_v darkness_n before_o it_o as_o to_o become_v utter_o unworthy_a of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v quite_o hide_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o outer_a darkness_n at_o last_o become_v our_o portion_n this_o be_v one_o reason_n our_o lord_n give_v of_o his_o speak_n to_o the_o people_n in_o parable_n it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n and_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n at_o their_o harden_a infidelity_n there_o be_v another_o and_o that_o a_o very_a merciful_a one_o as_o respect_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n not_o malicious_o faulty_a as_o those_o beforementioned_a but_o chief_o to_o blame_v for_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
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v 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 to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a 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themselves_o christians_o all_o their_o life_n and_o now_o and_o then_o come_v to_o church_n as_o other_o christian_n do_v let_v they_o consider_v whether_o at_o that_o great_a day_n such_o a_o empty_a plea_n will_v be_v accept_v when_o the_o judge_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o what_o obedience_n they_o have_v pay_v to_o his_o commandment_n if_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o why_o do_v our_o lord_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 7.14_o mat._n 7.14_o and_o why_o be_v the_o way_n say_v to_o be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o doubtless_o it_o high_o concern_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v more_o serious_o of_o religion_n than_o they_o have_v do_v 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the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o educate_v in_o his_o discipline_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n may_v yet_o through_o the_o predominancy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o together_o with_o their_o own_o careless_a inadvertency_n be_v when_o grow_v up_o incline_v to_o live_v at_o quite_o another_o rate_n than_o christianity_n allow_v and_o though_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o choose_v to_o be_v indeed_o the_o servant_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n to_o conclude_v as_o they_o do_v that_o because_o many_o that_o profess_v christianity_n live_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o cheat_n because_o do_v they_o believe_v what_o that_o religion_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o live_v in_o 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say_v to_o his_o angelical_a reaper_n gather_v you_o first_o together_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n and_o according_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o that_o have_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o it_o and_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o christianity_n have_v do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n that_o be_v when_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o whole_a intelligent_a creation_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n man_n to_o receive_v their_o several_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n according_a to_o their_o several_a desert_n and_o angel_n to_o execute_v these_o sentence_n then_o shall_v 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the_o wretched_a company_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o ever_o 4.1_o mal._n 4.1_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o prophet_n malachi_n that_o shall_v burn_v like_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o all_o they_o that_o do_v wicked_o shall_v be_v as_o stubble_n and_o the_o day_n that_o come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v burn_v they_o up_o that_o it_o shall_v leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n 9.6_o rev._n 9.6_o and_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v man_n seek_v death_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o shall_v desire_v to_o die_v and_o death_n shall_v flee_v from_o they_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n since_o from_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o a_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n may_v pass_v well_o enough_o in_o this_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o no_o open_a discrimination_n or_o punishment_n from_o god_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o after_o reckon_a when_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o their_o vile_a hypocrisy_n and_o secret_a impiety_n lay_v open_a before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n of_o great_a severity_n pay_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n since_o this_o be_v true_a it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o name_n and_o appearance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o true_a disciple_n of_o this_o holy_a institution_n by_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n diligent_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v of_o this_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a remember_v that_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o prayer_n i._o o_o holy_a saviour_n jesus_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o our_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o who_o expect_v our_o concurrence_n with_o thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o sincerity_n permit_v thy_o and_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o scatter_v his_o hellish_a injection_n where_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o heavenly_a doctrine_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o so_o to_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o life-giving_a spirit_n that_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o happiness_n may_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o active_a as_o to_o manifest_v that_o i_o be_o thou_o not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v ever_o esteem_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o i_o feel_v to_o a_o progressive_a holiness_n to_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v my_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o may_v i_o always_o thankful_o and_o cheerful_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o and_o whatever_o thought_n and_o inclination_n tend_v to_o discourage_v sincere_a religion_n and_o persuade_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n help_v i_o to_o reject_v they_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o indignation_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n to_o involve_v i_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o since_o it_o be_v while_n we_o sleep_v that_o our_o great_a adversary_n sow_n these_o his_o tare_n give_v i_o grace_n o_o bless_a jesus_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o rouse_v from_o my_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n and_o shake_v off_o my_o dream_n of_o vanity_n lest_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n at_o length_n prove_v fatal_a and_o betray_v i_o into_o eternal_a death_n ii_o thou_o have_v assure_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o our_o probation_n o_o therefore_o grant_v that_o now_o in_o this_o our_o day_n all_o we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o embrace_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n that_o by_o serious_a consideration_n we_o may_v make_v religion_n our_o choice_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o firm_o with_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o be_v in_o reality_n thy_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n remember_v thy_o bless_a word_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v and_o that_o though_o here_o the_o wicked_a go_v unpunished_a it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o and_o at_o last_o hypocrisy_n shall_v meet_v with_o its_o desert_n and_o
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
final_o want_v in_o a_o sufficient_a degree_n to_o such_o as_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o in_o another_o parable_n mark_v 4.26_o which_o for_o its_o near_a resemblance_n to_o this_o and_o the_o next_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a particular_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o of_o grace_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v he_o know_v not_o how_o from_o the_o blade_n to_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o when_o the_o fruit_n be_v ripe_a he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v come_v that_o be_v though_o good_a man_n progress_n in_o religion_n oftentime_o be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a as_o they_o may_v and_o wish_n yet_o though_o almost_o insensible_o it_o may_v daily_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o at_o last_o the_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v visible_a in_o their_o conversation_n therefore_o let_v not_o a_o slow_a improvement_n discourage_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a of_o make_v still_o high_a advances_n but_o let_v he_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o already_o have_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n still_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o with_o patience_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o more_o plentiful_a increase_n in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o and_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a when_o a_o husbandman_n sow_n his_o seed_n if_o he_o sow_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n we_o know_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v in_o a_o proportionable_a abundance_n and_o when_o he_o sow_n more_o spare_o and_o the_o soil_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o increase_n his_o expectation_n be_v according_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n from_o such_o as_o be_v of_o pregnant_a part_n and_o ability_n able_a to_o entertain_v and_o consider_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o enjoy_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n all_o the_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o abundant_a increase_n from_o such_o man_n as_o these_o god_n will_v expect_v much_o fruit_n even_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o hundred-fold_a they_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v so_o rich_o in_o they_o line_n upon_o line_n precept_n upon_o precept_n treasure_n of_o instruction_n heap_v one_o upon_o another_o a_o scanty_a penurious_a increase_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v much_o less_o a_o total_a and_o entire_a barrenness_n excuse_v for_o so_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6.7_o 8._o the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o our_o lord_n in_o very_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n say_v the_o same_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v 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 ability_n alike_o nor_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n either_o in_o the_o sow_v of_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soil_n god_n will_v proportionable_o abate_v in_o his_o expectation_n of_o increase_n but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o increase_n from_o every_o man_n yet_o he_o will_v expect_v some_o if_o not_o a_o hundred-fold_a yet_o sixty_o or_o if_o not_o sixty_o yet_o at_o least_o thirty_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v myriad_o of_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n who_o receive_v the_o seed_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o considerable_a increase_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o unfruitful_a as_o if_o their_o soul_n have_v lie_v always_o fallow_a and_o be_v never_o cultivate_v and_o impregnate_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a instruction_n let_v such_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o immortal_a soul_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o that_o stupid_a numbness_n and_o insensibility_n that_o so_o fatal_o beset_v they_o and_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v when_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o god_n will_v gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n and_o dispose_v they_o in_o his_o heavenly_a garner_n when_o at_o that_o great_a day_n our_o lord_n shall_v expect_v fruit_n from_o the_o seed_n that_o he_o have_v sow_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n wickedness_n and_o impurity_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n they_o will_v be_v in_o when_o their_o unfruitfulness_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o number_n and_o sharpness_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n increase_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o they_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o frequent_o importune_v they_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o way_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o his_o testimony_n and_o be_v no_o long_o unprofitable_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n and_o how_o soon_o god_n alone_o can_v tell_v and_o perhaps_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v the_o last_o invitation_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o some_o that_o hear_v it_o may_v ever_o have_v or_o at_o least_o the_o last_o that_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o fruitful_a wherefore_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n shall_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n consider_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o this_o of_o mat._n 13.12_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o the_o instruction_n he_o have_v already_o hear_v shall_v receive_v abundant_o more_o grace_n far_o great_a assistance_n and_o much_o large_a and_o more_o frequent_a shower_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n than_o ever_o former_o he_o do_v christ_n will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v express_v rev._n 3.20_o that_o be_v will_v free_o communicate_v to_o he_o of_o his_o divine_a favour_n and_o refreshment_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a festivity_n and_o joy_n between_o they_o his_o saviour_n will_v take_v he_o into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v his_o brother_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n that_o be_v as_o tender_o regard_v by_o he_o as_o those_o dear_a relative_n and_o how_o must_v that_o soul_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v which_o be_v thus_o plentiful_o water_v with_o shower_n above_o and_o enrich_v with_o stream_n issue_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o intolerable_a will_v be_v his_o misery_n that_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v these_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o a_o careless_a hearer_n only_o deceive_a sad_o
be_v the_o devil_n the_o harvest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reaper_n be_v the_o angel_n as_o therefore_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n from_o this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a and_o terror_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o wicked_a professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o name_n and_o outside_n and_o who_o in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v confuse_o intermix_v among_o the_o good_a and_o go_v undiscovered_a of_o man_n and_o unpunished_a of_o god_n nay_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v here_o more_o than_o the_o good_a and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n whilst_o the_o sincere_o good_a undergo_v many_o affliction_n and_o appear_v to_o man_n to_o be_v under_o god_n displeasure_n yet_o in_o the_o great_a harvest_n that_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o distinction_n make_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o hypocritical_a shall_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o former_a consign_v to_o ever_o last_a burn_n and_o the_o latter_a receive_v into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n the_o place_n prepare_v for_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o this_o sense_n and_o then_o discourse_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convert_v man_n to_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sow_v of_o seed_n because_o as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a parable_n the_o gospel_n like_o seed_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o a_o future_a great_a increase_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v that_o which_o if_o sincere_o embrace_v and_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n not_o hinder_v will_v spring_v up_o to_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o seed_n sow_o or_o commit_v to_o the_o furrow_n and_o then_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n and_o the_o favourable_a influence_n of_o heaven_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v actual_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o to_o particular_a person_n leave_v to_o make_v its_o way_n by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o its_o transcendent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n together_o with_o the_o constant_a dew_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n that_o attend_v it_o without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a mean_n unless_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n to_o make_v it_o take_v root_n and_o fructify_v it_o be_v general_o propose_v to_o all_o in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n which_o be_v the_o sow_v of_o it_o and_o then_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n whether_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o with_o its_o promise_n or_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o its_o threat_n without_o any_o irresistible_a force_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o only_o the_o small_a still_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o grace_n descend_v like_o the_o gentle_a dew_n to_o soften_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o cherish_v this_o good_a seed_n which_o be_v the_o leave_v the_o gospel_n to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n with_o only_a the_o benign_a water_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n our_o lord_n be_v call_v the_o sour_a of_o the_o good_a seed_n because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n and_o its_o validity_n to_o the_o great_a purpose_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v depend_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o invigorate_n virtue_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n by_o his_o death_n that_o he_o receive_v authority_n to_o mark_v out_o to_o we_o this_o way_n to_o life_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o the_o only_a principle_n and_o seed_n of_o immortality_n the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o field_n where_o this_o seed_n be_v sow_o because_o this_o bless_a religion_n be_v catholic_a and_o universal_a not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o people_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v but_o whosoever_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o people_n soever_o shall_v believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o agreeable_o in_o another_o parable_n which_o for_o its_o great_a analogy_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 13.47_o mat._n 13.47_o not_o any_o particular_a lake_n or_o river_n and_o this_o world_n be_v style_v the_o field_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a place_n of_o receive_v this_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a and_o expect_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v this_o divine_a seed_n now_o while_o he_o continue_v here_o or_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n again_o but_o suffer_v for_o ever_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o obstinate_a infidelity_n or_o barren_a unfruitfulness_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a field_n this_o life_n the_o only_a seedtime_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o come_v that_o one_o great_a harvest_n which_o shall_v consign_v man_n to_o a_o eternal_a condition_n either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o their_o barrenness_n or_o fruitfulness_n during_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o growth_n and_o increase_n the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a christian_n entire_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a master_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o precede_a parable_n these_o be_v themselves_o likewise_o compare_v to_o good_a seed_n because_o they_o have_v a_o substantial_a piety_n the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o their_o holy_a religion_n that_o divine_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n have_v produce_v not_o only_o the_o blade_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n the_o same_o kind_a of_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o spirit_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o holiness_n produce_v real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v good_a seed_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o true_o pious_a man_n be_v likewise_o call_v good_a seed_n as_o the_o genuine_a product_n and_o increase_v of_o that_o first_o principle_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o good_a seed_n sow_o and_o the_o sincere_o religious_a be_v the_o good_a seed_n as_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o be_v produce_v by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o or_o the_o hypocritical_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o tare_n or_o gockle_n because_o they_o have_v only_o a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n as_o tare_n and_o cockle_n have_v of_o corn_n but_o like_o they_o no_o substance_n of_o good_a corn_n none_o of_o the_o real_a excellency_n of_o religion_n nothing_o but_o hurtful_a and_o vicious_a quality_n as_o tare_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hurtful_a to_o themselves_o in_o the_o final_a consequence_n as_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o miserable_a a_o end_n and_o hurtful_a to_o other_o by_o their_o ill_a neighbourhood_n and_o converse_n as_o tare_n to_o wheat_n and_o likewise_o injurious_a to_o the_o holy_a religion_n they_o profess_v as_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o it_o by_o their_o scandalous_a conversation_n upon_o all_o account_n it_o be_v infoelix_fw-la lolium_fw-la as_o the_o poet_n call_v it_o unhappy_a tare_n they_o be_v that_o bring_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n and_o destruction_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o fit_o style_v the_o enemy_n that_o
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o bright_a for_o mind_n darken_v with_o flesh_n the_o splendour_n of_o it_o flash_n too_o strong_o upon_o our_o feeble_a sense_n now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o too_o long_o and_o close_o gaze_v on_o will_n rather_o dazzle_v than_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n no_o mortal_a man_n can_v see_v god_n face_n and_o live_v and_o therefore_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o 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 that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o indeed_o this_o include_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v of_o excellence_n and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o poor_a ignorant_a benight_a creature_n can_v imagine_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n all_o that_o be_v charm_v and_o true_o desirable_a in_o nature_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a creation_n be_v but_o a_o stream_n from_o this_o divine_a fountain_n and_o be_v in_o he_o ininfinite_o great_a excellency_n for_o he_o be_v beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o harmony_n itself_o and_o therefore_o since_o religion_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o chief_a good_a what_o can_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o value_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o can_v be_v value_v with_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n with_o the_o precious_a onyx_n or_o the_o saphire_n no_o mention_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o coral_n or_o pearl_n for_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n be_v above_o ruby_n job_n 28.13_o etc._n etc._n such_o then_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_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
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
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
together_o and_o they_o both_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o mind_v their_o own_o petty_a affair_n and_o which_o may_v have_v be_v as_o well_o let_v alone_o till_o another_o time_n before_o that_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n do_v they_o in_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n and_o they_o may_v well_o believe_v such_o excuse_n will_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o provoke_v the_o king_n to_o anger_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o favour_n make_v thus_o light_a of_o and_o man_n common_a business_n prefer_v before_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n too_o many_o now-adays_a be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o plead_v business_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n in_o excuse_n of_o their_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n our_o calling_n must_v be_v follow_v business_n must_v be_v do_v our_o family_n must_v be_v maintain_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v be_v much_o at_o leisure_n for_o religion_n at_o the_o present_a when_o the_o fatigue_n of_o this_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v over_o and_o we_o draw_v near_o the_o other_o then_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o and_o this_o though_o few_o man_n will_v speak_v it_o out_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o too_o many_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o practice_n and_o true_o some_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o declare_v this_o open_o now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o business_n must_v be_v mind_v and_o our_o family_n maintain_v and_o industry_n be_v as_o much_o a_o christian_a duty_n as_o any_o other_o and_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o piety_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n and_o will_v not_o commute_v for_o a_o neglect_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nay_o this_o sort_n of_o industry_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o piety_n and_o provide_v the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o commendable_a to_o abate_v of_o our_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o next_o thus_o when_o jesus_n come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o martha_n and_o mary_n and_o martha_n out_o of_o a_o commendable_a zeal_n to_o entertain_v he_o well_o be_v busy_v in_o make_v ready_a provision_n for_o he_o while_o mary_n set_v at_o his_o foot_n listen_v to_o his_o divine_a instruction_n when_o martha_n complain_v to_o he_o that_o her_o sister_n have_v leave_v all_o the_o trouble_v to_o she_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o order_v that_o she_o shall_v help_v she_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o she_o martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v above_o all_o needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o luk._n 10.40_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_o in_o his_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n mat._n 6.24_o 25._o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n say_v our_o lord_n therefore_o take_v no_o thought_n i.e._n no_o anxious_a over_o eager_a concern_v for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o be_v clothe_v but_o verse_n 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n let_v it_o be_v your_o principle_n care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o then_o a_o moderate_a care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_n with_o god_n blessing_n which_o alone_o can_v give_v prosperity_n be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o be_v too_o common_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o first_o provide_v with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o at_o last_o think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v such_o a_o ungodly_a and_o unreasonable_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o bitter_a remorse_n at_o last_o and_o utter_a confusion_n so_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a be_v this_o first_o excuse_n man_n offer_v for_o their_o not_o entertain_v religion_n so_o affectionate_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v namely_o that_o they_o have_v buy_v farm_n and_o ox_n and_o must_v look_v after_o they_o i._n e._n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n the_o other_o excuse_v offer_v in_o the_o parable_n for_o absent_v from_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n be_v the_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n the_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o new_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v no_o appetite_n for_o those_o at_o the_o king_n son_n wedding_n and_o this_o as_o little_a 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and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o young_a person_n express_v but_o many_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o own_v it_o plain_o but_o since_o they_o talk_v of_o experience_n i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o more_o disappointment_n than_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o great_a sensual_a pleasure_n they_o have_v enjoy_v the_o thing_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o they_o tacit_o confess_v it_o by_o shift_a pleasure_n so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v for_o where_o there_o be_v satisfaction_n what_o need_v of_o change_n and_o i_o may_v likewise_o bold_o assert_v this_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o very_a many_o that_o have_v taste_v both_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n those_o of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o flow_v from_o a_o sincere_a religion_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o study_a gratification_n of_o sense_n nay_o even_o those_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n relish_v much_o better_a for_o be_v season_v with_o religion_n so_o that_o to_o neglect_v religion_n out_o of_o a_o fondness_n for_o pleasure_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v run_v from_o a_o fountain_n because_o he_o be_v parch_v with_o thirst_n no_o pleasure_n certain_o like_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o once_o drink_v of_o those_o river_n of_o delight_n that_o flow_v from_o she_o will_v never_o thirst_v again_o after_o the_o taint_a puddle_n of_o brutal_a enjoyment_n for_o her_o way_n only_o be_v way_n of_o sincere_a and_o unmixed_a pleasure_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o suppose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v indeed_o as_o great_a as_o some_o man_n after_o all_o their_o baulks_n and_o disappointment_n will_v still_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o austere_a and_o rugged_a thing_n and_o but_o little_a or_o no_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yet_o since_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v very_o short_a and_o momentary_a and_o must_v certain_o die_v with_o we_o and_o general_o leave_v we_o long_o before_o we_o die_v and_o since_o religion_n how_o unpleasant_a soever_o here_o will_v secure_v to_o we_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o unconceivable_a pleasure_n that_o be_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o rational_a man_n but_o will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a childish_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o plead_v our_o fondness_n of_o the_o gaiety_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v like_o a_o child_n slight_v a_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o rather_o pursue_v a_o empty_a
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 ever_o exclude_v thy_o bless_a presence_n as_o infinite_o unworthy_a but_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o do_v earnest_o repent_v and_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o so_o ungrateful_o sliting_a such_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o vileness_n be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o be_v intolerable_a and_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n i_o beg_v thy_o heavenly_a aid_n that_o now_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n i_o may_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o bless_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_n and_o honour_v the_o messenger_n which_o bring_v i_o those_o glad_a tiding_n and_o since_o my_o maker_n be_v my_o husband_n be_v always_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o unspotted_a fidelity_n and_o love_n be_v his_o entire_o and_o for_o ever_o submit_v without_o reserve_n to_o his_o heavenly_a government_n reverence_v his_o authority_n and_o glorify_v he_o with_o my_o body_n and_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o 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
instrument_n of_o rescue_v other_o from_o misery_n and_o want_n from_o perish_v with_o hunger_n or_o by_o other_o calamity_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o life_n and_o comfort_n and_o health_n and_o liberty_n what_o delight_n more_o high_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o which_o will_v arise_v from_o our_o change_v the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o lament_n of_o the_o miserable_a into_o rejoice_n and_o the_o curse_n and_o horrid_a blasphemy_n and_o impious_a reflection_n upon_o providence_n utter_v by_o those_o who_o extremity_n of_o poverty_n have_v make_v desperate_a into_o praise_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o care_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n what_o can_v cause_v great_a complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v as_o a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a not_o only_o in_o maintain_v they_o but_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o good_a and_o pious_a education_n and_o honest_a trade_n whereby_o these_o very_a child_n become_v man_n of_o probity_n and_o useful_a to_o the_o state_n who_o otherwise_o if_o leave_v at_o loose_a and_o unregarded_a will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v the_o pest_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o community_n miserable_a themselves_o and_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o misery_n to_o other_o and_o what_o more_o grateful_a to_o a_o pious_a man_n than_o to_o relieve_v the_o forlorn_a poverty_n of_o such_o as_o be_v at_o once_o deprive_v of_o their_o husband_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n and_o to_o be_v bless_v by_o those_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o perish_v and_o cause_v the_o widow_n heart_n to_o sing_v for_o joy_n 29.31_o job_n 29.31_o this_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n say_v st._n 1.27_o jam._n 1.27_o james_n to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o god_n himself_o 146.9_o psal_n 146.9_o who_o preserve_v the_o stranger_n and_o relieve_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o indeed_o every_o expression_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n resemble_v we_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v above_o all_o his_o work_n and_o to_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n who_o so_o pity_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o leave_v his_o father_n glory_n and_o take_v on_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o life_n and_o pardon_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n and_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o certain_o to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o the_o great_a redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o in_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o glorious_a persection_n must_v needs_o fill_v a_o man_n breast_n with_o heavenly_a joy_n since_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n consist_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v transform_v into_o the_o divine_a image_n and_o likeness_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.2_o 1_o joh._n 3.2_o 2_o cor._n 3.18_o but_o second_o and_o which_o with_o some_o may_v be_v the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n there_o be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o charity_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o thrive_a of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o prosperity_n and_o a_o blessing_n david_n say_v express_o psal_n 37.25_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a and_o yet_o see_v never_o the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n bege_v their_o bread_n i._n e._n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o righteous_a man_n that_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o not_o only_a himself_o but_o his_o posterity_n be_v bless_v and_o this_o a_o learned_a author_n of_o our_o own_o 1_o dr._n hammond_n pract._n cat._n lib._n 3._o sect._n 1_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n and_o challenge_v any_o historian_n of_o past_a or_o observator_fw-la of_o present_a time_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n of_o any_o christian_a alm_n giver_n that_o ever_o bring_v himself_o or_o his_o posterity_n to_o want_v nay_o that_o do_v not_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v the_o better_a by_o that_o mean_n and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o solomon_n prov._n 11.24_o 25._o there_o be_v that_o scatter_v and_o yet_o increase_v and_o there_o be_v that_o withhold_v more_o than_o be_v meet_v and_o it_o tend_v to_o poverty_n the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o he_o that_o water_v shall_v be_v water_v also_o himself_o that_o be_v as_o the_o same_o author_n have_v it_o unless_o by_o negligence_n or_o suretyship_n or_o some_o other_o sin_n that_o he_o live_v in_o he_o bring_v a_o curse_n and_o poverty_n upon_o himself_o and_o mercifulness_n prove_v not_o antidote_n sufficient_a against_o all_o other_o poison_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o assure_v of_o the_o peculiar_a care_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v always_o have_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v in_o recompense_n of_o his_o liberal_a charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a have_v questionless_a very_o great_a encouragement_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n and_o as_o for_o the_o unavoidable_a trouble_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v mix_v with_o the_o most_o perfect_a prosperity_n here_o as_o sickness_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n and_o temporal_a loss_n and_o such_o like_a 3._o psal_n 41.1_o 3._o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a say_v david_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o strengthen_v he_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o languish_v and_o make_v all_o his_o bed_n in_o his_o sickness_n and_o though_o many_o may_v be_v the_o trouble_n even_o of_o the_o thus_o righteous_a which_o god_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o be_v exercise_v with_o for_o many_o excellent_a purpose_n yet_o he_o will_v sure_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o as_o for_o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o charity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o next_o world_n it_o be_v thus_o express_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n that_o be_v at_o the_o time_n when_o every_o man_n will_v stand_v in_o the_o great_a need_n of_o mercy_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v particular_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o one_o stewardship_n in_o point_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o indigent_a and_o calamitous_a and_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n have_v declare_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n to_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n he_o will_v esteem_v the_o express_v of_o our_o charity_n to_o his_o necessitous_a servant_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o will_v reward_v the_o merciful_a not_o only_o with_o a_o public_a commendation_n at_o that_o general_n assembly_n of_o all_o the_o world_n but_o will_v receive_v they_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o his_o eternal_a kingdom_n say_v come_v you_o bless_a child_n of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 25.34_o and_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v want_v encouragement_n to_o the_o duty_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o infer_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o conclude_v this_o argument_n and_o first_o from_o the_o strict_a charge_n that_o god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o every_o capable_a person_n to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o that_o want_v relief_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o want_v of_o the_o needy_a and_o in_o a_o measure_n suitable_a to_o his_o ability_n and_o enforce_v this_o charge_n with_o the_o most_o prevail_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n of_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o instance_n for_o what_o will_v they_o have_v god_n do_v more_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o he_o have_v already_o do_v will_v they_o have_v he_o exercise_v his_o omnipotence_n in_o whole_o prevent_v poverty_n that_o be_v will_v they_o have_v he_o interpose_v in_o all_o the_o contingency_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o immediate_o command_v the_o sea_n for_o example_n to_o be_v calm_a when_o a_o vessel_n be_v in_o danger_n who_o wreck_n will_v be_v the_o undo_n of_o several_a or_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o steer_v she_o from_o shelf_n and_o quicksand_n to_o preserve_v she_o from_o pirate_n and_o conduct_v she_o in_o salety_n to_o the_o haven_n will_v they_o have_v the_o land_n miraculous_o secure_v from_o all_o misfortune_n too_o from_o the_o villainy_n of_o man_n from_o casual_a fire_n from_o inundation_n and_o earthquake_n 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
and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o thrive_v they_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o those_o that_o do_v as_o look_v upon_o prosperity_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n but_o all_o this_o be_v throughout_o a_o great_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v neither_o a_o certain_a argument_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n or_o of_o their_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o neither_o be_v affliction_n a_o certain_a sign_n of_o god_n cast_v man_n off_o here_o or_o a_o sure_a forerunner_n of_o eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o but_o frequent_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o good_a be_v calamitous_a in_o this_o world_n but_o receive_v into_o abraham_n bosom_n in_o the_o other_o and_o those_o that_o be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a here_o too_o often_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n hereafter_o prosperity_n be_v in_o itself_o indeed_o a_o blessing_n and_o promise_v as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o godliness_n and_o according_o many_o good_a man_n be_v happy_a even_o here_o and_o be_v all_o true_o good_a all_o will_v be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a for_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o make_v the_o world_n miserable_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n affliction_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o great_a evil_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n joyous_a but_o grievous_a and_o be_v always_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o offence_n but_o oftentimes_o worldly_a prosperity_n be_v send_v as_o a_o curse_n rather_o than_o a_o blessing_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o the_o only_a happiness_n that_o some_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v and_o adversity_n prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n and_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o paternal_a regard_n the_o only_a misery_n some_o shall_v ever_o feel_v and_o a_o introduction_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n some_o in_o mercy_n be_v correct_v here_o for_o their_o fault_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o everlasting_a punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o other_o fat_v up_o here_o as_o to_o a_o day_n of_o slaughter_n and_o suffer_v since_o they_o choose_v it_o to_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n as_o abraham_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o through_o the_o excess_n of_o his_o torment_n beg_v that_o he_o will_v send_v he_o who_o be_v once_o a_o poor_a lazarus_n but_o then_o in_o a_o place_n of_o happiness_n to_o dip_v his_o finger_n in_o water_n and_o come_v and_o cool_v his_o tongue_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n his_o evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o that_o prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v so_o often_o end_v in_o misery_n in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o affliction_n man_n meet_v with_o here_o be_v turn_v into_o happiness_n hereafter_o for_o worldly_a prosperity_n however_o charm_v it_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o be_v a_o state_n so_o full_a of_o danger_n so_o beset_v with_o temptation_n to_o vice_n so_o apt_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o attend_v to_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a moment_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o adversity_n on_o the_o contrary_a though_o very_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o be_v so_o apt_a therefore_o to_o wean_v man_n from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fade_a vanity_n of_o it_o and_o make_v they_o out_o of_o love_n with_o what_o be_v so_o fickle_a and_o uncertain_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n and_o be_v a_o state_n that_o humble_v man_n much_o and_o increase_v devotion_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o repentance_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v that_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o they_o that_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n seem_v by_o far_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o likelihood_n be_v there_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o that_o happy_a place_n than_o the_o prosperous_a enjoyment_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o according_o say_v the_o apostle_n not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o that_o riches_n be_v a_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o drown_v man_n in_o divers_a hurtful_a lust_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n and_o therefore_o exhort_v man_n to_o count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n or_o affliction_n the_o use_v then_o that_o we_o may_v make_v of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n be_v this_o not_o to_o be_v deject_v under_o adversity_n as_o if_o cast_v off_o by_o god_n and_o utter_o deprive_v of_o his_o favour_n nor_o puff_v up_o by_o prosperity_n as_o if_o peculiarly_a dear_a to_o heaven_n but_o in_o every_o state_n to_o make_v it_o our_o great_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v our_o main_a interest_n and_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o the_o one_o condition_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a calamitous_a or_o prosperous_a shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o with_o which_o any_o man_n in_o whatsoever_o circumstance_n he_o be_v in_o this_o life_n shall_v be_v sure_a of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o maker_n if_o riches_n increase_v by_o honest_a industry_n and_o conscientious_a deal_v and_o prudent_a management_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o as_o a_o blessing_n and_o humble_o thank_v god_n for_o it_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o nor_o grow_v high-minded_a and_o conceit_v of_o ourselves_o as_o if_o great_o in_o favour_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o our_o prosperity_n the_o reward_n of_o our_o extraordinary_a virtue_n nor_o despise_v the_o poverty_n of_o other_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o less_o holy_a because_o not_o so_o prosperous_a as_o we_o neither_o shall_v we_o grow_v vain_a and_o luxurious_a or_o covetous_a and_o sordid_a but_o make_v friend_n with_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o act_n like_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n and_o ready_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o want_n remember_v always_o that_o many_o have_v all_o their_o share_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o while_o they_o dote_v immoderate_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o place_v their_o chief_a good_a in_o be_v prosperous_a here_o forfeit_v their_o glorious_a reversion_n hereafter_o and_o always_o fear_v lest_o our_o prosperity_n become_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o we_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o curse_n by_o our_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o and_o become_v such_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o little_a of_o the_o world_n to_o lose_v our_o immortal_a soul_n what_o comfort_n have_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o all_o his_o former_a prosperity_n when_o he_o lie_v welter_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n all_o his_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o sumptuous_a fare_n because_o he_o abuse_v they_o to_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o grow_v negligent_a of_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o cool_v his_o inflame_a tongue_n if_o affliction_n and_o poverty_n shall_v be_v our_o lot_n it_o be_v then_o our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v content_v and_o not_o despond_v as_o if_o utter_o reject_v of_o god_n but_o to_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a world_n in_o which_o those_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o for_o ever_o happy_a that_o be_v patient_a and_o resign_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n love_v who_o he_o chasten_v and_o that_o if_o we_o comply_v with_o the_o end_n of_o his_o correction_n and_o amend_v under_o his_o paternal_a rod_n our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n lazarus_n in_o the_o parable_n we_o read_v be_v miserable_o poor_a desirous_a though_o but_o of_o the_o fragment_n that_o fall_v from_o the_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o full_a of_o noisome_a painful_a sore_n a_o sad_a spectacle_n both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o die_v be_v carry_v up_o by_o angel_n into_o abraham_n bosom_n it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v outward_a circumstance_n that_o god_n respect_n but_o the_o inward_a temper_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o often_o make_v his_o outward_a condition_n calamitous_a 16.7_o 1_o sam._n 16.7_o that_o his_o mind_n may_v grow_v
call_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v genuine_a well_o but_o though_o this_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o they_o object_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o these_o man_n set_v down_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o that_o their_o relation_n be_v contradictious_a but_o to_o this_o we_o may_v return_v that_o though_o this_o have_v be_v by_o some_o man_n say_v yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v prove_v nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a several_a heathen_a writer_n as_o pliny_n tacitus_n lucian_n suetonius_n and_o other_o of_o great_a antiquity_n quote_v by_o 2._o by_o de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la christ_n rel._n lib._n 2._o grotius_n and_o initium_fw-la and_o demomstaâ—_n evangel_n propos_fw-fr 3._o prope_fw-la initium_fw-la haetius_n have_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o the_o christian_a side_n and_o though_o they_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o vilify_v the_o whole_a story_n of_o our_o lord_n life_n and_o death_n yet_o they_o can_v say_v much_o less_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o occurrence_n be_v as_o record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o true_o the_o evangelist_n be_v so_o punctual_a in_o all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n so_o particular_a in_o name_v of_o person_n concern_v and_o that_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o those_o transaction_n and_o those_o too_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n jew_n and_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o those_o transaction_n be_v so_o public_a and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o account_n of_o they_o be_v write_v so_o soon_o after_o they_o be_v do_v that_o it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o have_v detect_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o story_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v very_o much_o concern_v to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o no_o doubt_n they_o endeavour_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o we_o find_v that_o neither_o then_o nor_o since_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v fasten_v upon_o these_o write_n but_o rather_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n than_o which_o no_o better_a argument_n can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n which_o they_o say_v be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o to_o man_n unlearned_a or_o else_o deep_o prejudice_v some_o thing_n may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o clash_v a_o little_a yet_o upon_o a_o close_a view_n of_o any_o competent_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v far_o from_o be_v irreclaimable_a and_o these_o seem_a difference_n be_v likewise_o in_o thing_n not_o material_a in_o the_o main_a there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a harmony_n which_o consider_v that_o four_o several_a man_n be_v the_o writer_n and_o that_o they_o write_v in_o different_a and_o distant_a place_n be_v no_o mean_a argument_n that_o what_o they_o so_o punctual_o and_o agreeable_o relate_v be_v true_a and_o indeed_o those_o little_a difference_n that_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o pack_v business_n they_o will_v have_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o have_v differ_v in_o a_o title_n as_o for_o their_o last_o reserve_v that_o suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o they_o relate_v yet_o those_o strange_a thing_n that_o be_v record_v of_o jesus_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o art_n magic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o what_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o no_o inspiration_n of_o god_n to_o this_o we_o may_v return_v in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o cast_v so_o many_o evil_a spirit_n out_o of_o possess_v person_n and_o from_o their_o tremble_n at_o his_o presence_n and_o cry_v out_o for_o dread_a and_o from_o his_o teach_n so_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a a_o religion_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o weaken_v his_o infernal_a kingdom_n and_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n he_o wrought_v diverse_a and_o very_a amaze_a miracle_n and_o those_o high_o beneficial_a one_o too_o such_o as_o give_v sight_n to_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v long_o and_o desperate_a disease_n and_o raise_v to_o life_n those_o that_o have_v be_v dead_a and_o one_o of_o they_o four_o day_n bury_v and_o this_o only_a with_o a_o word_n or_o with_o his_o touch_n 15._o john_n 11â—_n 15._o which_o be_v part_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n set_v down_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o before_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a now_o can_v any_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n think_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v he_o able_a will_v so_o far_o assist_v one_o that_o come_v on_o purpose_n into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v our_o lord_n own_o answer_n to_o the_o foolish_o masicious_a pharisees_n who_o when_o they_o see_v he_o work_v a_o stupendous_a miracle_n upon_o one_o possess_v with_o a_o devil_n both_o blind_a and_o dumb_a insomuch_o that_o the_o blind_a and_o dumb_a both_o speak_v and_o see_v object_v present_o this_o fellow_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o jesus_n know_v their_o thought_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v a_o demonstration_n this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o though_o delude_a man_n may_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o frame_v such_o a_o objection_n the_o devil_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o put_v the_o thing_n in_o practice_n as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o what_o be_v object_v that_o what_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v by_o way_n of_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o not_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n i_o may_v only_o appeal_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o be_v of_o so_o exalt_v and_o heavenly_a a_o nature_n and_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o either_o before_o or_o since_o be_v ever_o write_v by_o man_n that_o they_o themselves_o will_v prove_v their_o original_a to_o be_v divine_a but_o there_o be_v a_o far_a proof_n of_o this_o the_o many_z and_o great_a miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v both_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o of_o their_o be_v commission_v by_o god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o declare_v it_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o of_o their_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n for_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v have_v so_o wondrous_o assist_v those_o above_o all_o other_o man_n have_v they_o not_o be_v his_o peculiar_a messenger_n to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o in_o short_a may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v to_o any_o reasonable_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n when_o this_o be_v end_v wherein_o man_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o recompense_v according_a to_o their_o work_n for_o this_o be_v very_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v in_o those_o write_n as_o every_o man_n know_v that_o have_v read_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o too_o great_a love_n of_o the_o sinful_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n that_o make_v man_n deny_v their_o assent_n to_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o lead_v a_o more_o innocent_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o the_o same_o obstinacy_n and_o infidel_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o vileness_n of_o manner_n will_v make_v they_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
god_n forbearance_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o not_o suffer_v the_o angel_n those_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o what_o they_o deserve_v be_v his_o great_a care_n and_o tenderness_n even_o of_o the_o temporal_a quiet_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o intermixture_n with_o the_o wicked_a here_o will_v at_o least_o be_v very_o much_o disturb_v through_o the_o root_n up_o a_o wicked_a generation_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o miracle_n many_o a_o good_a man_n may_v perish_v in_o so_o great_a a_o ruin_n but_o miracle_n we_o find_v god_n have_v never_o think_v fit_a to_o work_v but_o upon_o urgent_a necessity_n when_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n can_v otherwise_o be_v secure_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o punish_v the_o wicked_a by_o destroy_v they_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o consequent_o of_o miraculous_o preserve_v those_o that_o be_v true_o good_a from_o a_o general_a ruin_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o both_o may_v live_v together_o until_o then_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a lest_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v come_v into_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o righteous_a do_v general_o restrain_v the_o zeal_n of_o those_o bless_a spirit_n the_o angel_n and_o forbear_v the_o tare_n till_o that_o universal_a harvest_n when_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v ease_v of_o its_o burden_n and_o then_o the_o good_a seed_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o safety_n and_o the_o tare_n leave_v to_o be_v consume_v in_o that_o great_a conflagration_n when_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v in_o it_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o with_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o when_o in_o case_n of_o almost_o a_o total_a corruption_n of_o a_o city_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o strike_v a_o terror_n into_o other_o and_o convince_v the_o obdurate_a world_n that_o god_n see_v and_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v obstinate_a and_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o suffer_v his_o bright_a host_n of_o angel_n utter_o to_o destroy_v such_o wicked_a place_n as_o sometime_o we_o know_v he_o have_v do_v we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o other_o history_n of_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o 91._o psal_n 91._o though_o thousand_o have_v fall_v by_o their_o side_n the_o destruction_n have_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o for_o he_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n of_o this_o great_a care_n of_o providence_n over_o the_o good_a either_o in_o preserve_v for_o their_o sake_n community_n destine_v to_o ruin_n or_o else_o cover_v they_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o providence_n and_o shield_v they_o from_o danger_n till_o the_o storm_n be_v over_o there_o be_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o genesis_n so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o by_o in_o the_o 23._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n we_o find_v abraham_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n which_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v for_o the_o abominable_a and_o incurable_a wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v with_o what_o he_o think_v will_v most_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o spare_v the_o place_n and_o tell_v he_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o righteous_a will_v be_v hazard_v and_o that_o they_o will_v share_v in_o the_o common_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o lest_o he_o shall_v slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o he_o know_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v far_o from_o do_v he_o plead_v with_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o a_o small_a number_n one_o will_v think_v and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o populous_a though_o wicked_a place_n and_o at_o length_n be_v encourage_v by_o god_n wondrous_a goodness_n who_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o every_o request_n and_o as_o he_o sink_v the_o number_n promise_v he_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v he_o by_o degree_n descend_v to_o ten_o which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o his_o modesty_n will_v reach_v and_o one_o will_v think_v far_o enough_o to_o secure_v the_o most_o wicked_a city_n upon_o earth_n peradventure_o ten_o be_v find_v there_o and_o god_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o destroy_v it_o for_o ten_o be_v sake_n rather_o than_o those_o ten_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o perish_v in_o the_o general_a ruin_n he_o will_v recall_v the_o destroy_a angel_n and_o at_o least_o respite_n the_o execution_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n reprieve_v the_o condemn_a place_n of_o their_o abide_v and_o when_o through_o the_o extreme_a wickedness_n of_o those_o city_n that_o small_a number_n of_o good_a man_n be_v not_o find_v in_o they_o and_o god_n therefore_o proceed_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o fiery_a indignation_n upon_o they_o yet_o he_o remember_v righteous_a lot_n and_o his_o small_a family_n and_o send_v two_o angel_n to_o conduct_v they_o safe_o out_o of_o that_o accurse_a place_n who_o hasten_v lot_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v consume_v in_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o city_n and_o upon_o his_o request_n spare_v zoar_v which_o he_o flee_v to_o and_o bid_v he_o make_v haste_n thither_o for_o that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o danger_n as_o you_o may_v read_v gen._n 19.22_o and_o what_o a_o boundless_a ocean_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o so_o gracious_o accept_v the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o to_o take_v they_o into_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o protection_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n likewise_o that_o destruction_n may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v nigh_o their_o dwelling_n to_o spare_v those_o that_o have_v just_o merit_v the_o severe_a express_v of_o his_o displeasure_n this_o do_v indeed_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n that_o his_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o this_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o true_a holiness_n which_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o security_n in_o perilous_a time_n both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o hate_v and_o despise_v and_o afflict_v the_o good_a who_o yet_o be_v as_o so_o many_o guardian_n angel_n to_o it_o and_o shield_v it_o from_o the_o express_v of_o god_n just_a vengeance_n so_o it_o will_v silence_v that_o objection_n against_o providence_n draw_v from_o the_o continue_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o their_o live_n in_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o command_n for_o we_o see_v they_o be_v but_o reprieve_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o ruin_n pour_v upon_o the_o ungodly_a their_o punishment_n be_v but_o respite_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o at_o the_o great_a assize_n god_n justice_n will_v have_v its_o full_a course_n and_o sink_v they_o into_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o as_o the_o husbandman_n may_v observe_v the_o tare_n be_v among_o his_o good_a corn_n and_o resolve_v at_o length_n to_o bind_v they_o up_o in_o bundle_n and_o burn_v they_o though_o his_o prudential_a care_n of_o the_o good_a corn_n incline_v he_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o till_o the_o harvest_n and_o not_o pluck_v they_o up_o whilst_o the_o good_a corn_n be_v stand_v and_o grow_v to_o perfection_n lest_o it_o be_v root_v up_o together_o with_o they_o so_o god_n see_v and_o resolve_v in_o due_a time_n to_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n the_o vile_a hypocritical_a christian_n but_o in_o a_o wise_a and_o tender_a regard_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a withhold_v his_o judgement_n during_o their_o abide_v in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v sure_o repay_v the_o wicked_a wretch_n what_o they_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o though_o these_o vile_a unhappy_a tare_n be_v forbear_v for_o a_o while_n and_o let_v pass_v without_o bear_v any_o public_a mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o time_n of_o discrimination_n even_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n 3.18_o mal._n 3.18_o and_o then_o shall_v all_o man_n discern_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a between_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o he_o that_o serve_v he_o not_o for_o then_o will_v the_o great_a husbandman_n the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o at_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n
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
without_o any_o humane_a restraint_n and_o who_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o whatsoever_o his_o eye_n desire_v he_o keep_v not_o from_o they_o he_o withhold_v not_o his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n and_o who_o among_o other_o delight_n have_v great_a number_n of_o wife_n and_o concubine_n to_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o hundred_o wife_n that_o be_v princess_n 11.3_o 1_o king_n 11.3_o and_o three_o hundred_o concubine_n and_o these_o the_o fair_a doubtless_o that_o can_v be_v meet_v with_o variety_n enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o take_v off_o all_o possibility_n of_o loathe_v and_o desire_n of_o change_n but_o now_o what_o say_v solomon_n after_o so_o full_a and_o uncontrolled_a enjoyment_n of_o these_o carnal_a pleasure_n why_o true_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o book_n of_o proverb_n chap._n 2.18_o 19_o he_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o the_o house_n of_o the_o strange_a or_o whorish_a woman_n incline_v unto_o death_n and_o her_o path_n unto_o the_o dead_a none_o that_o go_v unto_o her_o return_n again_o neither_o take_v they_o hold_v of_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o prov._n 5.3_o the_o lip_n of_o a_o strange_a woman_n drop_n as_o a_o honey_n comb_n and_o her_o mouth_n be_v smooth_a than_o oil_n but_o her_o end_n or_o the_o end_n of_o have_v to_o do_v with_o she_o be_v bitter_a as_o wormwood_n sharp_a as_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n very_o frequent_a be_v his_o invective_n against_o this_o vice_n and_o deliver_v with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a earnestness_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o ecclesiastes_n the_o book_n of_o his_o recantation_n he_o public_o declare_v that_o he_o find_v as_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n he_o find_v more_o bitter_a than_o death_n the_o woman_n who_o heart_n be_v snare_n and_o her_o hand_n as_o band_n whoso_o please_v god_n shall_v escape_v from_o she_o but_o the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o she_o verse_n 26._o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v a_o good_a man_n from_o fall_v into_o so_o great_a a_o mischief_n and_o that_o he_o suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o be_v ensnare_v by_o it_o as_o a_o severe_a punishment_n and_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n behold_v say_v the_o preacher_n this_o have_v i_o find_v count_v one_o by_o one_o to_o find_v out_o the_o account_n which_o yet_o my_o soul_n seek_v but_o i_o find_v not_o one_o man_n among_o a_o thousand_o have_v i_o find_v but_o a_o woman_n among_o all_o those_o have_v i_o not_o find_v that_o be_v he_o do_v at_o last_o meet_v with_o a_o man_n that_o answer_v his_o expectation_n as_o a_o friend_n or_o faithful_a servant_n but_o among_o all_o his_o concubine_n not_o one_o but_o who_o balk_v and_o disappoint_v his_o fond_a hope_n of_o happiness_n from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o she_o and_o deprive_v he_o of_o more_o satisfaction_n than_o she_o give_v he_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v from_o the_o confession_n of_o solomon_n himself_o who_o gratify_v his_o carnal_a appetite_n to_o the_o full_a and_o experience_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n can_v afford_v that_o this_o sort_v of_o pleasure_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o dishonour_v and_o disappointment_n always_o and_o not_o seldom_o diseae_n and_o death_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v what_o the_o pleasure_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o intemperate_a drink_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o it_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o taste_n and_o palate_n for_o as_o for_o true_a nourishment_n high_a feeding_n fall_v far_o short_a of_o more_o ordinary_a diet_n and_o as_o for_o refresh_v and_o cherish_v the_o spirit_n a_o moderate_a quantity_n of_o wine_n be_v sufficient_a and_o what_o be_v more_o than_o that_o end_v in_o a_o fit_a of_o madness_n and_o impoverish_v nature_n now_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o palate_n make_v the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v of_o very_o short_a continuance_n no_o soon_o taste_v but_o they_o vanish_v and_o the_o stomach_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o long_a repetition_n of_o this_o pleasure_n and_o be_v soon_o cloy_v and_o surfeit_v with_o what_o be_v of_o the_o rich_a gust_n and_o relish_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v this_o short-lived_a and_o very_a imperfect_a pleasure_n be_v great_a and_o of_o very_o long_a continuance_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n revenue_n to_o be_v so_o large_a that_o he_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n of_o luxury_n without_o weaken_v his_o fortune_n in_o the_o least_o and_o so_o that_o very_o usual_a ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o can_v in_o this_o case_n be_v charge_v upon_o it_o yet_o other_o full_a as_o great_a may_v as_o first_o the_o more_o a_o man_n indulge_v his_o palate_n the_o hard_a he_o will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v please_v and_o at_o length_n it_o will_v grow_v so_o troublesome_o nice_a that_o its_o disgust_n will_v be_v more_o frequent_a than_o its_o pleasure_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o procure_v a_o constant_a gratification_n of_o the_o palate_n luxury_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v a_o man_n disrelish_v almost_o every_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o make_v his_o life_n a_o continual_a vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n and_o a_o ploughman_n with_o his_o coarse_a fare_n and_o no_o other_o sauce_n to_o it_o but_o a_o good_a stomach_n will_v experience_n far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a pleasure_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v than_o the_o great_a epicure_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o luxury_n be_v indeed_o the_o wrong_a way_n to_o procure_v a_o entire_a gratification_n of_o the_o palate_n and_o destroy_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o create_v another_o very_a ill_a consequence_n of_o luxury_n be_v that_o it_o mighty_o weaken_v and_o impair_v health_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o live_a hospital_n full_a of_o disease_n and_o very_o often_o cut_v his_o day_n off_o in_o the_o midst_n and_o thus_o do_v a_o over-indulgence_n to_o the_o body_n cruciate_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o by_o a_o extravagant_a care_n to_o please_v the_o palate_n man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o a_o necessity_n of_o take_v such_o medicinal_a composition_n as_o be_v abundant_o more_o nauseous_a to_o it_o than_o ever_o the_o most_o artificial_a dish_n or_o rich_a wine_n be_v grateful_a and_o by_o this_o time_n we_o perceive_v what_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v amount_n to_o true_o no_o more_o than_o this_o a_o very_a short_a imperfect_a pleasure_n attend_v with_o great_a and_o durable_a ill_a consequence_n which_o abundant_o outweigh_v the_o pleasure_n and_o will_v do_v so_o be_v it_o great_a and_o more_o last_a than_o it_o be_v another_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mirth_n and_o jollity_n a_o thoughtless_a course_n of_o life_n spend_v in_o recreation_n in_o laughter_n and_o a_o airy_a facetious_a way_n of_o conversation_n and_o this_o be_v very_o take_v with_o abundance_n of_o people_n and_o he_o count_v the_o happy_a man_n that_o can_v spend_v his_o day_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v well_o then_o suppose_v a_o man_n so_o entire_o disengage_v from_o the_o fatigue_n of_o business_n as_o to_o have_v his_o time_n whole_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o brisk_a lively_a temper_n and_o free_a from_o all_o care_n and_o trouble_v and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v as_o sprightly_a as_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o day_n seem_v too_o short_a for_o their_o mirth_n and_o pleasantry_n their_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n suppose_v all_o this_o that_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v all_o of_o this_o kind_a of_o pleasure_n that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v we_o shall_v find_v upon_o a_o near_a view_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o alloy_n here_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n before_o mention_v solomon_n who_o be_v a_o very_a competent_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n make_v jollity_n his_o business_n and_o taste_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v be_v so_o much_o of_o this_o mind_n as_o to_o pronounce_v it_o not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n he_o give_v himself_o whole_o up_o to_o mirth_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o prov._n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o wine_n with_o agreeable_a company_n he_o plant_v beautiful_a garden_n vineyard_n and_o grove_n interweave_v with_o artificial_a stream_n to_o improve_v the_o relish_n of_o those_o his_o delight_n and_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o all_o he_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o music_n attend_v he_o both_o vocal_a and_o instrumental_a so_o that_o he_o have_v whatever_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v to_o make_v himself_o happy_a this_o way_n if_o this_o can_v do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v