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
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 scripture_n but_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n take_v up_o most_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n but_o for_o god_n sake_n let_v such_o consider_v be_v that_o a_o excuse_v which_o be_v it_o self_n as_o great_a a_o fault_n as_o any_o will_v god_n accept_v such_o a_o excuse_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n have_v he_o not_o plain_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o too_o much_o worldly_a mindedness_n have_v not_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 2.15_o 1_o joh._n 2.15_o love_v not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o whoso_o love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o plain_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n how_o strange_a a_o plea_n than_o be_v it_o for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o say_v we_o be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a if_o we_o believe_v we_o have_v soul_n to_o be_v save_v methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n a_o moderate_a industry_n such_o as_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n entrench_v upon_o religion_n be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n about_o their_o take_a care_n of_o lesser_a matter_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v our_o rule_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n and_o provide_v for_o our_o soul_n these_o thing_n ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o other_o undo_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o necessity_n and_o moderation_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n
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 to_o forgive_v one_o another_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a example_n be_v first_o to_o forgive_v such_o as_o have_v injure_v we_o free_o and_o without_o reserve_n and_o that_o though_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o show_v themselves_o our_o enemy_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v we_o fresh_a mischief_n when_o it_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n for_o thus_o as_o we_o have_v see_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n he_o first_o love_v we_o and_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n and_o consequent_o in_o open_a hostility_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o even_o when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n he_o take_v pity_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v still_o add_v new_a wickedness_n to_o our_o long_a account_n and_o when_o we_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o eternal_a misery_n think_v upon_o mercy_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o this_o our_o lord_n command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n not_o to_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n but_o contrariwise_o blessing_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o to_o use_v our_o saviour_n enforcement_n of_o this_o if_o those_o only_a share_n in_o our_o affection_n or_o esteem_n who_o be_v as_o beneficial_a and_o kind_a to_o we_o as_o we_o to_o they_o what_o thank_v have_v we_o self-love_n and_o interest_n may_v there_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o very_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o goodness_n nay_o even_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v be_v as_o eminent_a for_o such_o sort_n of_o charity_n as_o the_o best_a publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o our_o lord_n observe_v do_v the_o same_o but_o christian_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o more_o godlike_a temper_n their_o charity_n more_o free_a and_o disinterest_v the_o great_a and_o more_o frequent_a their_o injury_n the_o more_o ready_a shall_v they_o be_v to_o pardon_v and_o forgive_v and_o not_o only_o be_v reconcile_v after_o a_o sevenfold_a wrong_n but_o after_o one_o repeat_v seventy_o time_n seven_o and_o our_o saviour_n have_v likewise_o further_o enforce_v this_o by_o his_o own_o example_n who_o with_o his_o last_o breath_n pray_v for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o cruel_a murderer_n second_o we_o must_v not_o only_o forgive_v such_o as_o but_o little_o deserve_v it_o but_o likewise_o in_o correspondence_n to_o our_o divine_a pattern_n whether_o they_o desire_v it_o or_o no_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o sinner_n he_o prevent_v we_o by_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o compassionate_a goodness_n and_o entreat_v we_o his_o rebellious_a creature_n first_o by_o his_o prophet_n then_o by_o his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o embrace_v their_o pardon_n and_o thus_o those_o that_o will_v be_v imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n must_v likewise_o do_v rather_o than_o enmity_n shall_v continue_v we_o must_v seek_v to_o our_o enemy_n to_o be_v reconcile_v though_o they_o be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v the_o offence_n and_o this_o however_o hardly_o it_o may_v sound_v be_v not_o only_o our_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o general_a conâ—â—â—d_n of_o forgive_a one_o another_o as_o god_n have_v forgive_v we_o but_o be_v express_o command_v by_o our_o compassionate_a saviour_n mat._n 18.15_o which_o occasion_v that_o question_n of_o st._n peter_n verse_n 21._o how_o often_o shall_v i_o forgive_v my_o brother_n upon_o which_o our_o lord_n deliver_v this_o parable_n his_o word_n be_v these_o and_o deserve_v our_o serious_a attention_n moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o or_o as_o we_o usual_o express_v it_o first_o do_v the_o injury_n or_o give_v the_o affront_n go_v thou_o to_o he_o stay_v not_o till_o he_o come_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n to_o thou_o for_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n man_n be_v very_o backward_o in_o do_v either_o for_o fear_n or_o for_o shame_n or_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o greatness_n of_o spirit_n as_o it_o must_v be_v term_v or_o for_o other_o reason_n and_o time_n usual_o widen_v such_o breach_n and_o increase_v strangeness_n and_o aversion_n but_o go_v thou_o therefore_o to_o he_o in_o meekness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o with_o resolution_n of_o pass_v by_o all_o further_a unkindness_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reproacheâ—_n for_o your_o good_a will_n calm_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n expostulate_v the_o case_n with_o he_o and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o will_v hear_v thou_o a_o right_a understanding_n between_o you_o will_v ensue_v and_o thou_o shall_v gain_v thy_o brother_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o this_o great_a excellence_n of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o be_v as_o a_o most_o noble_a expression_n of_o christian_n charity_n so_o we_o see_v very_o plain_o command_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o our_o serious_a consideration_n in_o order_n to_o our_o agreeable_a practice_n three_o we_o must_v not_o only_o so_o far_o forgive_v as_o not_o to_o revenge_v but_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a pattern_n of_o forgiveness_n set_v before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o beneficence_n to_o our_o enemy_n as_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o his_o need_v require_v remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o great_a master_n do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o for_o so_o sâ—â—_n you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n and_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v the_o new_a make_v agreement_n by_o more_o than_o ordinary_a expression_n of_o good_a will_n that_o we_o may_v heap_v coal_n upon_o our_o enemy_n head_n to_o melt_v he_o into_o a_o correspondent_a charity_n and_o likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o our_o enemy_n or_o ourselves_o to_o doubt_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o smooth_a word_n may_v be_v rot_v and_o deceitful_a and_o the_o not_o revenge_v a_o injury_n may_v be_v for_o want_n of_o power_n or_o opportunity_n but_o when_o to_o good_a word_n beneficial_a action_n be_v add_v then_o may_v a_o man_n well_o be_v think_v to_o love_n and_o forgive_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v christian_a forgiveness_n of_o injury_n or_o ult_n ephes_n 4._o ult_n in_o the_o apostle_n word_n the_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o i.e._n free_o and_o entire_o though_o their_o malice_n still_o cotinue_v against_o we_o nay_o to_o go_v and_o offer_v they_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n though_o they_o neither_o desire_v nor_o deserve_v it_o and_o to_o accompany_v our_o forgiveness_n with_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o good_a turn_v but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o account_n must_v have_v a_o limitation_n lest_o it_o bind_v indiscriminate_o upon_o all_o man_n and_o at_o all_o time_n that_o be_v in_o all_o instance_n of_o wrong_n it_o thwart_v and_o run_v counter_a to_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o just_a limit_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o injury_n may_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n affect_v either_o man_n person_n their_o good_a name_n or_o their_o estate_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v be_v either_o in_o danger_n of_o ruin_n by_o the_o injury_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n or_o only_o great_o damage_v or_o the_o injury_n may_v be_v but_o small_a and_o trifle_a and_o such_o as_o bring_v no_o considerable_a and_o last_a ill_a effect_n along_o with_o it_o now_o such_o injury_n as_o threaten_v ruin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v silent_o let_v pass_v nor_o the_o man_n so_o forgive_v as_o to_o have_v no_o notice_n take_v of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n of_o he_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v a_o man_n person_n or_o to_o vindicate_v or_o recover_v his_o blast_a reputation_n and_o to_o preserve_v his_o estate_n all_o or_o either_o of_o which_o will_v be_v ruin_v by_o the_o injurious_a person_n if_o tame_o let_v alone_o a_o legal_a prosecution_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o case_n be_v proportionable_o the_o same_o as_o to_o injury_n that_o great_o endamage_v a_o man_n in_o any_o of_o those_o respect_n before_o mention_v and_o be_v all_o
riches_n or_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o which_o nowadays_o we_o esteem_v riches_n chief_o to_o consist_v they_o be_v real_o no_o better_o than_o heap_n of_o earth_n of_o different_a colour_n impress_v with_o different_a stamp_n and_o make_v of_o different_a size_n and_o to_o which_o man_n have_v give_v a_o different_a value_n and_o esteem_n according_a to_o their_o different_a colour_n size_n and_o impression_n and_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v good_a for_o little_a but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o which_o he_o that_o will_v live_v must_v part_v with_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o exchange_n for_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o subsistence_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o base_a than_o for_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n so_o far_o to_o degrade_v himself_o as_o to_o employ_v his_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n and_o desire_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n which_o be_v original_o make_v for_o he_o to_o tread_v upon_o and_o produce_v thing_n for_o his_o food_n and_o pleasure_n to_o make_v that_o his_o master_n nay_o his_o god_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o dote_v upon_o a_o senseless_a clod_n to_o neglect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o infinite_o perfect_a maker_n and_o admire_v one_o of_o the_o low_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o desire_v a_o piece_n of_o earth_n with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o have_v no_o value_n for_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o very_a much_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o his_o happiness_n to_o bestow_v no_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o abject_a than_o this_o what_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n where_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v a_o trifle_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n disregard_v that_o which_o be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o where_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v be_v redeem_v not_o by_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n where_o be_v his_o religion_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o make_v silver_n and_o gold_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o admire_v mammon_n more_o than_o his_o saviour_n what_o more_o vile_a and_o brutish_a than_o this_o what_o more_o stupid_o ungrateful_a this_o be_v to_o come_v down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o it_o be_v to_o sink_v much_o low_a for_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o choose_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o serve_v he_o obedient_o in_o that_o rank_n of_o be_v in_o which_o he_o have_v place_v they_o but_o that_o man_n much_o more_o that_o christian_a that_o make_v perish_v riches_n the_o main_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o degenerate_v many_o degree_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n disobey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creator_n slight_v the_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o his_o saviour_n despise_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o a_o vile_a muckworm_n delight_v in_o nothing_o noble_a and_o excellent_a but_o grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v more_o vilify_v and_o degrade_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o such_o base_a affection_n as_o these_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o vile_a degeneracy_n and_o render_v a_o man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o universe_n both_o to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a men._n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n as_o in_o they_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o beside_o that_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n they_o cause_n mention_v before_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1_o it_o mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 2._o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n first_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n do_v mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v remember_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o matt._n 13.22_o say_v that_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n like_o thorn_n that_o spring_v up_o with_o seed_n choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o in_o another_o parable_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v at_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n 14.18_o matt._n 22._o luk._n 14.18_o by_o which_o as_o be_v discourse_v upon_o that_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o glad_a tiding_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o detain_v man_n from_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v after_o and_o ox_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n and_o according_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o can_v be_v matt._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o first_o nothing_o so_o much_o distract_v a_o man_n thought_n as_o a_o eager_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n for_o riches_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o be_v acquire_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o very_o slippery_a when_o gain_v that_o as_o to_o get_v they_o will_v exercise_v all_o a_o man_n contrivance_n employ_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o attention_n and_o consume_v his_o whole_a time_n so_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o once_o get_v will_n to_o a_o man_n that_o know_v the_o hardship_n of_o get_v they_o and_o how_o soon_o they_o be_v lose_v again_o engage_v he_o in_o constant_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o watch_v his_o idol_n lest_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o his_o mind_n become_v distract_v with_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o leisure_n for_o no_o other_o thought_n than_o how_o to_o secure_v his_o riches_n and_o this_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n much_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n may_v soon_o perceive_v by_o their_o careful_a anxious_a look_n and_o distrustful_a timorous_a discourse_n now_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n thus_o engross_a a_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o likewise_o require_v time_n and_o diligence_n and_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attend_v close_o to_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o he_o that_o eager_o love_v riches_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n prepossess_v with_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o they_o and_o all_o his_o faculty_n before_o engage_v in_o their_o pursuit_n must_v move_v very_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o move_v at_o all_o nay_o indeed_o rather_o move_v backward_o than_o forward_o and_o the_o more_o he_o love_v the_o world_n grow_v cold_a still_o in_o his_o affection_n to_o god_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o money_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o enchantment_n it_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v he_o less_o sensible_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o so_o dull_v and_o stupefy_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v very_o little_o move_v with_o the_o sermon_n of_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 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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
to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n what_o rejoice_v be_v there_o with_o what_o endear_n kindness_n do_v the_o divine_a goodness_n entertain_v a_o miserable_a self-condemned_a wretch_n that_o see_v his_o error_n be_v ashamed_a and_o grieve_v for_o it_o and_o return_n with_o hearty_a purpose_n to_o obey_v he_o better_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o joy_n that_o be_v in_o those_o eastern_a country_n the_o prodigal_n father_n run_v to_o meet_v he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o command_v the_o best_a robe_n to_o be_v put_v on_o he_o and_o a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o make_v merry_a with_o feast_v and_o music_n and_o dance_v one_o will_v have_v think_v his_o wild_a extravagancy_n shall_v have_v meet_v with_o rough_a entertainment_n at_o least_o at_o first_o interview_n and_o reproof_n have_v be_v give_v to_o his_o folly_n which_o bring_v he_o to_o so_o much_o misery_n but_o his_o father_n compassion_n be_v above_o his_o anger_n and_o because_o he_o who_o he_o think_v be_v dead_a and_o lose_v be_v alive_a again_o and_o find_v he_o forget_v all_o resentment_n and_o embrace_v he_o with_o tenderness_n and_o endearment_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o god_n when_o he_o see_v a_o return_v sinner_n though_o the_o sinner_n have_v indeed_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o the_o express_v of_o his_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n and_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o reject_v by_o he_o yet_o he_o who_o give_v free_o to_o every_o man_n and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o who_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o in_o infinite_a goodness_n not_o only_o give_v admittance_n to_o but_o receive_v with_o joy_n his_o return_v prodigal_n and_o how_o can_v we_o enough_o praise_n and_o admire_v these_o wonder_n of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o poor_a miserable_a and_o pollute_a creature_n it_o be_v a_o abyss_n that_o can_v never_o be_v fathom_v our_o thought_n be_v lose_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o and_o silent_a admiration_n do_v best_a express_v that_o which_o no_o word_n can_v reach_v and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a since_o vice_n and_o a_o lawless_a course_n of_o live_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o so_o much_o misery_n and_o have_v so_o many_o ill_a consequence_n close_o attend_v it_o even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v as_o the_o most_o extravagant_a so_o the_o most_o unhappy_a prodigality_n and_o since_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n here_o be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o unconceivable_a and_o eternal_a sorrow_n hereafter_o and_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o cure_n for_o this_o great_a evil_n and_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a repentance_n will_v save_v we_o from_o destruction_n and_o since_o god_n be_v so_o infinite_o good_a as_o great_o to_o desire_v we_o will_v repent_v and_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o afford_v we_o all_o possible_a help_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o great_o rejoice_v to_o see_v a_o sinner_n penitent_a and_o receive_v he_o with_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o tenderness_n and_o love_n since_o all_o this_o be_v so_o let_v we_o put_v off_o no_o long_o what_o if_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a must_v be_v do_v at_o last_o but_o with_o the_o great_a thankfulness_n embrace_v the_o inestimable_a favour_n of_o be_v again_o receive_v into_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o merciful_a god_n and_o saviour_n let_v we_o immediate_o turn_v from_o every_o evil_a way_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o effectual_o let_v we_o lay_v to_o heart_n how_o vexatious_a and_o full_a of_o shame_n and_o utter_o unprofitable_a a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n be_v and_o how_o full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o unspeakable_a delight_n it_o be_v to_o advance_v from_o grace_n to_o grace_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o have_v resolve_v well_o and_o full_o purpose_v our_o return_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a government_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n without_o delay_n do_v as_o we_o have_v resolve_v and_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o our_o father_n and_o say_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o sincere_a contrition_n father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n and_o he_o who_o compassion_n never_o fail_v will_v embrace_v we_o with_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o forget_v our_o former_a provocation_n and_o take_v we_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o protection_n in_o this_o world_n and_o at_o length_n make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n where_o there_o shall_v be_v rejoice_v in_o his_o presence_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n because_o we_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_v find_v the_o prayer_n i._o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o government_n be_v direct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o proceed_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o that_o happy_a be_v they_o in_o who_o heart_n be_v thy_o way_n and_o that_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o thy_o commandment_n i_o confess_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o i_o hope_v with_o a_o true_o humble_a penitent_a and_o obedient_a heart_n that_o my_o vile_a extravagancy_n and_o impatience_n of_o thy_o bless_a restraint_n and_o foolish_a desire_n of_o liberty_n and_o follow_v the_o bias_n of_o my_o own_o brutish_a inclination_n have_v hitherto_o be_v too_o notorious_a and_o sad_a have_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o my_o departure_n from_o thou_o i_o have_v prodigal_o waste_v thy_o divine_a grace_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o wantonness_n i_o have_v squander_v away_o my_o time_n in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n which_o be_v the_o only_a opportunity_n of_o secure_v my_o salvation_n and_o without_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v forfeit_v my_o reversion_n of_o my_o heavenly_a inheritance_n and_o all_o this_o for_o what_o be_v below_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o indeed_o as_o i_o have_v find_v by_o a_o costly_a experience_n no_o other_o than_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o just_o it_o be_v thou_o shall_v withdraw_v thy_o grace_n which_o i_o have_v so_o slight_v and_o abuse_v and_o leave_v my_o soul_n to_o starve_v and_o famish_v and_o daily_o draw_v near_a and_o near_o to_o eternal_a death_n but_o thou_o o_o father_n of_o mercy_n who_o compassion_n fail_v not_o and_z who_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o live_v look_v gracious_o upon_o thy_o return_v prodigal_a ii_o i_o now_o be_o sad_o sensible_a of_o my_o deplorable_a condition_n and_o beg_v importunate_o that_o i_o may_v so_o effectual_o hearken_v to_o the_o inward_a shame_n and_o remorse_n that_o now_o i_o feel_v for_o my_o past_a inexcusable_a madness_n and_o folly_n as_o that_o i_o may_v immediate_o return_v to_o my_o obedience_n to_o thou_o my_o infinite_o wise_a and_o indulgent_a parent_n who_o be_v ready_a i_o know_v to_o stretch_v out_o thy_o arm_n to_o receive_v i_o and_o to_o who_o prevent_a grace_n i_o owe_v these_o pious_a resolution_n of_o humble_v myself_o before_o thou_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o but_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o mean_a servant_n i_o be_o now_o full_o sensible_a that_o one_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o and_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o ungodliness_n o_o continue_v to_o strengthen_v these_o good_a affection_n in_o i_o and_o send_v out_o thy_o light_n and_o thy_o truth_n even_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v conduct_v i_o to_o thy_o dwelling-place_n and_o secure_v my_o retreat_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n o_o may_v i_o never_o defer_v what_o if_o i_o will_v be_v happy_a must_v be_v do_v at_o last_o but_o instant_o return_v to_o thou_o o_o father_n of_o compassion_n then_o shall_v i_o experience_v the_o happy_a exchange_n of_o misery_n and_o shame_n for_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o malicious_a fiend_n in_o hell_n occasion_n extraordinary_a joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o thou_o my_o god_n and_o thy_o holy_a angel_n because_o i_o be_v dead_a but_o be_o alive_a again_o be_v lose_v but_o be_o find_v o_o bless_a god_n verify_v this_o bliss_n upon_o i_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n our_o redeemer_n amen_n parable_n xii_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n xuj_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a