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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n dear_a jesus_n lord_n 3,192 5 3.5831 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29181 Practical discourses upon the parables of our blessed Saviour with prayers annexed to each discourse / by Francis Bragge ... Bragge, Francis, 1664-1728. 1694 (1694) Wing B4201; ESTC R35338 242,722 507

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or_o christian_a religion_n do_v 1._o create_v the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o as_o be_v before_o quote_v from_o st._n paul_n ephes_n 5.30_o i_o e._n it_o make_v we_o as_o near_o to_o he_o as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o the_o head_n the_o flesh_n and_o bone_n to_o the_o body_n or_o as_o our_o church_n express_v it_o it_o make_v we_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o it_o be_v so_o near_a a_o relation_n that_o nothing_o can_v sufficient_o express_v it_o but_o what_o express_v a_o union_n it_o create_v likewise_o 2._o the_o dear_a relation_n for_o thus_o our_o lord_n john_n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o and_o verse_n 23._o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o chap._n 15.14_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o rev._n 3.20_o behold_v say_v our_o lord_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i._n e._n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o he_o will_v show_v the_o great_a expression_n of_o dearness_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n so_o that_o relation_n be_v 3._o inseparable_a i._n e._n unless_o we_o wilful_o divorce_v ourselves_o from_o he_o by_o apostasy_n or_o disobedience_n thus_o a_o little_a before_o his_o ascension_n he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o faithful_a believer_n that_o observe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n and_o their_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o their_o god_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o comfortless_a but_o will_v pray_v to_o the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o and_o in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o to_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o and_o john_n 10.27_o 28._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o great_a assurance_n ask_v this_o question_n rom._n 8.35_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o after_o enumerate_v what_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o he_o conclude_v verse_n the_o last_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v likewise_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n always_o with_o we_o in_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o mystery_n which_o he_o institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o the_o gospel_n then_o effect_v so_o near_o so_o dear_a and_o so_o inseparable_a a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n that_o nothing_o can_v so_o fit_o resemble_v it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o collect_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n to_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o so_o intimate_a relation_n to_o christ_n as_o first_o it_o entitle_v to_o the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o love_n as_o will_v incline_v he_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n and_o to_o pity_n and_o compassionate_v their_o infirmity_n failure_n and_o imperfection_n for_o love_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o fault_n thus_o the_o apostle_n col._n 3.19_o husband_n love_v your_o wife_n and_o be_v not_o bitter_a against_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_a to_o observe_v every_o little_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o they_o but_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o weak_a vessel_n and_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o according_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v of_o our_o lord_n he_o be_v not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o know_v and_o pity_v they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v though_o without_o sin_n heb._n 4.15_o and_o as_o for_o his_o tenderness_n and_o care_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v miraculous_o evident_a in_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o very_a life_n for_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o and_o present_v we_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o the_o before_o cite_v eph._n 5.26_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o do_v continual_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v we_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o spiritual_a body_n of_o he_o which_o whoso_o eat_v of_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o by_o the_o comfort_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o lie_v thus_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o great_a degree_n of_o his_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o we_o express_v in_o such_o amaze_a instance_n to_o be_v thus_o pity_v and_o commiserate_v and_o our_o failure_n excuse_v and_o pass_v by_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o our_o happiness_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o careful_o endeavour_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o value_v and_o be_v infinite_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o comparison_n another_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n to_o upon_o their_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n be_v christ_n protection_n of_o they_o from_o danger_n and_o defence_n against_o assault_n of_o enemy_n for_o as_o in_o marriage_n the_o husband_n be_v the_o shield_n and_o guardian_n of_o his_o wife_n so_o christ_n be_v the_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o cover_v they_o from_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o arm_n they_o against_o the_o attack_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n by_o the_o supply_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n who_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v we_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n all_o the_o infernal_a power_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o we_o and_o according_o say_z st._n paul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o rom._n 8.37_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n tribulation_n distress_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n perilor_n sword_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n by_o what_o mean_n why_o through_o christ_n that_o love_v we_o and_o our_o lord_n say_v express_o in_o the_o forecited_a john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n that_o hear_v my_o voice_n shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o if_o the_o almighty_a son_n of_o god_n be_v for_o we_o and_o take_v we_o into_o his_o own_o protection_n and_o shield_n and_o guard_v we_o as_o a_o husband_n do_v the_o wise_a of_o his_o bosom_n who_o then_o can_v be_v against_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v hide_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v our_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o to_o dwell_v thus_o under_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v no_o doubt_n a_o inestimable_a privilege_n again_o as_o the_o husband_n confer_v honour_n upon_o his_o wife_n entitle_v she_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o so_o believer_n by_o their_o intimate_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a step_n of_o honour_n that_o mortal_n can_v arrive_v at_o for_o what_o more_o honourable_a than_o to_o be_v in_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o most_o glorious_a son_n of_o god_n according_o the_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
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 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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
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 con●●●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 reproache●_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 s●●_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
divine_a love_n and_o philanthropy_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o see_v they_o love_v and_o compassionate_a one_o another_o according_a to_o his_o glorious_a example_n we_o be_v infinite_o oblige_v to_o imitate_v his_o pity_n and_o forgiveness_n towards_o we_o in_o pass_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o our_o fellow-servant_n further_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v forgive_v so_o vast_a a_o debt_n as_o that_o which_o miserable_a sinner_n owe_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v questionless_a bind_v and_o that_o with_o the_o strict_a tie_n to_o love_v he_o infinite_o again_o but_o now_o st._n john_n say_v plain_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.20_o 21._o that_o he_o that_o love_v god_n must_v love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o if_o a_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o yet_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o say_v chap._n 3.17_o he_o that_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o his_o brother_n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v our_o good_a god_n who_o have_v forgive_v we_o our_o numberless_a iniquity_n so_o much_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o manifest_v that_o our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o be_v pitiful_a and_o gentle_a to_o our_o brethren_n that_o have_v injure_v we_o and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v they_o for_o so_o say_v our_o lord_n shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o so_o shall_v you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o doubtless_o that_o wicked_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n have_v not_o so_o due_a a_o apprehension_n of_o his_o lord_n be_v great_a compassion_n to_o he_o nor_o so_o grateful_a a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v who_o can_v immediate_o forget_v the_o miserable_a condition_n he_o be_v so_o late_o in_o himself_o and_o how_o much_o he_o dread_v lest_o his_o lord_n shall_v rigid_o exact_v his_o great_a debt_n of_o he_o and_o how_o importunate_o he_o beg_v that_o he_o will_v have_v patience_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o use_v so_o much_o cruelty_n to_o his_o fellow-servant_n for_o a_o debt_n very_o inconsiderable_a he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o such_o barbarity_n will_v be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o compassionate_a temper_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n to_o imitate_v his_o lord_n example_n and_o not_o immediate_o act_v what_o will_v be_v so_o displease_v to_o he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o case_n god_n be_v love_n and_o have_v wondrous_o manifest_v his_o love_n in_o forgive_a we_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o gratitude_n and_o because_o it_o will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o be_v that_o all_o to_o imitate_v that_o his_o charity_n and_o mutual_o to_o love_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o but_o when_o beside_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a command_n for_o it_o mat._n 5.44_o and_o luk._n 6.37_o and_o that_o not_o until_o seven_o time_n only_o but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o as_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o this_o parable_n as_o much_o as_o man_n be_v oblige_v oblige_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n their_o saviour_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o obligation_n to_o forgive_v injury_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n second_o our_o obligation_n be_v very_o great_a to_o imitate_v god_n compassionate_a example_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o self_n for_o it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v quiet_a and_o peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o much_o as_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o quiet_a and_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o of_o his_o own_o soul_n too_o in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o much_o be_v every_o man_n bind_v not_o to_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a but_o of_o a_o temper_n ready_a to_o forgive_v for_o however_o sweet_a revenge_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o malicious_a spirit_n in_o the_o execution_n it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o mind_n very_o uneasy_a before_o it_o be_v execute_v and_o bring_v great_a calamity_n along_o with_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v the_o most_o base_a devilish_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v a_o man_n a_o fiend_n incarnate_a whereas_o a_o aptness_n to_o forgive_v be_v a_o godlike_a disposition_n for_o god_n be_v love_n the_o spring_n of_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o as_o his_o happiness_n be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o those_o who_o resemble_v he_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a of_o those_o perfection_n must_v needs_o likewise_o enjoy_v a_o great_a share_n of_o tranquillity_n and_o inward_a bliss_n but_o if_o god_n be_v the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o forgiveness_n how_o groundless_a be_v the_o usual_a objection_n against_o this_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o betray_v a_o mean_a servile_a spirit_n and_o be_v a_o thing_n much_o below_o a_o gentleman_n can_v any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o that_o in_o his_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n too_o if_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v rather_o the_o most_o noble_a generous_a action_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n likewise_o of_o end_v strife_n and_o overcome_v our_o adversary_n by_o render_v good_a for_o evil._n it_o ease_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o great_a disquietude_n that_o constant_o attend_v desire_n of_o revenge_n it_o prevent_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o follow_v it_o such_o as_o fresh_a injury_n from_o the_o party_n we_o revenge_v ourselves_o upon_o if_o we_o leave_v he_o his_o life_n and_o the_o stroke_n of_o justice_n if_o we_o pursue_v he_o to_o the_o death_n but_o beside_o these_o evil_a consequence_n of_o revenge_n and_o many_o other_o which_o forgiveness_n prevent_v there_o be_v more_o true_a pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n in_o the_o act_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o be_v hint_v above_o than_o in_o that_o of_o revenge_n for_o however_o the_o devil_n may_v hurry_v man_n on_o in_o a_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o revenge_n and_o flatter_v they_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o great_a satisfaction_n when_o it_o be_v perfect_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a horror_n and_o aversion_n to_o it_o from_o within_o which_o as_o it_o be_v pulls_z back_o the_o hand_n when_o go_v to_o strike_v or_o what_o other_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v express_v endeavour_n to_o hinder_v it_o and_o make_v the_o heart_n recoil_v and_o repent_v of_o the_o undertake_n and_o execute_v it_o with_o tremble_a and_o misgiving_n of_o soul_n and_o immediate_o after_o come_v dire_a foreboding_n of_o the_o venge_v ance_n of_o he_o to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v and_o a_o kind_a of_o hell_n upon_o earth_n but_o forgiveness_n be_v attend_v with_o applause_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o reason_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v a_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n quite_o throughout_o the_o action_n and_o when_o it_o be_v complete_v no_o man_n can_v express_v the_o silent_a joy_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o it_o seem_v a_o foretaste_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n even_o that_o part_n of_o forgiveness_n which_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o impracticable_a and_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o of_o sue_v to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o have_v do_v the_o injury_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v one_o enemy_n this_o do_v of_o all_o yield_v the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o send_v his_o son_n to_o mediate_v between_o he_o and_o we_o and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o when_o it_o be_v we_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v then_o in_o actual_a rebellion_n against_o he_o but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o surprise_v a_o man_n into_o charity_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a when_o man_n do_v injury_n they_o general_o stand_v upon_o their_o defence_n and_o expect_v to_o receive_v injury_n again_o but_o when_o a_o man_n find_v instead_o of_o this_o act_n of_o friendship_n and_o good_a will_n and_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o peace_n and_o quietness_n offer_v so_o free_o and_o upon_o such_o easy_a term_n without_o the_o shame_n and_o natural_a regret_n in_o seek_v it_o and_o ask_v pardon_n and_o make_v satisfaction_n and_o the_o like_a how_o please_v must_v the_o man_n need_v be_v to_o find_v a_o friend_n when_o he_o fear_v and_o expect_v a_o enemy_n few_o man_n love_v strife_n for_o strife_n sake_n and_o
scripture_n exhort_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o our_o holy_a profession_n ephes_n 4.1_o 2d_o phil._n 1_o 2d_o and_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o agreeable_o say_v our_o lord_n to_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v as_o harbinger_n to_o the_o place_n whither_o he_o himself_o intend_v to_o come_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o it_o be_v in_o some_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sincere_a believer_n christianity_n be_v a_o most_o honourable_a profession_n and_o what_o david_n say_v to_o saul_n when_o he_o offer_v he_o his_o elder_a daughter_n to_o wife_n for_o his_o great_a service_n 18.18_o ●_o sam._n 18.18_o who_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o life_n or_o my_o father_n family_n in_o israel_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v son_n in-law_n to_o a_o king_n may_v with_o infinite_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v by_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o be_o i_o and_o what_o be_v my_o life_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n no_o title_n comparable_a to_o this_o no_o relation_n so_o much_o to_o be_v glory_v in_o nor_o any_o care_n too_o great_a to_o live_v up_o to_o so_o augu_v a_o character_n but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n as_o to_o a_o participation_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n so_o likewise_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o as_o a_o husband_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o his_o wife_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o quality_n and_o make_v she_o a_o sharer_n in_o his_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n so_o will_v christ_n confer_v upon_o sincere_a believer_n a_o plentiful_a share_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n thus_o 3._o john_n 14.2_o 3._o a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n in_o my_o father_n house_n say_v he_o be_v many_o mansion_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o to_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o and_o in_o that_o solemn_a prayer_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n john_n 17.22_o the_o glory_n say_v he_o which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o and_o verse_n 24._o father_n i_o will_v that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v thy_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o i._n e._n may_v share_v in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n which_o be_v the_o summit_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o rom._n 8.17_o st._n paul_n say_v we_o be_v joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o i.e._n still_o continue_v faithful_a believer_n notwithstanding_o the_o discouragement_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v glorify_v together_o and_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n to_o immortal_a bliss_n which_o suppose_v a_o general_a harvest_n to_o follow_v christ_n the_o first_o fruit_n afterward_o those_o that_o be_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n for_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o arch-augel_a and_o with_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v be_v raise_v first_o then_o we_o which_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o together_o with_o they_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 4.16.17_o and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o add_v that_o this_o intimate_a union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o wife_n with_o her_o husband_n and_o these_o immense_a privilege_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o will_v be_v everlasting_a that_o nothing_o can_v put_v a-sunder_o who_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a mercy_n join_v thus_o close_o together_o but_o our_o wilful_a unfaithfulness_n to_o this_o our_o divine_a husband_n as_o it_o will_v make_v up_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v in_o return_n make_v we_o all_o over_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o that_o good_a god_n who_o have_v do_v such_o great_a thing_n for_o we_o so_o it_o shall_v make_v we_o exceed_o careful_a upon_o no_o consideration_n whatever_o to_o divorce_v ourselves_o from_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n but_o for_o ever_o pay_v all_o possible_a love_n and_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o he_o which_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o as_o the_o gospel_n effect_n the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o entitle_v to_o the_o like_a privilege_n so_o it_o oblige_v likewise_o to_o the_o like_a duty_n and_o first_o as_o a_o wife_n be_v bind_v to_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o her_o husband_n so_o be_v every_o believer_n bind_v to_o demean_v himself_o towards_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v entire_o he_o not_o to_o suffer_v his_o affection_n to_o wander_v after_o strange_a love_n such_o as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o not_o to_o be_v debauch_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o temptation_n and_o share_v his_o heart_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n but_o since_o his_o maker_n be_v his_o husband_n 54.5_o isa_n 54.5_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n express_v it_o to_o be_v entire_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o admit_v no_o creature_n to_o that_o dearness_n of_o affection_n which_o he_o alone_o shall_v have_v for_o this_o be_v that_o crime_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v spiritual_a fornication_n and_o adultery_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n he_o begin_v to_o fear_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o say_v he_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n for_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n but_o i_o fear_v lest_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n or_o purity_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v towards_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 2._o this_o be_v that_o fornication_n for_o which_o christ_n will_v give_v we_o a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n and_o for_o ever_o put_v we_o away_o from_o he_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n mat._n 25.41_o this_o be_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n to_o take_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v they_o the_o member_n of_o a_o harlot_n and_o these_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o carnal_a whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v and_o therefore_o as_o much_o as_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o inestimable_a privilege_n so_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o bear_v a_o entire_a and_o unspotted_a love_n to_o he_o for_o he_o have_v hought_v we_o with_o a_o price_n therefore_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o body_n and_o our_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o second_o as_o a_o wife_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v herself_o to_o her_o husband_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o government_n and_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o authority_n so_o and_o much_o more_o be_v every_o believer_n bind_v to_o do_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n to_o reverence_v all_o the_o express_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o his_o holy_a discipline_n to_o have_v one_o will_v with_o he_o the_o same_o like_v and_o dislike_v and_o in_o no_o case_n to_o oppose_v or_o resist_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o apostle_n command_v from_o a_o woman_n to_o her_o husband_n as_o every_o one_o that_o have_v read_v their_o write_n know_v very_o well_o and_o that_o though_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o frail_a sinful_a mortal_n much_o more_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v subject_n and_o bear_v the_o profound_a reverence_n to_o christ_n our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o who_o beside_o be_v most_o tender_a and_o affectionate_a to_o we_o and_o his_o government_n direct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n three_o as_o a_o wife_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o disposal_n of_o her_o husband_n and_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
obstinate_a infidelity_n and_o their_o murder_v their_o saviour_n be_v to_o urge_v the_o jewish_a christian_n to_o a_o preparation_n and_o watchful_a care_n against_o that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o safety_n by_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o that_o time_n surprise_v they_o not_o in_o wicked_a course_n but_o that_o live_a like_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a command_n his_o providence_n may_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o perish_v in_o that_o dreadful_a destruction_n though_o this_o may_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o design_v likewise_o to_o represent_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n constant_a preparation_n for_o death_n and_o judgement_n by_o a_o sedulous_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o themselves_o and_o diligent_a practice_n of_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o obligation_n because_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a when_o god_n will_v summon_v any_o of_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o appear_v before_o his_o just_a tribunal_n and_o his_o call_n may_v be_v very_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a and_o because_o the_o consequence_n of_o be_v unready_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o obey_v it_o will_v be_v inexpressible_o miserable_a watch_z therefore_o say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o parable_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o parable_n thus_o understand_v i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o and_o second_o i_o shall_v urge_v that_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v express_v by_o it_o namely_o that_o they_o will_v watch_v and_o be_v ready_a because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o particular_a interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o show_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o the_o sense_n our_o lord_n couch_v under_o it_o the_o parable_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o a_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n when_o there_o be_v a_o wedding_n conduct_v he_o to_o the_o bride-chamber_n with_o song_n and_o burn_a lamp_n and_o partake_v of_o a_o entertainment_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n when_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v enter_v to_o keep_v out_o the_o intrude_a rabble_n and_o afterward_o admit_v none_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o attend_v he_o at_o the_o hour_n he_o come_v which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o lord_n couch_v under_o this_o representation_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a every_o christian_n shall_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o attend_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n whenever_o he_o shall_v summon_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o death_n in_o order_n to_o his_o final_a judgement_n because_o the_o time_n of_o that_o great_a summons_n be_v so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o depend_v upon_o man_n be_v prepare_v or_o not_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o how_o apt_o and_o move_o expressive_a this_o parable_n be_v of_o this_o sense_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o virgin_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o and_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n who_o like_o virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o spotless_a innocent_a and_o modest_a and_o humble_a sol●_n and_o temperate_a in_o all_o thing_n pious_a and_o devout_a and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o the_o want_n of_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o good_a qualification_n be_v to_o a_o virgin_n the_o great_a blackening_a and_o disparagement_n so_o the_o want_n of_o they_o in_o christian_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a dishonour_n to_o they_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n render_v they_o unworthy_a of_o that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o defile_v and_o stain_v those_o soul_n which_o christ_n purify_v with_o his_o precious_a blood_n that_o they_o may_v be_v his_o own_o peculiar_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n by_o half_a of_o those_o virgin_n be_v wise_a and_o half_a foolish_a be_v represent_v the_o great_a difference_n there_o be_v among_o those_o that_o go_v under_o the_o same_o general_a character_n of_o christian_n some_o vain_a and_o idle_a careless_a and_o unthoughtful_a take_v up_o with_o the_o gaiety_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n lavish_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o behaviour_n while_o other_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v the_o character_n they_o bear_v and_o live_v as_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o care_n and_o circamspection_n watchfulness_n and_o a_o diligent_a and_o attentive_a piety_n that_o so_o they_o may_v preserve_v their_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o profession_n inviolate_a and_o unstained_a and_o be_v present_v as_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n that_o divine_a bridegroom_n whenever_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o the_o lamp_n of_o those_o virgin_n be_v express_v the_o soul_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o burn_v with_o holy_a fire_n of_o love_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n and_o make_v they_o as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o this_o dark_a and_o benight_a world_n for_o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n therefore_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 5.14_o 16._o that_o be_v as_o the_o soul_n of_o christian_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o as_o they_o be_v warm_v by_o his_o influence_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fire_n and_o have_v divine_a affection_n by_o his_o holy_a breathe_n enkindle_v in_o they_o so_o they_o shall_v influence_n the_o whole_a man_n and_o make_v those_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n like_v so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n so_o many_o eminent_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o real_a goodness_n such_o as_o by_o these_o own_o practice_n shall_v recommend_v their_o most_o hloy_v religion_n and_o set_v before_o man_n eye_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n by_o their_o own_o conversation_n by_o the_o bridegroom_n who_o these_o virgin_n with_o their_o lamp_n go_v forth_o to_o meet_v be_v represent_v our_o dear_a saviour_n that_o heavenly_a king_n be_v divine_a son_n for_o who_o he_o make_v so_o glorious_a a_o marriage_n in_o the_o parable_n i_o last_o discourse_v of_o where_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o marriage_n and_o our_o lord_n to_o a_o bridegroom_n be_v particular_o insist_v on_o and_o by_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v this_o divine_a bridegroom_n be_v signify_v our_o prepare_v against_o his_o call_v we_o from_o this_o world_n by_o death_n and_o provide_v against_o his_o advent_n to_o judgement_n that_o be_v by_o frequent_o contemplate_v our_o mortality_n reflect_v on_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o our_o time_n while_o we_o have_v it_o as_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o our_o breath_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o because_o after_o death_n come_v judgement_n therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v ready_a our_o account_n by_o frequent_a self-examination_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o severe_a scrutiny_n into_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o must_v then_o undergo_v collect_v with_o s._n peter_n 3.11_o 2_o pet._n 3.11_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n and_o as_o virgin_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a by_o the_o oil_n in_o the_o virgin_n lamp_n and_o which_o they_o take_v with_o they_o in_o their_o vessel_n when_o they_o go_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n be_v represent_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o will_v brighten_v and_o enliven_v it_o as_o plenty_n of_o oil_n do_v a_o
necessary_a advice_n even_o to_o the_o best_a man_n live_v be_v watchful_a and_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v which_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v thy_o work_n perfect_a before_o god_n and_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v rev._n 16.15_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v behold_v i_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n bless_a be_v he_o that_o watch_v and_o keep_v his_o garment_n lest_o he_o walk_v naked_a and_o they_o see_v his_o shame_n by_o a_o cry_n be_v make_v at_o midnight_n behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o move_o represent_v how_o unexpected_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n shall_v surprise_v the_o drowsy_a world_n and_o how_o sudden_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v tell_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o time_n of_o our_o death_n may_v be_v which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o forerunner_n of_o it_o midnight_n be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a silence_n and_o destine_v to_o rest_n and_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o toil_v and_o trouble_v of_o the_o day_n and_o then_o sudden_a outcry_n and_o alarm_n be_v double_o scare_v and_o affright_v and_o seize_v with_o a_o inexpressible_a confusion_n horror_n and_o consternation_n and_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o spiritual_a night_n employ_v in_o deed_n of_o darkness_n give_v up_o to_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o forgetful_a of_o the_o great_a business_n of_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n then_o shall_v that_o time_n of_o sorrow_n steal_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n the_o terrify_a cry_n shall_v be_v make_v behold_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v go_v you_o forth_o to_o meet_v he_o for_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v peace_n and_o safety_n say_v the_o apostle_n then_o sudden_a destruction_n come_v upon_o they_o as_o travail_n upon_o a_o woman_n with_o child_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v 1_o thes_n 5.3_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n those_o that_o be_v think_v happy_a upon_o earth_n instead_o of_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v this_o judge_n hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v rev._n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o a_o guilty_a wretch_n dread_v to_o go_v meet_v his_o angry_a judge_n and_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a with_o all_o his_o stain_n and_o pollution_n about_o he_o appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n who_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o into_o who_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n have_v provoke_v he_o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o since_o all_o this_o be_v so_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o that_o have_v any_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o be_v thus_o surprise_v and_o hurry_v into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o so_o quick_a and_o unforeseen_a a_o summons_n which_o no_o man_n be_v sure_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o case_n since_o many_o have_v be_v call_v away_o with_o little_a or_o not_o warn_v that_o have_v no_o more_o expect_v than_o we_o do_v now_o a_o man_n of_o any_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v sure_o be_v move_v by_o such_o consideration_n to_o shake_v off_o that_o fatal_a drowsiness_n which_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o departure_n hence_o be_v ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o great_a master_n call_n whether_o at_o even_o or_o at_o midnight_n or_o at_o the_o cockcrow_n or_o in_o the_o morning_n lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v he_o sleep_v by_o the_o wise_a virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n when_o that_o midnight_n cry_v be_v make_v be_v represent_v the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n that_o even_o good_a person_n ought_v to_o take_v when_o by_o age_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o any_o distemper_n the_o time_n of_o their_o departure_n hence_o seem_v to_o be_v near_o approach_v to_o enliven_v their_o piety_n and_o by_o put_v a_o recruit_v of_o oil_n into_o their_o lamp_n acquire_v new_a degree_n of_o sanctity_n and_o warm_v their_o soul_n with_o great_a ardour_n of_o devotion_n and_o holy_a love_n prepare_v to_o go_v cheerful_o to_o meet_v their_o lord_n then_o be_v the_o time_n when_o every_o sincere_a christian_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o adorn_v his_o soul_n with_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a religion_n he_o profess_v to_o improve_v every_o remain_a minute_n of_o his_o time_n to_o this_o best_a of_o purpose_n to_o redeem_v the_o many_o hour_n former_o misspend_v in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o by_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o 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own_o defect_n by_o borrow_v of_o other_o that_o have_v soul_n better_o furnish_v with_o piety_n than_o they_o and_o by_o the_o wise_a answer_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o and_o bid_v they_o go_v rather_o and_o buy_v for_o themselves_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o groundless_a to_o expect_v at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o retribution_n when_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n to_o fare_v the_o better_a for_o the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o must_v keep_v his_o lamp_n alive_a with_o his_o own_o oil_n must_v nourish_v his_o soul_n with_o his_o own_o virtue_n for_o there_o be_v never_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v any_o mere_a man_n so_o holy_a and_o excellent_a but_o must_v return_v this_o same_o answer_n as_o the_o wise_a virgin_n do_v to_o such_o as_o shall_v beg_v they_o to_o bestow_v some_o of_o their_o virtue_n or_o merit_n upon_o they_o not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o ourselves_o and_o you_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o work_n of_o supererrogation_n if_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o virtue_n enough_o to_o secure_v his_o own_o condition_n and_o that_o through_o infinite_a mercy_n too_o and_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o all-sufficient_a merit_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v there_o any_o leave_v for_o he_o to_o bestow_v upon_o other_o but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v much_o money_n into_o their_o coffer_n and_o therefore_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o maintain_v it_o by_o the_o bridegroom_n come_n while_o those_o foolish_a virgin_n go_v about_o so_o unlikely_a a_o employment_n as_o then_o immediate_o to_o furnish_v their_o lamp_n with_o oil_n which_o before_o be_v unregarded_a and_o suffer_v to_o go_v out_o and_o the_o door_n before_o they_o be_v provide_v be_v shut_v be_v represent_v the_o invalidity_n general_o speak_v of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n that_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a when_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o those_o that_o will_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n must_v be_v ready_a and_o prepare_v by_o a_o previous_a course_n of_o holy_a live_n and_o that_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n this_o hurry_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n at_o that_o time_n to_o get_v oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o midnight_n call_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o they_o will_v have_v drouze_v on_o still_o in_o their_o thoughtless_a way_n of_o live_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v it_o prove_v a_o false_a alarm_n they_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
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 the_o while_n that_o our_o lord_n express_o forbid_v all_o such_o anxious_a solicitude_n for_o the_o morrow_n and_o command_v a_o humble_a trust_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o never_o forsake_v those_o that_o be_v moderate_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o a_o blessing_n and_o never_o reflect_v upon_o the_o miserable_a straight_o they_o will_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o destitute_a of_o good_a work_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o sincere_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n sometime_o these_o man_n will_v quote_v scripture_n and_o tell_v we_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n forget_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o before_o this_o parable_n take_v heed_n beware_v of_o covetousness_n 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 according_o say_v our_o lord_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n one_o that_o make_v a_o god_n of_o riches_n and_o confide_n and_o trust_v in_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n it_o be_v next_o door_n to_o a_o impossibility_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n change_v his_o heart_n can_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o not_o many_o rich_a not_o many_o mighty_a be_v call_v and_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o teach_v their_o scholar_n a_o separation_n from_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o will_v philosophize_v well_o and_o find_v out_o pure_a truth_n and_o the_o secret_n of_o wisdom_n wherefore_o we_o see_v it_o high_o 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
the_o danger_n of_o the_o night_n past_a god_n careful_a watch_v over_o we_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o lengthen_v out_o our_o opportunity_n for_o repentance_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o a_o better_a life_n ought_v certain_o to_o bring_v we_o upon_o our_o knee_n in_o humble_a adoration_n of_o that_o good_a god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n in_o humble_a submission_n to_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o future_a and_o devout_a oblation_n of_o our_o whole_a self_n and_o our_o whole_a time_n to_o his_o service_n who_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n and_o health_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o since_o all_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n without_o he_o to_o beg_v his_o bless_a presence_n with_o we_o that_o he_o will_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o will_v guide_v and_o protect_v we_o and_o bless_v and_o prosper_v our_o honest_a undertake_n and_o still_o continue_v to_o watch_v over_o we_o for_o good_a that_o we_o may_v be_v undefiled_a by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n and_o look_v back_o with_o comfort_n upon_o our_o action_n when_o we_o cast_v up_o our_o account_n at_o night_n 2._o as_o for_o our_o midday_n devotion_n because_o we_o be_v then_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o day_n beset_v on_o every_o side_n with_o allurement_n to_o do_v evil_a it_o will_v high_o concern_v we_o afresh_o to_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o support_v that_o we_o may_v stand_v upright_o if_o we_o have_v pass_v secure_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o day_n it_o become_v we_o to_o pay_v our_o humble_a acknowledgement_n to_o our_o divine_a guardian_n and_o guide_n and_o if_o we_o have_v fall_v it_o become_v we_o with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o confess_v our_o vileness_n and_o deprecate_v god_n anger_n and_o beg_v his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o circumspect_a the_o remainder_n of_o it_o and_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o wonderful_a order_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o variety_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o plentiful_a provision_n god_n have_v make_v for_o all_o our_o necessity_n will_v then_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o engage_v our_o thought_n and_o will_v minister_v abundant_a matter_n for_o devotion_n and_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o fill_v our_o breast_n with_o holy_a breathe_n and_o aspiration_n towards_o that_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n and_o power_n infinite_a who_o by_o his_o word_n speak_v all_o this_o into_o be_v 3._o and_o for_o prayer_n at_o evening_n our_o protection_n from_o the_o many_o evil_a accident_n and_o the_o many_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o day_n past_a the_o miscarriage_n likewise_o and_o failures_n of_o it_o if_o no_o worse_o and_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o approach_a night_n be_v sufficient_a motive_n and_o engagement_n to_o renew_v our_o devout_a address_n to_o the_o almighty_a and_o as_o private_a prayer_n ought_v to_o be_v thus_o constant_a and_o without_o wilful_a intermission_n so_o and_o more_o especial_o no_o opportunity_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o public_a congregation_n shall_v be_v omit_v for_o this_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o and_o primary_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o what_o they_o write_v about_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n most_o part_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v spend_v in_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a management_n of_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o the_o command_n of_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o place_n and_o that_o ephes_n 6.18_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o every_o opportunity_n must_v primary_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a as_o any_o capable_a person_n may_v perceive_v by_o consider_v the_o context_n and_o according_o those_o convert_v make_v by_o s._n peter_n act_v 2.42_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o v._o 46._o they_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n with_o one_o accord_n and_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n we_o find_v they_o all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n act_v 2.1_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n till_o iniquity_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o begin_v to_o wax_v cold_a but_o methinks_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o these_o public_a devotion_n above_o the_o private_a shall_v have_v some_o influence_n upon_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o more_o constant_a attendance_n at_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v express_o promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n there_o and_o that_o the_o prayer_n there_o offer_v shall_v be_v successful_a thus_o matt._n 18.19_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v he_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o church_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a which_o be_v write_v there_o who_o happy_a employment_n be_v to_o admire_v adore_v and_o extol_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o as_o there_o so_o here_o the_o devotion_n of_o other_o will_v raise_v our_o affection_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n quicken_v our_o devotion_n to_o which_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o provoke_v to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n by_o pious_a example_n and_o devout_a behaviour_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n at_o the_o close_a of_o those_o public_a office_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n think_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o mean_a regard_n whatever_o low_a thought_n man_n nowadays_o may_v have_v of_o it_o to_o this_o head_n of_o public_a prayer_n may_v be_v reduce_v the_o assemble_v of_o a_o family_n together_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o joint_a petition_n to_o god_n whether_o by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o family_n or_o by_o some_o minister_n of_o religion_n if_o present_a and_o this_o have_v be_v a_o practice_n of_o very_o long_o stand_v and_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n it_o keep_v a_o family_n in_o a_o serious_a sense_n of_o religion_n it_o accustom_n youth_n to_o it_o betimes_o and_o be_v a_o excellent_a example_n to_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o mark_v and_o imitate_v their_o parent_n and_o master_n step_v more_o than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o and_o young_a people_n will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v those_o of_o who_o prudence_n and_o experience_n they_o have_v a_o opinion_n so_o serious_o set_v about_o it_o the_o return_v of_o these_o family-devotion_n at_o the_o beginning_n and_o close_a of_o the_o day_n ought_v not_o without_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v omit_v for_o they_o natural_o tend_v to_o make_v people_n more_o industrious_a and_o just_a in_o their_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n as_o keep_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n a_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o a_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o to_o prevent_v abundance_n of_o folly_n and_o levity_n and_o looseness_n of_o manner_n and_o make_v the_o day_n sober_a and_o honest_a and_o the_o night_n innocent_a and_o chaste_a and_o this_o appear_v evident_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o great_a difference_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v between_o family_n where_o this_o holy_a custom_n be_v and_o be_v not_o observe_v idleness_n and_o laziness_n pilfer_v and_o cheat_v swear_v and_o lie_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n of_o all_o sort_n general_o where_o it_o be_v neglect_v and_o good_a order_n modesty_n and_o sobriety_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o it_o be_v observe_v for_o it_o tend_v so_o much_o as_o it_o evident_o do_v to_o the_o make_v man_n good_a christian_n it_o consequent_o must_v needs_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v they_o good_a in_o every_o relation_n these_o solemn_a family_n devotion_n be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a preparation_n for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o the_o more_o public_a office_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n for_o they_o tend_v to_o create_v that_o habitual_a seriousness_n