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
about_o spiritual_a humility_n because_o it_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a religion_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v none_o but_o vile_a and_o abject_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o to_o be_v conscious_a of_o nothing_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o but_o to_o call_v ourselves_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n example_n who_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o but_o since_o it_o can_v be_v true_a for_o a_o sincere_o pious_a sober_a and_o chaste_a man_n for_o instance_n to_o call_v himself_o the_o most_o profane_a the_o most_o intemperate_a and_o debauch_a wretch_n live_v for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a that_o be_v not_o so_o therefore_o a_o more_o discreet_a way_n of_o humiliation_n and_o confession_n of_o our_o fault_n shall_v be_v introduce_v in_o its_o room_n for_o nothing_o that_o be_v untrue_a can_v be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v so_o neither_o shall_v he_o untrue_o vilify_v and_o miscall_v himself_o but_o think_v and_o speak_v sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o he_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o same_o st._n paul_n advice_n rom._n 12.3_o who_o example_n be_v urge_v for_o so_o extreme_o debase_v a_o man_n self_n in_o his_o own_o esteem_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n it_o must_v look_v back_o to_o his_o former_a wickedness_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v not_o be_v true_a as_o to_o his_o present_a condition_n when_o he_o speak_v it_o for_o he_o be_v then_o a_o choose_a vessel_n and_o not_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o whatever_o good_a man_n will_v use_v that_o expression_n after_o he_o its_o signification_n must_v be_v restrain_v either_o with_o reference_n to_o past_a wickedness_n or_o some_o particular_a vice_n which_o too_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_o can_v be_v true_a in_o its_o large_a sense_n of_o any_o sincere_o good_a man._n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o humiliation_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o confession_n of_o fault_n which_o a_o man_n never_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o which_o yet_o be_v much_o in_o vogue_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o people_n but_o do_v indeed_o look_v too_o stage-like_a to_o be_v think_v real_a by_o any_o discern_a man._n poverty_n of_o spirit_n therefore_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o man_n make_v himself_n worse_o than_o he_o be_v and_o true_o there_o be_v no_o neâ—â—_n he_o shall_v do_v so_o every_o man_n live_v have_v enough_o of_o real_a vileness_n to_o humble_v he_o before_o god_n and_o in_o overlook_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o he_o and_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o the_o parable_n may_v very_o innocent_o have_v thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n fornicator_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o a_o publican_n have_v there_o not_o be_v something_o much_o worse_a than_o this_o mix_v with_o his_o thanksgiving_n and_o it_o be_v this_o he_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o live_n more_o circumspect_o than_o other_o man_n he_o arrogate_a much_o of_o the_o praise_n to_o himself_o and_o despise_a one_o who_o by_o reason_n his_o profession_n he_o think_v be_v a_o more_o loose_a and_o careless_a liver_n and_o never_o reflect_v upon_o his_o failure_n and_o imperfection_n but_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o admire_v himself_o and_o vaunt_v of_o his_o virtue_n and_o do_v not_o return_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o think_v well_o of_o one_o conversation_n and_o virtuous_a live_n that_o be_v spiritual_a pride_n but_o only_o when_o we_o think_v better_o of_o it_o than_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o forget_v our_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n or_o arrogant_o ascribe_v the_o praise_n to_o our_o self_n not_o remember_v who_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v and_o neglect_v to_o return_v the_o glory_n to_o he_o and_o be_v so_o exalt_v in_o our_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v other_o because_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o with_o show_n and_o ostentation_n spiritual_a humility_n then_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o this_o spiritual_a pride_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o not_o overvalue_v our_o spiritual_a excellency_n nor_o our_o self_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o but_o return_v all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n it_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o he_o make_v we_o to_o differ_v and_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o good_a thought_n but_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o in_o who_o divine_a aid_n be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n it_o be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o even_o our_o best_a action_n and_o how_o much_o need_n there_o be_v of_o god_n mercy_n and_o favourable_a judgement_n after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v in_o his_o service_n it_o be_v to_o remember_v likewise_o that_o with_o such_o great_a assistance_n from_o above_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o may_v have_v be_v much_o better_a than_o we_o be_v and_o have_v practise_v more_o grace_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o in_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o when_o there_o arise_v any_o inward_a complacency_n in_o our_o breast_n from_o a_o virtuous_a action_n or_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o commendation_n from_o other_o it_o be_v then_o immediate_o to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o transfer_v all_o the_o praise_n to_o he_o and_o suffer_v no_o vain_a tumor_n to_o remain_v upon_o our_o mind_n nor_o look_v down_o with_o scorn_n upon_o other_o that_o have_v less_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o pollution_n that_o be_v still_o upon_o our_o soul_n and_o reflect_v how_o great_a a_o debt_n of_o gratitude_n lie_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o great_a benefactor_n who_o have_v give_v we_o unworthy_a as_o we_o be_v such_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v he_o a_o due_a return_n of_o a_o daily_a increase_a praise_n and_o obedience_n and_o love_n second_o spiritual_a humility_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o vileness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o as_o we_o must_v not_o overvalue_v our_o virtue_n nor_o our_o self_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o undervalue_v our_o vice_n i._n e._n endeavour_v to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v they_o and_o give_v they_o more_o favourable_a name_n than_o they_o deserve_v such_o as_o unavoidable_a frailty_n pitiable_a infirmity_n the_o effect_n of_o surprise_n and_o the_o like_a nor_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v less_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o our_o commission_n of_o they_o than_o indeed_o we_o be_v there_o be_v no_o manliving_a how_o good_a soever_o but_o be_v still_o a_o sinner_n and_o not_o only_a imperfection_n and_o frailty_n may_v be_v lay_v to_o his_o charge_n but_o god_n know_v too_o often_o sin_n of_o a_o deep_a dye_n as_o david_n and_o peter_n we_o know_v fall_v into_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o wickedness_n though_o the_o one_o otherwise_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n and_o the_o other_o a_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o holy_a martyr_n for_o his_o truth_n now_o spiritual_a humility_n will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o spiritual_a vileness_n and_o represen_fw-mi this_o sin_n whatever_o it_o be_v as_o indeed_o the_o great_a evil_n a_o violation_n of_o the_o high_a authority_n and_o of_o a_o most_o holy_a and_o just_o and_o good_a law_n and_o the_o very_a height_n of_o ingratitude_n too_o as_o be_v a_o resist_a the_o will_n of_o our_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n and_o it_o will_v show_v he_o the_o aggravation_n of_o his_o gild_n as_o be_v contract_v against_o sufficient_a light_n and_o knowledge_n and_o when_o he_o have_v sufficient_a aid_n likewise_o from_o abve_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o if_o he_o will_v these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n which_o a_o man_n true_o humble_a in_o spirit_n will_v call_v to_o mind_n will_v humble_v he_o still_o more_o and_o render_v he_o as_o vile_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n as_o he_o think_v he_o be_v in_o god_n and_o make_v he_o prostrate_v himself_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n confess_v his_o gild_n condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o humble_o implore_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o offend_a god_n and_o
final_o want_v in_o a_o sufficient_a degree_n to_o such_o as_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o in_o another_o parable_n mark_v 4.26_o which_o for_o its_o near_a resemblance_n to_o this_o and_o the_o next_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a particular_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o of_o grace_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v he_o know_v not_o how_o from_o the_o blade_n to_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o when_o the_o fruit_n be_v ripe_a he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v come_v that_o be_v though_o good_a man_n progress_n in_o religion_n oftentime_o be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a as_o they_o may_v and_o wish_n yet_o though_o almost_o insensible_o it_o may_v daily_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o at_o last_o the_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v visible_a in_o their_o conversation_n therefore_o let_v not_o a_o slow_a improvement_n discourage_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a of_o make_v still_o high_a advances_n but_o let_v he_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o already_o have_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n still_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o with_o patience_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o more_o plentiful_a increase_n in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o and_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a when_o a_o husbandman_n sow_n his_o seed_n if_o he_o sow_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n we_o know_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v in_o a_o proportionable_a abundance_n and_o when_o he_o sow_n more_o spare_o and_o the_o soil_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o increase_n his_o expectation_n be_v according_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n from_o such_o as_o be_v of_o pregnant_a part_n and_o ability_n able_a to_o entertain_v and_o consider_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o enjoy_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n all_o the_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o abundant_a increase_n from_o such_o man_n as_o these_o god_n will_v expect_v much_o fruit_n even_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o hundred-fold_a they_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v so_o rich_o in_o they_o line_n upon_o line_n precept_n upon_o precept_n treasure_n of_o instruction_n heap_v one_o upon_o another_o a_o scanty_a penurious_a increase_n will_v not_o be_v accept_v much_o less_o a_o total_a and_o entire_a barrenness_n excuse_v for_o so_o st._n paul_n heb._n 6.7_o 8._o the_o earth_n that_o drink_v in_o the_o rain_n that_o come_v upon_o it_o and_o bring_v forth_o herb_n meet_v for_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v dress_v receive_v blessing_n from_o god_n but_o that_o which_o bear_v thorn_n and_o briar_n be_v reject_v and_o nigh_o unto_o curse_v who_o end_n be_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o our_o lord_n in_o very_o plain_a and_o express_v term_n say_v the_o same_o luk._n 12.48_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o ability_n alike_o nor_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n either_o in_o the_o sow_v of_o the_o seed_n or_o in_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soil_n god_n will_v proportionable_o abate_v in_o his_o expectation_n of_o increase_n but_o though_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o increase_n from_o every_o man_n yet_o he_o will_v expect_v some_o if_o not_o a_o hundred-fold_a yet_o sixty_o or_o if_o not_o sixty_o yet_o at_o least_o thirty_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v myriad_o of_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n who_o receive_v the_o seed_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o be_v able_a likewise_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o considerable_a increase_n and_o yet_o be_v as_o unfruitful_a as_o if_o their_o soul_n have_v lie_v always_o fallow_a and_o be_v never_o cultivate_v and_o impregnate_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a instruction_n let_v such_o be_v entreat_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o immortal_a soul_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o shake_v off_o that_o stupid_a numbness_n and_o insensibility_n that_o so_o fatal_o beset_v they_o and_o bethink_v themselves_o how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v when_o at_o the_o great_a harvest_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o god_n will_v gather_v the_o ripe_a fruit_n and_o dispose_v they_o in_o his_o heavenly_a garner_n when_o at_o that_o great_a day_n our_o lord_n shall_v expect_v fruit_n from_o the_o seed_n that_o he_o have_v sow_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v find_v nothing_o but_o briar_n and_o thorn_n wickedness_n and_o impurity_n let_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n they_o will_v be_v in_o when_o their_o unfruitfulness_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o number_n and_o sharpness_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n increase_v upon_o they_o because_o when_o they_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n they_o do_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o though_o god_n bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o frequent_o importune_v they_o to_o a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o way_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v their_o foot_n unto_o his_o testimony_n and_o be_v no_o long_o unprofitable_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n and_o how_o soon_o god_n alone_o can_v tell_v and_o perhaps_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v the_o last_o invitation_n to_o a_o new_a life_n which_o some_o that_o hear_v it_o may_v ever_o have_v or_o at_o least_o the_o last_o that_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v it_o fruitful_a wherefore_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n lest_o god_n shall_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n consider_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o this_o of_o mat._n 13.12_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o the_o instruction_n he_o have_v already_o hear_v shall_v receive_v abundant_o more_o grace_n far_o great_a assistance_n and_o much_o large_a and_o more_o frequent_a shower_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n than_o ever_o former_o he_o do_v christ_n will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v express_v rev._n 3.20_o that_o be_v will_v free_o communicate_v to_o he_o of_o his_o divine_a favour_n and_o refreshment_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a festivity_n and_o joy_n between_o they_o his_o saviour_n will_v take_v he_o into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v his_o brother_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n that_o be_v as_o tender_o regard_v by_o he_o as_o those_o dear_a relative_n and_o how_o must_v that_o soul_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v which_o be_v thus_o plentiful_o water_v with_o shower_n above_o and_o enrich_v with_o stream_n issue_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o intolerable_a will_v be_v his_o misery_n that_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v these_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o a_o careless_a hearer_n only_o deceive_a sad_o
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
perfection_n he_o who_o be_v light_n itself_o and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o will_v hide_v nothing_o of_o his_o glory_n from_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o pure_a and_o prepare_v mind_n but_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o their_o beatified_a soul_n and_o make_v they_o full_a of_o divine_a gladness_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o countenance_n their_o apprehension_n shall_v be_v clear_v and_o brighten_v their_o faculty_n act_v upon_o this_o best_a of_o object_n vigorous_o and_o without_o any_o hindrance_n or_o distraction_n and_o every_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n shall_v discover_v new_a grace_n and_o perfection_n for_o god_n be_v a_o immense_a and_o fathomless_a ocean_n of_o beauty_n as_o plato_n excellent_o express_v it_o and_o their_o capacity_n by_o every_o such_o view_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o make_v still_o more_o and_o more_o capacious_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o follow_a great_a manifestation_n and_o so_o their_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o this_o divine_a be_v always_o increase_v and_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o complete_a and_o full_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o capacity_n their_o joy_n and_o happiness_n will_v be_v like_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o because_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a and_o since_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o pious_a industry_n will_v be_v such_o a_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n methinks_v we_o shall_v take_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o these_o low_a good_n and_o dote_v no_o long_o upon_o these_o vain_a and_o worthless_a trifle_n nor_o throw_v away_o our_o love_n upon_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o and_o spend_v our_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n but_o make_v it_o our_o great_a endeavour_n to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o by_o improve_n the_o talent_n he_o have_v give_v we_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o remember_v that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o certain_o that_o diligence_n be_v well_o bestow_v which_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n but_o with_o the_o unprofitable_a and_o slothful_a servant_n it_o be_v not_o so_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o next_o in_o this_o world_n the_o lash_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v be_v unto_o he_o a_o continual_a torment_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o have_v careless_o neglect_v his_o duty_n and_o not_o perform_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n the_o just_a command_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n but_o be_v a_o unfaithful_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o a_o good_a account_n when_o his_o lord_n shall_v come_v expect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n this_o will_v fill_v his_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o worldly_a enjoyment_n with_o the_o mixture_n of_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o severe_a after-reckoning_a and_o the_o terrify_a expectation_n of_o his_o sad_a fate_n that_o will_v ensue_v will_v be_v to_o he_o even_o like_o a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o cruciate_v his_o soul_n with_o unspeakable_a pang_n and_o agony_n and_o which_o be_v much_o worse_a still_o the_o grace_n that_o have_v so_o long_o lie_v unimprove_v shall_v at_o length_n be_v take_v from_o he_o and_o the_o man_n as_o desperate_a and_o irreclaimable_a be_v give_v over_o and_o as_o it_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o remediless_a misery_n and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n at_o that_o great_a day_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v actual_o call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o his_o work_n the_o dire_a sentence_n of_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n shall_v strike_v he_o through_o with_o horror_n and_o confusion_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v drive_v into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o he_o shall_v eternal_o bewail_v his_o miserable_a condition_n and_o gnash_v his_o tooth_n in_o bitter_a remorse_n for_o bring_v himself_o to_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n by_o slothful_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o that_o divine_a grace_n with_o which_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v have_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n cry_v out_o to_o eternal_a age_n in_o utter_a despair_n and_o most_o torment_a agony_n of_o soul_n o_o that_o i_o have_v consider_v in_o that_o my_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o do_v belong_v unto_o my_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o my_o eye_n and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n here_o be_v in_o this_o parable_n we_o see_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n all_o the_o encouragement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n and_o a_o lively_a improve_n piety_n such_o as_o more_o and_o more_o abundance_n of_o grace_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a attendant_n of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n here_o be_v what_o if_o due_o consider_v will_v make_v any_o man_n afraid_a of_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o his_o talon_n for_o if_o he_o do_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o god_n grace_n here_o and_o doom_v to_o eternal_a misery_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n wherefore_o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v now_o commented_a upon_o this_o parable_n and_o beg_v of_o god_n so_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o our_o good_a that_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o make_v a_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o management_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o our_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o prayer_n most_o glorious_a god_n the_o fountain_n of_o perfection_n who_o i_o humble_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n i_o beseech_v thou_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o according_a to_o thy_o just_a expectation_n i_o may_v make_v a_o suitable_a improvement_n of_o the_o talent_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o thy_o bounty_n to_o thy_o glory_n and_o the_o public_a good_n and_o may_v my_o industry_n be_v excite_v by_o this_o great_a consideration_n that_o thou_o will_v certain_o call_v i_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o improvement_n and_o very_o speedy_o perhaps_o and_o will_v proportionable_o reward_v or_o punish_v i_o in_o the_o eternal_a world_n i_o thankful_o own_o most_o merciful_a father_n that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o sufficient_a grace_n wherewith_o to_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o my_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o want_v to_o i_o in_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n o_o may_v i_o not_o be_v want_v to_o myself_o and_o neglect_v and_o bury_v this_o precious_a talon_n but_o with_o diligence_n and_o carefulness_n endeavour_v to_o work_v out_o my_o salvation_n with_o it_o in_o fear_n and_o tremble_v remember_v what_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o how_o utter_o without_o plea_n or_o excuse_n when_o for_o my_o wicked_a slothfulness_n thou_o shall_v consign_v i_o to_o outer_a darkness_n since_o thou_o do_v enable_v i_o to_o perform_v all_o thou_o expect_v from_o i_o and_o may_v the_o unspeakable_o happy_a condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a encourage_v i_o to_o a_o active_a persevere_v piety_n and_o always_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o thou_o my_o lord_n since_o i_o know_v my_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o be_v reward_v with_o still_o large_a addition_n of_o thy_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n and_o with_o the_o participation_n in_o great_a degree_n of_o thy_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o o_o god_n assist_v i_o more_o and_o more_o with_o this_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o may_v i_o always_o grateful_o acknowledge_v from_o who_o i_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o return_v thou_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v do_v well_o by_o thy_o assistance_n and_o always_o fear_v lest_o by_o my_o negligence_n i_o forfeit_v it_o that_o so_o faithful_o improve_n the_o talon_n thou_o have_v here_o commit_v to_o my_o trust_n i_o may_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o retribution_n hear_v these_o bless_a word_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n enter_z thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n which_o grant_n o_o gracious_a god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n thy_o belove_a amen_n parable_n ix_o of_o the_o covetous_a rich_a fool._n luke_n twelve_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o jesus_n speak_v a_o parable_n unto_o they_o say_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o certain_a rich_a man_n bring_v forth_o plentiful_o and_o
p._n 91._o l._n 17._o r._n to_o p._n 111._o l._n 10._o r._n eternal_o p._n 119._o l._n 1._o deal_n the._n p._n 129._o l._n 17._o r._n have_v p._n 133._o l._n 15._o r._n affect_v ib_o antip_v r._n their_o p._n 141._o l._n 3._o r._n then_o p._n 142._o l._n 7._o deal_n we_o 144._o l._n 20._o r._n if_o 162._o l._n 7._o r._n own_o p._n 171._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n p._n 185._o l._n 20._o deal_n and._n p._n 186._o l._n 23._o r._n us_o as_o 202._o l._n 10._o r._n slight_v p._n 223._o l._n 3._o r._n be_v p._n 227._o l._n 13._o r._n his_o 228._o l._n 28._o r._n break_v p._n 234._o l._n 12._o r._n strike_v so_o p_o 239._o l._n 6._o r._n behaviour_n p._n 241._o l._n 16._o deal_n such_o ib._n l._n 17._o r._n which_o 245._o l._n 17._o r._n that_o p._n 252._o l._n 12_o r._n mankind_n p._n 257._o l._n 29._o r._n general_a 266._o l._n 12._o r._n relief_n p._n 284._o l._n 14._o r._n of_o p._n 289._o l._n 23._o r._n from_o p._n 328._o l._n 13._o r._n indignus_fw-la ibid._n l._n 15._o r._n charae_fw-la p._n 329._o l._n 6._o r._n according_o p._n 332._o l._n 3._o r._n sleep_n p._n 333._o l._n 6._o r._n unspeakable_o p._n 335._o l._n 12._o r._n we_o p._n 342._o l._n 28._o r._n dewes_n p._n 355._o l._n 29._o deal_n public_a p._n 361._o l._n 25._o r._n your_o p._n 374._o l._n 18_o 19_o for_o they_o r._n he_o p._n 378._o l_o 10._o r._n she_o p._n 380._o l._n 10._o r._n those_o ibid._n l._n 29._o r._n passion_n p._n 382._o deal_n crysippi_n porticus_fw-la &_o grex_fw-la ibid._n r._n prava_fw-la p._n 392._o l._n 4._o for_o saviour_n r._n father_n 404._o l._n 3._o r._n in_o the_o favour_n 405._o l._n 27._o r._n make_v p._n 415._o l._n 27._o r._n can_v not_o p._n 416._o l._n 26._o r._n irreconcilable_a p._n 430._o l._n 2._o r._n numb_v p._n 441._o l._n 25_o r._n encourager_n p._n 457._o l._n 23._o r._n favour_n p._n 470._o l._n 25._o r._n bitter_a p._n 475_o l._n 29._o r._n depreciate_n parable_n i._o of_o the_o sour_a that_o go_v forth_o to_o sow_v his_o seed_n matth._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o behold_v a_o sower_n go_v forth_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o he_o sow_v some_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o way-side_n and_o the_o foul_n come_v and_o devour_v they_o up_o some_o fall_v upon_o sttony_n place_n where_o they_o have_v not_o much_o earth_n and_o forthwith_o they_o spring_v up_o because_o they_o have_v no_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v up_o they_o be_v scorch_v and_o because_o they_o have_v not_o root_n they_o wither_v away_o and_o some_o fall_v among_o thorn_n and_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v they_o but_o other_o fell_a into_o good_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n some_o a_o hundred-fold_a some_o sixty-fold_a some_o thirty-fold_a this_o parable_n be_v very_o fit_o place_v first_o as_o giving_z account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n fruitfulness_n or_o unfruitfulness_n in_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o direct_v to_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v better_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o such_o as_o will_v be_v christian_n indeed_o our_o lord_n interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n 8.11_o matth._n 13.19_o mark_v 4.14_o luk._n 8.11_o from_o a_o collation_n of_o the_o three_o evangelist_n that_o record_v it_o be_v this_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n the_o religion_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n when_o any_o one_o hear_v this_o word_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o wicked_a one_o or_o satan_n immediate_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v he_o who_o receive_v seed_n by_o the_o way-side_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o rocky_a or_o stony_a place_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o present_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v not_o root_n in_o himself_o and_o so_o endure_v or_o believe_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v soon_o offend_v or_o discourage_v and_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n he_o also_o that_o receive_a seed_n among_o the_o thorn_n be_v he_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o go_v forth_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v unfruitful_a or_o at_o best_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n but_o he_o that_o receive_v seed_n into_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v he_o that_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n understand_v or_o consider_v it_o and_o receive_v and_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n whether_o thirty_o sixty_o or_o a_o hundred-fold_a from_o the_o parable_n thus_o interpret_v by_o its_o divine_a author_n it_o appear_v as_o be_v say_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n improve_n or_o not_o improve_n under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o avoid_v and_o what_o to_o embrace_v and_o endeavour_v after_o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v fruitful_a under_o those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n we_o enjoy_v we_o shall_v now_o consider_v each_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n with_o its_o interpretation_n the_o first_o be_v behold_v a_o sower_n go_v forth_o to_o sow_v and_o when_o he_o sow_v some_o seed_n fall_v by_o the_o wayes-side_n and_o be_v tread_v down_o and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n come_v and_o devour_v they_o up_o the_o interpretation_n be_v that_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v sow_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o when_o any_o one_o hear_v this_o word_n and_o understand_v it_o not_o then_o come_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o wicked_a one_o immediate_o and_o catch_v away_o that_o which_o be_v sow_o in_o his_o heart_n lest_o he_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v this_o be_v he_o that_o receive_v seed_n by_o the_o way-side_n or_o this_o be_v that_o seed_n which_o fall_v by_o the_o way-side_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o seed_n because_o of_o its_o fructify_a grow_a and_o increase_a nature_n because_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v when_o sow_o unless_o kill_v and_o make_v unfruitful_a by_o accidental_a injury_n spring_v up_o into_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o in_o great_a abundance_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nourish_a strengthen_v nav_v the_o immortalise_a of_o man_n for_o of_o this_o divine_a seed_n consist_v that_o heavenly_a bread_n which_o whoso_o eat_v of_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v this_o seed_n that_o bring_v forth_o those_o grace_n of_o christianity_n which_o keep_v up_o the_o divine_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v it_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o object_n our_o lord_n jesus_n it_o be_v this_o that_o be_v its_o preparation_n for_o heaven_n and_o a_o earnest_a of_o that_o immortal_a and_o glorious_a inheritance_n for_o wheresoever_o that_o seed_n be_v sow_o 6.22_o rom._n 6.22_o and_o spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_v most_o certain_o will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o for_o these_o reason_n compare_v to_o seed_n but_o to_o seed_n sow_o it_o be_v not_o only_o potential_o fruitful_a but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v now_o call_v forth_o into_o act_n it_o be_v actual_o sow_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n its_o excellent_a precept_n be_v open_o declare_v and_o plant_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o the_o proposal_n of_o infinite_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o such_o as_o do_v or_o do_v not_o obey_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o this_o seed_n thus_o sow_o be_v water_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o distillation_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n which_o be_v in_o sufficient_a plenty_n afford_v to_o every_o man_n so_o that_o god_n the_o great_a husbandman_n be_v not_o want_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o flourish_a and_o increase_n of_o that_o seed_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o commit_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o he_o expect_v and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v to_o see_v it_o grow_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n wherever_o it_o
more_o and_o more_o to_o soften_v their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o pliable_a to_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v sink_v deep_a into_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v fix_v there_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o yield_v to_o every_o temptation_n and_o wither_v when_o adversity_n shall_v come_v they_o must_v not_o boggle_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a evil_a habit_n and_o inclination_n and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n not_o pretend_v hardship_n or_o impossibility_n when_o he_o command_v not_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o of_o his_o precept_n or_o shift_v it_o from_o themselves_o nor_o expect_v heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n but_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o in_o sincerity_n upon_o such_o obedience_n only_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n hope_v for_o the_o promise_n and_o this_o course_n like_o good_a tillage_n and_o manure_v of_o our_o ground_n will_v soon_o mollify_v the_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o superficial_o but_o entire_o pliable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receptive_a of_o its_o impression_n to_o the_o very_a bottom_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v dwell_v in_o we_o rich_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n not_o only_o in_o time_n of_o security_n and_o peace_n but_o even_o then_o when_o tribulation_n shall_v arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n and_o take_v still_o deep_a root_n and_o bring_v forth_o great_a abundance_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o storm_n and_o scorching_n of_o persecution_n or_o even_o a_o fiery_a trial_n three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a seed_n that_o fall_v among_o thorn_n lest_o the_o thorn_n spring_v up_o and_o choke_v it_o so_o that_o it_o yield_v no_o fruit._n that_o be_v that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n we_o go_v not_o forth_o and_o suffer_v the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o choke_v the_o word_n and_o it_o become_v utter_o unfruitful_a or_o at_o least_o bring_v no_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n it_o be_v by_o a_o lamentable_a experience_n too_o true_a that_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n very_o much_o hinder_v our_o provision_n for_o the_o next_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n in_o nature_n because_o the_o world_n to_o come_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n so_o infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o present_a that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o competition_n between_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o world_n of_o care_n and_o vexation_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o sickness_n pain_n and_o death_n as_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o a_o world_n of_o eternal_a unmixed_a and_o uninterrupted_a happiness_n as_o be_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o one_o will_v think_v man_n shall_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o so_o much_o their_o own_o friend_n as_o to_o bestow_v their_o great_a endeavour_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o main_a interest_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o egregious_a fool_n as_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o a_o empty_a bubble_n to_o forfeit_v a_o happy_a eternity_n so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v very_o allowable_a to_o mind_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o to_o enjoy_v with_o thanksgiving_n the_o portion_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o here_o below_o but_o to_o invert_v god_n order_n and_o place_n that_o first_o in_o our_o esteem_n which_o shall_v be_v last_o when_o he_o say_v seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o then_o all_o needful_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o to_o run_v quite_o counter_a and_o first_o provide_v for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o and_o that_o but_o very_o cold_o god_n know_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n this_o be_v such_o a_o preposterous_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a unprofitable_a exchange_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v follow_v upon_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n alone_o will_v not_o save_v but_o must_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o final_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o too_o great_a love_n and_o eager_a prosecution_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n will_v choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o our_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n affirm_v it_o will_v if_o all_o this_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o such_o as_o have_v a_o desire_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v fruitful_a in_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o they_o must_v love_v the_o world_n less_o and_o their_o soul_n more_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o clear_v their_o mind_n of_o these_o worldly_a thorn_n and_o briar_n lest_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v stifle_v and_o that_o seed_n choke_v which_o alone_o can_v fructify_v to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n we_o must_v use_v this_o world_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o but_o certain_o he_o abuse_v it_o and_o all_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n afford_v he_o in_o it_o who_o so_o immoderate_o dote_v upon_o it_o as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o service_n of_o his_o great_a benefactor_n and_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n about_o the_o increase_a wealth_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o sublunary_a pleasure_n and_o can_v spare_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o of_o his_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o be_v man_n be_v general_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o it_o as_o not_o only_o to_o neglect_v religion_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o love_v the_o world_n still_o more_o and_o more_o but_o even_o to_o plead_v the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o coolness_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o unfruitfulness_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o their_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v often_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o more_o constant_a in_o at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a 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
deceive_v his_o own_o soul_n from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o to_o enrich_v his_o industrious_a brother_n and_o add_v to_o his_o abundance_n what_o grace_n he_o have_v before_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v and_o he_o naked_a and_o defenseless_a leave_v to_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n shall_v no_o long_o drop_v upon_o his_o barren_a soul_n but_o parch_a and_o sapless_a it_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o eternal_a burn_n consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n and_o be_v unfruitful_a under_o all_o his_o care_n and_o fatherly_a nurture_n and_o admonition_n lest_o at_o length_n he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o and_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v still_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o do_v with_o the_o first_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o a_o blessing_n and_o a_o curse_n a_o blessing_n if_o when_o the_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n we_o receive_v it_o into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o according_a to_o our_o several_a ability_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n that_o be_v obey_v and_o practise_v it_o with_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n and_o a_o curse_n if_o we_o remain_v still_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a not_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v ourselves_o into_o eternal_a perdition_n it_o become_v we_o all_o therefore_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v and_o not_o be_v like_o the_o high-way-side_n suffer_v our_o thought_n to_o wander_v from_o the_o instruction_n we_o have_v hear_v and_o leave_v the_o good_a seed_n unregarded_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o expose_v our_o mind_n as_o a_o common_a tract_n to_o vain_a and_o wicked_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o diabolical_a suggestion_n nor_o like_o the_o stony_a ground_n impenetrable_a to_o any_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n nor_o like_o that_o overrun_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n and_o noxious_a weed_n such_o as_o be_v the_o care_n and_o deceitful_a riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n which_o will_v choke_v the_o word_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a but_o that_o we_o treasure_n up_o this_o divine_a word_n in_o our_o memory_n ponder_v and_o consider_v it_o and_o set_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o so_o shall_v it_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n now_o 9.10_o 2_o cor._n 9.10_o he_o that_o minister_v seed_n to_o the_o sour_a both_o give_v we_o this_o heavenly_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o multiply_v the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o righteousness_n that_o be_v enrich_v in_o every_o good_a thing_n to_o all_o bountifulness_n there_o may_v be_v give_v through_o we_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n amen_o amen_n the_o prayer_n i._o most_o holy_a jesus_n thou_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n who_o have_v in_o great_a plenty_n sow_o among_o we_o the_o seed_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n even_o thy_o holy_a word_n and_o water_v it_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a grace_n and_o be_v want_v in_o nothing_o on_o thy_o part_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o flourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o abundant_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n i_o thy_o unworthy_a servant_n unfeigned_o bless_v this_o thy_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tender_a care_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o must_v with_o shame_n confess_v that_o hitherto_o thy_o care_n have_v be_v in_o too_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o my_o inconsiderateness_n and_o obstinacy_n my_o soul_n still_o remain_v barren_a as_o the_o high-way-side_n impenetrable_a to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o best_o flit_a and_o unconstant_a in_o religious_a purpose_n which_o have_v be_v short-lived_a as_o the_o grass_n that_o grow_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o else_o choke_v with_o the_o briar_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n with_o covetous_a and_o sensual_a desire_n thus_o have_v i_o court_v death_n in_o the_o error_n of_o my_o life_n but_o now_o be_v awaken_v by_o thy_o mercy_n and_o become_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n i_o be_o in_o and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n if_o my_o barrenness_n continue_v i_o humble_o beg_v and_o earnest_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o thou_o from_o who_o be_v all_o our_o sufficiency_n will_v aid_v i_o with_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n and_o help_v my_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v i_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n that_o thy_o word_n may_v ever_o hereafter_o take_v so_o deep_a a_o root_n in_o my_o soul_n as_o to_o produce_v the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o christianity_n ii_o i_o be_o sad_o sensible_a o_o lord_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o do_v thou_o therefore_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o our_o spirit_n purge_v my_o soul_n of_o all_o lurk_a hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o will_v hinder_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o this_o heavenly_a seed_n and_o make_v i_o apt_a to_o receive_v and_o cherish_v it_o by_o create_v in_o i_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o renew_v a_o sincere_a and_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v so_o serious_o attend_v to_o and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n thy_o goodness_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o entire_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v my_o practice_n to_o my_o belief_n and_o may_v i_o always_o heedful_o preserve_v those_o divine_a instruction_n and_o move_a argument_n to_o a_o persevere_v piety_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v from_o thy_o word_n lest_o the_o infernal_a bird_n of_o prey_n deprive_v i_o of_o the_o good_a seed_n and_o in_o its_o room_n plant_v devilish_a affection_n and_o o_o that_o patience_n and_o hope_n and_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o thou_o for_o direction_n and_o defence_n may_v be_v my_o support_n in_o this_o my_o pilgrimage_n that_o so_o cheerful_o run_v the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o i_o and_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o early_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n in_o my_o tender_a year_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o late_a distillation_n of_o thy_o grace_n which_o will_v bring_v my_o fruit_n to_o perfection_n and_o always_o endeavour_v of_o proportion_n my_o increase_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o it_o thy_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o i_o may_v at_o last_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a punishment_n of_o unfruitfulness_n and_o have_v my_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n through_o thy_o merit_n and_o mercy_n o_o bless_a saviour_n jesus_n amen_n parable_n ii_o of_o the_o tare_n matth._n xiii_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30._o another_o parable_n put_v jesus_n forth_o unto_o they_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o his_o field_n but_o while_o man_n sleep_v his_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n but_o when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o so_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v not_o thou_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o the_o servant_n say_v unto_o he_o will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o but_o he_o say_v nay_o lest_o while_o you_o gather_v up_o the_o tare_n you_o root_v up_o also_o the_o wheat_n with_o they_o let_v both_o grow_v together_o until_o the_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v thus_o set_v down_o verse_n 37._o of_o this_o chapter_n he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o field_n be_v the_o world_n the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o tare_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o the_o enemy_n that_o sow_v they_o
will_v unhallow_a and_o make_v ineffecutal_a one_o duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o a_o separation_n be_v admit_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o as_o these_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o external_a communion_n of_o saint_n because_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n that_o the_o bad_a will_v be_v intermix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o tare_n be_v in_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o as_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o particular_a minister_n i_o charitable_o hope_v none_o do_v admit_v of_o notorious_a offender_n to_o the_o communion_n without_o receive_v satisfactory_a mark_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o by_o previous_a discourse_n or_o writing_n when_o they_o know_v of_o their_o intention_n to_o communicate_v let_v they_o know_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o a_o immediate_a sincere_a repentance_n or_o else_o forbid_v they_o at_o their_o peril_n to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v come_v we_o be_v to_o suppose_v in_o charity_n that_o they_o have_v repent_v except_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n see_v one_o at_o the_o table_n who_o life_n have_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o his_o knowledge_n be_v very_o faulty_a unless_o the_o crime_n have_v be_v very_o great_a and_o very_o notorious_a to_o reject_v such_o a_o one_o i_o think_v with_o submission_n will_v be_v arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o may_v exasperate_v the_o man_n to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v he_o throw_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o religion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o exhortation_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o time_n of_o celebrate_v those_o holy_a mystery_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v be_v warn_v sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o unrepentant_a to_o withdraw_v and_o if_o he_o stay_v charity_n will_v incline_v one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v penitent_a and_o if_o a_o person_n kneel_v by_o who_o perhaps_o know_v much_o more_o of_o the_o man_n course_n of_o life_n than_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o his_o communicate_v one_o that_o receive_v so_o unworthy_o and_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o abstain_v from_o that_o bless_a ordinance_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o the_o future_a as_o profane_v by_o such_o mix_v company_n at_o it_o this_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a uncharitable_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v unreasonable_a with_o relation_n to_o their_o hard_a thought_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o minister_n because_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o present_v themselves_o at_o the_o holy_a table_n unless_o there_o be_v great_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o their_o obstinate_a and_o continue_a wickedness_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o pious_a minister_n will_v prostitute_v those_o holy_a symbol_n to_o such_o swine_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o evidence_n minister_n can_v search_v man_n heart_n no_o more_o than_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v hope_v the_o best_a and_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o shall_v they_o communicate_v some_o that_o receive_v unworthy_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o too_o often_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o help_v and_o asperse_v and_o all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o desert_a for_o suffer_v that_o ignorant_o which_o god_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n permit_v in_o his_o church_n without_o any_o open_a discrimination_n namely_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n with_o the_o good_a and_o this_o practice_n be_v as_o uncharitable_a as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v those_o as_o reprobate_n obstinate_a unrepent_v sinner_n who_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v and_o who_o though_o former_o egregious_o wicked_a yet_o now_o through_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o god_n convert_v grace_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v better_o than_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a practice_n too_o because_o it_o be_v the_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o comfort_n that_o attend_v the_o reception_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o those_o of_o union_n and_o brotherly_a love_n mere_o upon_o a_o groundless_a nicety_n let_v we_o all_o rather_o learn_v not_o to_o judge_v other_o before_o the_o time_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o our_o great_a master_n at_o the_o last_o day_n lest_o by_o judge_v other_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o and_o instead_o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o some_o come_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o we_o think_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o without_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o well_o prepare_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o self_n still_o more_o and_o more_o fit_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n by_o a_o daily_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o our_o fleece_n like_o that_o of_o gideon_n shall_v be_v moisten_v though_o other_o man_n be_v dry_a the_o apostle_n be_v never_o the_o less_o dear_a to_o our_o saviour_n for_o judas_n his_o be_v among_o they_o but_o the_o more_o so_o rather_o and_o though_o through_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n satan_n enter_v into_o he_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o sop_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n do_v partake_v of_o what_o he_o consecrate_v in_o memory_n of_o his_o succeed_a death_n and_o suffering_n yet_o the_o rest_n receive_v miraculous_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o for_o certain_a have_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o will_n satissy_a for_o the_o future_a such_o as_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v abstain_v from_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o censure_v the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o without_o all_o reason_n our_o church_n itself_o and_o as_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v no_o impertinent_a digression_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v a_o beneficial_a one_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o the_o time_n when_o god_n and_o our_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_n his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o be_v while_o man_n sleep_v for_o so_o the_o parable_n while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o inject_v his_o wicked_a insinuation_n into_o man_n heart_n whereby_o to_o make_v they_o become_v like_o empty_a tare_n christian_n in_o name_n and_o appearance_n only_o but_o devoid_a of_o the_o substantial_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o holy_a profession_n by_o man_n sleep_a be_v here_o mean_v a_o careless_a inadvertency_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n a_o stupid_a security_n in_o a_o thoughtless_a way_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v so_o expressive_a of_o what_o they_o will_v represent_v by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n brief_o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o likeness_n of_o such_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o sleep_v do_v consist_v it_o be_v like_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o its_o cause_n for_o as_o toil_n and_o labour_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o bring_v weariness_n and_o consume_v the_o spirit_n dispose_v the_o body_n to_o sleep_v and_o make_v it_o desire_v rest_n and_o ease_n that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o recruit_v so_o this_o moral_a drowsiness_n or_o hebetude_n of_o the_o soul_n general_o begin_v to_o creep_v upon_o man_n when_o they_o find_v difficulty_n in_o religion_n a_o little_a strive_v soon_o put_v they_o out_o of_o heart_n their_o hand_n fall_v their_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a their_o soul_n faint_v within_o they_o all_o hope_n of_o victory_n be_v then_o lay_v aside_o and_o they_o sit_v they_o down_o as_o man_n quite_o spend_v and_o then_o steal_v that_o deep_a sleep_n upon_o they_o which_o too_o often_o end_v in_o death_n thus_o we_o often_o see_v man_n set_v very_o brisk_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n at_o first_o and_o seem_v wondrous_o please_v with_o their_o new_a choice_n and_o admire_v at_o their_o stupidity_n that_o they_o do_v not_o soon_o discover_v the_o transcendent_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v resolve_v
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
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
alone_o can_v save_v they_o and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o good_a work_n how_o come_v you_o in_o hither_o how_o come_v you_o into_o this_o society_n of_o christian_n not_o have_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n what_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o say_v in_o their_o excuse_n will_v they_o not_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n confound_v and_o ashamed_a and_o utter_o speechless_a what_o will_v they_o have_v to_o plead_v in_o bar_n of_o that_o dire_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pass_v upon_o they_o bound_v they_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v they_o away_o etc._n etc._n certain_o nothing_o but_o with_o inexpressible_a horror_n and_o despair_n and_o self-condemnation_n must_v submit_v to_o their_o sad_a punishment_n from_o all_o this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o general_a observation_n draw_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o myriad_o of_o people_n and_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o be_v invite_v alike_o to_o embrace_v it_o and_o it_o be_v god_n good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o will_v make_v a_o very_a ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o many_o utter_o reject_v this_o invitation_n and_o more_o though_o they_o do_v embrace_v it_o yet_o become_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o by_o not_o lead_v their_o life_n agreeable_o to_o their_o holy_a profession_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n among_o the_o many_o that_o be_v call_v there_o will_v be_v but_o few_o that_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n as_o elect_v or_o choice_a and_o right_a good_a christian_n and_o but_o few_o consequent_o that_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o another_o place_n straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o wherefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o parable_n as_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v to_o a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o and_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o do_v make_v open_a profession_n of_o such_o faith_n and_o show_v of_o such_o obedience_n it_o concern_v we_o as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v worth_a and_o as_o we_o will_v avoid_v that_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v eternal_a weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o sincere_a and_o lively_a as_o to_o produce_v good_a work_n such_o as_o may_v make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n or_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o our_o belief_n to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n most_o bless_a example_n and_o obey_v all_o his_o holy_a precept_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n cheerful_o and_o bear_v unspotted_a love_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n shall_v we_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o choice_a jewel_n elect_v and_o precious_a and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a and_o even_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n be_v conduct_v by_o his_o angel_n into_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o to_o share_v in_o his_o happiness_n to_o eternal_a age_n the_o prayer_n most_o bless_a god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o in_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o amaze_a condescension_n have_v invite_v i_o miserable_a creature_n though_o poor_a and_o maim_a halt_v and_o blind_a and_o destitute_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v recommend_v i_o to_o thou_o except_o it_o be_v my_o wretchedness_n to_o the_o most_o intimate_a union_n with_o thy_o glorious_a son_n and_o as_o the_o bride_n of_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n to_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o his_o tender_a regard_n his_o protection_n and_o desence_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n how_o can_v i_o enough_o praise_n and_o magnify_v this_o thy_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o with_o what_o transport_v of_o joy_n shall_v i_o embrace_v so_o inestimable_a a_o favour_n but_o i_o alas_o stupid_a as_o i_o be_o and_o bewitch_v with_o the_o care_n and_o business_n and_o gain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n have_v hitherto_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o disregard_v this_o gracious_a offer_n and_o prefer_v every_o thing_n before_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n with_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o at_o best_o have_v defer_v it_o still_o till_o another_o time_n provoke_v thereby_o most_o just_o thy_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n against_o i_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v thy_o bless_a presence_n as_o infinite_o unworthy_a but_o now_o o_o lord_n i_o do_v earnest_o repent_v and_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o so_o ungrateful_o sliting_a such_o infinite_a mercy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o vileness_n be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o the_o burden_n of_o it_o be_v intolerable_a and_o with_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n i_o beg_v thy_o heavenly_a aid_n that_o now_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n i_o may_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o bless_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o love_n and_o honour_v the_o messenger_n which_o bring_v i_o those_o glad_a tiding_n and_o since_o my_o maker_n be_v my_o husband_n be_v always_o mindful_a of_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o bear_v he_o unspotted_a fidelity_n and_o love_n be_v his_o entire_o and_o for_o ever_o submit_v without_o reserve_n to_o his_o heavenly_a government_n reverence_v his_o authority_n and_o glorify_v he_o with_o my_o body_n and_o my_o spirit_n which_o be_v he_o and_o grant_v o_o merciful_a god_n i_o humble_o entreat_v thou_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o infidelity_n may_v never_o possess_v my_o soul_n lest_o i_o total_o reject_v this_o bless_a invitation_n or_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o enter_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o my_o saviour_n again_o divorce_v myself_o from_o he_o by_o entertain_v strange_a and_o forbid_a love_n and_o since_o i_o be_o so_o high_o honour_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n o_o may_v i_o always_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o dignity_n of_o so_o high_a a_o call_v and_o not_o debase_v myself_o by_o low_o sink_v brutish_a action_n but_o as_o befit_v the_o spiritual_a spouse_n of_o christ_n be_v clothe_v with_o the_o wedding_n garment_n of_o sincere_a purity_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o i_o may_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o my_o dear_a lord_n but_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o unconceivable_a happiness_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o merciful_a father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o bless_a jesus_n amen_n amen_n parable_n vi_o of_o the_o ten_o virgin_n matth._n twenty-five_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o then_o shall_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v unto_o ten_o virgin_n which_o take_v their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o be_v foolish_a they_o that_o be_v foolish_a take_v their_o lamp_n and_o take_v no_o oil_n with_o they_o but_o the_o wise_a take_v oil_n in_o their_o vessel_n with_o their_o lamp_n while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v they_o all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v and_o at_o midnight_n there_o be_v a_o cry_n make_v behold_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v go_v you_o out_o to_o meet_v he_o then_o all_o those_o virgin_n arise_v and_o trim_v their_o lamp_n and_o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v say_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o but_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o watch_z therefore_o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v though_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o forego_n chapter_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o sad_a state_n that_o be_v ever_o long_o to_o overtake_v jerusalem_n for_o the_o jew_n
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 the_o infinite_a glory_n sanctity_n and_o bliss_n of_o that_o heavenly_a world_n to_o which_o he_o then_o so_o sensible_o draw_v near_o inflame_v his_o desire_n of_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o wearisome_a journey_n to_o it_o and_o fit_v himself_o for_o the_o spiritual_a unspotted_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o happy_a place_n by_o have_v as_o little_a commerce_n as_o be_v possible_a with_o this_o world_n below_o and_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n which_o will_v so_o quick_o be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o everlasting_a abide_v by_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n say_v to_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o be_v represent_v the_o want_n of_o preparation_n among_o the_o careless_a and_o inconsiderate_a for_o this_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a change_n and_o their_o mighty_a consternation_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o vain_a and_o insignificant_a course_n they_o will_v take_v in_o their_o surprise_n to_o make_v up_o if_o possible_a their_o 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
he_o be_v 1_o joh_n 3.2_o and_o st._n paul_n by_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o know_v he_o even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13.12_o and_o since_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n consist_v in_o a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o his_o divine_a presence_n for_o so_o the_o sentence_n run_v that_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n upon_o these_o account_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o all_o the_o just_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v equal_o happy_a and_o all_o the_o wicked_a be_v for_o ever_o exile_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_o miserable_a but_o this_o argument_n in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n that_o i_o think_v it_o be_v rather_o the_o best_a supporter_n of_o it_o for_o since_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o hell_n in_o a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o he_o and_o since_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o some_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n approach_v near_o to_o he_o and_o see_v more_o of_o his_o excellency_n and_o bear_v a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o he_o than_o other_o and_o so_o become_v capable_a of_o a_o more_o intimate_a vision_n of_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n on_o the_o contrary_a wander_v to_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o here_o and_o become_v more_o unlike_o he_o by_o their_o great_a impiety_n than_o other_o sinner_n do_v and_o so_o become_v more_o incapable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a vision_n than_o other_o that_o be_v less_o wicked_a since_o this_o be_v so_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o those_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a man_n here_o shall_v be_v the_o happy_a saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o bear_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o consequent_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o close_a and_o intimate_a vision_n of_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o by_o their_o great_a impiety_n beyond_o other_o man_n be_v most_o estrange_v from_o god_n here_o shall_v be_v banish_v far_a from_o he_o in_o the_o region_n of_o despair_n and_o darkness_n as_o be_v the_o most_o hateful_a to_o he_o because_o the_o most_o unlike_a nay_o contrary_a to_o he_o and_o the_o most_o uncapable_a of_o see_v and_o enjoy_v he_o and_o consequent_o feel_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pang_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n the_o hot_a boiling_n of_o rage_n and_o impatience_n and_o most_o bitter_a remorse_n of_o soul_n for_o bring_v this_o most_o miserable_a condition_n upon_o themselves_o when_o once_o they_o may_v with_o much_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n have_v avoid_v it_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a in_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n indeed_o as_o to_o plain_a proof_n from_o scripture_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o misery_n in_o hell_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v recollect_v any_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n strain_n god_n word_n beyond_o its_o due_a extent_n but_o as_o to_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n i_o think_v there_o be_v several_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o plain_o enough_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v part_n of_o a_o parable_n exact_o the_o same_o in_o the_o conceal_a sense_n of_o it_o with_o that_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v upon_o only_o something_o different_o relate_v by_o s._n luke_n it_o be_v in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n the_o 15_o and_o 4_o follow_a verse_n where_o we_o find_v when_o the_o king_n come_v to_o take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n improvement_n of_o what_o he_o leave_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o trade_n with_o in_o his_o absence_n he_o exact_o proportion_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o the_o increase_n he_o make_v of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n with_o the_o pound_n his_o lord_n leave_v with_o he_o be_v give_v authority_n over_o as_o many_o city_n and_o so_o to_o he_o that_o have_v gain_v five_o proportionable_o authority_n over_o five_o which_o i_o think_v can_v mean_v no_o less_o than_o this_o that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v as_o different_a degree_n award_v of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o christian_n improvement_n here_o there_o will_v be_v as_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o happiness_n hereafter_o and_o though_o every_o saint_n in_o heaven_n shall_v have_v as_o clear_v and_o intimate_a vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o partake_v in_o a_o agreeable_a measure_n of_o the_o happiness_n that_o will_v flow_v from_o such_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v yet_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o saint_n will_v not_o be_v equal_a some_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o enlarge_v than_o other_o and_o able_a to_o receive_v more_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a glory_n and_o so_o though_o every_o of_o those_o vessel_n of_o honour_n shall_v be_v full_a yet_o all_o will_v not_o hold_v alike_o and_o one_o star_n there_o will_v differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o good_a man_n shall_v then_o be_v clarify_v and_o refine_a purge_v from_o the_o dross_n and_o soil_v contract_v during_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o render_v more_o agile_a and_o expedite_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o several_a faculty_n and_o its_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n vast_o improve_v but_o that_o soul_n of_o less_o improvement_n here_o shall_v immediate_o upon_o their_o departure_n from_o the_o body_n receive_v extraordinary_a new_a addition_n to_o equalise_v they_o to_o those_o of_o high_a attainment_n be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v and_o will_v mighty_o discourage_v the_o generous_a endeavour_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o exemplary_a religion_n but_o when_o every_o man_n shall_v in_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n above_o be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n and_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o eminent_a sanctity_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o heaven_n it_o will_v mighty_o encourage_v a_o holy_a soul_n to_o forget_v with_o st._n paul_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o press_v on_o to_o what_o be_v still_o before_o always_o aim_v at_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n the_o improvement_n of_o this_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o degree_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n upon_o earth_n we_o will_v run_v with_o diligence_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o not_o pretend_v difficulty_n when_o the_o reward_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a and_o shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o virtue_n for_o can_v we_o be_v too_o happy_a can_v we_o be_v too_o like_o god_n can_v our_o crown_n be_v too_o glorious_a and_o resplendent_a away_o then_o with_o that_o mean-spirited_n religion_n which_o thus_o lessen_v and_o confine_n our_o happiness_n let_v we_o unfold_v our_o hand_n and_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o bosom_n and_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o a_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o a_o excellent_a piety_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n five_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v abominable_o false_a and_o impious_a with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o be_v unreasonable_o rigid_a and_o severe_a in_o take_v so_o strict_a a_o account_n of_o man_n improvement_n of_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o expect_v to_o find_v a_o good_a use_v make_v of_o what_o he_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n that_o god_n be_v often_o charge_v with_o such_o unreasonable_a severity_n by_o man_n that_o care_v not_o to_o perform_v their_o duty_n be_v too_o true_a to_o be_v question_v and_o such_o as_o love_v to_o indulge_v their_o vile_a
affection_n and_o can_v afford_v to_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o be_v religious_a be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v they_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o urge_v man_n to_o be_v much_o too_o hard_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o law_n fit_a for_o angel_n than_o man_n and_o though_o they_o wish_v they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v it_o and_o can_v but_o consent_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o they_o find_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v they_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o that_o they_o do_v and_o they_o take_v up_o with_o this_o as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n and_o because_o god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o good_a they_o think_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o great_a hardship_n of_o his_o command_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o perform_v they_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o his_o slothful_a unprofitable_a servant_n out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v those_o wretched_a person_n that_o thus_o mock_v and_o abuse_n god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n into_o ruin_n for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o man_n beyond_o their_o ability_n nor_o command_v their_o service_n and_o obedience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o consequent_o what_o this_o merciful_a and_o good_a god_n command_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v do_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o dispensation_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v dare_v wilful_o to_o disobey_v he_o this_o every_o man_n no_o question_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v in_o sufficient_a measure_n give_v to_o every_o man._n and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o what_o less_o be_v the_o give_v man_n such_o command_v as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o withal_o threaten_v and_o actual_o inflict_v unconceivable_a torment_n for_o such_o be_v those_o of_o hell_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o the_o impracticable_a law_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o require_v brick_n without_o straw_n as_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n do_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v on_o stripe_n for_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o work_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o worse_o because_o the_o punishment_n for_o irreligion_n and_o not_o improve_n our_o talent_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o shall_v be_v inflict_v to_o all_o eternity_n since_o therefore_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o difficult_a his_o command_n will_v be_v to_o we_o and_o how_o proportionable_a our_o ability_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o superaddition_n of_o grace_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o since_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o will_v not_o overload_v his_o creature_n nor_o exact_v impossible_a task_n or_o such_o as_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a and_o but_o one_o degree_n below_o impossible_a since_o he_o be_v likewise_o infinite_o just_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v myriad_o of_o poor_a wretch_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o not_o make_v a_o impossible_a improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n and_o expect_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o from_o all_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o plead_v inability_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v able_a through_o the_o never_o deficient_a grace_n of_o that_o good_a god_n to_o such_o as_o heedful_o attend_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v his_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a command_n and_o make_v improvement_n suitable_a to_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o if_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perish_v his_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n for_o the_o future_a be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o expect_v impossible_a service_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o think_v to_o palliate_v his_o irreligion_n by_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o extreme_a hardship_n of_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a but_o let_v every_o man_n set_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o about_o his_o duty_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o his_o daily_a improvement_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talent_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a beyond_o expression_n miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o first_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talon_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o above_o in_o this_o world_n a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a conscience_n will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o sense_n of_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n of_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o sincere_a account_n though_o not_o a_o perfect_a one_o to_o their_o great_a master_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o look_v into_o their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o stewardship_n this_o will_v fill_v their_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n their_o soul_n will_v be_v calm_a and_o their_o thought_n at_o rest_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o fidelity_n their_o life_n not_o imbitter_v with_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o sad_a after_o reckon_v but_o like_o that_o of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n who_o be_v in_o his_o master_n favour_n steady_a and_o easy_a and_o move_v cheerful_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o in_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o diligence_n when_o his_o great_a lord_n shall_v advance_v he_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o that_o of_o a_o friend_n and_o bosom_n favourite_n nay_o of_o a_o coheir_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o beside_o this_o serenity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o to_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v comparable_a the_o improve_n christian_a shall_v have_v more_o talent_n give_v he_o more_o grace_n shower_v down_o upon_o his_o soul_n what_o the_o slothful_a have_v forfeit_v shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o what_o condition_n can_v approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n than_o that_o of_o a_o holy_a soul_n thus_o plentiful_o store_v with_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o if_o grace_n and_o glory_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o one_o be_v but_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o a_o soul_n so_o fill_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o improve_n soul_n will_v be_v must_v needs_o live_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o have_v frequent_a antepast_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o that_o other_o world_n when_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n then_o will_v their_o happiness_n be_v as_o ineffable_a as_o endless_a it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n they_o shall_v be_v conduct_v after_o have_v give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n by_o the_o bless_a angel_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n where_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o with_o wonder_v eye_n and_o enravished_a heart_n behold_v his_o glory_n gaze_v upon_o his_o splendour_n and_o near_o view_v his_o beauty_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o
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 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concern_v we_o to_o take_v no_o such_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n because_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o another_o very_a sad_a consequence_n of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n be_v that_o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o to_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 6.9_o say_v they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o more_o express_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o event_n have_v often_o prove_v this_o true_a and_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n have_v prevail_v with_o thousand_o to_o turn_v apostate_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a money_n it_o be_v that_o 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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
rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v and_o the_o application_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o lord_n apply_v the_o first_o parable_n to_o god_n certain_o avenge_a his_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n to_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v with_o dr._n hammond_n the_o great_a discouragement_n his_o disciple_n be_v then_o under_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v up_o their_o spirit_n by_o assure_v they_o that_o god_n not_o immediate_o harken_v to_o their_o prayer_n by_o manifest_o appear_v in_o their_o cause_n to_o protect_v they_o and_o punish_v their_o enemy_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o whole_o disregard_v they_o but_o that_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o grateful_a importunity_n he_o will_v at_o length_n answer_v their_o desire_n for_o if_o importunity_n be_v so_o prevalent_a even_o with_o wicked_a man_n how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o these_o parable_n though_o different_o word_v and_o apply_v be_v to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o far_a minute_n explication_n of_o they_o they_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o neither_o need_v nor_o will_v bear_v it_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o discourse_n upon_o what_o be_v couch_v under_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o pray_v frequent_o and_o with_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n that_o prayer_n or_o a_o liberty_n of_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o god_n be_v a_o privilege_n and_o happiness_n inestimable_a no_o one_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v question_v the_o latter_a a_o poor_a dependent_a creature_n helpless_a and_o weak_a shortsighted_a and_o ignorant_a full_a of_o want_n and_o necessity_n obnoxious_a to_o innumerable_a evil_a accident_n of_o unruly_a passion_n and_o affection_n the_o hate_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n strong_o prone_a to_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o averse_a to_o what_o be_v good_a the_o former_a a_o be_v of_o infinite_a fullness_n and_o perfection_n infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a and_o good_a the_o maker_n of_o the_o universe_n who_o be_v the_o whole_a creation_n and_o to_o who_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v obey_v now_o that_o this_o indigent_a helpless_a creature_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o patron_n to_o make_v his_o want_n know_v to_o a_o patron_n so_o inexhaustible_o full_a so_o wise_a so_o able_a and_o so_o willing_a to_o direct_v and_o guide_v he_o to_o 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it_o upon_o we_o by_o the_o command_v of_o his_o holy_a institution_n encourage_v our_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n leave_v such_o direction_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a performance_n of_o it_o that_o every_o man_n for_o the_o future_a may_v be_v without_o excuse_n if_o he_o either_o pray_v not_o at_o all_o or_o to_o no_o purpose_n among_o which_o direction_n the_o importunity_n recommend_v in_o this_o parable_n and_o in_o that_o other_o beforementioned_a so_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v as_o that_o which_o will_v certain_o if_o other_o requisite_n be_v not_o want_v for_o there_o be_v other_o bring_v down_o a_o blessing_n but_o because_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n require_v both_o by_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o order_n to_o our_o pray_v successful_o beside_o importunity_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o discourse_n more_o large_o of_o this_o great_a and_o concern_v duty_n of_o prayer_n than_o i_o can_v do_v if_o i_o strict_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o parable_n and_o endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o a_o inestimable_a privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a second_o to_o show_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v and_o three_o what_o be_v the_o necessary_a requisite_n that_o this_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v successful_o first_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a watch_z and_o pray_v 26.41_o mat_n 26.41_o that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n be_v our_o lord_n charge_n to_o peter_n and_o the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o his_o agony_n and_o not_o to_o they_o only_o but_o to_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n i._n e._n in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v tempt_v and_o weak_a and_o unable_a of_o themselves_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o that_o god_n know_v we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o all_o of_o we_o be_v this_o command_n direct_v ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o same_o bless_a jesus_n immediate_o after_o one_o of_o the_o parable_n before_o mention_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v god_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o relieve_v your_o necessity_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n you_o will_v lay_v your_o want_n before_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o help_n according_a to_o that_o of_o s._n james_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 2._o you_o have_v not_o because_o you_o ask_v not_o in_o the_o six_o of_o matthew_n our_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o prayer_n and_o command_v we_o to_o use_v it_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o speak_v the_o parable_n we_o be_v now_o discourse_v on_o to_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o he_o himself_o be_v our_o example_n too_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o continue_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o example_n in_o thing_n within_o our_o reach_n as_o assiduous_a prayer_n be_v we_o be_v upon_o innumerable_a account_n oblige_v to_o follow_v and_o as_o our_o lord_n so_o his_o apostle_n bound_v this_o upon_o we_o as_o our_o duty_n 5.17_o phil._n 4.6_o col._n 4.2_o eph._n 6.18_o 1_o tim._n 2.8_o 1_o thes_n 5.17_o thus_o s._n paul_n bid_v we_o in_o every_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o let_v our_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o watch_v in_o the_o same_o with_o all_o perseverance_n and_o to_o pray_v every_o where_o and_o without_o cease_v the_o duty_n we_o see_v be_v sufficient_o bind_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o express_v and_o must_v as_o careful_o be_v observe_v as_o any_o other_o command_n so_o solicitous_a be_v our_o good_a god_n for_o our_o happiness_n as_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o will_v be_v so_o high_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o where_o the_o love_n of_o a_o thing_n upon_o account_n of_o its_o own_o excellency_n and_o serviceableness_n to_o our_o self_n will_v not_o attract_v our_o number_a senseless_a soul_n there_o to_o goad_v and_o prick_v we_o on_o and_o even_o force_v we_o to_o it_o by_o threat_n of_o punishment_n if_o we_o refuse_v good_a god_n that_o man_n shall_v need_v hale_v to_o felicity_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o desirous_a of_o it_o as_o thus_o to_o take_v all_o measure_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o it_o o_o the_o unaccountable_a stupidity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o
dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o his_o devotion_n and_o have_v other_o little_a sinister_a by-ends_a such_o as_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n that_o his_o vanity_n may_v be_v tickle_v by_o be_v esteem_v more_o righteous_a and_o heavenly-minded_n than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o that_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o more_o religion_n than_o ordinary_a he_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o wicked_a underhand_o design_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o sort_n of_o devotionists_n as_o these_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o we_o find_v record_v of_o the_o pharisee_n man_n to_o all_o appearance_n extraordinary_a religious_a fast_v and_o pray_v frequent_o and_o long_o and_o very_o exemplary_a in_o other_o instance_n of_o piety_n when_o after_o all_o our_o lord_n who_o know_v their_o heart_n have_v tell_v we_o they_o do_v it_o to_o be_v see_v and_o to_o have_v praise_n of_o man_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o long_a prayer_n to_o insinuate_v into_o wealthy_a widow_n esteem_v that_o at_o length_n they_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o devour_v their_o house_n how_o many_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v nowadays_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n know_v best_a but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o wherever_o the_o gild_n lie_v it_o be_v a_o great_a abomination_n to_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o infinite_o hate_v a_o lie_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n where_o his_o honour_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v wherefore_o let_v those_o who_o find_v themselves_o prick_v by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v take_v care_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v more_o pure_a and_o sincere_a for_o the_o future_a lest_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o pharisee_n fall_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o they_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n where_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n three_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v just_a and_o upright_a without_o fraud_n and_o cheat_a art_n and_o oppression_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v hear_v when_o he_o pray_v must_v cleanse_v his_o hand_n from_o these_o must_v do_v as_o he_o will_v be_v do_v to_o and_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n and_o despise_v the_o gain_n of_o oppression_n as_o isaiah_n phrase_n it_o chap._n 33._o verse_n 15._o for_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o holy_a and_o hate_v the_o sly_a wind_n of_o deceit_n and_o fraud_n he_o be_v about_o our_o path_n and_o spi_v out_o all_o our_o way_n and_o will_v be_v a_o swift_a witness_n against_o those_o that_o oppress_v instead_o of_o turn_v a_o gracious_a ear_n to_o their_o petition_n 4.6_o 1_o thes_n 4.6_o wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n for_o god_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o but_o take_v care_n that_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o defile_v with_o unjust_a gain_n lest_o it_o make_v they_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v a_o blessing_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o requisite_a to_o our_o pray_v effectual_o the_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n a_o second_o be_v that_o this_o be_v do_v without_o wrath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n from_o strife_n and_o revenge_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o reconciliation_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o as_o for_o a_o hot_a angry_a disposition_n nothing_o more_o unfit_v a_o man_n for_o devotion_n than_o that_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n continual_o in_o a_o storm_n break_v the_o order_n and_o connexion_n of_o thought_n put_v the_o whole_a soul_n into_o a_o hurry_n and_o make_v it_o like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n desire_v impure_a and_o displease_v to_o god_n rather_o than_o the_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n of_o a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n as_o our_o religion_n in_o general_n so_o prayer_n in_o particular_a be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o require_v as_o great_a freedom_n of_o thought_n and_o recollect_v presence_n of_o mind_n as_o any_o thing_n whatever_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a sanctity_n and_o transcendent_a majesty_n and_o this_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o approach_v he_o with_o the_o most_o awful_a and_o sedate_v temper_v of_o mind_n and_o that_o which_o be_v pray_v for_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o which_o it_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o have_v our_o reason_n and_o thought_n at_o command_n lest_o our_o petition_n shall_v be_v reject_v for_o our_o ill_a management_n of_o it_o now_o nothing_o more_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o deprive_v it_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o passion_n of_o anger_n it_o put_v the_o spirit_n into_o such_o a_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a motion_n as_o make_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o a_o time_n unserviceable_a thing_n be_v apprehend_v in_o strange_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n and_o remember_v with_o much_o imperfection_n and_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a choice_n be_v make_v by_o the_o will_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n consequent_o out_o of_o course_n just_o as_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o mad_a man_n only_o the_o fit_a be_v soon_o over_o and_o be_v this_o a_o fit_a temper_n of_o mind_n to_o approach_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o great_a god_n in_o and_o prefer_v petition_n for_o the_o great_a blessing_n let_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v be_v brawl_v with_o his_o neighbour_n consider_v if_o he_o be_v to_o go_v immediate_o to_o beg_v a_o boon_n of_o his_o prince_n whether_o he_o shall_v not_o then_o do_v it_o with_o great_a disadvantage_n how_o apt_a he_o shall_v then_o be_v to_o commit_v indecency_n and_o to_o omit_v matter_n of_o chief_a concern_v in_o his_o request_n and_o the_o like_a and_o then_o let_v he_o say_v what_o he_o think_v of_o address_v to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n in_o such_o a_o ill_a disguise_n of_o soul_n and_o whether_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v speed_v much_o better_a if_o his_o mind_n be_v calm_a and_o more_o it_o self_n now_o the_o return_v of_o prayer_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o angry_a man_n brawling_n and_o quarrelling_n so_o frequent_a it_o must_v needs_o often_o be_v that_o such_o man_n unless_o they_o omit_v pray_v which_o be_v still_o worse_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n with_o mind_n great_o discompose_v and_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o duty_n at_o least_o with_o any_o success_n as_o for_o a_o revengeful_a temper_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o he_o who_o definition_n be_v love_n and_o who_o have_v so_o free_o forgive_v we_o so_o infinite_a a_o debt_n that_o no_o desire_n breathe_v from_o such_o a_o soul_n but_o must_v needs_o stink_v in_o his_o nostril_n and_o be_v utter_o reject_v by_o he_o his_o divine_a son_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o he_o and_o we_o who_o present_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o intercede_v for_o their_o acceptance_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o appear_v in_o a_o implacable_a revengeful_a man_n behalf_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o mat._n 18.23_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o such_o with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n god_n will_v accept_v nothing_o at_o our_o hand_n without_o charity_n and_o a_o gift_n though_o bring_v to_o the_o altar_n must_v not_o be_v offer_v there_o till_o he_o that_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o his_o brother_n be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v his_o way_n and_o first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o a_o three_o requisite_a to_o our_o pray_v successful_o be_v that_o our_o prayer_n be_v without_o doubt_v or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v heb._n 22._o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o barren_a fig-tree_n be_v dry_v up_o from_o the_o root_n at_o his_o word_n which_o when_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n wonder_v at_o 2d_o mark_z 11_o 2d_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o have_v faith_n in_o god_n for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v unto_o this_o mountain_n be_v thou_o remove_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n shall_v not_o doubt_v in_o his_o heart_n but_o believe_v that_o those_o thing_n he_o say_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o shall_v have_v whatsoever_o he_o say_v therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o what_o thing_n soever_o you_o desire_v when_o you_o pray_v believe_v that_o you_o receive_v they_o and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o 9.23_o mark_v 9.23_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v to_o which_o agree_v