we_o live_v in_o a_o world_n of_o change_n and_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o condition_n in_o which_o we_o be_v throw_v up_o and_o down_o and_o shall_v never_o carry_v it_o right_o in_o they_o without_o humility_n and_o here_o 1._o carry_v it_o humble_o in_o respect_n of_o affliction_n there_o be_v many_o change_n pass_v over_o our_o head_n god_n bring_v many_o cloudy_a and_o mournful_a day_n upon_o his_o people_n he_o see_v meet_v ever_o and_o anon_o to_o chasten_v they_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o a_o vale_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o vale_n of_o tear_n all_o call_v we_o to_o be_v humble_a the_o child_n shall_v stoop_v when_o his_o father_n be_v correct_v he_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o vileness_n be_v a_o fit_a posture_n to_o meet_v afflict_v time_n in_o for_o help_v 1._o justify_v god_n in_o all_o the_o trial_n that_o he_o bring_v upon_o we_o hence_o labour_v feel_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o desert_n dan._n 9_o 8._o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o your_o iniquity_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a you_o be_v believer_n what_o then_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v god_n as_o a_o condemn_a judge_n yet_o he_o will_v lay_v his_o fatherly_a chastisement_n upon_o his_o faulty_a child_n and_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o be_v beat_v 2._o bear_v affliction_n with_o meekness_n patience_n and_o self-abhorrence_a mic._n 7._o 9_o with_o patience_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o your_o father_n when_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o right_a we_o shall_v be_v silent_a job_n 40_o 4_o 5._o he_o that_o be_v vile_a have_v nothing_o to_o say_v and_o with_o self-loathing_a the_o more_o we_o loathe_v ourselves_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v love_v a_o afflict_a god_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n look_v on_o thyself_o as_o a_o poor_a inconsiderable_a thing_n and_o that_o will_v teach_v thou_o meekness_n what_o wonder_v if_o a_o worm_n be_v tread_v on_o quest._n but_o why_o do_v god_n deal_v worse_o with_o i_o than_o with_o other_o sinful_a man_n answ_n 1._o possible_o some_o be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o thou_o 2._o do_v thou_o know_v any_o one_o by_o nature_n worse_o than_o thou_o be_v 3._o can_v thou_o say_v thou_o be_v afflict_v more_o than_o thy_o deserve_n or_o indeed_o up_o to_o it_o 4._o be_v not_o he_o the_o potter_n and_o thou_o the_o clay_n let_v he_o alone_o if_o he_o be_v sovereign_a thou_o must_v be_v silent_a 3._o let_v every_o affliction_n help_v to_o embitter_v sin_n to_o thou_o that_o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o it_o to_o wean_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o know_v it_o evil_n and_o bitter_a and_o we_o shall_v bear_v our_o affliction_n the_o better_a when_o we_o know_v and_o confess_v that_o our_o iniquity_n have_v procure_v they_o trouble_v for_o sin_n will_v swallow_v up_o other_o sorrow_n 4._o think_v not_o worse_o of_o god_n or_o his_o way_n because_o of_o the_o affliction_n you_o meet_v withal_o but_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v on_o he_o through_o all_o break_v not_o with_o god_n nor_o leave_v he_o nor_o abate_v of_o your_o love_n to_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v take_v away_o the_o affliction_n and_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v it_o to_o you_o and_o resolve_v with_o job_n that_o though_o he_o slay_v you_o you_o will_v trust_v in_o he_o 2._o carry_v it_o humble_o towards_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o mercy_n there_o be_v many_o mercy_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o if_o we_o will_v carry_v worthy_o under_o they_o we_o must_v carry_v humble_o therefore_o 1._o acknowledge_v your_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o least_o outward_a mercy_n join_v with_o jacob_n in_o his_o confession_n gen._n 32._o 10._o a_o sinner_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n or_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n all_o our_o daily_a refreshment_n be_v mere_a mercy_n yea_o our_o very_a life_n lam._n 3._o 22._o you_o never_o earn_v your_o meat_n or_o drink_n all_o the_o work_n you_o do_v be_v not_o worth_a a_o farthing_n 2._o wonder_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o you_o david_n make_v a_o great_a wonderment_n at_o it_o psal_n 8._o 4._o be_v thou_o a_o believer_n that_o be_v grace_n in_o thyself_o a_o wretched_a man_n there_o be_v not_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o earth_n but_o have_v cause_n to_o stand_v admire_v that_o god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o look_v so_o low_a as_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o he_o or_o to_o do_v he_o the_o least_o kindness_n 3._o be_v exceed_o thankful_a for_o all_o god_n mercy_n humility_n only_o be_v thankful_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v to_o we_o such_o as_o we_o be_v such_o mercy_n this_o make_v it_o exceed_o great_a mercy_n to_o see_v a_o sinner_n one_o that_o deserve_v nothing_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o compass_v with_o mercy_n this_o change_v gratitude_n 4._o let_v these_o mercy_n break_v thy_o heart_n and_o quicken_v thou_o to_o obedience_n if_o we_o do_v but_o know_v ourselves_o the_o least_o mercy_n will_v do_v this_o that_o be_v a_o proud_a heart_n that_o be_v not_o soften_v by_o mercy_n and_o quicken_v to_o duty_n too_o the_o humble_a soul_n language_n be_v what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o the_o lord_n psal_n 116._o 12._o how_o shall_v i_o live_v what_o manner_n of_o one_o shall_v i_o be_v who_o enjoy_v such_o favour_n who_o may_v have_v be_v a_o back-log_n in_o hell_n or_o ground_n between_o the_o millstone_n of_o divine_a revenge_n see_v therefore_o that_o you_o be_v unspeakable_o in_o debt_n to_o god_n for_o every_o favour_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a yet_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v humble_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o will_v point_v we_o to_o god_n and_o put_v we_o upon_o obedience_n 5._o be_v content_n with_o the_o portion_n of_o mercy_n that_o you_o enjoy_v it_o it_o pride_n that_o acknowledge_v not_o god_n in_o what_o we_o have_v because_o we_o want_v our_o will_n in_o something_o that_o god_n deny_v we_o a_o humble_a soul_n be_v content_a with_o any_o thing_n though_o he_o be_v poor_a despise_a afflict_a yet_o that_o he_o live_v have_v any_o health_n strength_n etc._n etc._n set_v he_o down_o quiet_a learn_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o that_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o close_v with_o all_o god_n dispensation_n 2._o carry_v humble_o towards_o man_n a_o true_a apprehension_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n will_v make_v we_o little_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n hence_o 1._o beware_v of_o despise_v any_o we_o mistake_v if_o we_o think_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o true_a grace_n to_o carry_v it_o contemptuous_o to_o any_o be_v they_o unworthy_a so_o be_v you_o be_v they_o prodigal_n so_o you_o have_v be_v 2._o think_v better_o of_o other_o than_o yourselves_o phil._n 2._o 3._o he_o that_o see_v himself_o vile_a will_v think_v these_o can_v be_v worse_a than_o i_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v better_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v better_a moral_a excellency_n or_o have_v never_o finned_a so_o fearful_o so_o scandelous_o and_o against_o such_o mean_n as_o i_o 3._o think_v it_o not_o hard_a to_o be_v in_o low_a esteem_n with_o other_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v deject_v when_o man_n look_v with_o low_a and_o little_a respect_n upon_o we_o but_o he_o that_o reckon_v himself_o a_o worm_n will_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o every_o one_o tread_v on_o he_o but_o wonder_v he_o be_v no_o more_o contemn_v 4._o what_o ever_o esteem_n god_n give_v thou_o among_o man_n assume_v it_o not_o to_o thyself_o let_v god_n have_v the_o whole_a honour_n of_o it_o boast_v not_o of_o thy_o excellency_n or_o grace_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o thy_o infirmity_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o praise_n or_o acclamation_n of_o other_o take_v it_o not_o to_o thyself_o but_o say_v it_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o who_o of_o myself_o be_o nothing_o thus_o be_v we_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o carry_v over_o self_n humble_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o obtain_v grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n the_o way_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n yea_o by_o this_o we_o shall_v give_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o shall_v enjoy_v his_o presence_n here_o and_o when_o he_o have_v dwell_v â—_o while_o with_o we_o to_o comfort_v and_o establish_v we_o he_o will_v translate_v we_o to_o dwell_v with_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n for_o ever_o sermon_n xix_o verse_n 20._o begin_v and_o he_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o his_o father_n we_o have_v consider_v the_o prodigal_n deliberation_n in_o these_o word_n we_o see_v he_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o his_o practice_n correspond_v to_o his_o purpose_n he_o resolve_v to_o leave_v his_o far_a country_n and_o return_v to_o his_o father_n house_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o also_o be_v the_o
there_o upon_o awaken_v to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o he_o entreat_v he_o to_o take_v we_o under_o his_o watch_n care_n and_o rule_v then_o only_o be_v we_o safe_a when_o he_o undertake_v to_o manage_v we_o by_o his_o fatherly_a counsel_n sermon_n iii_o 4._o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o father_n concede_a act_n or_o yield_v unto_o the_o unreasonble_a demand_n of_o his_o son_n in_o these_o word_n and_o he_o divide_v unto_o they_o his_o live_n to_o argue_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o portion_n due_a from_o god_n to_o any_o man_n be_v a_o strain_v the_o parable_n beyond_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n this_o action_n of_o the_o father_n be_v bring_v in_o here_o only_o to_o express_v and_o signify_v to_o we_o god_n bounty_n that_o by_o compare_v of_o it_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v better_o advantage_v to_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o man_n impiety_n and_o withal_o to_o give_v we_o to_o see_v and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n can_v without_o deserve_v any_o just_a imputation_n indulge_v wicked_a man_n and_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o sinful_a way_n hence_o doct._n god_n sometime_o grant_v wicked_a man_n large_a portion_n of_o common_a favour_n and_o leau_v they_o to_o use_v they_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n without_o control_v he_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n and_o let_v they_o go_v and_o do_v what_o they_o will_v with_o it_o gratify_v their_o sinful_a desire_n by_o give_v they_o what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o leave_v they_o to_o take_v such_o course_n in_o the_o improve_a thereof_o as_o their_o own_o curse_a inclination_n lead_v they_o to_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o truth_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o the_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o 2._o answer_v some_o doubt_n about_o it_o 3._o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 1._o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o may_v consider_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n be_v order_v &_o dispose_v of_o by_o divine_a providence_n whatsoever_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n have_v or_o enjoy_v it_o be_v of_o god_n the_o universal_a extent_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o all_o affair_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o principle_n whereof_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o question_n the_o denial_n whereof_o even_o in_o the_o sound_a judgement_n of_o mere_a ethnic_n be_v brand_v with_o the_o deserve_a note_n of_o atheism_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v full_o establi_v in_o scripture_n assign_v to_o all_o creature_n a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o disposal_n hereof_o see_v psal_n 145._o 15_o 16._o the_o eye_n all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 2._o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o this_o providence_n many_o wicked_a man_n enjoy_v all_o favour_n in_o abundance_n this_o be_v so_o notorious_a a_o truth_n that_o the_o so_o frequent_a and_o almost_o constant_a observation_n of_o it_o have_v sometime_o dazzle_v the_o weak_a eye_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o put_v they_o to_o a_o demur_n in_o their_o thought_n in_o job_n time_n it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n so_o obscure_a as_o his_o friend_n will_v have_v make_v of_o it_o hence_o job_n in_o his_o own_o vindication_n ample_o describe_v it_o job_n 21._o begin_v david_n or_o asaph_n give_v no_o less_o a_o pathetical_a description_n of_o it_o and_o his_o own_o imbecility_n in_o those_o offence_n which_o he_o have_v take_v at_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o psal_n 73._o begin_v jeremiah_n also_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o some_o suspense_n about_o it_o chap._n 12._o 1._o what_o power_n honour_n and_o and_o dominion_n have_v nebuchadnezzer_n confer_v upon_o he_o what_o a_o oracle_n of_o wit_n and_o policy_n for_o his_o time_n be_v achitophel_n what_o eloquent_a curious_a language_n have_v herod_n and_o tertullus_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v still_o observe_v man_n to_o be_v full_a fraught_n with_o these_o common_a favour_n who_o neither_o glorify_v god_n nor_o have_v any_o desire_n to_o glorify_v he_o therewithal_o 3._o that_o these_o man_n be_v leave_v of_o god_n to_o use_v these_o or_o rather_o abuse_v they_o at_o their_o sinful_a pleasure_n be_v evident_a in_o those_o divers_a way_n wherein_o he_o so_o leave_v they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v restrain_v wicked_a man_n unto_o such_o limit_n as_o he_o see_v meet_v even_o such_o as_o shall_v make_v all_o serviceable_a to_o his_o glory_n at_o last_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o very_o high_a measure_n give_v up_o by_o god_n for_o 1._o that_o they_o do_v abuse_v they_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o evil_a improvement_n which_o they_o make_v of_o they_o observe_v but_o what_o course_n man_n of_o great_a advantage_n do_v usual_o steer_v in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o all_o drive_v at_o the_o advance_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o not_o of_o christ_n and_o how_o few_o great_a man_n improve_v their_o power_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o most_o do_v it_o for_o his_o dishonour_n hear_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 16._o not_o many_o wiseman_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a etc._n etc._n these_o carnal_a thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n serve_v but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o enmity_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o god_n poor_a weak_a and_o base_a thing_n be_v they_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n follow_v christ_n 2._o god_n leave_v they_o thus_o to_o do_v discover_v itself_o in_o three_o thing_n 1._o his_o withhold_v his_o spirit_n and_o not_o afford_v to_o they_o his_o renew_n or_o assist_v grace_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v improve_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n when_o god_n do_v not_o give_v a_o man_n a_o heart_n to_o be_v for_o he_o he_o thereby_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n moses_n bewail_v it_o deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v etc._n etc._n and_o there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o this_o suspension_n the_o consequent_a upon_o which_o be_v for_o man_n to_o go_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o sight_n of_o their_o eye_n when_o god_n intend_v that_o a_o people_n shall_v go_v in_o his_o way_n he_o promise_v they_o his_o spirit_n ezek._n 36._o 27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n into_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o inward_a guide_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v desert_v by_o he_o be_v consequent_o give_v up_o to_o their_o own_o guidance_n 2._o his_o lay_n not_o outward_a check_n or_o restrain_v upon_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o or_o stop_v their_o course_n when_o god_n will_v no_o long_o leave_n israel_n to_o himself_o he_o hedge_v up_o his_o way_n with_o thorn_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o find_v the_o way_n to_o come_v at_o his_o lust_n and_o lover_n hos_fw-la 2_o 6_o 7_o but_o where_o he_o let_v man_n have_v a_o large_a range_n liberty_n and_o opportunity_n when_o he_o afflict_v they_o not_o but_o they_o prosper_v and_o have_v all_o at_o will_n and_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a control_v this_o be_v a_o leave_v man_n thus_o god_n do_v to_o ephraim_n hos_n 4._o 7._o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o 3._o his_o turn_n of_o these_o favour_n into_o snare_n and_o provocation_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o allure_v and_o draw_v they_o after_o they_o there_o be_v many_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o these_o outward_a mercy_n be_v suitable_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o worâ—_n upon_o and_o when_o god_n let_v it_o be_v so_o yea_o judicial_o order_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o give_v they_o their_o table_n to_o be_v a_o snare_n their_o wealth_n a_o snare_n their_o health_n and_o strength_n a_o snare_n their_o wiâ—â—_n and_o knowledge_n a_o snare_n when_o pride_n profaneness_n and_o sensuality_n be_v promove_v and_o nourish_v by_o these_o thing_n than_o god_n give_v man_n up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o walk_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n psal_n 81._o 12._o he_o put_v their_o portion_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o let_v they_o go_v whither_o they_o will_v and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v with_o it_o 2._o to_o answer_v some_o doubt_n which_o may_v here_o arise_v 1._o whether_o this_o do_v not_o cast_v imputation_n upon_o god_n holiness_n in_o give_v man_n his_o favour_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o when_o he_o know_v they_o will_v both_o abuse_v they_o and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o their_o so_o do_v whereas_o his_o holiness_n engage_v he_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n ans_fw-fr that_o god_n will_v be_v no_o loser_n of_o
look_v upon_o he_o but_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o that_o put_v he_o forward_o so_o it_o shall_v do_v thou_o hence_o god_n have_v write_v his_o name_n in_o letter_n of_o goodness_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o and_o to_o help_v here_o 1._o consider_v how_o much_o god_n do_v for_o such_o as_o never_o return_v to_o he_o nor_o ask_v mercy_n of_o he_o god_n general_a goodness_n shall_v lead_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n rom._n 2._o 4._o when_o you_o see_v how_o god_n spare_v profane_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n and_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v yea_o provide_v liberal_o for_o they_o fill_v they_o with_o hide_v treasure_n give_v they_o more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o the_o water_n of_o a_o overflow_a cup_n be_v wring_v out_o unto_o they_o so_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o food_n and_o gladness_n they_o crown_v their_o head_n with_o rosebud_n and_o spend_v their_o day_n in_o wealth_n and_o leave_v the_o residue_n to_o their_o babe_n argue_v from_o hence_o what_o goodness_n have_v he_o then_o in_o store_n for_o they_o that_o humble_a themselves_o forsake_v their_o sin_n repent_v and_o return_v to_o he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n 2._o consider_v how_o many_o repent_v prodigal_n have_v upon_o their_o return_n be_v entertain_v and_o make_v welcome_a by_o he_o who_o once_o do_v as_o thou_o have_v do_v run_v themselves_o out_o spend_v all_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o famish_v but_o betake_v themselves_o to_o he_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o save_v alive_a and_o this_o may_v give_v you_o hope_n to_o find_v the_o like_a favour_n at_o his_o hand_n consider_v therefore_o 1._o they_o be_v such_o who_o as_o little_o deserve_v this_o favour_n as_o thou_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o merit_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v bid_v welcome_a and_o relieve_v in_o their_o distress_n for_o all_o mankind_n stand_v guilty_a before_o god_n rom._n 3._o 19_o 2._o they_o have_v go_v away_o from_o he_o and_o waste_v all_o in_o riot_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v what_o a_o prodigal_n be_v manasseh_n how_o miserable_o have_v he_o run_v himself_o out_o yet_o he_o obtain_v favour_n what_o a_o great_a sinner_n have_v paul_n be_v yet_o he_o be_v accept_v 3._o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v as_o little_a to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o as_o thou_o have_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v but_o mercy_n condescend_v mercy_n undeserved_a mercy_n they_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o than_o the_o poor_a publican_n have_v lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o a_o sinner_n for_o themselves_o or_o of_o themselves_o all_o they_o can_v say_v be_v only_o to_o make_v this_o poor_a prodigal_n be_v acknowledgement_n vers_fw-la 19_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o reject_v but_o find_v mercy_n 3._o consider_v what_o relent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n especial_a of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n for_o that_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a q._n d._n if_o a_o father_n can_v have_v so_o much_o mercy_n a_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o little_a kindness_n a_o little_a pity_n with_o he_o what_o may_v we_o hope_v then_o that_o god_n will_v do_v can_v a_o prodigal_n so_o argue_v from_o his_o father_n bounty_n and_o encourage_v himself_o by_o it_o how_o much_o more_o a_o poor_a guilty_a sinner_n from_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n with_o who_o be_v everlasting_a mercy_n 4._o consider_v how_o rich_o god_n have_v entertain_v return_v sinner_n the_o poor_a mean_a believer_n have_v enough_o and_o to_o spare_v no_o believer_n in_o christ_n family_n want_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v ps_n 34._o 10._o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o more_o than_o they_o can_v express_v and_o though_o they_o sometime_o seem_v to_o complain_v yet_o it_o be_v their_o infirmity_n and_o infidelity_n what_o can_v a_o believer_n want_v which_o he_o have_v not_o pardon_v of_o sin_n title_n of_o inheritance_n to_o all_o good_a thing_n favour_n with_o god_n grace_n to_o serve_v he_o a_o fatherly_a care_n for_o he_o yea_o and_o to_o spare_v he_o have_v joy_n consolation_n ravish_v of_o soul_n he_o may_v not_o only_o feed_v but_o feast_v it_o by_o faith_n on_o jesus_n christ_n if_o you_o say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o i_o who_o have_v no_o lot_n or_o share_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v this_o to_o thou_o it_o shall_v encourage_v thou_o to_o hope_n and_o not_o utter_o to_o despare_v of_o find_v mercy_n and_o from_o hence_o to_o animate_v thy_o soul_n to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o wait_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o to_o seek_v he_o diligent_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o to_o resolve_v not_o to_o sit_v still_o &_o die_v of_o the_o famine_n silent_o but_o to_o make_v thy_o moan_n to_o god_n and_o pour_v out_o thy_o complaint_n before_o he_o to_o arise_v and_o leave_v this_o far_a country_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o famine_n and_o death_n and_o with_o the_o prodigal_n take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o return_v to_o god_n and_o ask_v gracious_a entertainment_n with_o he_o for_o a_o poor_a die_a perish_a sinner_n who_o be_v he_o alone_o with_o who_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n sermon_n fourteen_o verse_n 18._o i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o will_v say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o verse_n 19_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n in_o the_o former_a verse_n we_o have_v the_o prodigal_a quicken_a and_o encourage_v himself_o to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o deliberation_n 2._o in_o these_o word_n be_v set_v down_o his_o deliberate_a conclusion_n or_o consultation_n and_o determination_n what_o improvement_n to_o make_v of_o these_o argument_n which_o be_v in_o sum_n to_o make_v proof_n of_o his_o father_n love_n in_o the_o most_o penitent_a and_o humble_a manner_n more_o particular_o he_o resolve_v upon_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o he_o will_v return_v to_o his_o father_n i_o will_v arise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n 2._o how_o he_o will_v demean_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o he_o viz._n in_o the_o most_o submissive_a and_o self_n abase_v manner_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o this_o appear_v both_o in_o his_o confession_n and_o petition_n 1._o in_o his_o confession_n in_o which_o he_o acknowledge_v 1._o his_o sin_n aggravate_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o object_n against_o who_o against_o heaven_n 2._o the_o presence_n in_o which_o before_o thou_o 2._o the_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n 2._o his_o petition_n submit_v to_o his_o father_n disposal_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o particular_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o inquire_v to_o what_o head_n in_o divinity_n this_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v whither_o to_o a_o preparatory_a or_o to_o a_o save_a work_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a that_o it_o refer_v to_o a_o save_a work_n and_o that_o true_a conversion_n be_v here_o decipher_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o these_o and_o the_o follow_a word_n verse_n 20._o begin_v it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v in_o these_o word_n only_o his_o deliberate_a purpose_n express_v but_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o will_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o that_o be_v true_o turn_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o save_a work_n wrought_v and_o the_o whole_a man_n will_v follow_v and_o so_o it_o do_v in_o this_o vers_n 20_o he_o have_v now_o renounce_v his_o far_a country_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n the_o work_n here_o describe_v be_v repentance_n but_o not_o a_o separate_a from_o but_o join_v with_o &_o flow_v from_o save_a faith_n for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n work_v faith_n in_o he_o and_o act_v of_o it_o who_o make_v he_o to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o the_o premise_n that_o enable_v he_o to_o adventure_v his_o soul_n upon_o god_n and_o withal_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o penitent_a manner_n hence_o those_o that_o place_n true_a repentance_n in_o order_n before_o faith_n mistake_v though_o faith_n usual_o first_o discover_v itself_o to_o we_o in_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v sensible_o feel_v after_o repentance_n yea_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o that_o be_v exert_v in_o repentance_n lead_v the_o soul_n in_o deep_a sense_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o adventure_v itself_o upon_o the_o mercy_n and_o power_n of_o a_o just_o offend_v god_n in_o return_v to_o he_o furthermore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o because_o
nullâ_fw-la vi_fw-la coactus_fw-la judicio_fw-la meo_fw-la &_o voluntate_fw-la meâ_fw-la ad_fw-la ea_fw-la arma_fw-la profectus_fw-la sum_fw-la quae_fw-la sumpta_fw-la sunt_fw-la contra_fw-la te_fw-la pro_fw-la ligar_n thus_o must_v you_o do_v and_o thus_o shall_v you_o bring_v glory_n to_o pardon_v mercy_n see_v and_o say_v it_o be_v your_o own_o choice_n your_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o you_o be_v not_o compel_v but_o act_v free_o resolute_o and_o therefore_o have_v just_o deserve_v to_o be_v reject_v when_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v for_o yourselves_o than_o you_o be_v fit_a to_o plead_v mercy_n remember_v therefore_o that_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v seek_v out_o many_o invention_n god_n have_v give_v to_o no_o tempter_n either_o man_n or_o devil_n power_n over_o your_o will_n to_o compel_v they_o 2._o see_v how_o vile_a your_o sin_n must_v be_v in_o that_o it_o have_v be_v against_o god_n you_o never_o look_v aright_o upon_o it_o until_o you_o bring_v it_o up_o hither_o it_o be_v true_a sin_n can_v rob_v god_n of_o his_o essential_a glory_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o creature_n malignity_n but_o his_o declarative_a glory_n be_v thereby_o abuse_v you_o have_v not_o only_o wrong_v man_n that_o be_v a_o worm_n but_o you_o have_v injure_v the_o god_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v his_o holy_a law_n that_o you_o have_v break_v else_o it_o be_v not_o sin_n you_o have_v prefer_v a_o base_a lust_n a_o lie_a vanity_n before_o he_o you_o have_v reject_v the_o rule_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o only_o can_v direct_v man_n to_o his_o end_n you_o have_v despise_v and_o trample_v upon_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o you_o you_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o supreme_a sovereignty_n under_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v yourselves_o you_o have_v place_v sin_n in_o god_n throne_n and_o give_v it_o the_o precedency_n you_o have_v slight_v the_o gracious_a and_o precious_a invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v be_v set_v before_o you_o you_o that_o be_v worm_n of_o the_o dust_n have_v rise_v up_o against_o a_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sore_a and_o grievous_a thing_n can_v you_o be_v too_o much_o affect_v for_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v of_o so_o deep_a a_o dye_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o kind_o sense_n which_o every_o penitent_a soul_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n have_v of_o his_o sin_n 3._o how_o bold_a must_v that_o sin_n need_v be_v which_o have_v be_v commit_v before_o the_o face_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n will_v you_o not_o have_v be_v afraid_a and_o ashamed_a if_o sinful_a man_n like_o yourselves_o have_v stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o when_o you_o commit_v these_o and_o those_o sin_n how_o then_o be_v you_o not_o afraid_a to_o do_v they_o when_o god_n look_v on_o if_o you_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o that_o a_o atheistical_a spirit_n or_o if_o you_o care_v not_o for_o nor_o regard_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o brazen_a face_n you_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o his_o terror_n nor_o awe_v with_o his_o judgement_n you_o either_o forget_v god_n which_o be_v desperate_a security_n or_o you_o despise_v he_o which_o be_v high_a profaneness_n thus_o confess_v your_o sin_n to_o god_n if_o you_o hope_v to_o find_v mercy_n hide_v not_o cover_v they_o not_o under_o your_o tongue_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o make_v the_o worst_a of_o they_o you_o can_v confess_v worse_a than_o god_n know_v judge_v yourselves_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n if_o you_o now_o hide_v your_o sin_n god_n will_v unmask_v they_o before_o angel_n and_o man_n but_o if_o you_o thus_o confess_v god_n be_v just_a to_o forgive_v be_v not_o afraid_a to_o confess_v yourselves_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n this_o can_v set_v you_o beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n since_o christ_n be_v more_o able_a to_o save_v than_o we_o be_v to_o destroy_v ourselves_o since_o it_o be_v before_o a_o god_n who_o can_v abundant_o pardon_v since_o christ_n business_n be_v to_o save_v sinner_n labour_v to_o know_v and_o confess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v real_o and_o true_o so_o and_o the_o more_o you_o know_v and_o feel_v yourselves_o to_o be_v such_o the_o more_o encouragement_n you_o have_v to_o go_v to_o christ_n remember_v sin_n have_v take_v away_o all_o other_o plea_n from_o fall_v man_n and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o he_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n more_o or_o other_o for_z or_o of_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o expose_v himself_o to_o wrath_n and_o have_v no_o other_o thing_n to_o fly_v to_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o he_o have_v this_o one_o plea_n leave_v he_o humble_o to_o present_v for_o thy_o name_n sake_n o_o lord_n pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v very_o great_a sermon_n xvi_o 2._o thus_o of_o the_o prodigal_n confession_n of_o his_o sin_n it_o follow_v to_o consider_v his_o confession_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o express_v in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n the_o word_n be_v a_o meiosis_n or_o a_o diminutive_a expression_n in_o which_o less_o be_v say_v than_o intend_v the_o thing_n here_o aim_v at_o be_v gospel_n humiliation_n a_o ingredient_n into_o repentance_n and_o concomitant_a of_o save_a faith_n and_o be_v consequent_a upon_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o have_v know_v what_o sin_n be_v indeed_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o mercy_n and_o worthy_a of_o misery_n and_o so_o this_o negative_a comprise_v the_o contrary_a affirmative_a hence_o doct._n where_o god_n give_v true_a repentance_n he_o make_v the_o sinner_n to_o see_v and_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v utter_o unworthy_a of_o any_o mercy_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o misery_n the_o grace_n we_o be_v here_o consider_v of_o be_v true_a humility_n a_o fruit_n and_o discovery_n of_o faith_n and_o concomitant_a of_o sound_a repentance_n you_o shall_v see_v that_o our_o saviour_n find_v and_o acknowledge_v true_a and_o great_a faith_n in_o it_o mat._n 8._o 8._o with_o 10._o it_o be_v a_o grace_n which_o god_n require_v and_o earnest_o call_v for_o in_o scripture_n and_o be_v make_v the_o end_n of_o many_o solemn_a dispensation_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n deut._n 8._o 14_o 15_o 16._o now_o this_o humility_n have_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o viz._n 1._o a_o low_a and_o vile_a esteem_n of_o one self_o 2._o which_o follow_v a_o yield_a one self_o up_o to_o god_n dispose_n the_o former_a we_o have_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o latter_a follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o first_o be_v a_o utter_a renounce_n of_o self-excellence_n man_n by_o nature_n be_v very_o proud_a he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o some_o desert_n and_o worth_a hence_o he_o count_v all_o the_o evil_a that_o befall_v he_o a_o injury_n and_o all_o good_a a_o debt_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o christ_n but_o god_n when_o he_o draw_v he_o home_o to_o himself_o make_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o worthless_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v any_o good_a and_o worthy_a of_o all_o evil_a and_o that_o we_o may_v make_v some_o particular_a discovery_n of_o this_o grace_n we_o may_v consider_v it_o in_o two_o thing_n viz._n 1._o the_o root_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o fruit_n proceed_v from_o it_o 1._o the_o root_n of_o this_o humility_n and_o that_o which_o influence_v each_o part_n of_o it_o be_v a_o deep_a sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o to_o see_v find_v and_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o vile_a creature_n this_o be_v job_n confession_n job_n 40._o 4._o i_o be_o vile_a the_o word_n signify_v contemptible_a or_o worthy_a of_o no_o esteem_n he_o find_v and_o confess_v himself_o every_o way_n vile_a 1._o vile_a as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n a_o piece_n of_o clay_n a_o little_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n god_n make_v man_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v ever_o see_v cause_n to_o have_v low_a and_o little_a thought_n of_o himself_o gen._n 2._o 7._o his_o body_n a_o lump_n of_o dirt_n his_o breath_n a_o blast_n himself_o a_o brother_n of_o worm_n god_n must_v stoop_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o man_n in_o his_o great_a excellency_n hence_o the_o psalmist_n think_v of_o it_o with_o admiration_n psal_n 8._o 4_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o 2._o much_o more_o because_o he_o be_v a_o sinful_a creature_n the_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n render_v he_o unspeakable_o abominable_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n he_o see_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o vile_a
his_o glory_n by_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n in_o any_o of_o his_o work_n which_o he_o do_v to_o or_o for_o they_o be_v a_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o the_o way_n in_o which_o he_o will_v be_v a_o saver_n and_o no_o loser_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v to_o the_o management_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o doubtless_o will_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o execution_n and_o though_o he_o may_v for_o a_o while_o seem_v to_o be_v on_o the_o lose_a hand_n while_o man_n be_v run_v on_o the_o score_n with_o he_o and_o meditate_v nothing_o of_o payment_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v let_v god_n alone_o till_o his_o day_n and_o time_n of_o reckon_n with_o man_n he_o will_v then_o make_v it_o to_o appear_v that_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o the_o pharaoh_n and_o wicked_a man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o he_o have_v raise_v up_o and_o suffer_v at_o present_a to_o abuse_v his_o manifold_a mercy_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n know_v how_o to_o get_v his_o penny_n worth_n out_o of_o they_o he_o will_v never_o credit_v they_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v god_n will_v be_v glorify_v in_o zidon_n as_o well_o as_o in_o zion_n 2._o but_o god_n seem_v by_o this_o to_o be_v a_o encourager_n of_o wickedness_n and_o promoter_n of_o man_n vile_a design_n be_v not_o this_o to_o put_v a_o sword_n in_o a_o madman_n hand_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v himself_o therewithal_o and_o if_o god_n hate_v sin_n why_o will_v he_o thus_o give_v man_n advantage_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o ans_fw-fr the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o order_v of_o allthing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o counsel_n be_v not_o for_o we_o mortal_n to_o call_v in_o question_n god_n have_v other_o attribute_n beside_o his_o justice_n to_o make_v know_v and_o they_o be_v his_o bounty_n patience_n goodness_n long_a sufferance_n and_o this_o he_o can_v do_v upon_o the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o thereby_o make_v way_n for_o the_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v not_o lead_v to_o repentance_n by_o it_o but_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o neither_o do_v god_n by_o this_o encourage_v sin_n since_o by_o his_o holy_a law_n which_o be_v man_n rule_n and_o a_o discovery_n of_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n he_o strict_o forbid_v and_o severe_o denounce_v threaten_n against_o all_o sin_n neither_o be_v god_n bounty_n the_o moral_a cause_n of_o promote_a of_o sin_n but_o have_v argument_n in_o it_o to_o prompt_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n but_o it_o be_v man_n corrupt_a heart_n abuse_v it_o to_o such_o end_n whereas_o a_o holy_a heart_n be_v encourage_v by_o all_o god_n benefit_n to_o study_v his_o glory_n and_o praise_n psal_n 116._o 12._o and_o yet_o god_n may_v righteous_o leave_v man_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o wicked_a heart_n and_o so_o to_o misimprove_v all_o his_o beneficence_n to_o his_o own_o just_a condemnation_n yea_o he_o may_v raise_v up_o pharaoh_n to_o that_o very_a end_n exod._n 9_o 16._o but_o i_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o will_v serve_v further_a to_o clear_v the_o truth_n from_o imputation_n and_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o end_n which_o god_n design_n in_o thus_o do_v which_o though_o they_o be_v at_o present_a secret_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o be_v thus_o leave_v till_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o make_v more_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o they_o yet_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v always_o one_o of_o these_o two_o for_o all_o god_n deal_n with_o mankind_n do_v ultimate_o centre_n in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o viz._n either_o 1._o that_o thus_o way_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o more_o illustrious_a manifestation_n of_o revenge_a justice_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o sinner_n they_o be_v thus_o make_v vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n rom._n 9_o 22._o where_o much_o be_v give_v there_o be_v much_o expect_v the_o more_o that_o man_n have_v abuse_v the_o more_o wrath_n await_v they_o doubtless_o a_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o understanding_n have_v more_o to_o account_v with_o god_n for_o than_o a_o fool_n the_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n than_o the_o poor_a a_o magistrate_n or_o a_o minister_n than_o a_o private_a man_n the_o more_o advantage_n man_n have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n to_o serve_v god_n withal_o the_o more_o they_o have_v to_o answer_v for_o you_o may_v see_v what_o endictment_n god_n draw_v up_o against_o babylon_n isa_n 14._o tyrus_n ezek_n 27._o which_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o other_o nation_n of_o worldly_a pomp_n and_o wisdom_n for_o such_o god_n have_v wonderful_a plague_n this_o patience_n and_o goodness_n as_o they_o be_v large_o display_v before_o such_o at_o the_o present_a so_o they_o by_o man_n abuse_v of_o they_o open_v a_o way_n for_o the_o more_o notable_a execution_n of_o justice_n 2._o that_o he_o may_v prepare_v a_o way_n to_o make_v his_o grace_n notable_o appear_v to_o be_v grace_n the_o truth_n be_v god_n way_n be_v very_o mysterious_a and_o past_a man_n find_v out_o and_o oftentimes_o when_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n just_o to_o fear_n that_o such_o a_o sinner_n be_v mount_v on_o horseback_n to_o run_v the_o swift_a to_o his_o own_o utter_a ruin_n yet_o even_o then_o god_n have_v gracious_a design_n in_o all_o this_o god_n sometime_o allow_v a_o sinner_n a_o long_a tedder_n and_o let_v he_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o then_o pull_v he_o back_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o lay_v a_o scene_n for_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o then_o display_v his_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o save_v he_o from_o it_o when_o he_o have_v use_v all_o possible_a mean_n utter_o to_o have_v undo_v himself_o manass_v in_o the_o old_a and_o paul_n in_o the_o new-testament_n stand_v for_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o and_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o speak_v thus_o of_o it_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 13_o 14._o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v exceed_v abundant_a etc._n etc._n use_v 1._o to_o teach_v we_o not_o too_o much_o to_o bless_v ourselves_o in_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a favour_n god_n love_n be_v not_o from_o hence_o to_o be_v positive_o conclude_v it_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n observation_n eccl._n 9_o begin_v no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v be_v proud_a and_o self_n conceit_v in_o these_o thing_n whereas_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o some_o of_o the_o offal_n of_o god_n favour_n which_o he_o can_v spare_v to_o the_o swine_n of_o the_o world_n and_o often_o throw_v out_o to_o they_o in_o a_o plentiful_a measure_n thing_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n be_v not_o just_a matter_n of_o boast_v if_o you_o have_v all_o these_o blessing_n and_o be_v wicked_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o you_o be_v not_o happy_a but_o miserable_a in_o that_o enjoyment_n use_v 2._o it_o may_v also_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o grudge_v at_o or_o envy_v wicked_a man_n for_o their_o great_a part_n and_o large_a estate_n or_o whatever_o other_o worldly_a blessing_n they_o enjoy_v in_o a_o more_o liberal_a measure_n than_o other_o man_n and_o the_o more_o we_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o good_a man_n have_v sometime_o be_v prone_a to_o be_v envious_a at_o these_o thing_n psal_n 73._o begin_v yea_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v implead_v god_n about_o it_o jer._n 12._o 1._o if_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o they_o will_v but_o abuse_v and_o foolish_o squander_v they_o away_o and_o then_o you_o know_v the_o more_o talent_n any_o have_v receive_v the_o more_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v for_o and_o if_o he_o fare_v so_o ill_a that_o do_v but_o hide_v his_o one_o in_o a_o napkin_n what_o account_n shall_v he_o be_v call_v to_o that_o squander_v many_o away_o upon_o his_o lust_n and_o dishonour_v god_n with_o they_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o such_o man_n if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o very_a fool_n and_o the_o most_o obscure_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o you_o have_v less_o of_o these_o thing_n so_o you_o have_v the_o less_o to_o reckon_v for_o beside_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v your_o happiness_n in_o the_o end_n but_o if_o you_o have_v the_o grace_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a you_o shall_v sure_o enter_v into_o your_o lord_n joy_n use_v 3._o it_o may_v afford_v encouragement_n not_o to_o despare_v of_o unregenerate_a man_n although_o they_o may_v at_o present_a be_v leave_v to_o
dwell_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o put_v his_o fear_n into_o they_o when_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n to_o love_v his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v afraid_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o when_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o thrust_v away_o his_o law_n refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o counsel_n and_o be_v not_o awe_v by_o his_o judgement_n their_o will_n can_v submit_v to_o his_o when_o conscience_n be_v stifle_v or_o lull_v asleep_o and_o man_n sin_v secure_o and_o without_o any_o dread_n now_o they_o be_v go_v far_o from_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v so_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v the_o very_a character_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o we_o hear_v psal_n 73._o 27_o they_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v perish_v and_o that_o their_o prosperity_n embolden_v they_o to_o it_o the_o psalmist_n also_o ascertain_v we_o psal_n 55._o 19_o because_o they_o have_v no_o change_n therefore_o they_o fear_v not_o god_n and_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o boldness_n security_n confidence_n fearlesness_n irreclaimableness_n of_o wicked_a man_n especial_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n smile_v upon_o they_o will_v easy_o conclude_v these_o man_n be_v far_o from_o god_n reas_n 1._o from_o the_o natural_a rebellion_n and_o enmity_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n against_o god_n man_n hate_v god_n they_o abhor_v his_o holiness_n his_o law_n disrelish_v their_o carnal_a aim_n and_o end_n cross_a and_o contradict_v their_o natural_a desire_n and_o concupiscence_n his_o promise_n savour_v not_o with_o they_o his_o threaten_n irritate_fw-la and_o provoke_v they_o the_o sum_n be_v proud_a and_o sinful_a man_n will_v be_v at_o the_o great_a possible_a freedom_n to_o take_v his_o own_o course_n without_o any_o control_v and_o know_v how_o contrary_a god_n government_n be_v to_o his_o wicked_a will_n how_o opposite_a god_n grace_n be_v to_o his_o impiety_n hence_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v from_o under_o it_o man_n can_v so_o quiet_o and_o secure_o sin_n while_o god_n be_v near_o they_o the_o prodigal_n know_v that_o if_o he_o dwell_v near_o his_o father_n he_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v disturb_v by_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o admonition_n and_o that_o will_v mar_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o his_o mirth_n he_o shall_v not_o with_o so_o much_o liberty_n and_o content_n follow_v his_o mad_a course_n reas_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n there_o be_v for_o the_o sinful_a heart_n of_o man_n to_o be_v strengthen_v in_o this_o rebellion_n by_o outward_a prosperity_n when_o man_n have_v their_o portion_n large_a and_o great_a they_o hope_v they_o can_v now_o vie_v it_o with_o god_n the_o prodigal_n have_v no_o more_o use_n or_o need_v of_o his_o father_n now_o he_o have_v his_o portion_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o that_o last_v he_o regard_v not_o to_o come_v at_o he_o if_o god_n speak_v to_o back-slidden_a judah_n in_o her_o prosperity_n she_o will_v not_o hear_v prosperity_n make_v man_n proud_a psal_n 73._o 5_o 6._o they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n therefore_o pride_n compass_v they_o about_o as_o a_o chain_n man_n can_v now_o do_v well_o enough_o without_o god_n yea_o best_a when_o he_o be_v farthest_o off_o from_o they_o and_o they_o must_v be_v reduce_v to_o aâ—_n afflict_a and_o distress_a condition_n before_o they_o will_v think_v of_o a_o return_n hos_n 5._o 15._o we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o the_o prodigal_n return_v to_o his_o father_n till_o his_o folly_n have_v jade_v he_o with_o insupportable_a misery_n use_v 1._o this_o serve_v to_o discover_v the_o great_a wickedness_n and_o horrid_a ingratitude_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o rebellion_n by_o that_o which_o shall_v soften_v and_o break_v their_o heart_n that_o those_o cord_n of_o kindness_n by_o which_o god_n will_v bind_v &_o engage_v their_o soul_n to_o love_v he_o must_v be_v turn_v into_o cord_n of_o vanity_n to_o bind_v their_o heart_n more_o strong_a in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a charge_n which_o god_n draw_v up_o against_o judah_n to_o the_o observation_n oâ—_n which_o as_o a_o thing_n most_o unreasonable_a and_o horrible_a he_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o witnesseâ—_n isa_n 1._o 2._o i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o how_o rightâ—_n our_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o sinner_n that_o god_n kindness_n shall_v set_v their_o heart_n more_o against_o he_o that_o goodness_n shall_v engender_v hatred_n this_o be_v a_o strange_a antiperistasis_n let_v it_o theâ—_n convince_v we_o what_o wicked_a heart_n we_o have_v natural_o and_o humble_v we_o before_o god_n that_o iâ—_n shall_v be_v so_o use_v 2._o it_o plain_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v not_o of_o himself_o noâ—_n from_o any_o lead_a motion_n or_o inclination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o the_o very_a bias_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n do_v natural_o draw_v he_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n yea_o to_o run_v as_o far_o from_o he_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o he_o will_v never_o return_v any_o more_o if_o god_n do_v not_o draw_v he_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n there_o must_v be_v the_o irresistible_a attraction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o seek_v he_o before_o it_o will_v look_v after_o he_o if_o all_o god_n outward_a favour_n make_v he_o worse_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n till_o there_o be_v something_o inward_a to_o change_v his_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v better_o wonder_v not_o then_o if_o we_o see_v man_n grow_v worse_o under_o the_o best_a of_o mean_n and_o outward_a mercy_n for_o the_o sinful_a nature_n of_o man_n take_v advantage_n by_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o but_o let_v we_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o workby_v his_o power_n use_v 3._o to_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v sometime_o a_o great_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o withhold_v from_o man_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o great_a portion_n of_o outward_a blessing_n or_o take_v they_o away_o from_o they_o augustin_n periissem_fw-la nisi_fw-la periissem_fw-la be_v observable_a whither_o will_v some_o man_n have_v go_v how_o far_o have_v they_o run_v away_o from_o god_n have_v he_o not_o lay_v chain_n of_o affliction_n upon_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o in_o fetter_n david_n be_v go_v astray_o before_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o how_o far_o may_v he_o have_v go_v if_o god_n have_v let_v he_o alone_o think_v not_o yourselves_o then_o to_o be_v hardly_o deal_v withal_o because_o you_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o providence_n the_o day_n may_v come_v when_o you_o may_v bless_v god_n for_o it_o use_v 4._o for_o trial_n it_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o it_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o see_v what_o improvement_n we_o make_v of_o those_o blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o god_n indulge_v we_o with_o much_o of_o ouâ—_n true_a spiritual_a condition_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o this_o have_v you_o god_n blessing_n have_v you_o part_n oâ—_n worldly_a comfort_n and_o do_v they_o make_v you_o weary_a of_o god_n way_n more_o careless_a of_o his_o fearâ—_n and_o more_o secure_a in_o sin_v these_o be_v thâ—â—_n note_n and_o character_n of_o a_o prodigal_n only_o a_o rebellious_a child_n will_v do_v so_o but_o if_o god_n favour_n be_v thankful_o receive_v and_o his_o cord_n of_o love_n engage_v your_o heart_n to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o study_v his_o fear_n if_o they_o make_v you_o more_o to_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n and_o diligent_a in_o his_o service_n if_o they_o oblige_v you_o to_o improve_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n &_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o evidence_n that_o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o you_o they_o only_o be_v godly_a man_n who_o do_v careful_o honour_v god_n with_o all_o his_o gift_n and_o if_o you_o so_o do_v you_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o god_n and_o he_o will_v never_o repent_v of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o and_o bestow_v upon_o you_o sermon_n v._n we_o have_v thus_o hear_v of_o the_o place_n whither_o the_o young_a son_n carry_v his_o estate_n tell_v we_o that_o wicked_a man_n love_v to_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o sin_n without_o any_o restraint_n we_o may_v also_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o comparison_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o text_n to_o illustrate_v his_o apostasy_n viz._n a_o journey_n he_o take_v his_o journey_n or_o go_v a_o pilgrimage_n whence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o doct._n that_o wicked_a man_n grow_v to_o the_o height_n of_o profaneness_n by_o degree_n man_n converse_v in_o the_o region_n of_o sin_n be_v upon_o
1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n absolute_o need_v some_o object_n to_o rely_v upon_o man_n be_v dependence_n for_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n be_v out_o of_o himself_o that_o must_v have_v something_o to_o live_v upon_o or_o else_o it_o can_v do_v man_n be_v make_v for_o a_o end_n and_o the_o attainment_n of_o his_o end_n be_v the_o fruition_n of_o his_o object_n hence_o the_o church_n call_v god_n the_o portion_n of_o her_o soul_n lam._n 3._o 24._o 2._o hence_o the_o soul_n can_v hold_v up_o no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v some_o object_n to_o depend_v upon_o either_o real_o or_o imaginarily_o able_a to_o support_v it_o the_o soul_n therefore_o sink_v when_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o and_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n of_o despair_n viz._n the_o sink_n of_o a_o soul_n for_o want_n of_o a_o stay_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o every_o sinner_n be_v not_o a_o desponder_n be_v only_o because_o he_o stay_v upon_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hope_n they_o will_v support_v he_o hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o trust_v in_o they_o psal_n 49._o 6._o 3._o god_n and_o the_o creature_n can_v both_o be_v a_o man_n stay_n these_o be_v set_v in_o opposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v alone_o be_v our_o confidence_n or_o not_o at_o all_o deut._n 32._o 12._o therefore_o the_o apostle_n oppose_v these_o two_o trust_n to_o each_o other_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 17._o 4._o hence_o in_o order_n to_o conversion_n the_o soul_n be_v break_v off_o from_o his_o hope_n trust_v or_o reliancy_n upon_o any_o create_a being_n he_o be_v make_v to_o find_v himself_o with_o the_o prodigal_n a_o bankrupt_a creature_n live_v in_o a_o famish_v world_n which_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o husk_n and_o he_o can_v feed_v upon_o they_o he_o see_v ashur_n can_v save_v he_o be_v in_o a_o pit_n wherein_o no_o water_n be_v and_o now_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v perish_v can_v find_v no_o comfort_n here_o 5._o in_o this_o state_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o hope_n 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further_a a_o probability_n that_o he_o may_v here_o find_v acceptance_n and_o obtain_v a_o full_a supply_n of_o all_o the_o good_a he_o need_v and_o not_o from_o a_o certainty_n or_o promise_n or_o covenant_n in_o which_o he_o may_v claim_v it_o you_o have_v it_o express_v in_o jonah_n 3._o 9_o who_o know_v but_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v gracious_a the_o sink_a soul_n hear_v news_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o redress_n have_v for_o he_o that_o there_o be_v one_o who_o not_o only_o can_v do_v but_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o such_o as_o he_o which_o make_v he_o to_o bear_v up_o and_o put_v he_o upon_o wait_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n 2._o what_o of_o encouragement_n arise_v from_o these_o consideration_n answ_n here_o be_v the_o only_a rational_a encouragement_n of_o a_o humble_a sinner_n he_o can_v find_v none_o with_o look_v elsewhere_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n he_o see_v nothing_o but_o famine_n if_o upon_o himself_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o and_o be_v utter_o undo_v it_o be_v only_o in_o god_n that_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v any_o relief_n now_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o first_o make_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n draw_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v by_o make_v it_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n and_o so_o persuade_v it_o he_o be_v first_o make_v to_o see_v the_o ground_n of_o hope_n and_o then_o to_o follow_v as_o the_o prodigal_n here_o now_o both_o of_o these_o attribute_n be_v full_a of_o encouragement_n 1._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n it_o can_v but_o animate_v the_o prodigal_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v in_o his_o father_n house_n starve_v beggar_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o ask_v relief_n of_o beggar_n like_o themselves_o but_o they_o go_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n account_v it_o vain_a to_o ask_v a_o alm_n where_o they_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v have_v but_o where_o they_o understand_v there_o be_v enough_o they_o will_v be_v very_o importunate_a because_o they_o know_v such_o a_o one_o can_v if_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o do_v they_o a_o kindness_n so_o here_o the_o soul_n discover_v a_o possibility_n that_o he_o may_v have_v succour_n because_o god_n be_v able_a there_o be_v all_o fullness_n in_o he_o he_o can_v save_v he_o from_o hell_n and_o wrath_n and_o misery_n and_o bestow_v life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o he_o if_o he_o see_v meet_v when_o jacob_n hear_v there_o be_v bread_n in_o egypt_n he_o say_v to_o his_o son_n why_o do_v you_o sit_v still_o and_o look_v one_o on_o another_o and_o die_v so_o when_o a_o soul_n hear_v there_o be_v all_o grace_n with_o god_n it_o prompt_v he_o to_o say_v why_o do_v i_o tarry_v here_o then_o and_o perish_v god_n therefore_o thus_o propound_v himself_o to_o destroy_v israel_n hos_n 13._o 9_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n and_o christ_n propound_v it_o as_o a_o question_n to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o cure_n matt._n 9_o 28._o believe_v you_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v this_o now_o possibility_n apprehend_v give_v ease_n to_o extreme_a necessity_n and_o when_o a_o soul_n hear_v of_o it_o it_o will_v not_o cast_v off_o all_o hope_n till_o it_o have_v make_v utmost_a proof_n and_o hence_o the_o soul_n be_v help_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n believe_v hence_o the_o poor_a leper_n make_v this_o his_o argument_n and_o come_v with_o it_o mat._n 8._o 2._o if_o thou_o will_v thou_o can_v make_v i_o clean_o 2._o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n add_v to_o his_o sufficiency_n give_v further_a strength_n to_o hope_n in_o that_o it_o discover_v more_o than_o a_o possibility_n viz._n some_o probability_n the_o father_n bounty_n to_o hire_a servant_n make_v the_o son_n think_v he_o not_o only_o have_v enough_o but_o be_v very_o free_a of_o it_o why_o then_o may_v not_o i_o who_o be_o a_o son_n though_o a_o prodigal_n make_v proof_n of_o it_o beggar_n go_v more_o cheerful_o to_o and_o knock_v more_o liberal_o at_o a_o bountiful_a man_n door_n because_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o promise_v themselves_o relief_n not_o that_o they_o deserve_v more_o of_o he_o than_o of_o another_o but_o because_o he_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o communicate_v his_o favour_n than_o a_o churl_n be_v when_o a_o poor_a sinner_n consider_v how_o kind_a god_n be_v how_o full_a of_o mercy_n how_o liberal_o he_o distribute_v his_o favour_n how_o he_o deal_v his_o kindness_n undeserved_a and_o scatter_v they_o not_o with_o a_o spare_v but_o bountiful_a hand_n now_o think_v he_o why_o may_v i_o not_o speed_v why_o may_v not_o i_o come_v as_o well_o as_o another_o and_o hope_v to_o find_v he_o kind_a to_o i_o as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v do_v hence_o god_n put_v this_o argument_n into_o their_o mouth_n hos_fw-la 14._o 3._o with_o thou_o the_o fatherless_a find_v mercy_n you_o find_v david_n make_v a_o plea_n of_o this_o psal_n 86._o 5._o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v now_o though_o the_o soul_n have_v never_o a_o promise_n to_o rely_v on_o for_o that_o be_v receive_v in_o believe_v yet_o he_o have_v a_o support_n against_o despair_n and_o argument_n to_o drive_v he_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n 3._o that_o this_o encouragement_n be_v of_o use_n only_o to_o perish_v sinner_n the_o prodigal_n come_v not_o to_o this_o thought_n till_o he_o be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o he_o join_v it_o to_o that_o consideration_n i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o for_z 1._o as_o long_o as_o a_o sinner_n have_v any_o thing_n at_o home_n he_o mind_v not_o nor_o regard_v god_n
all_o this_o and_o still_o wait_v if_o mercy_n seem_v like_o that_o unjust_a judge_n to_o stop_v its_o ear_n anger_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o the_o most_o high_a he_o will_v submit_v and_o yet_o throw_v self_n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o angry_a and_o offend_a god_n mic._n 7._o 9_o 4._o he_o be_v resolve_v that_o if_o god_n will_v accept_v he_o witness_v his_o love_n to_o he_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o christ_n his_o free_a mercy_n shall_v have_v the_o full_a and_o whole_a glory_n of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v engage_v his_o heart_n to_o magnify_v mercy_n by_o degrade_n himself_o and_o keep_v in_o mind_n his_o own_o unworthiness_n god_n shall_v have_v the_o praise_n of_o all_o his_o heart_n shall_v echo_v grace_n grace_n through_o all_o his_o life_n and_o heaven_n shall_v ring_v with_o these_o glorious_a acclamation_n to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o true_a gospel_n humility_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v in_o every_o soul_n who_o he_o draw_v home_o to_o himself_o this_o be_v a_o true_a qualification_n of_o repentance_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o modification_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o term_n to_o which_o the_o sinner_n return_n viz._n god_n and_o those_o that_o so_o come_v shall_v find_v mercy_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n bring_v the_o soul_n thus_o to_o his_o foot_n they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o reas_n 1._o to_o take_v away_o all_o boast_n from_o the_o creature_n that_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o before_o it_o to_o confide_v in_o man_n be_v empty_v of_o himself_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o self-soveraignty_n remain_v in_o he_o he_o do_v not_o can_v acknowledge_v all_o to_o come_v from_o god_n till_o he_o utter_o relinquish_v the_o disposal_n of_o himself_o he_o can_v see_v that_o his_o salvation_n be_v whole_o out_o of_o himself_o as_o long_o as_o he_o thinkshe_v may_v capitulate_v with_o god_n about_o it_o now_o god_n will_v hide_v pride_n from_o man_n 2._o that_o his_o glorious_a sovereignty_n may_v be_v full_o subscribe_v to_o hence_o god_n will_v save_v none_o till_o they_o do_v yield_v that_o he_o may_v damn_v they_o and_o have_v no_o obligation_n from_o they_o to_o do_v otherwise_o god_n will_v be_v see_v in_o his_o royalty_n to_o dispense_v grace_n from_o a_o throne_n or_o not_o at_o all_o hence_o we_o be_v to_o go_v to_o a_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n 4._o 16._o god_n sovereignty_n be_v a_o most_o precious_a pearl_n in_o his_o royal_a diadem_n and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v pluck_v out_o job_n shall_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o before_o he_o return_v his_o captivity_n 3._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v not_o lift_v they_o up_o but_o keep_v they_o low_a and_o humble_a that_o they_o may_v not_o despise_v other_o nor_o think_v of_o themselves_o beyond_o what_o be_v meet_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v that_o they_o may_v always_o remember_v who_o have_v make_v they_o to_o differ_v from_o other_o and_o may_v dwell_v upon_o that_o that_o it_o be_v by_o grace_n they_o be_v save_v and_o not_o of_o themselves_o use_v give_v i_o leave_v here_o to_o improve_v the_o former_a and_o present_a doctrine_n in_o a_o serious_a word_n of_o exhortation_n as_o you_o will_v prove_v yourselves_o true_a penitent_n to_o get_v and_o keep_v humble_a before_o god_n ply_v this_o work_n of_o humiliation_n and_o exercise_v the_o grace_n of_o humility_n get_v humble_a walk_v humble_o before_o the_o lord_n renounce_v selfsufficiency_n and_o cast_v off_o self-soveraignty_n for_o motive_n 1._o consider_v how_o acceptable_a a_o humble_a soul_n be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o displease_a pride_n be_v to_o he_o god_n take_v great_a delight_n in_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a he_o dwell_v with_o they_o isa_n 57_o 15._o if_o any_o be_v like_a to_o have_v more_o of_o god_n refresh_v and_o comfort_v presence_n than_o other_o it_o be_v those_o that_o be_v humble_a where_o this_o grace_n be_v in_o exercise_n god_n will_v give_v more_o grace_n their_o service_n be_v high_o esteem_v by_o god_n psal_n 51._o 17._o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a respect_n to_o they_o isa_n 66._o 2._o 2._o consider_v how_o much_o reason_n and_o how_o many_o cause_v you_o have_v to_o be_v humble_a to_o see_v and_o count_v yourselves_o vile_a creature_n and_o to_o lie_v low_a before_o god_n 1._o your_o sin_n shall_v make_v and_o keep_v you_o humble_a the_o sin_n of_o your_o heart_n the_o leprosy_n of_o your_o nature_n the_o body_n of_o death_n that_o heart-ful_a of_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n your_o daily_a sin_n of_o act_n in_o omission_n of_o duty_n in_o transgress_v the_o command_n especial_o your_o particular_a enormity_n psal_n 51._o 1._o this_o evil_a it_o will_v be_v a_o truth_n for_o ever_o that_o you_o have_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v son_n and_o daughter_n of_o god_n a_o hire_a servant_n place_n be_v too_o good_a for_o you_o 2._o your_o duty_n shall_v humble_v you_o have_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o thou_o do_v it_o of_o thyself_o but_o the_o spirit_n in_o thou_o and_o in_o all_o your_o duty_n you_o may_v see_v humble_v consideration_n how_o cold_a your_o affection_n how_o little_a impression_n have_v they_o on_o your_o heart_n of_o how_o little_a continuance_n even_o as_o the_o morning_n dew_n how_o little_a sincerity_n how_o much_o hypocrisy_n how_o little_a grace_n how_o much_o corruption_n 3._o all_o your_o affliction_n shall_v humble_v you_o god_n have_v hang_v many_o weight_n on_o thy_o heart_n to_o crush_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a that_o they_o have_v bring_v thou_o no_o low_o all_o personal_a &_o all_o public_a rebuke_n of_o god_n providence_n all_o wilderness_n trial_n be_v to_o humble_v the_o people_n of_o god_n deut._n 8._o 15_o 16._o 4._o all_o god_n mercy_n shall_v humble_v you_o you_o have_v not_o deserve_v they_o but_o the_o contrary_n the_o mercy_n of_o your_o be_v preservation_n special_a deliverance_n above_o all_o those_o save_a mercy_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o a_o word_n whoever_o thou_o be_v whether_o believer_n or_o unbeliever_n thou_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o be_v always_o affect_v thy_o heart_n unto_o a_o low_a frame_n and_o to_o bring_v thou_o down_o to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o lie_v there_o as_o a_o poor_a despicable_a nothing_o resign_v thyself_o up_o to_o and_o place_v all_o thy_o hope_n upon_o his_o mere_a love_n &_o mercy_n in_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v that_o that_o may_v have_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o sermon_n xviii_o the_o direction_n may_v be_v 1._o to_o the_o awaken_v sinner_n to_o come_v humble_o to_o and_o wait_v humble_o upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n 2._o to_o the_o believer_n to_o carry_v humble_o all_o his_o day_n 1._o be_v thou_o one_o who_o find_v thy_o own_o misery_n and_o hear_v of_o god_n plenty_n be_v think_v to_o make_v proof_n of_o it_o will_v thou_o speed_v â—_o then_o in_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o thy_o own_o unworthiness_n throw_v thyself_o down_o at_o his_o foot_n will_v you_o find_v god_n merciful_a be_v you_o sure_a to_o be_v humble_a and_o for_o help_v 1._o remember_v how_o much_o you_o have_v do_v to_o provoke_v god_n to_o reject_v you_o and_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o think_v what_o manner_n of_o life_n you_o have_v lead_v and_o in_o special_a how_o you_o have_v slight_v the_o gospel_n despise_v the_o call_n counsel_n reproof_n encouragement_n that_o have_v be_v give_v you_o how_o often_o you_o have_v refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o tender_v grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v god_n refuse_v to_o hear_v you_o when_o you_o cry_v unto_o he_o and_o bid_v you_o go_v to_o the_o god_n that_o you_o have_v serve_v jer._n 2._o 28._o 2._o think_v how_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a creacure_v you_o be_v in_o yourselves_o no_o way_n fit_a to_o be_v active_a in_o glorify_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v become_v unprofitable_a rom._n 3._o 12._o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n of_o their_o own_o to_o glorify_v god_n till_o he_o restore_v it_o philip._n 2._o 13._o what_o can_v you_o do_v for_o he_o till_o your_o enmity_n be_v take_v away_o your_o rebellion_n subdue_v nothing_o but_o his_o grace_n can_v fit_v you_o to_o do_v he_o any_o the_o least_o service_n 3._o see_v that_o you_o have_v nothing_o by_o which_o you_o can_v challenge_v the_o least_o favour_n from_o he_o it_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n say_v if_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o also_o tell_v you_o this_o believe_v be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o eph._n 2._o 9_o till_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v under_o
and_o be_v animate_v to_o break_v through_o all_o i_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o if_o i_o can_v it_o will_v but_o obscure_v his_o compassion_n be_v encourage_v satan_n present_v god_n in_o arm_n against_o we_o &_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v appease_v he_o with_o sacrifice_n of_o obedience_n but_o god_n accept_v of_o no_o sacrifice_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n he_o look_v that_o his_o mercy_n alone_o shall_v be_v seek_v unto_o learn_v then_o to_o make_v heaven_n ring_n with_o thy_o cry_n ask_v mercy_n put_v god_n in_o mind_n of_o these_o attribute_n which_o he_o have_v commend_v himself_o in_o to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o put_v that_o into_o every_o prayer_n to_o encourage_v thy_o hope_n psal_n 86._o 5._o thou_o be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o and_o dan._n 9_o 9_o to_o thou_o lord_n our_o god_n belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n use_v 4._o for_o exhortation_n to_o believer_n this_o truth_n tell_v you_o what_o be_v the_o work_n you_o have_v to_o do_v all_o your_o life_n viz._n to_o adore_v admire_v and_o magnify_v god_n compassion_n those_o wonderful_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o your_o delivery_n out_o of_o all_o that_o misery_n into_o which_o sin_n have_v cast_v you_o this_o be_v the_o great_a subject_n which_o shall_v take_v up_o the_o thought_n and_o word_n of_o the_o saint_n grace_n grace_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o voice_n with_o which_o the_o temple_n shall_v resound_v think_v therefore_o often_o with_o yourselves_o where_o you_o once_o be_v what_o be_v your_o former_a condition_n who_o it_o be_v that_o transform_v you_o when_o it_o be_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o and_o have_v regard_n to_o you_o what_o miserable_a sinner_n you_o be_v and_o how_o near_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n follow_v this_o compassion_n up_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o its_o act_n towards_o you_o think_v not_o that_o it_o only_o meet_v you_o as_o you_o be_v return_v but_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o it_o come_v to_o your_o dungeon_n and_o lift_v you_o out_o thence_o that_o it_o follow_v you_o into_o your_o far_a country_n and_o fetch_v you_o from_o among_o the_o swine_n or_o else_o you_o have_v still_o be_v there_o and_o perish_v for_o ever_o sermon_n xxii_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o of_o the_o father_n kind_a carriage_n to_o his_o son_n the_o effect_n follow_v in_o the_o carriage_n itself_o his_o be_v express_v in_o three_o word_n he_o run_v he_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n and_o kiss_v he_o all_o these_o act_n refer_v to_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n and_o serve_v to_o express_v what_o love_n god_n apply_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o work_n they_o show_v we_o how_o much_o of_o divine_a affection_n breathe_v forth_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n pass_v from_o god_n to_o a_o sinner_n they_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o most_o pathetical_a intimation_n of_o the_o great_a love_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o ancient_n especial_o in_o those_o country_n to_o discover_v the_o superaboundance_n of_o their_o overflow_a affection_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o gesture_n one_o note_n upon_o this_o ver_fw-la that_o although_o all_o christ_n parable_n be_v very_o move_v to_o the_o affection_n that_o none_o carry_v so_o much_o in_o they_o as_o this_o do_v he_o run_v love_n be_v active_a it_o can_v stand_v still_o nor_o yet_o go_v soft_o where_o it_o see_v its_o object_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o speedy_a succour_n it_o shake_v off_o all_o sloth_n and_o rather_o seem_v to_o fly_v on_o wing_n than_o go_v he_o fall_v on_o his_o neck_n god_n take_v the_o sinner_n in_o his_o arm_n fall_v upon_o he_o i._n e._n with_o his_o distinguish_a grace_n and_n kiss_v he_o kiss_v be_v use_v among_o other_o thing_n to_o express_v 1._o intimacy_n and_o peculiar_a affection_n and_o then_o especial_o when_o dear_a friend_n meet_v after_o long_a absence_n thus_o moses_n and_o aaron_n exod._n 4._o 27._o 2._o reconciliation_n after_o some_o distance_n by_o reason_n of_o injury_n and_o provocation_n thus_o david_n kiss_v absolom_n 2_o sam._n 14._o ult_n doct._n god_n manifest_v his_o choice_n and_o incomparable_a love_n to_o a_o sinner_n then_o when_o he_o convert_v he_o to_o himself_o here_o it_o be_v that_o god_n special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v and_o such_o love_n as_o all_o comparison_n be_v but_o dark_a shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n indeed_o show_v a_o great_a deed_n of_o common_a favour_n to_o the_o world_n the_o goodnesss_n they_o â—â—st_n of_o be_v call_v his_o hide_a treasure_n but_o all_o this_o fall_n incomparable_o short_a of_o that_o which_o he_o confer_v upon_o a_o elect_a person_n in_o his_o conversion_n this_o love_n of_o god_n be_v from_o eternity_n seal_v up_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n it_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v publish_v and_o make_v know_v in_o the_o world_n as_o soon_o as_o man_n have_v by_o his_o fall_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o himself_o and_o his_o progeny_n as_o be_v whisper_v in_o that_o first_o gospel_n promise_n gen._n 3._o 15._o he_o shall_v break_v thy_o head_n and_o more_o abundant_o shine_v forth_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v more_o general_a demonstration_n of_o it_o it_o more_o especial_o and_o particular_o first_o begin_v to_o appear_v to_o the_o sinner_n himself_o then_o when_o he_o be_v regenerate_v and_o eternal_a life_n begin_v in_o he_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n be_v then_o open_v when_o we_o consider_v the_o prodigal_n return_n that_o which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o love_n and_o how_o or_o wherein_o it_o express_v its_o self_n according_a to_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n i_o may_v here_o expatiate_v but_o i_o shall_v confine_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o word_n in_o our_o text_n by_o a_o reduction_n of_o they_o to_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n 1._o the_o first_o expression_n of_o this_o love_n be_v in_o that_o he_o raâ—_n to_o he_o herein_o be_v intimate_v a_o twofold_a declaration_n of_o divine_a love_n one_o positive_a the_o other_o comparative_a 1._o positive_a it_o point_v out_o god_n come_v to_o the_o sinner_n where_o he_o be_v to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o he_o the_o sinner_n can_v never_o have_v go_v to_o god_n he_o therefore_o come_v to_o he_o he_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o can_v come_v no_o near_o the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n be_v high_a than_o he_o be_v though_o as_o to_o rational_a and_o common_a action_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o use_v mean_n yet_o as_o to_o spiritual_a life-action_n he_o be_v void_a of_o a_o principle_n of_o they_o like_o lazarus_n he_o be_v both_o dead_a and_o bind_v in_o his_o grave_a clothes_n god_n therefore_o by_o his_o spirit_n come_v to_o his_o grave_n side_n to_o his_o pit_n mouth_n where_o he_o be_v perish_v and_o thence_o he_o fetch_v he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o wonderful_a love_n have_v not_o god_n come_v hither_o the_o sinner_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v ever_o have_v come_v to_o he_o that_o be_v emphatical_a zech._n 9_o 11._o i_o have_v send_v forth_o my_o prisoner_n out_o of_o the_o pit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o water_n 2._o comparative_a he_o not_o only_o come_v but_o he_o come_v in_o haste_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o poor_a die_a creature_n bis_n that_fw-mi qui_fw-la citò_fw-la that_fw-mi run_v be_v a_o note_n of_o speed_n and_o signify_v a_o great_a commotion_n of_o the_o affection_n god_n make_v great_a haste_n to_o bring_v relief_n to_o a_o perish_a sinner_n the_o heathen_a paint_a love_n with_o wing_n note_v the_o swiftness_n of_o this_o affection_n in_o its_o action_n here_o therefore_o god_n wonderful_a love_n to_o a_o sinner_n manifest_v it-self_n in_o that_o he_o come_v to_o he_o unsent_a for_o and_o bring_v his_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v unsought_a isa_n 63._o 1._o 2._o the_o next_o expression_n of_o his_o love_n be_v he_o fall_v upon_o his_o neck_n when_o man_n embrace_v each_o other_o in_o one_o another_o arm_n they_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v upon_o one_o another_o neck_n it_o note_v embrace_v and_o this_o serve_v to_o express_v the_o favour_n which_o god_n take_v a_o sinner_n into_o it_o hold_v out_o that_o union_n which_o in_o conversion_n be_v make_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n they_o which_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n be_v now_o make_v near_o god_n do_v not_o only_o come_v and_o do_v something_o for_o his_o relief_n but_o he_o take_v he_o into_o his_o arm_n and_o now_o those_o that_o be_v enemy_n be_v in_o mutual_a embrace_n such_o be_v the_o greeting_n between_o jacob_n and_o
this_o effect_n upon_o your_o own_o heart_n it_o will_v put_v the_o mean_a and_o most_o abase_v thought_n of_o yourselves_o into_o you_o it_o will_v draw_v out_o humble_a confession_n self-accusation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o your_o own_o unworthiness_n this_o must_v needs_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o your_o low_a estate_n sinful_a and_o miserable_a condition_n and_o the_o unspeakable_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n thereon_o appear_v use_v 2._o for_o exhortation_n this_o may_v serve_v to_o excite_v all_o true_a believer_n to_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o humility_n and_o repentance_n you_o here_o see_v it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o convert_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v grace_n for_o exercise_n and_o shall_v take_v up_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o to_o help_v to_o this_o duty_n often_o ponder_v 1._o who_o it_o be_v that_o convert_v thou_o not_o thyself_o but_o god_n he_o come_v to_o thou_o and_o save_v thou_o 2._o what_o a_o one_o thou_o be_v before_o conversion_n a_o poor_a prodigal_n that_o have_v waste_v all_o away_o and_o flagitious_o provoke_v and_o dishonour_v the_o name_n of_o god_n 3._o what_o it_o cost_v to_o make_v way_n for_o thy_o conversion_n the_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 4._o how_o obstinate_o thou_o do_v oppose_v thy_o own_o conversion_n thou_o be_v horrible_o averse_a to_o it_o and_o do_v long_o withstand_v the_o strive_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 5._o what_o love_n god_n have_v express_v to_o thou_o in_o thy_o conversion_n word_n fall_v short_a and_o similitude_n be_v too_o straight_o to_o demonstrate_v or_o give_v colour_n to_o it_o set_a the_o love_n of_o god_n before_o thou_o as_o a_o glass_n in_o which_o to_o see_v and_o hate_v thy_o sin_n and_o love_v thy_o god_n let_v this_o make_v thou_o worthless_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o account_n what_o expression_n do_v this_o love_n draw_v out_o from_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 13_o 14._o act_n therefore_o these_o thought_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o get_v thy_o soul_n warm_v with_o this_o sense_n and_o more_o especial_o 1._o be_v thou_o a_o young_a convert_n new_o of_o a_o prodigal_n make_v and_o entertain_v as_o a_o son_n this_o great_a change_n now_o require_v a_o humble_a heart_n now_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o mercy_n pour_v out_o thy_o confession_n and_o bemoan_v thyself_o 2._o have_v thou_o at_o any_o time_n more_o than_o ordinary_a discovery_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thou_o now_o be_v improve_n this_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o abase_v thou_o ask_v thy_o heart_n who_o have_v do_v this_o and_o then_o who_o be_o i_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v thus_o for_o i_o 3._o especial_o if_o these_o application_n be_v after_o some_o fall_n or_o relapse_n into_o such_o sin_n as_o have_v wound_v thy_o peace_n and_o hide_a his_o face_n for_o a_o season_n from_o thou_o do_v he_o after_o this_o notwithstanding_o come_v again_o wonder_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o thyself_o when_o thou_o feel_v his_o kiss_n and_o embrace_n again_o empty_a thy_o soul_n in_o confession_n and_o self-judging_a acknowledgement_n into_o his_o bosom_n so_o shall_v thou_o be_v lead_v on_o to_o more_o and_o more_o experience_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_a kindness_n sermon_n xxiv_o verse_n 22._o but_o the_o father_n say_v to_o his_o servant_n bring_v forth_o the_o best_a robe_n and_o put_v it_o on_o he_o and_o put_v a_o ring_n on_o his_o hand_n and_o shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n verse_n 23._o and_o bring_v hither_o the_o fat_a calf_n and_o kill_v it_o and_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a verse_n 24._o for_o this_o my_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o iâ—_n alive_a again_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v and_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v merry_a the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o provision_n which_o the_o father_n make_v for_o and_o the_o entertainment_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o return_v son_n describe_v in_o these_o verse_n i_o shall_v brief_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v a_o allegorical_a description_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o a_o sinner_n on_o believe_v or_o the_o wonderful_a change_n of_o his_o condition_n on_o conversion_n while_o the_o son_n be_v complain_v of_o his_o unworthiness_n and_o accuse_v his_o own_o prodigality_n his_o father_n not_o so_o much_o by_o word_n but_o by_o real_a act_n give_v he_o to_o find_v what_o favour_n he_o be_v receive_v into_o in_o the_o word_n observe_v 1._o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v for_o he_o vers_n 22_o 23._o in_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o instrument_n use_v in_o do_v they_o his_o servant_n 2._o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v bring_v forth_o etc._n etc._n what_o these_o thing_n allude_v to_o will_v be_v consider_v of_o in_o their_o place_n 3._o to_o what_o end_n let_v we_o eat_v and_o be_v merry_a 2._o the_o reason_n give_v to_o it_o vers_n 24._o for_o this_o my_o son_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o fruit_n consequent_a upon_o it_o vers_fw-la 24._o and_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v merry_a christ_n under_o the_o welcome_n give_v by_o a_o tender_a father_n to_o his_o return_a son_n will_v shadow_v to_o we_o the_o welcome_a that_o a_o penitent_a find_v with_o god_n express_v with_o the_o great_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o a_o perfect_a reconciliation_n and_o deep_a affection_n not_o only_o of_o love_n but_o of_o joy_n too_o at_o his_o return_n hence_o the_o servant_n be_v set_v to_o work_v the_o best_a robe_n be_v bring_v forth_o tocover_v his_o nakedness_n the_o fat_a calf_n kill_v not_o only_o to_o feed_v but_o feast_v he_o a_o ring_n be_v put_v on_o his_o hand_n shoe_n on_o his_o foot_n and_o the_o whole_a house_n be_v fill_v with_o song_n and_o mirth_n and_o the_o very_a field_n make_v to_o ring_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n in_o general_a observe_v this_o doct._n the_o day_n of_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n to_o god_n be_v a_o day_n of_o great_a rejoice_v when_o god_n come_v to_o receive_v a_o penitent_a prodigal_n into_o favour_n again_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o sing_v and_o 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anger_n god_n use_v this_o argument_n for_o paul_n when_o ananias_n speak_v hard_o of_o he_o act._n 9_o 15._o he_o be_v a_o choose_a vessel_n reas_n 2._o from_o the_o great_a change_n wrought_v his_o son_n be_v dead_a and_o be_v alive_a be_v lose_v and_o be_v find_v with_o what_o joy_n do_v those_o woman_n who_o son_n elisha_n and_o christ_n raise_v entertain_v they_o how_o glad_a be_v a_o tender_a parent_n to_o find_v a_o child_n that_o have_v be_v lose_v here_o be_v matter_n of_o much_o joy_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o sinner_n he_o be_v raise_v from_o a_o grave_n of_o sin_n and_o find_v in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o his_o wander_a reas_n 3._o because_o now_o god_n great_a design_n of_o glorify_v his_o grace_n in_o this_o sinner_n recovery_n be_v bring_v about_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o work_n be_v lay_v in_o his_o heart_n now_o all_o man_n be_v glad_a when_o their_o main_a design_n be_v accomplish_v 2._o to_o the_o bless_a angel_n these_o may_v in_o part_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o servant_n here_o employ_v who_o attend_v cheerful_o in_o this_o service_n for_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n for_o the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n heb._n 1._o 14._o and_o that_o angel_n be_v glad_a at_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n be_v assert_v context_n vers_fw-la 10._o reas_n 1._o from_o their_o relation_n to_o believer_n they_o be_v their_o brethren_n fellow_n servant_n fellow_z citizens_z and_o such_o for_o who_o salvation_n they_o do_v minister_v reas_n 2._o from_o the_o great_a delight_n they_o take_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o which_o as_o they_o be_v make_v so_o they_o lay_v out_o their_o utmost_a labour_n and_o endeavour_v 3._o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a can_v have_v