labourer_n so_o distant_a from_o what_o they_o both_o look_v for_o be_v what_o the_o word_n now_o read_v take_v express_v notice_n of_o when_o they_o come_v who_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n etc._n etc._n the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o this_o whole_a similitude_n seem_v to_o be_v twofold_n viz._n to_o check_v the_o vanity_n of_o some_o who_o may_v value_v themselves_o upon_o have_v be_v long_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o sustain_v other_o who_o may_v entertain_v but_o feeble_a hope_n of_o recompense_n from_o their_o be_v call_v in_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o day_n such_o passage_n therefore_o as_o strict_o answer_v this_o end_n be_v the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v strict_o attend_v to_o the_o rest_n we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o nice_a about_o but_o may_v consider_v they_o only_o as_o circumstance_n insert_v to_o make_v the_o resemblance_n more_o beautiful_a and_o move_a the_o 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upon_o will_n i_o think_v either_o be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o or_o may_v by_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v deduce_v from_o they_o the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o suppose_v this_o parable_n to_o proceed_v as_o in_o truth_n most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n do_v upon_o a_o comparison_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o second_o bring_v it_o home_o to_o particular_a christian_n and_o accommodate_v this_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o age_n of_o man_n and_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o our_o life_n now_o to_o render_v my_o present_a discourse_n as_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o shall_v take_v in_o both_o these_o sense_n and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o give_v to_o every_o labourer_n a_o penny_n that_o be_v make_v the_o gentile_n equal_a with_o the_o jew_n and_o late_a penitent_n equal_a with_o more_o early_o convert_v as_o this_o parable_n when_o due_o observe_v represent_v the_o matter_n to_o we_o that_o these_o proceed_n i_o 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nor_o be_v they_o who_o urge_v it_o reject_v yet_o we_o can_v certain_o infer_v that_o this_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o just_a and_o sufficient_a plea_n they_o of_o the_o eleven_o hour_n be_v indeed_o idle_a because_o no_o man_n have_v hire_v they_o but_o still_o may_v it_o not_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v not_o hire_v soon_o for_o the_o same_o master_n go_v out_o to_o seek_v they_o before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o marker_n the_o place_n whither_o labourer_n usual_o resort_v and_o where_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o offer_v themselves_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o present_a and_o do_v accept_v his_o service_n he_o kind_o retain_v so_o that_o this_o passage_n seem_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n not_o of_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o all_o pretend_a christian_n too_o who_o complain_v that_o they_o want_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n for_o become_v the_o man_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o this_o delay_n be_v very_o often_o too_o manifest_o their_o own_o 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he_o wait_v over_o man_n soul_n continual_o to_o do_v they_o good_a he_o do_v not_o only_o call_v but_o he_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o hearken_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o that_o call_n and_o in_o his_o merciful_a providence_n time_n his_o call_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v repeat_v at_o season_n most_o favourable_a and_o when_o we_o be_v best_a prepare_v to_o obey_v they_o these_o be_v the_o method_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o as_o such_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o as_o those_o labourer_n can_v have_v no_o just_a complaint_n against_o the_o housholder_n suppose_v he_o to_o have_v go_v but_o once_o into_o the_o market_n because_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o have_v be_v ready_a then_o but_o it_o be_v great_a kindness_n to_o employ_v they_o afterward_o so_o when_o almighty_a god_n have_v
matter_n which_o it_o no_o way_n concern_v he_o to_o know_v and_o a_o intimation_n withal_o that_o the_o great_a and_o only_a thing_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o be_v to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o own_o duty_n and_o as_o providence_n intend_v to_o liken_v he_o to_o his_o master_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n so_o his_o thought_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o take_v good_a heed_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o a_o meek_a and_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n of_o the_o trial_n appoint_v for_o himself_o now_o the_o rebuke_n apply_v here_o to_o one_o particular_a instance_n i_o shall_v so_o treat_v of_o at_o this_o time_n as_o to_o render_v it_o a_o admonition_n of_o general_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o such_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v prove_v to_o every_o christian_a if_o we_o from_o this_o example_n take_v the_o hint_n of_o forbear_v to_o indulge_v all_o needless_a curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v our_o study_n to_o those_o object_n which_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o practice_n and_o a_o good_a life_n lay_v aside_o such_o airy_a speculation_n as_o deserve_o fall_v under_o this_o reprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o even_o in_o this_o busy_a and_o pretend_v age_n of_o we_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v upon_o thus_o far_o to_o consult_v their_o own_o ease_n and_o benefit_n will_v they_o but_o serious_o consider_v these_o three_o argument_n 1._o first_o that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o abstruse_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v beset_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o they_o can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o 2._o second_o that_o can_v they_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n yet_o such_o knowledge_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o real_a use_n to_o they_o 3._o three_o that_o the_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o such_o intricate_a question_n be_v not_o only_o fruitless_a but_o dangerous_a and_o many_o time_n of_o very_a fatal_a consequence_n to_o themselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o religion_n in_o general_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v you_o be_v ordinary_o the_o case_n of_o those_o nice_a and_o curious_a person_n who_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o i_o shall_v urge_v withal_o that_o the_o study_n of_o the_o practical_a and_o necessary_a duty_n be_v the_o very_a reverse_n of_o all_o this_o that_o these_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o be_v attain_v exceed_v profitable_a when_o understand_v and_o that_o all_o the_o hour_n and_o industry_n lay_v out_o upon_o they_o turn_v to_o the_o true_a the_o best_a account_n both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o public_a i._o my_o first_o discouragement_n against_o curious_a speculation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v entangle_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o man_n can_v receive_v any_o positive_a and_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o and_o will_v not_o one_o choose_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o travel_v through_o briar_n and_o thorn_n and_o after_o infinite_a toil_n and_o trouble_v give_v out_o at_o last_o hearty_o tire_v with_o one_o journey_n but_o still_o as_o far_o from_o the_o end_n as_o when_o he_o first_o set_v out_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o sublime_a notion_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o have_v take_v up_o the_o thought_n and_o employ_v the_o pen_n and_o swell_v the_o volume_n of_o a_o great_a many_o learned_a man_n in_o almost_o all_o but_o especial_o in_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o mysterious_a union_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o that_o of_o two_o nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o secret_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o method_n of_o divine_a grace_n the_o state_n of_o soul_n depart_v and_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o await_v man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o and_o abundance_n more_o such_o point_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o some_o general_a insight_n as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o when_o man_n not_o content_a to_o be_v wise_a according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o controversy_n about_o the_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o the_o far_o they_o wade_v the_o more_o they_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o their_o depth_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o be_v otherwise_o indeed_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o do_v these_o be_v subject_n not_o of_o a_o size_n with_o we_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v not_o qualify_v to_o fathom_v they_o the_o light_n from_o above_o be_v our_o only_a safe_a guide_n in_o these_o matter_n so_o far_o then_o as_o this_o lead_v we_o we_o may_v go_v on_o bold_o and_o stand_v upon_o sure_a and_o firm_a ground_n but_o where_o that_o light_n forsake_v we_o all_o the_o discovery_n pretend_v to_o beyond_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o fanciful_a and_o precarious_a and_o weak_a so_o full_a of_o delusion_n be_v those_o very_a profound_a contemplation_n which_o lose_v the_o mind_n in_o matter_n too_o high_a for_o it_o so_o liable_a to_o that_o reproach_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o paul_n rom._n i._n 21_o 22._o though_o in_o another_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n for_o these_o man_n too_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n but_o now_o the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n for_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o gospel_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n lie_v level_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n thus_o for_o belief_n it_o ask_v no_o mighty_a depth_n for_o a_o man_n to_o convice_n himself_o that_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v reveal_v ought_v ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v that_o he_o who_o be_v please_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n do_v certain_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o be_v understand_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v his_o word_n in_o its_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n except_o where_o there_o appear_v manifest_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o its_o contain_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v especial_o when_v treat_v of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o operation_n be_v no_o good_a argument_n of_o any_o necessity_n to_o take_v he_o otherwise_o because_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o yet_o it_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n too_o that_o infinite_a he_o can_v not_o be_v if_o a_o finite_a mind_n can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v modesty_n and_o integrity_n rather_o than_o acuteness_n and_o skill_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o the_o quality_n or_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v but_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o party_n reveal_v these_o be_v matter_n that_o lie_v sufficient_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o every_o considerate_a person_n and_o they_o who_o come_v to_o the_o scripture_n with_o these_o impression_n will_v find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o there_o nor_o any_o occasion_n for_o fly_v to_o wretched_a criticism_n as_o a_o expedient_a for_o bring_v down_o the_o lofty_a doctrine_n to_o their_o own_o narrow_a apprehension_n so_o again_o for_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v but_o once_o throw_v off_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o his_o own_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a inclination_n they_o can_v but_o cast_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o contrary_a vice_n nor_o must_v i_o upon_o this_o occasion_n forget_v to_o put_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o our_o more_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o engage_v our_o diligent_a attention_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o secure_v probity_n of_o mind_n a_o teachable_a and_o impartial_a disposition_n it_o be_v so_o as_o it_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o blesling_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o study_n who_o goodness_n will_v never_o suffer_v those_o who_o serve_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n to_o continue_v in_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a mistake_v
so_o manifest_a be_v the_o advantage_n of_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o a_o christian_n be_v proper_a business_n lie_v so_o possible_a so_o certain_a that_o all_o who_o do_v so_o shall_v effectual_o improve_v by_o their_o endeavour_n so_o unalterable_a that_o promise_n of_o he_o who_o come_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o 17._o that_o john_n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n ii_o second_o my_o next_o argument_n against_o indulge_v nice_a and_o curious_a speculation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v take_v from_o the_o vnprofitableness_n of_o they_o our_o lord_n have_v he_o so_o please_v can_v have_v inform_v st._n peter_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o this_o belove_a disciple_n but_o he_o reprove_v his_o inquire_n into_o it_o because_o no_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o such_o information_n for_o so_o 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our_o sin_n pardon_v and_o satisfy_v for_o the_o reward_v propose_v to_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n the_o terrible_a punishment_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o the_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o hope_n of_o escape_v 3._o heb._n ii_o 3._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n now_o these_o affection_n spring_v from_o our_o consider_v the_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o do_v so_o many_o wonderful_a and_o to_o suffer_v so_o many_o bitter_a thing_n for_o our_o sake_n but_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o do_v and_o endure_v these_o thing_n in_o nature_n will_v not_o touch_v our_o heart_n one_o whit_n the_o more_o tender_o for_o discern_v how_o this_o nature_n of_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o thing_n be_v be_v do_v and_o not_o the_o particular_a manner_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v that_o must_v have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o so_o likewise_o 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will_v not_o restrain_v we_o from_o be_v such_o ourselves_o neither_o will_v we_o be_v restrain_v though_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o whether_o that_o torment_n be_v material_a fire_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o for_o the_o exquisite_a and_o insupportable_a anguish_n of_o it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o everlasting_a burn_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o live_v and_o die_v unto_o the_o lord_n by_o these_o support_a reflection_n that_o 18._o rom._n viii_o 18._o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o and_o that_o it_o neither_o have_v enter_v nor_o can_v enter_v 9_o 1_o cor._n ii_o 9_o 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 what_o additional_a force_n can_v these_o reflection_n possible_o receive_v by_o our_o be_v acquaint_v wherein_o each_o 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the_o direct_a and_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o be_v the_o spring_n that_o move_v we_o and_o according_a as_o they_o be_v set_v high_a or_o low_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o act_v with_o more_o or_o less_o vigour_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o reality_n the_o very_a commendation_n and_o excellence_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o because_o the_o height_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v design_v to_o promote_v than_o their_o be_v obvious_a and_o intelligible_a throughout_o can_v possible_o have_v render_v they_o we_o shall_v esteem_v it_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n no_o less_o than_o wisdom_n so_o to_o have_v temper_v his_o revelation_n that_o we_o want_v no_o knowledge_n fit_a to_o engage_v our_o piety_n and_o holy_a wonder_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o shall_v destroy_v our_o humility_n and_o reverence_n in_o a_o word_n both_o 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to_o the_o common_a good_a from_o hence_o i_o presume_v it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n prefer_v 1._o prefer_v cor._n xiii_o 1._o charity_n before_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n assure_v we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o these_o be_v glitter_v advantage_n which_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n with_o a_o false_a light_n as_o oft_o as_o christian_a perfection_n be_v place_v in_o they_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n even_o suppose_v he_o to_o attain_v to_o all_o these_o yet_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n still_o to_o be_v nothing_o such_o enforcement_n have_v even_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o apostle_n give_v to_o my_o second_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o great_a discouragement_n i_o have_v to_o urge_v for_o iii_o three_o such_o speculation_n be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o extreme_o dangerous_a too_o and_o many_o time_n of_o very_a dreadful_a consequence_n to_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o they_o to_z other_o and_o to_o religion_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o person_n themselves_o suffer_v by_o they_o in_o be_v take_v off_o from_o more_o useful_a and_o important_a subject_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o these_o devour_v their_o time_n engross_v their_o thought_n and_o leave_v they_o neither_o leisure_n nor_o inclination_n for_o attend_v to_o the_o plain_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v true_a may_v be_v bring_v within_o a_o small_a compass_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o require_v all_o our_o time_n and_o pain_n passion_n and_o lust_n be_v not_o subdue_v in_o a_o instant_a and_o the_o attack_n of_o temptation_n come_v on_o so_o thick_a that_o our_o constant_a watchfulness_n and_o utmost_a care_n be_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o they_o who_o employ_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v upon_o these_o occasion_n will_v find_v that_o providence_n have_v cut_v they_o out_o work_v enough_o for_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o be_v there_o no_o other_o inconvenience_n attend_v these_o nice_a speculation_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v too_o much_o in_o all_o conscience_n that_o they_o rob_v those_o man_n of_o a_o great_a portion_n of_o their_o time_n who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o will_v make_v no_o article_n in_o our_o last_o great_a account_n and_o be_v what_o we_o may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n without_o but_o the_o practical_a precept_n be_v express_o give_v we_o in_o charge_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v strict_o reckon_v for_o these_o be_v so_o many_o branch_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o all_o be_v lose_v if_o we_o suffer_v any_o thing_n else_o to_o come_v in_o between_o and_o take_v that_o away_o from_o we_o but_o further_a yet_o such_o curiosity_n do_v not_o only_o divert_v our_o more_o vigorous_a pursuit_n after_o virtue_n but_o it_o tincture_n the_o mind_n very_o strong_o with_o several_a sort_n of_o vice_n hence_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o 2._o a_o 1_o cor._n viii_o 2._o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o and_o set_v this_o in_o opposition_n to_o charity_n which_o edifi_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o describe_v the_o consequence_n of_o not_o be_v content_a to_o rest_v in_o the_o plain_a wholesome_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o say_v 45._o say_v 1_o tim._n vi_o 45._o that_o such_o person_n be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o but_o too_o visible_a that_o such_o man_n grow_v immoderate_o fond_a of_o some_o peculiar_a notion_n by_o which_o they_o affect_v to_o distinguish_v themselves_o this_o engage_v they_o in_o controversy_n which_o sour_v their_o temper_n and_o sharpen_v their_o pen_n and_o make_v the_o contention_n as_o hot_a and_o fierce_a as_o if_o in_o these_o quarrel_n too_o that_o 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and_o be_v displease_v to_o see_v such_o intemperate_a admirer_n of_o singularity_n and_o distinction_n lose_v charity_n and_o moderation_n the_o very_a life_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n while_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o school_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n but_o as_o thin_a air_n and_o empty_a shadow_n and_o it_o will_v real_o move_v once_o indignation_n that_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o vanity_n to_o imagine_v they_o do_v any_o true_a service_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n by_o a_o ungoverned_a fervour_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o humanity_n and_o justice_n good_a nature_n or_o good_a manner_n provide_v the_o writer_n can_v but_o acquire_v to_o himself_o the_o reputation_n of_o smartness_n and_o subtlety_n and_o skill_n and_o can_v there_o happen_v a_o great_a calamity_n not_o only_o to_o
the_o person_n thus_o corrupt_v and_o seduce_v but_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o 3._o three_o to_o the_o christian_a institution_n in_o general_n than_o to_o be_v thus_o unfair_o deal_v by_o to_o have_v the_o excellence_n of_o the_o gospel_n false_o place_v in_o matter_n wherein_o the_o power_n and_o essence_n of_o godliness_n do_v not_o at_o all_o consist_v can_v there_o be_v any_o course_n more_o destructive_a to_o sound_v religion_n than_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o mere_a science_n as_o if_o man_n be_v better_a or_o worse_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o know_v and_o not_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o do_v not_o our_o eye_n plain_o see_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o pretend_v to_o these_o lofty_a speculation_n be_v not_o man_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o intent_n upon_o the_o dispute_n between_o contend_a party_n than_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o all_o party_n agree_v to_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o even_o the_o vulgar_a 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explain_v to_o they_o the_o method_n how_o they_o may_v best_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o differ_a interest_n and_o opinion_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o compose_v as_o to_o leave_v no_o occasion_n or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o that_o petulant_a and_o licentious_a tongue_n and_o pen_n be_v so_o effectual_o restrain_v as_o never_o to_o give_v any_o just_a provocation_n for_o such_o dispute_n for_o the_o less_o of_o these_o there_o be_v the_o better_a to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o state_n too_o we_o must_v be_v provide_v with_o arm_n because_o we_o be_v list_v in_o the_o public_a service_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v by_o who_o commission_n we_o act_n and_o never_o use_v those_o arm_n but_o when_o our_o master_n honour_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o danger_n 2._o second_o let_v i_o 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which_o be_v design_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o these_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o here_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v it_o proper_a to_o put_v the_o avoid_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o gross_a sin_n much_o less_o contract_v the_o habit_n of_o they_o into_o this_o account_n for_o to_o call_v the_o insolent_a and_o haughty_a the_o uncharitable_a and_o censorious_a the_o contentious_a and_o the_o slanderer_n the_o man_n that_o repine_v at_o good_a and_o triumph_n in_o misery_n and_o mischief_n that_o disguise_n himself_o and_o deceive_v and_o betray_v other_o to_o call_v he_o i_o say_v only_o a_o partaker_n in_o wickedness_n to_o allow_v the_o zealous_a advocate_n for_o sin_n and_o busy_a factor_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o put_v virtue_n and_o religion_n out_o of_o countenance_n to_o corrupt_v all_o they_o converse_v with_o and_o carry_v on_o his_o trade_n here_o upon_o earth_n i_o say_v to_o 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pharisee_n upon_o all_o occasion_n guilty_a of_o such_o as_o shall_v teach_v man_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o stand_v off_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o no_o the_o detestation_n of_o other_o people_n vice_n must_v always_o be_v so_o temper_v as_o not_o to_o produce_v a_o disdain_n for_o their_o person_n nor_o may_v we_o so_o far_o consider_v they_o as_o sinner_n as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v men._n all_o that_o i_o be_o now_o advise_v be_v only_o the_o necessary_a care_n for_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o where_o the_o office_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o courtesy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o endanger_v our_o own_o soul_n as_o indeed_o they_o very_o seldom_o do_v if_o manage_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o discretion_n there_o we_o have_v a_o pattern_n in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o do_v good_a be_v content_a to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v with_o harlot_n and_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o still_o that_o example_n of_o his_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o support_v and_o countenance_v the_o frequent_v of_o bad_a company_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v holy_a and_o consider_a man_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o mingle_v friendship_n with_o all_o indifferent_o and_o to_o keep_v no_o guard_n at_o all_o upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o very_a crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n it_o give_v too_o much_o encouragement_n to_o vice_n to_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o our_o aversion_n and_o put_v our_o own_o welfare_n upon_o too_o desperate_a a_o hazard_n to_o court_v that_o distemper_n which_o if_o once_o catch_v may_v end_v in_o death_n eternal_a it_o show_v that_o we_o think_v very_o little_a of_o the_o horror_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o deadly_a creep_a quality_n by_o which_o it_o steal_v into_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o and_o upon_o such_o poor_a pretence_n 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world_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o tare_n and_o wheat_n must_v stand_v together_o till_o the_o general_a harvest_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o present_a life_n do_v of_o necessity_n infer_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o same_o common_a field_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o due_a care_n already_o mention_v to_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o be_v taint_v by_o this_o mixture_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o presume_v necessary_a and_o imply_v in_o st._n paul_n command_n here_o be_v this_o 2._o second_o that_o those_o person_n who_o can_v be_v whole_o decline_v may_v never_o be_v approve_v or_o have_v their_o wickedness_n favour_v by_o we_o after_o a_o long_a description_n of_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n this_o be_v add_v as_o a_o very_a high_a aggravation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 32._o rest_n rom._n i._n 32._o
only_o to_o ruin_v himself_o but_o to_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n against_o all_o hazard_n of_o ruin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o hard_a but_o a_o prudent_a and_o needful_a commandment_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v leave_v we_o 22._o 1_o thess_n v._o 22._o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil._n they_o who_o profess_v to_o hate_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o forsake_v it_o and_o yet_o will_v fain_o be_v do_v what_o look_v like_o it_o and_o lead_v to_o it_o can_v escape_v this_o censure_n at_o least_o of_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n this_o come_v from_o a_o perpetual_a hanker_a after_o their_o lust_n and_o show_v that_o they_o will_v fain_o accommodate_v the_o matter_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n they_o endeavour_v to_o divide_v themselves_o as_o equal_o as_o may_v be_v not_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o fear_v of_o danger_n but_o yet_o to_o be_v as_o near_o wicked_a as_o they_o can_v too_o for_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o like_o treacherous_a and_o poor-spirited_a man_n who_o in_o a_o dispute_v title_n act_n for_o one_o prince_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o be_v secret_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o to_o humour_v their_o inclination_n so_o these_o man_n carry_v it_o between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o have_v a_o secret_a affection_n for_o the_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o must_v stifle_v this_o affection_n because_o it_o can_v be_v to_o their_o advantage_n to_o own_o and_o pursue_v it_o public_o but_o still_o their_o heart_n be_v ever_o treacherous_a ever_o bend_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n and_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o their_o pretend_a quarrel_n with_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o its_o be_v a_o work_n of_o darkness_n as_o for_o its_o be_v a_o vnfruitful_a work_n 5._o five_o and_o last_o the_o thing_n which_o contain_v and_o which_o must_v perfect_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n urge_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o verse_n reprove_v those_o work_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o constant_a tenure_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o reproof_n he_o mean_v there_o the_o expose_v they_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o the_o world_n and_o discover_v all_o the_o horror_n and_o deformity_n of_o they_o the_o shortness_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o the_o intricate_a nature_n of_o thing_n make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n by_o the_o help_n of_o comparison_n and_o the_o quick_a way_n to_o it_o be_v by_o set_v opposite_a quality_n before_o our_o eye_n at_o once_o to_o contemplate_v both_o and_o so_o to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o now_o as_o none_o be_v more_o contrary_a so_o none_o do_v more_o manifest_o illustrate_v each_o other_o than_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o be_v therefore_o very_o elegant_o represent_v by_o the_o apostle_n here_o under_o the_o two_o most_o distant_a and_o irreconcilable_a figure_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o all_o the_o life_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o representation_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o a_o plausible_a declaim_n against_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o most_o elegant_a harangue_n in_o praise_n of_o the_o other_o that_o can_v sufficient_o recommend_v this_o or_o condemn_v that_o because_o though_o the_o character_n be_v never_o so_o just_a yet_o word_n be_v but_o matter_n of_o form_n and_o may_v be_v employ_v upon_o any_o subject_n for_o private_a respect_n contrary_a to_o the_o inward_a and_o real_a sense_n of_o the_o speaker_n but_o the_o esteem_n which_o come_v to_o religion_n by_o a_o good_a life_n can_v be_v counterfeit_a these_o action_n of_o a_o man_n prove_v themselves_o and_o show_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n none_o be_v so_o blind_a but_o he_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n how_o it_o shine_v and_o shed_v its_o ray_n like_o the_o sun_n not_o only_o to_o the_o delight_n but_o the_o benefit_n and_o warmth_n of_o all_o that_o be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o its_o activity_n what_o a_o foil_n the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v to_o it_o how_o black_a and_o dismal_a how_o ugly_a and_o crooked_a they_o look_v when_o bring_v to_o this_o light_n and_o set_v against_o the_o straight_a and_o uniform_a the_o sweet_a and_o charm_a excellency_n of_o religion_n this_o come_v home_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o all_o the_o eloquence_n in_o the_o world_n it_o convince_v where_o nothing_o else_o can_v enter_v it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o mechanical_a reason_n without_o the_o study_a method_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o argument_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o draw_v where_o those_o can_v so_o much_o as_o move_v this_o be_v therefore_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o check_v and_o discountenance_v sin_n to_o show_v it_o in_o its_o true_a and_o worst_a colour_n and_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v lustre_n from_o but_o to_o reflect_v it_o back_o again_o upon_o virtue_n and_o religion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v in_o these_o particular_n we_o see_v the_o true_a extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n command_n and_o our_o duty_n with_o regard_n to_o it_o how_o false_a those_o man_n be_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o avoid_v the_o gross_a and_o foul_a offence_n if_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o indulge_v their_o lust_n and_o expose_v their_o soul_n to_o the_o snare_n of_o evil_a company_n if_o they_o retain_v any_o secret_a fondness_n for_o sin_n and_o can_v so_o much_o as_o with_o ease_n or_o patience_n see_v or_o hear_v what_o be_v so_o if_o they_o be_v so_o tame_a and_o cold_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o not_o bold_o and_o sharp_o to_o rebuke_v vice_n where_o that_o can_v be_v prudent_o and_o seasonable_o do_v if_o they_o still_o halt_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o thing_n as_o to_o sport_v upon_o the_o very_a confine_n of_o it_o and_o show_v that_o their_o proceed_n no_o further_o be_v more_o the_o effect_n of_o interest_n and_o necessity_n than_o sincere_a piety_n and_o choice_n and_o last_o if_o their_o example_n do_v any_o way_n countenance_n it_o and_o not_o rather_o display_v its_o deformity_n and_o deceitful_a disguise_n and_o by_o represent_v godliness_n in_o all_o its_o lustre_n render_v that_o more_o invite_v and_o lovely_a and_o sin_n more_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n those_o who_o do_v not_o endeavour_v all_o this_o be_v not_o entire_o devote_v to_o christ_n nor_o true_a child_n of_o light_n but_o have_v still_o a_o tenderness_n for_o and_o hold_v a_o private_a correspondence_n with_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o how_o destructive_a such_o double_a deal_n will_v be_v in_o the_o end_n how_o reasonable_a our_o aversion_n to_o those_o work_n be_v and_o all_o even_o the_o most_o severe_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o hatred_n and_o to_o make_v good_a our_o engagement_n against_o they_o i_o hope_v will_v soon_o appear_v to_o you_o by_o a_o brief_a consideration_n of_o my_o three_o particular_a viz._n iii_o the_o reason_n of_o avoid_v these_o work_n of_o darkness_n which_o the_o text_n have_v couch_v here_o by_o call_v they_o vnfruitful_a it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a elegance_n and_o particular_a good_a reason_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o practice_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v work_n for_o this_o imply_v the_o toil_n and_o drudgery_n of_o they_o and_o intimate_v to_o we_o what_o sad_a experience_n will_v teach_v too_o late_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v very_o wicked_a without_o much_o labour_n and_o great_a vexation_n the_o distract_n care_v and_o interest_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o violence_n and_o tyranny_n of_o rage_a passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n which_o hurry_v man_n into_o anger_n and_o revenge_n and_o injustice_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n can_v but_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n for_o they_o impose_v more_o merciless_a task_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o more_o dangerous_a and_o more_o extravagant_a attempt_n than_o the_o most_o arbitrary_a tyrant_n or_o the_o cruel_a enemy_n can_v invent_v for_o his_o captive_n or_o his_o slave_n and_o he_o that_o have_v once_o resign_v up_o the_o government_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o furious_a and_o wild_a suggestion_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o his_o own_o rebellious_a appetite_n must_v make_v no_o more_o pretension_n to_o freedom_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o that_o can_v give_v he_o any_o and_o do_v in_o the_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n verify_v our_o lord_n observation_n 34._o observation_n joh._n viii_o 34._o whosoever_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o
29_o 30._o wretch_n once_o profligate_v and_o infamous_a shall_v have_v a_o equal_a place_n in_o their_o heavenly_a father_n love_n but_o now_o the_o gentile_n former_o and_o many_o reform_a sinner_n since_o have_v endear_v themselves_o particular_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o their_o deep_a humility_n and_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n by_o resemble_v he_o in_o a_o most_o extensive_a charity_n a_o generous_a largeness_n of_o heart_n which_o fill_v they_o with_o unfeigned_a joy_n at_o the_o recovery_n of_o their_o once_o lose_v and_o to_o all_o appearance_n desperate_a brethren_n incline_v they_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o to_o esteem_v their_o own_o more_o exalt_v when_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v magnify_v and_o the_o number_n of_o his_o bless_a saint_n increase_v 3._o three_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a there_o may_v be_v another_o difference_n not_o less_o considerable_a than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o work_n itself_o the_o parable_n indeed_o be_v silent_a in_o this_o particular_a perhaps_o for_o a_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v hereafter_o b._n see_v hammond_n here_o note_v b._n but_o some_o jewish_a fable_n very_o like_o this_o reply_v thus_o to_o the_o murmur_a servant_n this_o man_n have_v the_o hire_n of_o a_o day_n because_o he_o have_v in_o two_o hour_n do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o whole_a day_n thus_o much_o however_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o subject_a before_o we_o that_o the_o gentile_n be_v frequent_o commend_v for_o excel_v in_o zeal_n and_o in_o the_o grace_n of_o christianity_n do_v thing_n to_o their_o utmost_a 7._o 2_o cor._n viii_o 3._o 1_o cor._n i._n 7._o nay_o even_o beyond_o their_o power_n and_o fire_v by_o a_o generous_a emulation_n to_o come_v behind_o the_o jew_n in_o no_o virtue_n thus_o also_o upon_o repentance_n from_o a_o very_a dissolute_a life_n we_o often_o observe_v man_n act_v with_o double_a vigour_n and_o indefatigable_a diligence_n sad_o sensible_a of_o the_o time_n they_o have_v lose_v and_o impatient_a to_o redeem_v it_o by_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o that_o little_a they_o have_v leave_v desirous_a to_o make_v religion_n some_o amends_o for_o the_o injury_n and_o dishonour_n they_o have_v do_v it_o former_o and_o to_o give_v the_o world_n satisfaction_n for_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o ill_a example_n by_o set_v one_o as_o eminent_o good_a and_o be_v for_o the_o future_a the_o very_a reverse_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o break_v off_o from_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v plain_a from_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n upon_o wash_v his_o foot_n etc._n luke_n vii_o 44_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o apply_v to_o the_o different_a behaviour_n of_o a_o penitent_a woman_n and_o a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi that_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o debtor_n which_o prove_v that_o he_o who_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o forgiveness_n will_v natural_o love_v god_n most_o and_o by_o all_o his_o action_n give_v testimony_n that_o he_o do_v so_o thus_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o his_o own_o vindication_n that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o last_o and_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n not_o worthy_a that_o name_n 10._o 1_o cor._n xv._o 8_o 9_o 10._o because_o as_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n and_o once_o a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v measure_v not_o by_o length_n of_o time_n but_o by_o the_o fervency_n of_o the_o desire_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o few_o exalt_a act_n of_o constancy_n and_o piety_n may_v express_v a_o man_n affection_n as_o effectual_o as_o many_o year_n practice_n and_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o equity_n weigh_v against_o a_o multitude_n of_o other_o where_o the_o circumstance_n be_v not_o so_o try_v and_o god_n who_o see_v the_o heart_n judge_v we_o not_o only_o by_o what_o we_o do_v but_o by_o what_o we_o be_v ready_a and_o resolve_v to_o do_v and_o will_v certain_o accomplish_v if_o we_o have_v opportunity_n thus_o innocence_n or_o early_a virtue_n may_v be_v crown_v not_o only_o for_o the_o little_a it_o have_v do_v but_o for_o the_o noble_a fruit_n which_o god_n foresee_v that_o generous_a plant_n will_v bear_v have_v not_o he_o for_o wise_a reason_n cut_v it_o off_o before_o it_o arrive_v to_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o judgement_n thus_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hearty_o dispose_v to_o continue_v faithful_a in_o despite_n of_o all_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n may_v be_v consider_v for_o that_o habitual_a steadiness_n of_o mind_n no_o less_o than_o if_o god_n have_v bring_v the_o fiery_a trial_n upon_o he_o 43._o luke_n xxiii_o 42_o 43._o and_o thus_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n by_o one_o glorious_a confession_n of_o christ_n at_o his_o last_o hour_n obtain_v remission_n of_o his_o whole_a pass_a wicked_a life_n and_o a_o entrance_n into_o paradise_n that_o very_a day_n when_o i_o urge_v these_o argument_n my_o meaning_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o this_o be_v oftentimes_o the_o case_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o shall_v push_v on_o the_o labourer_n who_o come_v in_o late_a to_o exert_v and_o distinguish_v themselves_o in_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o strict_a exemplary_a conversation_n so_o that_o a_o equal_a reward_n be_v not_o suppose_v by_o this_o particular_a except_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a virtue_n but_o then_o this_o virtue_n may_v be_v either_o apparent_a in_o the_o outward_a act_n or_o it_o may_v be_v inward_a in_o the_o disposition_n which_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o rewarder_n be_v all_o one_o for_o he_o see_v it_o though_o man_n do_v not_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o equality_n in_o the_o person_n the_o parable_n do_v not_o assert_v any_o equality_n in_o the_o wage_n for_o the_o aphorism_n illustrate_v be_v not_o all_o 30._o ch._n xix_o 30._o but_o many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o or_o as_o another_o evangelist_n have_v express_v it_o 30._o luk._n xiii_o 30._o behold_v there_o be_v last_o which_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o there_o be_v first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o some_o gentile_n that_o be_v who_o have_v not_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n will_v excel_v some_o jew_n who_o have_v great_a and_o some_o late_a penitent_n will_v outdo_v other_o of_o a_o early_a piety_n the_o arrogant_a righteous_a shall_v be_v degrade_v for_o their_o envy_n and_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o the_o contrite_a the_o humble_a the_o charitable_a convert_n shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o prefer_v the_o virtue_n conspicuous_a in_o one_o sort_n of_o these_o man_n be_v thus_o cast_v into_o scale_n against_o those_o which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o or_o have_v they_o in_o a_o less_o degree_n or_o sully_v they_o with_o some_o blemish_n or_o notable_a imperfection_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o reason_n arise_v from_o those_o difference_n which_o the_o parable_n itself_o lead_v we_o to_o observe_v between_o the_o late_a and_o early_a labourer_n but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v ii_o second_o that_o the_o main_a argument_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o parable_n be_v most_o express_a why_o this_o proceed_v can_v possible_o be_v any_o imputation_n upon_o the_o justice_n of_o almighty_n god_n be_v what_o we_o meet_v with_o here_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o grumble_a workman_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o representation_n 15._o verse_n 13_o 14_o 15._o friend_n i_o do_v thou_o no_o wrong_n do_v not_o thou_o agree_v with_o i_o for_o a_o penny_n take_v that_o be_v thou_o and_o go_v thy_o way_n be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_o good_a this_o reply_n teach_v we_o that_o eternal_a life_n be_v at_o least_o a_o valuable_a it_o be_v indeed_o a_o infinite_a and_o most_o disproportionate_a consideration_n for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o laborious_a service_n that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o a_o free_a gift_n even_o to_o they_o who_o make_v good_a their_o part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o mercy_n alone_o which_o move_v he_o to_o seek_v these_o labourer_n and_o admit_v they_o to_o so_o advantageous_a a_o agreement_n and_o we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o vain_a thought_n nor_o cast_v a_o great_a blemish_n upon_o our_o good_a work_n than_o to_o suppose_v heaven_n due_a to_o they_o as_o a_o strict_a and_o adequate_a reward_n to_o inculcate_v this_o notion_n of_o god_n bounty_n and_o free_a grace_n the_o more_o i_o take_v
and_o reduce_v he_o to_o a_o effectual_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o vileness_n and_o ingratitude_n than_o some_o very_a undeserved_a kindness_n of_o a_o person_n who_o he_o have_v heinous_o injure_v and_o what_o great_a indignity_n can_v st._n peter_n put_v upon_o his_o lord_n than_o thus_o to_o disown_n and_o abjure_v he_o what_o great_a kindness_n can_v our_o lord_n show_v to_o this_o revolt_a ungrateful_a man_n than_z by_o the_o silent_a but_o significant_a rebuke_n of_o his_o eye_n cast_v that_o way_n so_o opportune_o to_o call_v he_o back_o to_o himself_o and_o what_o can_v cut_v st._n peter_n more_o to_o the_o quick_a than_o such_o a_o instance_n of_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n such_o as_o show_v a_o great_a concern_v for_o his_o disciple_n sin_n than_o for_o all_o the_o injury_n and_o insolence_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o himself_o such_o as_o declare_v though_o that_o wicked_a servant_n have_v disclaim_v his_o master_n yet_o that_o he_o be_v so_o gracious_a as_o not_o even_o thus_o to_o discard_v and_o forsake_v he_o this_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n be_v one_o of_o the_o bitter_a ingredient_n in_o st._n peter_n sorrow_n and_o that_o which_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o duty_n ever_o after_o as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o consideration_n whatsoever_o 4._o and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o four_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v which_o though_o not_o mention_v here_o yet_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o be_v the_o through_o change_n wrought_v in_o st._n peter_n by_o this_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o the_o ample_a amends_o he_o afterward_o make_v for_o all_o the_o dishonour_v this_o denial_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o his_o master_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o immediate_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n we_o find_v the_o same_o ardent_a affection_n flame_v out_o again_o as_o bright_a as_o ever_o this_o 7._o this_o john_n xxi_o 7._o once_o dismay_v st._n peter_n do_v then_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n out_o of_o impatience_n to_o hasten_v to_o jesus_n upon_o the_o shore_n he_o put_v himself_o forward_o 14._o forward_o act_n ii_o 14._o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o with_o undaunted_a zeal_n assert_v the_o resurrection_n and_o divinity_n of_o that_o saviour_n who_o he_o have_v former_o deny_v he_o 20._o he_o act_n iu_o 19_o 20._o maintain_v his_o point_n against_o the_o jewish_a ruler_n despise_v their_o rebuke_n and_o angry_a menace_n and_o plain_o tell_v they_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v rather_o than_o man_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o it_o cost_v he_o he_o can_v not_o forbid_v himself_o public_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v he_o epist_n he_o act_n iu_o 23._o one_a and_o second_o epist_n strengthen_v the_o brethren_n by_o his_o resolute_a behaviour_n lead_v they_o on_o brave_o and_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o shrink_v at_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n he_o persist_v in_o his_o preach_n and_o when_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reason_v out_o of_o their_o malice_n most_o willing_o offer_v his_o person_n to_o scourge_v and_o imprisonment_n 41._o imprisonment_n act_n v._o 40_o 41._o rejoice_v that_o he_o be_v count_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o the_o once_o abjure_a name_n of_o jesus_n he_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o envy_n and_o rage_n single_v 4._o single_v act_v xii_o 4._o out_o by_o herod_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n that_o will_v above_o all_o other_o content_v the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o be_v intend_v to_o gratify_v their_o spite_n by_o make_v his_o death_n add_v to_o the_o triumph_n and_o solemn_a rejoice_n of_o their_o passover_n and_o though_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o disappoint_v that_o design_n and_o reserve_v he_o for_o more_o and_o great_a service_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n yet_o do_v he_o at_o last_o glorify_v he_o 19_o he_o john_n xxi_o 18_o 19_o by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o torture_n and_o death_n which_o his_o master_n condescend_v to_o undergo_v nay_o st._n peter_n glad_o receive_v the_o notice_n of_o this_o from_o christ_n own_o mouth_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o more_o different_a from_o himself_o when_o tremble_a at_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o silly_a damsel_n than_o the_o same_o st._n peter_n afterward_o the_o glorious_a the_o invincible_a apostle_n before_o the_o council_n in_o prison_n and_o upon_o the_o cross_n be_v from_o the_o cowardly_a the_o infamous_a renegade_n in_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n this_o settle_a and_o deliberate_a fidelity_n be_v a_o noble_a compensation_n for_o the_o infirmity_n and_o fear_n and_o violent_a transport_n of_o his_o fall_n this_o show_v what_o the_o man_n be_v when_o perfect_o himself_o and_o support_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o do_v what_o he_o be_v when_o naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o heavenly_a succour_n depend_v upon_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o passion_n this_o restore_v he_o to_o favour_n and_o have_v establish_v his_o honour_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v do_v right_a to_o st._n peter_n in_o handle_v the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o shall_v these_o last_o and_o finish_v scene_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v omit_v because_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o through_o frailty_n and_o hurry_n he_o thus_o undo_v again_o in_o cool_a and_o stay_v and_o deliberate_a acts._n and_o since_o repentance_n be_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o whole_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o those_o instance_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v leave_v upon_o record_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o sincerity_n of_o this_o man_n repentance_n and_o bind_v indeed_o i_o esteem_v myself_o not_o only_o in_o justice_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o eminent_a apostle_n but_o for_o your_o sake_n too_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o use_v and_o instruction_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v draw_v from_o hence_o for_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o now_o apply_v myself_o to_o the_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o st._n peter_n repentance_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n may_n profit_n themselves_o who_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o with_o serious_a and_o due_a attention_n 1._o and_o first_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o instance_n before_o we_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o good_a man_n with_o regard_n to_o temptation_n he_o have_v not_o engage_v that_o our_o virtue_n shall_v never_o be_v bring_v into_o hazard_n for_o this_o will_v prevent_v the_o proof_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o which_o be_v chief_o see_v in_o our_o constancy_n under_o those_o trial_n that_o endanger_v it_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o support_v our_o spirit_n with_o those_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o resist_v temptation_n nay_o he_o have_v not_o assure_v we_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v successful_a in_o our_o resistance_n when_o thus_o assault_v but_o think_v it_o sufficient_a encouragement_n that_o if_o through_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o our_o temptation_n we_o happen_v to_o be_v overcome_v and_o fall_v into_o sin_n his_o grace_n shall_v not_o be_v want_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o by_o repentance_n thus_o our_o lord_n tell_v st._n peter_n 32._o peter_n luke_n xxii_o 32._o that_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o fall_v away_o final_o his_o faith_n we_o see_v do_v fail_v for_o a_o season_n for_o such_o peremptory_a denial_n of_o our_o lord_n can_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o that_o save_a principle_n but_o that_o which_o receive_v so_o terrible_a a_o damp_n by_o this_o interruption_n be_v not_o utter_o lose_v and_o extinguish_v in_o his_o mind_n the_o distemper_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v mortal_a but_o by_o the_o power_n and_o skill_n and_o timely_a application_n of_o his_o spiritual_a physician_n it_o receive_v a_o perfect_a cure_n christ_n therefore_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o for_o his_o conversion_n from_o and_o amendment_n after_o it_o and_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o patient_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o the_o preserve_v he_o in_o perfect_a health_n and_o soundness_n can_v possible_o have_v be_v nay_o more_o indeed_o both_o for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o the_o great_a the_o danger_n be_v the_o more_o clear_o do_v the_o sovereign_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o remedy_n appear_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v never_o so_o
and_o he_o who_o rest_v upon_o a_o naked_a belief_n and_o will_v not_o be_v baptize_v when_o he_o may_v expect_v in_o vain_a that_o god_n will_v reckon_v he_o among_o his_o child_n or_o admit_v he_o to_o any_o part_n of_o his_o inheritance_n after_o have_v so_o peremptory_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o in_o any_o condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o in_o general_n if_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o confess_v the_o suffering_n the_o nature_n the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o word_n if_o to_o the_o most_o orthodox_n opinion_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v we_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o add_v the_o reverend_a observation_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n devout_a prayer_n frequent_a receiving_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n he_o who_o neglect_v these_o and_o put_v confidence_n in_o his_o understanding_n or_o own_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a and_o deceitful_a bottom_n his_o hope_n be_v that_o of_o hypocrite_n and_o will_v at_o last_o lose_v both_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o cherish_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o obvious_a for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a act_n in_o god_n a_o act_n of_o free_a mercy_n as_o such_o it_o be_v what_o no_o collection_n of_o natural_a light_n or_o moral_a justice_n can_v give_v we_o any_o apprehension_n at_o all_o of_o consequent_o we_o can_v enter_v no_o far_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o he_o who_o do_v it_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n think_v fit_a to_o let_v we_o into_o consequent_o again_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o entire_a not_o to_o parcel_n they_o out_o as_o we_o see_v convenient_a and_o so_o make_v one_o clause_n of_o this_o indenture_n repugnant_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o another_o no_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n in_o this_o case_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o revelation_n by_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n now_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n which_o say_v 8._o say_v ephes_n ii_o 8._o we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n have_v inform_v we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o selfsame_a pen_n that_o 6._o that_o galat._n v._n 6._o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o 14._o to_o heb._n xii_o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n as_o thing_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n he_o have_v draw_v a_o black_a catalogue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o most_o solemn_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o 21._o of_o galat._n v._n 19_o 20_o 21._o adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n lasciviousness_n idolatry_n witchcraft_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o now_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o man_n who_o trust_v to_o any_o faith_n except_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o work_v by_o love_n lean_v upon_o a_o break_a reed_n have_v any_o man_n reason_n to_o think_v his_o confess_v christ_n will_v save_v he_o who_o take_v no_o care_n of_o either_o peace_n or_o holiness_n and_o allow_v himself_o in_o those_o abomination_n just_a now_o mention_v can_v he_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n who_o dishonour_v his_o profession_n by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n or_o esteem_v a_o son_n of_o god_n who_o can_v see_v his_o face_n nor_o inherit_v his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o think_v most_o blasphemous_a to_o say_v so_o the_o receive_v christ_n be_v much_o another_o thing_n than_o these_o man_n make_v it_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v not_o one_o simple_a act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o the_o understanding_n but_o a_o large_a and_o a_o permanent_a thing_n a_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n in_o their_o just_a extent_n and_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o in_o our_o conversation_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o harmony_n and_o punctual_a agreement_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o that_o faith_n and_o virtue_n promise_n and_o precept_n may_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o be_v set_v in_o array_n to_o sight_n against_o and_o destroy_v each_o other_o and_o thus_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v for_o he_o that_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v act_n contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n build_v without_o a_o foundation_n he_o form_v a_o new_a gospel_n of_o his_o own_o and_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v in_o short_a god_n can_v away_o with_o these_o partial_a proceed_n these_o consulting_n with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o own_o institution_n the_o noble_a and_o most_o complete_a that_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v mangle_v and_o deface_v and_o those_o very_a jew_n who_o shut_v christ_n out_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o at_o all_o be_v not_o more_o wicked_a and_o inexcusable_a than_o the_o pretend_a christian_n who_o receive_v he_o by_o half_n and_o under_o the_o cover_n of_o this_o profession_n affront_n and_o deform_v and_o dishonour_v he_o and_o his_o gospel_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v so_o far_o prostitute_v his_o mercy_n as_o to_o admit_v such_o wretch_n to_o the_o incomparable_a advantage_n mention_v in_o my_o text_n they_o may_v usurp_v a_o title_n that_o be_v not_o they_o but_o the_o obedient_a and_o virtuous_a believer_n the_o pious_a and_o the_o respectful_a receiver_n of_o christ_n these_o alone_o be_v the_o person_n who_o receive_v he_o as_o christ_n and_o to_o they_o only_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o benesit_fw-la mention_v in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o second_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n upon_o they_o ii_o those_o who_o have_v criticize_v nice_o upon_o this_o passage_n make_v great_a remark_n upon_o the_o evangelist_n cautious_a manner_n of_o express_v himself_o in_o it_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o will_v have_v be_v less_o proper_a to_o have_v say_v that_o christ_n make_v we_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o this_o will_v have_v seem_v a_o act_n of_o omnipotence_n and_o necessity_n such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v interpret_v in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o will_n and_o that_o part_n which_o we_o ourselves_o contribute_v to_o our_o own_o regeneration_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v equal_o prudent_a to_o say_v that_o he_o give_v we_o power_n to_o make_v ourselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o this_o have_v exalt_v our_o faculty_n as_o much_o too_o high_a and_o depress_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n he_o have_v do_v we_o as_o if_o any_o performance_n of_o we_o can_v deserve_v or_o procure_v this_o sonship_n but_o by_o say_v he_o give_v we_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n both_o these_o inconvenience_n they_o think_v be_v save_v the_o mercy_n be_v still_o represent_v in_o its_o due_a proportion_n in_o that_o this_o honourable_a relation_n be_v a_o grace_n and_o our_o advances_n towards_o it_o not_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n but_o a_o qualification_n only_o and_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o action_n be_v still_o employ_v in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o only_o a_o power_n of_o obtain_v what_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o obtain_v if_o we_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n without_o be_v so_o curious_a we_o may_v content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o our_o marginal_a read_n suggest_v and_o by_o power_n understand_v the_o privilege_n of_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o even_o thus_o it_o afford_v we_o these_o two_o consideration_n the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o then_o the_o free_a bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o 1._o the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n be_v abundant_o declare_v in_o the_o very_a title_n itself_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o some_o astonishment_n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a greatness_n of_o the_o condescension_n 1._o condescension_n 1_o john_n iii_o 1._o behold_v say_v he_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n good_a he_o have_v most_o certain_o for_o what_o can_v express_v what_o can_v confer_v great_a happiness_n by_o this_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o promise_v
the_o sinner_n ruin_n at_o his_o own_o door_n so_o frequent_o and_o so_o manifest_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v it_o not_o thus_o what_o wretched_a uncertainty_n be_v christian_n abandon_v to_o what_o terrible_a anxiety_n and_o discouragement_n must_v they_o labour_v under_o in_o their_o great_a concern_v so_o great_a that_o the_o best_a good_a man_n can_v never_o tell_v what_o he_o have_v to_o trust_v 10_o and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o true_o be_v affirm_v that_o upon_o these_o term_n they_o to_o who_o revelation_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v come_v be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a some_o other_o conclusion_n there_o be_v very_o proper_a upon_o this_o occasion_n but_o those_o i_o must_v be_v satisfy_v with_o refer_v to_o my_o next_o discourse_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n x._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_n call_v and_o election_n state_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n feast_n st._n matth._n xxii_o 14._o for_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v my_o design_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o these_o word_n be_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o call_v and_o election_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o last_o bring_v to_o the_o obtain_v that_o salvation_n which_o be_v purchase_v for_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o tender_v to_o they_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o in_o this_o undertake_n i_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n already_o by_o a_o former_a discourse_n 1._o by_o explain_v the_o parable_n of_o which_o my_o text_n be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o show_v who_o be_v the_o call_v and_o who_o the_o choose_a of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o former_a class_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v all_o to_o who_o the_o invitation_n of_o this_o king_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v come_v whether_o they_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n upon_o such_o invitation_n or_o not_o whether_o they_o receive_v or_o reject_v christ_n preach_v to_o they_o and_o all_o who_o come_v whether_o with_o or_o without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n who_o do_v receive_v and_o profess_v the_o truth_n though_o they_o do_v not_o attain_v to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o these_o be_v many_o but_o by_o the_o choose_a those_o only_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o thankful_o and_o dutiful_o embrace_v the_o proffer_v of_o salvation_n and_o by_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n be_v admit_v as_o worthy_a partaker_n of_o this_o divine_a feast_n and_o these_o it_o seem_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o number_n so_o call_v as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v but_o few_o but_o now_o in_o regard_n that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o right_a understanding_n and_o receive_v due_a encouragement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n it_o must_v needs_o import_v we_o high_o to_o know_v whence_o this_o so_o great_a disparity_n proceed_v and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o where_o such_o mean_n be_v plentful_o offer_v they_o become_v so_o seldom_o effectual_a i_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v receive_v information_n from_o this_o parable_n whether_o such_o miscarriage_n and_o disappointment_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o god_n or_o to_o man_n own_o self_n whether_o he_o never_o intend_v that_o all_o who_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v choose_v notwithstanding_o their_o most_o assiduous_a endeavour_n so_o to_o be_v or_o whether_o every_o one_o so_o call_v may_v also_o have_v be_v choose_v if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v want_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o that_o call_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v both_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o and_o of_o those_o other_o who_o do_v receive_v it_o but_o be_v not_o save_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o do_v so_o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o eleven_o verse_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n i.e._n they_o who_o come_v not_o in_o when_o bid_v to_o the_o marriage_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o man_n who_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n who_o be_v the_o representative_a of_o unsincere_a and_o wicked_a christian_n i_o be_o still_o engage_v in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o head_n and_o for_o our_o form_v a_o judgement_n of_o that_o case_n more_o distinct_o do_v promise_n to_o set_v before_o you_o both_o what_o this_o parable_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o king_n invite_v his_o guest_n and_o what_o hindrance_n it_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o those_o guest_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o not_o comply_v with_o so_o gracious_a a_o invitation_n on_o the_o king_n part_n i_o show_v you_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o parable_n plain_o speak_v two_o thing_n i._o the_o large_a and_o magnificent_a preparation_n for_o entertain_v the_o guest_n ii_o the_o desire_n he_o express_v and_o the_o repeat_v endeavour_n he_o use_v that_o the_o person_n invite_v shall_v partake_v of_o they_o from_o these_o passage_n explain_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o matter_n manifest_o intend_v by_o this_o parable_n i_o draw_v some_o inference_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v avoidable_a to_o follow_v upon_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n free_a mercy_n and_o marvellous_a grace_n 2._o that_o the_o mercy_n figure_v here_o by_o the_o king_n be_v make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n 3._o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o benefit_n be_v universal_a or_o as_o our_o church_n in_o her_o excellent_a catechism_n most_o true_o express_v it_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n redeem_v all_o mankind_n 4._o that_o in_o the_o method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v man_n for_o render_v this_o universal_a redemption_n effectual_a to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a almighty_a god_n be_v very_o serious_a and_o sincere_a and_o do_v not_o by_o any_o fatal_a necessity_n decree_v by_o his_o secret_a will_n render_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o revealed_z will._n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o some_o other_o conclusion_n for_o which_o the_o passage_n before_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a just_a foundation_n for_o instance_n 5._o five_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o hence_o that_o common_o speak_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n by_o which_o god_n call_v man_n be_v the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o other_o ordinary_a and_o state_v mean_n of_o grace_n the_o servant_n of_o this_o king_n answer_v to_o god_n minister_n regular_o send_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o church_n who_o establish_a order_n and_o business_n it_o be_v to_o publish_v their_o message_n diligent_o to_o make_v the_o will_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o their_o master_n know_v to_o all_o people_n to_o proclaim_v the_o tiding_n and_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v encourage_v promise_n threaten_v according_a to_o the_o tenure_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o by_o all_o prudent_a and_o possible_a care_n to_o urge_v and_o prevail_v upon_o their_o hearer_n that_o they_o will_v not_o neglect_v or_o obstinate_o refuse_v their_o own_o mercy_n so_o that_o our_o respective_a congregation_n be_v to_o know_v they_o meet_v with_o and_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n alone_o but_o of_o all_o their_o lawful_a successor_n to_o the_o world_n end_n that_o those_o word_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 16._o understand_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v me._n and_o whatever_o wild_a dream_n some_o people_n may_v have_v of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a inward_a call_n eton._n see_v chrysost_n tom._n 5._o pag._n 291._o ed._n eton._n such_o i_o mean_v as_o pretend_v to_o defer_v their_o repentance_n or_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n or_o the_o like_a upon_o the_o notion_n of_o wait_v for_o some_o powerful_a distinct_a and_o express_v call_v and_o not_o think_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o the_o unanswerable_a conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v sufficient_a motive_n for_o go_v about_o they_o these_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v vain_a pretence_n the_o delusion_n of_o melancholy_a or_o sloth_n and_o dangerous_a suggestion_n of_o
jesus_n make_v a_o figure_n so_o very_o opposite_a to_o what_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o christ_n they_o treat_v he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n with_o the_o utmost_a contumely_n and_o disdain_n and_o in_o those_o man_n step_n may_v all_o they_o be_v very_o just_o esteem_v to_o tread_v at_o this_o day_n who_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o low_a and_o despicable_a dispensation_n a_o religion_n cut_v out_o only_o for_o such_o as_o its_o first_o preacher_n be_v but_o below_o man_n of_o letter_n and_o honour_n and_o condition_n who_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o death_n he_o submit_v to_o for_o our_o sake_n a_o subject_a of_o scornful_a raillery_n and_o profane_a scoff_v who_o despise_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o faith_n and_o morality_n fit_v only_o for_o such_o credulous_a and_o easy_a such_o poor_a and_o little_a soul_n as_o can_v give_v up_o their_o assent_n to_o mystery_n above_o their_o comprehension_n can_v tame_o put_v up_o injury_n and_o affront_n crucify_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n in_o hope_n of_o unseen_a and_o very_o distant_a reward_n renounce_v the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n engage_v in_o a_o perpetual_a war_n with_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o that_o bugbear_n conscience_n to_o what_o purpose_n can_v it_o be_v to_o invite_v man_n of_o such_o a_o carnal_a palate_n to_o this_o spiritual_a feast_n before_o those_o call_n can_v have_v effect_n they_o must_v abandon_v their_o false_a notion_n of_o gallantry_n and_o greatness_n and_o good_a sense_n they_o must_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v treat_v with_o will_v hearken_v to_o better_a instruction_n and_o be_v content_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n what_o virtue_n be_v best_a qualify_v to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n himself_o give_v we_o and_o what_o measure_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v take_v for_o repair_v the_o breach_n sin_n have_v make_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o who_o alone_o can_v forgive_v sin_n have_v alone_o right_a to_o determine_v upon_o what_o condition_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o to_o choose_v his_o own_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o it_o become_v lose_v wretch_n to_o admire_v and_o adore_v his_o goodness_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o method_n of_o their_o redemption_n be_v certain_o adjust_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n what_o foolishness_n soever_o vain_a man_n when_o proceed_v upon_o the_o false_a principle_n of_o worldly_a prudence_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v in_o they_o till_o this_o shperfluity_n of_o nanghtiness_n be_v prune_v away_o till_o man_n entertain_v reverend_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n though_o ten_o thousand_o message_n be_v send_v to_o call_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n they_o be_v like_a to_o continue_v the_o same_o sturdy_a haughty_a jew_n still_o and_o will_v not_o come_v in_o 2._o another_o sort_n be_v mention_v v._n 5._o who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o some_o more_o important_a concern_v make_v light_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o go_v one_o to_o his_o farm_n another_o to_o his_o merchandise_n they_o give_v the_o messenger_n the_o hear_n but_o do_v not_o think_v the_o invitation_n worth_a acceptance_n when_o it_o must_v hinder_v other_o business_n and_o such_o be_v all_o they_o now_o who_o riches_n and_o preferment_n and_o worldly_a care_n keep_v from_o become_v good_a christian_n the_o feast_n be_v what_o they_o like_v well_o enough_o provide_v the_o king_n will_v so_o far_o condescend_v as_o to_o admit_v they_o when_o they_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o wait_v on_o he_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o religion_n but_o confess_v the_o advantage_n it_o offer_v to_o be_v very_o noble_a and_o allure_a and_o good_a man_n they_o full_o design_v to_o be_v at_o some_o more_o convenient_a season_n but_o at_o present_a their_o hand_n be_v so_o full_a that_o till_o they_o can_v disengage_v themselves_o of_o some_o weighty_a and_o indispensable_a affair_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o attend_v to_o that_o which_o they_o wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v free_a for_o now_o here_o be_v the_o main_a difficulty_n that_o godwill_v not_o accept_v of_o divide_a affection_n this_o feast_n require_v a_o new_a appetite_n and_o a_o refine_a taste_n it_o expect_v the_o chief_a of_o our_o pain_n and_o the_o most_o serious_a of_o our_o thought_n this_o be_v the_o camel_n that_o can_v get_v 25._o mark_v x._o 24._o 25._o through_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o needle_n and_o render_v it_o impossible_a for_o such_o as_o trust_v and_o delight_n and_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o riches_n or_o any_o present_a enjoyment_n so_o as_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o neglect_v and_o disesteem_v a_o future_a and_o spiritual_a good_a even_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n xi_o serm._n xi_o but_o with_o these_o man_n i_o propose_v to_o discourse_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o and_o shall_v therefore_o wave_v enter_v into_o the_o argument_n with_o they_o now_o 3._o a_o three_o sort_v of_o people_n yet_o worse_o than_o both_o the_o former_a we_o read_v of_o at_o the_o six_o verse_n who_o not_o content_a to_o reject_v the_o invitation_n fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o that_o bring_v it_o they_o take_v the_o servant_n and_o entreat_v they_o spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o these_o give_v themselves_o not_o trouble_v about_o make_v excuse_n but_o add_v to_o their_o perverse_a rudeness_n cruelty_n and_o malice_n and_o rage_n or_o to_o say_v the_o soft_a thing_n such_o behaviour_n will_v bear_v the_o fury_n of_o a_o undisciplined_a and_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o how_o blind_a how_o bloodthirsty_a this_o be_v our_o lord_n have_v acquaint_v we_o in_o that_o prediction_n of_o his_o disciple_n suffering_n that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v 2._o john_n xvi_o 2._o when_o whosoever_o kill_v they_o shall_v think_v he_o do_v god_n service_n such_o be_v heretofore_o the_o crucifier_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n such_o the_o persecutor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o such_o be_v all_o those_o still_o who_o open_o oppose_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n vilify_v his_o minister_n and_o be_v profess_v patron_n of_o infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n such_o also_o they_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o more_o vigorous_o promote_a or_o maintain_v what_o they_o call_v the_o truth_n attack_v those_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n with_o sword_n and_o fire_n and_o faggot_n who_o rend_v and_o tear_v their_o saviour_n mystical_a body_n in_o sunder_o and_o advance_v that_o not_o unchristian_a only_o but_o even_o unnatural_a principle_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o member_n to_o pluck_v out_o and_o to_o cut_v off_o another_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o these_o refusal_n yet_o more_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o invitation_n itself_o now_o this_o be_v not_o to_o labour_n and_o hardship_n but_o to_o a_o marriage_n a_o feast_n of_o joy_n a_o king_n feast_n to_o which_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o singular_a favour_n and_o a_o mighty_a condescension_n to_o be_v so_o sollicitous_o importune_v so_o kind_o receive_v and_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o fit_o resemble_v by_o this_o figure_n both_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o yoke_n of_o servitude_n it_o deliver_v we_o from_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o exquisite_a satisfaction_n the_o unspeakable_a glory_n which_o all_o who_o embrace_v it_o sincere_o be_v thereby_o make_v partaker_n of_o have_v we_o be_v call_v to_o toil_n and_o great_a drudgery_n even_o so_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v our_o obedience_n have_v he_o bid_v we_o do_v some_o unprofitable_a some_o very_a harsh_a and_o unpleasant_a thing_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v decline_v it_o how_o much_o rather_o shall_v we_o comply_v when_o he_o say_v come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n and_o sure_o this_o single_a circumstance_n that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o their_o own_o advantage_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v we_o where_o the_o fault_n true_o lie_v and_o that_o when_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n after_o have_v make_v such_o provision_n for_o his_o guest_n and_o do_v so_o much_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o be_v requite_v only_o with_o slight_v and_o obstinacy_n and_o malice_n wicked_a man_n be_v reprobate_v and_o shut_v out_o not_o because_o god_n do_v not_o do_v all_o that_o it_o become_v a_o gracious_a king_n to_o do_v but_o because_o when_o they_o be_v bid_v in_o the_o most_o affectionate_a manner_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o will_v not_o be_v worthy_a ii_o have_v speak_v so_o large_o to_o the_o case_n of_o they_o who_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o i_o come_v now_o very_o brief_o to_o
our_o love_n and_o thanks_o and_o he_o deserve_v they_o all_o to_o suffer_v other_o object_n to_o possess_v our_o heart_n in_o opposition_n to_o or_o competition_n with_o he_o be_v a_o fault_n and_o to_o divide_v our_o affection_n be_v to_o rob_v he_o our_o mind_n our_o soul_n our_o strength_n the_o whole_a of_o these_o be_v his_o just_a tribute_n and_o those_o man_n be_v false_a unthankful_a and_o unjust_a who_o put_v the_o trifle_n of_o a_o perish_a life_n into_o the_o balance_n with_o their_o god_n and_o duty_n for_o how_o reasonable_a soever_o our_o regard_n may_v be_v to_o these_o thing_n when_o consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o present_a convenience_n yet_o they_o lose_v all_o their_o value_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v of_o any_o consideration_n when_o set_v against_o our_o obedience_n to_o that_o great_a king_n this_o gracious_a master_n this_o kind_a of_o all_o friend_n will_v the_o hungry_a and_o the_o naked_a think_v you_o object_n that_o work_n and_o beg_v must_v be_v follow_v when_o send_v for_o by_o his_o prince_n allow_v to_o tread_v his_o court_n and_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n yet_o such_o and_o great_a be_v the_o distance_n between_o almighty_a god_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o men._n the_o poor_a beggar_n and_o the_o mean_a slave_n be_v less_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o monarch_n than_o even_o those_o monarch_n be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v this_o god_n invite_v yet_o do_v he_o importune_v we_o such_o be_v the_o honour_n all_o his_o servant_n have_v well_o then_o may_v that_o great_a master_n of_o the_o feast_n be_v angry_a when_o such_o deny_v his_o favour_n and_o put_v he_o off_o with_o vain_a pretence_n he_o can_v but_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o if_o they_o will_v reflect_v or_o think_v at_o all_o must_v needs_o condemn_v their_o own_o folly_n for_o which_o be_v more_o these_o call_n be_v not_o to_o our_o duty_n only_o but_o to_o our_o interest_n too_o as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o now_o descend_v to_o consider_v 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o feast_n itself_o and_o what_o be_v figure_v by_o it_o 2._o when_o man_n provide_v their_o dainty_a meat_n some_o weighty_a matter_n may_v come_v in_o between_o and_o hinder_v the_o pay_v our_o respect_n and_o in_o such_o case_n our_o loss_n be_v not_o very_o considerable_a a_o courser_n meal_n at_o home_n instead_o of_o high_a feed_n which_o nature_n miss_v not_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n as_o well_o but_o here_o the_o feast_n be_v very_a sustenance_n and_o life_n the_o only_a thing_n by_o which_o our_o soul_n subsist_v and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o come_v hither_o must_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o languish_v and_o death_n despair_n and_o misery_n for_o our_o condition_n lie_v in_o wide_a extreme_n it_o admit_v no_o middle_a state_n betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o eat_v bread_n with_o saint_n and_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v cast_v for_o ever_o into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o pass_v infinite_a age_n in_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n in_o region_n of_o horror_n and_o the_o dismal_a society_n of_o fiend_n and_o devil_n when_o therefore_o this_o proffer_n mention_v in_o the_o parable_n be_v make_v to_o needy_a man_n when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o sit_v and_o feed_v with_o god_n the_o invitation_n be_v to_o fill_v our_o soul_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n now_o and_o with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n when_o death_n translate_v they_o to_o another_o state_n this_o be_v to_o ask_v they_o if_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a happy_a beyond_o their_o desert_n beyond_o their_o comprehension_n beyond_o their_o large_a wish_n and_o desire_n it_o be_v to_o call_v to_o press_v they_o to_o it_o and_o who_o in_o his_o right_a mind_n will_v deny_v such_o a_o proffer_n as_o this_o who_o can_v suppose_v that_o any_o engagement_n ought_v to_o obstruct_v he_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o who_o can_v excuse_v so_o unreasonable_a a_o refusal_n i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o god_n but_o to_o his_o own_o self_n most_o certain_a it_o be_v all_o man_n agree_v in_o this_o design_n of_o be_v happy_a all_o seek_v the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o seek_v it_o by_o different_a mean_n but_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a too_o that_o he_o who_o make_v we_o and_o our_o happiness_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o presence_n alone_o be_v true_a joy_n and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o feek_v they_o who_o do_v not_o accept_v it_o there_o whatever_o satisfaction_n else_o they_o may_v find_v or_o fancy_n all_o these_o will_v prove_v but_o flatter_a empty_a dream_n at_o last_o and_o good_a be_v it_o for_o such_o man_n if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v 3._o the_o cause_n parallel_v to_o those_o assign_v in_o the_o parable_n for_o keep_v man_n away_o deserve_v to_o be_v close_o consider_v for_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n the_o encumbrance_n of_o a_o worldly_a life_n and_o the_o indulge_v of_o sensual_a delight_n be_v of_o very_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v be_v allege_v indeed_o in_o their_o vindication_n and_o excuse_n that_o the_o parable_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v only_o such_o care_n and_o such_o pleasure_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v honest_a and_o unblameable_a but_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o acquit_v those_o of_o guilt_n who_o be_v too_o eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o good_a as_o well_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o carry_v his_o eye_n forward_o to_o the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n expect_v that_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o addict_v ourselves_o to_o those_o passion_n and_o engagement_n which_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v ill_a effect_n upon_o we_o than_o to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o inherent_a malignity_n and_o be_v downright_o vicious_a in_o themselves_o so_o that_o although_o the_o concern_v of_o a_o man_n call_v and_o the_o prudent_a contrivance_n of_o raise_v a_o fortune_n fair_o though_o every_o gratification_n of_o our_o fleshly_a appetite_n every_o recreate_v of_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v yet_o when_o they_o exceed_v in_o their_o measure_n when_o they_o get_v within_o we_o and_o gain_v upon_o our_o affection_n when_o they_o loosen_v our_o principle_n and_o detain_v we_o from_o matter_n of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o last_a importance_n they_o then_o become_v sinful_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n ought_v they_o to_o be_v use_v always_o with_o great_a temper_n and_o moderation_n because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o betray_v we_o to_o these_o inconvenience_n the_o danger_n rise_v from_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o in_o some_o respect_v great_a because_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v not_o utter_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n more_o it_o be_v probable_a perish_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o innocent_a and_o good_a thing_n than_o by_o the_o love_n or_o the_o commission_n of_o thing_n positive_o evil._n in_o these_o the_o offence_n soon_o manifest_v itself_o here_o reproof_n reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n strike_v in_o and_o check_v a_o open_a breach_n of_o duty_n there_o need_v not_o much_o sagacity_n to_o discern_v thing_n palpable_o unlawful_a but_o where_o the_o fact_n itself_o or_o the_o object_n we_o be_v conversant_a about_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o such_o plain_a censure_n there_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o mistake_v in_o circumstance_n and_o degree_n for_o here_o man_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o certain_a rule_n to_o guide_v they_o the_o measure_n of_o business_n and_o pleasure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fix_v but_o vary_v daily_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o person_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o condition_n the_o present_a face_n and_o juncture_n of_o affair_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o unforeseen_a emergency_n so_o that_o more_o or_o less_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o one_o person_n or_o at_o one_o time_n or_o upon_o one_o occasion_n than_o can_v to_o another_o all_o the_o direction_n this_o case_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v only_o that_o we_o avoid_v irregularity_n and_o excess_n but_o we_o be_v judge_n still_o of_o that_o irregularity_n and_o excess_n for_o christian_a prudence_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v determine_v it_o and_o from_o hence_o proceed_v the_o hazard_n of_o such_o action_n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o partial_a to_o the_o side_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n they_o know_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a and_o this_o support_v they_o in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o give_v they_o confidence_n and_o great_a security_n and_o they_o be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o acknowledge_v or_o to_o mend_v a_o fault_n or_o to_o impose_v severe_a restraint_n
in_o those_o case_n where_o god_n permit_v a_o liberty_n and_o use_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o beside_o here_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n fall_v in_o and_o add_v fresh_a force_n to_o the_o argument_n ease_n and_o subsistence_n and_o the_o care_n of_o family_n when_o second_v and_o urge_v by_o inclination_n find_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o influence_n the_o reason_n and_o over-beat_a religion_n too_o in_o time_n man_n know_v and_o own_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v serve_v but_o the_o same_o god_n they_o tell_v you_o have_v so_o ordain_v that_o their_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n shall_v be_v serve_v too_o and_o therefore_o he_o they_o hope_v will_v not_o forget_v that_o they_o obey_v he_o even_o in_o these_o care_n and_o can_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o their_o attendance_n upon_o his_o will_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o providence_n shall_v interfere_v now_o and_o then_o with_o their_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o worship_n for_o both_o they_o can_v do_v they_o wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n they_o can_v but_o they_o trust_v they_o serve_v he_o very_o acceptable_o even_o in_o what_o they_o do_v such_o be_v the_o vain_a pretence_n which_o worldly-minded_n people_n make_v to_o cover_v that_o neglect_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v and_o to_o ruin_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o deceitful_a colour_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a practice_n but_o pray_v my_o friend_n consider_v god_n set_v we_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o our_o humiliation_n have_v appoint_v we_o a_o life_n of_o trouble_n and_o industry_n and_o labour_n by_o these_o he_o give_v leave_v nay_o he_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o we_o but_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o this_o shall_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o shut_v out_o he_o from_o our_o regard_n and_o our_o thought_n we_o be_v to_o use_v but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v the_o world_n god_n give_v man_n large_a dominion_n and_o make_v he_o lord_n of_o the_o creature_n here_o below_o but_o when_o our_o hope_n our_o labour_n and_o our_o delight_n be_v place_v upon_o these_o object_n we_o then_o degrade_v ourselves_o lose_v our_o original_a prerogative_n and_o that_o dominion_n turn_v to_o slavery_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o giâ—t_v and_o love_v the_o giver_n but_o we_o must_v not_o slight_v the_o giver_n and_o dote_v upon_o the_o gift_n we_o must_v employ_v some_o time_n upon_o our_o business_n a_o great_a or_o less_o proportion_n of_o time_n according_a as_o our_o business_n happen_v but_o body_n and_o estate_n must_v not_o swallow_v the_o soul_n the_o concern_v of_o a_o moment_n must_v not_o be_v prefer_v to_o eternity_n nor_o may_v we_o ever_o follow_v the_o world_n so_o close_o as_o not_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o be_v save_v this_o may_v take_v up_o some_o of_o our_o love_n and_o our_o thought_n but_o god_n must_v always_o reign_v and_o sit_v supreme_a in_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o endeavour_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o mighty_a caution_n and_o reserve_n be_v necessary_a in_o this_o matter_n of_o worldly_a care_n because_o the_o present_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o engross_v we_o and_o we_o know_v who_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o 24._o that_o matth._n vi_o 24._o god_n and_o mammon_n can_v both_o be_v serve_v in_o short_a all_z we_o do_v and_o all_o we_o seek_v here_o below_o must_v be_v in_o subordination_n to_o somewhat_o noble_a and_o better_o above_o and_o shall_v never_o be_v permit_v to_o justle_v out_o our_o first_o and_o great_a concern_v god_n righteousness_n and_o kingdom_n when_o this_o great_a master_n of_o the_o feast_n invite_v we_o we_o must_v leave_v all_o and_o follow_v he_o prefer_v his_o provision_n before_o our_o own_o and_o ready_o obey_v the_o gracious_a summons_n heaven_n and_o our_o soul_n require_v the_o best_a of_o our_o care_n and_o believe_v i_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a care_n that_o will_v suffice_v for_o these_o purpose_n our_o passion_n must_v be_v mortify_v our_o desire_n resign_v our_o affection_n raise_v and_o fix_v upon_o a_o better_a country_n and_o this_o be_v a_o work_n that_o will_v ask_v more_o of_o our_o time_n and_o pain_n than_o man_n seem_v general_o well_o aware_a of_o let_v any_o of_o we_o but_o make_v the_o experiment_n let_v a_o man_n single_a out_o one_o darling_n lust_n and_o see_v how_o many_o conflict_n how_o long_a practice_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o perfect_o to_o subdue_v that_o one._n and_o this_o will_v soon_o convince_v he_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o think_v salvation_n a_o work_n by_o the_o by_o and_o how_o unworthy_a they_o be_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n who_o will_v afford_v no_o time_n for_o religion_n but_o mere_o that_o which_o hang_v upon_o their_o hand_n how_o impudent_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n only_o when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v how_o unequal_o those_o man_n divide_v themselves_o who_o spend_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o so_o little_a upon_o heaven_n who_o pretend_v perish_v interest_n and_o engagement_n and_o involve_v themselves_o in_o endless_a pursuit_n and_o project_n about_o the_o less_o the_o trifle_a advantage_n and_o leave_v no_o time_n for_o the_o great_a and_o more_o substantial_a this_o be_v our_o case_n and_o this_o be_v our_o danger_n when_o even_o the_o most_o lawful_a care_n employ_v we_o that_o they_o steal_v away_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v possession_n debase_v our_o mind_n and_o fasten_v they_o down_o to_o the_o earth_n devour_v our_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o leave_v we_o no_o leisure_n no_o inclination_n to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o live_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o harden_v we_o against_o the_o call_n of_o grace_n and_o indulge_v and_o feed_v those_o very_a lust_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o kill_v and_o crucify_v and_o therefore_o since_o when_o god_n permit_v the_o one_o sort_n of_o these_o care_n he_o do_v not_o absolve_v we_o from_o the_o other_o since_o he_o appoint_v we_o to_o another_o state_n and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o double_a care_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o live_n hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o here_o but_o chief_o to_o provide_v how_o we_o may_v live_v hereafter_o and_o since_o that_o future_a life_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v by_o fervent_a devotion_n by_o constant_a watchfulness_n by_o painful_a labour_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o many_o repeat_v act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n since_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v in_o a_o instant_n but_o must_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o long_a course_n and_o continual_a endeavour_n since_o the_o reward_n of_o these_o be_v so_o much_o more_o precious_a and_o desirable_a and_o the_o rest_n at_o our_o journey_n end_v so_o much_o more_o comfortable_a than_o any_o convenience_n we_o can_v possible_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o way_n it_o follow_v that_o these_o convenience_n must_v be_v use_v and_o seek_v but_o as_o refreshment_n only_o as_o thing_n give_v to_o support_v and_o entertain_v we_o in_o our_o travel_n but_o if_o we_o be_v divert_v by_o these_o and_o set_v up_o our_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n the_o land_n of_o promise_n the_o end_n of_o all_o will_v be_v to_o perish_v in_o our_o folly_n and_o when_o instead_o of_o thank_v he_o by_o our_o obedience_n who_o give_v we_o these_o encouragement_n we_o grow_v fond_a of_o they_o and_o despise_v he_o what_o can_v we_o think_v all_o this_o will_v come_v to_o at_o last_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v just_o and_o such_o man_n miserable_a that_o he_o revenge_v this_o baseness_n of_o wretch_n so_o insensible_a of_o their_o own_o true_a happiness_n so_o unthankful_a for_o his_o gracious_a condescension_n in_o their_o favour_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o foolish_a worldling_n who_o rather_o choose_v to_o feed_v on_o husk_n with_o swine_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o as_o unworthy_a to_o eat_v bread_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n ii_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o condemn_v wretch_n so_o unperswadeable_a to_o their_o own_o advantage_n i_o pass_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o consider_v his_o mercy_n in_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o do_v thankful_o accept_v and_o profit_v under_o they_o and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v illustrate_v throughout_o the_o whole_a parable_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o twenty_o three_o verse_n now_o before_o we_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o servant_n go_v out_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o that_o my_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v that_o even_o the_o jew_n shall_v find_v so_o much_o favour_n be_v wonderful_o kind_a but_o of_o that_o large_a intimation_n and_o promise_n have_v
and_o against_o it_o have_v be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n together_o that_o side_n which_o preponderates_n will_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o the_o advantage_n be_v visible_a and_o great_a there_o will_v be_v no_o probable_a danger_n of_o have_v this_o undo_v again_o or_o be_v draw_v off_o to_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n but_o where_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o a_o bare_a judgement_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o where_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pursue_v a_o doctrine_n â—…o_v '_o all_o its_o consequence_n and_o to_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n of_o live_v to_o we_o where_o we_o must_v not_o only_o believe_v that_o so_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o all_o occasion_n behave_v ourselves_o like_o man_n serious_o possess_v with_o that_o belief_n there_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o present_a persuasion_n though_o never_o so_o full_a and_o clear_a will_v answer_v the_o character_n of_o a_o christian_a faith_n without_o a_o particular_a and_o constant_a application_n and_o in_o this_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v chief_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n fail_v and_o great_a difficulty_n there_o be_v both_o in_o reduce_v general_n acknowledge_v truth_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o in_o have_v the_o application_n always_o ready_a and_o at_o hand_n when_o our_o occasion_n call_v for_o they_o this_o be_v manifest_o see_v in_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o be_v infor_n a_o power_n constant_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o present_a with_o we_o a_o strict_a observer_n and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o mighty_a avenger_n of_o his_o honour_n when_o we_o provoke_v he_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o notion_n which_o either_o nature_n or_o religion_n or_o both_o have_v rivet_v so_o fast_o into_o man_n mind_n that_o we_o find_v very_o few_o of_o those_o who_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o will_v fain_o get_v quit_v of_o they_o able_a to_o do_v it_o effectual_o and_o yet_o of_o the_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o have_v these_o apprehension_n how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o take_v a_o due_a care_n to_o drive_v they_o home_o upon_o their_o conscience_n and_o improve_v they_o to_o all_o the_o mighty_a purpose_n which_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o serve_v nay_o how_o often_o do_v even_o they_o who_o revolve_v they_o frequent_o and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o dwell_v and_o converse_v with_o their_o lord_n how_o often_o i_o say_v do_v they_o the_o best_a the_o most_o reverent_a adorer_n of_o the_o godhead_n betray_v their_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o fall_v by_o surprise_n or_o forgetfulness_n if_o not_o by_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n now_o the_o fail_n of_o most_o people_n in_o this_o case_n can_v proceed_v from_o infidelity_n or_o want_v of_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o they_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v able_a perhaps_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o convince_v the_o sturdy_a gainsayer_n and_o to_o warm_v the_o cold_a and_o most_o freeze_a neglecter_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o business_n be_v that_o their_o thought_n be_v not_o always_o equal_o bend_v nor_o the_o application_n of_o these_o general_a doctrine_n at_o all_o time_n make_v to_o their_o own_o private_a circumstance_n or_o even_o those_o application_n be_v not_o ever_o powerful_a alike_o and_o because_o the_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n be_v a_o duty_n of_o continual_a practice_n and_o use_v and_o not_o one_o single_a act_n of_o persuasion_n and_o assent_n though_o never_o so_o steadfast_a therefore_o every_o one_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v more_o or_o less_o defective_a as_o he_o be_v want_v in_o the_o ready_a performance_n of_o each_o act._n and_o even_o those_o who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o die_v at_o a_o stake_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o can_v always_o preserve_v their_o mind_n so_o thorough_o awake_a nor_o find_v the_o impression_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a as_o to_o prevent_v in_o their_o life_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o such_o a_o belief_n the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o in_o many_o perhaps_o in_o most_o occasion_n exert_n itself_o with_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n but_o it_o be_v their_o misfortune_n that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n the_o clutter_n of_o business_n the_o diversion_n of_o life_n their_o own_o inadvertency_n or_o some_o other_o accidental_a unhappiness_n justle_v the_o more_o necessary_a meditation_n aside_o for_o a_o while_n and_o so_o that_o habit_n lie_v dormant_a and_o idle_a it_o will_v probable_o recover_v and_o rouse_v itself_o very_o quick_o but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o that_o particular_a instant_n of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o man_n have_v have_v no_o such_o idea_n at_o all_o 3._o but_o three_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o man_n weakness_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o of_o we_o be_v deep_o all_o god_n know_v but_o too_o deep_o concern_v i_o mean_v the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o the_o affection_n we_o bear_v to_o this_o present_a world_n the_o former_a particular_a show_v we_o a_o defect_n owe_v to_o want_v of_o consideration_n but_o this_o go_v far_a &_o discover_v a_o fail_v even_o in_o consideration_n itself_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o judge_v and_o yet_o determine_v wrong_a when_o we_o do_v remember_v our_o duty_n &_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o think_v and_o remember_v without_o success_n and_o this_o be_v a_o fail_v of_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fatalconsequence_n because_o person_n of_o high_a perfection_n be_v subject_a to_o it_o for_o that_o the_o heedless_a and_o heady_a shall_v stumble_v and_o fall_v can_v be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o we_o but_o when_o the_o cautious_a and_o circumspect_a they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o slippery_a way_n and_o see_v their_o danger_n and_o intend_v to_o avoid_v the_o precipice_n do_v yet_o slide_v into_o it_o this_o must_v in_o all_o reason_n make_v we_o very_o apprehensive_a and_o will_v warrant_v no_o man_n in_o any_o vain_a supposal_n of_o absolute_a security_n and_o perfection_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v give_v we_o to_o check_v and_o control_v the_o extravagance_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o calm_a and_o quiet_a our_o passion_n to_o comfort_n and_o sustain_v we_o in_o all_o our_o disorder_n and_o misfortune_n and_o indeed_o if_o apply_v seasonable_o and_o impartial_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o great_a work_n a_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o all_o our_o disease_n and_o a_o sure_a support_n under_o the_o heavy_a calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o yet_o this_o remedy_n do_v not_o always_o prove_v effectual_a because_o we_o do_v many_o time_n fail_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v its_o full_a force_n and_o just_a operation_n upon_o our_o heart_n but_o incline_v too_o much_o to_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o too_o tender_a a_o concern_v for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a world_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o place_v here_o below_o and_o when_o the_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v due_o consider_v when_o a_o life_n of_o eternity_n and_o uninterrupted_a bliss_n be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n against_o one_o which_o we_o be_v sure_o can_v be_v but_o short_a and_o find_v to_o be_v uneasy_a and_o vexatious_a at_o the_o best_a we_o can_v but_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v reason_n in_o advise_v man_n by_o his_o example_n to_o look_v not_o at_o 18._o at_o 2_o cor._n iu_o 18._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v and_o be_v temporal_a but_o at_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o see_v because_o they_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v impress_v this_o truth_n pretty_a well_o as_o we_o think_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o frequent_o either_o forsake_v we_o quite_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o encounter_n or_o prove_v too_o feeble_a when_o we_o have_v most_o occasion_n for_o it_o the_o bias_n of_o sense_n draw_v we_o from_o our_o strait_a course_n some_o trifle_a advantage_n some_o please_a gratification_n present_v itself_o and_o though_o we_o pretend_v to_o argue_v and_o debate_v the_o matter_n yet_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_o but_o like_o a_o corrupt_a judge_n all_o argument_n against_o inclination_n be_v lessen_v to_o the_o view_n the_o bribery_n upon_o our_o affection_n
most_o belove_a servant_n when_o he_o see_v this_o most_o expedient_a profitable_a for_o the_o trial_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o virtue_n and_o patience_n or_o any_o otherwise_o more_o for_o the_o eternal_a good_a of_o their_o soul_n thus_o it_o appear_v evident_o that_o the_o joy_n of_o welldoing_a do_v not_o always_o accompany_v the_o action_n itself_o sometime_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o by_o god_n who_o send_v this_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n of_o spirit_n and_o consult_v our_o advantage_n by_o these_o unpleasant_a method_n and_o sometime_o a_o unhappy_a constitution_n shed_v its_o venom_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o imbitter_v all_o its_o reflection_n upon_o itself_o but_o however_o that_o be_v since_o the_o pleasure_n and_o charm_a satisfaction_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v sometime_o miss_v and_o since_o these_o way_n there_o be_v at_o least_o of_o take_v they_o from_o we_o the_o consequence_n be_v undeniable_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n viz._n that_o those_o inward_a disquiet_n ought_v not_o to_o drive_v we_o to_o any_o distrust_n of_o mercy_n or_o despondency_n of_o our_o own_o eternal_a welfare_n that_o comfort_n and_o safety_n do_v not_o always_o dwell_v together_o and_o we_o argue_v wrong_a if_o we_o make_v the_o want_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v a_o proof_n of_o our_o not_o believe_v at_o all_o iii_o and_o now_o at_o length_n i_o be_o come_v to_o my_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v from_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n may_v discern_v whether_o his_o imperfect_a belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o have_v some_o such_o distinguish_a character_n be_v very_o great_a because_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a particular_n be_v only_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o always_o our_o fault_n but_o now_o and_o then_o our_o misfortune_n this_o be_v a_o support_n due_a to_o the_o integrity_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o some_o melancholy_a good_a person_n but_o when_o i_o urge_v thus_o much_o on_o their_o behalf_n my_o mean_v be_v not_o to_o encourage_v other_o in_o their_o security_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v deject_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o some_o case_n give_v man_n unnecessary_a trouble_v and_o scare_v they_o with_o imaginary_a danger_n other_o carry_v just_a fear_n in_o they_o and_o open_v all_o hell_n to_o man_n so_o stupid_a and_o blind_a that_o that_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o see_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v of_o mighty_a consequence_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o both_o those_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o to_o set_v each_o of_o their_o circumstance_n in_o a_o true_a light_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v awaken_v from_o his_o frightful_a dream_n the_o other_o from_o his_o pleasant_a 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and_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v second_o another_o very_a distinguish_a character_n of_o this_o imperfect_a faith_n whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o be_v the_o humility_n or_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o man_n heart_n for_o where_o a_o person_n be_v modest_a and_o think_v mean_o of_o himself_o he_o will_v see_v and_o bewail_v and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o redress_v the_o grievance_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n his_o ear_n will_v be_v open_a to_o instruction_n and_o reproof_n his_o understanding_n will_v not_o disdain_v to_o captivate_v itself_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n nor_o blaspheme_v and_o rally_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o arraign_v all_o sober_a christian_n of_o credulity_n and_o madness_n for_o submit_v to_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o unite_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n he_o study_v the_o scripture_n reverent_o confirm_v himself_o in_o what_o reason_n may_v attain_v to_o and_o what_o it_o can_v he_o silent_o adore_v his_o ignorance_n be_v not_o wilful_a and_o affect_v but_o he_o be_v ever_o desirous_a of_o better_a information_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n submit_v quiet_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o superior_n in_o dispute_v point_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o contradiction_n or_o the_o itch_n of_o advance_v any_o particular_a conceit_n of_o his_o own_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o this_o be_v high_o necessary_a and_o commendable_a where_o no_o man_n can_v know_v every_o point_n of_o religion_n perfect_o and_o but_o very_o few_o have_v advantage_n of_o examine_v nice_o all_o that_o may_v be_v know_v now_o a_o humble_a spirit_n make_v the_o best_a amends_o for_o such_o disability_n in_o speculation_n and_o indeed_o for_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o practice_n
they_o power_n to_o prevail_v for_o our_o reformation_n and_o as_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o second_o crow_v be_v immediate_a and_o strong_a when_o attend_v with_o that_o rebuke_v glance_n of_o our_o bless_a master_n so_o where_o those_o outward_a mean_n be_v back_v with_o the_o inward_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o they_o produce_v sudden_a and_o wonderful_a alteration_n for_o what_o reason_n god_n vouchsafe_v this_o inward_a call_n to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o who_o all_o partake_v equal_o of_o the_o outward_a call_n be_v best_a know_v to_o â—…s_v own_o infinite_a wisdom_n nor_o be_v it_o now_o requisite_a to_o enter_v so_o far_o into_o that_o enquiry_n as_o we_o may_v know_v this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o the_o raise_n man_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o quicken_a they_o with_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a and_o new_a life_n be_v describe_v by_o st._n paul_n 5._o paul_n ephes_n i._o 19_o 20._o ii_o 1_o 5._o as_o miracle_n which_o nothing_o less_o than_o almighty_a power_n can_v do_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o feel_v any_o desire_n and_o tendency_n to_o lead_v better_a life_n and_o forsake_v our_o old_a sin_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o our_o repentance_n in_o humility_n not_o fond_o imagine_v that_o this_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o ourselves_o but_o meek_o and_o with_o all_o due_a thankfulness_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n that_o 5._o that_o 2_o cor._n iii_o 5._o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v one_o good_a thought_n and_o that_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o 13._o alone_o phil._n ii_o 13._o who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o 10._o that_o 1_o cor._n xv._o 10._o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o that_o it_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a to_o which_o purpose_n 2._o second_o st._n peter_n example_n teach_v we_o that_o our_o repentance_n ought_v to_o be_v speedy_a he_o be_v no_o soon_o make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n but_o immediate_o he_o leave_v the_o scene_n of_o his_o wickedness_n break_v loose_a from_o the_o company_n that_o have_v draw_v he_o into_o it_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o his_o prayer_n and_o his_o tear_n and_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o we_o will_v approve_v ourselves_o true_a penitent_n must_v strike_v in_o with_o the_o very_a first_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n we_o must_v not_o tamper_v with_o our_o conscience_n nor_o seek_v out_o frivolous_a excuse_n for_o defer_v our_o reformation_n but_o improve_v the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o quit_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n all_o that_o company_n all_o those_o pleasure_n or_o whatever_o else_o have_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o heretofore_o must_v be_v whole_o abandon_v or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v so_o careful_o watch_v so_o cautious_o use_v that_o all_o the_o approach_n and_o pass_n may_v be_v guard_v and_o block_v up_o where_o the_o tempter_n have_v use_v or_o be_v likely_a to_o break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o delay_n because_o the_o continue_v to_o cherish_v and_o approve_v our_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n with_o commit_v they_o over_o again_o it_o argue_v the_o very_a same_o disposition_n still_o to_o remain_v for_o he_o that_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v with_o his_o vice_n want_v nothing_o but_o opportunity_n to_o repeat_v they_o and_o god_n who_o judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o bent_n of_o our_o will_n and_o measure_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a we_o do_v by_o the_o degree_n of_o love_n or_o hatred_n we_o bear_v to_o he_o and_o religion_n know_v very_o well_o that_o they_o who_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n to_o a_o further_a day_n be_v still_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n man_n may_v flatter_v themselves_o and_o impose_v upon_o other_o with_o i_o know_v not_o what_o idle_a pretence_n but_o he_o that_o be_v serious_o convince_v he_o ought_v to_o repent_v and_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o immediate_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n nor_o do_v he_o sincere_o hate_v his_o wicked_a way_n or_o hearty_o intend_v ever_o to_o repent_v at_o all_o 3._o three_o the_o bitterness_n of_o st._n peter_n weep_n instruct_v we_o how_o necessary_a and_o how_o essicacious_a a_o branch_n of_o repentance_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deep_o and_o hearty_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v necessary_a because_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n of_o bring_v any_o atonement_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a satisfaction_n we_o can_v make_v he_o be_v the_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o our_o fault_n to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v unfeigned_o afflict_v for_o all_o our_o unworthy_a behaviour_n towards_o he_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n be_v call_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n god_n sacrifice_n and_o such_o a_o offer_v as_o he_o will_v not_o despise_v psal_n li._n 17._o and_o as_o such_o sorrow_n be_v necessary_a so_o be_v it_o likewise_o of_o great_a efficacy_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o our_o care_n to_o avoid_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a will_v natural_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o concern_v for_o have_v commit_v it_o heretofore_o hence_o be_v the_o pious_a mourner_n so_o bless_v hence_o the_o shooting_n and_o sting_a pain_n of_o a_o wound_a conscience_n the_o great_a mercy_n to_o the_o sufferer_n because_o such_o pain_n be_v profitable_a by_o beget_v a_o irreconcilable_a and_o settle_a aversion_n against_o the_o wretched_a cause_n of_o they_o and_o firm_a resolution_n to_o deliver_v from_o such_o smart_n and_o misery_n by_o seek_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n ever_o after_o and_o because_o such_o inward_a reproach_n and_o anguish_n of_o heart_n if_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o sorrow_n be_v equal_a will_v have_v the_o same_o natural_a effect_n with_o all_o other_o sorrow_n therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o call_v upon_o for_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o it_o as_o be_v usual_a under_o other_o affliction_n hence_o we_o be_v command_v to_o 12._o to_o joel_n ii_o 12._o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o weep_v and_o mourn_v hence_o david_n wash_v his_o bed_n and_o water_v his_o couch_n with_o tear_n 6._o tear_n psal_n vi_o 6._o and_o hence_o god_n be_v say_v to_o put_v such_o tear_n into_o his_o bottle_n 8._o bottle_n psal_n lvi_o 8._o that_o be_v to_o treasure_n they_o up_o and_o have_v they_o in_o favourable_a remembrance_n because_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v 10._o say_v 2_o cor._n vii_o 10._o godly_a sorrow_n work_v repentance_n mistake_v not_o my_o friend_n sorrow_n be_v not_o repentance_n but_o work_v it_o that_o be_v it_o be_v instrumental_a towards_o it_o and_o very_o powerful_a to_o produce_v it_o which_o lead_v i_o to_o a_o four_o thing_n in_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o imitate_v st._n peter_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v of_o no_o significance_n at_o all_o to_o we_o and_o that_o be_v a_o effectual_a change_n of_o manner_n and_o steadfast_a perseverance_n in_o holiness_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o our_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o afflict_v and_o sincere_a for_o no_o man_n think_v he_o can_v be_v too_o careful_a to_o avoid_v that_o which_o create_v he_o disquiet_n no_o man_n needs_o be_v warn_v to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o thing_n which_o he_o hate_v and_o apprehend_v extreme_a danger_n and_o certain_a destruction_n from_o if_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o real_a sense_n of_o sin_n our_o behaviour_n will_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o but_o beside_o the_o obligation_n which_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n lay_v upon_o we_o we_o be_v likewise_o bind_v to_o it_o in_o gratitude_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o which_o way_n can_v we_o express_v our_o thanks_o for_o the_o inestimable_a mercy_n of_o be_v rescue_v out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n so_o well_o as_o by_o live_v to_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o love_v we_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o we_o refuse_v to_o be_v entangle_v again_o in_o the_o same_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n thus_o much_o we_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o who_o have_v hew_v our_o snare_n in_o piece_n we_o owe_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o the_o great_a our_o debt_n be_v the_o more_o we_o must_v testify_v our_o affection_n to_o the_o kind_a creditor_n who_o release_v it_o and_o this_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o devote_v ourselves_o as_o eager_o to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n
as_o ever_o we_o have_v do_v former_o to_o that_o of_o our_o lust_n by_o stem_v the_o torrent_n of_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o promote_v goodness_n in_o the_o world_n particular_o by_o be_v eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o vice_n we_o former_o indulge_v and_o by_o our_o active_a indefatigable_a charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brethren_n give_v testimony_n how_o just_a a_o value_n we_o set_v upon_o the_o deliverance_n of_o our_o own_o in_o our_o mighty_a care_n to_o rescue_v they_o thus_o far_o st._n peter_n example_n lead_v we_o but_o even_o when_o we_o have_v follow_v it_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v not_o suppose_v that_o our_o pardon_n and_o good_a acceptance_n be_v due_a to_o any_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o good_a work_n or_o that_o our_o deep_a sorrow_n can_v proper_o speak_v have_v in_o it_o any_o thing_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o as_o 32._o as_o luke_n xxii_o 32._o st._n peter_n faith_n do_v therefore_o not_o fail_v because_o christ_n pray_v that_o it_o may_v not_o so_o our_o restoration_n and_o the_o essicacy_n of_o our_o repentance_n be_v entire_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a saviour_n he_o only_o can_v take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n between_o offend_a god_n and_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v god_n most_o easy_a of_o access_n and_o be_v suffer_v to_o draw_v so_o near_o as_o even_o to_o be_v mystical_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o feed_v by_o he_o let_v we_o not_o forget_v to_o beg_v that_o the_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v remove_v not_o in_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o manifold_a and_o great_a mercy_n humble_o beseech_v he_o that_o for_o his_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n he_o will_v forgive_v we_o all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v ever_o hereafter_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n through_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o sermon_n vii_o the_o certainty_n and_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n st._n john_n iii_o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o we_o read_v of_o nicodemus_n adventure_v to_o visit_n jesus_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o conviction_n his_o miracle_n have_v wrought_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o beholder_n that_o they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v plain_a somewhat_o more_o than_o mere_a curiosity_n draw_v he_o to_o this_o conference_n desire_v he_o have_v though_o as_o yet_o but_o imperfect_a of_o better_a instruction_n but_o such_o as_o they_o be_v our_o saviour_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o gratify_v they_o in_o enter_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o kingdom_n which_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o come_v a_o teacher_n whether_o nicodemus_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o and_o admit_v they_o into_o this_o kingdom_n we_o know_v not_o or_o whether_o christ_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n fall_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o point_n the_o most_o improve_n the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v first_o understand_v and_o most_o pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o steal_v this_o visit_n nor_o be_v it_o material_a for_o st._n john_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a consequence_n be_v that_o he_o make_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o see_v that_o kingdom_n v._n 3_o and_o this_o deserve_v the_o great_a attention_n because_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v the_o impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o absurd_a to_o propose_v it_o of_o go_v through_o the_o course_n of_o a_o natural_a birth_n the_o second_o time_n v._n 4._o from_o that_o wild_a misconstruction_n our_o lord_n deliver_v himself_o and_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n that_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o wash_v of_o baptism_n outward_o and_o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v effect_v v._n 5._o that_o can_v it_o be_v compass_v in_o that_o gross_a way_n nicodemus_n misapprehend_v yet_o that_o will_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n no_o advantage_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n for_o since_o in_o all_o production_n the_o thing_n bear_v receive_v the_o nature_n and_o resemblance_n of_o that_o whence_o it_o be_v be_v be_v derive_v flesh_n can_v only_o produce_v flesh_n but_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o god_n require_v consist_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o new_a spirit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o vital_a principle_n shall_v be_v a_o spirit_n v._n 6._o and_o however_o he_o may_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o this_o because_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o bodily_a sense_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o fact_n a_o very_a familiar_a instance_n whereof_o he_o allege_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v thus_o introduce_v by_o the_o seven_o verse_n marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n plain_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o similitude_n and_o the_o application_n and_o my_o discourse_n upon_o they_o shall_v according_o distribute_v itself_o into_o these_o two_o head_n first_o from_o the_o similitude_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o general_a conclusion_n which_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o lord_n argument_n with_o nicodemus_n second_o from_o the_o application_n i_o shall_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o property_n of_o the_o wind_n mention_v here_o will_v give_v we_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v working_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n i._o i_o begin_v with_o some_o general_n conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o similitude_n itself_o such_o as_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o lord_n argument_n with_o nicodemus_n and_o these_o conclusion_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o first_o a_o man_n may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o assure_v himself_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o be_v without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v indeed_o one_o and_o a_o very_a satisfactory_a way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o many_o and_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v come_v at_o this_o way_n may_v be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o extremity_n of_o a_o obstinate_a singularity_n to_o deny_v they_o for_o as_o thing_n have_v cause_n so_o have_v they_o likewise_o effect_n and_o property_n and_o other_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o conscience_n if_o any_o of_o these_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o exi_n for_o we_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o sure_a that_o what_o have_v no_o be_v of_o its_o own_n can_v have_v property_n and_o effect_n as_o we_o be_v that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o such_o property_n or_o effect_n that_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o instance_n very_o few_o if_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o wind_n but_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o one_o philosopher_n be_v dislike_v and_o explode_v by_o another_o now_o though_o these_o curious_a searcher_n into_o nature_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o come_v and_o whither_o they_o go_v yet_o herein_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o come_v and_o go_v they_o do_v this_o they_o know_v without_o any_o search_n and_o the_o unlettered_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v neither_o capacity_n