be_v plant_v wherever_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v he_o expect_v the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o seed_n be_v good_a and_o most_o of_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soil_n wherein_o it_o be_v sow_o for_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a reason_n and_o therefore_o most_o natural_a to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o it_o be_v sow_o in_o great_a plenty_n there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o god_n word_n among_o we_o and_o it_o be_v water_v sufficient_o with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o any_o man_n that_o will_v receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o at_o our_o peril_n we_o must_v all_o be_v fruitful_a none_o of_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o our_o great_a lord_n empty_a lest_o the_o punishment_n of_o barrenness_n be_v our_o portion_n and_o we_o be_v burn_v up_o with_o unquenchable_a fire_n this_o seed_n then_o or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o actual_o sow_o the_o christian_a religion_n plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n 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it_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o legion_n who_o like_o bird_n of_o prey_n hover_v over_o we_o continual_o and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o catch_v away_o immediate_o those_o good_a instruction_n instill_a into_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v grow_v into_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o which_o they_o see_v lie_v scatter_v and_o unregarded_a by_o we_o and_o unobserved_a throw_v in_o their_o place_n the_o seed_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o like_o ill_a weed_n will_v flourish_v any_o where_n and_o grow_v apace_o thus_o heedless_a of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n must_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v but_o by_o recollection_n of_o thought_n advert_v close_o to_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exclude_v all_o wander_a and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o careful_o gather_v up_o those_o notion_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v scatter_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o some_o order_n and_o connexion_n and_o 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be_v scorch_a and_o wither_v away_o because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n that_o be_v as_o our_o lord_n interpret_v it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o only_o to_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o have_v a_o extempore_o superficial_a religion_n and_o believe_v and_o obey_v only_o for_o a_o while_n but_o likewise_o to_o endure_v and_o not_o be_v offend_v or_o discourage_v though_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n nor_o to_o fall_v away_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o rocky_a hearer_n that_o perhaps_o be_v well_o enough_o please_v to_o be_v handsomse_o tell_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o hear_v a_o well-penned_a sermon_n and_o for_o the_o present_a ready_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o what_o be_v discourse_v to_o they_o and_o believe_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o live_v as_o become_v christian_n and_o rejoice_v at_o the_o news_n of_o be_v freeed_o from_o the_o tyranny_n 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this_o good_a affection_n to_o religion_n but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o at_o the_o bottom_n be_v impenetrable_a as_o a_o rock_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o shoot_v so_o deep_a into_o their_o heart_n and_o take_v so_o firm_a a_o root_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o fruitfulness_n and_o increase_n their_o spring_n be_v quick_o over_o a_o blade_n or_o a_o stalk_v be_v the_o far_a progress_n their_o religion_n make_v and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o when_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o or_o any_o opposition_n to_o it_o either_o without_o from_o man_n or_o from_o the_o devil_n temptation_n within_o for_o want_v of_o deepness_n of_o earth_n and_o moisture_n they_o fall_v and_o wither_v away_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o they_o to_o do_v but_o to_o receive_v the_o promise_n they_o will_v with_o joy_n indeed_o give_v ear_n to_o the_o glorious_a description_n 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the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n strike_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o too_o often_o the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o man_n grow_v more_o harden_v and_o insensible_a than_o ever_o those_o therefore_o that_o find_v themselves_o of_o this_o rocky_a temper_n so_o difficult_a to_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o so_o ready_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o theory_n of_o it_o admire_v the_o promise_n of_o christianity_n but_o find_v great_a resistance_n in_o their_o breast_n when_o the_o word_n will_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a and_o fruitful_a piety_n these_o person_n be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o endeavour_v still_o
yet_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o mind_v other_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o danger_n and_o heedless_o fall_v into_o it_o and_o so_o a_o man_n may_v habitual_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o pit_n of_o bottomless_a destruction_n which_o will_v at_o length_n swallow_v up_o the_o incorrigible_o wicked_a and_o yet_o be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o it_o till_o it_o be_v too_o late_a but_o suppose_v some_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v innumerable_a more_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o live_v according_o and_o the_o harmony_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o practice_n methinks_v shall_v be_v a_o better_a argument_n in_o the_o affirmative_a than_o the_o infidelity_n and_o debauchery_n of_o a_o few_o titular_a christian_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o though_o to_o a_o man_n that_o style_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o believe_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o he_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o nothing_o yet_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v real_o and_o indeed_o a_o fiction_n for_o that_o may_v be_v assure_o true_a and_o that_o to_o their_o cost_n which_o some_o man_n dont_fw-fr care_n to_o believe_v thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o go_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o though_o some_o be_v much_o scandalize_v at_o it_o and_o raise_v a_o objection_n from_o it_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n that_o make_v a_o christian_n he_o only_o be_v a_o christian_a indeed_o that_o to_o a_o right_a belief_n adjoin_v good_a work_n the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o good_a seed_n 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impression_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n upon_o man_n soul_n to_o divert_v they_o from_o attend_v to_o its_o great_a beauty_n and_o excellency_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o duration_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o here_o lie_v the_o only_a scene_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o a_o future_a felicity_n or_o misery_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o amuse_v and_o frighten_v child_n withal_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n be_v give_v we_o that_o we_o may_v gratify_v they_o to_o the_o full_a and_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o mortify_v ourselves_o be_v the_o most_o unnatural_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v make_v ourselves_o happy_a while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o not_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o uncertain_a reversion_n and_o when_o he_o can_v whole_o blot_v out_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n than_o he_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v it_o by_o persuade_v we_o that_o a_o very_a little_a religion_n will_v serve_v turn_n see_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o so_o merciful_a a_o god_n and_o if_o by_o these_o mean_n or_o the_o like_a of_o which_o he_o have_v great_a variety_n he_o can_v incline_v man_n if_o not_o entire_o to_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n yet_o like_o tare_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o name_n and_o appearance_n of_o christian_n and_o live_v at_o loose_a and_o random_n and_o follow_v the_o stream_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o desire_n and_o his_o sly_a insinuation_n and_o tempt_a delusion_n then_o he_o have_v his_o end_n and_o will_v at_o length_n cheat_v they_o of_o the_o happiness_n that_o christ_n design_v they_o and_o decoy_n they_o into_o his_o own_o possession_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o portion_n of_o tare_n and_o noxious_a weed_n that_o furnace_n of_o fire_n prepare_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o angel_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o tender_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n we_o must_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o observant_a that_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o this_o our_o great_a enemy_n whatever_o will_v disparage_v religion_n or_o lessen_v the_o obligation_n to_o a_o good_a life_n come_v certain_o from_o that_o infernal_a tempter_n the_o temptation_n to_o a_o excessive_a gratification_n of_o our_o bodily_a appetite_n assure_o come_v from_o he_o the_o opportunity_n of_o vice_n be_v of_o his_o dispose_n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o engage_v we_o in_o so_o great_a a_o love_n and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v reject_v with_o the_o great_a abomination_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o happiness_n and_o involve_v we_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o bless_a motion_n that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o often_o feel_v to_o a_o more_o pious_a and_o holy_a conversation_n must_v be_v thankful_o embrace_v and_o cheerful_o follow_v as_o the_o direction_n and_o excitation_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n to_o what_o be_v conducive_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n they_o be_v those_o heavenly_a dew_n which_o will_v refresh_v our_o soul_n and_o improve_v their_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o holiness_n and_o if_o sincere_o cooperate_v with_o will_v at_o length_n bring_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o perfection_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o bad_a and_o good_a under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n as_o good_a corn_n and_o weed_n together_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o field_n of_o corn_n and_o that_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o good_a and_o evil_a respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n together_o with_o the_o improvement_n of_o each_o consideration_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o before_o i_o quite_o leave_v this_o particular_a i_o shall_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o promiscuous_a mixture_n of_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o god_n suffering_n it_o to_o be_v so_o without_o any_o extraordinary_a discrimination_n from_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o some_o to_o object_n as_o too_o many_o do_v against_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o our_o church_n because_o as_o they_o say_v we_o admit_v any_o that_o will_v come_v even_o those_o that_o have_v be_v scandalous_a liver_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o solemnity_n be_v profane_v and_o make_v less_o beneficial_a to_o the_o good_a but_o now_o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v that_o we_o admit_v any_o that_o will_v come_v though_o man_n of_o ill_a life_n i_o say_v not_o grant_v this_o for_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o false_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o exhortation_n to_o the_o communicant_n before_o and_o at_o the_o solemnity_n and_o from_o the_o rubric_n of_o that_o office_n and_o from_o the_o 26_o 27_o and_o 28_o cannon_n of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o minister_n be_v express_o forbid_v to_o admit_v notorious_a offender_n schismatic_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o communion_n but_o suppose_v this_o which_o be_v so_o evident_o false_a as_o to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v true_a as_o to_o some_o particular_a minister_n why_o must_v communicate_v with_o such_o minister_n and_o as_o we_o think_v in_o such_o profane_a company_n be_v unchristian_o abstain_v from_o and_o the_o minister_n declaim_v against_o with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n at_o this_o rate_n they_o may_v as_o well_o desert_a the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o any_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o no_o doubt_n but_o ill_a man_n be_v intermxied_a in_o all_o though_o they_o may_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o if_o their_o company_n
may_v i_o always_o so_o attend_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o the_o constant_a inspection_n of_o thy_o holy_a angel_n and_o glorious_a self_n in_o all_o my_o way_n as_o not_o to_o dare_v to_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n in_o thy_o presence_n who_o see_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o expose_v my_o vileness_n to_o those_o excellent_a spirit_n and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o confusion_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o goat_n and_o the_o swine_n shall_v be_v discover_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o o_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o alacrity_n of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n in_o thy_o service_n and_o for_o thy_o glory_n may_v put_v i_o upon_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o do_v thy_o will_n on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n that_o so_o when_o the_o great_a harvest_n shall_v come_v and_o thou_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o angelic_a reaper_n gather_v you_o together_o first_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v my_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n i_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o that_o terrible_a day_n and_o be_v receive_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o grant_n o_o bless_a jesus_n i_o most_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o amen_n parable_n iii_o of_o the_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n matth._n xiii_o 45_o 46_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o by_o this_o and_o the_o parable_n immediate_o before_o it_o of_o a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n which_o when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v he_o hide_v and_o for_o joy_n thereof_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v represent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o be_v without_o the_o inward_a power_n and_o life_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o pearl_n of_o so_o great_a price_n so_o immense_a a_o treasure_n that_o nothing_o here_o below_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o david_n express_v it_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o than_o much_o find_v gold_n and_o he_o profess_v that_o himself_o have_v more_o delight_n in_o god_n commandment_n than_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o riches_n and_o solomon_n say_v almost_o in_o the_o word_n of_o these_o parable_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n or_o religion_n for_o the_o merchandise_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o merchandise_n of_o silver_n and_o the_o gain_n thereof_o than_o of_o find_v gold_n etc._n prov._n 3.13_o etc._n etc._n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n such_o great_a thing_n as_o these_o be_v speak_v of_o religion_n by_o those_o that_o best_o know_v its_o excellency_n and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o very_o backward_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o prefer_v every_o little_a worldly_a good_a before_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n to_o which_o all_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n can_v afford_v be_v not_o comparable_a and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o delusion_n be_v so_o fatal_a no_o less_o than_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o by_o due_a consideration_n to_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o no_o long_o childish_o dote_v upon_o empty_a gaye_n and_o trifle_n and_o neglect_v what_o be_v of_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a good_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o the_o parable_n above_o recite_v to_o weigh_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n against_o all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o reason_n that_o upon_o a_o fair_a experiment_n we_o may_v see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a and_o according_o be_v convince_v which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o choice_n and_o then_o if_o we_o still_o retain_v our_o affection_n for_o the_o world_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o we_o act_v more_o like_a brute_n than_o man_n and_o that_o we_o deserve_v to_o feel_v the_o consequence_n of_o our_o unreasonable_a and_o wicked_a choice_n and_o taste_v no_o other_o happiness_n than_o what_o this_o unsatisfy_a empty_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o we_o will_v not_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a when_o we_o may_v first_o then_o let_v we_o see_v what_o the_o whole_a that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v will_v amount_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o eph._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o these_o three_o may_v be_v reduce_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o be_v valuable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v pleasure_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n riches_n great_a plenty_n and_o abundance_n and_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n this_o be_v that_o trinity_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n adore_v and_o impatient_o desire_v and_o place_v their_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o of_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n we_o will_v now_o inquire_v what_o they_o amount_v to_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o the_o world_n and_o first_o to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n method_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v general_o first_fw-mi in_o man_n esteem_n and_o for_o which_o they_o be_v often_o content_a to_o part_v with_o the_o other_o two_n now_o these_o may_v be_v rank_v in_o this_o order_n viz._n the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o luxurious_a eat_v and_o drink_v and_o of_o great_a jollity_n and_o mirth_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v all_o high_o grateful_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v this_o in_o general_a of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v to_o enjoy_v they_o the_o more_o insipid_a still_o they_o grow_v to_o he_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o their_o own_o empty_a nature_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o consequent_a disability_n to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o old_a barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n 19.35_o 2_o sam._n 19.35_o can_v i_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n when_o he_o invite_v he_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o court._n and_o what_o happiness_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o unsatisfy_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v it_o not_o after_o a_o few_o year_n we_o shall_v be_v incapable_a of_o enjoy_v but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o uncleanness_n whatever_o man_n expectation_n may_v be_v of_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n from_o they_o they_o can_v but_o find_v by_o their_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o disappointment_n in_o they_o and_o the_o pleasure_n much_o great_a in_o imagination_n than_o reality_n they_o be_v indeed_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o often_o make_v man_n miserable_a even_o here_o but_o never_o happy_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n only_o say_v not_o prove_v and_o the_o cinical_a conclusion_n of_o a_o freeze_a dispirited_a student_n who_o narrow_a course_n of_o life_n have_v make_v he_o a_o stranger_n to_o such_o sort_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o give_v a_o worse_a character_n of_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v i_o shall_v vouch_v the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n who_o fill_v the_o throne_n of_o a_o rich_a and_o flourish_a kingdom_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o but_o god_n for_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o his_o desire_n perfect_o
sow_v these_o tare_n because_o he_o be_v the_o busy_a prompter_n to_o vice_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o great_a encourager_n of_o it_o by_o his_o sly_a and_o wheedle_a insinuation_n and_o wicked_a injection_n he_o be_v that_o great_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n heavenly_a and_o good_a and_o who_o constant_a endeavour_v it_o be_v to_o oppose_v and_o weaken_v the_o kingdom_n of_o righteousness_n and_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o to_o establish_v his_o infernal_a dominion_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o harvest_n because_o then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n gather_v all_o man_n from_o off_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o dispose_v they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n into_o a_o new_a state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o good_a corn_n at_o harvest_n be_v take_v from_o off_o the_o ground_n and_o carryed-away_a and_o lay_v up_o in_o repository_n of_o safety_n but_o the_o tare_n and_o other_o noxious_a weed_n sever_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o bind_v up_o in_o bundle_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o reaper_n at_o this_o great_a harvest_n because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o ministry_n that_o god_n will_v execute_v his_o most_o equal_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n the_o righteous_a shall_v by_o they_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o like_o good_a corn_n be_v lay_v up_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o in_o god_n heavenly_a garner_n for_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a shall_v by_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o good_a and_o like_o vile_a tare_n be_v throw_v into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n unquenchable_a and_o thus_o much_o in_o short_a for_o the_o aptness_n of_o this_o parable_n to_o express_v the_o sense_n that_o our_o lord_n conceal_v under_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v its_o several_a part_n and_o it_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o six_o thing_n first_o it_o will_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o this_o world_n that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n as_o tare_n and_o wheat_n together_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o one_o field_n of_o corn_n and_o that_o the_o two_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o good_a and_o evil_a respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n that_o there_o will_v be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o this_o world_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o christian_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n to_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v how_o many_o there_o be_v that_o be_v christian_n by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o because_o their_o father_n be_v so_o before_o they_o and_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n procure_v their_o reception_n into_o that_o communion_n but_o seldom_o look_v any_o further_a into_o the_o reason_n and_o inducement_n to_o such_o belief_n and_o trouble_v themselves_o but_o very_o little_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o much_o less_o to_o practice_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o that_o holy_a profession_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v mahometan_n or_o jew_n have_v their_o parent_n be_v so_o and_o educate_v they_o in_o that_o way_n and_o therefore_o be_v christian_n by_o chance_n not_o choice_n and_o this_o those_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v who_o spend_v the_o whole_a six_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o drudge_a for_o the_o world_n from_o morning_n until_o night_n and_o then_o like_o tire_a beast_n when_o they_o have_v fill_v their_o belly_n without_o any_o further_a thought_n lay_v they_o down_o to_o rest_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n day_n come_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o nourishment_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o piety_n and_o goodness_n and_o their_o instruction_n in_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v of_o make_v little_o better_a use_v of_o it_o than_o their_o horse_n do_v in_o the_o stable_a rest_n from_o bodily_a labour_n and_o saunter_n and_o prate_n and_o drink_v away_o the_o day_n but_o seldom_o come_v at_o the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o instruction_n and_o if_o they_o do_v be_v as_o little_a the_o better_a for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o be_v absent_a let_v such_o consider_v before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a whether_o this_o sort_n of_o christianity_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n or_o no_o whether_o their_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n will_v save_v they_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v whether_o their_o tell_v our_o lord_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o country_n where_o his_o holy_a religion_n be_v profess_v and_o of_o such_o as_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o be_v by_o they_o present_v to_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o continue_v to_o call_v themselves_o christians_o all_o their_o life_n and_o now_o and_o then_o come_v to_o church_n as_o other_o christian_n do_v let_v they_o consider_v whether_o at_o that_o great_a day_n such_o a_o empty_a plea_n will_v be_v accept_v when_o the_o judge_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o what_o obedience_n they_o have_v pay_v to_o his_o commandment_n if_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o why_o do_v our_o lord_n say_v not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 7.14_o mat._n 7.14_o and_o why_o be_v the_o way_n say_v to_o be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v not_o be_v accept_v as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o doubtless_o it_o high_o concern_v such_o man_n to_o consider_v more_o serious_o of_o religion_n than_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o unless_o they_o think_v their_o soul_n not_o worth_a take_v care_n of_o or_o that_o the_o everlasting_a pain_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o those_o of_o repentance_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n and_o though_o for_o the_o reason_n assign_v above_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o ill_a man_n here_o go_v under_o the_o common_a name_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o title_n be_v all_o the_o christianity_n they_o can_v boast_v of_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a great_a wonder_n indeed_o if_o such_o empty_a tare_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v lay_v up_o with_o the_o good_a wheat_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n as_o much_o by_o chance_n as_o they_o become_v christian_n further_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o find_v ill_a man_n among_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n because_o man_n be_v free_a agent_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o force_n but_o only_o by_o proper_a method_n incline_v and_o persuade_v and_o those_o who_o in_o their_o infancy_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o educate_v in_o his_o discipline_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n may_v yet_o through_o the_o predominancy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o together_o with_o their_o own_o careless_a inadvertency_n be_v when_o grow_v up_o incline_v to_o live_v at_o quite_o another_o rate_n than_o christianity_n allow_v and_o though_o for_o fashion_n sake_n they_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o choose_v to_o be_v indeed_o the_o servant_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n to_o conclude_v as_o they_o do_v that_o because_o many_o that_o profess_v christianity_n live_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o it_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o cheat_n because_o do_v they_o believe_v what_o that_o religion_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o live_v in_o such_o continual_a opposition_n to_o it_o indeed_o this_o shall_v make_v all_o christian_n very_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o conversation_n lest_o they_o bring_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n as_o this_o upon_o their_o holy_a religion_n remember_v our_o lord_n word_n woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n or_o scandal_n come_v but_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o of_o a_o profession_n live_v contrary_a to_o its_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n that_o therefore_o the_o whole_a be_v a_o forgery_n for_o believe_v and_o do_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o a_o man_n may_v habitual_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o actual_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o dangerous_a pit_n in_o his_o way_n and_o
to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n a_o pleasure_n very_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a for_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o see_v and_o which_o their_o mean_a servant_n may_v have_v as_o well_o as_o they_o content_a be_v least_o of_o all_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n he_o that_o have_v much_o will_v still_o have_v more_o and_o be_v in_o frequent_a fear_n of_o lose_v what_o he_o have_v for_o riches_n be_v know_v to_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_o take_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o and_o to_o be_v in_o fear_n of_o lose_v riches_n and_o yet_o dissatisfy_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o carry_v much_o more_o of_o uneasiness_n with_o it_o than_o the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o one_o eye_n do_v of_o pleasure_n and_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o servant_n may_v take_v not_o only_o as_o much_o but_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sight_n that_o have_v none_o of_o the_o inward_a discontent_n than_o the_o proprietor_n and_o master_n that_o have_v so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 10._o 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o contentment_n with_o only_a food_n and_o raiment_n be_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n to_o so_o very_o little_a in_o reality_n do_v arise_v the_o second_o thing_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gratification_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n even_o to_o nothing_o but_o dissatisfaction_n and_o disquiet_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n come_v we_o now_o to_o examine_v the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o world_n treasure_n the_o pride_n of_o life_n or_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n and_o very_o fit_o be_v this_o style_v the_o pride_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o most_o man_n to_o be_v great_a to_o command_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o have_v much_o of_o honour_n and_o respect_v pay_v to_o they_o and_o in_o this_o they_o pride_n themselves_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o worldly_a good_a that_o they_o possess_v but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o a_o man_n can_v just_o value_v at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v monarch_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v without_o control_v from_o any_o one_o on_o earth_n and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o every_o man_n beside_o suppose_v many_o inferior_a prince_n tributary_n to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v honour_v like_o a_o mortal_a god_n suppose_v all_o this_o yet_o however_o glorious_a it_o may_v appear_v at_o a_o distance_n we_o shall_v find_v upon_o a_o close_a inspection_n that_o this_o likewise_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n for_o as_o for_o even_o a_o universal_a dominion_n unless_o the_o subject_n be_v as_o willing_a to_o obey_v as_o the_o monarch_n be_v desirous_a to_o govern_v a_o catholic_a crown_n will_v sit_v as_o uneasy_a nay_o more_o so_o than_o that_o of_o lesser_a prince_n the_o further_a a_o man_n dominion_n extend_v the_o more_o difficulty_n in_o government_n will_v occur_v the_o more_o ambitious_a and_o discontent_a spirit_n will_v there_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o keep_v in_o order_n the_o more_o secret_a conspiracy_n and_o undermine_n of_o man_n aggrieve_v and_o disoblige_v and_o that_o be_v as_o desirous_a of_o government_n as_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o throne_n can_v be_v and_o which_o will_v often_o break_v out_o to_o shake_v and_o discompose_v if_o not_o to_o overturn_v the_o present_a establishment_n and_o the_o more_o extensive_a a_o prince_n dominion_n be_v the_o more_o must_v there_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o and_o those_o man_n of_o different_z interest_n and_o inclination_n jealous_a of_o one_o another_o and_o envious_a at_o the_o supreme_a and_o more_o ready_a to_o carve_v for_o themselves_o and_o advance_v their_o own_o family_n than_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v the_o prosperity_n of_o their_o master_n this_o be_v find_v very_o true_a and_o the_o occasion_n of_o much_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o prince_n that_o have_v affair_n more_o in_o their_o own_o view_n than_o this_o universal_a monarch_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o dangerous_o must_v he_o sit_v than_o they_o and_o receive_v much_o more_o disquietude_n and_o trouble_v if_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o great_a orb_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o where_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o govern_v so_o that_o the_o most_o ample_a dominion_n be_v thick_a set_v with_o thorn_n and_o briar_n while_o enjoy_v and_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o a_o ruin_n which_o must_v perplex_v he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o with_o numberless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n and_o anxious_a thought_n how_o to_o secure_v his_o throne_n and_o he_o that_o be_v careless_a and_o unsensible_a and_o leave_v the_o fatigue_n of_o government_n to_o other_o and_o spend_v his_o day_n in_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o luxury_n be_v a_o emperor_n in_o title_n only_o and_o may_v soon_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o the_o one_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o vanity_n the_o other_o of_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o govern_v be_v a_o usual_a and_o very_a true_a say_v and_o will_v be_v so_o be_v throne_n not_o near_o so_o slippery_a as_o they_o be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v very_o much_o happy_a for_o a_o man_n never_o to_o have_v have_v such_o height_n of_o power_n and_o dominion_n than_o ever_o to_o see_v himself_o throw_v down_o and_o lay_v in_o the_o dust_n the_o very_a danger_n of_o so_o great_a a_o fall_n be_v enough_o to_o fill_v one_o breast_n with_o great_a disorder_n so_o great_a as_o that_o all_o the_o gaudery_n of_o grandeur_n shall_v lose_v their_o taste_n and_o become_v insipid_a to_o he_o and_o actual_o to_o fall_v as_o many_o glorious_a prince_n have_v already_o do_v be_v the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v experience_v upon_o earth_n the_o short_a be_v empire_n and_o dominion_n fancy_v it_o how_o great_a soever_o be_v at_o best_a very_o troublesome_a and_o disquiet_v and_o so_o uncertain_a as_o that_o it_o not_o seldom_o end_v in_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o ruin_n and_o as_o for_o the_o honour_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o glorious_a title_n low_a obeisance_n and_o the_o like_a all_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o perfect_o empty_a and_o utter_o ineffective_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o good_a and_o profitable_a to_o a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o despicable_a and_o of_o least_o regard_n and_o though_o it_o be_v fit_a inferior_n shall_v pay_v it_o where_o it_o be_v due_a yet_o unless_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o the_o mind_n attend_v that_o outward_a respect_n of_o the_o body_n a_o great_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v honour_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mockery_n and_o abuse_v that_o can_v be_v and_o because_o no_o great_a man_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o be_v inward_o reverence_v or_o no_o neither_o can_v force_v any_o man_n so_o to_o honour_v he_o against_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a weakness_n for_o he_o to_o set_v any_o great_a value_n upon_o outward_a respect_n which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v nay_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v be_v a_o affront_n rather_o than_o a_o honour_n to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v what_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n amount_v to_o have_v thus_o give_v in_o a_o impartial_a account_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o solomon_n who_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a of_o the_o sum_n total_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v that_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o any_o worth_a and_o esteem_n by_o examine_v the_o three_o particular_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o that_o be_v valuable_a in_o it_o namely_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n let_v we_o now_o weigh_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o see_v which_o do_v preponderate_a which_o be_v the_o most_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a good_a and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n do_v wise_o or_o no_o in_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o he_o may_v purchase_v this_o pearl_n and_o be_v master_n of_o this_o treasure_n and_o we_o shall_v consider_v religion_n in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n what_o be_v of_o great_a esteem_n than_o peace_n and_o quietness_n contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o
either_o whole_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o poison_n and_o instead_o of_o disarm_v a_o misfortune_n by_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a disposal_n of_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o all_o thing_n add_v a_o thousand_o sharp_a thing_n to_o it_o and_o make_v that_o become_v intolerable_a which_o religion_n will_v have_v make_v to_o sit_v light_n and_o easy_a again_o content_a be_v destroy_v by_o irreligion_n because_o it_o persuade_v man_n that_o their_o whole_a interest_n lie_v here_o below_o either_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o another_o world_n or_o else_o by_o engage_v they_o so_o fast_o to_o this_o as_o to_o hinder_v their_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v great_a eagerness_n in_o acquire_v these_o low_a good_n impatient_a desire_n of_o still_o more_o and_o more_o of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o in_o which_o be_v concentre_v their_o whole_a happiness_n and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o amid_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n that_o attend_v these_o sublunary_a thing_n but_o a_o world_n of_o trouble_n and_o discontent_n answerable_a to_o those_o numerous_a cross_a accident_n and_o disappointment_n which_o every_o condition_n be_v full_a of_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a every_o unlucky_a hit_v to_o such_o man_n be_v like_o a_o dagger_n stab_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n for_o that_o which_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o as_o his_o chief_a good_a he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v to_o have_v lessen_v and_o impair_v and_o the_o world_n be_v so_o full_a of_o such_o vexatious_a mishap_n how_o full_a of_o wound_n must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o ungodly_a worldling_n and_o as_o content_v so_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v much_o more_o than_o a_o submissive_a acquiescence_n in_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o suppose_v a_o happiness_n that_o be_v complete_a and_o full_a this_o be_v a_o blessing_n which_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n can_v ever_o make_v the_o soul_n experience_n and_o he_o only_o that_o have_v learned_a to_o make_v god_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o desire_n can_v indeed_o know_v what_o satisfaction_n be_v for_o every_o thing_n beside_o god_n be_v unsatisfy_v because_o flit_a and_o momentary_a and_o very_o imperfect_a and_o empty_a of_o that_o infinite_a good_a which_o be_v the_o only_a adequate_a object_n of_o that_o infinite_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n be_v so_o constant_o disappoint_v in_o their_o expectation_n of_o happiness_n from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a let_v they_o continual_o have_v what_o they_o desire_v which_o yet_o be_v too_o much_o to_o be_v rational_o suppose_v of_o any_o man_n and_o enjoy_v it_o full_o and_o without_o control_v yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v something_o want_v to_o complete_a their_o happiness_n something_o that_o they_o desire_v still_o further_o and_o so_o the_o soul_n be_v continual_o balk_v of_o her_o expectation_n and_o still_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o happiness_n and_o continual_a long_n and_o desire_n and_o as_o continual_a disappointment_n be_v her_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v more_o uneasy_a and_o vexatious_a than_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o this_o what_o more_o deplorable_a than_o even_o by_o fruition_n itself_o to_o be_v make_v unhappy_a what_o other_o refuge_n have_v the_o miserable_a soul_n in_o this_o case_n than_o to_o take_v off_o her_o affection_n from_o these_o empty_a nothing_o here_o below_o and_z as_o religion_n direct_v fix_v they_o upon_o he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a and_o will_v abide_v the_o test_n of_o a_o eternal_a fruition_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a satisfaction_n because_o there_o be_v no_o real_a good_a that_o we_o can_v possible_o desire_v but_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o time_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n all_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v fill_v with_o a_o infinite_a good_a and_o entire_o rest_v in_o it_o as_o in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o happiness_n three_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_o conducive_a to_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n in_o it_o long_o life_n and_o health_n be_v that_o which_o all_o people_n natural_o covet_v and_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a blessing_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o long_a man_n live_v and_o the_o more_o vigorous_a they_o be_v the_o long_o and_o more_o full_o they_o enjoy_v or_o at_o least_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o with_o too_o many_o be_v the_o main_a consideration_n but_o likewise_o and_o chief_o because_o they_o have_v more_o time_n and_o great_a opportunity_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o eternal_a life_n to_o come_v and_o heap_v up_o still_o great_a treasure_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o this_o great_a blessing_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o help_v a_o man_n to_o than_o religion_n for_o first_o it_o engage_v man_n to_o live_v regular_o and_o temperate_o moderate_v the_o appetite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o curb_v the_o exorbitant_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o allow_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfortable_a support_n of_o nature_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o those_o many_o destructive_a disease_n which_o be_v always_o the_o attendant_n of_o excess_n how_o many_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n by_o labour_n and_o course_n fare_v protract_v their_o day_n than_o of_o the_o rich_a who_o live_v in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o poor_a man_n scanty_a fortune_n will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o exceed_v but_o keep_v he_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o temperance_n and_o force_v he_o to_o be_v content_a with_o a_o little_a whereas_o the_o rich_a have_v many_o and_o great_a temptation_n to_o luxury_n and_o excess_n and_o seldom_o be_v so_o religious_a as_o to_o resist_v they_o and_o so_o too_o frequent_o feel_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n and_o live_v out_o but_o half_o their_o day_n but_o now_o religion_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a poverty_n and_o help_v man_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o a_o mean_a condition_n though_o rich_a and_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o and_o by_o introduce_v temperance_n and_o moderation_n into_o the_o family_n of_o the_o wealthy_a bring_v with_o it_o health_n and_o long_a life_n which_o otherwise_o will_v seldom_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o cottage_n of_o the_o poor_a again_o religion_n be_v great_o conducive_a to_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n because_o it_o regulate_v the_o passion_n keep_v the_o soul_n quiet_a and_o in_o a_o calm_a which_o have_v no_o little_a influence_n upon_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v very_o much_o affect_v the_o body_n be_v undeniable_a and_o when_o they_o be_v excessive_a nothing_o more_o shake_v and_o discompose_v the_o whole_a man._n even_o joy_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v innocent_a enough_o have_v sometime_o be_v so_o violent_a as_o to_o overcharge_v person_n and_o leave_v they_o dead_a and_o grief_n have_v be_v often_o fatal_a and_o envy_n be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o consumption_n and_o leave_v visible_a token_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o countenance_n and_o love_n have_v have_v many_o martyr_n and_o anger_n be_v a_o great_a impoverisher_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o oftentimes_o make_v a_o man_n his_o own_o executioner_n and_o engage_v in_o such_o scuffle_n and_o hot_a inconsiderate_a action_n as_o not_o seldom_o end_v in_o wound_n and_o death_n every_o excess_n of_o passion_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o be_v natural_o a_o great_a impairer_n of_o health_n at_o least_o and_o the_o often_o repetition_n of_o it_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v it_o nature_n not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v such_o violent_a concussion_n long_o without_o be_v much_o weaken_a and_o shatter_v by_o they_o like_o the_o wall_n of_o a_o castle_n which_o how_o strong_a soever_o will_v receive_v damage_n by_o every_o furious_a battery_n and_o unless_o relieve_v must_v at_o length_n fall_v before_o the_o cannon_n irresistible_a force_n but_o now_o religion_n prevent_v all_o this_o mischief_n and_o by_o regulate_v and_o reduce_v to_o moderation_n these_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v the_o mind_n calm_a and_o quiet_a and_o keep_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o aequipoise_n and_o the_o body_n consequent_o be_v undisturbed_a feel_v no_o violence_n nor_o
the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o ruin_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o he_o that_o count_v all_o these_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o this_o earth_n can_v afford_v he_o for_o the_o joy_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n hereafter_o he_o that_o prefer_v the_o world_n in_o his_o choice_n deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o part_n with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n for_o pleasure_n that_o do_v deserve_v that_o name_n they_o be_v so_o empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a he_o bring_v most_o exquisite_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n upon_o his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o a_o very_a short_a live_v imperfect_a gratification_n of_o his_o brutal_a part_n only_o and_o purchase_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n by_o make_v himself_o unhappy_a in_o this_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o as_o much_o as_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o be_v like_o the_o devil_n in_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o much_o as_o satisfaction_n be_v better_a than_o disappointment_n peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o content_a than_o vexation_n and_o continual_a disturbance_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n a_o confirm_a health_n and_o long_a life_n than_o the_o disease_n and_o hasty_a death_n that_o follow_v debauchery_n and_o the_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o happy_a with_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a god_n in_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n than_o the_o confound_a dread_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n as_o much_o as_o immortality_n be_v more_o to_o be_v prize_v than_o a_o life_n of_o a_o span_n long_o and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o chief_a good_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o swine_n of_o so_o much_o gerater_n value_n be_v religion_n than_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o indeed_o the_o only_a desirable_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v be_v true_a the_o application_n be_v easy_a if_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o precious_a let_v we_o make_v it_o more_o and_o more_o our_o endeavour_n to_o enrich_v our_o soul_n with_o this_o treasure_n to_o adorn_v our_o rational_a nature_n with_o this_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n and_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n think_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o part_v with_o that_o we_o may_v purchase_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o will_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n for_o sound_a wisdom_n as_o the_o wise_a king_n express_v it_o 3.18_o prov._n 3.18_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o happy_a be_v every_o one_o that_o retain_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o oranment_n of_o grace_n 4.9_o prov._n 4.9_o and_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o find_v this_o pearl_n must_v not_o only_o wish_v and_o desire_n but_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n diligent_o seek_v it_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v our_o lord_n 5._o pro._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o seek_v wisdom_n as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v not_o acquire_v without_o diligence_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o soul_n must_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o all_o evil_a habit_n must_v be_v break_v and_o root_v up_o and_o pious_a disposition_n plant_v in_o their_o room_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n change_v by_o repentance_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n become_v pliable_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o divine_a likeness_n can_v be_v form_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o enable_v we_o to_o go_v thus_o far_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o yet_o our_o own_o concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n with_o his_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o bless_a work_n of_o regeneration_n to_o perfection_n a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o prevent_a grace_n will_v grieve_v and_o quench_v that_o life-giving_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o soul_n shall_v know_v no_o more_o of_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o be_v invite_v to_o it_o but_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o may_v have_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o treasure_n but_o it_o will_v not_o but_o when_o a_o soul_n with_o joy_n embrace_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v it_o her_o great_a endeavour_n to_o remove_v all_o obstacle_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n and_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o new_a degree_n of_o righteousness_n this_o soul_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v be_v visible_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n but_o this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o watchful_a persevere_v diligence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o within_o and_o without_o to_o this_o great_a business_n that_o like_o nehemiah_n labourer_n 5.17_o neh._n 5.17_o we_o must_v work_v with_o our_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o fight_v and_o strive_v that_o we_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o building_n of_o a_o live_a temple_n for_o our_o god_n and_o make_v our_o soul_n house_n of_o prayer_n adorn_v with_o religious_a affection_n and_o sit_v to_o receive_v he_o that_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o that_o be_v thus_o diligent_a shall_v grow_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o daily_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o he_o till_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o then_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o religion_n shall_v for_o ever_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o nothing_o remain_v for_o the_o happy_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o enjoy_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o let_v we_o all_o therefore_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o this_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o our_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o add_v frequent_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o wisdom_n from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o alacrity_n run_v with_o diligence_n and_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n 2._o heb._n 12.1_o 2._o and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n remember_v that_o we_o also_o shall_v reap_v in_o due_a season_n if_o we_o faint_v not_o and_o if_o we_o part_v with_o all_o the_o vile_a affection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a in_o preparation_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v any_o worldly_a loss_n even_o to_o that_o of_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o shall_v find_v such_o a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o will_v abundant_o compensate_a all_o our_o suffering_n here_o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n happy_a be_v the_o exchange_n of_o all_o that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v for_o a_o jewel_n of_o so_o great_a price_n as_o religion_n and_o for_o such_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o bliss_n as_o be_v reserve_v to_o reward_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n what_o be_v our_o great_a interest_n therefore_o let_v we_o before_o all_o thing_n pursue_v and_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o let_v our_o heart_n be_v also_o the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a jesus_n who_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o emptiness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o withal_o to_o declare_v god_n purpose_n of_o receive_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n upon_o their_o despise_n and_o reject_v that_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o moreover_o that_o whoever_o make_v profession_n of_o christianity_n must_v live_v agreeable_o and_o be_v conformable_a to_o all_o its_o holy_a law_n or_o else_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v more_o deplorable_a than_o ever_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o first_o intention_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o have_v another_o aspect_n which_o be_v entire_o christian_a and_o be_v full_a of_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n to_o we_o that_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v very_o apt_o expressive_a of_o these_o four_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n first_o it_o be_v lively_a expressive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n as_o represent_v it_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o wedding_n supper_n second_o of_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v forth_o other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n three_o it_o very_o apt_o express_v what_o kind_n of_o reception_n this_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n represent_v here_o by_o man_n make_n light_a of_o the_o invitation_n to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o offer_v excuse_n such_o as_o of_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o a_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o of_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n will_v engage_v their_o time_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v and_o according_o go_v their_o own_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n and_o another_o to_o his_o merchandise_n and_o the_o rest_n take_v those_o servant_n that_o come_v to_o invite_v they_o and_o entreat_v they_o spiteful_o and_o slay_v they_o four_o it_o express_v how_o sad_a their_o condition_n will_v be_v that_o either_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v to_o yet_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v the_o preacher_n of_o it_o or_o else_o though_o they_o do_v profess_v it_o yet_o live_v not_o agreeable_o to_o it_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o king_n be_v find_v a_o man_n at_o the_o marriage_n supper_n that_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o the_o man_n be_v speechless_a upon_o it_o and_o the_o king_n be_v command_v his_o servant_n to_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o take_v he_o away_o and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o the_o former_a be_v express_v by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v wrath_n with_o those_o that_o stight_v his_o invitation_n and_o pronounce_v they_o not_o worthy_a of_o it_o and_o resolve_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o supper_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v other_o to_o the_o wedding_n and_o command_v his_o army_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n that_o have_v spiteful_o entreat_v and_o slay_v his_o servant_n and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n and_o then_o after_o all_o there_o be_v a_o general_a observation_n draw_v from_o hence_o namely_o that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v of_o each_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o order_n first_o this_o parable_n do_v very_o lively_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v here_o by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o as_o guest_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o wedding_n supper_n st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 14_o say_z that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a or_o purchase_a people_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o ephes_n 1.14_o christian_n be_v call_v the_o purchase_a possession_n in_o allusion_n i_o suppose_v both_o to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n of_o the_o man_n give_v a_o dowry_n to_o she_o who_o he_o make_v his_o wife_n thereby_o purchase_v she_o to_o himself_o as_o his_o own_o peculiar_a and_o likewise_o to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n who_o have_v a_o officer_n on_o purpose_n to_o educate_v and_o form_n and_o refine_v woman_n design_v for_o marriage_n and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o to_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v their_o husband_n agreeable_a to_o which_o be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n that_o i_o may_v present_v you_o as_o a_o pure_a and_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n and_o according_o our_o lord_n often_o compare_v himself_o to_o a_o bridegroom_n and_o his_o church_n to_o the_o bride_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n or_o the_o friend_n and_o special_a attendant_n of_o the_o bride_n and_o bridegroom_n and_o ephes_n 5.35_o christ_n love_v the_o church_n and_o give_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n by_o the_o word_n that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n and_o then_o verse_n 30._o we_o be_v member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n and_o wife_n gen._n 2.24_o they_o two_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n and_o verse_n 32._o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n the_o gospel_n then_o or_o christian_a religion_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o marriage_n make_v by_o god_n the_o glorious_a king_n of_o heaven_n for_o his_o eternal_a son_n and_o christ_n the_o promulg_a of_o this_o gospel_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v that_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o divine_a bridegroom_n and_o the_o church_n or_o those_o that_o believe_v this_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v this_o religion_n be_v the_o bride_n it_o inform_v we_o in_o general_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n be_v like_o that_o of_o marriage_n and_o make_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n and_o entitle_v to_o like_a privilege_n and_o oblige_v to_o like_a duty_n and_o be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n first_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n make_v the_o same_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o marriage_n do_v between_o man_n and_o wife_n i._n e._n the_o near_a the_o dear_a and_o likewise_o a_o inseparable_a relation_n for_o that_o marriage_n be_v the_o near_a relation_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o be_v say_v gen._n 2.24_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n it_o be_v the_o dear_a relation_n because_o a_o man_n wife_n be_v as_o himself_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n as_o eve_n be_v of_o adam_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o hate_v his_o own_o flesh_n as_o st._n paul_n have_v it_o but_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v it_o and_o man_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o wife_n as_o their_o own_o body_n and_o he_o that_o love_v his_o wife_n still_o love_v himself_o and_o it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a relation_n likewise_o for_o though_o god_n permit_v divorce_n to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o christ_n in_o some_o case_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n permit_v it_o to_o we_o christian_n yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o those_o who_o god_n have_v so_o near_o join_v together_o be_v not_o at_o first_o intend_v ever_o to_o be_v put_v a_o sunder_o but_o by_o death_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o gospel_n
lamp_n and_o make_v the_o way_n of_o the_o just_a like_o a_o shine_a light_n shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n and_o which_o when_o they_o fail_v spiritual_a darkness_n will_v follow_v as_o in_o a_o lamp_n go_v out_o and_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o be_v darkness_n say_v our_o lord_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n but_o the_o christian_a virtue_n be_v very_o apt_o represent_v by_o oil_n upon_o these_o further_a account_n first_o because_o oil_n be_v general_o reckonen_fw-mi in_o the_o eastern_a country_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o man_n riches_n and_o when_o they_o will_v express_v great_a wealth_n they_o do_v it_o by_o magnify_v the_o plenty_n of_o oil_n thus_o job_n when_o he_o reflect_v in_o his_o affliction_n upon_o his_o former_a opulent_a condition_n the_o rock_n or_o the_o stone_n jar_v that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preserve_v oil_n in_o say_v he_o pour_v i_o out_o river_n of_o oil_n job_n 29.6_o and_o the_o prophet_n micah_n when_o he_o represent_v the_o impossibility_n of_o appease_v his_o offend_a god_n even_o by_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o costly_a offer_v will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v say_v he_o with_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n micah_n 6.7_o and_o in_o abundance_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o increase_n of_o oil_n signify_v the_o increase_n of_o riches_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v a_o soul_n plentiful_o store_v with_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o we_o lie_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o become_v rich_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a true_a and_o durable_a riches_n be_v very_o apt_o represent_v by_o have_v oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n and_o our_o lamp_n second_o oil_n be_v likewise_o among_o the_o eastern_n a_o symbol_n of_o the_o great_a honour_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o bible_n where_o we_o read_v that_o at_o the_o solemn_a consecration_n and_o inauguration_n of_o king_n and_o priest_n oil_n be_v always_o use_v and_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v still_o in_o use_n with_o we_o at_o the_o coronation_n of_o our_o king_n and_o therefore_o very_o fit_a to_o represent_v those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o so_o high_o ennoble_v the_o soul_n as_o to_o render_v it_o like_v to_o god_n holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o whereby_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n we_o become_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n 1.6_o rev._n 1.6_o and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o for_o ever_o three_o oil_n be_v a_o emblem_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n and_o much_o use_v therefore_o in_o feast_n and_o entertainment_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o heathen_a writer_n but_o from_o holy_a scripture_n there_o we_o read_v of_o the_o oil_n of_o joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o direction_n concern_v fast_v bid_v his_o disciple_n not_o make_v a_o vain_a glorious_a show_n of_o it_o by_o a_o affect_a sullenness_n and_o down_o look_v disfigure_v their_o face_n as_o the_o hypocrite_n do_v but_o thou_o when_o thou_o fast_o say_v he_o anoint_v thy_o head_n that_o thou_o appear_v not_o unto_o man_n to_o fast_o i._n e._n make_v semblance_n rather_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v go_v to_o a_o feast_n and_o david_n when_o he_o recount_v god_n goodness_n to_o he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n thou_o have_v prepare_v a_o table_n for_o i_o thou_o have_v anoint_v my_o head_n with_o oil_n and_o my_o cup_n run_v over_o psal_n 23.5_o which_o signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o condition_n in_o general_a as_o well_o as_o his_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n many_o other_o place_n there_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o fit_o those_o christian_a grace_n be_v express_v by_o oil_n which_o cause_n the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o holy_a soul_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n and_o unspeakable_a delight_n sincere_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o cheer_v thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n a_o continual_a feast_n indeed_o to_o rejoice_v be_v only_o proper_a for_o a_o good_a christian_a who_o mind_n be_v clear_a and_o undisturbed_a and_o in_o constant_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v rack_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o deep_a gild_n and_o feel_v the_o lash_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n and_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o unexpressible_a fear_n of_o damnation_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o have_v joy_n or_o comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n oil_n therefore_o or_o the_o emblem_n of_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n be_v of_o nothing_o more_o apt_o expressive_a than_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n who_o way_n alone_o be_v indeed_o way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o joy_n by_o the_o virgin_n all_o slumber_v and_o sleep_v while_o the_o bridegroom_n tarry_v be_v signify_v the_o inadvertency_n and_o frailty_n of_o even_o the_o best_a of_o men._n because_o this_o divine_a bridegroom_n delay_v his_o come_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o too_o apt_a to_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o to_o think_v but_o little_a upon_o death_n and_o judgement_n as_o thing_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o for_o which_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o provide_v hereafter_o and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a advertency_n to_o these_o rouse_a subject_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o grow_v heavy_a in_o our_o religious_a performance_n and_o suffer_v spiritual_a drowsiness_n to_o creep_v too_o much_o upon_o we_o this_o make_v holy_a david_n call_v upon_o god_n so_o often_o to_o quicken_v he_o in_o his_o righteousness_n and_o st_n paul_n to_o exhort_v his_o corinthian_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o thus_o to_o rouse_v the_o ephesian_n awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v 5.14_o eph._n 5.14_o and_o in_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n though_o the_o unavoidable_a frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n will_v in_o part_n be_v accept_v as_o our_o excuse_n by_o our_o merciful_a saviour_n who_o know_v and_o pity_v our_o infirmity_n yet_o even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o too_o much_o and_o enter_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n and_o endanger_v the_o extinction_n of_o our_o lamp_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o many_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o frequent_a fall_n for_o this_o inadvertency_n to_o that_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o even_o the_o righteous_a fall_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n whereas_o will_v we_o often_o set_v our_o lord_n before_o we_o as_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o reflect_v that_o perhaps_o the_o next_o hour_n our_o soul_n may_v be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o he_o that_o give_v it_o and_o so_o a_o end_n put_v for_o ever_o to_o our_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n soon_o after_o be_v pass_v upon_o we_o according_a to_o our_o deserve_n we_o shall_v not_o dare_v to_o be_v so_o often_o move_v from_o our_o duty_n but_o be_v careful_a and_o circumspect_a and_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n lest_o that_o day_n surprise_v we_o unaware_o and_o while_o we_o drouze_v away_o our_o opportunity_n our_o lamp_n go_v out_o and_o the_o bridegroom_n call_v before_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o marriage_n chamber_n and_o so_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v it_o therefore_o high_o concern_v even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o not_o to_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a have_v our_o loin_n gird_v about_o and_o our_o light_n burn_v as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o and_o ourselves_o like_a unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v we_o may_v open_v to_o he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v thus_o watch_v i_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o etc._n luke_n 12.35_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o bridegroom_n will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o i._n e._n will_v impart_v to_o they_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o watch_n that_o be_v in_o the_o time_n most_o addict_v to_o vanity_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o be_v youth_n and_o manhood_n bless_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v those_o servant_n and_o what_o the_o angel_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n rev._n 3.2_o be_v very_o
be_v the_o devil_n the_o harvest_n be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reaper_n be_v the_o angel_n as_o therefore_o the_o tare_n be_v gather_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o fire_n so_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v send_v forth_o his_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o thing_n that_o offend_v and_o they_o that_o do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n from_o this_o interpretation_n of_o this_o parable_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o sincere_o good_a and_o terror_n of_o the_o hypocritical_a that_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o wicked_a professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v christian_n only_o in_o name_n and_o outside_n and_o who_o in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v confuse_o intermix_v among_o the_o good_a and_o go_v undiscovered_a of_o man_n and_o unpunished_a of_o god_n nay_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v here_o more_o than_o the_o good_a and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n whilst_o the_o sincere_o good_a undergo_v many_o affliction_n and_o appear_v to_o man_n to_o be_v under_o god_n displeasure_n yet_o in_o the_o great_a harvest_n that_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o distinction_n make_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o hypocritical_a shall_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o former_a consign_v to_o ever_o last_a burn_n and_o the_o latter_a receive_v into_o the_o heavenly_a region_n the_o place_n prepare_v for_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o shall_v now_o brief_o consider_v how_o apt_o expressive_a it_o be_v of_o this_o sense_n and_o then_o discourse_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convert_v man_n to_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sow_v of_o seed_n because_o as_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o former_a parable_n the_o gospel_n like_o seed_n be_v that_o principle_n of_o a_o future_a great_a increase_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v that_o which_o if_o sincere_o embrace_v and_o its_o growth_n and_o progress_n not_o hinder_v will_v spring_v up_o to_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o seed_n sow_o or_o commit_v to_o the_o furrow_n and_o then_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n and_o the_o favourable_a influence_n of_o heaven_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v actual_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o to_o particular_a person_n leave_v to_o make_v its_o way_n by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o its_o transcendent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n together_o with_o the_o constant_a dew_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n that_o attend_v it_o without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a mean_n unless_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n to_o make_v it_o take_v root_n and_o fructify_v it_o be_v general_o propose_v to_o all_o in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n which_o be_v the_o sow_v of_o it_o and_o then_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n whether_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o with_o its_o promise_n or_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o its_o threat_n without_o any_o irresistible_a force_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o only_o the_o small_a still_a voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o man_n heart_n and_o grace_n descend_v like_o the_o gentle_a dew_n to_o soften_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o cherish_v this_o good_a seed_n which_o be_v the_o leave_v the_o gospel_n to_o its_o own_o seminal_a power_n with_o only_a the_o benign_a water_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n our_o lord_n be_v call_v the_o sour_a of_o the_o good_a seed_n because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o teacher_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n and_o its_o validity_n to_o the_o great_a purpose_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v depend_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o invigorate_n virtue_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n by_o his_o death_n that_o he_o receive_v authority_n to_o mark_v out_o to_o we_o this_o way_n to_o life_n and_o reconciliation_n as_o the_o only_a principle_n and_o seed_n of_o immortality_n the_o world_n be_v call_v the_o field_n where_o this_o seed_n be_v sow_o because_o this_o bless_a religion_n be_v catholic_a and_o universal_a not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n or_o people_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v but_o whosoever_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o people_n soever_o shall_v believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o repent_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o agreeable_o in_o another_o parable_n which_o for_o its_o great_a analogy_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n 13.47_o mat._n 13.47_o not_o any_o particular_a lake_n or_o river_n and_o this_o world_n be_v style_v the_o field_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a place_n of_o receive_v this_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a and_o expect_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o receive_v this_o divine_a seed_n now_o while_o he_o continue_v here_o or_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n shall_v never_o have_v the_o like_a opportunity_n again_o but_o suffer_v for_o ever_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v to_o obstinate_a infidelity_n or_o barren_a unfruitfulness_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a field_n this_o life_n the_o only_a seedtime_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o come_v that_o one_o great_a harvest_n which_o shall_v consign_v man_n to_o a_o eternal_a condition_n either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o their_o barrenness_n or_o fruitfulness_n during_o this_o time_n and_o in_o this_o place_n of_o growth_n and_o increase_n the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a christian_n entire_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o great_a master_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o precede_a parable_n these_o be_v themselves_o likewise_o compare_v to_o good_a seed_n because_o they_o have_v a_o substantial_a piety_n the_o power_n as_o well_o as_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o godliness_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o their_o holy_a religion_n that_o divine_a seed_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n have_v produce_v not_o only_o the_o blade_n in_o the_o ear_n but_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n the_o same_o kind_a of_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o appear_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o spirit_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o holiness_n produce_v real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v good_a seed_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o holiness_n and_o true_o pious_a man_n be_v likewise_o call_v good_a seed_n as_o the_o genuine_a product_n and_o increase_v of_o that_o first_o principle_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o good_a seed_n sow_o and_o the_o sincere_o religious_a be_v the_o good_a seed_n as_o spring_v from_o it_o and_o be_v produce_v by_o it_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o or_o the_o hypocritical_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v compare_v to_o tare_n or_o gockle_n because_o they_o have_v only_o a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o religion_n as_o tare_n and_o cockle_n have_v of_o corn_n but_o like_o they_o no_o substance_n of_o good_a corn_n none_o of_o the_o real_a excellency_n of_o religion_n nothing_o but_o hurtful_a and_o vicious_a quality_n as_o tare_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hurtful_a to_o themselves_o in_o the_o final_a consequence_n as_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o miserable_a a_o end_n and_o hurtful_a to_o other_o by_o their_o ill_a neighbourhood_n and_o converse_n as_o tare_n to_o wheat_n and_o likewise_o injurious_a to_o the_o holy_a religion_n they_o profess_v as_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o it_o by_o their_o scandalous_a conversation_n upon_o all_o account_n it_o be_v infoelix_fw-la lolium_fw-la as_o the_o poet_n call_v it_o unhappy_a tare_n they_o be_v that_o bring_v dishonour_n upon_o god_n and_o destruction_n upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o fit_o style_v the_o enemy_n that_o
will_v unhallow_a and_o make_v ineffecutal_a one_o duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o a_o separation_n be_v admit_v upon_o such_o account_n as_o as_o these_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o external_a communion_n of_o saint_n because_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o world_n that_o the_o bad_a will_v be_v intermix_v with_o the_o good_a as_o tare_n be_v in_o a_o field_n of_o wheat_n and_o as_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o particular_a minister_n i_o charitable_o hope_v none_o do_v admit_v of_o notorious_a offender_n to_o the_o communion_n without_o receive_v satisfactory_a mark_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o by_o previous_a discourse_n or_o writing_n when_o they_o know_v of_o their_o intention_n to_o communicate_v let_v they_o know_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o receive_v unworthy_o and_o urge_v they_o to_o a_o immediate_a sincere_a repentance_n or_o else_o forbid_v they_o at_o their_o peril_n to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o will_v come_v we_o be_v to_o suppose_v in_o charity_n that_o they_o have_v repent_v except_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n see_v one_o at_o the_o table_n who_o life_n have_v in_o many_o instance_n to_o his_o knowledge_n be_v very_o faulty_a unless_o the_o crime_n have_v be_v very_o great_a and_o very_o notorious_a to_o reject_v such_o a_o one_o i_o think_v with_o submission_n will_v be_v arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a and_o may_v exasperate_v the_o man_n to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o to_o make_v he_o throw_v off_o all_o regard_n to_o religion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o exhortation_n appoint_v to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o time_n of_o celebrate_v those_o holy_a mystery_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v be_v warn_v sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o unrepentant_a to_o withdraw_v and_o if_o he_o stay_v charity_n will_v incline_v one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v penitent_a and_o if_o a_o person_n kneel_v by_o who_o perhaps_o know_v much_o more_o of_o the_o man_n course_n of_o life_n than_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v offend_v at_o his_o communicate_v one_o that_o receive_v so_o unworthy_o and_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o abstain_v from_o that_o bless_a ordinance_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o the_o future_a as_o profane_v by_o such_o mix_v company_n at_o it_o this_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a uncharitable_a and_o unnatural_a it_o be_v unreasonable_a with_o relation_n to_o their_o hard_a thought_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o minister_n because_o charity_n oblige_v he_o to_o think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o present_v themselves_o at_o the_o holy_a table_n unless_o there_o be_v great_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o their_o obstinate_a and_o continue_a wickedness_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o dare_v say_v no_o pious_a minister_n will_v prostitute_v those_o holy_a symbol_n to_o such_o swine_n and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o such_o evidence_n minister_n can_v search_v man_n heart_n no_o more_o than_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v hope_v the_o best_a and_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o shall_v they_o communicate_v some_o that_o receive_v unworthy_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v they_o too_o often_o do_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v blame_v for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o help_v and_o asperse_v and_o all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o desert_a for_o suffer_v that_o ignorant_o which_o god_n though_o the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n permit_v in_o his_o church_n without_o any_o open_a discrimination_n namely_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n with_o the_o good_a and_o this_o practice_n be_v as_o uncharitable_a as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v those_o as_o reprobate_n obstinate_a unrepent_v sinner_n who_o heart_n we_o can_v see_v and_o who_o though_o former_o egregious_o wicked_a yet_o now_o through_o the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o god_n convert_v grace_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v better_o than_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v a_o unnatural_a practice_n too_o because_o it_o be_v the_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o comfort_n that_o attend_v the_o reception_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o those_o of_o union_n and_o brotherly_a love_n mere_o upon_o a_o groundless_a nicety_n let_v we_o all_o rather_o learn_v not_o to_o judge_v other_o before_o the_o time_n but_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o our_o great_a master_n at_o the_o last_o day_n lest_o by_o judge_v other_o we_o condemn_v ourselves_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o and_o instead_o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o some_o come_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o we_o think_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o without_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o well_o prepare_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o make_v our_o self_n still_o more_o and_o more_o fit_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n by_o a_o daily_a amendment_n of_o life_n and_o then_o our_o fleece_n like_o that_o of_o gideon_n shall_v be_v moisten_v though_o other_o man_n be_v dry_a the_o apostle_n be_v never_o the_o less_o dear_a to_o our_o saviour_n for_o judas_n his_o be_v among_o they_o but_o the_o more_o so_o rather_o and_o though_o through_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n satan_n enter_v into_o he_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o sop_n our_o lord_n give_v he_o at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n do_v partake_v of_o what_o he_o consecrate_v in_o memory_n of_o his_o succeed_a death_n and_o suffering_n yet_o the_o rest_n receive_v miraculous_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o for_o certain_a have_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o will_n satissy_a for_o the_o future_a such_o as_o upon_o this_o account_n have_v abstain_v from_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o censure_v the_o minister_n of_o our_o church_n and_o though_o without_o all_o reason_n our_o church_n itself_o and_o as_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v no_o impertinent_a digression_n so_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v a_o beneficial_a one_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o namely_o the_o time_n when_o god_n and_o our_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_n his_o tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o that_o be_v while_o man_n sleep_v for_o so_o the_o parable_n while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n among_o the_o wheat_n and_o go_v his_o way_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o his_o inject_v his_o wicked_a insinuation_n into_o man_n heart_n whereby_o to_o make_v they_o become_v like_o empty_a tare_n christian_n in_o name_n and_o appearance_n only_o but_o devoid_a of_o the_o substantial_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o holy_a profession_n by_o man_n sleep_a be_v here_o mean_v a_o careless_a inadvertency_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n a_o stupid_a security_n in_o a_o thoughtless_a way_n of_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v so_o expressive_a of_o what_o they_o will_v represent_v by_o it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n brief_o to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o likeness_n of_o such_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n in_o religious_a matter_n to_o sleep_v do_v consist_v it_o be_v like_o it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o its_o cause_n for_o as_o toil_n and_o labour_n and_o any_o thing_n that_o bring_v weariness_n and_o consume_v the_o spirit_n dispose_v the_o body_n to_o sleep_v and_o make_v it_o desire_v rest_n and_o ease_n that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o recruit_v so_o this_o moral_a drowsiness_n or_o hebetude_n of_o the_o soul_n general_o begin_v to_o creep_v upon_o man_n when_o they_o find_v difficulty_n in_o religion_n a_o little_a strive_v soon_o put_v they_o out_o of_o heart_n their_o hand_n fall_v their_o knee_n grow_v feeble_a their_o soul_n faint_v within_o they_o all_o hope_n of_o victory_n be_v then_o lay_v aside_o and_o they_o sit_v they_o down_o as_o man_n quite_o spend_v and_o then_o steal_v that_o deep_a sleep_n upon_o they_o which_o too_o often_o end_v in_o death_n thus_o we_o often_o see_v man_n set_v very_o brisk_o upon_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n at_o first_o and_o seem_v wondrous_o please_v with_o their_o new_a choice_n and_o admire_v at_o their_o stupidity_n that_o they_o do_v not_o soon_o discover_v the_o transcendent_a beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v resolve_v
to_o redeem_v their_o misspend_a time_n and_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o rapture_n and_o of_o reach_v great_a height_n and_o eminency_n of_o piety_n when_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a they_o be_v at_o a_o stand_v there_o be_v a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n a_o right_a hand_n must_v be_v cut_v off_o or_o a_o right_a eye_n put_v out_o i._n e._n some_o favourite_n vice_n must_v be_v cashier_v if_o they_o move_v any_o further_a and_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a say_v and_o the_o man_n begin_v to_o cool_v a_o stifness_n seize_v their_o overheat_v limb_n and_o a_o senseless_a torpor_n invade_v every_o part_n of_o they_o 10.21_o mark_v 10.21_o and_o like_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o our_o lord_n begin_v to_o love_v for_o his_o discreet_a answer_n and_o towardly_a disposition_n when_o they_o must_v part_v with_o their_o riches_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o deny_v themselves_o their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o inclination_n and_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v their_o saviour_n then_o they_o become_v sad_a and_o with_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n leave_v he_o and_o fold_v their_o hand_n and_o return_v again_o to_o their_o dream_n of_o vanity_n just_o like_o those_o in_o the_o former_a parable_n compare_v to_o stony_a ground_n who_o receive_v the_o word_n at_o first_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v not_o sufficient_a deepness_n of_o earth_n i.e._n for_o want_n of_o through_o consideration_n and_o behold_v the_o smooth_a side_n of_o religion_n only_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o in_o time_n of_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n fall_v away_o and_o their_o forward_a piety_n become_v dry_a and_o wither_a or_o like_o those_o mention_v in_o another_o parable_n luke_n 14.28_o which_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n and_o which_o for_o its_o great_a affinity_n with_o this_o part_n of_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o shall_v not_o particular_o discourse_v of_o who_o begin_v to_o build_v and_o sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o finish_v and_o so_o proceed_v no_o further_a than_o foundation_n become_v the_o scorn_n of_o all_o men._n but_o second_o as_o a_o state_n of_o careless_a inadvertency_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v like_o sleep_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o beginning_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o in_o its_o progress_n and_o effect_n for_o like_o sleep_n it_o lock_v up_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o suspend_v their_o action_n it_o dull_v its_o apprehension_n and_o make_v it_o take_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_a it_o vitiate_v its_o reason_v and_o make_v it_o draw_v false_a and_o fantastic_a consequence_n and_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o corrupt_v its_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o make_v its_o choice_n strange_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a such_o as_o prefer_v earth_n before_o heaven_n a_o little_a ease_n and_o imperfect_a pleasure_n here_o before_z rivers_z of_o ineffable_a pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o and_o the_o like_a the_o low_a life_n be_v in_o this_o case_n predomimant_n and_o wild_a dream_n and_o incoherent_a fancy_n make_v up_o such_o man_n divinity_n and_o their_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n in_o short_a the_o life_n of_o such_o man_n be_v but_o a_o dream_n their_o notion_n like_o those_o of_o man_n in_o a_o slumber_n dark_a hover_v and_o uncertain_a their_o discourse_n about_o religious_a marter_n break_a disjoint_v unconcluding_a full_a of_o fallacy_n and_o dangerous_a sophistry_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o of_o all_o expectation_n here_o and_o enjoyment_n hereafter_o of_o what_o be_v their_o great_a nay_o their_o only_a happiness_n their_o action_n be_v like_o those_o do_v in_o a_o dream_n too_o extravagant_a brutish_a and_o unaccountable_a startle_v at_o chimaera_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o danger_n and_o insensible_a of_o the_o approach_n of_o real_a and_o substantial_a misery_n though_o just_o ready_a to_o overtake_v they_o fond_a of_o a_o bundle_n of_o feather_n in_o love_n with_o a_o airy_a nothing_o whilst_o their_o true_a interest_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n they_o be_v as_o deaf_a to_o all_o reproof_n as_o man_n asleep_a as_o little_o affect_v with_o good_a instruction_n and_o advice_n and_o so_o bewitch_v with_o the_o fancy_v sweetness_n of_o their_o slumber_n that_o they_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o be_v awaken_v and_o when_o by_o rudee_a application_n they_o be_v like_o man_n that_o have_v take_v too_o large_a a_o do_v of_o opium_n they_o be_v present_o overcome_v with_o heaviness_n and_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o conviction_n and_o fall_v asleep_a again_o and_o the_o final_a event_n be_v this_o that_o as_o natural_a drowsiness_n clothes_v a_o man_n with_o rag_n so_o the_o moral_n will_v clothe_v he_o with_o shame_n and_o utter_v confusion_n and_o now_o from_o this_o short_a parallel_n which_o i_o have_v draw_v between_o the_o 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till_o too_o often_o it_o become_v chronical_a and_o habitual_a and_o a_o utter_a oblivion_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n a_o incurable_a numbness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o soul_n god_n know_v too_o often_o follow_v and_o man_n become_v like_o tare_n empty_a of_o all_o substantial_a goodness_n and_o at_o best_a but_o christian_n in_o name_n and_o show_v and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o when_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o be_v gather_v up_o from_o among_o the_o wheat_n and_o burn_v wherefore_o it_o high_o concern_v all_o those_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v not_o to_o sleep_v as_o do_v other_o but_o to_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n divert_v by_o every_o feather_n and_o gay_a appearance_n but_o as_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a to_o salvation_n always_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o watchfulness_n and_o defence_n fix_v our_o attention_n upon_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o exceed_a great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o often_o reflect_v upon_o that_o intolerable_a misery_n which_o will_v certain_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o fatal_a slumbering_n and_o still_o press_v on_o with_o great_a courage_n as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n increase_v upon_o we_o and_o daily_o endeavour_v still_o more_o and_o more_o to_o shake_v off_o dead_a stupidity_n to_o religion_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o to_o rouse_v up_o the_o faculty_n and_o employ_v they_o upon_o those_o noble_a of_o object_n patient_o receive_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n reject_v every_o notion_n and_o opinion_n that_o will_v destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o studious_o avoid_v idleness_n and_o sloth_n and_o according_a to_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o excellent_a advice_n add_v prayer_n to_o watchfulness_n that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n this_o course_n if_o we_o take_v we_o shall_v defeat_v this_o general_o prevail_a stratagem_n of_o the_o subtle_a tempter_n and_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o resist_v he_o make_v he_o fly_v from_o we_o with_o shame_n and_o disappointment_n and_o our_o soul_n will_v then_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o substantial_a in_o piety_n and_o abound_v in_o it_o as_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o at_o length_n be_v grow_v ripe_a for_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n be_v gather_v in_o peace_n and_o lay_v up_o in_o repository_n of_o eternal_a rest_n and_o safety_n as_o in_o the_o bless_a garner_n of_o our_o lord_n three_o this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o time_n of_o discovery_n of_o the_o tare_n the_o hypocritical_a religionist_n namely_o the_o time_n of_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n or_o when_o the_o grain_n appear_v in_o the_o ear_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o then_o appear_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a corn_n and_o the_o cockle_n which_o at_o first_o come_v up_o look_v as_o flourish_a
and_o promise_v as_o fair_a as_o the_o good_a corn_n but_o when_o the_o time_n draw_v nigh_o that_o the_o corn_n shall_v appear_v and_o come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n than_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a disparity_n and_o what_o appear_v so_o well_o at_o first_o be_v then_o find_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a noxious_a weed_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v too_o often_o in_o religion_n many_o man_n make_v a_o fair_a show_n and_o semblance_n of_o piety_n attend_v the_o place_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o much_o seem_a seriousness_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n listen_v to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beg_v the_o divine_a aid_n as_o that_o dew_n of_o heaven_n which_o alone_o can_v make_v they_o fruitful_a as_o earnest_o as_o other_o do_v and_o this_o look_n very_o well_o and_o be_v as_o far_o as_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v discern_v for_o the_o present_a as_o hopeful_a a_o beginning_n as_o need_v be_v desire_v the_o real_o good_a seed_n can_v send_v forth_o nothing_o more_o promise_v at_o first_o and_o hitherto_o the_o tare_n grow_v undiscovered_a among_o the_o wheat_n by_o any_o eye_n but_o that_o of_o god_n but_o after_o this_o first_o blade_n have_v appear_v and_o that_o for_o some_o considerable_a time_n after_o they_o have_v begin_v to_o make_v this_o show_n of_o religion_n instead_o of_o advance_v further_o and_o further_o to_o perfection_n as_o the_o good_a seed_n do_v and_o abound_v in_o every_o good_a work_n like_o the_o full_a grain_n in_o the_o ear_n these_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o blade_n and_o stalk_v of_o religion_n no_o fruit_n appear_v there_o be_v no_o no_o real_a substantial_a virtue_n attend_v this_o show_n of_o piety_n but_o rather_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v discernible_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a discovery_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v but_o formal_a not_o sincere_a christian_n vile_a unhappy_a tare_n but_o not_o good_a seed_n for_o every_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n flatter_v himself_o with_o vain_a hope_n from_o a_o formal_a customary_a religion_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a much_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o vanity_n for_o unless_o his_o religion_n make_v he_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v see_v in_o all_o his_o conversation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o make_v a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o it_o at_o church_n and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o most_o provoke_a mockery_n of_o god_n and_o a_o unnatural_a starve_v of_o the_o soul_n with_o such_o fantastic_a food_n and_o will_v consign_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o as_o a_o hypocritical_a religion_n will_v have_v a_o very_a sad_a consequence_n in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o it_o expose_v man_n to_o much_o shame_n and_o contempt_n in_o this_o for_o every_o man_n that_o see_v such_o great_a show_n of_o religion_n such_o pretence_n to_o christian_a virtue_n will_v natural_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o man_n all_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o that_o to_o his_o devotion_n and_o show_n of_o godliness_n at_o church_n be_v add_v sobriety_n and_o righteousness_n in_o his_o conversation_n and_o intercourse_n with_o men._n as_o when_o man_n see_v the_o first_o sprouting_n and_o flourish_a of_o a_o field_n that_o be_v sow_o with_o good_a grain_n they_o expect_v to_o find_v increase_n of_o the_o same_o good_a fruit_n but_o when_o after_o all_o this_o fair_a and_o florid_n show_v of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n there_o appear_v nothing_o but_o tare_n and_o the_o man_n be_v over_o run_v with_o wicked_a habit_n and_o vile_a affection_n little_a or_o no_o sign_n of_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o mind_n but_o rather_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o dishonesty_n in_o his_o deal_n lie_v and_o collusion_n instead_o of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n pride_n and_o malice_n instead_o of_o purity_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o such_o vileness_n as_o this_o tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o a_o man_n show_n of_o religion_n any_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n pharisee_n like_o a_o white_v sepulchre_n beautiful_a without_o but_o within_o full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v sometime_o for_o fashion_n sake_n to_o visit_v it_o but_o always_o leave_v it_o there_o behind_o he_o and_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o its_o company_n abroad_o now_o such_o hypocrisy_n as_o this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o hateful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instead_o of_o gain_v reputation_n to_o a_o man_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v he_o a_o common_a scorn_n man_n can_v but_o discover_v the_o abominable_a cheat_n and_o they_o can_v but_o hate_v and_o detest_v it_o tare_n will_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o be_v tare_n and_o the_o soon_o for_o be_v among_o the_o good_a corn._n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pretend_v to_o conceal_v under_o a_o fair_a appearance_n what_o will_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n discover_v it_o self_n and_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o hatred_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n in_o the_o next_o and_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o well_o as_o put_v on_o the_o form_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n when_o the_o blade_n be_v spring_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n than_o appear_v the_o tare_n also_o the_o next_o thing_n it_o inform_v we_o of_o be_v the_o holy_a angel_n observation_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o christian_n and_o their_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o do_v god_n service_n and_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o housholder_n that_o be_v the_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o interpretation_n come_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o sir_n do_v thou_o not_o sow_v good_a seed_n in_o thy_o field_n from_o whence_o then_o have_v it_o tare_n he_o say_v a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o they_o answer_v will_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o go_v and_o gather_v they_o up_o they_o observe_v by_o the_o loose_a life_n of_o some_o professor_n that_o there_o be_v very_o ill_a man_n that_o go_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o christian_n which_o they_o know_v will_v reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o christ_n the_o great_a planter_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n and_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o they_o haste_v to_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o may_v have_v his_o further_a command_n and_o with_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o intention_n of_o great_a charity_n to_o we_o poor_a mortal_n they_o offer_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o rid_v the_o church_n of_o those_o scandalous_a hypocritical_a member_n that_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n observer_n and_o that_o for_o excellent_a purpose_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o christian_n be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o this_o part_n of_o this_o parable_n but_o from_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o a_o attentive_a reader_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n must_v often_o have_v observe_v of_o which_o some_o few_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o that_o give_v most_o light_a to_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a mention_n st._n paul_n in_o 1_o cor._n 11.10_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n ought_v woman_n to_o be_v veil_v or_o cover_v as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n be_v in_o their_o public_a religious_a assembly_n because_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v lest_o any_o thing_n indecent_a shall_v be_v observe_v by_o those_o pure_a spirit_n who_o be_v present_a as_o god_n spy_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o men._n the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o one_a chapter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v likewise_o very_o plain_a to_o this_o purpose_n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o angel_n be_v they_o not_o all_o say_v he_o as_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o
say_v to_o his_o angelical_a reaper_n gather_v you_o first_o together_o the_o tare_n and_o bound_v they_o in_o bundle_n to_o burn_v they_o but_o gather_v the_o wheat_n into_o my_o barn_n and_o according_o they_o shall_v gather_v out_o of_o his_o kingdom_n all_o that_o have_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o it_o and_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o christianity_n have_v do_v iniquity_n and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n where_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a shine_n forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n that_o be_v when_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o whole_a intelligent_a creation_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n man_n to_o receive_v their_o several_a sentence_n whether_o of_o absolution_n or_o condemnation_n according_a to_o their_o several_a desert_n and_o angel_n to_o execute_v these_o sentence_n then_o shall_v the_o sincere_o good_a christian_n indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n be_v place_v by_o the_o bless_a angel_n of_o god_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o just_a judge_n and_o after_o a_o display_v of_o their_o excellent_a piety_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o the_o world_n hear_v this_o joyful_a sound_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o be_v immediate_o catch_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v their_o dear_a lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o from_o thenceforth_o be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o shine_v forth_o as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n have_v crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n place_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o loud_a and_o rapturous_a halleluja_n in_o their_o mouth_n whilst_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o know_v no_o more_o of_o christianity_n than_o the_o name_n in_o who_o religion_n be_v only_o show_v and_o formality_n have_v no_o real_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o piety_n whilst_o these_o shall_v find_v to_o their_o confusion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v place_v on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o be_v doom_v to_o depart_v for_o ever_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n into_o eternal_a burn_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n then_o will_v the_o good_a find_v by_o a_o happy_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o however_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o discourage_v here_o their_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o will_v the_o mock_v hypocritical_a christian_n be_v sad_o assure_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o plea_n of_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o at_o his_o table_n and_o of_o his_o have_v teach_v in_o their_o street_n that_o without_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o their_o master_n joy_n for_o cringe_v and_o fawn_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v he_o magnificent_a title_n lord_n lord_n jesus_n saviour_n but_o hee_v little_a his_o commandment_n they_o shall_v be_v reject_v with_o i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o then_o will_v god_n be_v justify_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o find_v to_o be_v not_o a_o unconcern_v spectator_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o a_o wise_a all-knowing_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o throne_n then_o will_v there_o be_v eternal_a joy_n and_o exultation_n of_o the_o blissful_a beatify_v soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n in_o the_o wretched_a company_n of_o the_o damn_a for_o ever_o 4.1_o mal._n 4.1_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o prophet_n malachi_n that_o shall_v burn_v like_o a_o oven_n and_o all_o the_o proud_a and_o all_o they_o that_o do_v wicked_o shall_v be_v as_o stubble_n and_o the_o day_n that_o come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n shall_v burn_v they_o up_o that_o it_o shall_v leave_v they_o neither_o root_n nor_o branch_n 9.6_o rev._n 9.6_o and_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v man_n seek_v death_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o and_o shall_v desire_v to_o die_v and_o death_n shall_v flee_v from_o they_o and_o now_o for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n since_o from_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o lord_n it_o appear_v that_o though_o a_o empty_a show_n of_o religion_n may_v pass_v well_o enough_o in_o this_o world_n and_o meet_v with_o no_o open_a discrimination_n or_o punishment_n from_o god_n here_o yet_o there_o shall_v most_o certain_o be_v a_o after_o reckon_a when_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o their_o vile_a hypocrisy_n and_o secret_a impiety_n lay_v open_a before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o a_o irreversible_a doom_n of_o great_a severity_n pay_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o their_o deserve_n since_o this_o be_v true_a it_o near_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o be_v christian_n in_o reality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o name_n and_o appearance_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o true_a disciple_n of_o this_o holy_a institution_n by_o lead_v our_o life_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n diligent_o endeavour_v to_o be_v find_v of_o this_o great_a judge_n in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a remember_v that_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a the_o prayer_n i._o o_o holy_a saviour_n jesus_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o our_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n but_o who_o expect_v our_o concurrence_n with_o thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n for_o our_o happiness_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o sincerity_n permit_v thy_o and_o our_o great_a enemy_n to_o scatter_v his_o hellish_a injection_n where_o thou_o sowe_v thy_o heavenly_a doctrine_n i_o earnest_o entreat_v thou_o so_o to_o assist_v i_o with_o thy_o life-giving_a spirit_n that_o my_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o my_o happiness_n may_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o active_a as_o to_o manifest_v that_o i_o be_o thou_o not_o only_o in_o word_n and_o in_o show_n but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n grant_v that_o i_o may_v ever_o esteem_v those_o inward_a motion_n which_o i_o feel_v to_o a_o progressive_a holiness_n to_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v thy_o gracious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v my_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o may_v i_o always_o thankful_o and_o cheerful_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o and_o whatever_o thought_n and_o inclination_n tend_v to_o discourage_v sincere_a religion_n and_o persuade_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n help_v i_o to_o reject_v they_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o indignation_n as_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n to_o involve_v i_o in_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o since_o it_o be_v while_n we_o sleep_v that_o our_o great_a adversary_n sow_n these_o his_o tare_n give_v i_o grace_n o_o bless_a jesus_n to_o awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o rouse_v from_o my_o thoughtless_a inadvertency_n and_o shake_v off_o my_o dream_n of_o vanity_n lest_o this_o spiritual_a slumber_n at_o length_n prove_v fatal_a and_o betray_v i_o into_o eternal_a death_n ii_o thou_o have_v assure_v we_o o_o lord_n to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o only_a time_n of_o our_o probation_n o_o therefore_o grant_v that_o now_o in_o this_o our_o day_n all_o we_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n may_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n and_o embrace_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n that_o by_o serious_a consideration_n we_o may_v make_v religion_n our_o choice_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o firm_o with_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o be_v in_o reality_n thy_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n remember_v thy_o bless_a word_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o command_v and_o that_o though_o here_o the_o wicked_a go_v unpunished_a it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o and_o at_o last_o hypocrisy_n shall_v meet_v with_o its_o desert_n and_o
and_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n and_o all_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o attain_v what_o the_o world_n it_o self_n afford_v we_o have_v see_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a in_o it_o its_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o dominion_n be_v empty_a and_o unsatisfy_a and_o indeed_o the_o parent_n of_o nothing_o but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v the_o enquiry_n how_o far_o religion_n be_v conducive_a to_o these_o thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o this_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n even_o to_o become_v rich_a to_o live_v pleasant_o and_o with_o honour_n and_o respect_n and_o as_o for_o dominion_n to_o govern_v a_o man_n self_n which_o religion_n only_o teach_v be_v more_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n now_o as_o to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o indeed_o give_v a_o relish_n to_o every_o thing_n else_o for_o without_o they_o neither_o riches_n nor_o honour_n nor_o even_o health_n and_o life_n itself_o sit_v easy_a that_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o procure_v these_o great_a blessing_n and_o that_o both_o in_o private_a and_o in_o public_a abroad_o with_o other_o and_o at_o home_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n will_v soon_o be_v evident_a as_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n in_o our_o intercourse_n with_o other_o religion_n do_v manifest_o tend_v to_o procure_v that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o forbid_v the_o offer_v any_o injury_n 2_o because_o it_o forbid_v return_v any_o now_o that_o which_o embroil_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o contention_n be_v the_o do_v and_o retaliate_a harm_n and_o ill_o turn_v and_o religion_n so_o strict_o command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o do_v to_o other_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o like_a circumstance_n we_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o receive_v from_o other_o and_o to_o forgive_v if_o any_o have_v do_v injurious_o by_o we_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v forgive_v by_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o be_v our_o holy_a religion_n sincere_o embrace_v and_o have_v its_o due_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n beat_v their_o sword_n into_o ploughshares_a and_o their_o spear_n into_o pruning-hook_n and_o need_v not_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o nothing_o will_v then_o hurt_v in_o god_n holy_a mountain_n and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v what_o god_n at_o first_o design_v it_o a_o paradise_n of_o happiness_n and_o mankind_n a_o family_n of_o love_n and_o as_o for_o peace_n and_o quiet_a at_o home_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o peace_n will_v lose_v its_o relish_n religion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v that_o blessing_n for_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o conscience_n which_o there_o will_v be_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n it_o will_v do_v its_o office_n free_o and_o impartial_o and_o lash_v the_o soul_n that_o sin_n as_o often_o as_o it_o sin_n and_o fill_v it_o full_a of_o horror_n and_o confusion_n and_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o just_a vengeance_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o retribution_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a but_o their_o soul_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v and_o who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt._n but_o a_o good_a man_n breast_n be_v quiet_a and_o serene_a full_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o innocence_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n and_o as_o peace_n and_o quietness_n so_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o only_a without_o contentment_n of_o mind_n no_o condition_n how_o good_a soever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v please_v and_o with_o it_o every_o condition_n be_v for_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o object_n to_o the_o desire_n and_o he_o that_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o what_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v if_o he_o desire_v still_o more_o and_o think_v his_o present_a condition_n not_o good_a enough_o be_v by_o many_o degree_n less_o happy_a than_o he_o that_o must_v drudge_n for_o his_o live_n but_o yet_o be_v content_v with_o his_o lot_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o abundance_n he_o only_o be_v indeed_o a_o happy_a man_n that_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o enjoy_v his_o present_a portion_n and_o know_v how_o patient_o to_o endure_v a_o worse_a condition_n and_o dread_v a_o base_a and_o wicked_a action_n however_o gainful_a and_o advantageous_a it_o may_v be_v even_o worse_o than_o death_n and_o he_o will_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o slave_n that_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o a_o little_a but_o the_o content_a man_n be_v always_o easy_a under_o his_o present_a lot_n and_o if_o his_o fortune_n will_v not_o rise_v to_o what_o he_o can_v desire_v he_o will_v bring_v his_o desire_n down_o to_o his_o fortune_n and_o so_o be_v sure_a of_o happiness_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v his_o desire_n and_o his_o fortune_n bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o true_o so_o various_a be_v the_o turn_v of_o fortune_n here_o so_o many_o unexpected_a accident_n that_o make_v great_a change_n for_o the_o worse_a in_o man_n circumstance_n of_o life_n and_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o so_o as_o to_o amend_v that_o be_v there_o not_o this_o remedy_n of_o make_v our_o mind_n comply_v with_o the_o event_n and_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n and_o venom_n of_o it_o by_o acquiescence_n and_o contentment_n and_o contraction_n of_o our_o desire_n man_n will_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o that_o have_v learned_a and_o can_v apply_v this_o remedy_n whatever_o he_o may_v suffer_v from_o without_o have_v a_o power_n still_o ready_a of_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a and_o though_o he_o can_v prevent_v the_o accident_n yet_o he_o can_v prevent_v its_o do_v he_o a_o mischief_n now_o this_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n religion_n best_o of_o all_o teach_v we_o for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o the_o exact_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n dispose_v all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o event_n be_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a account_n order_v for_o the_o best_a for_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o amend_v what_o be_v do_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o second_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o interest_n do_v least_o of_o all_o lie_n in_o this_o world_n where_o we_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o that_o our_o treasure_n and_o inheritance_n be_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v our_o native_a country_n and_o to_o which_o ever_o long_o we_o shall_v be_v recall_v and_o our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n there_o be_v the_o more_o increase_v as_o we_o have_v more_o patient_o and_o content_o submit_v to_o god_n pleasure_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o a_o hearty_a through_o persuasion_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v certain_o teach_v a_o man_n to_o know_v with_o st._n paul_n how_o to_o abound_v and_o how_o to_o want_v and_o in_o every_o condition_n to_o be_v content_a and_o for_o this_o christianity_n give_v the_o clear_a evidence_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o can_v lie_v as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v to_o learn_v that_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o irreligion_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o content_a and_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o continual_a vexation_n and_o make_v every_o cross_a accident_n double_o evil_a by_o impatience_n for_o first_o the_o ungodly_a have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o second_o cause_n and_o look_v upon_o thing_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o so_o when_o cross_n come_v upon_o they_o or_o ill_a fortune_n as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o grow_v querulous_a and_o out_o of_o all_o patience_n and_o as_o for_o divine_a providence_n that_o be_v whole_o unregarded_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o revile_v it_o and_o impious_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o its_o disposal_n and_o so_o that_o which_o in_o affliction_n be_v the_o great_a cordial_n of_o all_o irreligion_n
be_v hurry_v on_o to_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a action_n but_o nature_n go_v on_o even_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o its_o health_n and_o support_n and_o it_o enjoy_v its_o strength_n and_o beauty_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o quietness_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o much_o better_a and_o endless_a life_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n can_v spring_v from_o nothing_o but_o sincere_a religion_n and_o therefore_o religion_n be_v of_o very_o great_a value_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n for_o what_o can_v be_v of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n this_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o ignorance_n vexation_n and_o disappointment_n than_o to_o have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v always_o so_o with_o we_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o clog_n of_o flesh_n the_o prison_n door_n set_v open_a and_o our_o captive_a soul_n set_v free_a and_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n return_v to_o the_o great_a father_n of_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o all_o their_o faculty_n contemplate_v and_o enjoy_v the_o only_o satisfy_v good_a that_o instead_o of_o flood_n of_o year_n there_o shall_v then_o be_v river_n of_o pleasure_n flow_v in_o upon_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n halleluia_n instead_o of_o groan_n and_o mournful_a accent_n the_o triumphant_a rejoice_n of_o eternal_a beatify_v spirit_n instead_o of_o the_o bitter_a complaint_n of_o miserable_a mortal_n and_o in_o a_o word_n love_n in_o its_o perfection_n instead_o of_o quarrel_n and_o discontent_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o the_o dire_a attendant_n of_o they_o that_o instead_o of_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n for_o here_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o we_o shall_v ever_o long_o be_v admit_v to_o contemplate_v truth_n itself_o and_o know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o in_o he_o all_o thing_n for_o god_n be_v light_n what_o can_v be_v more_o valuable_a than_o such_o a_o cheer_v expectation_n as_o this_o how_o will_v it_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o be_v a_o sensible_a foretaste_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v reveal_v but_o now_o nothing_o can_v create_v such_o a_o hope_n as_o this_o but_o sincere_a religion_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o pure_a and_o holy_a and_o into_o his_o presence_n no_o unclean_a thing_n can_v enter_v and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n a_o wicked_a man_n breast_n that_o be_v not_o sear_v can_v be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o the_o dire_a reflection_n of_o a_o enrage_v conscience_n and_o dreadful_a foreboding_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v the_o misery_n he_o feel_v in_o this_o world_n be_v but_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o eternal_a sorrow_n and_o while_o he_o continue_v in_o his_o rebellion_n against_o god_n he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o new_a express_v of_o his_o indignation_n here_o and_o to_o be_v doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o only_o that_o have_v live_v pious_o in_o this_o world_n can_v with_o any_o comfort_n think_v upon_o a_o future_a state_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v lead_v this_o first_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v his_o maker_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n no_o joy_n comparable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o experience_n when_o he_o think_v of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o conduct_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o his_o saviour_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o with_o he_o and_o unspeakable_o happy_a in_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o dear_a lord_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o value_n of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o world_n it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a peace_n and_o quietness_n content_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n of_o a_o long_a and_o healthy_a life_n here_o and_o of_o a_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o region_n of_o blessedness_n and_o be_v this_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o i_o question_v not_o but_o to_o any_o consider_a man_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o inestimable_a price_n that_o nothing_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v afford_v be_v comparable_a to_o it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o with_o the_o merchant_n in_o the_o parable_n immediate_o part_n with_o all_o that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o religion_n and_o will_v hinder_v he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o all_o godliness_n have_v not_o only_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v but_o also_o and_o chief_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n when_o we_o look_v no_o further_o than_o this_o life_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o it_o when_o we_o contemplate_v that_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v its_o reward_n in_o heaven_n the_o happiness_n that_o will_v crown_v religion_n in_o the_o other_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n from_o whence_o do_v flow_v the_o felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o i._n e._n it_o consist_v in_o a_o intimate_a view_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o so_o st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 3.2_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v inexpressible_a nay_o the_o very_a contemplation_n of_o it_o be_v too_o bright_a for_o mind_n darken_v with_o flesh_n the_o splendour_n of_o it_o flash_n too_o strong_o upon_o our_o feeble_a sense_n now_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o too_o long_o and_o close_o gaze_v on_o will_n rather_o dazzle_v than_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n no_o mortal_a man_n can_v see_v god_n face_n and_o live_v and_o therefore_o most_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o neither_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o indeed_o this_o include_v all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v of_o excellence_n and_o much_o more_o than_o we_o poor_a ignorant_a benight_a creature_n can_v imagine_v for_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o consequent_o of_o perfection_n all_o that_o be_v charm_v and_o true_o desirable_a in_o nature_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o to_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o visible_a or_o invisible_a creation_n be_v but_o a_o stream_n from_o this_o divine_a fountain_n and_o be_v in_o he_o ininfinite_o great_a excellency_n for_o he_o be_v beauty_n and_o goodness_n and_o harmony_n itself_o and_o therefore_o since_o religion_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o happiness_n as_o the_o vision_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o chief_a good_a what_o can_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o value_v the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o man_n know_v not_o the_o price_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n it_o can_v be_v value_v with_o the_o gold_n of_o ophir_n with_o the_o precious_a onyx_n or_o the_o saphire_n no_o mention_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o coral_n or_o pearl_n for_o the_o price_n of_o wisdom_n be_v above_o ruby_n job_n 28.13_o etc._n etc._n such_o then_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o will_v bring_v he_o to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o eternal_a age_n when_o this_o short_a life_n be_v end_v and_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o that_o enjoy_v it_o all_o to_o the_o full_a than_o emptiness_n and_o disappointment_n vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n here_o and_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v true_a a_o eternal_a banishment_n from_o the_o supreme_a good_a shall_v at_o last_o be_v their_o punishment_n who_o love_v this_o worthless_a world_n more_o than_o religion_n and_o their_o maker_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v let_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v which_o be_v of_o great_a value_n religion_n or_o
or_o christian_a religion_n do_v 1._o create_v the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n it_o make_v we_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o as_o be_v before_o quote_v from_o st._n paul_n ephes_n 5.30_o i_o e._n it_o make_v we_o as_o near_o to_o he_o as_o the_o member_n be_v to_o the_o head_n the_o flesh_n and_o bone_n to_o the_o body_n or_o as_o our_o church_n express_v it_o it_o make_v we_o one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o it_o be_v so_o near_a a_o relation_n that_o nothing_o can_v sufficient_o express_v it_o but_o what_o express_v a_o union_n it_o create_v likewise_o 2._o the_o dear_a relation_n for_o thus_o our_o lord_n john_n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v my_o commandment_n and_o keep_v they_o he_o it_o be_v that_o love_v i_o and_o he_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o my_o father_n and_o i_o will_v love_v he_o and_o will_v manifest_v myself_o unto_o he_o and_o verse_n 23._o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abide_v with_o he_o and_o chap._n 15.14_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o and_o rev._n 3.20_o behold_v say_v our_o lord_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i._n e._n by_o faith_n and_o obedience_n i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o he_o will_v show_v the_o great_a expression_n of_o dearness_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n so_o that_o relation_n be_v 3._o inseparable_a i._n e._n unless_o we_o wilful_o divorce_v ourselves_o from_o he_o by_o apostasy_n or_o disobedience_n thus_o a_o little_a before_o his_o ascension_n he_o tell_v his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o all_o faithful_a believer_n that_o observe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v to_o his_o father_n and_o their_o father_n to_o his_o god_n and_o their_o god_n therefore_o say_v he_o i_o will_v not_o leave_v you_o comfortless_a but_o will_v pray_v to_o the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o john_n 14.16_o and_o in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o and_o if_o i_o go_v and_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o i_o will_v come_v again_o and_o receive_v you_o to_o myself_o that_o where_o i_o be_o there_o you_o may_v be_v also_o and_o john_n 10.27_o 28._o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o great_a assurance_n ask_v this_o question_n rom._n 8.35_o who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o after_o enumerate_v what_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o he_o conclude_v verse_n the_o last_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v likewise_o in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n always_o with_o we_o in_o the_o reception_n of_o those_o mystery_n which_o he_o institute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o the_o gospel_n then_o effect_v so_o near_o so_o dear_a and_o so_o inseparable_a a_o relation_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n that_o nothing_o can_v so_o fit_o resemble_v it_o as_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o collect_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n to_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o so_o intimate_a relation_n to_o christ_n as_o first_o it_o entitle_v to_o the_o peculiar_a love_n and_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n such_o a_o love_n as_o will_v incline_v he_o to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o believer_n and_o to_o pity_n and_o compassionate_v their_o infirmity_n failure_n and_o imperfection_n for_o love_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o fault_n thus_o the_o apostle_n col._n 3.19_o husband_n love_v your_o wife_n and_o be_v not_o bitter_a against_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_a to_o observe_v every_o little_a defect_n and_o fail_v in_o they_o but_o consider_v they_o as_o the_o weak_a vessel_n and_o bear_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o according_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v of_o our_o lord_n he_o be_v not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o know_v and_o pity_v they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v though_o without_o sin_n heb._n 4.15_o and_o as_o for_o his_o tenderness_n and_o care_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v miraculous_o evident_a in_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o very_a life_n for_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o and_o present_v we_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o the_o before_o cite_v eph._n 5.26_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o do_v continual_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v we_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o spiritual_a body_n of_o he_o which_o whoso_o eat_v of_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o by_o the_o comfort_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o lie_v thus_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o great_a degree_n of_o his_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o we_o express_v in_o such_o amaze_a instance_n to_o be_v thus_o pity_v and_o commiserate_v and_o our_o failure_n excuse_v and_o pass_v by_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n and_o our_o happiness_n in_o all_o respect_n so_o careful_o endeavour_v by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o this_o be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o value_v and_o be_v infinite_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o comparison_n another_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n entitle_v believer_n to_o upon_o their_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n be_v christ_n protection_n of_o they_o from_o danger_n and_o defence_n against_o assault_n of_o enemy_n for_o as_o in_o marriage_n the_o husband_n be_v the_o shield_n and_o guardian_n of_o his_o wife_n so_o christ_n be_v the_o protector_n and_o defender_n of_o the_o faithful_a he_o cover_v they_o from_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o arm_n they_o against_o the_o attack_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n by_o the_o supply_n and_o aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n who_o help_v our_o infirmity_n and_o strengthen_v we_o mighty_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n all_o the_o infernal_a power_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o we_o and_o according_o say_z st._n paul_n i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4.13_o rom._n 8.37_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n tribulation_n distress_n persecution_n famine_n nakedness_n perilor_n sword_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n by_o what_o mean_n why_o through_o christ_n that_o love_v we_o and_o our_o lord_n say_v express_o in_o the_o forecited_a john_n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n that_o hear_v my_o voice_n shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n and_o if_o the_o almighty_a son_n of_o god_n be_v for_o we_o and_o take_v we_o into_o his_o own_o protection_n and_o shield_n and_o guard_v we_o as_o a_o husband_n do_v the_o wise_a of_o his_o bosom_n who_o then_o can_v be_v against_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v hide_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v our_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o to_o dwell_v thus_o under_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v no_o doubt_n a_o inestimable_a privilege_n again_o as_o the_o husband_n confer_v honour_n upon_o his_o wife_n entitle_v she_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o so_o believer_n by_o their_o intimate_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o high_a step_n of_o honour_n that_o mortal_n can_v arrive_v at_o for_o what_o more_o honourable_a than_o to_o be_v in_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o most_o glorious_a son_n of_o god_n according_o the_o
passive_o obedient_a but_o likewise_o active_o so_o and_o ready_a cheerful_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n so_o ought_v every_o believer_n to_o be_v to_o christ_n indeed_o this_o be_v the_o main_a trial_n of_o true_a conjugal_a affection_n and_o be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o all_o other_o show_v of_o love_n and_o fidelity_n and_o reverence_n and_o submission_n for_o where_o true_a love_n reverence_n and_o submission_n be_v a_o cheerful_a obedience_n will_v sure_o follow_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o willing_a cheerful_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o very_o little_a if_o any_o sincere_a affection_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o dear_a lord_n if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o i_o say_v and_o of_o sarah_n it_o be_v say_v she_o obey_v abraham_n as_o well_o as_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o st._n john_n agreeable_o 1_o john_n 2.5_o whoso_o keep_v his_o word_n in_o he_o very_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n perfect_v and_o hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o this_o our_o glorious_a husband_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o continue_v that_o our_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a but_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o we_o shall_v not_o obey_v he_o who_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n in_o both_o world_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o gospel_n be_v productive_a of_o like_a effect_n to_o those_o of_o marriage_n and_o from_o this_o so_o near_a relation_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n proceed_v the_o increase_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n a_o numerous_a progeny_n to_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o fill_v up_o the_o vacancy_n leave_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rebellious_a angel_n thus_o our_o lord_n call_v the_o become_a christian_n be_v a_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.3_o and_o teach_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o say_v our_o father_n and_o st._n paul_n agreeable_o in_o a_o quotation_n from_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v as_o in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n allmighty_n 6.18_o 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v from_o above_o or_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o gal._n 4.26_o and_o chap._n 3.26_o we_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n of_o that_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o he_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o admiration_n as_o st._n john_n do_v 3.1_o 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o of_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o have_v such_o glorious_a expectation_n cleanse_v himself_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o this_o then_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o a_o marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o first_o general_n namely_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o joy_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o bless_a condition_n they_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a and_o true_o just_o such_o be_v man_n condition_n before_o god_n be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o to_o this_o happy_a marriage_n despicable_o poor_a we_o be_v and_o destitute_a of_o any_o real_a excellency_n that_o can_v recommend_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n our_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o parch_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n burn_v up_o with_o vile_a lust_n and_o passion_n no_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n appear_v but_o draw_v still_o near_o and_o near_o to_o everlasting_a perdition_n maim_a we_o be_v in_o all_o our_o faculty_n by_o our_o frequent_a desperate_a fall_v from_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o full_a of_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o putrify_a sore_n and_o our_o best_a performance_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a like_o the_o halting_n of_o a_o cripple_n and_o our_o understanding_n withal_o blind_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n which_o put_v out_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v it_o uncapable_a of_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n so_o that_o we_o lie_v grope_v in_o the_o dark_a surround_v with_o terror_n rack_v by_o uncertainty_n miserable_o poor_a and_o indigent_a and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v ourselves_o when_o lo_o there_o arise_v up_o a_o light_n in_o this_o darkness_n and_o through_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o we_o be_v pity_v and_o commiserate_v by_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o in_o this_o forlorn_a condition_n call_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o felicity_n that_o attend_v the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n anoint_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a he_o send_v he_o to_o heal_v the_o brokenhearted_a to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o recovery_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o to_o set_v at_o liberty_n they_o that_o be_v bruise_v luke_n 4.18_o and_o according_o he_o enrich_v our_o poverty_n restore_v our_o sight_n heal_v our_o bruise_n and_o confirm_v our_o strength_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o nothing_o for_o the_o future_a can_v ever_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o ourselves_o wherefore_o as_o we_o shall_v adore_v and_o magnify_v with_o all_o our_o soul_n the_o wondrous_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o receive_v such_o wretched_a pollute_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n into_o so_o intimate_v a_o relation_n to_o himself_o and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n in_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v crown_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o so_o above_o all_o thing_n shall_v we_o dread_v to_o fall_v back_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n again_o and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o never_o to_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n represent_v by_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a the_o halt_n and_o the_o blind_a be_v call_v in_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o festivity_n of_o that_o great_a solemnity_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o god_n great_a care_n in_o have_v this_o gospel_n preach_v this_o religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o his_o repeat_v invitation_n to_o all_o man_n to_o embrace_v it_o represent_v by_o that_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o call_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v to_o the_o wedding_n and_o again_o send_v other_o servant_n and_o command_v they_o to_o tell_v those_o that_o be_v bid_v that_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n ready_a and_o therefore_o to_o urge_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o marriage_n how_o great_a god_n care_n have_v be_v that_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v publish_v and_o how_o repeat_v his_o invitation_n to_o man_n have_v be_v that_o they_o will_v embrace_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o course_n that_o by_o god_n appointment_n have_v be_v take_v ever_o since_o at_o first_o many_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o extraordinary_a ability_n for_o this_o purpose_n such_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v wherever_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n
together_o and_o they_o both_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o they_o prefer_v the_o mind_v their_o own_o petty_a affair_n and_o which_o may_v have_v be_v as_o well_o let_v alone_o till_o another_o time_n before_o that_o great_a honour_n the_o king_n do_v they_o in_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n and_o they_o may_v well_o believe_v such_o excuse_n will_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o provoke_v the_o king_n to_o anger_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o favour_n make_v thus_o light_a of_o and_o man_n common_a business_n prefer_v before_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n too_o many_o now-adays_a be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o plead_v business_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n in_o excuse_n of_o their_o great_a neglect_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n our_o calling_n must_v be_v follow_v business_n must_v be_v do_v our_o family_n must_v be_v maintain_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o we_o can_v be_v much_o at_o leisure_n for_o religion_n at_o the_o present_a when_o the_o fatigue_n of_o this_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v over_o and_o we_o draw_v near_o the_o other_o then_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o and_o this_o though_o few_o man_n will_v speak_v it_o out_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o too_o many_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o their_o practice_n and_o true_o some_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o declare_v this_o open_o now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o business_n must_v be_v mind_v and_o our_o family_n maintain_v and_o industry_n be_v as_o much_o a_o christian_a duty_n as_o any_o other_o and_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o piety_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n and_o will_v not_o commute_v for_o a_o neglect_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nay_o this_o sort_n of_o industry_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v one_o of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o piety_n and_o provide_v the_o necessary_n of_o life_n be_v secure_v it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o commendable_a to_o abate_v of_o our_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o next_o thus_o when_o jesus_n come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o martha_n and_o mary_n and_o martha_n out_o of_o a_o commendable_a zeal_n to_o entertain_v he_o well_o be_v busy_v in_o make_v ready_a provision_n for_o he_o while_o mary_n set_v at_o his_o foot_n listen_v to_o his_o divine_a instruction_n when_o martha_n complain_v to_o he_o that_o her_o sister_n have_v leave_v all_o the_o trouble_v to_o she_o and_o desire_v he_o to_o order_v that_o she_o shall_v help_v she_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o she_o martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v above_o all_o needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o luk._n 10.40_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_o in_o his_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n mat._n 6.24_o 25._o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n say_v our_o lord_n therefore_o take_v no_o thought_n i.e._n no_o anxious_a over_o eager_a concern_v for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wherewith_o be_v clothe_v but_o verse_n 33._o seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n seek_v you_o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n let_v it_o be_v your_o principle_n care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v rich_a towards_o god_n and_o abound_v in_o good_a work_n and_o then_o a_o moderate_a care_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n will_n with_o god_n blessing_n which_o alone_o can_v give_v prosperity_n be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o to_o do_v as_o be_v too_o common_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o first_o provide_v with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n for_o abundance_n here_o and_o then_o at_o last_o think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v such_o a_o ungodly_a and_o unreasonable_a course_n as_o can_v never_o end_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o bitter_a remorse_n at_o last_o and_o utter_a confusion_n so_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a be_v this_o first_o excuse_n man_n offer_v for_o their_o not_o entertain_v religion_n so_o affectionate_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v namely_o that_o they_o have_v buy_v farm_n and_o ox_n and_o must_v look_v after_o they_o i._n e._n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o the_o affair_n and_o business_n of_o this_o life_n the_o other_o excuse_v offer_v in_o the_o parable_n for_o absent_v from_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n be_v the_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n the_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o new_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v no_o appetite_n for_o those_o at_o the_o king_n son_n wedding_n and_o this_o as_o little_a of_o validity_n as_o it_o have_v in_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n very_o often_o plead_v by_o man_n against_o their_o meddle_v with_o religion_n at_o least_o at_o present_a they_o be_v young_a they_o say_v and_o in_o the_o age_n of_o pleasure_n and_o jollity_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o sweet_a to_o they_o and_o religion_n be_v too_o austere_a for_o they_o as_o yet_o what_o pleasure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o their_o propension_n and_o inclination_n and_o therefore_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o they_o do_v leave_v these_o present_a satisfaction_n but_o enjoy_v they_o while_o they_o can_v and_o afterward_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o may_v advert_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n which_o though_o they_o have_v hear_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o they_o can_v frame_v any_o so_o lovely_a idea_n of_o they_o as_o to_o incline_v they_o to_o leave_v what_o by_o experience_n they_o find_v so_o grateful_a to_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o young_a person_n express_v but_o many_o be_v so_o forsake_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o own_v it_o plain_o but_o since_o they_o talk_v of_o experience_n i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o more_o disappointment_n than_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o great_a sensual_a pleasure_n they_o have_v enjoy_v the_o thing_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o they_o tacit_o confess_v it_o by_o shift_a pleasure_n so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v for_o where_o there_o be_v satisfaction_n what_o need_v of_o change_n and_o i_o may_v likewise_o bold_o assert_v this_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o very_a many_o that_o have_v taste_v both_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n those_o of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o flow_v from_o a_o sincere_a religion_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o study_a gratification_n of_o sense_n nay_o even_o those_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n relish_v much_o better_a for_o be_v season_v with_o religion_n so_o that_o to_o neglect_v religion_n out_o of_o a_o fondness_n for_o pleasure_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v run_v from_o a_o fountain_n because_o he_o be_v parch_v with_o thirst_n no_o pleasure_n certain_o like_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o once_o drink_v of_o those_o river_n of_o delight_n that_o flow_v from_o she_o will_v never_o thirst_v again_o after_o the_o taint_a puddle_n of_o brutal_a enjoyment_n for_o her_o way_n only_o be_v way_n of_o sincere_a and_o unmixed_a pleasure_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n but_o suppose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v indeed_o as_o great_a as_o some_o man_n after_o all_o their_o baulks_n and_o disappointment_n will_v still_o fancy_v they_o to_o be_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o austere_a and_o rugged_a thing_n and_o but_o little_a or_o no_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yet_o since_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v very_o short_a and_o momentary_a and_o must_v certain_o die_v with_o we_o and_o general_o leave_v we_o long_o before_o we_o die_v and_o since_o religion_n how_o unpleasant_a soever_o here_o will_v secure_v to_o we_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o unconceivable_a pleasure_n that_o be_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n no_o rational_a man_n but_o will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a childish_a excuse_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o religion_n to_o plead_v our_o fondness_n of_o the_o gaiety_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v like_o a_o child_n slight_v a_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o rather_o pursue_v a_o empty_a
what_o instruction_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o school_n of_o righteousness_n what_o plenty_n of_o religious_a discourse_n and_o exhortation_n he_o have_v enjoy_v and_o how_o frequent_o he_o have_v feel_v motion_n from_o within_o to_o a_o still_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n he_o that_o have_v experience_v all_o this_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n that_o have_v have_v his_o pregnant_a natural_a capacity_n well_o cultivate_v by_o a_o early_a and_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n plain_o lay_v before_o he_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n duty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o be_v often_o and_o affectionate_o exhort_v to_o live_v according_o in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v frequent_o feel_v secret_a internal_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n to_o it_o this_o man_n have_v receive_v much_o more_o than_o one_o talon_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o god_n will_v expect_v from_o he_o a_o proportionable_a improvement_n and_o he_o must_v abound_v in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o but_o because_o all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a ability_n natural_o neither_o have_v the_o same_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o improvement_n nor_o the_o same_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n where_o there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o these_o respect_n god_n will_v abate_v proportionable_o in_o his_o expectation_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o one_o talon_n have_v he_o gain_v but_o one_o other_o with_o it_o will_v have_v be_v call_v a_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n let_v we_o all_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n to_o perform_v our_o 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that_o those_o who_o have_v read_v and_o do_v believe_v those_o write_n can_v make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o and_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o from_o reason_n have_v be_v so_o convince_o manage_v by_o several_a learned_a pen_n particular_o of_o late_a by_o dr._n sherlock_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o judgement_n that_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o collect_v such_o a_o description_n of_o that_o great_a day_n and_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o out_o of_o the_o revelation_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o move_o represent_v as_o may_v incline_v we_o all_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o immediate_o by_o self-examination_n and_o amendment_n of_o every_o evil_a way_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o great_a audit_n that_o we_o may_v give_v up_o our_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n ver_fw-la 12._o after_o the_o divine_a apostle_n have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o great_a judge_n upon_o his_o throne_n i_o see_v a_o great_a white_a throne_n say_v he_o and_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o it_o from_o who_o face_n the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n flee_v away_o and_o there_o be_v find_v no_o place_n for_o they_o he_o proceed_v i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o the_o sea_n give_v up_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a deliver_v up_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o they_o be_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n and_o whosoever_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n that_o be_v the_o record_n shall_v then_o be_v lay_v open_a wherein_o every_o man_n receipt_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v and_o those_o who_o work_n shall_v be_v find_v proportionable_o good_a according_a to_o the_o assistance_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o above_o or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v make_v a_o answerable_a improvement_n to_o the_o number_n of_o talent_n commit_v to_o they_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o eternal_a joy_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o those_o who_o can_v then_o give_v no_o good_a account_n of_o their_o talent_n show_v no_o suitable_a improvement_n in_o holiness_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v shall_v never_o see_v life_n but_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n and_o because_o so_o very_a few_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o make_v due_a preparation_n for_o this_o great_a day_n of_o account_n by_o improve_n the_o grace_n god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v describe_v rev._n 3.15_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n many_o of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a shall_v hide_v themselves_o in_o den_n in_o rock_n and_o mountain_n and_o say_v to_o the_o rock_n and_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v may_v these_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n persuade_v we_o to_o provide_v in_o this_o our_o day_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n look_v for_o by_o frequent_a meditation_n and_o hasten_v unto_o by_o a_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n the_o come_n of_o this_o dreadful_a day_n of_o god_n and_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a that_o we_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a for_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o secret_a thing_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o exact_o adapt_v every_o man_n recompense_n to_o his_o work_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o consider_v in_o this_o parable_n namely_o four_o that_o at_o that_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o every_o man_n work_n be_v full_o know_v and_o his_o improvement_n compare_v with_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o diligent_a shall_v not_o only_o in_o general_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o unprofitable_a cast_n into_o outer_a darkness_n but_o the_o most_o diligent_a those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n shall_v receive_v the_o great_a share_n of_o happiness_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o careless_a and_o unprofitable_a shall_v be_v doom_v to_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o be_v in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v degree_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n respective_o award_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o holiness_n or_o impiety_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o and_o whole_o deny_v by_o other_o and_o their_o main_a reason_n against_o it_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o just_a in_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n or_o the_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o will_v fill_v a_o holy_a soul_n with_o eternal_a and_o inexpressible_a delight_n for_o so_o st._n john_n express_v the_o bliss_n of_o heaven_n by_o see_v god_n as_o
affection_n and_o can_v afford_v to_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o be_v religious_a be_v frequent_o hear_v to_o say_v they_o serve_v god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o that_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o we_o urge_v man_n to_o be_v much_o too_o hard_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v a_o law_n fit_a for_o angel_n than_o man_n and_o though_o they_o wish_v they_o can_v observe_v and_o do_v it_o and_o can_v but_o consent_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n yet_o they_o find_v a_o law_n in_o their_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o good_a that_o they_o will_v they_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v not_o that_o they_o do_v and_o they_o take_v up_o with_o this_o as_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n and_o because_o god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o good_a they_o think_v he_o will_v accept_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o great_a hardship_n of_o his_o command_n and_o their_o inability_n to_o perform_v they_o instead_o of_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n say_v to_o his_o slothful_a unprofitable_a servant_n out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v those_o wretched_a person_n that_o thus_o mock_v and_o abuse_n god_n and_o deceive_v their_o own_o soul_n into_o ruin_n for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o man_n beyond_o their_o ability_n nor_o command_v their_o service_n and_o obedience_n any_o far_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v it_o and_o consequent_o what_o this_o merciful_a and_o good_a god_n command_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v do_v without_o any_o exception_n or_o dispensation_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a misery_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v dare_v wilful_o to_o disobey_v he_o this_o every_o man_n no_o question_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v through_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o as_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v in_o sufficient_a measure_n give_v to_o every_o man._n and_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o what_o less_o be_v the_o give_v man_n such_o command_v as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o withal_o threaten_v and_o actual_o inflict_v unconceivable_a torment_n for_o such_o be_v those_o of_o hell_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o the_o impracticable_a law_n this_o will_v be_v indeed_o to_o require_v brick_n without_o straw_n as_o the_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n do_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v on_o stripe_n for_o a_o failure_n in_o the_o work_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o worse_o because_o the_o punishment_n for_o irreligion_n and_o not_o improve_n our_o talent_n be_v infinite_o great_a and_o shall_v be_v inflict_v to_o all_o eternity_n since_o therefore_o god_n know_v whereof_o we_o be_v make_v and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o difficult_a his_o command_n will_v be_v to_o we_o and_o how_o proportionable_a our_o ability_n be_v to_o keep_v and_o do_v they_o better_o than_o we_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o superaddition_n of_o grace_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o since_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o will_v not_o overload_v his_o creature_n nor_o exact_v impossible_a task_n or_o such_o as_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a and_o but_o one_o degree_n below_o impossible_a since_o he_o be_v likewise_o infinite_o just_a and_o will_v not_o damn_v myriad_o of_o poor_a wretch_n to_o all_o eternity_n for_o not_o make_v a_o impossible_a improvement_n of_o their_o talent_n and_o expect_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o from_o all_o this_o it_o will_v follow_v not_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v excuse_v for_o plead_v inability_n but_o that_o every_o man_n be_v able_a through_o the_o never_o deficient_a grace_n of_o that_o good_a god_n to_o such_o as_o heedful_o attend_v to_o it_o to_o keep_v his_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a command_n and_o make_v improvement_n suitable_a to_o the_o talent_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o if_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perish_v his_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n wherefore_o let_v no_o man_n for_o the_o future_a be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o charge_n god_n with_o expect_v impossible_a service_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o think_v to_o palliate_v his_o irreligion_n by_o cry_v out_o of_o the_o extreme_a hardship_n of_o live_v like_o a_o christian_a but_o let_v every_o man_n set_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o about_o his_o duty_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o his_o daily_a improvement_n and_o that_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n which_o be_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talent_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a but_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o unprofitable_a beyond_o expression_n miserable_a and_o that_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o first_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o diligent_a improver_n of_o their_o talon_n will_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o above_o in_o this_o world_n a_o quiet_a and_o serene_a conscience_n will_v be_v to_o they_o a_o continual_a feast_n the_o sense_n of_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n of_o have_v be_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o can_v give_v a_o sincere_a account_n though_o not_o a_o perfect_a one_o to_o their_o great_a master_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o look_v into_o their_o behaviour_n in_o their_o stewardship_n this_o will_v fill_v their_o breast_n with_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n their_o soul_n will_v be_v calm_a and_o their_o thought_n at_o rest_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o fidelity_n their_o life_n not_o imbitter_v with_o anxious_a fear_n and_o dread_a of_o a_o sad_a after_o reckon_v but_o like_o that_o of_o a_o faithful_a servant_n who_o be_v in_o his_o master_n favour_n steady_a and_o easy_a and_o move_v cheerful_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o in_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o diligence_n when_o his_o great_a lord_n shall_v advance_v he_o from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o servant_n to_o that_o of_o a_o friend_n and_o bosom_n favourite_n nay_o of_o a_o coheir_n with_o himself_o of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o eternal_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o beside_o this_o serenity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a prospect_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o be_v blessing_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o to_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v comparable_a the_o improve_n christian_a shall_v have_v more_o talent_n give_v he_o more_o grace_n shower_v down_o upon_o his_o soul_n what_o the_o slothful_a have_v forfeit_v shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v abound_v still_o more_o and_o more_o in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n and_o what_o condition_n can_v approach_v near_o to_o the_o state_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n than_o that_o of_o a_o holy_a soul_n thus_o plentiful_o store_v with_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o if_o grace_n and_o glory_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n and_o the_o one_o be_v but_o the_o completion_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o other_o a_o soul_n so_o fill_v with_o grace_n as_o the_o improve_n soul_n will_v be_v must_v needs_o live_v a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o have_v frequent_a antepast_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o that_o other_o world_n when_o the_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v that_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n then_o will_v their_o happiness_n be_v as_o ineffable_a as_o endless_a it_o be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v partake_v of_o his_o glory_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n they_o shall_v be_v conduct_v after_o have_v give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n by_o the_o bless_a angel_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n where_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n and_o with_o wonder_v eye_n and_o enravished_a heart_n behold_v his_o glory_n gaze_v upon_o his_o splendour_n and_o near_o view_v his_o beauty_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o
riches_n or_o abundance_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o which_o nowadays_o we_o esteem_v riches_n chief_o to_o consist_v they_o be_v real_o no_o better_o than_o heap_n of_o earth_n of_o different_a colour_n impress_v with_o different_a stamp_n and_o make_v of_o different_a size_n and_o to_o which_o man_n have_v give_v a_o different_a value_n and_o esteem_n according_a to_o their_o different_a colour_n size_n and_o impression_n and_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v good_a for_o little_a but_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o which_o he_o that_o will_v live_v must_v part_v with_o when_o he_o have_v they_o in_o exchange_n for_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o subsistence_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o base_a than_o for_o so_o noble_a and_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n so_o far_o to_o degrade_v himself_o as_o to_o employ_v his_o great_a love_n and_o admiration_n and_o desire_v upon_o a_o piece_n of_o earth_n which_o be_v original_o make_v for_o he_o to_o tread_v upon_o and_o produce_v thing_n for_o his_o food_n and_o pleasure_n to_o make_v that_o his_o master_n nay_o his_o god_n which_o be_v make_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o dote_v upon_o a_o senseless_a clod_n to_o neglect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o infinite_o perfect_a maker_n and_o admire_v one_o of_o the_o low_a of_o his_o creature_n to_o desire_v a_o piece_n of_o earth_n with_o the_o great_a application_n and_o have_v no_o value_n for_o the_o immortal_a glory_n of_o heaven_n to_o place_v his_o happiness_n in_o what_o be_v so_o very_a much_o inferior_a to_o he_o and_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v indeed_o his_o happiness_n to_o bestow_v no_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v more_o vile_a and_o abject_a than_o this_o what_o more_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o glorious_a hope_n where_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n that_o lay_v out_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o acquire_v a_o trifle_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n disregard_v that_o which_o be_v his_o chief_a good_a and_o where_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o have_v be_v redeem_v not_o by_o corruptible_a thing_n such_o as_o silver_n and_o gold_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n where_o be_v his_o religion_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o make_v silver_n and_o gold_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o affection_n and_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a or_o common_a thing_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o admire_v mammon_n more_o than_o his_o saviour_n what_o more_o vile_a and_o brutish_a than_o this_o what_o more_o stupid_o ungrateful_a this_o be_v to_o come_v down_o to_o a_o level_n with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o it_o be_v to_o sink_v much_o low_a for_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a instinct_n and_o choose_v as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o their_o great_a creator_n and_o serve_v he_o obedient_o in_o that_o rank_n of_o be_v in_o which_o he_o have_v place_v they_o but_o that_o man_n much_o more_o that_o christian_a that_o make_v perish_v riches_n the_o main_a object_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n act_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o degenerate_v many_o degree_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n disobey_v the_o order_n of_o his_o creator_n slight_v the_o heavenly_a counsel_n of_o his_o saviour_n despise_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a make_v himself_o a_o vile_a muckworm_n delight_v in_o nothing_o noble_a and_o excellent_a but_o grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v more_o vilify_v and_o degrade_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n than_o such_o base_a affection_n as_o these_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o vile_a degeneracy_n and_o render_v a_o man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o universe_n both_o to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a men._n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vileness_n of_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o riches_n as_o in_o they_o place_v the_o happiness_n of_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v it_o which_o beside_o that_o great_a perplexity_n of_o mind_n they_o cause_n mention_v before_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1_o it_o mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a 2._o it_o expose_v a_o man_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n or_o fall_v from_o the_o truth_n first_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n do_v mighty_o hinder_v a_o man_n progress_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a we_o may_v remember_v our_o lord_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o parable_n before_o discourse_v of_o matt._n 13.22_o say_v that_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n like_o thorn_n that_o spring_v up_o with_o seed_n choke_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unfruitful_a and_o in_o another_o parable_n of_o a_o great_a supper_n make_v at_o the_o marriage_n of_o a_o king_n son_n 14.18_o matt._n 22._o luk._n 14.18_o by_o which_o as_o be_v discourse_v upon_o that_o parable_n be_v represent_v the_o glad_a tiding_n and_o invitation_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o that_o which_o detain_v man_n from_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n they_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v after_o and_o ox_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n supper_n and_o according_o say_v our_o saviour_n in_o as_o express_v word_n as_o can_v be_v matt._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o first_o nothing_o so_o much_o distract_v a_o man_n thought_n as_o a_o eager_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n for_o riches_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o be_v acquire_v as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o very_o slippery_a when_o gain_v that_o as_o to_o get_v they_o will_v exercise_v all_o a_o man_n contrivance_n employ_v all_o his_o thought_n and_o attention_n and_o consume_v his_o whole_a time_n so_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o once_o get_v will_n to_o a_o man_n that_o know_v the_o hardship_n of_o get_v they_o and_o how_o soon_o they_o be_v lose_v again_o engage_v he_o in_o constant_a care_n and_o solicitude_n to_o watch_v his_o idol_n lest_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o his_o mind_n become_v distract_v with_o continual_a apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o at_o leisure_n for_o no_o other_o thought_n than_o how_o to_o secure_v his_o riches_n and_o this_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n much_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n may_v soon_o perceive_v by_o their_o careful_a anxious_a look_n and_o distrustful_a timorous_a discourse_n now_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n thus_o engross_a a_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n or_o make_v provision_n for_o another_o world_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n of_o good_a work_n in_o heaven_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o likewise_o require_v time_n and_o diligence_n and_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attend_v close_o to_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v not_o only_o different_a but_o contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v but_o that_o he_o that_o eager_o love_v riches_n and_o have_v his_o soul_n prepossess_v with_o a_o strong_a desire_n of_o they_o and_o all_o his_o faculty_n before_o engage_v in_o their_o pursuit_n must_v move_v very_o slow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n if_o he_o move_v at_o all_o nay_o indeed_o rather_o move_v backward_o than_o forward_o and_o the_o more_o he_o love_v the_o world_n grow_v cold_a still_o in_o his_o affection_n to_o god_n another_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o money_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fascination_n and_o enchantment_n it_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o a_o man_n understanding_n and_o make_v he_o less_o sensible_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o great_a obligation_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n and_o so_o dull_v and_o stupefy_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o become_v very_o little_o move_v with_o the_o sermon_n of_o
still_o long_o reprieve_n hope_v that_o at_o length_n the_o sinner_n may_v be_v awaken_v by_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o inward_a motion_n and_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o holiness_n and_o see_v and_o fear_v his_o danger_n and_o return_v by_o repentance_n and_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o for_o so_o in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o parable_n that_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n give_v order_n that_o the_o barren_a figtree_n shall_v be_v cut_v down_o the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n by_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v represent_v answer_v say_v unto_o he_o let_v it_o alone_o this_o year_n also_o till_o i_o shall_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_n it_o christ_n be_v our_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n 18._o heb._n 2.17_o 18._o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o he_o know_v our_o infirmity_n and_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v and_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o 7.25_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o move_v for_o a_o still_o long_o respite_n and_o promise_n to_o use_v new_a method_n that_o we_o may_v become_v fruitful_a of_o such_o good_a work_n as_o will_v be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o father_n sight_n and_o according_o cultivate_v and_o manure_n our_o soul_n with_o repeat_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n press_v the_o discourse_n of_o his_o minister_n still_o more_o home_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o give_v new_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n provide_v new_a happy_a circumstance_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o our_o good_a such_o as_o a_o faithful_a instructor_n good_a conversation_n and_o example_n pious_a book_n and_o discourse_n which_o may_v warm_v and_o enliven_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o awaken_v attention_n and_o soften_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o render_v it_o penetrable_a by_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o receptive_a of_o the_o bless_a impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o as_o loosen_a the_o mould_n about_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n and_o cherish_v it_o with_o the_o kindly_a warmth_n of_o dung_n be_v very_o conducive_a to_o the_o spread_a of_o its_o fibre_n and_o make_v it_o flourish_v and_o grow_v fruitful_a so_o these_o gracious_a method_n of_o the_o great_a dresser_n of_o god_n spiritual_a vinevard_n christ_n jesus_n may_v so_o influence_n the_o soul_n of_o christian_n as_o to_o make_v they_o bear_v much_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v the_o last_o course_n that_o can_v be_v take_v for_o a_o sinner_n safety_n and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o long_a hope_n it_o be_v like_o the_o intercession_n of_o a_o favourite_n for_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a upon_o condition_n of_o his_o better_a conversation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o he_o again_o return_v to_o his_o old_a vile_a course_n his_o friend_n then_o abandon_v he_o as_o one_o that_o deserve_v to_o perish_v and_o so_o here_o in_o the_o parable_n christ_n the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n intercede_v for_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n ready_a for_o destruction_n and_o beg_v a_o reprieve_n for_o he_o to_o see_v if_o time_n and_o far_a care_n will_v cure_v his_o wickedness_n but_o if_o this_o prove_v ineffectual_a there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n his_o intercessor_n will_v then_o give_v he_o over_o for_o desperate_a and_o suffer_v justice_n to_o take_v its_o course_n for_o so_o say_v the_o dresser_n of_o the_o vineyard_n to_o his_o lord_n if_o after_o i_o have_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o dung_v it_o it_o bear_v fruit_n well_o but_o if_o not_o then_o after_o that_o thou_o shall_v cut_v it_o down_o and_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o such_o as_o after_o all_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n for_o their_o reformation_n be_v still_o harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n christ_n will_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o behalf_n no_o more_o thought_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o their_o safety_n but_o their_o compassionate_a intercessor_n shall_v then_o become_v their_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a judge_n and_o when_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o doom_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o miserable_a wretch_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n to_o receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o obstinate_a impiety_n then_o shall_v that_o jesus_n who_o once_o so_o earnest_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o their_o behalf_n pronounce_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n depart_v from_o i_o your_o saviour_n and_o once_o compassionate_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o you_o be_v from_o henceforch_n and_o for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o redemption_n and_o reinstatement_n into_o the_o favour_n of_o my_o father_n be_v banish_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o intercourse_n with_o heaven_n without_o any_o intercessor_n any_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n any_o advocate_n to_o plead_v their_o cause_n and_o without_o any_o place_n for_o repentance_n to_o eternal_a age_n depart_v to_o the_o region_n of_o endless_a horror_n and_o despair_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o be_v but_o the_o just_a demerit_n of_o your_o obstinate_a wickedness_n who_o despise_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v have_v lead_v you_o to_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a end_n of_o irreclaimable_a sinner_n this_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o unfruitful_a profession_n of_o christianity_n wherefore_o let_v those_o consider_v this_o that_o forget_v god_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a lest_o he_o pluck_v they_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v they_o let_v they_o no_o long_o turn_v the_o grace_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n but_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v for_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a and_o though_o slow_a to_o wrath_n and_o of_o great_a goodness_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a yet_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o obstinate_o guilty_a but_o to_o such_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n the_o prayer_n i._o o_o merciful_a god_n who_o have_v plant_v i_o in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o the_o culture_n of_o thy_o minister_n and_o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n have_v take_v tender_a care_n of_o my_o growth_n and_o that_o i_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v in_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n till_o i_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v transplant_v to_o thy_o heavenly_a paradise_n i_o bless_v thy_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o this_o thy_o vineyard_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v even_o to_o we_o though_o so_o remote_a from_o thy_o first_o plantation_n and_o for_o those_o extraordinary_a help_n we_o of_o this_o church_n have_v in_o order_n to_o our_o increase_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o earnest_o beg_v that_o we_o may_v not_o produce_v leave_v only_o the_o mock_v appearance_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sincere_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holy_a conversation_n ii_o i_o acknowledge_v with_o admiration_n at_o thy_o infinite_a love_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n thou_o respect_v in_o thus_o indispensible_o require_v fruit_n of_o we_o not_o any_o acquisition_n to_o thyself_o who_o art_n infinite_o full_a already_o and_o the_o overflow_a fountain_n of_o all_o possible_a good_a thou_o command_v that_o our_o fruit_n shall_v be_v unto_o holiness_n because_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o spend_v our_o day_n in_o misery_n in_o this_o low_a world_n o_o lord_n as_o be_v thy_o majesty_n so_o be_v thy_o mercy_n o_o make_v i_o due_o sensible_a of_o thy_o tender_a care_n of_o my_o happiness_n and_o may_v it_o never_o through_o my_o wretched_a obstinacy_n be_v in_o vain_a and_o in_o vain_a it_o will_v be_v be_v not_o thy_o long-suffering_a wonderful_a with_o what_o amaze_a patience_n do_v thou_o wait_v to_o see_v if_o at_o length_n i_o shall_v be_v fruitful_a how_o often_o have_v i_o disappoint_v thy_o just_a expectation_n and_o yet_o thou_o have_v still_o forbear_v i_o through_o thy_o own_o compassion_n and_o the_o intercession_n of_o my_o dear_a redeemer_n the_o dresser_n of_o thy_o vineyard_n who_o have_v ply_v i_o with_o new_a method_n of_o conversion_n fresh_a application_n to_o invigorate_v my_o piety_n that_o at_o the_o last_o i_o may_v return_v thou_o acceptable_a fruit_n and_o escape_v the_o sad_a punishment_n of_o barrenness_n
that_o of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n but_o let_v he_o ask_v in_o faith_n nothing_o waver_v for_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n james_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n promise_n of_o enable_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v according_o shall_v when_o they_o pray_v for_o his_o help_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v as_o they_o desire_v so_o all_o other_o believer_n if_o their_o prayer_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o promise_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o his_o ability_n to_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o and_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o willingness_n to_o grant_v they_o their_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o they_o shall_v certain_o speed_v well_o and_o receive_v a_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o very_a petition_n they_o offer_v up_o if_o for_o their_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v they_o and_o if_o not_o for_o their_o good_a god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v bestow_v something_o else_o upon_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o for_o their_o advantage_n and_o they_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v send_v away_o empty_a but_o he_o that_o waver_v and_o be_v of_o doubtful_a mind_n in_o these_o particular_n and_o pray_v with_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o prevail_a as_o his_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o cool_a and_o without_o that_o life_n and_o fervour_n and_o importunacy_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v present_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a to_o our_o success_n so_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v in_o strange_a agitation_n and_o toss_v between_o the_o wave_n of_o two_o contrary_a and_o very_a perplex_v passion_n hope_v and_o fear_n and_o the_o latter_a have_v manifest_o the_o advantage_n with_o such_o a_o man_n for_o if_o his_o hope_n be_v strong_a than_o his_o fear_n he_o will_v be_v more_o fix_v and_o steady_a than_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o at_o length_n after_o intolerable_a disquietude_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n he_o will_v split_v upon_o despair_n or_o downright_a atheism_n so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 6_o 8._o he_o that_o waver_v be_v like_o a_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n drive_v about_o and_o toss_v a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v and_o be_v actual_o persuade_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o our_o petition_n if_o for_o our_o good_a shall_v be_v grant_v we_o by_o our_o heavenly_a father_n there_o be_v yet_o one_o thing_n more_o require_v if_o we_o will_v succeed_v in_o our_o devotion_n and_o which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a avail_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o much_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o lord_n deliver_v two_o parable_n cite_v at_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o both_o there_o be_v a_o delay_n and_o denial_n for_o a_o time_n but_o at_o length_n the_o importunate_n prevail_v now_o though_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o this_o importunity_n can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o parable_n god_n quietness_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v disturb_v nor_o he_o tease_v and_o weary_a into_o compliance_n as_o those_o in_o the_o parable_n be_v yet_o there_o may_v be_v several_a other_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o earnest_a desire_n of_o prevail_a and_o that_o we_o indeed_o high_o value_v what_o we_o thus_o importunate_o beg_v for_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o prize_v a_o blessing_n the_o more_o which_o we_o so_o hardly_o come_v by_o and_o to_o be_v the_o more_o thankful_a for_o it_o when_o we_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o more_o careful_a not_o to_o lose_v or_o forfeit_v it_o it_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o patience_n a_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n it_o teach_v humility_n and_o self-denial_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o fault_n lest_o our_o continuance_n in_o they_o render_v we_o unworthy_a of_o god_n favour_n it_o make_v devotion_n burn_v bright_a and_o vigorous_o and_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o good_a god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n free_o and_o upbraid_v not_o have_v make_v importunity_n a_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v our_o request_n and_o indeed_o the_o blessing_n god_n encourage_v we_o to_o ask_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o utmost_a earnestness_n and_o most_o importunate_a address_n and_o the_o long_a attendance_n will_v be_v abundant_o repay_v with_o a_o grant_n at_o last_o have_v thus_o do_v what_o i_o at_o first_o propose_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o prove_v that_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o the_o privilege_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o show_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n to_o this_o duty_n do_v extend_v and_o what_o those_o requisite_n be_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effectual_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n viz_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n sincerity_n of_o intention_n just_a and_o upright_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o express_v by_o st._n paul_n by_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o likewise_o a_o quiet_a peaceable_a temper_n of_o mind_n not_o give_v to_o strife_n and_o wrath_n but_o apt_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o to_o forgive_v together_o with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o veracity_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n accompany_v with_o a_o holy_a earnestness_n and_o importunity_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o all_o of_o we_o be_v exhort_v diligent_o and_o hearty_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n before_o describe_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o place_n no_o time_n but_o we_o have_v need_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n and_o we_o may_v always_o and_o in_o every_o place_n beseech_v it_o of_o he_o and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o accept_v we_o whenever_o we_o address_v to_o he_o as_o we_o ought_v it_o be_v prayer_n that_o sanctify_v prosperity_n and_o make_v light_v the_o burden_n of_o adversity_n and_o bring_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o business_n and_o calling_n and_o be_v the_o great_a cordial_n upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n wherefore_o let_v we_o pray_v every_o where_o lift_v up_o holy_a hand_n without_o wrath_n and_o doubt_v and_o by_o a_o importunity_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v do_v a_o please_a violence_n to_o heaven_n for_o every_o one_o that_o thus_o ask_v etc._n matth._n 11.10_o etc._n etc._n receive_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v any_o of_o we_o that_o be_v a_o father_n bread_n or_o a_o fish_n or_o a_o egg_n will_v we_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o serpent_n or_o a_o scorpion_n if_o we_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o all_o other_o needful_a blessing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o prayer_n most_o gracious_a god_n who_o not_o only_o permit_v but_o do_v encourage_v nay_o command_v we_o to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v unto_o thou_o and_o have_v promise_v by_o thy_o bless_a son_n that_o whatever_o we_o ask_v in_o his_o name_n if_o it_o be_v expedient_a for_o we_o we_o shall_v receive_v assist_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n so_o to_o advert_v to_o the_o all-sufficiency_n and_o almighty_a goodness_n of_o thy_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o miserable_a indigency_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o due_a value_n for_o this_o inestimable_a favour_n and_o be_v so_o much_o my_o own_o friend_n as_o often_o to_o bend_v my_o knee_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o lay_v my_o supplication_n before_o thou_o i_o humble_o confess_v o_o lord_n and_o deplore_v my_o hitherto_o great_a and_o stupid_a backwardness_n in_o this_o heavenly_a and_o most_o beneficial_a duty_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v thou_o that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o will_v prepare_v my_o soul_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v become_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o fit_a habitation_n for_o
of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o according_o say_z john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v of_o our_o lord_n of_o his_o fullness_n have_v we_o all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n john_n 1.16_o and_o ephes_n 4.7_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n which_o scripture_n put_v together_o make_v this_o argument_n god_n be_v desirous_a of_o the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o man_n 2.13_o 2_o pet._n 3.9_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 3.5_o phil._n 2.13_o but_o without_o his_o assistance_n and_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n no_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o that_o happiness_n therefore_o 4.7_o joh._n 1.16_o ephes_n 4.7_o he_o give_v sufficient_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o every_o man_n wherewith_o if_o he_o be_v not_o idle_a and_o want_v to_o himself_o he_o may_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n for_o we_o can_v but_o allow_v that_o what_o god_n desire_v for_o every_o man_n and_o which_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v without_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n he_o will_v give_v every_o man_n sufficient_a assistance_n with_o his_o own_o industrious_a concurrence_n to_o compass_v otherwise_o he_o will_v desire_v that_o for_o some_o i._n e._n those_o to_o who_o he_o shall_v deny_v his_o divine_a assistance_n which_o he_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o attain_v to_o which_o i_o think_v can_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v sufficient_a scripture_n proof_n for_o this_o position_n and_o to_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o one_o plain_a reason_n for_o because_o the_o command_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v give_v in_o general_n to_o every_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n make_v but_o every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n therefore_o every_o man_n must_v be_v suppose_v able_a to_o keep_v and_o observe_v those_o command_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o god_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o reap_v where_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v to_o command_v impossibility_n and_o then_o so_o unjust_a and_o cruel_a as_o to_o punish_v man_n eternal_o for_o not_o obey_v they_o but_o now_o that_o no_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o consequent_o this_o ability_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o aid_n of_o some_o other_o namely_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o who_o give_v to_o every_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o indeed_o he_o give_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o please_v to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o to_o some_o five_o talent_n to_o some_o two_o and_o to_o other_o but_o one_o according_a to_o man_n ability_n to_o improve_v they_o and_z as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o see_v most_o conducive_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o be_v whole_o want_v in_o this_o divine_a gift_n to_o no_o man_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o improve_n it_o but_o bestow_v upon_o every_o sensible_a christian_a grace_n sufficient_a wherewith_o if_o he_o make_v good_a use_v of_o it_o to_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o this_o shall_v have_v this_o fourfold_a good_a effect_n upon_o we_o it_o shall_v make_v we_o unfeigned_o thankful_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n for_o this_o his_o unspeakable_a gift_n look_v upon_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o as_o a_o earnest_a of_o our_o salvation_n it_o shall_v put_v we_o upon_o beg_v devout_o and_o earnest_o and_o frequent_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o still_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o heavenly_a aid_n in_o order_n to_o his_o great_a glory_n and_o our_o more_o perfect_a happiness_n remember_v that_o this_o be_v of_o all_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o what_o a_o frail_a sinful_a creature_n shall_v above_o all_o thing_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o for_o though_o every_o man_n at_o first_o receive_v as_o much_o grace_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o improve_v yet_o he_o that_o have_v improve_v what_o he_o at_o first_o receive_v be_v by_o that_o his_o diligence_n grow_v capable_a of_o more_o and_o able_a to_o make_v a_o suitable_a improvement_n as_o he_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o have_v improve_v his_o five_o talent_n to_o ten_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o improve_n still_o more_o and_z according_o have_v his_o talon_n give_v to_o he_o who_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o bring_v it_o without_o any_o improvement_n to_o his_o lord_n five_o talent_n be_v at_o first_o proportionable_a to_o his_o ability_n but_o by_o due_o improve_n they_o his_o ability_n be_v much_o enlarge_v and_o he_o become_v capable_a of_o and_o receive_v more_o and_o to_o god_n shall_v all_o the_o praise_n be_v give_v of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o perform_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o his_o divine_a assistance_n reflect_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 4.7_o who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v and_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o final_o because_o to_o all_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n sufficient_a to_o our_o happiness_n therefore_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o it_o in_o fear_n and_o tremble_a lest_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n we_o fail_v of_o this_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v withdraw_v and_o take_v from_o we_o for_o in_o the_o second_o place_n god_n expect_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v improve_v the_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o measure_n in_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o parable_n how_o angry_a the_o lord_n be_v when_o his_o servant_n bring_v he_o the_o talon_n he_o commit_v to_o he_o unimprove_v he_o call_v he_o slothful_a and_o wicked_a servant_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o talon_n and_o give_v it_o for_o a_o encouragement_n to_o he_o that_o have_v make_v the_o great_a improvement_n and_o sentence_n the_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o outer_a darkness_n where_o be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o agreeable_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.7_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o christianity_n be_v not_o a_o idle_a lazy_a profession_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o fine_a word_n and_o specious_a pretence_n but_o in_o a_o active_a lively_a piety_n suitable_a to_o every_o man_n be_v several_a ability_n he_o that_o have_v receive_v much_o grace_n must_v be_v eminent_a for_o much_o holiness_n his_o piety_n must_v arise_v proportionable_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o enjoy_v and_o his_o diligence_n be_v commensurate_a to_o his_o strength_n he_o that_o have_v receive_v five_o talent_n must_v gain_v other_o five_o with_o they_o and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v two_o other_z two_o and_o no_o man_n must_v be_v without_o some_o increase_n though_o he_o have_v receive_v but_o one._n the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o we_o be_v threefold_a 1_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n 2_o for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 3_o for_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o grace_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o more_o shall_v he_o endeavour_v to_o glorify_v god_n with_o it_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o secure_v his_o own_o salvation_n and_o he_o that_o either_o make_v no_o use_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o like_v he_o in_o the_o parable_n who_o instead_o of_o trade_n with_o his_o talon_n hide_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n or_o else_o abuse_v it_o to_o vile_a and_o wicked_a purpose_n be_v a_o wicked_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n to_o know_v when_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v plenty_n of_o this_o divine_a grace_n and_o to_o what_o improvement_n he_o be_v consequent_o oblige_v be_v for_o he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o natural_a part_n and_o ability_n upon_o his_o capacity_n for_o understanding_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o