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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n prove_v sense_n true_a 4,551 5 6.4241 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29181 Practical discourses upon the parables of our blessed Saviour with prayers annexed to each discourse / by Francis Bragge ... Bragge, Francis, 1664-1728. 1694 (1694) Wing B4201; ESTC R35338 242,722 507

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allure_v by_o its_o temptration_n to_o leave_v the_o way_n to_o life_n enable_v i_o i_o entreat_v thou_o so_o steadfast_o to_o attend_v thy_o divine_a instruction_n that_o i_o may_v more_o and_o more_o daily_o take_v my_o love_n from_o that_o which_o do_v not_o can_v satisfy_v and_o be_v indeed_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n valuable_a that_o so_o i_o may_v be_v convince_v by_o a_o happpy_a experience_n that_o true_a pleasure_n and_o freedom_n and_o happiness_n be_v only_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o thy_o service_n and_o that_o i_o be_o so_o little_o design_v for_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o sense_n that_o the_o long_o i_o live_v to_o prove_v they_o the_o less_o capable_a i_o shall_v be_v of_o their_o enjoyment_n o_o may_v that_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n within_o my_o own_o breast_n that_o quiet_v with_o other_o that_o health_n and_o length_n of_o day_n which_o be_v in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o durable_a riches_n and_o true_a honour_n that_o be_v in_o she_o leave_v and_o that_o cheer_v expectation_n of_o heaven_n when_o this_o frail_a tabernacle_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v may_v this_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o true_a piety_n leave_v so_o lovely_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o upon_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v value_v it_o as_o indeed_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o a_o pearl_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o may_v i_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o where_o my_o treasure_n be_v there_o to_o fix_v my_o desire_n and_o thither_o to_o direct_v my_o endeavour_n and_o part_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v my_o hindrance_n in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o it_o and_o since_o this_o pearl_n be_v not_o cast_v before_o swine_n and_o this_o treasure_n must_v be_v diligent_o seek_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v find_v do_v thou_o so_o purify_v and_o refine_v my_o affection_n that_o i_o may_v above_o all_o thing_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o 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time_n to_o which_o question_n the_o compassionate_a jesus_n first_o answer_v direct_o verse_n verse_n i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o till_o seven_o time_n but_o till_o seventy_o time_n seven_o and_o then_o illustrate_v that_o his_o answer_n and_o show_v how_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o how_o sad_a will_v be_v our_o punishment_n if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o parable_n above_o write_v in_o which_o parable_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o general_a to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o merciful_a example_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lie_v under_o a_o vast_a debt_n to_o his_o justice_n express_v by_o a_o king_n be_v take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n etc._n etc._n and_o forgive_a etc._n etc._n second_o his_o great_a displeasure_n against_o those_o that_o will_v not_o imitate_v that_o his_o compassionate_a example_n in_o forgive_a such_o as_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o they_o express_v by_o the_o king_n be_v be_v wrath_n 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his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v that_o so_o payment_n may_v be_v make_v three_o the_o wondrous_a compassion_n of_o our_o good_a god_n in_o pity_v our_o miserable_a condition_n and_o forgive_a we_o all_o our_o debt_n express_v by_o that_o king_n be_v be_v move_v with_o compassion_n at_o the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o his_o insolvent_a servant_n and_o lose_v he_o and_o forgive_n him_z the_o debt_n under_o the_o second_o general_n there_o be_v likewise_o three_o particular_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o forgive_v one_o another_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o and_o the_o great_a obligation_n we_o have_v to_o imitate_v this_o example_n of_o our_o merciful_a god_n second_o our_o great_a baseness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o and_o three_o the_o miserable_a consequence_n that_o will_v attend_v that_o baseness_n we_o shall_v provoke_v god_n to_o recall_v his_o pardon_n to_o we_o and_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o we_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o the_o first_o general_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o parable_n be_v god_n example_n in_o deal_v with_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lie_v under_o a_o vast_a debt_n to_o his_o justice_n express_v by_o a_o king_n be_v take_v account_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o free_o forgive_a one_o that_o be_v deep_o indebt_v to_o he_o and_o the_o first_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v under_o it_o be_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o debt_n which_o by_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n by_o contract_v a_o debt_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v mean_v the_o have_v violate_v the_o just_a and_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o just_a anger_n unless_o we_o
final_o want_v in_o a_o sufficient_a degree_n to_o such_o as_o sincere_o embrace_v it_o and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n express_v it_o in_o another_o parable_n mark_v 4.26_o which_o for_o its_o near_a resemblance_n to_o this_o and_o the_o next_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a particular_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o of_o grace_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v seed_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v up_o and_o grow_v he_o know_v not_o how_o from_o the_o blade_n to_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o the_o full_a corn_n in_o the_o ear_n and_o when_o the_o fruit_n be_v ripe_a he_o put_v in_o the_o sickle_n because_o the_o harvest_n be_v come_v that_o be_v though_o good_a man_n progress_n in_o religion_n oftentime_o be_v not_o so_o quick_a and_o hasty_a as_o they_o may_v and_o wish_n yet_o though_o almost_o insensible_o it_o may_v daily_o grow_v and_o increase_v and_o at_o last_o the_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v visible_a in_o their_o conversation_n therefore_o let_v not_o a_o slow_a improvement_n discourage_v any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a of_o make_v still_o high_a advances_n but_o let_v he_o hold_v fast_o what_o he_o already_o have_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n still_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o with_o patience_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o more_o plentiful_a increase_n in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o increase_n of_o the_o word_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o seed_n that_o be_v sow_o and_o to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soil_n in_o which_o it_o be_v sow_o that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o every_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improvement_n in_o some_o thirty_o in_o some_o sixty_o and_o in_o some_o a_o hundred-fold_a when_o a_o husbandman_n sow_n his_o seed_n if_o he_o sow_n in_o great_a plenty_n and_o upon_o good_a ground_n we_o know_v he_o expect_v to_o reap_v in_o a_o proportionable_a abundance_n and_o when_o he_o sow_n more_o spare_o and_o the_o soil_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o increase_n his_o expectation_n be_v according_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n from_o such_o as_o be_v of_o pregnant_a part_n and_o ability_n able_a to_o entertain_v and_o consider_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sow_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o enjoy_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o excellent_a instruction_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a of_o christianity_n set_v before_o they_o in_o a_o true_a light_n all_o the_o duty_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o a_o abundant_a increase_n from_o such_o man_n as_o these_o god_n will_v expect_v much_o fruit_n even_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o hundred-fold_a they_o must_v 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in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n consider_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v upon_o this_o account_n in_o this_o of_o mat._n 13.12_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundance_n but_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o have_v the_o plain_a mean_v of_o which_o be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n he_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o the_o instruction_n he_o have_v already_o hear_v shall_v receive_v abundant_o more_o grace_n far_o great_a assistance_n and_o much_o large_a and_o more_o frequent_a shower_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n than_o ever_o former_o he_o do_v christ_n will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o he_o as_o it_o be_v express_v rev._n 3.20_o that_o be_v will_v free_o communicate_v to_o he_o of_o his_o divine_a favour_n and_o refreshment_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v mutual_a festivity_n and_o joy_n between_o they_o his_o saviour_n will_v take_v he_o into_o the_o near_a relation_n to_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o same_o be_v his_o brother_n and_o sister_n and_o mother_n that_o be_v as_o tender_o regard_v by_o he_o as_o those_o dear_a relative_n and_o how_o must_v that_o soul_n thrive_v and_o flourish_v which_o be_v thus_o plentiful_o water_v with_o shower_n above_o and_o enrich_v with_o stream_n issue_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o intolerable_a will_v be_v his_o misery_n that_o neglect_v and_o disregard_v these_o sermon_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o a_o careless_a hearer_n only_o deceive_a sad_o
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
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 or_o the_o tare_n the_o bad_a or_o good_a professor_n of_o christianity_n respective_o be_v christ_n and_o the_o devil_n christ_n by_o teach_v a_o holy_a reliligion_n to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o shall_v conduct_v man_n to_o glory_n and_o immortality_n and_o by_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o do_v endeavour_n to_o make_v all_o man_n happy_a to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n for_o if_o sin_n be_v weed_v out_o of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o misery_n in_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o eternal_a and_o ineffable_a felicity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o which_o after_o a_o persevere_v righteousness_n here_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o instate_v the_o devil_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o great_a enemy_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n make_v it_o his_o great_a endeavour_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o wiles_n ●nd_v stratagem_n to_o obliterate_v the_o divine_a 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 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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 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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 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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
bubble_n because_o it_o shine_v and_o glitter_v so_o utter_o without_o excuse_n be_v those_o who_o despise_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o invitation_n to_o religion_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n or_o indeed_o upon_o any_o other_o account_v whatever_o for_o religion_n be_v our_o chief_n interest_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o those_o that_o put_v by_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o till_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n that_o be_v till_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o be_v no_o doubt_n very_o high_o displease_v to_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o but_o those_o be_v much_o more_o so_o who_o total_o and_o insult_o reject_v it_o to_o defer_v the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a provocation_n but_o atheistical_o to_o oppose_v and_o vilify_v it_o be_v certain_o much_o worse_a which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n express_v in_o 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injurious_a to_o they_o either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o next_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o after_o this_o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o witty_a infidel_n in_o the_o world_n can_v prove_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o may_v be_v true_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v so_o sad_a shall_v it_o at_o length_n prove_v indeed_o to_o be_v true_a certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o most_o prudent_a course_n to_o be_v of_o the_o sure_a side_n and_o embrace_v that_o faith_n which_o if_o true_a be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o if_o false_a will_v not_o however_o leave_v a_o man_n in_o any_o respect_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o it_o find_v he_o how_o sad_a the_o consequence_n will_v be_v of_o not_o believe_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o reject_v the_o religion_n he_o teach_v be_v express_v in_o this_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n be_v pronounce_v those_o that_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o that_o favour_n 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 which_o be_v literal_o verify_v upon_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o will_v be_v as_o effectual_o upon_o all_o other_o infidel_n that_o be_v man_n obstinate_a infidelity_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v repay_v with_o god_n withdraw_v that_o favour_n which_o he_o so_o long_o tender_v they_o and_o they_o refuse_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o day_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n and_o seal_v they_o up_o as_o irreclaimable_a to_o destruction_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v say_v solomon_n personate_n christ_n or_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o prov._n 1.24_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o once_o be_v tender_v and_o make_v know_v to_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v hide_v from_o their_o eye_n and_o no_o condition_n can_v be_v so_o miserable_a as_o they_o who_o by_o obstinate_a infidelity_n put_v themselves_o out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o use_v those_o spiritual_a person_n contumelious_o and_o despiteful_o who_o come_v as_o ambassador_n from_o god_n with_o these_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o king_n be_v send_v forth_o his_o army_n to_o destroy_v those_o murderer_n and_o to_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n which_o be_v likewise_o literal_o fufill_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o effectual_o verify_v upon_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o vent_v their_o spleen_n against_o the_o religion_n upon_o those_o that_o preach_v it_o and_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v and_o trample_v upon_o the_o one_o because_o they_o hate_v the_o other_o but_o vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o fiery_a destruction_n even_o that_o of_o hell_n shall_v without_o a_o deep_a repentance_n which_o we_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v they_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o malice_n be_v so_o inveterate_a against_o man_n send_v from_o god_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v total_o reject_v this_o holy_a religion_n and_o abuse_v and_o vilify_v those_o that_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v 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duty_n of_o a_o good_a steward_n be_v thus_o represent_v in_o the_o 42d_o verse_n of_o this_o 12_o of_o luke_n who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o be_v to_o give_v the_o family_n their_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o good_a steward_n now_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v god_n great_a family_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o his_o family_n he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o as_o his_o steward_n and_o purveyor_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o have_v according_a entrust_v they_o with_o such_o a_o share_n of_o his_o revenue_n to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o as_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o have_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o order_v they_o to_o expend_v it_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o household_n that_o every_o one_o be_v provide_v for_o according_a to_o his_o needs_o and_o that_o no_o man_n be_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o be_v miserable_a and_o perish_v and_o this_o he_o require_v shall_v be_v do_v faithful_o after_o a_o moderate_a provision_n first_o make_v for_o themselves_o and_o relative_n as_o they_o shall_v answer_v it_o at_o that_o great_a audit_n when_o every_o man_n must_v give_v account_n of_o his_o stewardship_n the_o rich_a man_n then_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o every_o other_o rich_a man_n be_v god_n steward_n to_o provide_v for_o such_o as_o be_v in_o necessity_n and_o want_n according_a to_o the_o abundance_n god_n have_v give_v he_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v the_o question_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o upon_o his_o great_a increase_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v because_o i_o have_v no_o room_n where_o to_o lay_v my_o fruit_n why_o act_n like_o a_o good_a steward_n for_o thy_o great_a master_n and_o let_v the_o house_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v the_o granary_n for_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o increase_n charity_n to_o the_o necessitous_a be_v the_o best_a way_n of_o bestow_v abundance_n and_o as_o many_o way_n as_o there_o be_v of_o express_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v innumerable_a so_o many_o way_n be_v there_o of_o dispose_n of_o what_o be_v more_o than_o needful_a for_o our_o own_o comfortable_a support_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a to_o give_v drink_n to_o the_o thirsty_a harbour_n to_o distress_a stranger_n clothes_n to_o the_o naked_a visit_v of_o comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o freedom_n to_o prisoner_n to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v to_o discharge_v a_o good_a stewardship_n this_o be_v what_o every_o rich_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v with_o his_o abundance_n and_o blessed_n be_v that_o good_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v of_o a_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n his_o master_n will_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o will_v commit_v still_o more_o of_o his_o revenue_n to_o his_o management_n bless_v he_o with_o great_a prosperity_n and_o increase_n and_o at_o last_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o reign_v with_o christ_n his_o great_a master_n in_o glory_n for_o ever_o whoever_o therefore_o have_v abundance_n need_v not_o much_o to_o perplex_v himself_o how_o he_o shall_v bestow_v it_o for_o the_o poor_a be_v always_o with_o we_o and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o necessity_n not_o the_o gratify_a our_o own_o luxurious_a desire_n must_v god_n extraordinary_a blessing_n be_v lay_v out_o let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n consider_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o nor_o eager_o pursue_v riches_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o religion_n direct_v if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o bless_v we_o with_o they_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o your_o heart_n upon_o they_o be_v excellent_a advice_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n psal_n 62.10_o and_o very_o true_a be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n ephes_n 1.6_o 10._o that_o while_n some_o have_v covet_v after_o money_n they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o divers_a sorrow_n and_o that_o godliness_n with_o content_a be_v great_a gain_n and_o therefore_o wise_a indeed_o be_v that_o man_n that_o know_v how_o to_o be_v content_a with_o his_o present_a portion_n and_o by_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o more_o noble_a object_n escape_v the_o snare_n of_o covet_v after_o wealth_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o most_o dangerous_a passion_n the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o be_v secure_a of_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n amid_o all_o the_o turn_v and_o variety_n of_o fortune_n the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o a_o false_a and_o fickle_a world_n if_o poverty_n shall_v become_v his_o lot_n he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o stability_n in_o this_o world_n be_v good_a and_o therefore_o value_v it_o according_o and_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v a_o much_o great_a treasure_n in_o a_o better_a place_n of_o which_o none_o can_v deprive_v he_o and_o which_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v to_o eternity_n and_o upon_o that_o fix_v his_o affection_n and_o belong_v for_o the_o happy_a time_n when_o he_o shall_v take_v possession_n of_o it_o while_o he_o have_v a_o plentiful_a fortune_n he_o act_v like_o a_o good_a steward_n of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o by_o let_v those_o share_n with_o he_o that_o want_v a_o supply_n and_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o be_v so_o bless_a as_o to_o give_v rather_o than_o receive_v and_o in_o every_o respect_n make_v the_o best_a use_n he_o can_v of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a patron_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o brethren_n and_o then_o can_v step_v secure_o though_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n threaten_v if_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o divert_v they_o and_o continue_v to_o he_o what_o he_o have_v he_o know_v he_o can_v do_v it_o if_o not_o he_o know_v that_o all_o will_v end_v for_o the_o best_a at_o last_o and_o so_o cheerful_o resign_v what_o god_n before_o have_v lend_v he_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o abundance_n and_o that_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n and_o therefore_o his_o main_a endeavour_n be_v to_o preserve_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o soul_n clear_a and_o unspotted_a and_o with_o that_o coarse_a fare_n will_v relish_v well_o and_o a_o homely_a garment_n sit_v easy_a upon_o he_o and_o such_o necessary_n as_o these_o he_o that_o feed_v the_o raven_n and_o clothes_n the_o lily_n will_v sure_o provide_v for_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v must_v needs_o be_v in_o perpetual_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o wise_a consequent_o in_o take_v that_o course_n which_o help_v he_o to_o those_o inestimable_a blessing_n as_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o dispose_n of_o abundance_n when_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o bless_v a_o man_n with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a there_o need_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o christian_n than_o for_o they_o to_o read_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o mat._n 25._o where_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o express_v of_o man_n charity_n shall_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o the_o charitable_a reward_v infinite_o with_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o uncharitable_a doom_v as_o accurse_a person_n to_o depart_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o bliss_n into_o everlasting_a torment_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o if_o so_o to_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o 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ruin_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n this_o eternal_a torment_n and_o death_n we_o will_v be_v above_o all_o thing_n careful_a to_o avoid_v this_o place_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o time_n and_o opportunity_n while_o we_o have_v it_o in_o provide_v for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n the_o end_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o eternity_n to_o he_o then_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o no_o more_o space_n for_o repentance_n and_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n and_o after_o the_o great_a change_n that_o death_n will_v make_v in_o our_o condition_n no_o more_o change_n from_o thence_o forward_o for_o ever_o no_o intermediate_v purgatory_n to_o cleanse_v our_o remain_a filthiness_n but_o as_o death_n leave_v a_o soul_n so_o shall_v judgement_n find_v it_o and_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o great_a truth_n can_v never_o be_v too_o often_o call_v to_o remembrance_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o to_o a_o wicked_a liver_n that_o whoever_o think_v at_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v incline_v by_o it_o to_o husband_n well_o this_o his_o only_a opportunity_n of_o make_v himself_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o immediate_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v himself_o from_o that_o gild_n which_o if_o he_o die_v in_o will_v make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o alleviation_n the_o last_o thing_n this_o parable_n inform_v we_o of_o be_v that_o every_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o powerful_o enough_o incline_v to_o avoid_v that_o future_a misery_n and_o secure_v his_o eternal_a happiness_n without_o any_o more_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o persuasive_n to_o act_v according_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o have_v already_o be_v reveal_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o all_o probability_n will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v though_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o it_o this_o be_v express_v in_o the_o parable_n by_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v after_o he_o be_v sad_o assure_v by_o abraham_n that_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v send_v lazarus_n to_o his_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n say_v he_o that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n to_o this_o abraham_n answer_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o miserable_a rich_a man_n and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v to_o this_o abraham_n give_v this_o final_a answer_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o 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what_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o tim._n 1.8_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o when_o we_o discourse_v about_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n not_o to_o tremble_v at_o it_o as_o foelix_n do_v but_o with_o perverse_a infidelity_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o whether_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v it_o by_o one_o that_o come_v from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v experience_v what_o we_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o proof_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v urge_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o laugh_v at_o this_o as_o a_o invention_n of_o churchman_n and_o no_o better_a than_o a_o religious_a cheat._n they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a they_o say_v that_o the_o write_n which_o we_o affirm_v be_v divine_o inspire_v do_v very_o plain_o and_o express_o assert_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o place_v before_o the_o almighty_a judge_n and_o consign_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o they_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n and_o consequent_o the_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o assert_v of_o this_o nature_n our_o business_n therefore_o must_v be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o that_o still_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v not_o incline_v to_o live_v according_o will_v neither_o be_v convince_v nor_o persuade_v in_o this_o instance_n though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o opposition_n antiscripturists_a make_v against_o the_o holy_a write_n be_v in_o short_a this_o either_o they_o will_v deny_v that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o if_o they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o set_v down_o and_o endeavour_v to_o pick_v out_o inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o their_o relation_n and_o if_o beat_v from_o that_o post_n they_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o writer_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o write_v be_v mere_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o what_o strange_a occurrence_n they_o record_v of_o their_o master_n jesus_n as_o of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o be_v end_v and_o all_o man_n than_o arise_v likewise_o and_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o work_n that_o this_o and_o the_o like_a strange_a passage_n they_o record_v of_o jesus_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o do_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o by_o art_n magic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o can_v it_o be_v make_v good_a will_v be_v a_o shrewd_a blow_n indeed_o and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n soon_o sink_v into_o ruin_n but_o in_o short_a for_o to_o enlarge_v here_o will_v far_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o single_a sermon_n a_o christian_n defence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n may_v be_v this_o first_o though_o some_o have_v deny_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v yet_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o can_v prove_v it_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n and_o by_o man_n of_o very_o different_a religion_n and_o persuasion_n and_o that_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n to_o the_o religion_n there_o teach_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o glad_a to_o have_v prove_v the_o whole_a a_o forgery_n if_o they_o can_v but_o since_o they_o do_v not_o when_o it_o be_v so_o much_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o can_v not_o and_o since_o they_o be_v to_o this_o day_n approve_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o religion_n as_o genuine_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v for_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v either_o throw_v aside_o all_o book_n as_o spurious_a or_o believe_v this_o which_o we_o