Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

II. The Success of the Invitation is related, They all with one Consent began to make Excuse. The ¹first said, I have bought a piece of Ground, and I must needs go to see it: Another said, I have bought five Yoke of Oxen, and go to prove them: And another said, I have married a Wife, and I cannot come. All the Carnal ⟨p. 193⟩Affections are readily and presently conspiring in the refusal. It may seem that the Allegations of a Purchase and Marriage for not coming to a Feast were very reasonable: but the Feast represents Celestial Happiness, in comparison of which all the Profits and Pleasures of this World are but Loss and Dung: 'Tis evident then, their Excuses are strong Accusations of their Folly and Ingratitude: Of Folly in preferring Shadows before substantial Felicity, Moments before Eternity: Of Ingratitude, in rejecting contumeliously the most gracious and earnest Offer of such a Happiness. This is spoken of the Jews, who lived in the time of the Son of God's Descent for the Salvation of Men: The love of the World caused them to despise his mean Appearance, and neglect the Call of humble Mercy. Upon their refusal, the Servant came and showed ⟨p. 194⟩²his Lord these things; Then the Master of the House being Angry, said to his Servant, Go out quickly into the Streets and Lanes of the City, and bring in hither the Poor, and the Maimed, and the Halt, and the Blind. And the Servant ³said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is Room. And the Lord said unto the Servant, Go out ⁴into the High-ways and Hedges, and compel them to come in, that my House may be filled. For I say unto you, that ⁵none of those Men that were bidden, shall taste of my Supper.

II. The Success of the Invitation is related, They all with one Consent began to make Excuse. The