he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n i_o have_v seek_v he_o but_o can_v find_v he_o i_o have_v call_v he_o but_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o many_o believer_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v there_o be_v cause_n for_o it_o they_o have_v give_v christ_n some_o unkind_a answer_n he_o have_v call_v but_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o heed_v he_o have_v knock_v and_o they_o have_v not_o open_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o affront_n and_o unhandsome_a carriage_n before_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o again_o 3._o hence_o also_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o gross_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o have_v many_o of_o we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o refuse_v to_o open_a to_o christ_n at_o his_o knock_n and_o call_v a_o great_a cheat_n the_o devil_n can_v not_o put_v upon_o we_o nor_o great_a danger_n can_v we_o possible_o be_v in_o than_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o he_o to_o refuse_v or_o delay_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o yet_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n to_o put_v this_o cheat_n upon_o we_o and_o by_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o cheat_v what_o dreadful_a and_o tremendous_a danger_n have_v we_o many_o of_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o christ_n have_v call_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o this_o very_a day_n we_o have_v put_v he_o off_o with_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a excuse_n and_o have_v not_o full_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o christ_n have_v press_v we_o so_o far_o with_o argument_n and_o those_o convince_a and_o startle_v one_o and_o of_o all_o sort_n so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o he_o may_v say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v or_o say_v more_o than_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o what_o cold_a entertainment_n have_v he_o find_v at_o our_o door_n may_v he_o not_o just_o complain_v of_o we_o as_o of_o israel_n of_o old_a isai_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v bare_a it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o tremble_v to_o think_v at_o the_o loud_a knock_n and_o call_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o sinner_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v shut_v out_o few_o have_v sincere_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v true_o say_v as_o be_v complain_v john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o many_o that_o have_v make_v a_o large_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v not_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o near_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o nay_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o we_o hope_v be_v true_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v many_o a_o time_n pray_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o yet_o at_o his_o come_n have_v shut_v he_o out_o and_o yet_o where_o be_v there_o any_o but_o they_o have_v their_o plausible_a excuse_n though_o if_o they_o be_v all_o examine_v they_o will_v prove_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o this_o in_o the_o text._n but_o these_o we_o shall_v make_v further_a inquiry_n into_o under_o another_o use_n only_o here_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o a_o horrible_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n have_v hereby_o put_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n we_o have_v hereby_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o which_o will_v undeniable_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o what_o and_o who_o those_o pretend_a friend_n and_o lover_n be_v that_o we_o have_v entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n while_o we_o have_v shut_v out_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o open_v at_o his_o call_n shall_v i_o tell_v you_o 1_o what_o and_o 2_o who_o they_o be_v 1._o what_o they_o be_v the_o lover_n which_o we_o have_v dote_v upon_o and_o entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n while_o christ_n have_v be_v keep_v out_o they_o be_v first_o false_a and_o flatter_a lover_n they_o do_v not_o love_v we_o real_o and_o cordial_o though_o they_o make_v great_a show_n and_o pretence_n of_o love_n there_o be_v none_o that_o love_v so_o real_o as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v his_o love_n be_v towards_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v he_o much_o disservice_n but_o these_o only_a love_n we_o while_o we_o please_v and_o gratify_v they_o do_v but_o cross_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v hate_v you_o and_o manifest_v themselves_o your_o enemy_n christ_n love_n be_v pure_a love_n without_o any_o by-end_n but_o the_o love_n of_o these_o be_v only_o a_o pretend_a love_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o own_o design_n his_o love_n be_v a_o love_n indeed_o and_o he_o have_v by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o real_a and_o great_a deed_n manifest_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o love_n but_o their_o love_n be_v mere_o verbal_a and_o complemental_a promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v his_o love_n be_v chief_o manifest_v in_o adversity_n in_o strait_n in_o distress_n when_o all_o other_o frown_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o have_v now_o hither_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o but_o their_o love_n be_v only_o in_o prosperity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v the_o least_o need_n of_o they_o for_o if_o ever_o we_o real_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o as_o at_o death_n and_o at_o judgement_n than_o they_o will_v be_v the_o further_a off_o from_o help_v we_o of_o afford_v any_o relief_n nay_o then_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o first_o that_o shall_v set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o be_v these_o friend_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o how_o do_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v miserable_o delude_v by_o these_o errand_n cheat_v 2._o these_o lover_n and_o pretend_a friend_n they_o be_v unprofitable_a lover_n and_o friend_n let_v they_o afford_v the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v they_o can_v afford_v no_o such_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n as_o jesus_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v the_o wiseman_n speak_v of_o worldly_a thing_n say_v prov._n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o eye_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o secure_v or_o hold_v fast_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o matth._n 4._o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o faith_n all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v but_o suppose_v these_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o real_o give_v they_o yet_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n but_o suppose_v he_o will_v persuade_v you_o that_o you_o may_v gain_v the_o one_o and_o save_v the_o other_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a 1_o joh._n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o he_o can_v save_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o if_o we_o love_v not_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v we_o can_v love_v he_o that_o beget_v for_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o real_a profit_n to_o be_v get_v by_o they_o but_o be_v great_a loser_n and_o therefore_o in_o harken_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v miserable_o cheat_v 3._o they_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a friend_n if_o compare_v with_o christ_n they_o pretend_v mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o mirth_n the_o heart_n be_v sad_a
sinner_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o fast_o asleep_a in_o such_o a_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n knock_v and_o speak_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v awaken_v they_o hence_o we_o read_v john_n 5.25_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v which_o must_v be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a death_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n but_o of_o a_o death_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o say_v the_o time_n now_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v i._n e._n by_o the_o powerful_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n will_v you_o see_v what_o one_o of_o christ_n call_n be_v in_o this_o case_n read_v eph._n 5.14_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o stand_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o ear_n by_o his_o word_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n 2._o christ_n his_o call_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n many_o time_n design_v repentance_n repentance_n be_v a_o gospel-duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o person_n act_v 17.30_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o repentance_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o can_v come_v to_o he_o again_o but_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n because_o repentance_n be_v proper_o a_o gospel-doctrine_n a_o doctrine_n that_o the_o law_n preach_v not_o for_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n admit_v of_o no_o repentance_n but_o upon_o our_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n immediate_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n gal._n 3.10_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o the_o gospel-covenant_n admit_v of_o yea_o call_v for_o repentance_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v mercy_n yea_o promise_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n upon_o our_o repentance_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v luke_n 13_o 5._o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n than_o christ_n knock_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o business_n with_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o must_v either_o repent_v or_o perish_v everlasting_o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneracy_n and_o have_v by_o some_o temptation_n or_o other_o lapse_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o it_o may_v be_v have_v some_o sin_n lodging_n in_o they_o not_o yet_o true_o discover_v and_o consequent_o not_o particular_o repent_v of_o then_o and_o in_o such_o case_n christ_n call_v to_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v act_n of_o repentance_n for_o repentance_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o concern_v we_o all_o our_o life_n long_o and_o therefore_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n 3._o christ_n call_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n he_o come_v as_o a_o mediator_n and_o peacemaker_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o utter_a enmity_n against_o each_o other_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o enmity_n christ_n have_v take_v away_o by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n the_o cause_n be_v remove_v he_o come_v and_o call_v to_o entreat_v that_o the_o enmity_n itself_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o man_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v woo_v and_o persuade_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n the_o enmity_n that_o be_v lodge_v there_o against_o god_n and_o his_o wayâ—_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o knock_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o before_o we_o will_v in_o this_o case_n be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v to_o his_o suit_n 4._o christ_n call_v for_o a_o closure_n with_o himself_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v be_v therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v arrest_v by_o divine_a justice_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n where_o we_o may_v lie_v and_o rot_v to_o all_o eternity_n jesus_n christ_n see_v we_o in_o this_o misery_n and_o distress_n come_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n offer_v to_o be_v our_o surety_n to_o pay_v every_o farthing_n of_o our_o debt_n for_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o that_o he_o may_v have_v our_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o with_o thankfulness_n what_o kindness_n he_o show_v herein_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o work_n for_o we_o and_o wherever_o justice_n shall_v lay_v any_o charge_n or_o accusation_n against_o we_o we_o will_v by_o faith_n confident_o and_o steadfast_o plead_v his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o discharge_n this_o be_v all_o that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o promise_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n free_v we_o from_o imprisonment_n and_o seal_v we_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a discharge_n that_o shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n in_o this_o case_n be_v such_o as_o these_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n isai_n 55.1_o hâ—_n every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v unto_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v and_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o he_o assure_v we_o john_n 1.12_o that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o they_o he_o will_v give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v this_o call_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v embrace_v with_o all_o readiness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n 5._o christ_n call_v to_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o law_n he_o call_v to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o learn_v of_o he_o mat._n 11.29_o this_o call_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o of_o boaz_n to_o his_o kinsman_n ruth_n 4._o buy_v naomi_n inheritance_n but_o know_v also_o that_o thou_o must_v buy_v it_o of_o ruth_n i._n e._n buy_v the_o inheritance_n but_o thou_o must_v take_v she_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n also_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o thy_o kinsman_n that_o be_v dead_a so_o say_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o take_v the_o inheritance_n that_o i_o have_v purchase_v for_o thâ—â—_n and_o thou_o be_v free_o welcome_a to_o it_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o do_v this_o thou_o must_v also_o 〈◊〉_d i_o to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o 〈◊〉_d solemn_o engage_v to_o behave_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o loyal_a faithful_a and_o obedient_a wife_n to_o i_o thou_o must_v take_v i_o whole_o as_o i_o be_o only_o absolute_o and_o everlasting_o not_o only_o for_o a_o priest_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o father_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v thou_o such_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o requisite_a for_o thou_o to_o observe_v and_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v thou_o by_o my_o law_n thy_o heart_n must_v be_v my_o throne_n and_o there_o must_v i_o sit_v and_o exercise_v my_o authority_n and_o have_v thy_o whole_a man_n
22._o go_v thy_o way_n sell_v whatsoever_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o he_o be_v sad_a at_o that_o say_n and_o go_v away_o grieve_v etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o in_o this_o age_n that_o will_v account_v these_o too_o hard_a term_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n upon_o but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o argue_v rational_o why_o shall_v these_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o this_o christ_n bid_v we_o no_o loss_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o part_n with_o earthly_a he_o promise_v we_o heavenly_a treasure_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o a_o corrupt_a part_n or_o member_n though_o it_o be_v painful_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a matth._n 5.29_o 30._o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lose_v a_o corrupt_a part_n than_o lose_v the_o whole_a 4._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n may_v excite_v we_o to_o and_o quicken_v we_o in_o our_o work_n may_v call_v we_o to_o be_v quick_a and_o more_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o our_o work_n he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a he_o may_v bid_v we_o strive_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o many_o shall_v in_o a_o lazy_a and_o slothful_a manner_n seek_v and_o wish_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o this_o lazy_a slothful_a work_n will_v not_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a only_o take_v it_o by_o force_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o read_v pray_v hear_v meditate_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o cold_a and_o careless_a rate_n which_o we_o do_v it_o will_v not_o do_v well_o to_o be_v such_o stranger_n as_o we_o be_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n more_o deep_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o must_v study_v and_o practise_v our_o duty_n more_o thorough_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o prayer_n must_v make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n our_o delight_n and_o daily_a meditation_n must_v in_o all_o thing_n small_a as_o well_o as_o great_a exercise_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n must_v set_v a_o watch_n before_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n lip_n and_o life_n mu_o in_o short_a forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o may_v come_v to_o ask_v we_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v since_o the_o last_o time_n i_o be_v with_o you_o what_o have_v you_o learned_a what_o have_v you_o practise_v what_o proficiency_n have_v you_o make_v what_o account_n can_v you_o give_v of_o the_o talent_n which_o i_o betru_v you_o with_o in_o what_o forwardness_n be_v your_o work_n let_v i_o see_v how_o matter_n stand_v with_o you_o what_o design_n have_v you_o on_o foot_n for_o my_o glory_n and_o what_o be_v the_o design_n which_o you_o be_v now_o carry_v on_o these_o and_o suchlike_a question_n may_v be_v ask_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o now_o if_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n in_o these_o and_o suchlike_a case_n no_o wonder_n though_o she_o be_v unwilling_a at_o this_o time_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o fear_n of_o have_v her_o fault_n discover_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o her_o conscience_n will_v make_v she_o very_o slow_a in_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o be_v note_v before_o but_o if_o reason_n may_v take_v place_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o for_o what_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v real_a truth_n that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a pass_v on_o a_o pace_n and_o irrecoverable_a when_o go_v and_o if_o we_o have_v sleep_v or_o loiter_v be_v it_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o still_o be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v let_v we_o sleep_v or_o loiter_v on_o till_o his_o last_o call_n to_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n as_o he_o do_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n math._n 25._o in_o what_o a_o condition_n will_v you_o be_v when_o you_o shall_v awake_v your_o lamp_n go_v out_o no_o oil_n in_o your_o vessel_n no_o neighbour_n to_o borrow_v of_o every_o one_o have_v little_a enough_o for_o himself_o and_o you_o must_v be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o buy_v when_o you_o shall_v enter_v in_o with_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o come_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o loose_v your_o whole_a expectation_n be_v it_o not_o better_o let_v in_o christ_n now_o and_o be_v content_a to_o shake_v off_o sleep_v while_o you_o have_v time_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o your_o vessel_n with_o your_o lamp_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o delay_n in_o most_o case_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o it_o be_v bad_a put_v off_o thing_n to_o the_o last_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v most_o true_a in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o great_o concern_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n nay_o further_o if_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o we_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o let_v christ_n come_v in_o and_o put_v all_o thing_n to_o right_n in_o we_o then_o to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o random_n till_o they_o be_v pass_v cure_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o never_o be_v soul_n that_o ever_o repent_v of_o this_o whatever_o pain_n it_o be_v put_v to_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v sad_o repent_v the_o shut_v out_o of_o christ_n when_o it_o have_v be_v too_o late_o it_o be_v better_a that_o christ_n bring_v thy_o fault_n and_o sin_n to_o light_n and_o remembtance_n here_o while_o thou_o may_v repent_v and_o reform_v than_o that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v find_v thou_o out_o in_o the_o guilt_n shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o and_o be_v sure_a thy_o sin_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o find_v thou_o out_o numb_a 32.23_o oh_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o you_o to_o hinder_v you_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a spiritual_a reason_n for_o any_o poor_a soul_n to_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n all_o reason_n produce_v for_o that_o end_n be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o oughts_z not_o to_o be_v carnal_a but_o mighty_a to_o the_o pull_v down_o all_o imagination_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v cavil_v or_o carnal_a reason_n one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n doubtless_o both_o which_o be_v bad_a these_o carnal_a reason_n must_v proceed_v from_o either_o from_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o discover_v or_o purge_v out_o which_o may_v well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a for_o he_o say_v psal_n 145.18_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n so_o that_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v questionable_a or_o else_o it_o proceed_v hence_o viz._n from_o pride_n and_o self-love_n pride_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o see_v thing_n â—miss_o in_o thou_o but_o know_v that_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a from_o self-love_n â—n_o that_o thou_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o ease_n and_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o thy_o very_a life_n be_v more_o dear_a to_o thou_o than_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_o let_v none_o of_o these_o base_a and_o sinful_a argument_n keep_v thou_o off_o from_o open_v speedy_o to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o may_v tell_v thou_o also_o of_o the_o advantage_n that_o will_v come_v by_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o before_o only_o this_o one_o give_v i_o leave_v
to_o mention_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v free_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o he_o will_v ready_o open_v to_o thou_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v few_o but_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o trouble_n and_o restlessness_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o not_o full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a state_n they_o be_v in_o but_o be_v still_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o something_o further_o in_o hope_n another_o condition_n may_v be_v better_o and_o this_o they_o may_v gather_v from_o all_o their_o experience_n that_o a_o rest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o and_o consequent_o all_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o in_o a_o seek_v condition_n seek_v for_o rest_n and_o can_v find_v none_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v often_o something_o within_o that_o suggest_v this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_a place_n by_o daily_a experience_n they_o also_o see_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o rest_n must_v be_v have_v in_o another_o world_n or_o not_o have_v at_o all_o for_o here_o no_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o do_v remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o open_v to_o christ_n here_o for_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o any_o at_o that_o day_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o now_o no_o he_o tell_v we_o quite_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n you_o know_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n cry_v loud_a open_v to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o restlessness_n in_o this_o world_n that_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o in_o hell_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o rest_n at_o death_n and_o in_o heaven_n desirable_a open_a to_o christ_n now_o as_o ever_o thou_o will_v avoid_v the_o one_o or_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o use_n if_o either_o sense_n of_o duty_n love_v to_o thyself_o and_o thou_o own_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n either_o of_o divinity_n or_o humanity_n may_v work_v upon_o thou_o here_o be_v fullness_n of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v reason_n prevail_v with_o thou_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o what_o will_v you_o have_v i_o in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n if_o i_o know_v but_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n that_o i_o may_v help_v thou_o a_o little_a in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n i_o shall_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v and_o what_o to_o do_v and_o so_o shall_v conclude_v this_o subject_n and_o these_o direction_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o manner_n or_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n 2._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n in_o and_o make_v himself_o manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o such_o direction_n as_o respect_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heart_n may_v these_o several_a way_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n by_o unbelief_n by_o impenitency_n by_o want_n of_o love_n or_o coldness_n of_o affection_n by_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n either_o in_o our_o watch_n or_o work_v a_o little_a to_o open_v each_o of_o these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o they_o what_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o though_o the_o sinner_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o his_o sin_n yet_o he_o seek_v to_o justify_v himself_o and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o a_o pardon_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o their_o shift_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o guilt_n upon_o some_o one_o else_o adam_z when_o examine_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v faulty_a lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o eve_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n upon_o god_n himself_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o give_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o do_v eat_v the_o woman_n when_o examine_v lay_v the_o guilt_n upon_o the_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o &c_n &c_n and_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o pride_n remain_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o adam_n posterity_n which_o make_v they_o use_v their_o uttermost_a endeavour_n to_o justify_v themselves_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o excuse_n that_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o person_n do_v so_o overmuch_o value_v their_o own_o work_n of_o righteousness_n judge_v in_o effect_n that_o every_o small_a parcel_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v jesus_n christ_n be_v undervalue_v and_o little_a store_n set_v by_o for_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v whole_o behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o justification_n while_o he_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o to_o lean_v to_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n as_o this_o pride_n harden_v god_n heart_n against_o the_o sinner_n and_o make_v god_n to_o resist_v or_o set_v himself_o in_o battle-array_n against_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v james_n 4.6_o and_o as_o this_o self-justifying_a confidence_n cause_v christ_n many_o time_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n without_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9.13_o that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v through_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o this_o pride_n do_v harden_v and_o shut_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o sinner_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n psal_n 10.4_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o and_o full_o open_v to_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n get_v rid_v of_o all_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n labour_v to_o be_v humble_a low_a and_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o such_o christ_n will_v look_v isai_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o i_o e._n they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a humble_a self-denying_a spirit_n have_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n bring_v unto_o they_o to_o these_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v these_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n while_o david_n justify_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o sin_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o but_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o confess_v free_o his_o sin_n god_n come_v in_o with_o pardon_n psal_n 32._o oh_o therefore_o labour_n after_o humility_n and_o lowness_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a humble_a yourselves_o therefore_o and_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v exalt_v you_o with_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n christ_n must_v do_v all_o and_o have_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o command_n of_o all_o where_o he_o come_v and_o
therefore_o he_o be_v fit_a company_n for_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a self-denying_a self-condemning_a sinner_n 2._o the_o heart_n be_v many_o time_n shut_v against_o christ_n by_o unbelief_n faith_n be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o christ_n be_v receive_v faith_n must_v open_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o faith_n be_v want_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v shut_v against_o christ_n unbelief_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a bar_n or_o bolt_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v fast_o shut_v against_o christ_n this_o bar_n therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v be_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a gospel-sin_n the_o rock_n upon_o which_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n as_o plit_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n beware_v therefore_o of_o unbelief_n and_o open_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n give_v many_o invitation_n and_o call_v such_o as_o you_o read_v isai_n 55.1_o etc._n etc._n believe_v therefore_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o willing_a to_o receive_v those_o that_o he_o make_v such_o call_v unto_o and_o of_o those_o number_n thou_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o wilful_o exclude_v thyself_o through_o unbelief_n he_o make_v many_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o adoption_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a and_o withal_o he_o tell_v thou_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v have_v therefore_o by_o faith_n embrace_v these_o promise_n apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o thankful_o close_a with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o answer_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o on_o thy_o part_n manifest_v thy_o real_a willingness_n thou_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o thou_o with_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n believe_v his_o word_n embrace_v his_o promise_n obey_v his_o command_n dread_v his_o threaten_n give_v up_o thyself_o by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o thou_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 3._o sometime_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o impenitency_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n but_o too_o common_a and_o ordinary_a among_o sinner_n that_o repentance_n be_v only_o needful_a in_o some_o few_o gross_a case_n for_o some_o great_a and_o notorious_a enormity_n but_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o a_o less_o magnitude_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o pardon_v in_o course_n without_o any_o considerable_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v not_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o great_a sin_n they_o conceit_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v understand_v luke_n 15.7_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n i._n e._n that_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o secret_a thought_n but_o of_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o they_o shut_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o person_n that_o they_o have_v no_o great_a need_n of_o or_o occasion_n for_o they_o think_v themselves_o whole_a and_o therefore_o see_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n must_v see_v a_o need_n of_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a sinner_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n by_o nature_n a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n and_o this_o his_o enmity_n he_o must_v repent_v of_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o must_v be_v real_o willing_a and_o desirous_a of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n must_v abhor_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a enmity_n and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n but_o must_v come_v with_o a_o humble_a break_a melt_a heart_n to_o god_n beg_v pardon_n for_o what_o be_v bypass_a and_o deliberate_o resolve_v and_o promise_v new_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o he_o must_v do_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o repentance_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n come_v in_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o thou_o will_v open_v to_o christ_n aright_o set_v thyself_o serious_o to_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n perform_v that_o work_n thorough_o let_v no_o know_a sin_n or_o sin_n that_o thou_o can_v possible_o discover_v in_o thyself_o pass_v unrepented_a of_o go_v therefore_o into_o secret_a examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n what_o sin_n thou_o can_v find_v lodge_v there_o meditate_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o till_o such_o time_n as_o thou_o have_v bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o a_o utter_a loathe_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o and_o of_o thyself_o for_o commit_v of_o they_o and_o allow_v thyself_o in_o they_o and_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v thyself_o as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o harken_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o they_o and_o then_o let_v god_n hear_v thou_o bemoan_v thyself_o and_o complain_v of_o thy_o own_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o wretched_a condition_n thou_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o by_o thy_o sin_n and_o beg_v help_v of_o god_n to_o turn_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o bestow_v he_o upon_o thou_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o thou_o shall_v find_v christ_n ready_a to_o come_v in_o unto_o thy_o soul_n see_v this_o exemplify_v in_o ephraim_n repentance_n jer._n 31.18_o 19_o 20._o sure_o i_o have_v hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bubock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o ever_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n ephraim_n by_o repentance_n open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o then_o god_n heart_n be_v open_a towards_o he_o and_o god_n bowel_n yearn_v towards_o he_o thus_o do_v thou_o humble_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v exalt_v thou_o open_v thy_o heart_n by_o repentance_n and_o thou_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o sometime_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o decay_n or_o want_v of_o love_n it_o be_v want_n of_o due_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n do_v we_o love_v christ_n more_o we_o shall_v more_o ready_o open_a unto_o christ_n and_o do_v we_o more_o real_o and_o fervent_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o of_o his_o company_n if_o love_n be_v want_v christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v in_o that_o soul_n neither_o indeed_o will_v there_o be_v convenient_a room_n for_o christ_n in_o that_o soul_n if_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v cold_a thy_o heart_n will_v be_v shut_v against_o he_o for_o the_o heart_n be_v natural_o contract_v and_o shut_v where_o love_n be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o love_n to_o open_v expand_v or_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n towards_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o soul_n set_v love_n to_o work_v love_n will_v make_v christ_n precious_a and_o desirable_a to_o thy_o soul_n and_o thereupon_o set_v thou_o a_o longing_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a love_n will_v enlarge_v thy_o desire_n and_o make_v thou_o impatient_a of_o his_o absence_n and_o spur_v thou_o on_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o love_n will_v bid_v christ_n welcome_a at_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o will_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o remove_v whatever_o may_v be_v offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o
dress_v and_o all_o in_o order_n but_o we_o find_v our_o friend_n in_o the_o door_n wait_v and_o earnest_o look_v for_o we_o think_v our_o tarry_n long_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_o welcome_a now_o we_o be_v come_v so_o when_o christ_n find_v the_o heart_n prepare_v and_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o door_n watch_v or_o look_v in_o the_o way_n wherein_o she_o expect_v to_o see_v he_o come_v he_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n to_o that_o soul_n sure_o say_v christ_n i_o shall_v now_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n to_o my_o spouse_n now_o she_o be_v so_o earnest_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o i_o and_o this_o please_v christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o variety_n that_o she_o can_v possible_o prepare_v for_o he_o for_o alas_o she_o be_v but_o poor_a have_v no_o rich_a entertainment_n for_o he_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o his_o own_o send_n and_o prepare_v and_o therefore_o welcome_a be_v likely_a to_o be_v his_o best_a fare_n and_o all_o that_o she_o can_v give_v he_o and_o therefore_o christ_n expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o she_o but_o to_o have_v the_o door_n open_a and_o himself_o make_v welcome_a when_o he_o come_v and_o where_o he_o find_v this_o he_o be_v so_o well_o please_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v no_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v while_o he_o stay_v he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o feast_n and_o of_o the_o dress_n of_o it_o too_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v cant._n 5.1_o that_o he_o not_o only_o eat_v but_o gather_v his_o fruit_n himself_o i_o have_v gather_v my_o myrrh_n with_o my_o spice_n i_o have_v eat_v my_o honeycomb_n with_o my_o honey_n etc._n etc._n 2._o find_v we_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o may_v expect_v that_o we_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o other_o company_n and_o business_n to_o entertain_v he_o with_o our_o company_n christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v when_o his_o spouse_n be_v in_o the_o throng_n or_o crowd_v of_o worldly_a company_n and_o business_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n of_o private_a conference_n and_o discourse_n with_o she_o which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o business_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n both_o he_o and_o she_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o opportunity_n friend_n account_v that_o time_n lose_v that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v one_o another_o though_o they_o be_v together_o all_o the_o while_n if_o by_o throng_n of_o company_n they_o can_v have_v their_o discourse_n and_o conference_n which_o they_o design_v in_o their_o meeting_n they_o account_v their_o time_n lose_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o a_o unhappy_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o meet_v at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o and_o that_o thus_o we_o be_v interrupt_v in_o our_o discourse_n the_o more_o intimate_a that_o friend_n be_v the_o more_o private_a matter_n of_o discourse_n they_o have_v and_o the_o less_o they_o care_v to_o be_v interrupt_v with_o company_n none_o more_o intimate_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n anâ—_n have_v matter_n of_o private_a conference_n with_o she_o do_v not_o care_n to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o she_o have_v a_o crowd_n of_o other_o company_n about_o she_o but_o when_o she_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o come_v if_o she_o be_v not_o alone_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o apart_o by_o herself_o and_o then_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v most_o heed_v and_o have_v most_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o she_o therefore_o we_o read_v hos_fw-la 2.14_o i_o will_v allure_v she_o say_v god_n and_o bring_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o will_v speak_v comfortable_o unto_o she_o or_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v now_o when_o christ_n find_v the_o soul_n wait_v and_o look_v for_o he_o all_o alone_a either_o in_o her_o door_n or_o in_o the_o highway_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v i_o come_v seasonable_o for_o yonder_o be_v my_o spouse_n all_o alone_a free_a from_o cumber_v and_o other_o business_n wait_v for_o my_o come_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v expect_v her_o company_n and_o this_o abundant_o please_v he_o for_o it_o be_v her_o company_n he_o chief_o come_v for_o christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v crowd_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n he_o desire_v her_o company_n alone_o and_o be_v best_a please_v when_o he_o find_v it_o so_o 3._o find_v we_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o watchfulness_n our_o clothes_n on_o and_o our_o loin_n gird_v he_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v we_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o drowsy_a and_o sluggish_a condition_n and_o that_o therefore_o his_o company_n will_v be_v pleasant_a and_o not_o burdensome_a to_o we_o and_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v better_o need_v by_o we_o when_o sleep_n and_o sluggishness_n overtake_v we_o the_o company_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n be_v but_o burdensome_a and_o their_o discourse_n but_o little_o regard_v we_o have_v rather_o have_v their_o room_n than_o their_o company_n their_o silence_n than_o their_o discourse_n because_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o compose_v ourselves_o for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o sleepy_a and_o secure_a condition_n his_o company_n be_v no_o whit_n pleasant_a and_o his_o discourse_n sink_v but_o ear-deep_a if_o it_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o do_v little_a good_a now_o christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v and_o find_v his_o spouse_n in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o this_o but_o when_o he_o find_v she_o watch_v or_o busy_a at_o her_o spiritual_a work_n in_o a_o lively_a condition_n now_o say_v he_o my_o company_n will_v be_v acceptable_a now_o in_o a_o lively_a manner_n will_v she_o unbosom_v herself_o to_o i_o tell_v i_o her_o whole_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o i_o shall_v as_o free_o impart_v my_o counsel_n and_o comfort_n unto_o she_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o condition_n that_o i_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o in_o and_o find_v she_o in_o this_o condition_n it_o yield_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o christ_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o bless_a posture_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o posture_n to_o give_v christ_n such_o abundant_a satisfaction_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v that_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v upon_o their_o watch_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o honour_n and_o benefit_n which_o he_o will_v confer_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v commend_v and_o praise_v they_o he_o will_v give_v they_o honourable_a title_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n he_o will_v give_v they_o bountiful_a reward_n and_o a_o sumptuous_a feast_n and_o he_o himself_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o therefore_o need_v no_o further_a enlargement_n 2._o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o damnable_a and_o desperate_a condition_n of_o many_o sinner_n and_o the_o mournful_a droop_a and_o seek_v condition_n of_o many_o saint_n it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n seldom_o come_v abroad_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o because_o when_o he_o come_v he_o find_v such_o unready_a admission_n and_o entertainmet_a if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o sinner_n perish_v everlasting_o and_o that_o under_o gospel-light_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v not_o because_o he_o never_o call_v or_o knock_v at_o their_o door_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_a and_o let_v he_o in_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n john_n 3.19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v so_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o so_o also_o prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_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 how_o often_o do_v christ_n knock_v and_o call_v by_o his_o word_n by_o his_o rod_n by_o his_o messenger_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o sinner_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n of_o security_n and_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o condemnation_n again_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o we_o see_v so_o many_o christian_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n inquire_v as_o here_o the_o spouse_n do_v see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v if_o you_o see_v he_o tell_v