a_o offer_n for_o sin_n psal_n 71.23_o my_o lip_n shall_v great_o rejoice_v and_o my_o soul_n which_o thou_o have_v redeem_v the_o soul_n be_v the_o jewel_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o therefore_o though_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o box_n or_o cabinet_n with_o it_o yet_o the_o cabinet_n without_o the_o jewel_n will_v not_o give_v he_o content_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n or_o soul_n therefore_o that_o he_o call_v for_o when_o he_o knock_v 3._o because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o royal_a seat_n or_o throne_n and_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o be_v a_o truckle-bed_n guest_n but_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o we_o and_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o command_a faculty_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n he_o may_v by_o that_o command_n the_o whole_a man_n but_o without_o this_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o keep_v possession_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o man_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o the_o stream_n that_o run_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o man_n proceed_v if_o this_o be_v not_o pure_a the_o stream_n must_v needs_o be_v filthy_a and_o therefore_o prov._n 4.23_o we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n the_o heart_n be_v always_o full_a and_o be_v continual_o send_v forth_o legion_n of_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a how_o shall_v christ_n keep_v the_o outward_a man_n quiet_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o for_o he_o our_o saviour_n speak_v it_o as_o a_o impossibility_n mat._n 12.34_o 35._o that_o they_o be_v evil_a shall_v speak_v good_a thing_n and_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o that_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o therefore_o according_a as_o the_o heart_n be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v such_o be_v the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n evil_a thing_n how_o shall_v the_o fruit_n be_v good_a when_o the_o tree_n be_v bad_a the_o heart_n then_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o christ_n will_v daily_o be_v send_v forth_o such_o troop_n of_o filthy_a molest_a enemy_n that_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o quiet_a abode_n near_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v either_o have_v the_o royal_a fort_n deliver_v and_o open_v to_o he_o or_o he_o will_v not_o come_v there_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v filthy_a the_o whole_a man_n be_v defile_v with_o what_o issue_v from_o thence_o and_o see_v what_o flood_n of_o stink_a filthiness_n issue_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o defile_v the_o man_n mat._n 15.18_o 19_o 20._o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false_a witness_n blasphemy_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o sweet_a breath_n of_o christ_n endure_v near_o such_o a_o sink_n of_o filthiness_n if_o he_o may_v not_o come_v to_o the_o spring_n or_o rise_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_a stay_n for_o he_o 4._o christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n or_o none_o because_o his_o chief_a suit_n and_o request_n be_v for_o our_o love_n and_o this_o he_o can_v have_v without_o the_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o though_o it_o send_v its_o servant_n abroad_o yet_o itself_o never_o stir_v from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v have_v this_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n such_o be_v christ_n love_n towards_o his_o spouse_n that_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o she_o and_o the_o term_n he_o propose_v be_v marriage-term_n wherein_o love_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o great_a reason_n he_o shall_v have_v this_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o regard_n we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o give_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o expect_v any_o other_o thing_n with_o we_o that_o may_v be_v desirable_a portion_n we_o have_v none_o not_o so_o much_o as_o clothes_n to_o our_o back_n oâ—_n to_o cover_v our_o nakedness_n nor_o meat_n for_o our_o belly_n nor_o penny_n of_o money_n in_o our_o purse_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n we_o have_v none_o till_o he_o have_v beautify_v we_o with_o his_o comeliness_n wisdom_n and_o part_n we_o have_v none_o for_o by_o nature_n we_o aâ—â—_n fool_n providence_n or_o good_a housewifery_n wâ—_n have_v none_o for_o we_o have_v a_o good_a portion_n leave_v we_o and_o we_o have_v waste_v and_o spend_v it_o all_o great_a friend_n and_o ally_n we_o have_v none_o that_o can_v dâ—_n any_o thing_n for_o we_o for_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thâ—_n loathe_v of_o our_o person_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o wâ—_n be_v bear_v and_o none_o eye_n pity_v we_o and_o as_o foâ—_n our_o descent_n our_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o mother_n a_o hittite_n a_o curse_a generation_n as_o wâ—_n read_v ezek._n 16._o beginning_n what_o have_v wâ—_n then_o that_o may_v commend_v we_o to_o christ_n or_o thâ—â—_n may_v in_o any_o sort_n please_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o oâ—â—_n love_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a thâ—â—_n he_o shall_v have_v this_o nay_o since_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o he_o will_v have_v this_o or_o not_o matâ—â—_n with_o we_o 5._o christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n open_v where_o he_o come_v because_o the_o feast_n and_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o chief_o respect_v the_o heart_n the_o outward_a man_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v in_o they_o or_o advantage_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n christ_n his_o feast_n be_v spiritual_a and_o therefore_o but_o little_a grateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n or_o outward_a man_n the_o word_n that_o christ_n speak_v be_v part_n of_o his_o banquet_n or_o feast_n and_o david_n say_v they_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n but_o what_o refreshment_n or_o feast_n will_v these_o be_v to_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a man_n if_o the_o heart_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o host_n 2.14_o christ_n will_v allure_v his_o spouse_n and_o take_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o will_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o she_o or_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v word_n yield_v but_o little_a comfort_n or_o refreshment_n if_o they_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n john_n 6._o christ_n tell_v we_o he_o will_v give_v his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o feed_v we_o and_o this_o but_o after_o a_o imaginary_a way_n neither_o for_o we_o must_v not_o real_o have_v his_o body_n and_o blood_n after_o a_o corporeal_a manner_n but_o spiritual_o represent_v and_o adumbrate_v by_o a_o little_a break_a bread_n and_o poured-forth_a wine_n if_o this_o feast_n therefore_o extend_v to_o or_o concern_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o body_n it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o poor_a hungry_a feast_n he_o find_v it_o so_o that_o go_v away_o from_o the_o ordinance_n without_o find_v and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o banquet_n spiritual_n and_o such_o as_o immediate_o concern_v the_o heart_n the_o scripture_n will_v never_o call_v it_o a_o feast_n of_o marrow_n and_o wine_n settle_v upon_o the_o lees_n nor_o will_v david_n say_v psal_n 63.5_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o he_o feed_v upon_o this_o and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o feast_n be_v chief_o spiritual_a and_o respect_v the_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v lose_v and_o signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o open_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n knock_v be_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o he_o require_v shall_v be_v open_v to_o he_o 2._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v at_o who_o door_n do_v christ_n knock_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n knock_v at_o every_o one_o door_n that_o live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o heart_n require_v entrance_n and_o admission_n thou_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v this_o word_n whoever_o thou_o be_v male_a or_o female_a bond_n or_o free_n young_a or_o old_a rich_a or_o poor_a high_a or_o low_a whatever_o order_n rank_n or_o degree_n thou_o be_v of_o in_o whatever_o condition_n or_o state_n thou_o be_v at_o thy_o door_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n by_o this_o word_n knock_v say_v open_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n see_v the_o universality_n of_o christ_n
at_o command_n this_o christ_n call_v for_o but_o alas_o too_o many_o that_o like_a boaz_n his_o kinsman_n have_v a_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o inheritance_n yet_o here_o turn_v their_o back_n and_o will_v rather_o let_v the_o inheritance_n go_v to_o another_o than_o they_o will_v take_v christ_n with_o it_o many_o will_v have_v christ_n his_o crown_n but_o few_o will_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v but_o slow_o hearken_v to_o in_o this_o respect_n 6._o christ_n call_v sometime_o to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v his_o spouse_n when_o she_o be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o her_o work_n sometime_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n own_o people_n grow_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a either_o lay_v aside_o their_o spiritual_a work_n or_o perform_v it_o lazy_o if_o they_o pray_v they_o pray_v heartless_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o they_o matter_a not_o whether_o they_o speed_v or_o not_o if_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o in_o too_o formal_a and_o customary_a a_o manner_n not_o study_v to_o profit_v thereby_o if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o come_v not_o with_o that_o appetite_n and_o enlarge_v desire_n and_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v though_o indeed_o their_o want_n be_v many_o and_o great_a yet_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v to_o elijah_n what_o do_v thou_o here_o elijah_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n or_o a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o be_v there_o they_o have_v sin_n enough_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o yet_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n bleed_v and_o die_v do_v but_o little_o move_v or_o affect_v they_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o yet_o mourn_v but_o little_a over_o he_o they_o can_v behold_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o have_v little_a stir_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a watch_n they_o let_v that_o fall_n though_o in_o their_o enemy_n country_n and_o hereby_o they_o give_v advantage_n and_o opportunity_n to_o their_o enemy_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o take_v they_o in_o his_o net_n therefore_o that_o careful_a and_o faithful_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n see_v in_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o enemy_n watchfulness_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a posture_n which_o indispose_v we_o for_o our_o work_n and_z gives_z advantage_n to_o our_o adversary_n he_o therefore_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o awaken_v we_o and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o watch_n and_o to_o our_o work_n to_o our_o watch_n lest_o our_o enemy_n come_v and_o take_v we_o nap_v and_o to_o our_o work_n leave_v the_o night_n come_v before_o our_o work_n be_v perfect_v it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o christ_n his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n thus_o to_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o awaken_n ordinance_n or_o providence_n when_o thus_o he_o find_v we_o incline_v to_o sloth_n or_o sluggishness_n and_o yet_o many_o time_n he_o be_v force_v to_o call_v aloud_o before_o he_o can_v make_v we_o hear_v 7._o christ_n call_v to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o of_o that_o rich_a feast_n or_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o believer_n know_v their_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o christ_n for_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n they_o make_v their_o request_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v a_o feast_n in_o their_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v fill_v their_o heart_n with_o â—ood_a and_o gladness_n that_o his_o comfort_n may_v deâ—ight_v their_o heart_n whatever_o other_o thought_n may_v trouble_v and_o cumber_v they_o and_o hereupon_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v for_o open_v and_o entertainment_n say_v as_o in_o the_o text_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a and_o promise_v as_o rev._n 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o christ_n will_v not_o loose_v his_o feast_n when_o he_o have_v prepare_v it_o nor_o do_v he_o love_v to_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o but_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o his_o spouse_n for_o who_o he_o have_v prepare_v they_o and_o therefore_o call_v this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o text._n the_o spouse_n vers_fw-la 16._o of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o revival_n of_o grace_n in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v beg_v his_o company_n this_o request_n be_v grant_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o her_o request_n come_v and_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o door_n open_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o load_n of_o comfort_n he_o many_o time_n find_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o he_o long_o knock_v and_o call_v before_o he_o gain_v admission_n the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n stand_v many_o time_n long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o open_v to_o and_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o many_o a_o excuse_n and_o put-off_a will_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n make_v against_o itself_o before_o it_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n for_o its_o own_o comfort_n yea_o sometime_o so_o compliment_v it_o and_o plead_v excuse_n till_o christ_n in_o a_o angeâ—_n withdraw_v and_o make_v the_o soul_n long_o and_o with_o a_o ache_a heart_n to_o seek_v christ_n in_o the_o promise_n before_o she_o find_v he_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_n to_o discover_v in_o this_o text._n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v no_o dispensation_n of_o god_n that_o he_o exercise_v towards_o we_o but_o it_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o it_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n and_o come_v with_o some_o message_n unto_o we_o messenger_n be_v not_o send_v but_o upon_o some_o message_n or_o errand_n god_n minister_n be_v his_o messenger_n send_v unto_o we_o with_o some_o word_n of_o reproof_n instruction_n counsel_n or_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 13.16_o and_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o his_o messenger_n bring_v and_o therefore_o their_o message_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v because_o it_o be_v a_o call_n or_o message_n from_o god_n every_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n check_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o conscience_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v listen_v and_o hearken_v to_o for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n or_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n every_o providence_n that_o befall_v thou_o whether_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o or_o affliction_n be_v a_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n and_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n in_o it_o something_o that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o learn_v by_o it_o yea_o even_o those_o common_a providence_n whether_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o befall_v thou_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o come_v with_o some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o a_o packet_n of_o letter_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o town_n or_o place_n by_o one_o common_a post_n or_o carrier_n but_o every_o one_o letter_n in_o particular_a come_v about_o his_o own_o special_a business_n though_o it_o come_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a carrier_n so_o in_o common_a affliction_n or_o judgement_n though_o they_o come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n and_o by_o a_o common_a hand_n either_o humane_a or_o divine_a or_o in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o come_v upon_o a_o particular_a errand_n and_o about_o particular_a business_n to_o the_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v if_o they_o come_v to_o thou_o know_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o voice_n and_o learn_v the_o lesson_n but_o though_o there_o be_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o every_o passage_n of_o god_n carriage_n towards_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o special_a time_n wherein_o god_n call_v be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o slight_v
company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_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 evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o christ_n interest_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o sufficient_o open_v to_o he_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o man_n find_v who_o pray_v for_o christ_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o he_o yea_o and_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o a_o love_n for_o he_o and_o yet_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n never_o true_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n examine_v your_o heart_n therefore_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v there_o and_o open_v to_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v how_o come_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o world_n to_o have_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o you_o and_o to_o bear_v so_o much_o sway_n with_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o world_n will_v be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o 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i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n which_o manifest_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o true_o christian_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v find_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a work_n in_o case_n of_o a_o easy_a nature_n than_o this_o here_o of_o this_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n there_o be_v some_o weary_a step_n that_o a_o believer_n must_v take_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o 1._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o finisher_n and_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n and_o beginner_n of_o this_o grace_n faith_n in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o habit_n must_v be_v obtain_v of_o christ_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o to_o tug_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o ought_v be_v no_o easy_a work_n especial_o if_o christ_n for_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o hold_v back_o and_o deny_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n this_o put_v the_o soul_n sometime_o into_o a_o sweat_n and_o therefore_o the_o easeful_a soul_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n his_o patience_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o he_o faint_v and_o flag_n in_o the_o duty_n 2._o another_o weary_a step_n the_o soul_n must_v take_v to_o get_v faith_n into_o the_o exercise_n be_v the_o search_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o right_o apply_v they_o it_o be_v sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v such_o promise_n as_o may_v right_o suit_v our_o condition_n when_o we_o have_v find_v they_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o difficult_a right_o to_o understand_v they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o purport_n of_o they_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a to_o get_v our_o heart_n right_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o clear_v up_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o so_o that_o sometime_o a_o believer_n 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purity_n and_o sanctity_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n worthy_a of_o his_o company_n but_o these_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o shall_v first_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o will_v help_v they_o to_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o they_o this_o work_n of_o purity_n for_o it_o be_v his_o work_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o purify_v and_o this_o purify_n virtue_n we_o must_v fetch_v from_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n because_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o our_o work_n be_v first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o this_o work_n be_v difficult_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n by_o faith_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n this_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o 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will_v the_o soul_n but_o consider_v the_o amends_o that_o christ_n company_n will_v make_v for_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o how_o easy_a all_o these_o duty_n will_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n come_v in_o sure_o the_o soul_n will_v never_o think_v his_o pain_n better_o bestow_v than_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v he_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n and_o help_v we_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o himself_o and_o prevail_v it_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v promise_n to_o our_o mind_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o right_o to_o apply_v they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v we_o a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o unseen_a thing_n and_o assure_v our_o soul_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o help_v our_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o that_o by_o his_o blood_n must_v purge_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n oh_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o let_v not_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v you_o and_o as_o in_o faith_n so_o in_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o love_n there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n much_o ado_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o open_v full_o to_o christ_n by_o love_n these_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v so_o lovely_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v much_o steal_v away_o by_o they_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o constant_o present_a with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o suitable_a to_o sense_n by_o which_o we_o too_o much_o live_v that_o
knock_n or_o call_v rev._n 3.20_o i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 22.17_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o isai_n 55.1_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_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 buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n christ_n knock_v not_o only_o at_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o here_o of_o the_o spouse_n open_v my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a but_o also_o at_o the_o door_n of_o other_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v he_o not_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o own_o regenerate_a one_o he_o call_v for_o the_o awaken_n and_o â—â—â—â—ring_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o yet_o stranger_n to_o he_o he_o call_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o find_v rest_n for_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o to_o believer_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v their_o grace_n that_o be_v already_o implant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o unbeliever_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a soul_n nor_o the_o great_a sinner_n leave_v out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n and_o crimson_a he_o will_v make_v they_o as_o snow_n and_o wool_n isai_n 1.16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o or_o with_o what_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v christ_n do_v not_o ordinary_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o saul_n act._n 9_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n ordinary_o call_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o way_n 1._o christ_n knock_v or_o call_v sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n christ_n many_o time_n send_v some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o other_o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v sleepy_a and_o sluggish_a and_o these_o providence_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n sometime_o such_o as_o we_o call_v mercy_n though_o all_o his_o dispensation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n but_o by_o mercy_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v joyous_a and_o desirable_a for_o the_o present_a he_o sometime_o load_v his_o people_n with_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n hos_fw-la 11.3_o 4._o and_o every_o mercy_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o awaken_n and_o quicken_a spur_n unto_o duty_n therefore_o god_n complain_v hosea_n 2.8_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v they_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n wool_n and_o flax_n silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v serve_v he_o withal_o and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o threaten_v to_o take_v they_o away_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o god_n expostulation_n with_o his_o people_n deut_n 32.6_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v person_n to_o repentance_n god_n expect_v it_o and_o by_o this_o many_o time_n call_v sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o correction_n and_o judgement_n strive_v by_o the_o smartness_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n that_o be_v rather_o harden_v by_o prosperity_n and_o to_o affright_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v his_o own_o people_n out_o of_o that_o sleep_n which_o they_o have_v lull_v themselves_o into_o by_o prosperity_n thus_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n when_o he_o lay_v person_n in_o fetter_n and_o iron_n of_o affliction_n then_o he_o show_v they_o their_o way_n and_o their_o transgression_n wherein_o they_o have_v exceed_v and_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o knock_v usual_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n lead_v the_o way_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o judgement_n and_o the_o rod_n follow_v after_o for_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o but_o if_o need_v be_v they_o must_v be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tribulation_n and_o temptation_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o thus_o god_n call_v by_o his_o providence_n 2._o sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o ordinance_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o faithful_a minister_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n to_o call_v and_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o bid_v guest_n to_o his_o wedding-supper_n matth._n 22._o and_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o be_v their_o work_n which_o they_o be_v send_v about_o and_o be_v give_v they_o in_o charge_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o i_o command_v you_o so_o act_v 26.18_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n christ_n himself_o come_v and_o preach_v for_o this_o end_n and_o his_o doctrine_n or_o sermon_n be_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n matth._n 4.17_o and_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v with_o this_o message_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o every_o minister_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o sermon_n that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o call_n and_o knock_v from_o christ_n to_o open_v unto_o he_o 3._o sometime_o christ_n call_v by_o the_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n thus_o we_o read_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n sermon_n they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o inward_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o conscience_n accompany_v the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n thus_o god_n secret_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 16.14_o and_o thus_o the_o jailor_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v 16.29_o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n this_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n sinner_n many_o time_n have_v when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o do_v not_o always_o give_v heed_n and_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o this_o many_o time_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v lazy_a drowsy_a and_o to_o fall_v asleep_a in_o security_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o not_o to_o quench_v or_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o ephes_n 4.30_o and_o indeed_o the_o two_o former_a way_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v ineffectual_a unless_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o last_o way_n of_o call_v for_o neither_o ordinance_n nor_o providence_n can_v awaken_v sinner_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n by_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o first_o bind_v they_o in_o cord_n and_o then_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n 4._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v for_o what_o end_n christ_n knock_v and_o call_v or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n of_o christ_n knock_n and_o call_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o at_o the_o door_n of_o who_o heart_n he_o call_v but_o usual_o when_o he_o call_v he_o will_v have_v or_o design_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n or_o thing_n 1._o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o deep_a sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n
such_o call_v or_o let_v slip_v such_o opportunity_n and_o they_o be_v such_o time_n as_o these_o 1._o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v very_o remarkable_a under_o powerful_a ordinance_n accompany_v with_o secret_a strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n god_n qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o he_o send_v they_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o it_o be_v his_o work_n they_o be_v about_o and_o they_o must_v have_v his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o work_n he_o must_v put_v word_n into_o their_o mouth_n such_o as_o may_v accomplish_v the_o end_n and_o errand_n for_o which_o he_o send_v they_o to_o such_o person_n or_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o diverse_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o their_o work_n but_o they_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n various_o direct_v assist_a restrain_v or_o enlarge_n according_a as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o call_v they_o forth_o upon_o some_o particular_a work_n and_o design_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o may_v observe_v this_o in_o himself_o by_o frequent_a experience_n both_o in_o his_o private_a study_n and_o public_a exercise_n now_o when_o god_n do_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n raise_v enlarge_v and_o direct_v his_o servant_n in_o their_o study_n warm_v the_o word_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o inlve_v and_o enlarge_v and_o warm_v they_o in_o their_o public_a work_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v busy_a at_o work_n strive_v with_o the_o people_n to_o who_o this_o message_n be_v send_v by_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a call_n from_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o let_v slip_v such_o opportunity_n to_o stifle_v such_o conviction_n and_o to_o quench_v such_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o eminent_a instance_n we_o have_v of_o this_o act_v 18._o where_o we_o have_v paul_n at_o corinth_n inward_o press_v in_o his_o spirit_n v._o 5._o and_o therefore_o warm_v in_o his_o work_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v also_o busy_a at_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o hearer_n for_o many_o believe_v v._o 8._o god_n encourage_v he_o and_o bid_v he_o not_o fear_v but_o go_v on_o bold_o with_o his_o work_n and_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o and_o defend_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v much_o people_n in_o that_o city_n v._o 9_o 10._o this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o call_n and_o the_o jew_n oppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o reject_v this_o call_n prove_v of_o dreadful_a consequence_n to_o they_o v._o 6._o for_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n real_o warm_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n and_o withal_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o open_v thy_o ear_n to_o attend_v to_o enlighten_v thy_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v to_o convince_v thy_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o awake_v thy_o conscience_n and_o make_v thy_o bowel_n to_o stir_v within_o thou_o as_o here_o he_o do_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o special_a call_n from_o christ_n and_o take_v heed_n how_o thou_o resiste_v it_o or_o let_v it_o slip_v 2._o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_n be_v eminent_a under_o special_a and_o remarkable_a providence_n the_o more_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a god_n providence_n be_v towards_o they_o the_o more_o loud_a and_o considerable_a be_v his_o call_n upon_o thou_o as_o for_o instance_n 1._o under_o visible_a danger_n of_o christ_n his_o removal_n or_o withdraw_a if_o christ_n show_v sign_n and_o token_n of_o remove_v it_o be_v to_o correct_v our_o former_a negligence_n and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o lay_v fast_o hold_v upon_o he_o thus_o in_o this_o chapter_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v part_n the_o spouse_n do_v but_o too_o much_o slight_a christ_n in_o that_o she_o be_v so_o lazy_a that_o she_o will_v not_o arise_v to_o let_v he_o in_o and_o therefore_o he_o withdraw_v and_o make_v she_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v with_o a_o â—aking_v heaâ—â—_n and_o guilty_a self-condemning_a conscience_n long_o before_o she_o can_v find_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n departure_n from_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v many_o time_n gradual_a he_o do_v not_o depart_v on_o a_o sudden_a but_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n that_o every_o step_n may_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v quite_o go_v thus_o we_o find_v he_o depart_v from_o the_o temple_n of_o old_a as_o be_v evident_a in_o ezekiel_n vision_n chapter_n 10.11_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n first_o remove_v to_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o then_o quite_o away_o if_o we_o have_v any_o business_n with_o god_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o improve_v our_o present_a opportunity_n when_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o sign_n and_o token_n that_o he_o be_v remove_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v go_v there_o be_v a_o woe_n immediate_o fall_v upon_o that_o person_n or_o people_n from_o who_o god_n depart_v when_o he_o be_v go_v hosea_n 9.12_o wo_n unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n departure_n must_v needs_o be_v strong_a alarm_n to_o cause_v we_o speedy_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o god_n before_o he_o depart_v therefore_o say_v the_o prophet_n isai_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o 2._o when_o god_n have_v for_o some_o time_n withdraw_v himself_o and_o afterward_o for_o some_o little_a space_n have_v return_v again_o and_o manifest_v his_o presence_n or_o nearness_n this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o improve_v our_o time_n and_o while_o it_o be_v call_v today_o to_o hearken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n we_o read_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o etc._n etc._n that_o when_o the_o owner_n have_v come_v several_a year_n expect_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o command_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o because_o it_o but_o cumber_v the_o ground_n but_o at_o the_o request_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o spare_v it_o one_o year_n long_o and_o take_v more_o pain_n with_o it_o that_o year_n than_o he_o have_v do_v of_o other_o year_n before_o and_o if_o then_o it_o bear_v not_o fruit_n it_o must_v be_v cut_v down_o without_o remedy_n if_o after_o our_o many_o year_n barrenness_n in_o god_n orchard_n and_o his_o threaten_a to_o cut_v we_o down_o he_o take_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n with_o we_o by_o his_o word_n messenger_n and_o spirit_n seem_v more_o eminent_o and_o visible_o to_o return_v to_o we_o for_o some_o space_n to_o dig_v about_o we_o and_o dung_n we_o this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n from_o he_o to_o improve_v the_o present_a opportunity_n lest_o he_o cut_v we_o down_o and_o there_o be_v no_o servant_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n or_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o we_o god_n minister_n be_v his_o husbandman_n and_o if_o god_n threaten_v to_o cut_v down_o any_o tree_n they_o cry_v out_o lord_n spare_v it_o a_o little_a long_o let_v we_o take_v a_o littlâ—_n more_o pain_n with_o it_o and_o if_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v fruitful_a we_o will_v hold_v our_o peace_n and_o if_o hereupon_o god_n do_v for_o some_o time_n spare_v and_o yet_o no_o fruit_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o tree_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v curse_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o fire_n if_o once_o god_n say_v to_o his_o minister_n as_o once_o he_o do_v to_o jeremy_n jer._n 7.16_o pray_v not_o thou_o for_o this_o people_n neither_o lift_v up_o prayer_n nor_o cry_n for_o i_o will_v not_o â—ear_v thou_o such_o people_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o time_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d time_n of_o probation_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o let_v it_o slip_v lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n we_o find_v that_o good_a and_o public-spirited_a man_n ezra_n chap._n 9_o v._n 8_o etc._n etc._n sad_o tremble_v and_o astonish_v at_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o god_n have_v punish_v his_o people_n by_o a_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o now_o for_o a_o little_a time_n grace_n have_v be_v show_v
our_o heart_n when_o he_o call_v for_o admission_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o â—rove_v that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v no_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o head_n 9_o i_o may_v draw_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o argue_v ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v it_o prove_v of_o very_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o spouse_n here_o to_o keep_v out_o christ_n he_o in_o a_o discontent_n withdraw_v and_o depart_v and_o leave_v she_o in_o a_o very_a sad_a condition_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o her_o inward_a guilt_n for_o give_v he_o such_o a_o unkind_a ungrateful_a and_o irrational_a answer_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pain_n which_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v before_o she_o find_v he_o again_o before_o it_o will_v defile_v her_o foot_n to_o come_v over_o the_o house-floor_n to_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a and_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a a_o work_n for_o she_o to_o do_v but_o now_o she_o follow_v he_o and_o call_v after_o he_o through_o the_o mity_n street_n and_o highway_n and_o never_o complain_v of_o wearyness_n nor_o the_o foulness_n of_o the_o way_n but_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v he_o whatever_o it_o cost_v she_o or_o whatever_o she_o endure_v and_o be_v of_o such_o consequence_n to_o she_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o to_o we_o nay_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o as_o she_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o he_o at_o his_o call_n but_o i_o have_v exceed_v my_o first_o intention_n in_o enlarge_n upon_o the_o former_a particular_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v no_o more_o to_o this_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o so_o i_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v application_n and_o the_o 1_o use_v shall_v be_v by_o way_n of_o instruction_n or_o information_n be_v it_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o be_v sluggish_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n call_v then_o hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o bless_a consequence_n to_o be_v watchful_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o open_v when_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 24.46_o 47._o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v he_o shall_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o his_o good_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o advise_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o that_o without_o weariness_n or_o give_v over_o till_o he_o come_v luke_n 12.35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o let_v your_o loin_n be_v gird_v about_o and_o your_o light_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v they_o may_v open_v to_o he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o when_o the_o lord_n come_v shall_v find_v watch_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o to_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o second_o watch_n or_o in_o the_o three_o watch_n and_o find_v they_o so_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n mark_v that_o at_o whatsoever_o time_n he_o come_v if_o he_o find_v they_o about_o their_o watch_n and_o at_o their_o work_n they_o shall_v be_v bless_v but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o consider_v the_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o at_o his_o work_n or_o on_o his_o watch_n when_o christ_n call_v i_o a_o intimate_a friend_n do_v but_o call_v at_o our_o door_n we_o account_v it_o a_o happiness_n that_o he_o find_v 〈◊〉_d within_o how_o much_o more_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n account_v it_o a_o happiness_n that_o his_o belove_a jesus_n at_o his_o come_n find_v he_o within_o in_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n to_o give_v he_o the_o best_a entertainment_n that_o he_o have_v especial_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n matth._n 25.13_o watch_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o how_o when_o your_o lord_n will_v come_v which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o watch_v till_o christ_n do_v come_v oh_o say_v the_o soul_n this_o be_v my_o duty_n never_o to_o sleep_v or_o be_v secure_a but_o always_o to_o be_v watch_v what_o a_o happy_a chance_n be_v it_o that_o i_o be_v upon_o my_o watch_n when_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n come_v and_o that_o he_o find_v i_o so_o do_v find_v i_o it_o my_o duty_n sure_o he_o will_v take_v this_o well_o at_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v bless_v 2._o consider_v our_o preparedness_n to_o receive_v he_o he_o that_o look_v for_o a_o friend_n will_v have_v every_o thing_n in_o readiness_n against_o he_o come_v to_o make_v his_o friend_n welcome_a so_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n that_o expect_v christ_n his_o come_n will_v have_v every_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o his_o welcome_a entertainment_n and_o account_v it_o his_o happiness_n that_o he_o have_v so_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v christ_n come_v when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n earnest_a look_v for_o christ_n his_o come_n when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n come_v and_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o readiness_n we_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o watch_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o long_o and_o ready_a to_o think_v every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o the_o door_n to_o be_v our_o friend_n when_o our_o friend_n do_v come_v we_o be_v very_o glad_a and_o bid_v he_o hearty_o welcome_a and_o tell_v he_o we_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o long_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o any_o business_n shall_v have_v prevent_v his_o come_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o see_v he_o come_v and_o account_v ourselves_o happy_a that_o our_o expectation_n be_v fulfil_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o this_o wait_a posture_n for_o christ_n o_o my_o dear_a saviour_n say_v she_o i_o think_v it_o long_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v absent_a from_o i_o i_o give_v thou_o a_o earnest_a invitation_n be_v earnest_o desirous_a of_o thy_o company_n and_o sensible_a how_o great_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o i_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o thy_o entertainment_n and_o have_v do_v that_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v thou_o long_o every_o hour_n have_v seem_v ten_o to_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v delay_v and_o i_o have_v wait_v in_o hope_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o fear_n lest_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v prevent_v thy_o come_n but_o thy_o stay_n so_o long_o have_v quicken_v my_o desire_n and_o now_o i_o be_o more_o abundant_o glad_a that_o thou_o be_v come_v by_o how_o much_o thy_o stay_n make_v i_o afraid_a that_o thou_o will_v not_o come_v o_o welcome_a welcome_o my_o long_a looked-for_a dear_a saviour_n thy_o come_n make_v amends_o for_o my_o long_a wait_a now_o i_o think_v my_o labour_n and_o patience_n well_o bestow_v come_v in_o my_o dear_o belove_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o readiness_n and_o prepare_v for_o thy_o entertainment_n thus_o the_o soul_n account_v herself_o happy_a that_o christ_n come_v thus_o seasonable_o and_o that_o she_o be_v thus_o fit_v and_o in_o a_o ready_a posture_n for_o his_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v bless_v who_o christ_n find_v in_o this_o posture_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o christ_n will_v take_v at_o his_o come_n to_o find_v we_o in_o a_o watchful_a expect_v and_o prepare_v posture_n this_o posture_n will_v so_o wonderful_o please_v jesus_n christ_n that_o instead_o of_o sit_v down_o and_o be_v attend_v and_o serve_v by_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o gird_v himself_o and_o serve_v we_o luke_n 12.37_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o guest_n and_o he_o will_v be_v the_o servitor_n the_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o will_v be_v to_o christ_n may_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o find_v we_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v welcome_a if_o at_o our_o come_n to_o our_o friend_n house_n we_o find_v not_o only_o the_o door_n open_a the_o house_n
no_o real_a mirth_n or_o cheerfulness_n can_v they_o give_v but_o he_o that_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a christ_n company_n be_v he_o may_v true_o say_v he_o never_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o good_a and_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a friend_n in_o all_o his_o life_n he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o my_o taste_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o pretend_a friend_n but_o there_o be_v much_o sourness_n harshness_n and_o unpleasantness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n there_o be_v comfort_n in_o his_o very_a cross_n in_o his_o company_n a_o believer_n may_v sing_v at_o midnight_n in_o a_o prison_n with_o his_o foot_n fast_o in_o the_o stock_n but_o as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o they_o always_o end_v in_o pain_n what_o paul_n say_v of_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o profit_n rom._n 6.21_o what_o profit_n have_v you_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a so_o may_v i_o say_v what_o pleasure_n can_v you_o take_v in_o those_o pretend_a friend_n who_o company_n will_v certain_o end_v both_o in_o shame_n and_o pain_n 4._o their_o design_n be_v destructive_a whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v and_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v thou_o and_o promise_v rest_n and_o sleep_v and_o quietness_n it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o may_v destroy_v thou_o and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n they_o be_v but_o suchlike_a friend_n to_o thou_o as_o dalilah_n be_v to_o samson_n if_o she_o cause_v he_o to_o sleep_v upon_o her_o lap_n it_o be_v but_o that_o she_o may_v cut_v his_o lock_n and_o deliver_v he_o weak_a into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o torment_v he_o if_o they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n unto_o thou_o and_o lull_v thou_o asleep_o in_o security_n it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o may_v bind_v thou_o with_o the_o devil_n in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n be_v these_o therefore_o friend_n to_o be_v trust_v who_o while_o they_o flatter_v thou_o purposely_o design_v thy_o destruction_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o ruin_n both_o of_o thy_o soul_n and_o body_n oh_o how_o do_v person_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o the_o flatter_a pretence_n of_o false_a friend_n but_o real_a enemy_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n keep_v out_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n who_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n indeed_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o those_o be_v that_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o heart_n while_o jesus_n christ_n be_v shut_v out_o but_o 2._o let_v we_o see_v who_o these_o be_v that_o do_v thus_o cheat_v we_o i_o will_v in_o short_a tell_v thou_o who_o they_o be_v though_o by_o the_o mark_n which_o i_o have_v already_o give_v of_o they_o thou_o may_v easy_o guess_v who_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o three_o grand_a enemy_n of_o thy_o soul_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n these_o be_v thâ—y_a that_o thou_o take_v they_o for_o thy_o friend_n and_o welcome_a guest_n into_o thy_o heart_n be_v cheat_v by_o enemy_n they_o be_v and_o the_o great_a and_o most_o inveterate_a implacable_a malicious_a and_o unmercyful_a enemy_n that_o thou_o have_v yea_o beside_o they_o thou_o have_v not_o such_o enemy_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o these_o do_v thou_o receive_v for_o thy_o bosome-friend_n and_o that_o while_o thou_o shutte_v out_o he_o that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a friend_n that_o thou_o have_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v do_v more_o for_o thou_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o what_o joab_n say_v to_o david_n when_o he_o mourn_v so_o excessive_o for_o absalon_n that_o may_v i_o true_o say_v to_o thou_o by_o this_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o love_v thy_o enemy_n and_o hate_v thy_o friend_n for_o if_o these_o false_a dissemble_a and_o rebellious_a absaloms_n might_n but_o live_v and_o be_v thy_o companion_n thou_o mattere_v not_o though_o jesus_n christ_n be_v starve_v to_o death_n at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n oh_o wretched_a cruelty_n and_o misguide_a blindfolded_a affection_n that_o will_v thus_o be_v cheat_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o the_o flattery_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v thy_o life_n and_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v possession_n in_o thy_o heart_n for_o none_o but_o these_o who_o have_v ever_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n christ_n will_v give_v thou_o counsel_n to_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n to_o be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o this_o advice_n for_o he_o love_v and_o be_v ever_o well_o please_v with_o his_o son_n and_o will_v have_v he_o seat_v in_o the_o royal_a throne_n of_o thy_o heart_n yea_o he_o be_v reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v appoint_v thy_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n that_o counsel_v thou_o thus_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n for_o entrance_n and_o admission_n it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v send_v upon_o his_o errand_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n yea_o he_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v when_o thou_o resiste_v these_o motion_n of_o he_o and_o if_o christ_n may_v not_o come_v in_o he_o will_v not_o long_o stay_v there_o himself_o strive_v with_o thou_o it_o can_v be_v thy_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o admonisher_n and_o will_v speak_v true_o when_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o the_o counsel_n it_o give_v be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o vicegerent_n it_o be_v and_o who_o authority_n it_o bear_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o that_o give_v thou_o this_o counsel_n but_o those_o enemy_n before_o mention_v satan_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o counsel_n be_v like_o they_o and_o right_o father_n itself_o and_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o thus_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o such_o enemy_n to_o thy_o soul_n as_o these_o be_v and_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o cheat_n and_o the_o wrong_n which_o we_o sustain_v by_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o advantage_n which_o these_o our_o enemy_n have_v get_v by_o our_o harken_v unto_o they_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o they_o thus_o long_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o three_o advantage_n they_o have_v get_v by_o persuade_v thou_o to_o keep_v thy_o heart_n shut_v against_o christ_n advantage_n they_o be_v to_o they_o and_o their_o design_n but_o most_o fearful_a wrong_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o soul_n 1._o they_o have_v occasion_v thou_o to_o commit_v many_o a_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v if_o thou_o have_v long_a since_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o thy_o great_a sin_n in_o refuse_v to_o open_v at_o christ_n call_n which_o be_v every_o time_n renew_v and_o repeat_v when_o thou_o refuse_v to_o open_v whatever_o thy_o excuse_n be_v nor_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v couch_v and_o include_v in_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o thy_o excuse_n though_o these_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o little_a but_o i_o speak_v of_o that_o sinful_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o course_n of_o life_n that_o thou_o lead_v and_o live_v it_o while_n jesus_n christ_n be_v keep_v out_o of_o thy_o soul_n reflect_v upon_o thyself_o and_o consider_v how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o christ_n give_v thou_o the_o first_o call_v and_o consider_v what_o course_n of_o life_n thou_o have_v lead_v since_o how_o many_o wilful_a and_o know_v sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v one_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o another_o yea_o the_o same_o sin_n many_o a_o time_n over_o and_o over_o again_o these_o sin_n all_o of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o many_o of_o they_o doubtless_o have_v be_v prevent_v if_o thou_o have_v open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o first_o call_n if_o thou_o have_v suffer_v he_o to_o have_v come_v in_o he_o will_v have_v change_v the_o habit_n frame_n bend_v and_o inclination_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n he_o will_v have_v set_v thou_o about_o his_o work_n and_o keep_v thou_o employ_v in_o his_o business_n that_o thou_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v time_n or_o leisure_n to_o have_v hearken_v to_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v
your_o request_n to_o christ_n say_v tell_v i_o oh_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v and_o where_o thou_o cause_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n etc._n etc._n oh_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v powerful_a ordinance_n and_o meet_v with_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o my_o eye_n may_v see_v my_o teacher_n and_o my_o ear_n hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o suchlike_a prayer_n as_o these_o you_o have_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o put_v up_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o your_o prayer_n christ_n be_v come_v and_o stand_v knock_v and_o call_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n and_o my_o undefiled_a those_o call_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v according_a to_o your_o real_a desire_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v eminent_a and_o remarkable_a 8._o be_v not_o you_o the_o profess_a spouse_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v profess_o give_v up_o 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his_o stay_n have_v be_v so_o long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n what_o answer_n have_v we_o make_v to_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n have_v we_o hearty_o sincere_o and_o ready_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v enter_v in_o but_o alas_o if_o we_o deal_v faithful_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o account_n which_o we_o give_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o christ_n have_v have_v no_o better_o if_o so_o good_a a_o answer_n from_o we_o than_o he_o have_v here_o from_o his_o spouse_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o our_o heart_n make_v but_o true_a and_o faithful_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a query_n 1._o if_o we_o have_v true_o open_v to_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o conviction_n be_v so_o ineffectual_a and_o fruitless_a as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n we_o find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ministry_n the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o work_v by_o way_n of_o conviction_n person_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v the_o person_n so_o and_o so_o guilty_a be_v a_o little_a startle_v and_o affright_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n their_o conscience_n smite_v they_o and_o tell_v they_o as_o nathan_n do_v david_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o this_o reproof_n come_v that_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o guilty_a of_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o unregeneracy_n in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o die_v in_o this_o estate_n thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n or_o course_n leave_v to_o avoid_v this_o but_o by_o open_v to_o
jesus_n christ_n repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v thy_o sin_n turn_v to_o god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n flee_v unto_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o utter_a unworthiness_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o take_v he_o for_o thy_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n give_v up_o thyself_o unto_o he_o in_o all_o humble_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n this_o the_o word_n dictate_v and_o conscience_n set_v in_o with_o it_o and_o second_v it_o and_o to_o make_v up_o the_o conviction_n more_o full_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v in_o and_o tell_v thou_o that_o this_o condition_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o thou_o must_v either_o turn_v or_o die_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n then_o harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n ere_o long_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a thy_o sun_n will_v be_v set_v thy_o day_n of_o grace_n over_o and_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n hereupon_o thy_o conscience_n be_v startle_v and_o thou_o begin_v to_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v haste_v some_o sudden_a earnest_a motion_n purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o turn_v and_o to_o break_v off_o from_o thy_o old_a way_n and_o course_n to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o alas_o how_o sudden_o be_v all_o these_o vanish_v and_o go_v again_o and_o thou_o fall_v fast_o asleep_a again_o in_o security_n conviction_n wear_v off_o affection_n cool_a fear_n abate_v sin_n look_v not_o so_o terrible_a thy_o own_o estate_n and_o condition_n not_o to_o dreadful_a and_o hopeless_a death_n not_o so_o near_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n not_o so_o hot_a and_o scorch_a and_o so_o the_o wook_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o leave_v undo_v and_o thou_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o she_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o at_o most_o if_o these_o continue_v still_o thou_o go_v with_o a_o inward_a gripe_a wound_a conscience_n and_o do_v not_o real_o come_v out_o of_o thyself_o unto_o christ_n for_o heal_v christ_n be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o or_o seek_v after_o but_o thou_o patche_v up_o a_o plaster_n for_o thy_o wound_a conscience_n of_o some_o pitiful_a poor_a and_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o thy_o own_o take_v up_o some_o small_a formal_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o stop_v the_o clamour_n of_o thy_o conscience_n and_o christ_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o stand_v without_o still_o nay_o may_v i_o not_o say_v of_o some_o that_o instead_o oâ—_n open_v to_o chr_v they_o be_v harden_v in_o theiâ—_n sin_n and_o grow_v sermon-proof_n the_o word_n oâ—_n god_n affect_v they_o not_o take_v not_o hold_v upoâ—_n they_o as_o sometime_o it_o have_v do_v but_o theâ—_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o torture_v of_o conscience_n caâ—_n turn_v off_o reproof_n than_o former_o they_o coulâ—_n have_v do_v and_o sit_v more_o quiet_o and_o undisturbed_o under_o ordinance_n and_o that_o not_o because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o former_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o they_o be_v before_o but_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v more_o harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n more_o brawny_a and_o their_o soul_n more_o sluggish_a and_o senseless_a than_o they_o be_v before_o be_v this_o thy_o open_n to_o christ_n be_v this_o the_o entertainment_n which_o christ_n find_v when_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n oh_o consider_v this_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a before_o christ_n be_v withdraw_v and_o go_v we_o have_v a_o sad_a complaint_n which_o god_n make_v against_o ephraim_n hos_n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o a_o morning-cloud_n and_o as_o a_o early_a dew_n it_o 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unsavoriness_n sloth_n and_o lukewarmness_n backwardness_n to_o duty_n deadness_n in_o duty_n unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o yet_o your_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v willing_a full_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o let_v conviction_n have_v its_o perfect_a work_n in_o order_n to_o your_o reformation_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n have_v reprove_v conscience_n have_v speak_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v speak_v and_o yet_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n and_o dictate_v thereof_o but_o have_v turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n and_o go_v on_o in_o your_o sin_n still_o be_v this_o your_o open_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n who_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o who_o command_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o you_o oh_o my_o friend_n we_o may_v all_o sad_o complain_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o make_v excuse_n and_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n 2._o if_o the_o door_n be_v not_o shut_v against_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o little_o prize_v so_o little_a store_n set_v by_o at_o this_o day_n we_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o one_o way_n of_o christ_n his_o calling_n be_v by_o his_o ordinance_n in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o convince_v of_o and_o reprove_v sin_n direct_v in_o and_o encourage_v unto_o duty_n communicate_v grace_n afford_v his_o company_n give_v in_o nourishment_n refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n unto_o the_o hungry_a pant_a soul_n these_o be_v the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v for_o the_o refresh_a the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n where_o these_o therefore_o be_v slight_v christ_n must_v necessary_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o not_o open_v 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of_o christ_n call_n that_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n great_a contempt_n can_v person_n pour_v upon_o christ_n than_o to_o despise_v and_o set_v light_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v as_o mean_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o ordinary_o be_v christ_n shut_v out_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o trade_n and_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n all_o kind_n of_o commodity_n carry_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a christ_n trade_n be_v very_o low_a the_o commodity_n which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o market_n of_o his_o ordinance_n though_o very_o rich_a and_o costly_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a rate_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o most_o man_n o_o how_o slight_a a_o occasion_n will_v keep_v person_n back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o worldly_a business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v person_n think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o 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and_o power_n of_o religion_n leave_v in_o former_a day_n when_o christ_n be_v eminent_o see_v in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o believer_n heart_n be_v more_o free_o and_o full_o open_a to_o he_o we_o see_v what_o holy_a heavenly_a zealous_a universal_o circumspect_a christian_n be_v then_o to_o be_v find_v what_o wonderful_a work_n do_v manifest_v themselves_o in_o they_o and_o be_v do_v by_o they_o but_o where_o have_v we_o almost_o any_o christian_n of_o the_o old_a stamp_n and_o strain_v leave_v now_o adays_o we_o have_v much_o talk_n of_o religion_n but_o little_a holy_a strict_a and_o exemplary_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n sure_o i_o be_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o christian_n in_o former_a day_n and_o those_o that_o now_o live_v then_o they_o be_v humble_a holy_a blameless_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n lively_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o their_o duty_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n fervent_a in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o that_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o how_o many_o professor_n of_o religion_n be_v there_o who_o be_v proud_a covetous_a sensual_a complier_n with_o the_o fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n envious_a malicious_a backbiter_n slanderer_n have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n very_o curious_a about_o circumstance_n very_o careless_a about_o the_o substance_n and_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o show_v that_o though_o we_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o forehead_n yet_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o much_o keep_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n 4._o if_o the_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n have_v so_o great_a a_o share_n and_o interest_n there_o sure_o where_o 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mortification_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n where_o be_v thy_o sincere_a cordial_a constant_a universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v that_o thy_o rule_n in_o all_o thy_o action_n square_n thy_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n thyself_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n according_a thereunto_o give_v every_o duty_n in_o thy_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n its_o due_a time_n place_n and_o respect_v not_o allow_v the_o world_n to_o engross_v to_o itself_o what_o proper_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o put_v off_o god_n with_o such_o homage_n and_o service_n as_o may_v better_v fit_a and_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o our_o worldly_a concernment_n my_o meaning_n be_v our_o invert_v or_o go_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_n or_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 6.33_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n keep_v god_n and_o his_o interest_n above_o and_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o world_n if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n wherein_o thy_o soul_n in_o some_o measure_n abound_v never_o tell_v i_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o true_o open_a to_o christ_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o thy_o unfruitfulness_n remain_v in_o measure_n and_o part_n at_o least_o shut_v against_o christ_n notwithstanding_o thy_o pretence_n to_o open_v to_o he_o how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o then_o friend_n in_o what_o posture_n do_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n be_v they_o open_a or_o shut_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n his_o call_n have_v be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o question_n that_o be_v now_o put_v to_o your_o conscience_n to_o make_v answer_n to_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o suffer_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v and_o to_o speak_v out_o what_o they_o know_v and_o can_v tell_v you_o in_o this_o case_n stifle_v they_o not_o bribe_v they_o not_o turn_v not_o the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o what_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v god_n deputy_n within_o you_o and_o if_o these_o condemn_v you_o know_v that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o your_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n you_o may_v deceive_v man_n you_o may_v deceive_v yourselves_o but_o god_n you_o can_v deceive_v christ_n know_v what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o to_o know_v it_o one_o day_n also_o and_o therefore_o deal_v faithful_o with_o yourselves_o and_o if_o by_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o we_o may_v try_v ourselves_o this_o may_v lead_v many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o to_o another_o work_n which_o may_v be_v a_o 3._o use_v here_o lie_v before_o we_o matter_n of_o deep_a humiliation_n that_o so_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a call_v of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o his_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n have_v find_v such_o cold_a and_o poor_a entertainment_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o this_o i_o will_v not_o much_o enlarge_v upon_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v within_o some_o convenient_a bound_n it_o be_v too_o obvious_a and_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n desire_v of_o he_o and_o frequent_a implore_v his_o company_n by_o prayer_n we_o have_v in_o too_o sad_a and_o shameful_a a_o manner_n shut_v he_o out_o at_o his_o come_n though_o his_o call_n have_v be_v visible_a and_o convince_a how_o may_v we_o then_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o this_o our_o behaviour_n will_v be_v resent_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o that_o from_o what_o they_o behold_v 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can_v i_o in_o this_o case_n or_o any_o man_n breathe_v say_v more_o for_o christ_n than_o he_o can_v and_o do_v speak_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n can_v how_o shall_v i_o think_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o if_o either_o friendly_a compellation_n earnest_a entreaty_n or_o strong_a argument_n may_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o be_v want_v in_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o power_n and_o weak_a ability_n to_o unfold_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o and_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o only_o beg_v your_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o they_o and_o consider_v their_o weight_n and_o importance_n see_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o preponderate_a and_o outweigh_v all_o argument_n that_o your_o carnal_a deceitful_a heart_n a_o subtle_a devil_n and_o a_o allure_a whorish_a world_n can_v bring_v against_o this_o duty_n only_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o expostulate_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o 1._o how_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o life_n you_o think_v to_o live_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o his_o company_n in_o your_o heart_n serious_o meditate_v upon_o this_o before_o you_o give_v a_o answer_n do_v you_o think_v to_o live_v to_o more_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o yourselves_o without_o than_o with_o christ_n be_v christ_n no_o gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o your_o soul_n will_v he_o bring_v no_o profit_n and_o advantage_n with_o he_o be_v not_o his_o head_n fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n have_v not_o he_o the_o command_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o withhold_v
he_o any_o entertainment_n man_n be_v general_o get_v plunge_v so_o deep_a in_o the_o care_n and_o cumber_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o to_o procure_v admission_n into_o their_o heart_n oh_o how_o busy_a be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n head_n and_o heart_n hand_n and_o foot_n yea_o whole_a soul_n and_o body_n as_o busy_o exercise_v about_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v and_o they_o think_v all_o this_o little_a enough_o too_o they_o think_v they_o get_v little_a enough_o by_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v these_o then_o have_v leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o wonder_v though_o he_o call_v be_v so_o ineffectual_a when_o person_n 〈◊〉_d so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o leisure_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v whether_o that_o which_o they_o be_v about_o or_o 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entertainment_n a_o business_n one_o will_v think_v indispensible_a and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n blame_v she_o for_o this_o luke_n 10.40_o 41_o 42._o but_o martha_n be_v cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o how_o many_o be_v â—oth_a 〈◊〉_d employ_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v than_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o few_o word_n you_o think_v yourselves_o well_o employ_v in_o your_o earnest_n and_o not_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n the_o care_n and_o business_n that_o only_o relate_v to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o you_o see_v nothing_o more_o needful_a at_o present_a to_o be_v do_v let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o question_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a business_n which_o you_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n do_v you_o not_o sometime_o find_v leisure_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n dress_z and_o adorn_v the_o body_n you_o will_v say_v yes_o without_o these_o we_o can_v not_o live_v nor_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o follow_v our_o business_n well_o will_v time_n be_v afford_v for_o take_v and_o feed_v upon_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v and_o no_o time_n allow_v for_o feed_v upon_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n read_v john_n 6.27_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n have_v your_o body_n more_o need_n of_o clothes_n to_o cover_v your_o nakedness_n and_o keep_v your_o warm_a than_o your_o soul_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o robe_n or_o garment_n if_o you_o do_v but_o as_o real_o see_v how_o naked_a your_o soul_n look_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n etc._n etc._n you_o will_v be_v as_o much_o ashamed_a of_o yourselves_o as_o you_o will_v now_o be_v to_o have_v man_n see_v your_o body_n naked_a and_o therefore_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o take_v fit_a and_o convenient_a time_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o clothe_v your_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v for_o feed_v and_o clothe_v your_o body_n and_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v not_o your_o precious_a soul_n famish_v and_o starve_v while_o you_o so_o careful_o pamper_v your_o body_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o your_o great_a and_o urgent_a business_n in_o the_o world_n again_o you_o that_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o busy_a about_o the_o world_n and_o have_v your_o time_n and_o thought_n so_o take_v up_o about_o it_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o one_o question_n more_o whether_o do_v you_o judge_v that_o your_o success_n in_o your_o worldly_a affair_n do_v principal_o flow_v from_o your_o own_o wisdom_n care_n and_o pain_n or_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n i_o believe_v that_o few_o or_o none_o of_o you_o will_v be_v so_o audacious_o impious_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o former_a whatever_o you_o think_v but_o rather_o that_o your_o successive_a business_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n and_o if_o so_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n or_o warrant_v you_o can_v expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n when_o you_o wilful_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n against_o his_o well_o belove_a son_n and_o when_o you_o make_v so_o light_a of_o he_o and_o his_o company_n that_o every_o worldly_a trifle_n must_v take_v place_n of_o he_o and_o be_v prefer_v before_o he_o may_v not_o many_o of_o you_o succeed_v better_o in_o your_o worldly_a business_n if_o you_o will_v give_v christ_n better_a entertainment_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o cumber_v yourselves_o less_o about_o the_o world_n christ_n bid_v we_o matth._n 6.33_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o promise_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v intimate_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v a_o competency_n of_o this_o world_n to_o ourselves_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n to_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o soul_n we_o say_v that_o he_o that_o will_v drive_v on_o a_o trade_n must_v have_v interest_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o can_v have_v interest_n in_o nor_o acquaintance_n with_o a_o better_a friend_n than_o christ_n nor_o one_o that_o can_v bestead_v we_o more_o in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o our_o worldly_a business_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v rich_a and_o add_v no_o sorrow_n therewith_o prov._n 10.22_o o_o spare_v some_o time_n therefore_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o worldly_a business_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n 3._o another_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n either_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n or_o when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o grapple_v with_o and_o overcome_v faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o principal_a way_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v two_o grace_n not_o without_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o they_o many_o person_n at_o a_o distance_n think_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o particular_a case_n they_o many_o time_n find_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n see_v this_o in_o a_o instance_n mark_v 9.24_o we_o have_v a_o man_n bring_v his_o child_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v his_o come_n argue_v something_o of_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n have_v fail_v in_o the_o cure_n and_o the_o child_n be_v rather_o worse_o than_o better_o the_o man_n faith_n begin_v to_o stagger_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o word_n vers_fw-la 22._o if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o help_v we_o hereupon_o christ_n call_v he_o to_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 23._o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o poor_a man_n upon_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n find_v some_o faith_n but_o yet_o this_o very_a weak_a and_o hardly_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n without_o waver_v or_o doubt_v cry_v out_o
the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o 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let_v he_o in_o lest_o christ_n shall_v discover_v there_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o have_v see_v and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v not_o only_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o soul_n without_o inward_a reluctancy_n or_o fearfulness_n can_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 139.23_o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n this_o be_v a_o work_n wherein_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v tender_o deal_v with_o and_o lest_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v deal_v faithful_o and_o round_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n though_o reason_n will_v pray_v with_o we_o to_o have_v our_o wound_n search_v yet_o nature_n itself_o be_v afraid_a to_o have_v the_o surgeon_n meddle_v with_o it_o such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o fainthearted_a christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o may_v be_v as_o painful_a and_o as_o unwilling_o yield_v to_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n right_a foot_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n nay_o his_o word_n may_v further_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n discern_v and_o discover_v the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o will_v shall_v be_v discover_v or_o cut_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o in_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o linger_v and_o put_v off_o christ_n from_o time_n to_o time_n sometime_o again_o christ_n may_v put_v his_o spouse_n upon_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v cross_v her_o natural_a inclination_n or_o particular_a present_a and_o visible_a interest_n such_o as_o deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o
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
but_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n nay_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v no_o time_n lose_v in_o his_o company_n nor_o any_o cost_n too_o great_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o if_o love_n have_v be_v cold_a or_o want_v towards_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o but_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o maintain_v more_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v his_o company_n for_o love_n will_v make_v thou_o to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n we_o read_v rev._n 2._o that_o god_n threaten_v ephesus_n that_o he_o will_v depart_v and_o remove_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o because_o of_o her_o decay_n in_o her_o love_n towards_o he_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n and_o well_o he_o may_v for_o the_o less_o she_o love_v he_o the_o more_o be_v her_o heart_n contract_v and_o shut_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o little_a room_n can_v he_o have_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o consequent_o little_a heart_n to_o stay_v there_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o suffer_v thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o decay_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n but_o get_v thy_o heart_n fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v ready_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a negligence_n which_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o a_o negligence_n or_o sluggishness_n in_o their_o work_n or_o 2._o in_o their_o watch_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o both_o which_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n 1._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o work_n slothful_a work_v and_o labour_v in_o our_o spiritual_a call_n do_v but_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v after_o a_o sluggish_a and_o slothful_a manner_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o matter_n not_o christ_n company_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o for_o christ_n will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o slothful_a man_n will_v scarce_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n till_o christ_n come_v but_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o his_o work_n and_o be_v go_v to_o bed_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o too_o lazy_a too_o to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o some_o person_n indeed_o be_v impatient_a of_o christ_n delay_n because_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o company_n they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o these_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v other_o be_v impatient_a under_o delay_n because_o 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watch_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o subtle_a devil_n watch_v thy_o corruption_n that_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o thou_o watch_v thy_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o decay_n nor_o be_v idle_a watch_v thy_o faith_n that_o that_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o watch_v thy_o patience_n that_o that_o wear_v not_o out_o but_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o watch_v thy_o love_n that_o by_o the_o decay_n and_o cooling_n of_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o contract_v and_o shut_v against_o christ_n keep_v up_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o faithful_a watch_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_v when_o christ_n come_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v upon_o his_o watchtower_n ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n and_o consequent_o by_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n have_v instruct_v you_o how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v the_o heart_n open_a for_o christ_n to_o all_o which_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n then_o live_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n look_v for_o his_o come_n when_o the_o servant_n think_v with_o himself_o my_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n he_o will_v not_o come_v yet_o he_o grow_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o neglect_v both_o his_o work_n and_o his_o watch_n but_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o judge_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v come_v and_o i_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o watch_v of_o the_o night_n this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n whereas_o the_o want_n of_o this_o make_v we_o suffer_v our_o faith_n to_o decay_v our_o love_n to_o cool_v and_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v shut_v and_o contract_v against_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o these_o be_v the_o the_o direction_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o heart_n 2._o i_o have_v some_o direction_n to_o give_v thou_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n 1._o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n aright_o then_o open_a thy_o heart_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o direction_n which_o here_o i_o give_v be_v the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o christ_n himself_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o wisdom_n cry_v without_o she_o utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o and_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v so_o close_o shut_v against_o christ_n you_o know_v that_o one_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o be_v by_o faith_n roll_v and_o recumb_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v his_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o know_v he_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o iâ—_n
be_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o excellency_n all-sufficiency_n and_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o insufficiency_n and_o emptiness_n that_o make_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o very_o cold_a for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o love_n be_v some_o suitable_a desirable_a good_a thing_n be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v then_o with_o that_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o and_o free_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o christ_n do_v we_o but_o see_v his_o loveliness_n in_o every_o respect_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o disposition_n and_o qualification_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o undertake_n and_o his_o suitableness_n every_o way_n to_o our_o condition_n we_o shall_v from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o love_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o spouse_n he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a nay_o our_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o desire_v after_o he_o will_v be_v so_o fervent_a that_o we_o shall_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n more_o open_a to_o christ_n study_n christ_n better_o for_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v exalt_v or_o set_v on_o high_a such_o as_o know_v his_o name_n and_o set_v their_o love_n upon_o he_o psal_n 91.14_o and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o high_o advance_v thou_o than_o by_o honour_v thou_o with_o his_o company_n our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o call_v and_o therefore_o we_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o his_o call_n 2._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v of_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o teach_v thou_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o attend_v thereunto_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n be_v who_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n yea_o let_v thy_o heart_n burn_v within_o thou_o while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o thou_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n do_v while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o attend_v diligent_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v with_o the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_a ready_o prepare_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o divine_a truth_n god_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o and_o resolve_v to_o practice_v what_o truth_n thou_o shall_v receive_v let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o every_o ordinance_n as_o samuel_n do_v speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v or_o as_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v or_o as_o the_o people_n to_o moses_n but_o with_o a_o better_a heart_n and_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v none_o of_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a but_o say_v with_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n remember_v that_o christ_n be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o thou_o for_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o in_o keep_v his_o command_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n 3._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o christ_n thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o christ_n will_v advise_v thou_o to_o nothing_o but_o for_o thy_o good_a see_v what_o counsel_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o asian_a church_n rev._n 2_o 3._o chap._n his_o counsel_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o laodicea_n she_o be_v a_o very_a lukewarm_a church_n and_o yet_o very_o proud_a self-confident_a church_n she_o say_v she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o what_o be_v christ_n counsel_n to_o she_o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v rev._n 3.17_o 18._o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o faithful_a friend_n and_o physician_n will_v certain_o give_v very_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n he_o be_v call_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n isai_n 9.6_o open_v thy_o heart_n and_o listen_v to_o the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o thou_o he_o will_v instruct_v thou_o how_o to_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o improve_v ordinance_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o exercise_v thy_o grace_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o order_v thy_o conversation_n aright_o and_o to_o improve_v all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o thou_o take_v but_o christ_n counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v amiss_o for_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o communicative_a of_o his_o wisdom_n never_o fail_v any_o that_o trust_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n read_v james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o but_o know_v this_o that_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o counsel_n slight_v to_o do_v this_o will_v high_o displease_v he_o read_v prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n i_o call_v 〈◊〉_d but_o you_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o 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 theâ—_n shall_v they_o call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n counsel_n thou_o may_v follow_v thy_o own_o device_n and_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o psal_n 81.11_o 12._o write_v out_o the_o text._n 4._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o too_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o thou_o but_o as_o david_n speak_v concern_v the_o righteous_a so_o do_v thou_o from_o thy_o very_a heart_n say_v let_v the_o righteous_a christ_n smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n though_o thou_o know_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o thou_o at_o his_o come_n yet_o be_v never_o the_o more_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o nor_o be_v thou_o weary_a of_o his_o rebuke_n it_o be_v unpleasant_a discourse_n many_o time_n when_o our_o friend_n rip_v up_o our_o fault_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v real_o our_o fault_n so_o to_o account_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o real_a part_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o reprove_v we_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o our_o soul_n however_o it_o may_v be_v unpleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o safe_a it_o argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o thou_o if_o he_o deal_v thus_o faithful_o with_o thou_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o let_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o be_v open_a ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v his_o most_o severe_a rebuke_n and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o kindness_n from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v rebuke_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o blessedness_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n rebuke_n and_o chasten_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 94.12_o david_n have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o say_v psal_n 119.75_o i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v right_a and_o that_o thou_o in_o faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v i_o and_o v._o 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o afterward_o it_o work_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o heb._n 12.11_o open_a therefore_o