fear_n and_o horror_n do_v so_o prevail_v in_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o same_o my_o heart_n fail_v i_o and_o my_o spirit_n be_v go_v why_o now_o one_o glimpse_n of_o christ_n one_o taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n will_v revive_v and_o exhilerate_v the_o soul_n and_o disperse_v all_o these_o cloud_n these_o darkness_n and_o storm_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n a_o person_n can_v be_v in_o but_o if_o christ_n will_v dart_v into_o he_o a_o ray_n of_o his_o special_a love_n he_o will_v thence_o receive_v mighty_a even_o inexpressible_a support_n and_o comfort_n the_o continue_a love_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a cordial_n in_o every_o estate_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v go_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n we_o may_v adventure_v upon_o any_o suffering_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o love_n o_o what_o a_o excellent_a cheer_v scripture_n be_v that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 8._o v._n 35_o to_o the_o end_n what_o will_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v effectual_o excite_v and_o encourage_v to_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n or_o what_o can_v support_v we_o under_o burden_n and_o trouble_n if_o christ_n do_v not_o continue_v his_o love_n to_o sinner_n 2_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o common_o take_v as_o particular_a notice_n as_o we_o can_v of_o strange_a and_o unwonted_a occurrence_n how_o do_v people_n view_v and_o observe_v comet_n and_o blaze_a star_n how_o do_v they_o flock_v to_o see_v any_o strange_a sort_n of_o beast_n when_o exhibit_v to_o be_v see_v we_o admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a only_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strangeness_n and_o rarity_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a worth_n nor_o can_v produce_v we_o any_o profit_n and_o real_a advantage_n o_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o turn_v all_o our_o admiration_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v true_o strange_a and_o equal_o advantageous_a and_o comfortable_a the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n be_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o strange_a even_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o it_o the_o bless_a angel_n stand_v amaze_v at_o it_o and_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o if_o a_o prince_n the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o king_n or_o emperor_n shall_v condescend_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mean_a traitorous_a wretch_n ready_a to_o have_v all_o the_o torment_n and_o punishment_n his_o treason_n deserve_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o plead_v for_o this_o person_n yea_o deny_v himself_o all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o father_n court_n yea_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o indignity_n for_o many_o year_n together_o to_o procure_v the_o other_o pardon_n and_o be_v at_o last_o receive_v to_o court_n again_o and_o live_v in_o the_o great_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o person_n who_o life_n he_o have_v save_v at_o the_o forementioned_a rate_n and_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v and_o court_v he_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o that_o a_o intimate_a familiarity_n and_o correspondence_n may_v be_v settle_v betwixt_o they_o promise_v he_o all_o the_o entertainment_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o do_v participate_v of_o himself_o will_v not_o this_o be_v look_v on_o by_o all_o as_o a_o most_o prodigious_a instance_n of_o affection_n and_o love_n but_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o to_o that_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o here_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n who_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o condescend_v to_o take_v on_o he_o our_o nature_n who_o live_v for_o many_o year_n together_o a_o life_n that_o be_v very_o mean_a and_o to_o outward_a appearance_n very_o contemptible_a what_o indignity_n do_v he_o suffer_v from_o man_n how_o deep_o do_v he_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n when_o groan_v and_o pray_v and_o sweat_a blood_n in_o the_o garden_n when_o expostulate_v so_o earnest_o with_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n he_o submit_v to_o death_n yea_o he_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o most_o painful_a the_o most_o linger_a the_o most_o ignominious_a and_o curse_a sort_n of_o death_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o reconcile_v sinner_n and_o enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o save_v they_o from_o that_o eternal_a misery_n and_o damnation_n they_o can_v not_o other_o way_n be_v save_v from_o and_o after_o all_o this_o have_v raise_v himself_o to_o life_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o glory_n he_o continue_v his_o love_n to_o these_o sinner_n and_o many_o way_n importune_v and_o solicit_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n which_o cost_v he_o so_o dear_a and_o to_o yield_v themselves_o up_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o friendship_n that_o a_o constant_a mutual_a correspondence_n may_v be_v maintain_v betwixt_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o incomprehensible_a astonish_a prodigy_n of_o love_n what_o can_v be_v compare_v unto_o it_o what_o heart_n so_o hard_o such_o condescension_n such_o love_n such_o passionate_a court_n will_v not_o soften_v and_o overcome_v what_o so_o strange_a what_o so_o oblige_v as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v entreat_v and_o beseech_v rebel_n to_o accept_v of_o pardon_n shall_v court_n and_o make_v so_o much_o ado_n be_v so_o importunate_a and_o keep_v such_o a_o stir_n with_o we_o who_o be_v only_o hold_v by_o his_o hand_n from_o fall_v into_o hell_n to_o accept_v of_o heaven_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a as_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o curse_a heart_n which_o be_v too_o obdurate_a and_o stubborn_a to_o be_v overcome_v and_o win_v by_o so_o kind_a so_o win_v and_o so_o mighty_a a_o force_n as_o this_o be_v applic._n what_o care_v now_o shall_v we_o take_v to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v and_o settle_v in_o this_o great_a truth_n do_v not_o labour_v only_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o in_o the_o theory_n but_o endeavour_n and_o pray_v that_o a_o save_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o may_v be_v wrought_v in_o you_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n concern_v thou_o much_o thy_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o soul_n thou_o lose_v all_o if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n if_o this_o love_n have_v no_o influence_n on_o thou_o thou_o be_v miserable_a indeed_o all_o true_a comfort_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o act_n 4.12_o o_o study_v this_o great_a truth_n and_o do_v not_o desist_v or_o leave_v off_o till_o it_o have_v its_o proper_a influence_n on_o thy_o affection_n heart_n and_o life_n let_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v thou_o resolve_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n improve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o to_o fix_v and_o promote_v thy_o faith_n thy_o love_n thy_o hope_n thy_o patience_n and_o every_o other_o grace_n but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v any_o long_o on_o this_o first_o word_n which_o be_v introductory_n and_o shall_v lead_v we_o attentive_o unto_o that_o which_o follow_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o verse_n acquaint_v we_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n seek_v for_o and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v admittance_n with_o we_o and_o the_o privilege_n which_o shall_v accrue_v to_o those_o who_o harken_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o now_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n though_o in_o discourse_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a word_n viz._n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n our_o saviour_n seek_v and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v admittance_n with_o we_o be_v here_o express_v by_o three_o word_n 1._o stand_v 2._o knock_v 3._o the_o word_n door_n the_o person_n or_o rather_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o person_n
we_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o lust_n and_o sin_n but_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v he_o by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n beautify_v and_o enrich_v they_o with_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a qualification_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n that_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v come_v down_o upon_o we_o and_o make_v our_o heart_n and_o soul_n meet_v temple_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o iv_o go_v forth_o unto_o christ_n by_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o all_o occasion_n let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.17_o according_a to_o every_o alteration_n in_o your_o condition_n and_o according_a to_o all_o the_o diversity_n of_o providence_n do_v you_o look_v unto_o christ_n exercise_n faith_n on_o he_o and_o by_o faith_n fetch_v supply_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o v._o meditate_v much_o and_o often_o on_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n read_v over_o the_o gospel_n the_o several_a apostolical_a epistle_n and_o the_o many_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n especial_o isa_n 63._o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o remarkable_a passage_n there_o relate_v to_o christ_n declare_v his_o condescension_n and_o love_n weigh_v they_o serious_o and_o press_v they_o upon_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n dwell_v on_o these_o matter_n in_o thy_o thought_n and_o expostulate_v with_o thyself_o about_o they_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v my_o nature_n have_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n condescend_v to_o live_v here_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n do_v he_o patient_o undergo_v all_o the_o unjust_a affront_v and_o contempt_n of_o lewd_a and_o profane_a people_n do_v he_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o actual_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o the_o most_o open_a scandalous_a curse_a linguer_a and_o painful_a kind_n of_o death_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v all_o this_o for_o my_o sake_n o_o incomprehensible_a love_n what_o shall_v i_o return_v unto_o my_o saviour_n for_o all_o this_o i_o can_v never_o love_v christ_n enough_o may_v i_o never_o cease_v admire_v the_o many_o instance_n wherein_o his_o love_n have_v break_v forth_o unto_o i_o may_v i_o so_o wonder_v at_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o love_n to_o christ_n may_v shine_v through_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o my_o life_n may_v i_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o i_o do_v arrive_v at_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o my_o saviour_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n what_o have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v so_o much_o for_o i_o have_v he_o reveal_v such_o truth_n make_v such_o promise_n suffer_v such_o sorrow_n submit_v to_o such_o a_o death_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o many_o glorious_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n relate_v concern_v he_o do_v he_o now_o reign_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v he_o purchase_v such_o bless_a inheritance_n and_o satisfy_a treasure_n for_o poor_a sinner_n nay_o do_v he_o still_o importune_v and_o entreat_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o his_o benefit_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v oppose_v his_o motion_n and_o resist_v his_o love_n any_o long_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v slight_v and_o exclude_v still_o by_o i_o shall_v i_o wilful_o cast_v away_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o stubborn_o neglect_v this_o great_a salvation_n god_n forbid_v shall_v it_o be_v write_v on_o my_o grave_n here_o lie_v the_o sturdy_a ungrateful_a wretch_n that_o do_v wilful_o resist_v jesus_n christ_n the_o wretch_n that_o resolve_v to_o force_v his_o way_n to_o hell_n through_o all_o the_o impediment_n and_o discouragement_n infinite_a justice_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v lay_v in_o his_o way_n that_o vile_a unpitiable_a miscreant_n that_o will_v damn_v himself_o in_o spite_n of_o love_n itself_o vi_o converse_v much_o with_o those_o who_o be_v experience_a christian_n and_o have_v much_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o a_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v prov._n 13.20_o such_o people_n will_v very_o much_o assist_v thou_o in_o thy_o close_n with_o christ_n by_o their_o discourse_n exhortation_n and_o practice_n they_o can_v tell_v thou_o such_o thing_n concern_v christ_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n as_o will_v warm_v and_o melt_v thy_o heart_n and_o inflame_v thy_o affection_n they_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o thy_o help_n by_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n by_o the_o account_n they_o can_v give_v thou_o off_o their_o own_o experience_n by_o their_o watchfulness_n over_o thou_o and_o by_o their_o fervent_a effectual_a prayer_n for_o thou_o vii_o labour_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o working_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n and_o close_o with_o and_o improve_v every_o one_o of_o they_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o exert_v any_o of_o they_o towards_o thyself_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o call_v he_o do_v give_v thou_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o awaken_n visit_n he_o do_v make_v thou_o by_o his_o providential_a occurrence_n and_o improve_v these_o to_o put_v thou_o on_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n and_o close_o walk_v after_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v in_o thou_o more_o fervent_a desire_n after_o communion_n with_o he_o viii_o conscientious_o frequent_a those_o ordinance_n wherein_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o more_o especial_a presence_n prepare_v thyself_o careful_o to_o meet_v thy_o lord_n and_o come_v with_o passionate_a desire_n and_o confident_a expectation_n ground_v on_o his_o faithfulness_n word_n and_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v exhibit_v himself_o unto_o those_o soul_n that_o sincere_o long_a and_o wait_v for_o he_o ix_o last_o faithful_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o christ_n when_o thy_o heart_n be_v affect_v true_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n then_o desire_v he_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v thou_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o hearty_a faithful_a entire_a resignation_n of_o thyself_o unto_o he_o o_o bless_a jesus_n most_o holy_a saviour_n i_o be_o unworthy_a i_o acknowledge_v to_o make_v use_n of_o thy_o name_n i_o have_v often_o resist_v and_o sin_v against_o thy_o constrain_a love_n but_o i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a now_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v so_o o_o compassionate_a and_o tender-hearted_a saviour_n reject_v not_o a_o humble_a return_v mourn_a penitent_a embrace_v i_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o admit_v i_o into_o thy_o favour_n the_o more_o stubborn_a and_o headstrong_a and_o wilful_a i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o abundant_o let_v thy_o grace_n be_v manifest_v towards_o i_o and_o bring_v i_o under_o the_o more_o powerful_a influence_n of_o thy_o love_n lord_n seize_z by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o soul_n gracious_a saviour_n who_o bowel_n have_v ever_o yearned_a over_o the_o miserable_a and_o who_o have_v be_v always_o compassionate_a and_o gracious_a to_o the_o unworthy_a favourable_o accept_v of_o this_o poor_a oblation_n lord_n it_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n o_o reject_v not_o despise_v not_o cast_v not_o away_o what_o thou_o have_v buy_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n lord_n here_o be_v my_o soul_n my_o body_n my_o heart_n my_o affection_n my_o mind_n my_o judgement_n my_o will_n lord_n here_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v lord_n i_o resign_v up_o all_o unto_o thou_o without_o any_o reservation_n do_v with_o all_o as_o please_v thou_o best_o only_o accept_v of_o they_o o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o above_o all_o i_o desire_v with_o my_o whole_a soul_n to_o love_v thou_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o lord_n dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n rule_n over_o my_o whole_a man_n bring_v all_o my_o power_n unto_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a subjection_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o thou_o in_o every_o thing_n may_v my_o soul_n always_o admire_v thou_o my_o heart_n love_v thou_o my_o tongue_n praise_v thou_o my_o lip_n speak_v of_o thy_o glory_n and_o goodness_n may_v my_o life_n glorify_v thou_o may_v i_o in_o every_o part_n of_o my_o practice_n serve_v and_o honour_v thou_o may_v all_o my_o faculty_n and_o member_n be_v ready_a and_o faithful_a servant_n for_o and_o unto_o thou_o lord_n i_o long_o to_o be_v with_o thou_o my_o soul_n pant_v after_o thou_o for_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v phil._n 1.21_o finis_fw-la
small_a weather-beaten_a crazy_a cottage_n nay_o to_o visit_v some_o infamous_a rebel_n just_o confine_v to_o a_o dungeon_n cover_v with_o nastiness_n and_o filth_n and_o there_o importune_v and_o entreat_v this_o miserable_a wretch_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v both_o dwell_v together_o and_o mutual_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o society_n what_o ought_v we_o then_o to_o think_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n solicit_v and_o entreat_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n for_o admittance_n into_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o general_a part_n in_o the_o word_n i._o the_o main_a substance_n of_o the_o verse_n which_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o our_o saviour_n earnestness_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o sinner_n heart_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o privilege_n and_o satisfaction_n consequent_a upon_o our_o receive_n of_o he_o i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o all_o this_o be_v commend_v to_o our_o consideration_n behold_v i_o intend_v to_o say_v but_o little_a of_o this_o latter_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o stand_v first_o in_o the_o text_n so_o it_o shall_v immediate_o come_v under_o our_o consideration_n this_o word_n behold_v note_v that_o something_o follow_v which_o be_v of_o weight_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v observe_v indeed_o it_o will_v great_o become_v and_o profit_v we_o to_o take_v a_o particular_a and_o distinct_a notice_n of_o those_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o solemn_o recommend_v to_o our_o consideration_n for_o god_n certain_o best_o know_v what_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o we_o and_o to_o suffer_v such_o passage_n to_o slip_v our_o observation_n without_o a_o diligent_a heedful_a attendance_n to_o they_o which_o he_o have_v set_v such_o a_o mark_n upon_o and_o point_n out_o so_o careful_o to_o our_o study_n argue_v much_o disregard_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n 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with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n at_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o grace_n 1_o john_n 3.1_o behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 3._o a_o behold_v design_v to_o excite_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o important_a matter_n speedy_o and_o to_o improve_v it_o without_o delay_n 2_o cor._n 6.2_o behold_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n this_o word_n here_o in_o the_o text_n may_v have_v all_o these_o signification_n attribute_v to_o it_o 1._o as_o design_v to_o admonish_v we_o against_o resist_a christ_n any_o long_a see_v he_o have_v stand_v so_o long_o and_o urge_v we_o to_o give_v he_o admittance_n lest_o if_o we_o continue_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n lock_v and_o bar_v against_o he_o he_o shall_v depart_v from_o we_o in_o displeasure_n and_o never_o make_v we_o another_o offer_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n o_o how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o send_v christ_n away_o grieve_v and_o enrage_v because_o of_o our_o final_a perverseness_n and_o stubborness_n after_o he_o have_v be_v long_o woo_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o his_o benefit_n 2._o as_o represent_v to_o we_o how_o great_a how_o wonderful_a how_o unexpected_a a_o instance_n of_o love_n christ_n be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v we_o what_o great_a love_n can_v christ_n express_v and_o show_v to_o you_o than_o this_o he_o experience_a and_o meet_v with_o very_o hard_a and_o injurious_a usage_n here_o on_o earth_n he_o undergo_v many_o afflict_a grievous_a pain_n he_o suffer_v a_o very_a infamous_a torment_a kind_n of_o death_n he_o endure_v for_o sinner_n infinite_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v yet_o do_v not_o all_o this_o allay_n and_o cool_v his_o affection_n he_o love_v we_o still_o with_o a_o love_n as_o strong_a as_o ever_o what_o love_n be_v this_o love_v strong_a than_o death_n love_n that_o the_o flood_n can_v drown_v love_n which_o neither_o suffering_n nor_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o glory_n can_v overcome_v here_o be_v room_n indeed_o for_o our_o admiration_n and_o wonder_n cease_v then_o your_o wonder_v at_o other_o thing_n which_o seem_v strange_a and_o unusual_a they_o be_v all_o nothing_o if_o compare_v with_o this_o love_n of_o christ_n let_v all_o your_o admiration_n centre_n here_o on_o this_o fathomless_a this_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a and_o unsearchable_a object_n of_o it_o what_o can_v we_o just_o wonder_v at_o beside_o the_o infinite_a riches_n of_o our_o saviour_n love_n and_o condescension_n unless_o at_o that_o horrible_a and_o astonish_a prodigy_n that_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o insensible_a sottish_a and_o sturdy_a as_o to_o slight_v neglect_n and_o despise_v all_o the_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o kindness_n 3._o as_o exciting_a and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n and_o with_o what_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n he_o carry_v himself_o towards_o we_o behold_v thy_o saviour_n do_v stand_v without_o and_o have_v be_v long_o wait_v on_o thou_o and_o do_v still_o entreat_v thou_o earnest_o to_o give_v he_o admittance_n o_o take_v notice_n how_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v come_v to_o visit_v thou_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o have_v communion_n with_o thou_o behold_v salvation_n be_v now_o come_v to_o thy_o house_n and_o what_o will_v thou_o deny_v reception_n to_o and_o shut_v thy_o door_n against_o such_o a_o guest_n we_o may_v fair_o enough_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o this_o instruction_n from_o this_o word_n behold_v as_o use_v in_o this_o place_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v wonderful_a love_n to_o poor_a sinner_n be_v a_o truth_n of_o extraordinary_a importance_n and_o shall_v be_v careful_o observe_v and_o attend_v to_o but_o i_o design_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o any_o further_a than_o by_o acquaint_v you_o brief_o with_o two_o thing_n which_o clear_a and_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n 1._o the_o extraordinary_a usefulness_n of_o this_o truth_n to_o we_o 2._o the_o extraordinary_a strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 1._o the_o extraordinary_a usefulness_n of_o this_o truth_n to_o we_o what_o be_v neither_o excellent_a in_o itself_o nor_o useful_a to_o we_o we_o just_o overlook_v and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o or_o if_o we_o do_v we_o therein_o betray_v our_o weakness_n and_o imprudence_n now_o we_o have_v ordinary_o many_o interest_n and_o design_n on_o foot_n but_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v on_o all_o account_n to_o pursue_v with_o most_o care_n earnestness_n and_o diligence_n those_o thing_n we_o be_v assure_v will_n most_o of_o all_o far_o our_o high_a interest_n those_o concernment_n we_o be_v most_o affect_v with_o and_o prefer_v and_o value_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o trial_n depend_v for_o his_o whole_a estate_n or_o for_o his_o life_n and_o can_v hear_v of_o a_o certain_a course_n he_o may_v take_v which_o will_v infallible_o secure_v his_o cause_n he_o will_v attend_v unto_o this_o business_n before_o all_o his_o other_o affair_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o matter_n he_o will_v be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a about_o be_v this_o his_o principal_a business_n well_o settle_v yet_o he_o omit_v and_o neglect_v they_o he_o lay_v they_o aside_o at_o present_a that_o he_o may_v follow_v his_o great_a and_o more_o important_a affair_n with_o great_a freedom_n and_o less_o disturbance_n now_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o concern_v we_o as_o to_o be_v true_o and_o save_o acquaint_v with_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o gracious_a visit_n christ_n do_v make_v and_o to_o embrace_v and_o close_v with_o his_o bless_a motion_n you_o may_v
send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o matth._n 23.37_o 4._o christ_n do_v importune_v we_o for_o admittance_n by_o every_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n how_o often_o be_v we_o bring_v to_o some_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o some_o kind_n of_o resolution_n to_o yield_v and_o open_a to_o he_o by_o the_o strait_n and_o exigency_n and_o suffering_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o though_o it_o be_v our_o very_a great_a fault_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v all_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o pain_n be_v over_o but_o what_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o every_o affliction_n but_o to_o make_v we_o see_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o endear_v he_o unto_o our_o soul_n o_o happy_a suffering_n may_v they_o all_o have_v such_o a_o influence_n on_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n mercy_n but_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n why_o be_v you_o thus_o long_o preserve_v out_o of_o hell_n why_o be_v you_o not_o at_o this_o time_n torment_v and_o fry_a in_o eternal_a burn_n be_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v assign_v why_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n yea_o the_o common_a mercy_n of_o your_o life_n but_o only_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v still_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o and_o that_o by_o these_o mean_v he_o be_v invite_v and_o importune_v you_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o fly_v from_o that_o damnation_n which_o do_v not_o slumber_n but_o be_v hasten_v apace_o upon_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o ungodly_a sinner_n god_n can_v as_o easy_o have_v dismiss_v you_o to_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n the_o place_n of_o most_o dreadful_a and_o insupportable_a horror_n many_o year_n ago_o as_o any_o other_o who_o be_v now_o in_o torment_n all_o the_o mercy_n and_o all_o the_o time_n you_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n love_n testimony_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o instance_n of_o his_o plead_n with_o you_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o not_o ruin_n and_o undo_v yourselves_o how_o small_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o christ_n to_o send_v thou_o to_o hell_n to_o say_v unto_o thou_o go_v thou_o curse_v alas_o one_o frown_n from_o he_o will_v immediate_o sink_v thou_o into_o the_o earth_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v thou_o but_o the_o tenderness_n of_o thy_o saviour_n and_o for_o what_o end_n do_v he_o express_v so_o much_o regard_n unto_o thou_o but_o to_o try_v whether_o his_o patience_n and_o lenity_n and_o his_o allow_v thou_o so_o much_o time_n strength_n and_o so_o many_o mercy_n will_v prevail_v with_o thou_o to_o prize_n and_o receive_v thy_o saviour_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o our_o receive_a christ_n into_o our_o heart_n do_v import_v but_o before_o i_o speak_v positive_o to_o this_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n with_o which_o people_n do_v too_o common_o false_o please_v and_o satisfy_v and_o consequent_o deceive_v themselves_o we_o shall_v observe_v these_o as_o mariner_n do_v the_o rock_n and_o shelf_n where_o other_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n before_o they_o 1._o this_o receive_v christ_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o bare_a notional_a knowledge_n of_o he_o a_o man_n may_v by_o common_a instruction_n and_o ordinary_a diligence_n and_o study_n acquire_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o notion_n concern_v christ_n as_o man_n do_v usual_o obtain_v by_o study_n and_o diligence_n in_o any_o point_n of_o philosophy_n but_o this_o be_v only_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o do_v float_n in_o the_o head_n and_o may_v be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o have_v not_o any_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o christ_n such_o may_v have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o common_a sense_n or_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n be_v communicate_v and_o convey_v unto_o people_n they_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o grammatical_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o these_o people_n may_v not_o entertain_v christ_n they_o may_v not_o understand_v nor_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o those_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o julian_n know_v a_o great_a deal_n concern_v christ_n and_o so_o do_v colsus_n but_o they_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n the_o only_a principle_n which_o enable_v a_o man_n for_o the_o right_n judge_v and_o discern_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n want_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v live_v without_o a_o soul_n nor_o see_v without_o a_o eye_n nor_o hear_v without_o a_o ear_n because_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n from_o which_o life_n and_o sight_n and_o hear_v do_v flow_v so_o no_o man_n can_v know_v and_o serve_v god_n aright_o without_o god_n spirit_n enlighten_v and_o enable_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n because_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o all_o both_o spiritual_a action_n and_o ability_n do_v spring_n mason_n of_o hear_v and_o do_v p._n 328._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o outward_a profess_v to_o own_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n alas_o how_o many_o make_v a_o general_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o embrace_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o take_v no_o care_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o very_a devil_n have_v make_v as_o honourable_a a_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o any_o mere_a word_n we_o can_v devise_v will_v amount_v unto_o luke_n 4.41_o 3._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n perform_v duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v honourable_o and_o much_o of_o christ_n be_v very_o good_a and_o commendable_a when_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_a principle_n and_o spring_n from_o a_o real_a and_o very_a ardent_a affection_n to_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o thing_n whilst_o they_o may_v have_v a_o false_a original_a or_o be_v use_v to_o improper_a ends._n however_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o do_v not_o stay_v here_o without_o proceed_v further_o people_z have_v use_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n act_n 19.13_o many_o pretend_v to_o perform_v duty_n with_o earnestness_n in_o his_o name_n for_o who_o he_o have_v no_o respect_n and_o who_o do_v never_o true_o bid_v he_o welcome_a into_o their_o heart_n mat._n 7.22_o 23._o indeed_o where_o christ_n be_v receive_v aright_o there_o will_v be_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o measure_n but_o these_o will_v not_o be_v all_o which_o will_v be_v there_o there_o must_v be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o that_o which_o do_v only_o soar_v aloft_o in_o the_o head_n and_o evaporate_v and_o manifest_v itself_o only_o at_o the_o mouth_n but_o such_o as_o will_v influence_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n many_o who_o receive_v christ_n aright_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o discover_v their_o knowledge_n to_o other_o in_o such_o apposite_a free_a and_o voluble_a expression_n as_o some_o other_o can_v who_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o one_o sort_n be_v more_o beholden_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v ability_n the_o other_o to_o the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o person_n who_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n a_o true_a and_o sound_a believer_n shall_v be_v eloquent_a or_o have_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n much_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n and_o utterance_n and_o lively_a affection_n as_o a_o worthy_a reverend_a person_n have_v say_v be_v all_o very_a desirable_a but_o you_o must_v judge_v your_o estate_n by_o none_o of_o those_o for_o they_o be_v all_o uncertain_a and_o whoever_o true_o receive_v christ_n will_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v his_o own_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o man_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n so_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v more_o positive_o to_o this_o point_n our_o receive_n of_o christ_n be_v express_v in_o my_o text_n by_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n so_o that_o two_o
55.1_o 2_o 3._o hos_fw-la 14.1_o 2._o a_o return_a sinner_n be_v the_o welcome_a guest_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o joy_n do_v such_o a_o one_o occasion_n in_o heaven_n with_o what_o satisfaction_n do_v the_o father_n receive_v and_o entertain_v the_o return_v prodigal_a how_o do_v the_o glorious_a and_o bless_a spirit_n above_o rejoice_n and_o sing_v for_o gladness_n when_o a_o sinner_n forsake_v his_o unrighteous_a course_n seek_v after_o and_o return_n unto_o his_o saviour_n and_o sincere_o close_v with_o and_o embrace_v he_o luke_n 15.7_o and_o as_o christ_n be_v importunate_a with_o we_o so_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v importunate_a in_o our_o application_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v very_o much_o please_v with_o our_o importunity_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o insist_v on_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v when_o we_o plead_v his_o office_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o become_v so_o earnest_a and_o vigorous_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o wrestle_n that_o we_o resolve_v we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o bless_v we_o he_o sometime_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o seem_v to_o withhold_v his_o ear_n from_o our_o cry_n but_o it_o be_v that_o hereby_o he_o may_v awaken_v we_o from_o our_o chilliness_n and_o deadness_n in_o the_o duty_n try_v our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o quicken_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o great_a fervency_n in_o our_o address_n nay_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v this_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o our_o come_n to_o he_o acceptable_o mat._n 11.12_o 5._o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n very_o importunate_a with_o sinner_n to_o receive_v &_o entertain_v he_o then_o let_v we_o all_o be_v hence_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v with_o to_o embrace_v and_o close_v with_o his_o motion_n do_v not_o resist_v and_o oppose_v he_o any_o long_o do_v not_o delay_v to_o open_v unto_o he_o and_o give_v he_o that_o reception_n he_o call_v for_o be_v you_o in_o love_n with_o death_n will_v you_o resolve_v to_o court_v damnation_n as_o sollicitous_o and_o with_o as_o much_o fervency_n as_o you_o be_v entreat_v to_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n what_o have_v thou_o sinner_n to_o except_v against_o christ_n why_o will_v thou_o add_v this_o of_o sturdy_a inexcusable_a and_o most_o hideous_a frustrate_v the_o high_a design_n of_o love_n in_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o and_o comply_v with_o a_o earnest_n importunate_a saviour_n to_o all_o thy_o other_o provocation_n be_v thou_o afraid_a thou_o shall_v not_o sink_v low_a enough_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n nor_o find_v sorrow_n and_o torment_n enough_o in_o hell_n unless_o thy_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o despise_v of_o christ_n may_v add_v weight_n to_o thy_o former_a gild_n and_o make_v the_o unquenchable_a infernal_a flame_n more_o scorch_a and_o to_o prey_n on_o thou_o with_o great_a vehemence_n and_o fury_n sinner_n hell_n will_v be_v direful_o black_a and_o terrible_a the_o infernal_a torment_n will_v insupportable_o afflict_v and_o macerate_v the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n will_v be_v inexpressible_o dreadful_a and_o confound_a will_v fill_v with_o unsufferable_a remorse_n and_o horror_n when_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o man_n wilfulness_n and_o choice_n exercise_v reason_n therefore_o once_o in_o thy_o life_n and_o hearken_v to_o advice_n do_v not_o be_v ambitious_a to_o plunge_v thyself_o into_o the_o utmost_a depth_n of_o divine_a indignation_n and_o fury_n by_o offer_v the_o most_o provoke_a contemptuous_a affront_n to_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o love_n for_o fancy_n thou_o thy_o patience_n strength_n and_o courage_n to_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o invincible_a yet_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o damnation_n will_v present_o baffle_v and_o triumph_v over_o they_o it_o will_v soon_o weary_v thou_o out_o fill_v thou_o with_o such_o horror_n and_o extort_v and_o force_v from_o thou_o such_o dreadful_a howl_n and_o shriek_n as_o will_v full_o manifest_v thy_o impatience_n be_v boundless_a and_o thy_o misery_n remediless_a sinner_n why_o will_v thou_o reject_v the_o gracious_a offer_n which_o thy_o saviour_n make_v thou_o why_o will_v thou_o deny_v he_o admittance_n when_o he_o tender_v thou_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n what_o better_a what_o more_o desirable_a guest_n can_v thou_o have_v whether_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o better_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o filthy_a diabolical_a suggestion_n and_o noisome_a lust_n or_o that_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o be_v beautify_v and_o enrich_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a disposition_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v thou_o unwilling_a to_o yield_v to_o thy_o saviour_n importunity_n produce_v thy_o shadowy_a vain_a pretence_n and_o see_v how_o thou_o delude_v thyself_o can_v thou_o value_v the_o wealth_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o prize_v thou_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o thou_o certain_o thou_o do_v esteem_v they_o much_o above_o their_o worth_n and_o unless_o thou_o rectify_v this_o mistake_n in_o a_o little_a time_n thou_o will_v make_v a_o very_a foolish_a bargain_n for_o thyself_o o_o stupid_a sinner_n awake_a rouse_v up_o thyself_o shame_n thyself_o out_o of_o thy_o incogitancy_n folly_n falseness_n and_o ingratitude_n be_v the_o transitory_a empty_a counterfeit_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o precious_a to_o thou_o than_o those_o river_n those_o ocean_n of_o real_a transcendent_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v in_o god_n presence_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v a_o perish_v uncertain_a world_n assure_v thou_o of_o better_a and_o more_o splendid_a entertainment_n than_o he_o can_v who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o be_v not_o the_o transport_v and_o rapture_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o those_o gross_a and_o fulsome_a diversion_n carnal_a and_o foolish_a man_n do_v so_o mad_o dote_v on_o can_v thou_o think_v it_o better_o and_o more_o rational_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o beast_n on_o earth_n than_o to_o be_v like_o one_o of_o the_o shine_a glorious_a seraphim_n in_o the_o region_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n have_v thou_o any_o thing_n to_o except_v against_o the_o term_n thy_o saviour_n do_v propound_v do_v he_o invite_v thou_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a do_v he_o lay_v any_o burden_n on_o thou_o which_o be_v insupportable_a or_o unto_o which_o he_o will_v not_o administer_v strength_n proportionable_a thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o what_o he_o require_v be_v almost_o obvious_o reasonable_a just_a good_a and_o equal_a and_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v and_o importune_v thou_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o sweet_a voice_n and_o the_o most_o heavenly_a and_o ravish_a news_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v know_v do_v he_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n condescend_v to_o entreat_v for_o a_o abode_n with_o thou_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v himself_o and_o his_o riches_n and_o benefit_n to_o thou_o in_o the_o free_a and_o most_o friendly_a manner_n and_o will_v thou_o yet_o reject_v he_o o_o how_o great_a must_v thy_o gild_n need_v be_v what_o a_o aggravation_n will_v this_o be_v both_o of_o thy_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o damnation_n but_o to_o help_v thou_o a_o little_a more_o to_o quicken_v and_o to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o thy_o affection_n let_v i_o propose_v these_o few_o question_n and_o do_v thou_o perform_v thy_o duty_n faithful_o in_o answer_v they_o to_o thy_o own_o conscience_n sincere_o and_o urge_v they_o impartial_o on_o thy_o own_o soul_n quest_n 1._o what_o be_v thou_o without_o christ_n o_o sinner_n whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o sin_n thou_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o very_a firebrand_n of_o hell_n ephes_n 2.12_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o plague_n break_v on_o thou_o or_o be_v under_o any_o desperate_a distemper_n how_o welcome_a will_v a_o physician_n be_v to_o thou_o who_o can_v infallible_o cure_v and_o heal_v thou_o nay_o what_o speed_n will_v thou_o make_v in_o inquire_v and_o search_v out_o for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o thou_o can_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o what_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v under_o the_o worst_a of_o plague_n even_o the_o dominion_n of_o thy_o lust_n and_o sin_n be_v thy_o condition_n such_o that_o thou_o be_v every_o minute_n in_o danger_n of_o have_v all_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o still_o reject_v thy_o saviour_n and_o sturdy_o
the_o same_o sense_n experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o his_o excellency_n they_o have_v who_o do_v indeed_o admit_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o like_a love_n zeal_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o which_o they_o have_v those_o who_o have_v receive_v he_o do_v rejoice_v in_o and_o love_v he_o they_o account_v he_o the_o only_a joy_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o esteem_v he_o their_o portion_n their_o all_o and_o their_o only_a good_n have_v not_o those_o who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n hardship_n and_o ill_a usage_n in_o the_o world_n rejoice_v in_o the_o same_o have_v not_o they_o find_v the_o satisfaction_n accrue_v to_o they_o from_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n so_o exceed_v great_a and_o full_a of_o inexpressible_a sweetness_n and_o comfort_n they_o have_v almost_o overlook_v they_o have_v real_o think_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n very_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a especial_o when_o faith_n in_o christ_n have_v mount_v and_o carry_v their_o soul_n to_o take_v a_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o what_o christ_n will_v hereafter_o advance_v they_o unto_o rom._n 8.18_o gold_n and_o silver_n crown_n and_o earthly_a kingdom_n be_v of_o no_o value_n more_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a than_o the_o dung_n and_o mire_n of_o the_o street_n when_o make_v use_v of_o to_o bribe_v and_o hire_v one_o that_o have_v receive_v christ_n into_o his_o heart_n to_o fall_v off_o from_o he_o and_o reject_v he_o i_o have_v serve_v christ_n say_v polycarp_n fourscore_o and_o six_o year_n and_o he_o never_o do_v i_o any_o harm_n and_o do_v you_o think_v say_v he_o to_o those_o who_o will_v have_v bribe_v and_o persuade_v he_o to_o renounce_v christ_n that_o now_o i_o will_v renounce_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o dishonour_v my_o king_n and_o saviour_n do_v you_o think_v the_o glorify_a saint_n be_v sorry_a they_o choose_v and_o receive_v christ_n why_o they_o can_v every_o jot_n as_o easy_o be_v weary_a of_o heaven_n as_o repent_v of_o their_o entertain_v such_o a_o guest_n now_o do_v thou_o exercise_v thy_o thought_n about_o these_o thing_n with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n and_o answer_v these_o question_n distinct_o and_o impartial_o unto_o thy_o conscience_n and_o press_v on_o thy_o soul_n such_o consideration_n as_o thou_o find_v have_v the_o great_a tendency_n to_o startle_v to_o awaken_v and_o move_v thou_o that_o thou_o may_v not_o continue_v under_o the_o dreadful_a guilt_n of_o slight_v christ_n and_o reject_v the_o gracious_a motion_n he_o do_v make_v thou_o of_o his_o love_n and_o o_o that_o i_o know_v what_o word_n will_v excite_v thy_o drowsy_a soul_n and_o what_o argument_n will_v influence_n and_o make_v some_o kind_n of_o impression_n on_o thy_o mind_n affection_n and_o heart_n i_o will_v urge_v they_o for_o thy_o good_a with_o all_o the_o life_n and_o fervency_n that_o be_v possible_a consider_v sinner_n do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n condescend_v to_o plead_v and_o argue_v with_o thou_o for_o thy_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n this_o be_v a_o very_a wonderful_a thing_n indeed_o the_o heaven_n may_v well_o be_v call_v to_o attend_v and_o the_o earth_n to_o give_v ear_n such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o love_n may_v make_v impression_n on_o the_o very_a mountain_n and_o rock_n and_o what_o will_v thou_o still_o resist_v his_o court_n and_o be_v the_o more_o contemptuous_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o importunate_a he_o be_v with_o thou_o o_o how_o just_o may_v we_o call_v to_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v astonish_v and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a at_o the_o manifestation_n of_o such_o stupidity_n and_o ingratitude_n how_o will_v all_o the_o creature_n inanimate_a and_o senseless_a thing_n upbraid_v such_o sottish_a sturdiness_n and_o final_o bear_v witness_n and_o give_v in_o evidence_n against_o it_o but_o alas_o after_o all_o what_o signify_v the_o discourse_n of_o a_o poor_a mortal_n melancthon_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o say_v the_o old_a man_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o young_a melancthon_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n power_n to_o reach_v the_o heart_n but_o glorious_a almighty_a and_o most_o gracious_a god_n thou_o be_v above_o all_o and_o thou_o can_v speak_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o overcome_v the_o most_o perverse_a and_o stubborn_a heart_n thou_o can_v and_o do_v ordinary_o make_v thy_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o mean_a servant_n lord_n to_o thou_o we_o turn_v and_o of_o thou_o we_o beg_v that_o that_o power_n and_o plenty_n of_o thy_o good_a spirit_n may_v be_v send_v forth_o that_o poor_a sinner_n may_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o be_v hold_v any_o long_a in_o bondage_n by_o satan_n and_o their_o lust_n but_o that_o they_o now_o may_v cast_v away_o from_o they_o their_o idol_n may_v yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o not_o oppose_v and_o resist_v he_o any_o long_o lord_n do_v thou_o look_v down_o in_o thy_o power_n and_o strength_n and_o do_v thou_o mighty_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o have_v hitherto_o stand_v out_o against_o the_o call_n and_o entreaty_n of_o their_o saviour_n exert_v thy_o power_n stretch_v forth_o thy_o mighty_a arm_n descend_v in_o the_o abundance_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o bring_v thy_o word_n and_o exhortation_n to_o people_n soul_n and_o conscience_n with_o thy_o special_a efficacy_n and_o then_o shall_v people_n hear_v thy_o son_n voice_n and_o knock_v and_o open_a unto_o he_o now_o sinner_n if_o thou_o be_v at_o all_o affect_a with_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n and_o do_v true_o desire_v to_o receive_v christ_n into_o thy_o heart_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o i_o have_v at_o this_o time_n to_o say_v unto_o thou_o by_o propose_v a_o few_o direction_n for_o thy_o help_n and_o assistance_n i._o labour_v to_o get_v a_o deep_a affectionate_a sense_n of_o thy_o own_o insufficiency_n emptiness_n and_o misery_n without_o christ_n study_v the_o law_n of_o god_n how_o strict_a and_o punctual_a it_o be_v how_o many_o duty_n be_v command_v how_o many_o sin_n forbid_v what_o curse_n and_o judgement_n threaten_v how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a thou_o be_v how_o far_o the_o law_n be_v from_o either_o communicate_v strength_n or_o provide_v thou_o a_o pardon_n how_o powerful_a and_o severe_a infinite_a justice_n be_v how_o liable_a thou_o be_v and_o this_o upon_o innumerable_a account_n to_o all_o the_o vengeance_n and_o horror_n infinite_a justice_n can_v inflict_v how_o dreadful_a how_o miserable_a how_o helpless_a thy_o state_n be_v without_o a_o mediator_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n till_o thou_o be_v thorough_o sensible_a of_o thy_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o thou_o to_o escape_v any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o christ_n we_o need_v christ_n to_o present_v our_o best_a service_n to_o god_n and_o obtain_v they_o acceptance_n with_o the_o father_n o_o what_o need_n have_v we_o then_o of_o christ_n to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o from_o the_o direful_a punishment_n they_o deserve_v rev._n 3.18_o luke_n 15.21_o christ_n will_v be_v welcome_a indeed_o when_o we_o true_o see_v our_o need_n of_o he_o ii_o strive_v to_o get_v thy_o heart_n cleanse_v from_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o keep_v he_o out_o of_o thy_o heart_n get_v every_o sin_n embitter_v to_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o may_v hate_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christ_n oppose_v christ_n to_o every_o lust_n and_o sinful_a stir_v of_o heart_n harbour_v no_o lust_n nor_o sin_n in_o thy_o heart_n fight_v against_o temptation_n learn_v to_o overcome_v temptation_n and_o sin_n by_o revive_v in_o thy_o mind_n the_o opposition_n and_o enmity_n there_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o sin_n curb_v and_o check_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v every_o sinful_a inclination_n by_o allege_v against_o it_o thou_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o my_o saviour_n to_o allow_v and_o entertain_v thou_o will_v be_v to_o fight_v against_o christ_n o_o i_o will_v not_o for_o a_o world_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v offend_v and_o displease_v the_o son_n of_o god_n iii_o pray_v earnest_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v mould_n and_o form_v thy_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n and_o temper_n for_o christ_n when_o a_o prince_n come_v to_o take_v up_o his_o residence_n at_o any_o place_n or_o house_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o the_o luggage_n and_o lumber_n and_o filth_n be_v remove_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o door_n but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v right_v up_o and_o have_v their_o proper_a furniture_n so_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o