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
have_v long_o overspread_v it_o the_o reformation_n begin_v in_o rectify_v man_n judgement_n and_o mind_n about_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o own_o work_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a god_n will_v dwell_v with_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v of_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n isa_n 57.15_o as_o long_o as_o we_o please_v ourselves_o with_o fancy_v we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o ourselves_o and_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o we_o shall_v never_o attend_v with_o due_a care_n to_o his_o voice_n nor_o faithful_o receive_v he_o into_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v ourselves_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o and_o be_v very_o difficult_o persuade_v that_o we_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o therefore_o we_o slight_a christ_n and_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n rev._n 3.17_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o christ_n in_o a_o proud_a self-conceited_a heart_n 2._o infidelity_n or_o unbelief_n do_v keep_v the_o heart_n shut_v against_o christ_n herein_o consist_v our_o non-acceptance_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v so_o many_o witness_n and_o explain_v himself_o to_o we_o so_o full_o yet_o do_v we_o slight_a and_o reject_v he_o and_o whence_o be_v all_o this_o but_o from_o our_o not_o diligent_o attend_v to_o his_o instruction_n nor_o understanding_n and_o conceive_v aright_o of_o what_o he_o do_v propose_v to_o we_o not_o weigh_v and_o consider_v serious_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n recommend_v to_o we_o not_o true_o and_o real_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n people_n content_a themselves_o with_o empty_a notion_n and_o a_o fashionable_a profession_n without_o any_o real_a firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o particular_n they_o pretend_v to_o own_o do_v we_o real_o and_o firm_o assent_v to_o or_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n his_o person_n nature_n office_n promise_n law_n etc._n etc._n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v be_v thereby_o influence_v to_o a_o holy_a faithful_a entire_a recumbency_n of_o soul_n on_o christ_n and_o to_o a_o vigorous_a active_a conformity_n to_o his_o law_n and_o follow_v of_o his_o example_n if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o turk_n or_o heathen_n but_o only_o that_o we_o call_v ourselves_o by_o another_o name_n and_o in_o word_n pretend_v to_o another_o religion_n we_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v for_o faith_n if_o real_a will_v influence_n our_o affection_n and_o life_n proportionable_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o assent_n the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o people_n pretend_v to_o religion_n and_o enjoy_v mean_n of_o instruction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o take_v a_o become_a care_n to_o get_v their_o mind_n possess_v with_o right_a and_o sound_a notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v to_o own_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o ground_n and_o evidence_n they_o have_v for_o their_o yield_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v they_o do_v not_o labour_v and_o endeavour_v and_o strive_v to_o get_v the_o character_n of_o divine_a truth_n deep_o imprint_v with_o their_o full_a light_n and_o power_n on_o their_o heart_n and_o how_o can_v it_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v then_o but_o that_o multitude_n shall_v prove_v mere_a hypocrite_n and_o formalist_n it_o be_v unbelief_n that_o blind_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o see_v no_o beauty_n or_o loveliness_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v this_o that_o turn_v away_o our_o heart_n from_o christ_n render_v we_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v any_o save_a benefit_n from_o christ_n which_o harden_v and_o sear_v our_o conscience_n make_v they_o unsensible_a and_o lock_n and_o bolt_n our_o heart_n against_o christ_n see_v isa_n 53.2_o 3._o heb._n 3.12_o john_n 1.11_o 12._o mat._n 13.58_o rom._n 11.20_o 22_o 23._o 3._o worldly-mindedness_a keep_v the_o heart_n shut_v against_o christ_n when_o we_o expect_v too_o much_o from_o the_o world_n and_o these_o low_a enjoyment_n do_v set_v our_o heart_n excessive_o on_o they_o press_v after_o pursue_v and_o seek_v for_o earthly_a thing_n with_o too_o much_o vehemence_n and_o earnestness_n we_o of_o course_n grow_v unmindful_a of_o and_o unconcern_v for_o christ_n and_o our_o soul_n heaven_n and_o spiritual_a matter_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n do_v devour_v our_o strength_n and_o drink_v up_o all_o our_o spirit_n yea_o they_o beget_v in_o we_o not_o only_o a_o regardlesness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o a_o contempt_n of_o and_o opposition_n against_o they_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n be_v enmity_n with_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n jam._n 4.4_o see_v 1_o john_n 2.15_o alas_o when_o man_n heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o world_n what_o will_v they_o not_o venture_v for_o it_o they_o venture_v christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v true_o precious_a this_o worldly-mindedness_a make_v the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v of_o no_o esteem_n and_o value_n with_o we_o this_o make_v they_o of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o make_v we_o that_o we_o reap_v no_o benefit_n from_o they_o matth._n 13.22_o how_o many_o who_o have_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n have_v seem_v to_o make_v fair_a offer_v for_o christ_n have_v fall_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v try_v as_o to_o this_o point_n see_v matth._n 19.22_o the_o love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n choke_v and_o destroy_v demas_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o what_o a_o curse_a influence_n have_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n on_o judas_n when_o he_o adventure_v on_o that_o villainous_a piece_n of_o treachery_n to_o betray_v and_o sell_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n 4._o love_n of_o carnal_a sensual_a pleasure_n we_o read_v of_o some_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.4_o of_o some_o who_o make_v their_o belly_n their_o god_n phil._n 3.19_o now_o such_o as_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o be_v whole_o enslave_v to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o sensual_a delight_n be_v whole_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a to_o bid_v christ_n welcome_a there_o must_v be_v a_o great_a change_n wrought_v in_o they_o before_o they_o can_v receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o bring_v a_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o quality_n into_o a_o room_n that_o be_v full_a of_o vomit_n and_o loathsome_a filthiness_n and_o stench_n such_o a_o person_n will_v not_o be_v entertain_v and_o treat_v in_o a_o swine-stye_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o wallow_v in_o his_o sinful_a pleasure_n be_v no_o better_o that_o soul_n where_o christ_n will_v dwell_v must_v be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o those_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n rom._n 13.14_o and_o as_o such_o a_o heart_n be_v very_o unfit_a for_o christ_n so_o there_o be_v much_o malignity_n in_o it_o against_o christ_n who_o great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o who_o so_o bitter_a against_o his_o way_n his_o law_n his_o word_n his_o government_n than_o those_o who_o do_v whole_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o sensual_a gratify_n of_o all_o their_o carnal_a appetite_n desire_n and_o inclination_n if_o they_o may_v not_o enjoy_v their_o swinish_a lust_n without_o any_o molestation_n and_o reproof_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n they_o will_v either_o with_o the_o gadarens_n desire_v they_o to_o be_v go_v or_o else_o more_o rude_o attempt_v to_o thrust_v and_o force_v they_o out_o of_o their_o quarter_n 5._o cherish_n any_o particular_a lust_n or_o sin_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v a_o predominant_a reign_a power_n over_o we_o though_o we_o seem_v to_o reject_v and_o cast_v from_o we_o many_o of_o our_o former_a vice_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o several_a instance_n in_o which_o we_o do_v before_o allow_v ourselves_o a_o great_a liberty_n yet_o if_o we_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o subject_n to_o any_o one_o sin_n though_o we_o do_v it_o never_o so_o cunning_o and_o secret_o we_o do_v thereby_o bid_v christ_n defiance_n and_o renounce_v his_o rule_n and_o government_n over_o we_o if_o a_o man_n make_v his_o address_n to_o one_o he_o desire_v to_o have_v a_o conjugal_a friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o if_o that_o party_n have_v preingage_v herself_o faithful_o to_o another_o person_n this_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a
with_o he_o where_o he_o shall_v be_v john_n 17.24_o and_o he_o still_o intercede_v now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o such_o that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o and_o will_v certain_o conduct_v they_o to_o and_o possess_v they_o for_o ever_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n and_o which_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o no_o creature_n but_o those_o who_o do_v enjoy_v it_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v absolute_o free_a from_o all_o evil_a and_o unpleasant_a mixture_n and_o which_o be_v every_o way_n complete_a and_o full_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grateful_a pleasant_a and_o can_v administer_v any_o satisfaction_n a_o happiness_n that_o be_v stable_n sure_a and_o certain_a which_o shall_v last_v to_o all_o eternity_n and_o never_o cease_v decay_n nor_o cloy_v but_o always_o entertain_v with_o rapture_n of_o joy_n ravish_v pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o arise_v to_o uninterrupted_a and_o constant_a ecstasy_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v strong_o urge_v to_o prevail_v with_o sinner_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n but_o his_o importunity_n will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o instrument_n he_o do_v employ_v and_o make_v use_n of_o about_o this_o work_n the_o instrument_n be_v many_o which_o be_v employ_v to_o entreat_v and_o persuade_v and_o move_v sinner_n to_o close_v with_o the_o gracious_a tender_v make_v they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o will_v name_v but_o four_o 1._o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v christ_n advocate_n and_o be_v employ_v to_o plead_v christ_n cause_n with_o sinner_n this_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o only_o in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n but_o he_o do_v plead_v often_o with_o particular_a person_n sometime_o he_o work_v pious_a inclination_n and_o desire_n in_o the_o soul_n sometime_o he_o affect_v with_o a_o penetrate_a apprehension_n of_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o a_o natural_a estate_n sometime_o he_o convince_v powerful_o of_o a_o necessity_n of_o look_v after_o christ_n sometime_o he_o move_v and_o persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o accept_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v various_o secret_o and_o powerful_o on_o the_o heart_n and_o do_v often_o testify_v of_o christ_n even_o to_o those_o who_o do_v a_o long_a time_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v final_o stand_v out_o and_o refuse_v to_o close_v hearty_o with_o he_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o person_n be_v sin_n to_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ephes_n 4.30_o and_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o christ_n but_o stubborn_o oppose_v and_o resist_v he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o we_o and_o plead_v with_o we_o and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o o_o to_o what_o a_o height_n do_v our_o gild_n ascend_v when_o christ_n send_v his_o spirit_n to_o treat_v with_o we_o and_o we_o despise_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o working_n and_o witnessing_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n what_o a_o heighten_v crime_n and_o wickedness_n be_v this_o to_o contemn_v and_o make_v light_a of_o christ_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o we_o and_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o dignity_n of_o christ_n his_o unvaluable_a transcendent_a excellency_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n earnestness_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o we_o that_o he_o plead_v with_o we_o by_o such_o a_o one_o and_o employ_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o transact_v and_o manage_v this_o business_n with_o we_o 2._o he_o send_v his_o minister_n on_o this_o errand_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o preacher_n of_o reconciliation_n unto_o the_o world_n they_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o plead_v with_o sinner_n and_o endeavour_v to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o receive_v christ_n and_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o you_o hear_v or_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o so_o christ_n interpret_v your_o readiness_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v he_o luke_n 10.16_o the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v down_o your_o enmity_n which_o you_o have_v unjust_o conceive_v against_o he_o and_o hearken_v unto_o his_o wholesome_a save_a advice_n and_o counsel_n even_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v with_o you_o and_o you_o with_o he_o now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_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 unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o now_o how_o often_o and_o with_o how_o much_o earnestness_n have_v you_o be_v entreat_v this_o way_n to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o gracious_a offer_n be_v not_o christ_n very_o importunate_a for_o admittance_n what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v that_o a_o particular_a sort_n of_o people_n shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o very_a business_n to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v and_o entreat_v people_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n ephes_n 4.11_o etc._n etc._n 3._o jesus_n christ_n do_v importune_v you_o by_o his_o word_n when_o you_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o urge_n and_o entreat_n have_v you_o there_o from_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o it_o be_v people_n great_a sin_n that_o they_o slight_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v minister_n and_o ordinance_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o observe_v christ_n speak_v in_o they_o but_o o_o what_o a_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n do_v christ_n manifest_v there_o in_o beseech_v and_o call_v sinner_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v of_o he_o consider_v and_o weigh_v these_o few_o particular_n among_o the_o many_o you_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o christ_n be_v concern_v for_o your_o close_n with_o his_o gracious_a tender_v 1._o his_o free_a and_o solemn_a invitation_n what_o frank_a and_o liberal_a promise_n do_v he_o make_v to_o all_o who_o will_v but_o comply_v with_o his_o call_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n matth._n 11.28_o ho_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 wherefore_o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n isa_n 55.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o except_v none_o and_o that_o he_o assure_v of_o the_o best_a the_o most_o useful_a the_o choice_a and_o most_o valuable_a blessing_n 2._o his_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a protestation_n he_o swear_v by_o himself_o that_o his_o love_n be_v cordial_a and_o sincere_a he_o importune_v we_o often_o and_o condescend_v to_o argue_v and_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n whereby_o you_o have_v transgress_v and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n for_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n wherefore_o turn_n yourselves_o and_o live_v you_o ezek._n 18.31_o 32._o 3._o his_o passionate_a lamentation_n over_o those_o who_o do_v stubborn_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o notwithstanding_o he_o plead_v with_o they_o thus_o earnest_o he_o weep_v over_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n after_o he_o have_v long_o importune_v they_o in_o vain_a how_o do_v he_o express_v by_o groan_n and_o sigh_n his_o mournful_a sorrowful_a resentment_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o destruction_n they_o be_v wilful_o draw_v on_o themselves_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_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 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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 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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 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bless_a jesus_n my_o only_a and_o most_o belove_a saviour_n here_o be_v my_o whole_a heart_n i_o resign_v it_o entire_o unto_o thou_o i_o desire_v no_o great_a nor_o no_o other_o happiness_n than_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o thy_o temple_n the_o place_n of_o thy_o gracious_a residence_n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a request_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o have_v it_o cleanse_v and_o make_v pure_a from_o every_o affection_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v any_o way_n contrary_a to_o thy_o purity_n and_o holiness_n o_o do_v thou_o be_v please_v to_o give_v in_o thy_o assistance_n dispose_v and_o prepare_v my_o soul_n to_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o bless_a lord_n take_v full_a possession_n of_o i_o dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o rule_v over_o my_o whole_a man_n can_v thou_o true_o say_v lord_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o psal_n 73.25_o do_v thou_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 1_o cor._n 2.2_o do_v thou_o love_v christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n more_o than_o all_o thy_o relation_n more_o than_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_o esteem_v the_o great_a endearment_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o more_o than_o life_n itself_o luke_n 14.26_o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_o precious_a unto_o they_o who_o believe_v 1_o pet._n 2.7_o now_o can_v thou_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n deny_v thy_o lust_n thyself_o thy_o best_a and_o most_o religious_a performance_n can_v thou_o live_v for_o christ_n and_o can_v thou_o suffer_v yea_o die_v for_o christ_n and_o be_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o thy_o heart_n thus_o you_o have_v some_o little_a account_n what_o kind_n of_o reception_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v call_v for_o or_o what_o our_o receive_a christ_n do_v import_v it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n here_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o consideration_n as_o be_v 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distractedly-fond_a and_o ambitious_a of_o damnation_n as_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o a_o stubborn_a harden_v themselves_o against_o the_o powerful_a affectionate_a persuasion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a despiteful_a throw_v the_o gracious_a offer_n the_o very_a blood_n and_o tender_a mercy_n of_o a_o love_a compassionate_a divine_a saviour_n back_o into_o his_o own_o face_n but_o alas_o people_z every_o where_o give_v too_o many_o and_o too_o frequent_a demonstration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n of_o their_o disaffection_n to_o christ_n and_o how_o little_a influence_n his_o love_n have_v on_o they_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a where_o jesus_n christ_n do_v reside_v by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n there_o will_v be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n which_o will_v manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n when_o christ_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o heart_n do_v settle_v his_o abide_v there_o and_o do_v command_v and_o govern_v there_o that_o person_n with_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o will_v be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o lively_a work_a principle_n of_o purity_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n as_o will_v have_v a_o most_o powerful_a influence_n on_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n that_o among_o so_o many_o pretender_n to_o christianity_n with_o which_o the_o world_n do_v abound_v be_v even_o throng_a and_o crowd_v there_o shall_v be_v so_o few_o who_o give_v any_o serious_a real_a attendance_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v any_o tolerable_a discovery_n that_o they_o have_v open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v he_o iii_o let_v we_o now_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n inquire_v after_o some_o of_o those_o let_n and_o hindrance_n which_o keep_v our_o heart_n shut_v against_o christ_n many_o may_v be_v mention_v but_o i_o will_v only_o take_v a_o brief_a notice_n of_o these_o few_o 1._o carnal_a pride_n and_o spiritual_a selfconceitedness_a people_z be_v general_o very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v their_o condition_n so_o bad_a and_o helpless_a as_o natural_o it_o be_v it_o go_v against_o man_n spirit_n and_o stomach_n to_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o themselves_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o recover_v secure_a and_o save_v themselves_o they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o prop_n or_o other_o in_o themselves_o to_o lean_v upon_o indeed_o they_o will_v be_v their_o own_o physician_n and_o their_o own_o saviour_n and_o be_v very_o difficult_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o carnal_a selfish_a confidence_n they_o will_v either_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o wound_n or_o if_o they_o must_v own_v that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o plaster_n for_o it_o at_o home_o they_o can_v in_o this_o case_n endure_v to_o go_v abroad_o for_o help_v corrupt_a nature_n be_v very_o proud_a we_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o ourselves_o our_o work_n our_o performance_n our_o religious_a duty_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v pure_o by_o free_a grace_n we_o will_v fain_o have_v some_o share_n in_o this_o great_a work_n ourselves_o we_o will_v have_v our_o own_o wing_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n at_o least_o we_o will_v have_v our_o own_o work_n and_o religious_a performance_n to_o have_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o glory_n man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o have_v christ_n hand_n and_o arm_v to_o help_v they_o out_o of_o the_o ditch_n provide_v they_o may_v come_v out_o with_o some_o credit_n that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n and_o some_o dirt_n in_o the_o case_n yet_o vigour_n and_o strength_n continue_v and_o they_o be_v able_a with_o a_o very_a little_a help_n to_o recover_v themselves_o their_o power_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o be_v sufficient_a they_o only_o want_v a_o staff_n or_o cord_n to_o hold_v by_o that_o so_o they_o may_v exert_v that_o ability_n and_o strength_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o as_o pride_n do_v at_o first_o put_v man_n upon_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o god_n so_o now_o it_o do_v tempt_v he_o to_o usurp_v the_o honour_n belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n man_n will_v be_v his_o own_o saviour_n yea_o his_o own_o god_n he_o can_v endure_v to_o stoop_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n but_o as_o god_n and_o mammon_n light_n and_o darkness_n so_o christ_n and_o carnal_a proud_a self_n can_v dwell_v and_o agree_v together_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v about_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v pride_n and_o selfishness_n which_o do_v most_o oppose_v it_o and_o resist_v christ_n rom._n 10.3_o they_o be_v all_o for_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o recover_v from_o the_o superstition_n and_o darkness_n which_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