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within_o and_o grace_n without_o he_o show_v by_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n in_o meekness_n and_o wisdom_n jam._n 3.13_o 4._o last_o where_o god_n have_v open_v the_o heart_n there_o be_v also_o a_o open_a mouth_n to_o praise_v god_n this_o be_v add_v to_o complete_a the_o work_n isa_n 35.6_o god_n promise_v to_o make_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a to_o sing_v such_o soul_n who_o god_n have_v visit_v in_o mercy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v either_o god_n mercy_n or_o their_o own_o comfort_n no_o they_o must_v speak_v of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v
into_o macedonia_n and_o help_v we_o where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v note_v that_o minister_n how_o mean_o soever_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n be_v those_o by_o who_o god_n help_v his_o perish_a people_n this_o title_n the_o apostle_n own_v a_o helper_n of_o his_o people_n joy_n 2_o cor._n 1.24_o those_o that_o can_v help_v themselves_o sometime_o can_v yet_o help_v other_o poor_a themselves_o yet_o make_v many_o rich_a luther_n bold_o tell_v the_o prince_n of_o saxony_n scire_fw-la te_fw-la velim_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v have_v your_o highness_n know_v you_o have_v more_o need_n of_o my_o prayer_n than_o i_o have_v of_o your_o protection_n well_o now_o it_o appear_v indeed_o that_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v pull_v down_o the_o wall_n of_o partition_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o god_n have_v put_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o they_o for_o what_o be_v macedonia_n at_o this_o time_n when_o paul_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v christ_n there_o 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prodigal_n be_v run_v into_o a_o far_a country_n yet_o our_o heavenly_a father_n can_v easy_o bring_v we_o home_o 5._o she_o be_v describe_v by_o her_o religion_n she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n a_o gentile_a she_o be_v yet_o some_o dark_a notion_n she_o have_v of_o god_n which_o she_o get_v either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o tradition_n from_o her_o forefather_n or_o some_o familiar_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o jew_n such_o another_o as_o cornelius_n be_v act._n 10._o but_o whatever_o dark_a apprehension_n she_o have_v of_o god_n yet_o she_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o a_o christian_a for_o till_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v good_a ground_n and_o purify_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o can_v bear_v good_a fruit_n 2_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o her_o conversion_n 1._o paul_n preach_v 2._o lydia_n hear_v the_o word_n 3._o god_n make_v the_o word_n effectual_a he_o open_v her_o heart_n it_o be_v this_o latter_a part_n of_o 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bear_v and_o breathe_v its_o first_o breath_n act._n 8.37_o philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v be_v baptize_v there_o be_v no_o less_o in_o that_o zealous_a prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o his_o ephesian_n chap._n 3.17_o where_o he_o be_v upon_o his_o knee_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o faith_n 3._o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v to_o open_v the_o heart_n in_o short_a to_o open_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o convert_v a_o soul_n or_o to_o turn_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n unto_o god_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a that_o be_v here_o use_v signify_v proper_o to_o open_v a_o door_n now_o our_o heart_n in_o scripture_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o call_v door_n so_o by_o nature_n they_o be_v all_o shut_v and_o that_o under_o three_o several_a lock_n and_o god_n in_o our_o conversion_n open_v they_o all_o there_o be_v one_o lock_n or_o bar_v of_o ignorance_n and_o this_o be_v god_n first_o work_n to_o open_v our_o understanding_n by_o nature_n we_o be_v very_a darkness_n itself_o ephes_n 5.8_o like_o that_o poor_a man_n bear_v spiritual_o blind_a thick_a cataract_n there_o be_v upon_o all_o our_o eye_n unless_o god_n touch_v they_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o say_v ephphata_n be_v open_v now_o as_o the_o first_o creature_n that_o god_n make_v in_o the_o first_o creation_n be_v light_a gen._n 1._o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o new_a creation_n he_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n oh_o the_o gross_a and_o rude_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n that_o we_o have_v by_o nature_n of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a truth_n or_o the_o gospel_n how_o hardly_o be_v we_o persuade_v that_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n tell_v a_o poor_a sinner_n that_o he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n he_o will_v reply_v as_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v never_o in_o bondage_n to_o any_o man_n how_o hardly_o be_v the_o disciple_n themselves_o persuade_v that_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n with_o what_o difficulty_n be_v they_o bring_v to_o believe_v that_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v rise_v nor_o have_v they_o at_o last_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n luk._n 24.45_o o_o rich_a mercy_n o_o divine_a work_n the_o preacher_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o good_a thing_n for_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o light_n what_o a_o mercy_n be_v it_o then_o when_o christ_n open_v blind_a eye_n to_o see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n contain_v in_o his_o law_n ps_n 119.18_o 2._o the_o second_o
to_o our_o door_n and_o beg_v entertainment_n it_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n that_o you_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2._o the_o very_a matter_n of_o preach_v excel_v that_o which_o be_v of_o old_a for_o such_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o know_v eph._n 3.5_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v heb._n 4.7_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o gospel_n be_v rather_o call_v salvation_n than_o the_o law_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n be_v far_o more_o clear_a and_o effectual_a the_o type_n prophecy_n and_o promise_v under_o the_o law_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a now_o moses_n face_n be_v unveil_v and_o salvation_n by_o christ_n clear_o reveal_v so_o that_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n can_v never_o be_v expect_v while_o the_o world_n last_v those_o dark_a and_o enigmatical_a medium_n through_o which_o the_o jew_n look_v to_o see_v a_o saviour_n be_v now_o take_v away_o and_o we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o 19_o 4._o the_o ratification_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v strong_a they_o indeed_o be_v thunder_n and_o lightning_n burn_a and_o blackness_n with_o other_o great_a sign_n to_o confirm_v its_o authority_n exod._n 16.19_o but_o yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n one_o instance_n shall_v be_v instead_o of_o many_o for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o that_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a at_o least_o by_o his_o own_o power_n but_o only_a christ_n see_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n cure_v joh._n 9.32_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o one_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a nay_o christ_n cure_v soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o gracious_a pardon_n which_o he_o give_v to_o he_o that_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o palsy_n mat._n 9.2_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o oh_o yet_o that_o that_o christ_n who_o we_o preach_v shall_v be_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o disobedient_a and_o unbelieving_a one_o who_o yet_o to_o they_o which_o believe_v be_v the_o only_a foundation_n that_o rock_n of_o age_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n how_o many_o have_v their_o face_n tan_v and_o sully_v only_o under_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o be_v give_v as_o to_o enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n second_o let_v we_o all_o learn_v our_o duty_n which_o we_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o prize_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v that_o manna_n upon_o which_o god_n intend_v to_o keep_v we_o while_o with_o israel_n we_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o we_o come_v to_o that_o celestial_a canaan_n we_o read_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n he_o when_o he_o ascend_v give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n till_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o a_o perfect_a man_n etc._n etc._n two_o circumstance_n be_v here_o especial_o considerable_a 1._o when_o christ_n give_v we_o this_o divine_a gift_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v when_o he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n as_o king_n when_o they_o be_v crown_v give_v rich_a gift_n to_o their_o favourite_n so_o do_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v crown_v in_o heaven_n he_o give_v this_o rich_a invaluable_a gift_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v why_o he_o give_v it_o it_o be_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o gospel_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o save_v all_o but_o the_o saint_n only_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v now_o even_o the_o saint_n have_v their_o spiritual_a ruin_n and_o decay_n their_o mind_n be_v cloud_v with_o darkness_n their_o will_n be_v crooked_a and_o their_o affection_n unsatisfied_a these_o be_v the_o ruin_n which_o god_n repair_v by_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o renew_v we_o by_o grace_n and_o restore_v his_o own_o image_n in_o we_o submit_v we_o then_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n though_o god_n create_v man_n at_o first_o without_o the_o help_n of_o angel_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o recreate_v or_o renew_v his_o image_n in_o we_o without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n act._n 26.18_o we_o read_v paul_n be_v send_v by_o preach_v to_o open_v blind_a eye_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n 2._o improve_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o know_v that_o as_o the_o body_n can_v live_v without_o bread_n no_o more_o can_v the_o soul_n without_o the_o word_n obey_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o well_o its_o precept_n as_o its_o promise_n it_o be_v give_v to_o be_v a_o directory_n to_o our_o life_n a_o light_n to_o our_o mind_n life_n to_o our_o soul_n oh_o buy_v the_o truth_n and_o never_o sell_v it_o study_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o gospel-mould_n oh_o that_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o you_o may_v be_v a_o word_n implant_v in_o you_o that_o we_o can_v say_v of_o you_o all_o as_o paul_n of_o his_o roman_n so_o we_o preach_v and_o so_o you_o believe_v this_o will_v fill_v our_o heart_n with_o comfort_n and_o make_v we_o confess_v as_o he_o of_o his_o thessalonian_o though_o we_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o much_o affliction_n yet_o with_o much_o joy_n o_o give_v we_o a_o share_n in_o his_o glory_v that_o we_o may_v say_v thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o you_o be_v once_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n but_o you_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o but_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o conclusion_n doct._n 2._o that_o a_o serious_a firm_a and_o fix_v apply_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v require_v by_o god_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o or_o short_a thus_o it_o be_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v only_o save_v this_o be_v that_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o often_o press_v and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 6.6_o and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o again_o deut._n 32.46_o set_a your_o heart_n to_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o testify_v against_o you_o set_v your_o heart_n that_o be_v say_v a_o lap._n mentem_fw-la apponite_fw-la et_fw-la attendite_fw-la apply_v your_o heart_n and_o hear_v etc._n etc._n bodily_a service_n be_v but_o the_o body_n of_o our_o service_n it_o be_v the_o service_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o service_n this_o be_v lydia_n attention_n which_o have_v make_v her_o name_n smell_v like_o a_o sweet_a perfume_n in_o scripture_n a_o rare_a compound_n which_o consist_v of_o these_o several_a ingredient_n 1_o this_o save_a attention_n to_o the_o word_n imply_v a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v 2_o tim._n 2.7_o consider_v what_o i_o say_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o rule_n litterae_fw-la principum_fw-la ter_z legendae_fw-la king_n letter_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v threetimes-ove_a god_n message_n must_v not_o be_v slight_v for_o his_o word_n be_v no_o vain_a word_n as_o many_o do_v by_o the_o angel_n message_n it_o be_v say_v have_v hear_v the_o message_n she_o ponder_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o her_o heart_n etc._n etc._n so_o shall_v we_o god_n word_n must_v not_o be_v bear_v and_o die_v the_o same_o hour_n no_o it_o must_v be_v a_o live_n and_o a_o abide_a word_n god_n speak_v once_o but_o the_o psalmist_n hear_v it_o twice_o psal_n 67.11_o physic_n can_v never_o work_v nor_o meat_n nourish_v unless_o it_o abide_v sometime_o in_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o word_n which_o be_v both_o meat_n and_o medicine_n to_o our_o soul_n 2._o the_o next_o thing_n require_v to_o this_o save_a attention_n be_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n these_o two_o christ_n join_v together_o mat._n 15.10_o hear_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o meaning_n of_o god_n that_o we_o must_v chief_o attend_v christ_n own_o disciple_n ofttimes_o take_v offence_n at_o his_o word_n when_o upon_o better_a information_n they_o find_v they_o to_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o life_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o that_o precious_a doctrine_n joh._n
lydia_n heart_n open_v or_o divine_a mercy_n magnify_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v late_o by_o james_n strong_a m._n a._n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n nullum_fw-la est_fw-la peccatum_fw-la quod_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la fecerim_fw-la tu_fw-la fecisti_fw-la si_fw-la abstinuerim_fw-la tu_fw-la jussisti_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la tibi_fw-la crediderim_fw-la gratiam_fw-la tu_fw-la infundisti_fw-la august_n lib._n soliloquiorum_n cap._n 15._o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n heb._n 12.2_o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 1._o ult_n london_n print_v by_o a._n m._n for_o edward_n brewster_n at_o the_o crane_n in_o pauls-church-yard_n 1675._o to_o the_o religious_a mrs._n mary_n speke_n of_o whitelackington_n the_o author_n wish_v a_o confluence_n of_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n madam_n these_o few_o note_n follow_v be_v preach_v but_o with_o a_o ordinary_a intention_n but_o through_o divine_a mercy_n both_o with_o yourself_o and_o other_o sound_v more_o than_o ordinary_a reception_n so_o ofttimes_o i_o have_v observe_v when_o there_o be_v least_o of_o man_n strength_n there_o be_v most_o of_o go_n many_o have_v be_v too_o wise_a and_o too_o mighty_a to_o do_v god_n work_v but_o never_o any_o too_o foolish_a or_o too_o weak_a that_o have_v be_v employ_v by_o he_o the_o word_n be_v that_o spiritual_a sword_n wherewith_o god_n wound_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o as_o scanderbeg_n sword_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o scanderbeg_n arm_n no_o more_o can_v this_o sword_n unless_o it_o be_v wield_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o omnipotency_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v our_o report_n be_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o reveal_v isa_n 53.1_o sure_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o that_o day_n when_o we_o discourse_v of_o god_n open_v lydia_n there_o be_v many_o other_o heart_n open_v also_o my_o note_n which_o be_v desire_v by_o yourself_o and_o several_a other_o i_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o do_v by_o transcribe_v they_o as_o by_o publish_v they_o and_o though_o truth_n need_v no_o apology_n yet_o i_o must_v tell_v the_o world_n that_o this_o have_v be_v as_o like_a to_o have_v sleep_v in_o darkness_n as_o many_o other_o exercise_n have_v have_v not_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a success_n wherewith_o god_n attend_v it_o in_o preach_v provoke_v i_o to_o this_o service_n minister_n be_v by_o christ_n call_v spiritual_a fisher_n a_o busy_a employment_n full_a of_o toil_n and_o danger_n since_o the_o place_n of_o fish_v be_v not_o a_o shallow_a stream_n but_o a_o rage_a and_o tumultuous_a sea_n in_o which_o after_o we_o have_v tire_v ourselves_o and_o spend_v our_o strength_n nothing_o so_o break_v our_o heart_n as_o this_o that_o we_o labour_v all_o night_n and_o catch_v nothing_o but_o oh_o if_o at_o last_o we_o cast_v out_o the_o net_n and_o enclose_v a_o multitude_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v our_o own_o joy_n be_v astonish_v as_o peter_n luk._n 5.9_o madam_n excuse_v my_o boldness_n in_o prefix_v your_o name_n to_o this_o small_a manual_n and_o indeed_o i_o have_v not_o have_v confidence_n but_o that_o i_o presume_v you_o have_v with_o that_o other_o mary_n sit_v too_o long_o at_o christ_n foot_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n truth_n what_o inward_a comfort_n soever_o god_n have_v give_v you_o by_o your_o constant_a and_o diligent_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n a_o dram_n of_o that_o sweetness_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o upper_a spring_n will_v allay_v the_o bitterness_n of_o those_o mara-like_a water_n wherewith_o god_n drench_v his_o dear_a servant_n for_o our_o part_n who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o we_o be_v on_o every_o side_n oppress_v yet_o it_o be_v mercy_n we_o be_v not_o suppress_v under_o all_o other_o hardship_n we_o have_v yet_o cause_v to_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v not_o take_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n utter_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n he_o never_o well_o understand_v what_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v that_o think_v strange_a of_o any_o suffering_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v well_o become_v a_o minister_n mouth_n what_o pompey_n once_o reply_v to_o the_o mariner_n who_o dissuade_v he_o from_o sail_v in_o a_o storm_n when_o he_o be_v employ_v for_o bring_v provision_n to_o rome_n under_o a_o strait_a siege_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o rome_n be_v relieve_v but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v live_v sure_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o christ_n sheep_n be_v feed_v but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v live_v the_o subject_n of_o these_o few_o paper_n be_v of_o incomparable_a weight_n the_o more_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n and_o its_o deceit_n the_o more_o jealous_a i_o be_o of_o other_o oh_o what_o a_o wily_a enemy_n do_v we_o carry_v in_o our_o own_o bosom_n how_o many_o treacherous_a reach_n have_v it_o to_o ruin_v our_o immortal_a soul_n simon_n magus_n seem_v zealous_o to_o desire_v the_o spirit_n and_o will_v have_v buy_v it_o at_o a_o great_a price_n but_o this_o poison_a his_o religion_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n ah_o what_o faint_a and_o frigid_a service_n do_v we_o bring_v before_o god_n while_o we_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o mouth_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o our_o lip_n but_o remove_v our_o heart_n far_o from_o he_o it_o be_v true_a till_o the_o heart_n be_v renew_v god_n will_v have_v none_o of_o it_o but_o when_o once_o it_o be_v renew_v it_o make_v every_o thing_n else_o to_o be_v accept_v it_o be_v the_o same_o to_o all_o other_o service_n that_o benjamin_n be_v to_o his_o brethren_n and_o there_o be_v no_o see_v god_n face_n without_o it_o oh_o how_o sad_a be_v it_o if_o at_o last_o we_o shall_v spoil_v all_o our_o service_n and_o suffering_n by_o do_v good_a duty_n with_o bad_a heart_n for_o prevent_v which_o danger_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o the_o labour_n of_o many_o egregious_a servant_n of_o he_o who_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n a_o rich_a treasury_n of_o instruction_n into_o which_o if_o by_o cast_v my_o mite_n i_o may_v in_o any_o measure_n serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o people_n it_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a recompense_n to_o he_o who_o subscribe_v himself_o you_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n j._n s._n act._n 16.14_o and_o a_o certain_a woman_n name_v lydia_n a_o seller_n of_o purple_a of_o the_o city_n of_o thyatira_n which_o worship_v god_n hear_v we_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n open_v that_o she_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n which_o paul_n speak_v as_o in_o the_o evangelist_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d christi_fw-la the_o record_n of_o the_o act_n of_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v conversant_a on_o the_o earth_n so_o in_o this_o book_n we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apostolorum_fw-la the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o history_n we_o have_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n while_o she_o be_v young_a and_o in_o her_o gradle_n her_o increase_n and_o growth_n what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o what_o holy_a boldness_n they_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o thousand_o trouble_n and_o torment_n here_o we_o may_v read_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o it_o get_v growth_n in_o the_o world_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n as_o also_o what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o true_a doctrine_n and_o false_a with_o what_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n false_a apostle_n oppose_v the_o true_a what_o rest_n and_o breathe_n god_n give_v his_o church_n and_o never_o be_v want_v for_o her_o protection_n and_o preservation_n this_o history_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o bear_v date_n from_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o first_o year_n of_o paul_n come_v to_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o space_n of_o twentythree_a year_n in_o which_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a proof_n of_o the_o exact_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o promise_v christ_n make_v his_o apostle_n as_o of_o send_v they_o his_o spirit_n indue_a they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a the_o calling_z of_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o carry_v you_o back_o further_o than_o be_v needful_a we_o read_v ver_fw-la 9_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o paul_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n be_v call_v to_o macedonia_n a_o vision_n appear_v to_o paul_n in_o the_o night_n there_o stand_v a_o man_n of_o macedonia_n and_o pray_v he_o say_v come_v
bar_n or_o bolt_n that_o by_o nature_n be_v upon_o our_o heart_n be_v stubbornness_n this_o stick_n to_o our_o will_n man_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o way_n ward_n and_o a_o self-willed_a creature_n our_o will_n be_v imbondaged_a to_o sin_n and_o though_o we_o have_v a_o will_n to_o destory_n ourselves_o yet_o we_o have_v none_o to_o save_v ourselves_o corrupt_a mind_n know_v no_o other_o law_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o of_o these_o they_o cry_v out_o as_o israel_n of_o their_o idol_n stranger_n have_v we_o love_v and_o stranger_n will_v we_o follow_v jer._n 2.25_o when_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o our_o heart_n corruption_n present_o rise_v to_o oppose_v he_o we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o reign_v over_o we_o luk._n 19.14_o but_o god_n come_v with_o his_o key_n and_o open_v this_o door_n also_o he_o make_v we_o of_o a_o unwilling_a to_o be_v a_o willing_a people_n psal_n 110.3_o this_o god_n do_v not_o by_o violence_n and_o compulsion_n but_o in_o a_o sweet_a and_o a_o gracious_a way_n he_o persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n gen._n 9.27_o god_n reason_n we_o out_o of_o our_o rebellion_n make_v use_n of_o that_o excellent_a gift_n of_o reason_n wherewith_o he_o have_v adorn_v his_o creature_n and_o thus_o debate_v the_o case_n with_o he_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o forsake_v i_o who_o be_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n for_o break_a cistern_n that_o will_v hold_v no_o water_n why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n when_o all_o be_v well_o between_o god_n and_o you_o be_v it_o not_o better_o with_o you_o than_o now_o turn_v you_o turn_v you_o therefore_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n thus_o god_n treat_v man_n as_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o take_v the_o hint_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n wherewith_o he_o bathe_v endow_v his_o creature_n 3._o there_o be_v one_o lock_n or_o bolt_n more_o which_o god_n open_v and_o that_o be_v the_o affection_n man_n by_o mature_a can_v delight_v in_o god_n nor_o love_v he_o but_o when_o god_n woe_n in_o earnest_n he_o win_v our_o heart_n and_o engage_v all_o our_o affection_n to_o himself_o so_o that_o we_o love_v nothing_o but_o god_n or_o for_o god_n for_o when_o once_o the_o will_n be_v win_v all_o be_v win_v for_o the_o will_n among_o other_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o dominion_n over_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o affection_n when_o therefore_o it_o have_v fix_v the_o desire_n or_o some_o good_a that_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o wideness_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o use_v its_o liberty_n for_o the_o choose_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o good_a and_o employ_v all_o the_o inseriour_a faculty_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o mean_n in_o short_a as_o soon_o as_o the_o soul_n become_v ravish_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o god_n it_o be_v earnest_o draw_v out_o to_o desire_v union_n with_o he_o and_o participation_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o now_o god_n be_v the_o adequate_a object_n of_o all_o our_o love_n joy_n and_o desire_v and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o god_n work_n see_v deut._n 30.6_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o thy_o seed_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v more_o direct_o our_o next_o work_n 3._o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v god_n work_n to_o open_a man_n heart_n he_o that_o make_v the_o heart_n can_v only_o open_v it_o man_n may_v knock_v but_o there_o be_v none_o can_v open_v and_o enter_v but_o god_n alone_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n when_o the_o exorcist_n undertake_v to_o cast_v out_o unclean_a spirit_n the_o devil_n answer_v jesus_n we_o know_v and_o paul_n we_o know_v but_o who_o be_v you_o act._n 19.15_o it_o be_v so_o here_o long_o than_o god_n own_v his_o messenger_n and_o stand_v by_o they_o sin_n and_o satan_n tell_v we_o god_n he_o know_v and_o jesus_n he_o know_v but_o who_o be_v you_o a_o lively_a abridgement_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v in_o cant._n 5._o where_o christ_n come_v &_o woo_v his_o church_n and_o lay_v her_o open_a ver_fw-la 2._o but_o see_v what_o silly_a and_o sinful_a excuse_n she_o make_v to_o put_v off_o christ_n ver_fw-la 3._o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o but_o christ_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o enter_v and_o therefore_o we_o read_v ver_fw-la 4._o he_o put_v in_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n and_o then_o her_o heart_n be_v affection_a towards_o he_o what_o be_v this_o hand_n or_o finger_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o put_v back_o the_o boult_n or_o unlock_v the_o door_n of_o her_o heart_n before_o she_o can_v come_v and_o entertain_v he_o christ_n first_o bore_n and_o dig_v through_o the_o heart_n and_o make_v a_o passage_n for_o himself_o to_o enter_v and_o then_o come_v in_o and_o take_v possession_n the_o argument_n for_o proof_n follow_v of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v this_o res_fw-la 1._o our_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v all_o possess_v by_o satan_n and_o strong_o fortify_v against_o god_n and_o christ_n whence_o christ_n thus_o frame_v his_o argument_n that_o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v keep_v the_o house_n till_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o come_v and_o bound_v he_o mat._n 12.29_o satan_n have_v the_o possession_n and_o will_v not_o leave_v his_o hold_n until_o he_o be_v overpower_v so_o much_o that_o scripture_n import_v col._n 1.13_o who_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v deliver_v we_o by_o force_n so_o strong_a be_v his_o chain_n that_o nothing_o can_v break_v they_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o omnipotency_n but_o oh_o here_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o christ_n redeem_v that_o strong_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o they_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o conqueror_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o joh._n 4.4_o res_fw-la 2._o if_o god_n come_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o enter_v the_o right_a way_n he_o do_v not_o climb_v up_o the_o wall_n nor_o creep_v in_o at_o the_o window_n such_o a_o entrance_n be_v not_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v we_o open_v the_o everlasting_a door_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 24._o as_o when_o a_o king_n enter_v a_o city_n the_o gate_n be_v set_v wide_o open_a or_o throw_v off_o their_o hinge_n to_o congratulate_v the_o king_n come_v and_z ta_o show_v their_o joyful_a entertain_v of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n such_o a_o entrance_n be_v christ_n god_n make_v no_o forcible_a entry_n do_v not_o break_v the_o house_n or_o enter_v against_o his_o people_n will_n no_o he_o sweet_o subdue_v we_o as_o he_o that_o open_v with_o a_o key_n now_o none_o but_o god_n have_v a_o key_n to_o open_v those_o door_n rev._n 3.7_o the_o angel_n to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n etc._n etc._n thus_o say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o see_v the_o strong_a hold_n and_o most_o impregnable_a castle_n that_o from_o outward_a force_n be_v free_a and_o invincible_a yet_o it_o be_v but_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o key_n that_o present_o open_v it_o and_z gives_z entrance_n without_o blood_n or_o blow_n so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n oil_n the_o lock_n and_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o the_o soul_n open_v res_fw-la 3._o all_o heart-work_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n if_o it_o be_v effectual_a be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n take_v a_o few_o instance_n 1._o god_n search_v the_o heart_n jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o he_o only_o know_v it_o that_o make_v it_o even_o he_o who_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n that_o pierce_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o hell_n the_o wile_n and_o wickedness_n the_o depth_n and_o deceit_n of_o this_o member_n be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o prophet_n cry_v out_o who_o can_v know_v they_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o none_o but_o a_o omniscient_a god_n before_o who_o eye_n all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o bare_a 2._o god_n open_v our_o heart_n to_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o we_o know_v of_o they_o save_o deut._n 8.2_o god_n mind_v israel_n of_o the_o tedious_a and_o tiresome_a travel_n of_o they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n which_o be_v to_o humble_v they_o and_o prove_v they_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o their_o
before_o king_n they_o must_v bear_v a_o part_n with_o zachary_n though_o once_o dumb_a yet_o as_o soon_o as_o his_o tongue_n be_v loose_v cry_v out_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v visit_v and_o redeem_v his_o people_n luk._n 1.68_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o author_n of_o lydia_n conversion_n or_o that_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o open_v lydia_n heart_n next_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o mean_n whereby'twas_fw-mi wrought_v she_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n which_o paul_n speak_v what_o this_o attention_n of_o lydia_n be_v be_v worth_a inquiry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o translate_v attention_n signify_v proper_o to_o give_v heed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d scil_n animum_fw-la to_o apply_v the_o heart_n or_o mind_n to_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o a_o double_a relation_n one_a to_o thing_n hurtful_a 2_o to_o thing_n usefal_v 1._o to_o thing_n hurtful_a in_o mat._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v here_o that_o be_v take_v heed_n that_o you_o avoid_v they_o lest_o you_o be_v ensnare_v by_o they_o 2._o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o relation_n to_o thing_n useful_a as_o in_o act._n 8.6_o the_o people_n give_v heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o philip_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v use_v here_o so_o lydia_n attend_v or_o give_v heed_n or_o apply_v her_o heart_n to_o the_o thing_n speak_v by_o paul_n this_o heedful_a hear_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o slight_v oppose_a or_o turn_v away_o our_o ear_n from_o hear_v the_o word_n such_o hearer_n we_o read_v of_o act_n 13.45_o the_o jew_n fill_v with_o envy_n speak_v against_o the_o thing_n speak_v by_o paul_n contradict_v and_o rail_v on_o they_o and_o such_o be_v those_o bid_a guest_n that_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o wedding_n that_o make_v light_a of_o it_o mat._n 22.4_o 5._o well_o then_o there_o be_v both_o a_o attention_n of_o the_o ear_n and_o a_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o this_o hear_n of_o lydia_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n it_o offer_v we_o these_o three_o conclusion_n d._n 1._o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_v soul_n d._n 2._o that_o a_o serious_a firm_a and_o fix_v apply_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v require_v by_o god_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o d._n 3._o that_o such_o a_o attention_n can_v never_o be_v give_v to_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o by_o a_o special_a work_n of_o grace_n lydia_n may_v have_v hear_v paul_n preach_v but_o she_o have_v never_o hear_v they_o if_o god_n have_v not_o first_o open_v her_o heart_n d._n 1._o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o convert_v soul_n it_o be_v true_a the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v unlimited_a and_o not_o bind_v to_o mean_n god_n can_v have_v teach_v the_o eunuch_n without_o philip_n he_o can_v have_v convert_v paul_n without_o ananias_n instruct_v cornelius_n without_o peter_n and_o have_v open_v lydia_n heart_n without_o paul_n but_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v that_o mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v choose_v and_o sanctify_v for_o this_o great_a work_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n climax_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o at_o last_o determine_v the_o question_n with_o this_o conclusion_n that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o prevent_v any_o curious_a question_n why_o it_o be_v this_o the_o apostle_n resolve_v all_o into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o for_o see_v the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o do_v believe_v q._n but_o some_o may_v wonder_v how_o so_o weak_a a_o mean_n shall_v work_v so_o great_a effect_n a._n all_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o open_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o to_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o do_v by_o his_o prophetical_a office_n but_o also_o to_o be_v present_a when_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o teach_v the_o heart_n inward_o what_o it_o be_v teach_v outward_o by_o the_o word_n and_o now_o also_o he_o exercise_v his_o kingly_a office_n in_o make_v his_o enemy_n become_v his_o subject_n here_o he_o lay_v we_o at_o his_o foot_n while_o his_o word_n like_o a_o sword_n pierce_v our_o heart_n make_v we_o throw_v down_o our_o arm_n those_o weapon_n of_o sin_n wherewith_o we_o have_v oppose_v he_o here_o christ_n get_v a_o glorious_a and_o yet_o a_o easy_a conquest_n for_o against_o his_o power_n there_o be_v none_o stand_v assoon_o as_o they_o hear_v they_o shall_v obey_v psal_n 18.44_o now_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v on_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v evident_a from_o act._n 2._o before_o those_o convert_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v that_o the_o spirit_n fall_v on_o they_o like_o a_o mighty_a rush_a wind_n v._o 2._o cease_v then_o to_o wonder_v when_o we_o see_v such_o mighty_a effect_n wrought_v by_o the_o gospel_n since_o it_o be_v not_o we_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o father_n which_o speak_v in_o we_o mat._n 10.20_o use_v 1_o wo_n then_o to_o all_o opposer_n and_o contemner_n of_o preach_v and_o preacher_n alas_o who_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o account_v the_o troubler_n of_o israel_n but_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o elijah_n crime_n that_o indeed_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n etc._n etc._n who_o deny_v themselves_o to_o oppose_v that_o torrent_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n that_o like_o another_o deluge_n be_v like_a to_o overrun_v the_o nation_n and_o for_o this_o they_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o michajah_n hard_a commons_o even_o with_o bread_n and_o water_n of_o affliction_n another_o generation_n of_o profane_a and_o profligate_v professor_n swarm_v every_o where_n in_o the_o world_n who_o nauseate_a this_o heavenly_a manna_n and_o contemn_v sound_a doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v common_a ah_o we_o live_v in_o a_o gospel-glutted-age_n wherein_o wickedness_n and_o wantonness_n be_v the_o best_a requital_n wherewith_o we_o requite_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o choice_a mercy_n thus_o with_o jeshurun_n we_o be_v grow_v fat_a and_o kick_v oh_o that_o a_o people_n so_o choice_o teach_v and_o instruct_v from_o heaven_n shall_v at_o last_o scorn_v the_o counsel_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n that_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v lose_v in_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n crucify_v shall_v become_v a_o reproach_n among_o we_o there_o be_v one_o scripture_n that_o i_o will_v fasten_v on_o your_o thought_n to_o prevent_v this_o sin_n in_o some_o which_o deserve_v to_o be_v repent_v in_o other_o so_o heb._n 2.2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n deserve_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n our_o guilt_n and_o ingratitude_n increase_v with_o our_o injoymeat_n view_v the_o comparison_n in_o a_o few_o particular_n 1._o we_o have_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n than_o they_o under_o the_o law_n angel_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o law_n but_o christ_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o threaten_n of_o angel_n if_o despise_v be_v severe_o punish_v and_o shall_v not_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o that_o god_n who_o in_o former_a age_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o time_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o own_o son_n heb._n 1.2_o well_o let_v we_o hear_v christ_n argue_v himself_o from_o this_o very_a topick_n the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n shall_v rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o the_o man_n of_o this_o generation_n for_o she_o come_v from_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o and_o again_o the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n shall_v rise_v in_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 12.41_o 42._o oh_o what_o will_v be_v our_o case_n who_o set_v not_o so_o high_a a_o price_n on_o christ_n as_o that_o queen_n do_v on_o solomon_n when_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n come_v home_o