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 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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
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 but_o a_o mass_n and_o mixture_n of_o ignorance_n and_o atheism_n as_o we_o and_o other_o gentile_n be_v without_o god_n without_o christ_n and_o without_o hope_n eph_n 2.12_o be_v come_v to_o macedonia_n he_o begin_v to_o preach_v at_o philippi_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o his_o encouragement_n at_o first_o be_v but_o mean_a for_o his_o auditory_a be_v only_o a_o few_o poor_a woman_n ver_fw-la 13._o gualther_n on_o the_o place_n excellent_o note_n how_o god_n exercise_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o his_o servant_n paulus_n vocatus_fw-la per_fw-la angelum_fw-la putaret_fw-la aliquis_fw-la omnes_fw-la ei_fw-la obviam_fw-la venturas_fw-la etc._n etc._n paul_n be_v call_v by_o a_o angel_n who_o will_v not_o have_v think_v that_o the_o whole_a country_n will_v have_v flock_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o preacher_n but_o alas_o paul_n hope_n fail_v he_o not_o one_o man_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o great_a apostle_n only_o a_o few_o poor_a woman_n and_o among_o these_o god_n single_v out_o one_o and_o mark_n she_o up_o for_o mercy_n v._o 16._o a_o certain_a woman_n name_v lydia_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o then_o the_o history_n of_o lydia_n conversion_n and_o here_o again_o we_o have_v 1._o the_o apostle_n preach_v 2._o a_o weak_a woman_n hear_v 3._o the_o great_a god_n blessing_n the_o sermon_n or_o we_o hare_n 1._o the_o person_n convet_v who_o be_v several_a way_n describe_v 1._o by_o her_o name_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n lydia_n 2._o by_o her_o sex_n a_o woman_n that_o sex_n by_o which_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n 3._o by_o her_o employment_n a_o seller_n of_o purple_a a_o trade_n as_o one_o observe_v serve_v not_o so_o much_o for_o necessity_n as_o for_o pride_n 4._o by_o the_o place_n of_o her_o abode_n a_o stranger_n one_o of_o thyatira_n a_o city_n of_o lydia_n all_o these_o difficulty_n god_n break_v thorough_a humane_a improbability_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o omnipotency_n though_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n like_o the_o 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 the_o verse_n that_o i_o design_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o discourse_n viz._n the_o mean_n of_o lydia_n conversion_n god_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o thing_n that_o i_o shall_v note_v be_v this_o doct._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v god_n work_n to_o open_a man_n heart_n god_n may_v and_o do_v use_v inferior_a mean_n to_o knock_v but_o none_o can_v open_v but_o himself_o god_n word_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o hammer_n jer._n 23.29_o with_o this_o god_n beat_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n but_o no_o heart_n open_v unless_o it_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n hence_o be_v that_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 53.1_o lord_n who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n believe_v not_o the_o report_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o god_n do_v not_o put_v forth_o or_o make_v bare_a his_o own_o arm_n but_o for_o method_n sake_n in_o prosecute_a the_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o heart_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o open_v the_o heart_n 3._o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v god_n work_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n 4._o show_v why_o god_n open_v the_o heart_n 5._o answer_v a_o objection_n 6._o last_o come_v to_o application_n 1._o then_o let_v we_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o heart_n and_o here_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n by_o heart_n here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o rational_a soul_n with_o the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v therein_o for_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o natural_a life_n so_o it_o be_v of_o spiritual_a this_o be_v the_o womb_n wherein_o christ_n be_v first_o form_v see_v rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n sc_n here_o faith_n be_v seat_v here_o it_o be_v 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
man_n son_n the_o son_n of_o a_o wheeler_n afterward_o bishop_n of_o mentz_n when_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o bishopric_n to_o suppress_v that_o pride_n which_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o place_n expose_v he_o to_o that_o he_o cause_v several_a wheel_n to_o be_v hang_v up_o about_o his_o chamber_n with_o this_o inscription_n memento_n willigis_fw-la unde_fw-la eras_fw-la remember_v willigis_fw-la from_o whence_o thou_o be_v oh_o that_o we_o can_v look_v back_o to_o the_o rock_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v hewnl_a etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v find_v that_o we_o be_v but_o the_o sinful_a slime_n of_o rebellious_a parent_n loin_n thus_o god_n prick_v that_o swell_a tumour_n of_o pride_n in_o israel_n to_o which_o she_o be_v subject_a by_o her_o advancement_n and_o bid_v she_o remember_v that_o a_o poor_a syrian_a ready_a to_o perish_v be_v her_o father_n deut._n 26.5_o whatever_o honour_n or_o excellency_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o remember_v that_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n even_o as_o other_o eph._n 2.3_o here_o be_v a_o holy_a art_n to_o make_v the_o elder_a brother_n corruption_n to_o serve_v the_o young_a grace_n a_o serious_a remembrance_n of_o our_o natural_a vileness_n may_v keep_v the_o soul_n humble_a in_o our_o great_a attainment_n use_v 3_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o pierce_a power_n of_o god_n word_n however_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o carnal_a reason_n it_o be_v sound_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o ear_n but_o its_o force_n be_v feel_v in_o the_o heart_n paul_n preach_v and_o felix_n tremble_v peter_n sermon_n prick_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o heart_n act._n 2.37_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n deal_n with_o his_o church_n cant._n 5.4_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o feel_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n her_o very_a heart_n be_v affection_a towards_o he_o just_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sharp_a two-edged_a sword_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 4.12_o elisha_n have_v his_o sword_n as_o well_o as_o jehu_n and_o god_n hew_v his_o enemy_n by_o his_o prophet_n and_o slay_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o mouth_n this_o sword_n be_v like_o saul_n it_n never_o return_v empty_a if_o it_o do_v not_o destroy_v our_o sin_n it_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n use_v 4._o it_o caution_n we_o against_o a_o mistake_n when_o we_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v god_n work_n to_o open_a man_n heart_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n expect_v nothing_o from_o we_o take_v we_o heed_v we_o do_v not_o thus_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n delight_v to_o improve_v his_o own_o gift_n he_o have_v endow_v man_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o reason_n and_o save_v he_o as_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n from_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n and_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n yet_o god_n expect_v when_o he_o persuade_v that_o we_o consent_v when_o he_o woo_v by_o his_o word_n that_o we_o yield_v lest_o strive_v with_o our_o maker_n we_o provoke_v he_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o old_a world_n when_o for_o their_o contumacy_n and_o impenitency_n he_o resolve_v that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v no_o long_o strive_v with_o man_n gen._n 6.3_o use_v 5._o the_o next_o use_v therefore_o shall_v be_v of_o counsel_n or_o rather_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o when_o god_n by_o his_o word_n call_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n and_o bid_v we_o open_a that_o with_o a_o holy_a readiness_n we_o open_v those_o everlasting_a door_n to_o provoke_v you_o to_o which_o duty_n i_o shall_v add_v these_o consideration_n arg._n 1._o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o god_n we_o ourselves_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o all_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o god_n god_n delight_v in_o none_o but_o where_o he_o be_v entertain_v mark_v that_o scripture_n rev._n 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o i_o will_v feast_v that_o man_n with_o my_o presence_n my_o grace_n my_o comfort_n this_o man_n only_o shall_v know_v indeed_o what_o be_v that_o plenty_n rarity_n and_o variety_n which_o be_v in_o that_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n that_o i_o have_v make_v in_o my_o holy_a mountain_n to_o such_o i_o will_v make_v know_v myself_o i_o will_v take_v they_o into_o my_o embrace_n feed_v and_o feast_v they_o with_o my_o promise_n they_o shall_v see_v my_o face_n and_o know_v by_o experience_n what_o it_o be_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n now_o pray_v consider_v can_v you_o be_v content_a to_o live_v a_o few_o year_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o hear_v only_o what_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n the_o sweet_a and_o soul-ravishing_a comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o yet_o to_o live_v and_o die_v and_o go_v to_o your_o grave_n and_o never_o know_v nor_o taste_v any_o of_o this_o spiritual_a sweetness_n this_o must_v be_v your_o case_n if_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o open_v arg._n 2._o consider_v that_o god_n yet_o offer_v to_o open_v your_o heart_n though_o we_o perhaps_o have_v stop_v our_o ear_n thousand_o of_o time_n yet_o he_o once_o more_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n and_o cry_n open_z open_a and_o i_o make_v my_o appeal_n to_o your_o own_o conscience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o life_n or_o tenderness_n in_o they_o whether_o you_o find_v not_o god_n strive_v to_o come_v in_o while_o by_o the_o hammer_n of_o his_o word_n he_o knock_v and_o beg_v you_o by_o his_o messenger_n to_o give_v your_o heart_n to_o he_o be_v not_o god_n at_o this_o instant_a convince_a some_o that_o he_o be_v a_o lose_v perish_v creature_n in_o himself_o be_v he_o not_o show_v you_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o alsufficiency_n to_o save_v sinner_n oh_o how_o think_v you_o to_o escape_v if_o you_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o fearful_a resolution_n of_o god_n against_o the_o impenitent_a old_a world_n when_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o noah_n a_o hundred_o year_n together_o god_n have_v persuade_v they_o to_o repent_v yet_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n what_o say_v god_n at_o last_o my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n oh_o when_o god_n strive_v with_o we_o in_o mercy_n and_o we_o strive_v with_o god_n by_o impenitency_n it_o be_v sad_a wo_n to_o he_o that_o thus_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n well_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n if_o we_o will_v not_o take_v example_n from_o the_o old_a world_n that_o be_v past_a be_v sure_a we_o shall_v make_v example_n to_o the_o new_a world_n that_o be_v to_o come_v isa_n 45.9_o arg._n 3._o consider_v to_o who_o it_o be_v we_o be_v to_o open_v why_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n etc._n etc._n a_o emphatic_a word_n and_o as_o ezekiel_n wheel_n be_v full_a of_o eye_n so_o be_v this_o word_n full_a of_o motive_n to_o i_o that_o be_o thy_o saviour_n thy_o king_n thy_o priest_n thy_o prophet_n thy_o bridegroom_n thy_o belove_a thy_o brother_n ah_o who_o will_v not_o open_v to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o laban_n say_v to_o abraham_n servant_n come_v in_o thou_o bless_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o stand_v thou_o without_o gen._n 24.31_o so_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o he_o come_v to_o our_o door_n yea_o as_o lot_n press_v the_o two_o angel_n great_o when_o they_o seem_v strange_a and_o overcome_v they_o with_o his_o importunity_n that_o they_o come_v in_o gen._n 19.3_o so_o shall_v we_o arg._n 4._o consider_v god_n end_n in_o open_v of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v there_o god_n dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n but_o as_o he_o have_v choose_v heaven_n for_o his_o glorious_a presence_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o heart_n for_o his_o gracious_a presence_n isa_n 57.16_o neither_o will_v god_n come_v in_o empty_a he_o bring_v salvation_n and_o all_o other_o blessing_n with_o he_o thus_o christ_n tell_v zacheus_n luk._n 19.9_o this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o house_n there_o be_v nothing_o lose_v by_o entertain_v this_o guest_n where_o he_o come_v his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o if_o obed_n edom_n house_n be_v bless_v for_o entertain_v god_n ark_n how_o bless_a be_v that_o heart_n that_o open_v and_o entertain_v god_n himself_o 2._o but_o some_o may_v object_v that_o believer_n have_v open_v already_o and_o
that_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v good_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v such_o what_o need_v more_o ado_n for_o they_o a._n there_o be_v divers_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereby_o christ_n dwell_v in_o his_o elect_n and_o though_o we_o have_v already_o open_v to_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o open_v wide_a still_o our_o case_n be_v like_a that_o of_o the_o blindman_n who_o christ_n cure_v in_o the_o gospel_n who_o after_o the_o first_o touch_n see_v man_n as_o tree_n walk_v but_o christ_n touch_v his_o eye_n again_o and_o then_o he_o see_v plain_o mar._n 8.25_o it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n alas_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a of_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n at_o our_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v evermore_o widen_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v more_o room_n to_o entertain_v he_o arg._n 5._o consider_v the_o many_o engagement_n god_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o to_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o god_n have_v open_v his_o heart_n to_o we_o he_o have_v not_o lock_v up_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o secrecy_n no_o as_o we_o read_v of_o samson_n for_o the_o love_n he_o bear_v to_o delilah_n he_o tell_v she_o all_o his_o heart_n so_o have_v god_n to_o we_o he_o have_v keep_v nothing_o from_o we_o that_o may_v make_v we_o wise_a to_o salvation_n the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o have_v show_v they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n act._n 20.27_o and_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v never_o reveal_v to_o other_o age_n as_o now_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o eph._n 3.5_o 2._o god_n have_v open_v heaven_n to_o we_o that_o for_o sin_n be_v shut_v against_o all_o adam_n posterity_n for_o as_o adam_n sin_v be_v drive_v out_o of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n so_o be_v he_o also_o out_o of_o the_o heavenly_a paradise_n and_o christ_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o suffer_v death_n for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v open_v a_o way_n for_o we_o again_o into_o heaven_n therefore_o he_o be_v call_v our_o forerunner_n heb._n 6.20_o whither_o our_o forerunner_n be_v enter_v in_o for_o we_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n this_o holy_a place_n be_v sever_v or_o part_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o a_o veil_n at_o christ_n death_n we_o read_v this_o veil_n rend_v in_o twain_o mat._n 17.51_o hereby_o show_v we_o that_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v make_v a_o open_a way_n for_o we_o into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o heaven_n god_n have_v pave_v we_o a_o way_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o now_o we_o may_v come_v with_o boldness_n 3._o god_n open_v his_o ear_n to_o our_o prayer_n isa_n 37.17_o his_o eye_n to_o distress_n exod._n 3.7_o i_o have_v sure_o see_v the_o affliction_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n which_o be_v in_o egypt_n and_o have_v hear_v their_o cry_n etc._n etc._n he_o hear_v his_o people_n prayer_n and_o their_o enemy_n threat_n he_o hear_v the_o rail_n of_o rabshekah_n the_o curse_v of_o shimei_n and_o the_o least_o injury_n that_o be_v plot_v against_o the_o just_a shall_v not_o we_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o 4._o he_o have_v open_v hell_n and_o the_o grave_n for_o we_o we_o read_v when_o christ_n suffer_v at_o the_o resurrection_n many_o dead_a body_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v with_o he_o mat._n 27.53_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v the_o dust_n of_o his_o saint_n for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n no_o i_o know_v thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o grave_n etc._n etc._n psal_n 16._o the_o grave_n until_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v a_o impregnable_a hold_n and_o from_o thence_o have_v be_v no_o redemption_n have_v not_o christ_n open_v it_o for_o our_o deliverance_n 5._o god_n open_v his_o hand_n to_o we_o daily_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o bounty_n god_n come_v load_v with_o plenty_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v every_o live_a thing_n with_o goodness_n whatever_o want_v the_o poor_a creature_n sustain_v god_n alone_o supply_v they_o all_o oh_o shall_v god_n open_v so_o much_o to_o we_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o he_o it_o will_v be_v horrid_a ingratitude_n shall_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n the_o duty_n though_o most_o reasonable_a yet_o it_o be_v difficult_a these_o direction_n improve_v may_v make_v it_o easy_a direct_v 1._o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a in_o search_v into_o the_o state_n of_o your_o heart_n know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o deceit_n that_o lodge_v and_o lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o ungodly_a boast_v of_o his_o heart_n desire_v when_o solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a desire_v evil_a prov._n 21.10_o o_o let_v not_o your_o treacherous_a heart_n deceive_v you_o pose_v yourselves_o with_o such_o serious_a question_n as_o these_o heart_n what_o be_v thy_o case_n how_o be_v it_o with_o thou_o tell_v i_o faithful_o whether_o thou_o be_v the_o old_a heart_n or_o the_o new_a who_o image_n do_v thou_o bear_v christ_n or_o satan_n be_v thou_o a_o dead_a heart_n or_o a_o live_n have_v thou_o be_v ever_o new-made_a or_o no_o have_v thou_o new_a affection_n new_a motion_n and_o desire_n or_o no_o tell_v i_o have_v christ_n take_v possession_n of_o thou_o or_o not_o these_o will_v be_v close_a question_n if_o our_o heart_n be_v hold_v close_o to_o answer_v they_o know_v you_o not_o say_v the_o apostle_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2._o if_o you_o find_v not_o christ_n within_o you_o mourn_v over_o your_o empty_a heart_n what_o a_o lamentation_n do_v mary_n make_v when_o she_o find_v the_o grave_a empty_a when_o she_o seek_v christ_n ah_o they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n etc._n etc._n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o break_v our_o heart_n with_o sorrow_n if_o upon_o a_o serious_a search_n we_o find_v not_o christ_n in_o our_o heart_n oh_o cry_v out_o sin_n and_o satan_n have_v rob_v i_o of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n no_o token_n or_o footstep_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v see_v in_o i_o 3._o seek_v christ_n diligent_o imitate_v the_o church_n in_o a_o like_a case_n who_o seek_v christ_n jesus_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o by_o night_n upon_o her_o bed_n she_o seek_v he_o who_o her_o soul_n love_v arise_v and_o go_v about_o the_o city_n and_o inquire_v of_o the_o watchman_n and_o all_o to_o find_v her_o belove_a cant._n 1.5_o 4._o be_v glean_v in_o god_n field_n the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spiritual_a harness_n where_o you_o may_v fill_v your_o empty_a sack_n as_o joseph_n do_v his_o brethren_n ruth_n glean_v in_o boaz'_v field_n among_o the_o sheaf_n and_o reaper_n and_o so_o return_v lade_v christ_n ordinance_n be_v like_o israel_n camp_n where_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n fall_v if_o your_o soul_n be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o christ_n here_o he_o be_v present_a to_o refresh_v you_o with_o flagon_n of_o spiritual_a liquor_n far_o better_o than_o wine_n take_v then_o christ_n own_o counsel_n get_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v your_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n cant._n 1.8_o the_o prophet_n call_v the_o word_n a_o hammer_n come_v under_o this_o hammer_n and_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o open_v again_o the_o word_n be_v christ_n voice_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o church_n first_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o belove_a that_o knock_v before_o she_o open_v cant._n 5.2_o 5._o affect_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v all_o in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n by_o nature_n and_o who_o will_v rise_v and_o open_a to_o one_o who_o he_o do_v not_o know_v observe_v when_o christ_n solicit_v his_o church_n she_o have_v never_o stir_v out_o of_o that_o deep_a slumber_n she_o be_v in_o and_o open_v to_o he_o have_v she_o not_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o those_o rare_a endowment_n that_o be_v in_o he_o witness_v that_o rare_a description_n she_o make_v of_o he_o from_o the_o 10._o v._o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o cant._n 5._o the_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n wonder_v she_o trouble_v herself_o so_o much_o about_o her_o belove_a to_o who_o she_o reply_n do_v you_o wonder_v my_o belove_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a and_o the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n 6._o labour_n for_o faith_n as_o for_o heaven_n itself_o as_o faith_n empty_v
the_o heart_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n unbelief_n bolt_v the_o door_n against_o he_o but_o faith_n unlock_v it_o christ_n can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n in_o nazareth_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n away_o then_o with_o all_o sinful_a fear_n though_o we_o have_v many_o misgiving_n within_o we_o yet_o lament_v they_o with_o bitterness_n and_o cry_v out_o i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n mind_n that_o bless_a promise_n mat._n 2l_o 22_o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v believe_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o 7._o last_o get_v your_o heart_n warm_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n though_o they_o be_v cold_a by_o nature_n yet_o beg_v a_o spark_n of_o this_o heavenly_a fire_n from_o heaven_n love_n be_v of_o a_o dilate_v and_o widen_v nature_n it_o make_v room_n in_o the_o heart_n for_o christ_n read_v joh._n 14.23_o if_o any_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v come_v to_o he_o and_o we_o will_v dwell_v with_o he_o can_v we_o possible_o bolt_v the_o door_n and_o keep_v out_o he_o who_o we_o love_v no_o the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v constrain_v we_o to_o let_v he_o in_o and_o entertain_v he_o 2_o cor._n 5.14_o the_o word_n there_o use_v signify_v to_o straighten_v or_o to_o keep_v in_o but_o that_o be_v from_o other_o thing_n as_o from_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v the_o more_o free_a for_o god_n oh_o than_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n may_v be_v beyond_o measure_n this_o one_o rule_n if_o practise_v will_v do_v the_o work_n for_o all_o god_n never_o part_v from_o that_o soul_n where_o there_o be_v but_o love_n to_o entertain_v he_o use_v 6._o last_o its_o matter_n of_o unspeakable_a comfort_n to_o as_o many_o as_o with_o lydia_n have_v their_o heart_n open_v oh_o what_o heavenly_a peace_n and_o security_n what_o river_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n and_o joy_n shall_v overflow_v our_o heart_n as_o soon_o as_o god_n have_v 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her_o comfort_n also_o q._n you_o will_v tell_v i_o you_o will_v willing_o but_o you_o doubt_v whether_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v or_o no_o a._n for_o your_o resolution_n you_o may_v know_v that_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o god_n if_o you_o find_v your_o love_n and_o your_o affection_n carry_v out_o to_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o ezek._n 44.2_o where_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n we_o read_v the_o lord_n bring_v he_o to_o the_o east-gate_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o this_o gate_n shall_v be_v shut_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v open_v and_o no_o man_n shall_v enter_v in_o by_o it_o because_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n have_v enter_v by_o it_o this_o gate_n be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v once_o open_v to_o god_n must_v be_v open_v to_o nothing_o else_o we_o may_v know_v then_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o god_n when_o it_o be_v shut_v to_o all_o vanity_n in_o the_o world_n god_n will_v have_v all_o 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it_o send_v forth_o all_o sweet_a herb_n and_o flower_n even_o thus_o we_o may_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v within_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o gracious_a performance_n that_o be_v without_o christ_n be_v a_o live_a root_n a_o root_n that_o never_o cease_v but_o like_o aaron_n rod_n be_v always_o bloom_a and_o blossom_a 4._o where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n all_o be_v open_v all_o the_o part_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n god_n be_v so_o entertain_v into_o one_o part_n that_o he_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o none_o it_o be_v all_o suitable_a where_o god_n have_v open_v the_o heart_n a_o taste_n you_o may_v have_v in_o these_o particular_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o open_a ear_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n till_o god_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o be_v like_o the_o deaf_a adder_n that_o stop_v our_o ear_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n sweet_a charmer_n isa_n 29.18_o in_o that_o day_n shall_v the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v see_v out_o of_o obscurity_n and_o darkness_n 1_o the_o blind_a and_o deaf_a gentile_n shall_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v with_o save_v knowledge_n whensoever_o god_n command_v man_n to_o return_v from_o iniquity_n he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n job_n 36.10_o god_n word_n come_v with_o authority_n and_o make_v its_o own_o way_n to_o make_v room_n for_o christ_n when_o once_o he_o have_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o heart_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o open_a eye_n to_o see_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n as_o well_o blind_a as_o deaf_a in_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a but_o god_n make_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a to_o see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v isa_n 35.5_o that_o be_v god_n so_o far_o enlighten_v our_o understandding_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n be_v reveal_v and_o make_v clear_a to_o we_o god_n word_n come_v now_o with_o a_o commission_n when_o it_o go_v forth_o it_o give_v light_a and_o understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a god_n redeem_v shall_v never_o miscarry_v through_o ignorance_n they_o have_v a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o job_n 2.20_o 1_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o lesser_a error_n believer_n may_v be_v entangle_v but_o in_o fundamental_o they_o shall_v never_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o doer_n of_o god_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n job_n 7.17_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o open_a hand_n to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n such_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v open_v be_v not_o only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n also_o such_o a_o one_o show_v his_o faith_n by_o his_o work_n you_o may_v see_v what_o such_o a_o one_o be_v within_o by_o what_o he_o be_v without_o like_a noah_n ark_n he_o be_v pitch_v within_o and_o without_o there_o be_v grace_n 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
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