be_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o excellency_n all-sufficiency_n and_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o insufficiency_n and_o emptiness_n that_o make_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o very_o cold_a for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o love_n be_v some_o suitable_a desirable_a good_a thing_n be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v then_o with_o that_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o and_o free_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o christ_n do_v we_o but_o see_v his_o loveliness_n in_o every_o respect_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o disposition_n and_o qualification_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o undertake_n and_o his_o suitableness_n every_o way_n to_o our_o condition_n we_o shall_v from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o love_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o spouse_n he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a nay_o our_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o desire_v after_o he_o will_v be_v so_o fervent_a that_o we_o shall_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n more_o open_a to_o christ_n study_n christ_n better_o for_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v exalt_v or_o set_v on_o high_a such_o as_o know_v his_o name_n and_o set_v their_o love_n upon_o he_o psal_n 91.14_o and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o high_o advance_v thou_o than_o by_o honour_v thou_o with_o his_o company_n our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o call_v and_o therefore_o we_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o his_o call_n 2._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v of_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o teach_v thou_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o attend_v thereunto_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n be_v who_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n yea_o let_v thy_o heart_n burn_v within_o thou_o while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o thou_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n do_v while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o attend_v diligent_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v with_o the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_a ready_o prepare_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o divine_a truth_n god_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o and_o resolve_v to_o practice_v what_o truth_n thou_o shall_v receive_v let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o every_o ordinance_n as_o samuel_n do_v speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v or_o as_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v or_o as_o the_o people_n to_o moses_n but_o with_o a_o better_a heart_n and_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v none_o of_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a but_o say_v with_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n remember_v that_o christ_n be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o thou_o for_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o in_o keep_v his_o command_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n 3._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o christ_n thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o christ_n will_v advise_v thou_o to_o nothing_o but_o for_o thy_o good_a see_v what_o counsel_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o asian_a church_n rev._n 2_o 3._o chap._n his_o counsel_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o laodicea_n she_o be_v a_o very_a lukewarm_a church_n and_o yet_o very_o proud_a self-confident_a church_n she_o say_v she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o what_o be_v christ_n counsel_n to_o she_o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v rev._n 3.17_o 18._o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o faithful_a friend_n and_o physician_n will_v certain_o give_v very_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n he_o be_v call_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n isai_n 9.6_o open_v thy_o heart_n and_o listen_v to_o the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o thou_o he_o will_v instruct_v thou_o how_o to_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o improve_v ordinance_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o exercise_v thy_o grace_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o order_v thy_o conversation_n aright_o and_o to_o improve_v all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o thou_o take_v but_o christ_n counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v amiss_o for_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o communicative_a of_o his_o wisdom_n never_o fail_v any_o that_o trust_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n read_v james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o but_o know_v this_o that_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o counsel_n slight_v to_o do_v this_o will_v high_o displease_v he_o read_v prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n i_o call_v 〈◊〉_d but_o you_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v theâ—_n shall_v they_o call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n counsel_n thou_o may_v follow_v thy_o own_o device_n and_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o psal_n 81.11_o 12._o write_v out_o the_o text._n 4._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o too_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o thou_o but_o as_o david_n speak_v concern_v the_o righteous_a so_o do_v thou_o from_o thy_o very_a heart_n say_v let_v the_o righteous_a christ_n smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n though_o thou_o know_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o thou_o at_o his_o come_n yet_o be_v never_o the_o more_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o nor_o be_v thou_o weary_a of_o his_o rebuke_n it_o be_v unpleasant_a discourse_n many_o time_n when_o our_o friend_n rip_v up_o our_o fault_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v real_o our_o fault_n so_o to_o account_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o real_a part_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o reprove_v we_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o our_o soul_n however_o it_o may_v be_v unpleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o safe_a it_o argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o thou_o if_o he_o deal_v thus_o faithful_o with_o thou_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o let_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o be_v open_a ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v his_o most_o severe_a rebuke_n and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o kindness_n from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v rebuke_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o blessedness_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n rebuke_n and_o chasten_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 94.12_o david_n have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o say_v psal_n 119.75_o i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v right_a and_o that_o thou_o in_o faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v i_o and_o v._o 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o afterward_o it_o work_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o heb._n 12.11_o open_a therefore_o
sinner_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o fast_o asleep_a in_o such_o a_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n knock_v and_o speak_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v awaken_v they_o hence_o we_o read_v john_n 5.25_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v which_o must_v be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a death_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n but_o of_o a_o death_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o say_v the_o time_n now_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v i._n e._n by_o the_o powerful_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n will_v you_o see_v what_o one_o of_o christ_n call_n be_v in_o this_o case_n read_v eph._n 5.14_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o stand_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o ear_n by_o his_o word_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n 2._o christ_n his_o call_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n many_o time_n design_v repentance_n repentance_n be_v a_o gospel-duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o person_n act_v 17.30_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o repentance_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o can_v come_v to_o he_o again_o but_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n because_o repentance_n be_v proper_o a_o gospel-doctrine_n a_o doctrine_n that_o the_o law_n preach_v not_o for_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n admit_v of_o no_o repentance_n but_o upon_o our_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n immediate_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n gal._n 3.10_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o the_o gospel-covenant_n admit_v of_o yea_o call_v for_o repentance_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v mercy_n yea_o promise_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n upon_o our_o repentance_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v luke_n 13_o 5._o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n than_o christ_n knock_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o business_n with_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o must_v either_o repent_v or_o perish_v everlasting_o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneracy_n and_o have_v by_o some_o temptation_n or_o other_o lapse_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o it_o may_v be_v have_v some_o sin_n lodging_n in_o they_o not_o yet_o true_o discover_v and_o consequent_o not_o particular_o repent_v of_o then_o and_o in_o such_o case_n christ_n call_v to_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v act_n of_o repentance_n for_o repentance_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o concern_v we_o all_o our_o life_n long_o and_o therefore_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n 3._o christ_n call_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n he_o come_v as_o a_o mediator_n and_o peacemaker_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o utter_a enmity_n against_o each_o other_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o enmity_n christ_n have_v take_v away_o by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n the_o cause_n be_v remove_v he_o come_v and_o call_v to_o entreat_v that_o the_o enmity_n itself_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o man_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v woo_v and_o persuade_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n the_o enmity_n that_o be_v lodge_v there_o against_o god_n and_o his_o wayâ—_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o knock_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o before_o we_o will_v in_o this_o case_n be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v to_o his_o suit_n 4._o christ_n call_v for_o a_o closure_n with_o himself_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v be_v therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v arrest_v by_o divine_a justice_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n where_o we_o may_v lie_v and_o rot_v to_o all_o eternity_n jesus_n christ_n see_v we_o in_o this_o misery_n and_o distress_n come_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n offer_v to_o be_v our_o surety_n to_o pay_v every_o farthing_n of_o our_o debt_n for_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o that_o he_o may_v have_v our_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o with_o thankfulness_n what_o kindness_n he_o show_v herein_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o work_n for_o we_o and_o wherever_o justice_n shall_v lay_v any_o charge_n or_o accusation_n against_o we_o we_o will_v by_o faith_n confident_o and_o steadfast_o plead_v his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o discharge_n this_o be_v all_o that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o promise_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n free_v we_o from_o imprisonment_n and_o seal_v we_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a discharge_n that_o shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n in_o this_o case_n be_v such_o as_o these_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n isai_n 55.1_o hâ—_n every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v unto_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 and_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o he_o assure_v we_o john_n 1.12_o that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o they_o he_o will_v give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v this_o call_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v embrace_v with_o all_o readiness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n 5._o christ_n call_v to_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o law_n he_o call_v to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o learn_v of_o he_o mat._n 11.29_o this_o call_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o of_o boaz_n to_o his_o kinsman_n ruth_n 4._o buy_v naomi_n inheritance_n but_o know_v also_o that_o thou_o must_v buy_v it_o of_o ruth_n i._n e._n buy_v the_o inheritance_n but_o thou_o must_v take_v she_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n also_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o thy_o kinsman_n that_o be_v dead_a so_o say_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o take_v the_o inheritance_n that_o i_o have_v purchase_v for_o thâ—â—_n and_o thou_o be_v free_o welcome_a to_o it_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o do_v this_o thou_o must_v also_o 〈◊〉_d i_o to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o 〈◊〉_d solemn_o engage_v to_o behave_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o loyal_a faithful_a and_o obedient_a wife_n to_o i_o thou_o must_v take_v i_o whole_o as_o i_o be_o only_o absolute_o and_o everlasting_o not_o only_o for_o a_o priest_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o father_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v thou_o such_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o requisite_a for_o thou_o to_o observe_v and_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v thou_o by_o my_o law_n thy_o heart_n must_v be_v my_o throne_n and_o there_o must_v i_o sit_v and_o exercise_v my_o authority_n and_o have_v thy_o whole_a man_n
and_o therefore_o what_o a_o intolerable_a wrong_n be_v here_o to_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o own_o house_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o door_n lock_v against_o he_o in_o such_o weather_n and_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o instead_o of_o withdraw_a he_o do_v not_o fire_v the_o house_n about_o her_o ear_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_o patient_a husband_n such_o carriage_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a wrong_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o may_v cost_v we_o dear_a 6._o consider_v the_o earnest_n and_o sweet_a persuasive_n that_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o knock_v make_v use_v of_o to_o procure_v his_o admission_n there_o be_v three_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o will_v pitch_v upon_o from_o thence_o to_o gather_v the_o sweet_a win_a argument_n that_o christ_n ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o spouse_n one_o be_v the_o text_n another_o be_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n luke_n 14.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o three_o be_v rev._n 3.20_o and_o from_o these_o text_n i_o will_v gather_v these_o three_o argument_n which_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o 1._o he_o woo_v and_o entreat_v from_o that_o neeâ—_n relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o she_o be_v his_o sister_n and_o spouse_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o my_o dear_a sister_n and_o spouse_n it_o be_v thy_o dear_a brother_n and_o husband_n that_o be_v come_v wet_a and_o weary_a to_o thy_o door_n stand_v here_o wet_a to_o the_o very_a skin_n my_o head_n fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n can_v thou_o find_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o lie_v snort_v in_o thy_o bed_n and_o take_v thy_o ease_n and_o hear_v thy_o poor_a afflict_a weary_a brother_n and_o husband_n stand_v without_o in_o all_o this_o stormy_a weather_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o not_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o door_n to_o open_v to_o i_o thou_o need_v not_o stir_v a_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o door_n but_o only_o come_v to_o the_o door_n and_o open_v it_o have_v thou_o no_o more_o of_o a_o sympathize_v and_o commiserate_v spirit_n in_o thou_o will_v the_o nearness_n of_o our_o relation_n work_v no_o more_o upon_o thou_o if_o i_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o thou_o i_o can_v say_v the_o less_o for_o myself_o though_o common_a pity_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o stranger_n but_o be_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o thou_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v find_v present_a admission_n and_o ready_a entertainment_n why_o then_o do_v thou_o not_o come_v now_o a_o refusal_n or_o slighty_a neglect_n in_o this_o case_n will_v scarce_o be_v bear_v the_o bond_n of_o relation_n shall_v double_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o therefore_o unkindness_n from_o near_a relation_n be_v of_o a_o more_o provoke_a and_o exasperate_a nature_n than_o from_o other_o person_n because_o better_a thing_n be_v expect_v and_o therefore_o to_o deny_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n when_o thus_o he_o call_v and_o plead_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o provoke_v and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 2._o he_o woo_v and_o entreat_v from_o the_o deaâ—_n and_o reciprocal_a affection_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a oh_o what_o sweet_a compellation_n how_o can_v these_o be_v deny_v and_o sure_o christ_n be_v in_o good_a earnest_n he_o do_v not_o dissemble_v or_o flatter_v do_v elihu_n say_v job_n 32.22_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v flatter_a title_n for_o in_o so_o do_v my_o maker_n will_v soon_o take_v i_o away_o and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o our_o faithful_a lord_n and_o husband_n jesus_n christ_n will_v flatter_v and_o dissemble_v sure_o no_o he_o be_v real_a therefore_o in_o these_o sweet_a and_o heart-melting_a compellation_n which_o be_v expression_n of_o love_n come_v from_o his_o very_a heart_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v thou_o be_v she_o who_o heart_n be_v join_v to_o i_o in_o most_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a affection_n i_o have_v set_v my_o love_n only_o upon_o thou_o and_o have_v choose_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v my_o spouse_n have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n and_o therefore_o with_o love_a kindness_n have_v i_o draw_v thou_o and_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o real_a kindness_n and_o respect_n for_o i_o and_o that_o thou_o prefer_v my_o love_n before_o wine_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o that_o in_o thy_o eye_n however_o contemptible_a i_o may_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_o altogether_o lovely_a oh_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n and_o drowziness_n so_o far_o prevail_v and_o make_v thou_o to_o forget_v thy_o love_n to_o i_o and_o my_o love_n to_o thou_o which_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o full_a and_o frequent_a assurance_n of_o as_o to_o suffer_v i_o to_o stand_v here_o in_o the_o wet_a and_o cold_a and_o what_o hard-hearted_a wife_n can_v resist_v such_o a_o heart-melting_a argument_n as_o this_o yea_o thou_o be_v my_o dove_n dove_n be_v kind_a to_o and_o mourn_v sore_o for_o the_o absence_n of_o one_o another_o thy_o mate_n o_o my_o dove_n be_v at_o the_o door_n and_o will_v thou_o not_o let_v he_o in_o yea_o further_o thou_o be_v my_o undefiled_a my_o chaste_a spouse_n i_o can_v think_v that_o thy_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o least_o alienate_v from_o i_o or_o set_v upon_o any_o other_o lover_n i_o be_o not_o jealous_a of_o thou_o and_o therefore_o show_v thy_o faithfulness_n and_o loyalty_n by_o open_v unto_o i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o have_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n leave_v in_o my_o absence_n thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v take_v with_o some_o other_o lover_n if_o this_o argument_n will_v not_o work_v what_o may_v christ_n think_v will_v it_o not_o then_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v give_v occasion_n of_o jealousy_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v true_a 3._o he_o woo_v and_o entreat_v from_o the_o great_a advantage_n which_o his_o come_n in_o will_v be_v unto_o she_o christ_n seldom_o or_o never_o invite_v we_o to_o our_o loss_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v gainer_n by_o every_o duty_n or_o work_n he_o put_v we_o upon_o he_o tell_v she_o here_o that_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n which_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n as_o be_v note_v before_o import_v that_o christ_n come_v full_o fraught_v with_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n not_o a_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n but_o will_v afford_v some_o drop_n of_o comfort_n or_o benefit_n which_o will_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o pain_n which_o she_o shall_v be_v at_o in_o rise_v and_o open_v to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o read_v rev._n 3.20_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o there_o be_v emphasis_n and_o weight_n in_o every_o word_n he_o will_v come_v in_o this_o piece_n of_o condescension_n in_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n of_o her_o pain_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n that_o such_o a_o guest_n shall_v come_v under_o her_o roof_n that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o before_o who_o the_o very_a angel_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n as_o not_o able_a to_o behold_v his_o glory_n that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v come_v into_o such_o a_o smoky_a cottage_n as_o that_o of_o man_n heart_n be_v wonderful_a condescension_n and_o therefore_o honour_n enough_o put_v upon_o the_o spouse_n which_o may_v abundant_o recompense_v her_o labour_n in_o open_v to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o will_v come_v in_o and_o therefore_o she_o be_v within_o shall_v have_v his_o company_n stand_v in_o his_o presence_n in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o and_o sure_o his_o company_n be_v no_o little_a worth_n and_o that_o she_o herself_o be_v judge_n or_o else_o wherefore_o do_v she_o so_o earnest_o pray_v for_o it_o cant._n 4._o v._n 16._o fruition_n be_v that_o which_o love_n labour_v after_o and_o which_o alone_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o rest_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o love_n she_o may_v now_o enjoy_v she_o belove_v which_o she_o have_v so_o earnest_o pant_v after_o and_o long_o look_v for_o and_o sure_o her_o pain_n in_o rise_v
our_o heart_n when_o he_o call_v for_o admission_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o â—rove_v that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v no_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o head_n 9_o i_o may_v draw_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o argue_v ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v it_o prove_v of_o very_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o spouse_n here_o to_o keep_v out_o christ_n he_o in_o a_o discontent_n withdraw_v and_o depart_v and_o leave_v she_o in_o a_o very_a sad_a condition_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o her_o inward_a guilt_n for_o give_v he_o such_o a_o unkind_a ungrateful_a and_o irrational_a answer_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pain_n which_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v before_o she_o find_v he_o again_o before_o it_o will_v defile_v her_o foot_n to_o come_v over_o the_o house-floor_n to_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a and_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a a_o work_n for_o she_o to_o do_v but_o now_o she_o follow_v he_o and_o call_v after_o he_o through_o the_o mity_n street_n and_o highway_n and_o never_o complain_v of_o wearyness_n nor_o the_o foulness_n of_o the_o way_n but_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v he_o whatever_o it_o cost_v she_o or_o whatever_o she_o endure_v and_o be_v of_o such_o consequence_n to_o she_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o to_o we_o nay_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o as_o she_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o he_o at_o his_o call_n but_o i_o have_v exceed_v my_o first_o intention_n in_o enlarge_n upon_o the_o former_a particular_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v no_o more_o to_o this_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o so_o i_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v application_n and_o the_o 1_o use_v shall_v be_v by_o way_n of_o instruction_n or_o information_n be_v it_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o be_v sluggish_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n call_v then_o hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o bless_a consequence_n to_o be_v watchful_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o open_v when_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 24.46_o 47._o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v he_o shall_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o his_o good_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o advise_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o that_o without_o weariness_n or_o give_v over_o till_o he_o come_v luke_n 12.35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o let_v your_o loin_n be_v gird_v about_o and_o your_o light_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v they_o may_v open_v to_o he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o when_o the_o lord_n come_v shall_v find_v watch_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o to_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o second_o watch_n or_o in_o the_o three_o watch_n and_o find_v they_o so_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n mark_v that_o at_o whatsoever_o time_n he_o come_v if_o he_o find_v they_o about_o their_o watch_n and_o at_o their_o work_n they_o shall_v be_v bless_v but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o consider_v the_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o at_o his_o work_n or_o on_o his_o watch_n when_o christ_n call_v i_o a_o intimate_a friend_n do_v but_o call_v at_o our_o door_n we_o account_v it_o a_o happiness_n that_o he_o find_v 〈◊〉_d within_o how_o much_o more_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n account_v it_o a_o happiness_n that_o his_o belove_a jesus_n at_o his_o come_n find_v he_o within_o in_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n to_o give_v he_o the_o best_a entertainment_n that_o he_o have_v especial_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n matth._n 25.13_o watch_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o how_o when_o your_o lord_n will_v come_v which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o watch_v till_o christ_n do_v come_v oh_o say_v the_o soul_n this_o be_v my_o duty_n never_o to_o sleep_v or_o be_v secure_a but_o always_o to_o be_v watch_v what_o a_o happy_a chance_n be_v it_o that_o i_o be_v upon_o my_o watch_n when_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n come_v and_o that_o he_o find_v i_o so_o do_v find_v i_o it_o my_o duty_n sure_o he_o will_v take_v this_o well_o at_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v bless_v 2._o consider_v our_o preparedness_n to_o receive_v he_o he_o that_o look_v for_o a_o friend_n will_v have_v every_o thing_n in_o readiness_n against_o he_o come_v to_o make_v his_o friend_n welcome_a so_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n that_o expect_v christ_n his_o come_n will_v have_v every_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o his_o welcome_a entertainment_n and_o account_v it_o his_o happiness_n that_o he_o have_v so_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v christ_n come_v when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n earnest_a look_v for_o christ_n his_o come_n when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n come_v and_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o readiness_n we_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o watch_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o long_o and_o ready_a to_o think_v every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o the_o door_n to_o be_v our_o friend_n when_o our_o friend_n do_v come_v we_o be_v very_o glad_a and_o bid_v he_o hearty_o welcome_a and_o tell_v he_o we_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o long_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o any_o business_n shall_v have_v prevent_v his_o come_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o see_v he_o come_v and_o account_v ourselves_o happy_a that_o our_o expectation_n be_v fulfil_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o this_o wait_a posture_n for_o christ_n o_o my_o dear_a saviour_n say_v she_o i_o think_v it_o long_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v absent_a from_o i_o i_o give_v thou_o a_o earnest_a invitation_n be_v earnest_o desirous_a of_o thy_o company_n and_o sensible_a how_o great_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o i_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o thy_o entertainment_n and_o have_v do_v that_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v thou_o long_o every_o hour_n have_v seem_v ten_o to_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v delay_v and_o i_o have_v wait_v in_o hope_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o fear_n lest_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v prevent_v thy_o come_n but_o thy_o stay_n so_o long_o have_v quicken_v my_o desire_n and_o now_o i_o be_o more_o abundant_o glad_a that_o thou_o be_v come_v by_o how_o much_o thy_o stay_n make_v i_o afraid_a that_o thou_o will_v not_o come_v o_o welcome_a welcome_o my_o long_a looked-for_a dear_a saviour_n thy_o come_n make_v amends_o for_o my_o long_a wait_a now_o i_o think_v my_o labour_n and_o patience_n well_o bestow_v come_v in_o my_o dear_o belove_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o readiness_n and_o prepare_v for_o thy_o entertainment_n thus_o the_o soul_n account_v herself_o happy_a that_o christ_n come_v thus_o seasonable_o and_o that_o she_o be_v thus_o fit_v and_o in_o a_o ready_a posture_n for_o his_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v bless_v who_o christ_n find_v in_o this_o posture_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o christ_n will_v take_v at_o his_o come_n to_o find_v we_o in_o a_o watchful_a expect_v and_o prepare_v posture_n this_o posture_n will_v so_o wonderful_o please_v jesus_n christ_n that_o instead_o of_o sit_v down_o and_o be_v attend_v and_o serve_v by_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o gird_v himself_o and_o serve_v we_o luke_n 12.37_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o guest_n and_o he_o will_v be_v the_o servitor_n the_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o will_v be_v to_o christ_n may_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o find_v we_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v welcome_a if_o at_o our_o come_n to_o our_o friend_n house_n we_o find_v not_o only_o the_o door_n open_a the_o house_n
of_o christ_n call_n that_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n great_a contempt_n can_v person_n pour_v upon_o christ_n than_o to_o despise_v and_o set_v light_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v as_o mean_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o ordinary_o be_v christ_n shut_v out_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o trade_n and_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n all_o kind_n of_o commodity_n carry_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a christ_n trade_n be_v very_o low_a the_o commodity_n which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o market_n of_o his_o ordinance_n though_o very_o rich_a and_o costly_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a rate_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o most_o man_n o_o how_o slight_a a_o occasion_n will_v keep_v person_n back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o worldly_a business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v person_n think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o 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you_o this_o question_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a business_n which_o you_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n do_v you_o not_o sometime_o find_v leisure_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n dress_z and_o adorn_v the_o body_n you_o will_v say_v yes_o without_o these_o we_o can_v not_o live_v nor_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o follow_v our_o business_n well_o will_v time_n be_v afford_v for_o take_v and_o feed_v upon_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v and_o no_o time_n allow_v for_o feed_v upon_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n read_v john_n 6.27_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n have_v your_o body_n more_o need_n of_o clothes_n to_o cover_v your_o nakedness_n and_o keep_v your_o warm_a than_o your_o soul_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o robe_n or_o garment_n if_o you_o do_v but_o as_o real_o see_v how_o naked_a your_o soul_n look_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n etc._n etc._n you_o will_v be_v as_o much_o ashamed_a of_o yourselves_o as_o you_o will_v now_o be_v to_o have_v man_n see_v your_o body_n naked_a and_o therefore_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o take_v fit_a and_o convenient_a time_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o clothe_v your_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v for_o feed_v and_o clothe_v your_o body_n and_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v not_o your_o precious_a soul_n famish_v and_o starve_v while_o you_o so_o careful_o pamper_v your_o body_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o your_o great_a and_o urgent_a business_n in_o the_o world_n again_o you_o that_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o busy_a about_o the_o world_n and_o have_v your_o time_n and_o thought_n so_o take_v up_o about_o it_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o one_o question_n more_o whether_o do_v you_o judge_v that_o your_o success_n in_o your_o worldly_a affair_n do_v principal_o flow_v from_o your_o own_o wisdom_n care_n and_o pain_n or_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n i_o believe_v that_o few_o or_o none_o of_o you_o will_v be_v so_o audacious_o impious_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o former_a whatever_o you_o think_v but_o rather_o that_o your_o successive_a business_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n and_o if_o so_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n or_o warrant_v you_o can_v expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n when_o you_o wilful_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n against_o his_o well_o belove_a son_n and_o when_o you_o make_v so_o light_a of_o he_o and_o his_o company_n that_o every_o worldly_a trifle_n must_v take_v place_n of_o he_o and_o be_v prefer_v before_o he_o may_v not_o many_o of_o you_o succeed_v better_o in_o your_o worldly_a business_n if_o you_o will_v give_v christ_n better_a entertainment_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o cumber_v yourselves_o less_o about_o the_o world_n christ_n bid_v we_o matth._n 6.33_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o promise_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v intimate_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v a_o competency_n of_o this_o world_n to_o ourselves_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n to_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o soul_n we_o say_v that_o he_o that_o will_v drive_v on_o a_o trade_n must_v have_v interest_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o can_v have_v interest_n in_o nor_o acquaintance_n with_o a_o better_a friend_n than_o christ_n nor_o one_o that_o can_v bestead_v we_o more_o in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o our_o worldly_a business_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v rich_a and_o add_v no_o sorrow_n therewith_o prov._n 10.22_o o_o spare_v some_o time_n therefore_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o worldly_a 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i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n which_o manifest_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o true_o christian_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v find_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a work_n in_o case_n of_o a_o easy_a nature_n than_o this_o here_o of_o this_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n there_o be_v some_o weary_a step_n that_o a_o believer_n must_v take_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o 1._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o finisher_n and_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n and_o beginner_n of_o this_o grace_n faith_n in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o habit_n must_v be_v obtain_v of_o christ_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o to_o tug_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o ought_v be_v no_o easy_a work_n especial_o if_o christ_n for_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o hold_v back_o and_o deny_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n this_o put_v the_o soul_n sometime_o into_o a_o sweat_n and_o therefore_o the_o easeful_a soul_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n his_o patience_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o he_o faint_v and_o flag_n in_o the_o duty_n 2._o another_o weary_a step_n the_o soul_n must_v take_v to_o get_v faith_n into_o the_o exercise_n be_v the_o search_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o right_o apply_v they_o it_o be_v sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v such_o promise_n as_o may_v right_o suit_v our_o condition_n when_o we_o have_v find_v they_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o difficult_a right_o to_o understand_v they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o purport_n of_o they_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a to_o get_v our_o heart_n right_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o clear_v up_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o so_o that_o sometime_o a_o believer_n 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this_o part_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n poor_a soul_n find_v as_o much_o difficulty_n in_o the_o overcome_a as_o any_o corruption_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o of_o all_o corruption_n none_o have_v more_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o than_o this_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n proper_o be_v unseen_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o sense_n such_o as_o seem_v to_o thwart_v both_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o frequent_a experience_n such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o bottom_v our_o faith_n concern_v upon_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o hope_n contrary_a to_o hope_v and_o this_o make_v the_o work_n difficult_a hereupon_o few_o christian_n be_v so_o resolve_v and_o industrious_a as_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n which_o the_o psalmist_n be_v psal_n 73._o to_o search_v thing_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o weigh_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o therefore_o they_o sit_v down_o without_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 4._o another_o difficulty_n be_v the_o gripe_a guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n which_o so_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n when_o they_o shall_v open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v dim_a and_o they_o can_v with_o any_o confidence_n look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a say_n that_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n need_v no_o accuser_n conscience_n will_v inward_o check_v the_o adulterous_a spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v she_o blush_v when_o she_o shall_v open_v to_o he_o and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n the_o psalmist_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v so_o compass_v about_o and_o torment_v with_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v not_o look_v up_o psal_n 40.12_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n very_o common_a in_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o they_o must_v not_o dare_v not_o by_o faith_n open_a to_o and_o close_o with_o christ_n till_o they_o have_v attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o internal_a purity_n and_o sanctity_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n worthy_a of_o his_o company_n but_o these_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o shall_v first_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o will_v help_v they_o to_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o they_o this_o work_n of_o purity_n for_o it_o be_v his_o work_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o purify_v and_o this_o purify_n virtue_n we_o must_v fetch_v from_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n because_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o our_o work_n be_v first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o this_o work_n be_v difficult_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n by_o faith_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n this_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o will_v glad_o have_v something_o of_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o righteousness_n in_o its_o justification_n whereas_o our_o work_n be_v to_o disclaim_v all_o worthyness_n of_o our_o own_o and_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o rope_n about_o our_o neck_n as_o selfcondemned_n person_n lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o justification_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o remain_v any_o measure_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o pride_n christ_n will_v be_v shut_v out_o the_o weary_a step_n of_o self-denial_n in_o this_o case_n the_o sluggish_a christian_a be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v thus_o you_o see_v the_o work_n itself_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o hence_o the_o lazy_a christian_a lie_v down_o upon_o his_o bed_n of_o present_a ease_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o 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oh_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o let_v not_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v you_o and_o as_o in_o faith_n so_o in_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o love_n there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n much_o ado_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o open_v full_o to_o christ_n by_o love_n these_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v so_o lovely_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v much_o steal_v away_o by_o they_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o constant_o present_a with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o suitable_a to_o sense_n by_o which_o we_o too_o much_o live_v that_o
but_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n nay_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v no_o time_n lose_v in_o his_o company_n nor_o any_o cost_n too_o great_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o if_o love_n have_v be_v cold_a or_o want_v towards_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o but_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o maintain_v more_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v his_o company_n for_o love_n will_v make_v thou_o to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n we_o read_v rev._n 2._o that_o god_n threaten_v ephesus_n that_o he_o will_v depart_v and_o remove_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o because_o of_o her_o decay_n in_o her_o love_n towards_o he_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n and_o well_o he_o may_v for_o the_o less_o she_o love_v he_o the_o more_o be_v her_o heart_n contract_v and_o shut_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o little_a room_n can_v he_o have_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o consequent_o little_a heart_n to_o stay_v there_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o suffer_v thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o decay_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n but_o get_v thy_o heart_n fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v ready_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a negligence_n which_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o a_o negligence_n or_o sluggishness_n in_o their_o work_n or_o 2._o in_o their_o watch_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o both_o which_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n 1._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n 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they_o be_v weary_a of_o duty_n love_v not_o to_o tug_v and_o toil_n and_o sweat_v in_o duty_n too_o long_o but_o will_v have_v christ_n come_v that_o their_o work_n may_v be_v over_o and_o if_o he_o come_v not_o in_o their_o time_n they_o leave_v off_o their_o work_n these_o do_v shut_v out_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o slothful_a or_o sluggish_a in_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a painful_a and_o industrious_a in_o thy_o spiritual_a work_n be_v diligent_a in_o mortify_v sin_n in_o quicken_a grace_n in_o discharge_v duty_n and_o those_o of_o all_o sort_n that_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o may_v find_v thou_o so_o do_v busy_o employ_v in_o thy_o lord_n work_v and_o then_o will_v he_o say_v to_o thou_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o watch_n the_o spouse_n here_o have_v lay_v aside_o her_o watch_n be_v compose_v herself_o for_o rest_n and_o now_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v her_o door_n shut_v when_o sinner_n grow_v lazy_a and_o let_v fall_v their_o watch_n they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a posture_n for_o satan_n to_o find_v they_o than_o christ_n for_o satan_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o therefore_o his_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v when_o he_o can_v find_v they_o nap_v and_o secure_a but_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o will_v find_v we_o watch_v he_o come_v as_o a_o master_n and_o therefore_o expect_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o thou_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n watch_v against_o the_o treachery_n deceitfulness_n and_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o a_o entice_a allure_a world_n watch_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o subtle_a devil_n watch_v thy_o corruption_n that_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o thou_o watch_v thy_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o decay_n nor_o be_v idle_a watch_v thy_o faith_n that_o that_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o watch_v thy_o patience_n that_o that_o wear_v not_o out_o but_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o watch_v thy_o love_n that_o by_o the_o decay_n and_o cooling_n of_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o contract_v and_o shut_v against_o christ_n keep_v up_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o faithful_a watch_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_v when_o christ_n come_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v upon_o his_o watchtower_n ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n and_o consequent_o by_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n have_v instruct_v you_o how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v the_o heart_n open_a for_o christ_n to_o all_o which_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n then_o live_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n look_v for_o his_o come_n when_o the_o servant_n think_v with_o himself_o my_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n he_o will_v not_o come_v yet_o he_o grow_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o neglect_v both_o his_o work_n and_o his_o watch_n but_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o judge_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v come_v and_o i_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o watch_v of_o the_o night_n this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n whereas_o the_o want_n of_o this_o make_v we_o suffer_v our_o faith_n to_o decay_v our_o love_n to_o cool_v and_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v shut_v and_o contract_v against_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o these_o be_v the_o the_o direction_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o heart_n 2._o i_o have_v some_o direction_n to_o give_v thou_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n 1._o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n aright_o then_o open_a thy_o heart_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o direction_n which_o here_o i_o give_v be_v the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o christ_n himself_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o wisdom_n cry_v without_o she_o utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n 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