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
and_o call_v for_o we_o to_o answer_v i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v they_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o to_o make_v thus_o light_a oâ—_n his_o pain_n and_o come_n what_o great_a unkindness_n or_o manifest_a token_n of_o complement_a dissimulation_n and_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v show_v well_o may_v christ_n say_v o_o spouse_n though_o thy_o invitation_n seem_v to_o be_v real_a yet_o by_o this_o carriage_n i_o see_v and_o plain_o perceive_v the_o falseness_n and_o treachery_n of_o thy_o dissemble_a heart_n foâ—_n instead_o of_o deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o i_o thou_o have_v but_o mock_v i_o and_o how_o can_v thou_o then_o say_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o well_o may_v christ_n then_o take_v this_o ingratitude_n and_o dissimulation_n unkind_o from_o she_o and_o take_v occasion_n hereupon_o to_o depart_v if_o any_o of_o you_o shall_v invite_v a_o friend_n to_o your_o house_n and_o according_a to_o your_o earnest_a invitation_n your_o friend_n come_v but_o at_o his_o come_n you_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o and_o though_o you_o be_v within_o yet_o you_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o he_o may_v he_o not_o well_o take_v this_o piece_n of_o ingratitude_n and_o mockery_n unkind_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a affront_n put_v upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o depart_v in_o a_o rage_n and_o resolve_v to_o miss_v your_o door_n the_o next_o time_n he_o come_v that_o way_n but_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o her_o husband_n will_v not_o this_o manifest_a much_o dissimulation_n and_o unkindness_n and_o may_v not_o he_o well_o take_v this_o as_o a_o high_a affront_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_o look_v upon_o by_o his_o wife_n such_o be_v the_o case_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n though_o he_o depart_v in_o a_o discontent_n when_o thus_o affront_v and_o treacherous_o deal_v with_o we_o find_v it_o reckon_v among_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n isai_n 53.2_o 3._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v slight_o esteem_v and_o account_v of_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n we_o hide_v our_o face_n as_o it_o be_v from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteemeâ—_n they_o not_o so_o john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o owâ—_n and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o thus_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o mock_v and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o thiâ—_n go_v near_o his_o heart_n and_o may_v well_o put_v hiâ—_n into_o a_o rage_n against_o we_o this_o affront_n woulâ—_n far_o more_o easy_o have_v be_v bear_v have_v it_o beeâ—_n from_o a_o enemy_n but_o from_o a_o friend_n and_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n one_o that_o have_v give_v he_o so_o faiâ—â—_n a_o invitation_n this_o cut_n and_o wound_n to_o thâ—_n very_a heart_n see_v what_o david_n personate_n christ_n in_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n speak_v psal_n 55.12_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n that_o reproach_v i_o than_o i_o can_v have_v bear_v it_o buâ—_n it_o be_v thou_o a_o man_n my_o equal_a my_o guide_n anâ—_n my_o acquaintance_n this_o so_o provoke_v that_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 15._o let_v death_n seize_v on_o they_o and_o let_v they_o go_v down_o quick_a into_o hell_n for_o wickedness_n be_v among_o they_o yea_o this_o strike_v sad_a upon_o christ_n spirit_n psal_n 41.9_o yea_o my_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v which_o do_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o such_o affront_n as_o these_o cut_v deep_a they_o wound_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v hereupon_o be_v sad_a and_o dreadful_a to_o the_o soul_n 2._o consider_v the_o great_a damage_n which_o our_o soul_n sustain_v by_o keep_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o shut_v he_o out_o he_o may_v withdraw_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v without_o he_o we_o read_v john_n 15.5_o without_o i_o â—_o e._n jesus_n christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v â—ou_fw-mi leave_v in_o if_o christ_n depart_v therefore_o say_v god_n hos_n 9.12_o wo_n also_o unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o assure_v thyself_o that_o thou_o â—anst_v not_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o cause_n â—im_v to_o withdraw_v than_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o when_o â—e_n come_v at_o thy_o invitation_n christ_n may_v withdraw_v yea_o and_o so_o withdraw_v as_o never_o to_o â—eturn_v again_o or_o call_v at_o thy_o door_n more_o psal_n â—1_n 11_o 12._o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o â—y_a voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o â—ave_n they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n god_n knock_v forty_o year_n at_o israel_n door_n but_o when_o no_o admission_n will_v be_v have_v than_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o â—rath_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n psal_n 95.10_o 11._o see_v that_o threaten_n against_o ephraim_n than_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o great_a hos_fw-la 4.17_o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o as_o if_o god_n have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v he_o i_o have_v call_v often_o at_o his_o door_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n therefore_o i_o will_v concern_v myself_o no_o more_o about_o he_o i_o will_v call_v no_o more_o at_o his_o door_n read_v with_o tremble_a ezek._n 24.13_o 14._o prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n sometime_o though_o god_n may_v at_o last_o return_n and_o be_v reconcile_v and_o call_v again_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v long_o first_o and_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n may_v he_o cause_v thou_o to_o take_v in_o seek_v of_o he_o before_o thou_o find_v he_o god_n threaten_v this_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n and_o hide_v myself_o until_o they_o seek_v my_o face_n in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o text_n that_o christ_n do_v deal_v thus_o with_o his_o spouse_n when_o she_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v christ_n have_v hear_v and_o answer_v she_o at_o her_o first_o call_v but_o since_o she_o have_v deal_v so_o deceitful_o and_o disingenious_o with_o he_o she_o shall_v now_o call_v and_o call_v again_o before_o he_o give_v she_o any_o answer_n shall_v seek_v and_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v before_o she_o shall_v find_v he_o she_o be_v but_o now_o so_o lazy_a easeful_a and_o delicate_a that_o she_o can_v not_o abide_v to_o be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n have_v put_v it_o off_o can_v not_o endure_v so_o much_o hardship_n as_o to_o tread_v upon_o the_o floor_n with_o her_o naked_a foot_n lest_o she_o shall_v defile_v it_o but_o if_o christ_n be_v so_o little_a store_n set_v by_o her_o love_n to_o christ_n shall_v be_v further_o try_v she_o shall_v take_v a_o long_a journey_n and_o not_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o soulness_n of_o the_o way_n neither_o before_o she_o find_v he_o if_o it_o be_v so_o tedious_a a_o journey_n to_o cross_v the_o house-floor_n christ_n will_v see_v whether_o she_o will_v take_v a_o journey_n through_o the_o street_n and_o highway_n in_o as_o dark_a and_o foul_a way_n and_o weather_n as_o he_o have_v come_v before_o she_o find_v he_o that_o so_o she_o may_v know_v something_o of_o what_o he_o have_v endure_v in_o come_v to_o she_o and_o may_v now_o ready_o open_a to_o he_o the_o next_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o shut_v out_o christ_n when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v 3._o consider_v the_o benefit_n and_o bounty_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o into_o the_o soul_n that_o open_v to_o and_o entertain_v he_o our_o saviour_n say_v rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o if_o christ_n will_v make_v a_o feast_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o let_v he_o in_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v ill_a to_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o such_o store_n of_o provision_n within_o herself_o as_o to_o despise_v the_o feast_n which_o christ_n will_v make_v she_o in_o the_o text_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n to_o move_v she_o to_o open_v the_o door_n for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v
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 in_o our_o work_n slothful_a work_v and_o labour_v in_o our_o spiritual_a call_n do_v but_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v after_o a_o sluggish_a and_o slothful_a manner_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o matter_n not_o christ_n company_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o for_o christ_n will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o slothful_a man_n will_v scarce_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n till_o christ_n come_v but_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o his_o work_n and_o be_v go_v to_o bed_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o too_o lazy_a too_o to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o some_o person_n indeed_o be_v impatient_a of_o christ_n delay_n because_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o company_n they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o these_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v other_o be_v impatient_a under_o delay_n because_o 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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 behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o and_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v so_o close_o shut_v against_o christ_n you_o know_v that_o one_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o be_v by_o faith_n roll_v and_o recumb_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v his_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o know_v he_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o iâ—_n
the_o sleepy_a spouse_n of_o christ_n alarm_v or_o a_o warn_v to_o beware_v of_o drowsiness_n when_o christ_n call_v lest_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o some_o sermon_n upon_o cant._n 5_o and_o the_o beginning_n by_o j._n b._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v 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 will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o matth._n 23.37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 95.7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n recommend_v in_o a_o preface_n by_o m._n nath._n vincent_n london_n print_v 〈◊〉_d samuel_n crouch_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n at_o 〈…〉_o to_o mrs._n j._n d._n the_o author_n wish_v all_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n honour_a friend_n it_o be_v at_o your_o request_n and_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n that_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o follow_a sermon_n the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v because_o your_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n open_v to_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_n herein_o treat_v of_o be_v very_o sweet_a and_o precious_a and_o such_o as_o may_v well_o warm_v the_o freeze_a heart_n of_o any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o drachm_n of_o sincere_a love_n 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which_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v true_o reckon_v you_o can_v choose_v but_o in_o some_o measure_n awaken_v the_o sleepy_a soul_n and_o warm_v the_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n this_o effect_n i_o perceive_v the_o word_n have_v upon_o you_o for_o which_o you_o owe_v the_o thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n to_o your_o heart_n and_o give_v it_o entertainment_n there_o for_o man_n speak_v only_o to_o the_o ear_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n you_o have_v therefore_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o word_n yourself_o desire_v the_o communication_n of_o it_o to_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n with_o you_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o your_o design_n i_o must_v own_o to_o be_v good_a for_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o diffusive_a nature_n spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o also_o of_o a_o 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some_o who_o curious_a stomach_n may_v loathe_v such_o plain_a and_o homely_a diet_n yet_o possible_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o poor_a creature_n who_o be_v hungry_a humble_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n some_o poor_a hungry_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o here_o meet_v with_o meat_n though_o there_o be_v little_a sauce_n to_o he_o have_v and_o if_o any_o poor_a soul_n shall_v reap_v benefit_n by_o my_o poor_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o own_v such_o a_o worthless_a creature_n in_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n and_o if_o it_o do_v good_a the_o less_o of_o the_o instrument_n the_o more_o will_v there_o be_v of_o god_n see_v in_o it_o i_o beg_v of_o you_o therefore_o and_o of_o all_o candid_a reader_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o small_a treatise_n may_v come_v their_z and_o your_o serious_a perusal_n of_o it_o with_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o what_o you_o find_v of_o humane_a weakness_n in_o it_o pardon_n and_o pass_v it_o by_o whatever_o you_o find_v of_o god_n in_o it_o mind_n it_o and_o apply_v it_o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o heaven_n powerful_o influence_n it_o with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v do_v your_o soul_n good_a and_o that_o you_o may_v ready_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o he_o may_v open_v to_o and_o own_o you_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o you_o in_o and_o for_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n james_n bradshaw_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n exceed_o prevail_v at_o this_o day_n as_o great_a security_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o nation_n as_o be_v in_o the_o old_a world_n and_o in_o sodom_n before_o the_o one_o be_v drown_v and_o the_o other_o burn_v god_n have_v use_v several_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o awaken_v we_o but_o our_o spiritual_a lethargy_n prove_v a_o very_a stubborn_a malady_n it_o be_v bad_a enough_o if_o only_o profane_a person_n be_v fast_o asleep_a in_o sin_n it_o be_v worse_o that_o professor_n be_v so_o too_o but_o it_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o that_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a what_o may_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o carnal_a security_n we_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v of_o when_o man_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v on_o after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o evil_a heart_n the_o lord_n confute_v their_o presumption_n by_o threaten_v all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n promise_v safety_n to_o themselves_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o sinner_n sudden_a
find_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o let_v he_o in_o if_o christ_n have_v thus_o presume_a her_o lock_n with_o but_o put_v in_o his_o finger_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n oh_o what_o will_v his_o company_n be_v when_o himself_o come_v in_o and_o therefore_o without_o any_o more_o delay_n or_o excuse_v in_o all_o haste_n she_o open_v to_o he_o v._o 6._o but_o christ_n though_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o forsake_v she_o and_o cast_v she_o off_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v her_o sensible_a of_o the_o affront_n which_o she_o have_v offer_v he_o and_o of_o her_o ungrateful_a carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o withdraw_v and_o make_v she_o who_o but_o now_o be_v so_o delicate_a and_o easeful_a that_o she_o can_v not_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n or_o come_v barefooted_a over_o the_o house-floor_n to_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o street_n and_o take_v many_o a_o wet_a and_o weary_a step_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n and_o that_o questionless_a with_o a_o ache_a heart_n have_v his_o perfume_n so_o fresh_a in_o her_o breast_n and_o her_o own_o guilt_n so_o fresh_a upon_o her_o conscience_n before_o she_o find_v he_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v but_o in_o a_o word_n mention_v those_o particular_n in_o the_o text_n upon_o which_o i_o design_v to_o ground_v the_o doctrine_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o whole_a conference_n or_o relation_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v ground_v the_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o church_n prayer_n chap._n 4.16_o awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n etc._n etc._n she_o pray_v for_o the_o breathe_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o her_o grace_n may_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o action_n and_o then_o desire_v christ_n company_n when_o she_o be_v fix_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o 2._o we_o have_v christ_n his_o answer_n to_o the_o church_n her_o prayer_n chap._n 5.1_o the_o spouse_n no_o soon_o call_v but_o christ_n make_v answer_n no_o soon_o invite_v but_o christ_n come_v 3._o the_o posture_n which_o he_o find_v she_o in_o at_o his_o come_n go_v to_o bed_n and_o compose_v herself_o to_o sleep_v believer_n do_v sometime_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o wait_v for_o 4._o christ_n his_o call_n and_o proposal_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o spouse_n at_o his_o come_n which_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a since_o his_o come_n be_v at_o her_o request_n v._o 2._o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n 5._o we_o have_v the_o spouse_n her_o unreasonable_a denial_n and_o excuse_n v._o 3._o she_o little_a consider_v how_o wet_a and_o weary_a christ_n be_v and_o manifest_v but_o poor_a respect_n to_o he_o when_o she_o will_v rather_o suffer_v he_o to_o stand_v there_o than_o she_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n or_o defile_v her_o foot_n oh_o what_o difference_n be_v here_o between_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n to_o he_o 6._o we_o may_v observe_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o refusal_n and_o unreasonable_a denial_n though_o christ_n rouse_v up_o her_o grace_n and_o give_v she_o some_o taste_n of_o his_o excellency_n which_o may_v make_v she_o unwearied_o to_o seek_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v her_o smart_n for_o her_o lazyness_n and_o indifferency_n and_o low_a value_n which_o she_o set_v by_o christ_n he_o will_v make_v she_o take_v abundant_o more_o pain_n before_o she_o find_v he_o she_o shall_v seek_v he_o with_o a_o faint_a ache_a heart_n and_o in_o seek_v take_v many_o a_o wet_a and_o weary_a step_n feel_v a_o little_a of_o what_o he_o endure_v at_o the_o door_n before_o she_o find_v he_o v._o 6._o from_o all_o these_o consideration_n in_o the_o text_n i_o gather_v this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o may_v cost_v we_o dear_a to_o be_v lazy_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v especial_o when_o his_o come_n and_o call_v be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n and_o sum_n of_o this_o text_n but_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n prov._n 1.24_o and_o follow_v verse_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 81.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o hear_v o_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a god_n in_o thou_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o bearken_v so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v luke_o 13.34_o 35._o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o wherefore_o your_o city_n be_v leave_v to_o you_o desolate_a rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n observe_v this_o method_n 1._o speak_v something_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n 2._o something_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n 3._o something_o by_o way_n of_o application_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o where_o christ_n knock_v 2._o at_o who_o door_n christ_n knock_v 3._o how_o or_o with_o what_o he_o knock_v 4._o for_o what_o end_n he_o knock_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v 5._o what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o his_o knock_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o where_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n knock_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n knockâ—_n and_o call_n be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o have_v the_o ear_n open_a to_o god_n call_n signify_v little_a if_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v and_o christ_n can_v get_v in_o there_o we_o see_v in_o the_o text_n the_o spouse_n though_o partly_o asleep_a hear_v christ_n knock_n and_o call_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o she_o cause_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o she_o because_o she_o do_v not_o open_a to_o he_o wisdom_n cry_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n open_a or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o as_o christ_n be_v no_o dissembler_n but_o real_a in_o what_o he_o offer_v and_o give_v so_o he_o love_v no_o dissemble_n but_o expect_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v real_a and_o cordial_a with_o he_o now_o to_o pretend_v to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o mock_v he_o and_o dissemble_v with_o he_o this_o god_n complain_v of_o jer._n 3.10_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v to_o i_o with_o the_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o flattery_n or_o lie_v in_o god_n account_n psal_n 78.36_o 37._o they_o pretend_v to_o return_v and_o seek_v early_o after_o god_n nevertheless_o they_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o jeremiah_n complain_v thus_o of_o the_o wicked_a jer._n 12.2_o thou_o be_v near_o they_o in_o their_o lip_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o that_o son_n be_v reject_v who_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o this_o dissemble_a and_o complement_n with_o god_n be_v abominable_a to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n and_o therefore_o he_o require_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o knock_v 2._o because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o christ_n his_o purchase_n and_o therefore_o he_o knock_v there_o it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v not_o that_o be_v a_o appurtenance_n to_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n christ_n will_v never_o have_v pay_v so_o dear_a a_o price_n for_o it_o but_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o soul_n or_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o in_o christ_n eye_n when_o he_o make_v his_o soul_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
mortification_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n where_o be_v thy_o sincere_a cordial_a constant_a universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v that_o thy_o rule_n in_o all_o thy_o action_n square_n thy_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n thyself_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n according_a thereunto_o give_v every_o duty_n in_o thy_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n its_o due_a time_n place_n and_o respect_v not_o allow_v the_o world_n to_o engross_v to_o itself_o what_o proper_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o put_v off_o god_n with_o such_o homage_n and_o service_n as_o may_v better_v fit_a and_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o our_o worldly_a concernment_n my_o meaning_n be_v our_o invert_v or_o go_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_n or_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n 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 all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n keep_v god_n and_o his_o interest_n above_o and_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o world_n if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n wherein_o thy_o soul_n in_o some_o measure_n abound_v never_o tell_v i_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o true_o open_a to_o christ_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o thy_o unfruitfulness_n remain_v in_o measure_n and_o part_n at_o least_o shut_v against_o christ_n notwithstanding_o thy_o pretence_n to_o open_v to_o he_o how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o then_o friend_n in_o what_o posture_n do_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n be_v they_o open_a or_o shut_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n his_o call_n have_v be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o question_n that_o be_v now_o put_v to_o your_o conscience_n to_o make_v answer_n to_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o suffer_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v and_o to_o speak_v out_o what_o they_o know_v and_o can_v tell_v you_o in_o this_o case_n stifle_v they_o not_o bribe_v they_o not_o turn_v not_o the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o what_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v god_n deputy_n within_o you_o and_o if_o these_o condemn_v you_o know_v that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o your_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n you_o may_v deceive_v man_n you_o may_v deceive_v yourselves_o but_o god_n you_o can_v deceive_v christ_n know_v what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o to_o know_v it_o one_o day_n also_o and_o therefore_o deal_v faithful_o with_o yourselves_o and_o if_o by_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o we_o may_v try_v ourselves_o this_o may_v lead_v many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o to_o another_o work_n which_o may_v be_v a_o 3._o use_v here_o lie_v before_o we_o matter_n of_o deep_a humiliation_n that_o so_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a call_v of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o his_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n have_v find_v such_o cold_a and_o poor_a entertainment_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o this_o i_o will_v not_o much_o enlarge_v upon_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v within_o some_o convenient_a bound_n it_o be_v too_o obvious_a and_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n desire_v of_o he_o and_o frequent_a implore_v his_o company_n by_o prayer_n we_o have_v in_o too_o sad_a and_o shameful_a a_o manner_n shut_v he_o out_o at_o his_o come_n though_o his_o call_n have_v be_v visible_a and_o convince_a how_o may_v we_o then_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o this_o our_o behaviour_n will_v be_v resent_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o that_o from_o what_o they_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o christ_n his_o withdraw_n for_o a_o time_n if_o not_o total_a departure_n but_o from_o what_o usage_n christ_n have_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n without_o look_v any_o further_a abroad_o we_o may_v find_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o by_o that_o time_n all_o reckon_n and_o account_n be_v cast_v up_o if_o christ_n do_v depart_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o departure_n will_v be_v find_v among_o his_o own_o profess_v people_n such_o as_o have_v call_v upon_o his_o name_n cry_v after_o he_o and_o profess_v themselves_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o his_o company_n and_o yet_o when_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n he_o have_v come_v have_v not_o hearty_o and_o full_o open_v unto_o he_o mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o here_o mean_a by_o these_o person_n of_o who_o i_o be_o speak_v only_a hypocrite_n and_o such_o as_o make_v only_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n though_o there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o sincere_a believer_n who_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o truth_n of_o grace_n within_o they_o and_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o blemish_n be_v find_v at_o christ_n right-hand_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o yet_o have_v too_o sad_o shut_v out_o christ_n when_o he_o have_v come_v and_o call_v in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n think_v not_o this_o impossible_a for_o in_o my_o text_n it_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o bride_n of_o christ_n that_o thus_o unkind_o treat_v he_o when_o he_o stand_v at_o her_o door_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v find_v no_o better_a entertainment_n from_o we_o what_o cause_n then_o have_v we_o to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o christ_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o here_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v resolve_v against_o this_o unworthy_a ungrateful_a and_o undutiful_a behaviour_n towards_o our_o lord_n and_o husband_n but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o a_o ______o 4._o use_v viz._n of_o exhortation_n to_o beseech_v you_o all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o open_a to_o the_o call_v and_o knock_v of_o christ_n lay_v aside_o all_o excuse_n whatsoever_o o_o let_v christ_n have_v your_o heart_n let_v he_o have_v warm_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n there_o do_v i_o need_v here_o to_o use_v argument_n or_o summon_v in_o the_o topic_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o quicken_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o embrace_v this_o reasonable_a motion_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v use_v all_o the_o argument_n i_o can_v invent_v or_o that_o i_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o mouth_n and_o pen_n of_o other_o man_n will_v these_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o you_o if_o christ_n his_o own_o word_n and_o argument_n can_v prevail_v can_v i_o in_o this_o case_n or_o any_o man_n breathe_v say_v more_o for_o christ_n than_o he_o can_v and_o do_v speak_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n can_v how_o shall_v i_o think_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o if_o either_o friendly_a compellation_n earnest_a entreaty_n or_o strong_a argument_n may_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o be_v want_v in_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o power_n and_o weak_a ability_n to_o unfold_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o and_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o only_o beg_v your_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o they_o and_o consider_v their_o weight_n and_o importance_n see_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o preponderate_a and_o outweigh_v all_o argument_n that_o your_o carnal_a deceitful_a heart_n a_o subtle_a devil_n and_o a_o allure_a whorish_a world_n can_v bring_v against_o this_o duty_n only_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o expostulate_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o 1._o how_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o life_n you_o think_v to_o live_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o his_o company_n in_o your_o heart_n serious_o meditate_v upon_o this_o before_o you_o give_v a_o answer_n do_v you_o think_v to_o live_v to_o more_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o yourselves_o without_o than_o with_o christ_n be_v christ_n no_o gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o your_o soul_n will_v he_o bring_v no_o profit_n and_o advantage_n with_o he_o be_v not_o his_o head_n fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n have_v not_o he_o the_o command_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o withhold_v
22._o go_v thy_o way_n sell_v whatsoever_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o he_o be_v sad_a at_o that_o say_n and_o go_v away_o grieve_v etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o in_o this_o age_n that_o will_v account_v these_o too_o hard_a term_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n upon_o but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o argue_v rational_o why_o shall_v these_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o this_o christ_n bid_v we_o no_o loss_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o part_n with_o earthly_a he_o promise_v we_o heavenly_a treasure_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o a_o corrupt_a part_n or_o member_n though_o it_o be_v painful_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a matth._n 5.29_o 30._o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lose_v a_o corrupt_a part_n than_o lose_v the_o whole_a 4._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n may_v excite_v we_o to_o and_o quicken_v we_o in_o our_o work_n may_v call_v we_o to_o be_v quick_a and_o more_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o our_o work_n he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a he_o may_v bid_v we_o strive_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o many_o shall_v in_o a_o lazy_a and_o slothful_a manner_n seek_v and_o wish_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o this_o lazy_a slothful_a work_n will_v not_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a only_o take_v it_o by_o force_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o read_v pray_v hear_v meditate_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o cold_a and_o careless_a rate_n which_o we_o do_v it_o will_v not_o do_v well_o to_o be_v such_o stranger_n as_o we_o be_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n more_o deep_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o must_v study_v and_o practise_v our_o duty_n more_o thorough_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o prayer_n must_v make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n our_o delight_n and_o daily_a meditation_n must_v in_o all_o thing_n small_a as_o well_o as_o great_a exercise_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n must_v set_v a_o watch_n before_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n lip_n and_o life_n mu_o in_o short_a forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o may_v come_v to_o ask_v we_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v since_o the_o last_o time_n i_o be_v with_o you_o what_o have_v you_o learned_a what_o have_v you_o practise_v what_o proficiency_n have_v you_o make_v what_o account_n can_v you_o give_v of_o the_o talent_n which_o i_o betru_v you_o with_o in_o what_o forwardness_n be_v your_o work_n let_v i_o see_v how_o matter_n stand_v with_o you_o what_o design_n have_v you_o on_o foot_n for_o my_o glory_n and_o what_o be_v the_o design_n which_o you_o be_v now_o carry_v on_o these_o and_o suchlike_a question_n may_v be_v ask_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o now_o if_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n in_o these_o and_o suchlike_a case_n no_o wonder_n though_o she_o be_v unwilling_a at_o this_o time_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o fear_n of_o have_v her_o fault_n discover_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o her_o conscience_n will_v make_v she_o very_o slow_a in_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o be_v note_v before_o but_o if_o reason_n may_v take_v place_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o for_o what_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v real_a truth_n that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a pass_v on_o a_o pace_n and_o irrecoverable_a when_o go_v and_o if_o we_o have_v sleep_v or_o loiter_v be_v it_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o still_o be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v let_v we_o sleep_v or_o loiter_v on_o till_o his_o last_o call_n to_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n as_o he_o do_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n math._n 25._o in_o what_o a_o condition_n will_v you_o be_v when_o you_o shall_v awake_v your_o lamp_n go_v out_o no_o oil_n in_o your_o vessel_n no_o neighbour_n to_o borrow_v of_o every_o one_o have_v little_a enough_o for_o himself_o and_o you_o must_v be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o buy_v when_o you_o shall_v enter_v in_o with_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o come_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o loose_v your_o whole_a expectation_n be_v it_o not_o better_o let_v in_o christ_n now_o and_o be_v content_a to_o shake_v off_o sleep_v while_o you_o have_v time_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o your_o vessel_n with_o your_o lamp_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o delay_n in_o most_o case_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o it_o be_v bad_a put_v off_o thing_n to_o the_o last_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v most_o true_a in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o great_o concern_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n nay_o further_o if_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o we_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o let_v christ_n come_v in_o and_o put_v all_o thing_n to_o right_n in_o we_o then_o to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o random_n till_o they_o be_v pass_v cure_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o never_o be_v soul_n that_o ever_o repent_v of_o this_o whatever_o pain_n it_o be_v put_v to_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v sad_o repent_v the_o shut_v out_o of_o christ_n when_o it_o have_v be_v too_o late_o it_o be_v better_a that_o christ_n bring_v thy_o fault_n and_o sin_n to_o light_n and_o remembtance_n here_o while_o thou_o may_v repent_v and_o reform_v than_o that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v find_v thou_o out_o in_o the_o guilt_n shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o and_o be_v sure_a thy_o sin_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o find_v thou_o out_o numb_a 32.23_o oh_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o you_o to_o hinder_v you_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a spiritual_a reason_n for_o any_o poor_a soul_n to_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n all_o reason_n produce_v for_o that_o end_n be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o oughts_z not_o to_o be_v carnal_a but_o mighty_a to_o the_o pull_v down_o all_o imagination_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v cavil_v or_o carnal_a reason_n one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n doubtless_o both_o which_o be_v bad_a these_o carnal_a reason_n must_v proceed_v from_o either_o from_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o discover_v or_o purge_v out_o which_o may_v well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a for_o he_o say_v psal_n 145.18_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n so_o that_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v questionable_a or_o else_o it_o proceed_v hence_o viz._n from_o pride_n and_o self-love_n pride_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o see_v thing_n â—miss_o in_o thou_o but_o know_v that_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a from_o self-love_n â—n_o that_o thou_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o ease_n and_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o thy_o very_a life_n be_v more_o dear_a to_o thou_o than_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_o let_v none_o of_o these_o base_a and_o sinful_a argument_n keep_v thou_o off_o from_o open_v speedy_o to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o may_v tell_v thou_o also_o of_o the_o advantage_n that_o will_v come_v by_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o before_o only_o this_o one_o give_v i_o leave_v
he_o any_o entertainment_n man_n be_v general_o get_v plunge_v so_o deep_a in_o the_o care_n and_o cumber_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o to_o procure_v admission_n into_o their_o heart_n oh_o how_o busy_a be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n head_n and_o heart_n hand_n and_o foot_n yea_o whole_a soul_n and_o body_n as_o busy_o exercise_v about_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v and_o they_o think_v all_o this_o little_a enough_o too_o they_o think_v they_o get_v little_a enough_o by_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v these_o then_o have_v leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o wonder_v though_o he_o call_v be_v so_o ineffectual_a when_o person_n 〈◊〉_d so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o leisure_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v whether_o that_o which_o they_o be_v about_o or_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o read_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o supper_n when_o the_o master_n send_v forth_o his_o servant_n to_o invite_v guest_n one_o man_n be_v busy_a with_o his_o farm_n another_o with_o his_o merchandise_n but_o none_o of_o those_o which_o be_v bid_v have_v leisure_n to_o come_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v they_o see_v a_o present_a necessity_n and_o urgency_n of_o the_o present_a business_n which_o they_o be_v about_o but_o they_o see_v none_o so_o great_a and_o present_a need_n of_o christ_n many_o in_o the_o world_n be_v worse_o employ_v than_o martha_n be_v and_o yet_o think_v their_o time_n so_o well_o spend_v in_o that_o which_o they_o be_v about_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v off_o to_o wait_v and_o attend_v upon_o christ_n and_o his_o ministry_n martha_n have_v invite_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o her_o house_n and_o with_o he_o many_o friend_n and_o that_o which_o she_o be_v busy_a about_o be_v to_o make_v ready_a provision_n for_o his_o entertainment_n a_o business_n one_o will_v think_v indispensible_a and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n blame_v she_o for_o this_o luke_n 10.40_o 41_o 42._o but_o martha_n be_v cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o how_o many_o be_v â—oth_a 〈◊〉_d employ_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v than_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o few_o word_n you_o think_v yourselves_o well_o employ_v in_o your_o earnest_n and_o not_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n the_o care_n and_o business_n that_o only_o relate_v to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o you_o see_v nothing_o more_o needful_a at_o present_a to_o be_v do_v let_v i_o ask_v 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 business_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n 3._o another_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n either_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n or_o when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o grapple_v with_o and_o overcome_v faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o principal_a way_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v two_o grace_n not_o without_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o they_o many_o person_n at_o a_o distance_n think_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o particular_a case_n they_o many_o time_n find_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n see_v this_o in_o a_o instance_n mark_v 9.24_o we_o have_v a_o man_n bring_v his_o child_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v his_o come_n argue_v something_o of_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n have_v fail_v in_o the_o cure_n and_o the_o child_n be_v rather_o worse_o than_o better_o the_o man_n faith_n begin_v to_o stagger_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o word_n vers_fw-la 22._o if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o help_v we_o hereupon_o christ_n call_v he_o to_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 23._o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o poor_a man_n upon_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n find_v some_o faith_n but_o yet_o this_o very_a weak_a and_o hardly_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n without_o waver_v or_o doubt_v cry_v out_o
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 find_v a_o promise_n and_o meditate_v see_v it_o to_o suit_v his_o condition_n well_o enough_o but_o yet_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v suck_v no_o sweetness_n from_o it_o because_o he_o can_v clear_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o particular_a condition_n or_o qualification_n annex_v thereto_o which_o he_o find_v not_o in_o himself_o in_o this_o case_n to_o believe_v seem_v difficult_a and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o no_o comfort_n gather_v from_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n a_o lazy_a soul_n sit_v down_o in_o unbelief_n and_o do_v not_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 3._o another_o weary_a step_n be_v the_o overcome_a that_o unbelieving_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o prone_a unto_o unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n which_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o accompany_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o 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 will_v the_o soul_n but_o consider_v the_o amends_o that_o christ_n company_n will_v make_v for_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o how_o easy_a all_o these_o duty_n will_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n come_v in_o sure_o the_o soul_n will_v never_o think_v his_o pain_n better_o bestow_v than_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v he_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n and_o help_v we_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o himself_o and_o prevail_v it_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v promise_n to_o our_o mind_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o right_o to_o apply_v they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v we_o a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o unseen_a thing_n and_o assure_v our_o soul_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o help_v our_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o that_o by_o his_o blood_n must_v purge_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n 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