the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o may_v be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o in_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o for_o instance_n 1._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o may_v rip_v up_o our_o old_a sore_n and_o bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n which_o may_v renew_v our_o torment_n and_o pain_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o he_o make_v new_a discovery_n in_o the_o soul_n many_o a_o sin_n forget_v and_o not_o due_o repent_v of_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o wound_n and_o cut_v the_o soul_n put_v the_o soul_n to_o new_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o pain_n and_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a of_o open_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v in_o every_o one_o such_o a_o indelible_a sense_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o guilt_n that_o though_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o real_a desire_n of_o christ_n company_n yet_o be_v real_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o lest_o christ_n shall_v discover_v there_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o have_v see_v and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v not_o only_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o soul_n without_o inward_a reluctancy_n or_o fearfulness_n can_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 139.23_o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n this_o be_v a_o work_n wherein_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v tender_o deal_v with_o and_o lest_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v deal_v faithful_o and_o round_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n though_o reason_n will_v pray_v with_o we_o to_o have_v our_o wound_n search_v yet_o nature_n itself_o be_v afraid_a to_o have_v the_o surgeon_n meddle_v with_o it_o such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o fainthearted_a christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o may_v be_v as_o painful_a and_o as_o unwilling_o yield_v to_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n right_a foot_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n nay_o his_o word_n may_v further_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n discern_v and_o discover_v the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o will_v shall_v be_v discover_v or_o cut_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o in_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o linger_v and_o put_v off_o christ_n from_o time_n to_o time_n sometime_o again_o christ_n may_v put_v his_o spouse_n upon_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v cross_v her_o natural_a inclination_n or_o particular_a present_a and_o visible_a interest_n such_o as_o deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o
to_o mention_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v free_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o he_o will_v ready_o open_v to_o thou_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v few_o but_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o trouble_n and_o restlessness_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o not_o full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a state_n they_o be_v in_o but_o be_v still_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o something_o further_o in_o hope_n another_o condition_n may_v be_v better_o and_o this_o they_o may_v gather_v from_o all_o their_o experience_n that_o a_o rest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o and_o consequent_o all_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o in_o a_o seek_v condition_n seek_v for_o rest_n and_o can_v find_v none_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v often_o something_o within_o that_o suggest_v this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_a place_n by_o daily_a experience_n they_o also_o see_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o rest_n must_v be_v have_v in_o another_o world_n or_o not_o have_v at_o all_o for_o here_o no_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o do_v remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o open_v to_o christ_n here_o for_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o any_o at_o that_o day_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o now_o no_o he_o tell_v we_o quite_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n you_o know_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n cry_v loud_a open_v to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o restlessness_n in_o this_o world_n that_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o in_o hell_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o rest_n at_o death_n and_o in_o heaven_n desirable_a open_a to_o christ_n now_o as_o ever_o thou_o will_v avoid_v the_o one_o or_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o use_n if_o either_o sense_n of_o duty_n love_v to_o thyself_o and_o thou_o own_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n either_o of_o divinity_n or_o humanity_n may_v work_v upon_o thou_o here_o be_v fullness_n of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v reason_n prevail_v with_o thou_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o what_o will_v you_o have_v i_o in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n if_o i_o know_v but_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n that_o i_o may_v help_v thou_o a_o little_a in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n i_o shall_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v and_o what_o to_o do_v and_o so_o shall_v conclude_v this_o subject_n and_o these_o direction_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o manner_n or_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n 2._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n in_o and_o make_v himself_o manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o such_o direction_n as_o respect_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heart_n may_v these_o several_a way_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n by_o unbelief_n by_o impenitency_n by_o want_n of_o love_n or_o coldness_n of_o affection_n by_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n either_o in_o our_o watch_n or_o work_v a_o little_a to_o open_v each_o of_o these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o they_o what_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o though_o the_o sinner_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o his_o sin_n yet_o he_o seek_v to_o justify_v himself_o and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o a_o pardon_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o their_o shift_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o guilt_n upon_o some_o one_o else_o adam_z when_o examine_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v faulty_a lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o eve_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n upon_o god_n himself_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o give_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o do_v eat_v the_o woman_n when_o examine_v lay_v the_o guilt_n upon_o the_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o &c_n &c_n and_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o pride_n remain_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o adam_n posterity_n which_o make_v they_o use_v their_o uttermost_a endeavour_n to_o justify_v themselves_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o excuse_n that_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o person_n do_v so_o overmuch_o value_v their_o own_o work_n of_o righteousness_n judge_v in_o effect_n that_o every_o small_a parcel_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v jesus_n christ_n be_v undervalue_v and_o little_a store_n set_v by_o for_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v whole_o behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o justification_n while_o he_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o to_o lean_v to_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n as_o this_o pride_n harden_v god_n heart_n against_o the_o sinner_n and_o make_v god_n to_o resist_v or_o set_v himself_o in_o battle-array_n against_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v james_n 4.6_o and_o as_o this_o self-justifying_a confidence_n cause_v christ_n many_o time_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n without_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9.13_o that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v through_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o this_o pride_n do_v harden_v and_o shut_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o sinner_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n psal_n 10.4_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o and_o full_o open_v to_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n get_v rid_v of_o all_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n labour_v to_o be_v humble_a low_a and_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o such_o christ_n will_v look_v isai_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o i_o e._n they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a humble_a self-denying_a spirit_n have_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n bring_v unto_o they_o to_o these_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v these_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n while_o david_n justify_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o sin_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o but_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o confess_v free_o his_o sin_n god_n come_v in_o with_o pardon_n psal_n 32._o oh_o therefore_o labour_n after_o humility_n and_o lowness_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a humble_a yourselves_o therefore_o and_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v exalt_v you_o with_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n christ_n must_v do_v all_o and_o have_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o command_n of_o all_o where_o he_o come_v and_o
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
company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o christ_n interest_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o sufficient_o open_v to_o he_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o man_n find_v who_o pray_v for_o christ_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o he_o yea_o and_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o a_o love_n for_o he_o and_o yet_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n never_o true_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n examine_v your_o heart_n therefore_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v there_o and_o open_v to_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v how_o come_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o world_n to_o have_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o you_o and_o to_o bear_v so_o much_o sway_n with_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o world_n will_v be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o 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the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o several_a particular_a act_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n guide_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n now_o where_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v warm_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o influential_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v open_v unto_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n the_o tree_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o flourish_v and_o draw_v in_o fresh_a supply_n of_o sap_n from_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v digest_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n must_v needs_o bring_v forth_o suitable_a and_o proportionable_a fruit_n of_o all_o kind_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o therefore_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n where_o then_o be_v the_o fruit_n effect_n act_n and_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o passage_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n where_o be_v thy_o dependence_n upon_o and_o embrace_v of_o his_o promise_n rely_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n where_o be_v thy_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n discharge_v duty_n in_o every_o part_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n live_v by_o and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o every_o thing_n thou_o go_v about_o leave_v the_o issue_n success_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thy_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o god_n to_o his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o be_v thy_o constant_a watch_n against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o heart_n the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o allurement_n and_o enticement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o faithful_a resistance_n of_o all_o temptation_n thy_o deep_a repentance_n for_o and_o faithful_a
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 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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
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
thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n and_o willing_o receive_v they_o 5._o open_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o christ_n we_o read_v that_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o his_o first_o salutation_n which_o he_o give_v they_o be_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o luke_n 24.36_o and_o true_o where_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n he_o bring_v true_a inward_a spiritual_a peace_n along_o with_o he_o and_o free_o bestow_v it_o upon_o his_o spouse_n but_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o unbelief_n that_o we_o many_o time_n refuse_v the_o comfort_n which_o christ_n bring_v and_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o sinner_n indeed_o do_v many_o time_n snatch_v presumptuous_o at_o these_o comfort_n which_o do_v not_o of_o right_o belong_v unto_o they_o nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o offer_v by_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sometime_o through_o a_o foolish_a and_o sinful_a modesty_n refuse_v or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o apply_v those_o comfort_n which_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n bring_v with_o he_o insomuch_o that_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o invite_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o as_o his_o free_a gift_n which_o he_o be_v real_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v real_o a_o fault_n in_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o christ_n real_a dâ—signe_n in_o come_v be_v to_o give_v that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o sure_a and_o best_a ground_n of_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o convince_v of_o and_o reprove_v for_o sin_n and_o thereby_o cause_n sorrow_n and_o sadness_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o search_n be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o their_o wound_n that_o they_o may_v afterward_o have_v more_o solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n if_o he_o frown_v it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v his_o smile_n the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o make_v we_o to_o prize_v they_o the_o more_o if_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o more_o difficult_a and_o to_o the_o flesh_n unpleasant_a work_n it_o be_v but_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v honour_v we_o the_o more_o and_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n shall_v be_v with_o we_o in_o it_o if_o he_o cast_v we_o down_o for_o a_o time_n he_o will_v be_v careful_a that_o we_o be_v not_o overwhelm_v with_o too_o much_o sorrow_n and_o will_v in_o due_a time_n lift_v we_o up_o refuse_v not_o therefore_o his_o comfort_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o his_o carriage_n towards_o thou_o whatever_o christ_n do_v and_o however_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v towards_o thou_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o comfort_v thou_o and_o therefore_o have_v promise_v rom._n 8.28_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6._o open_v to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v persuade_v you_o before_o to_o open_a and_o enlarge_v your_o heart_n in_o love_n towards_o christ_n but_o now_o i_o advise_v you_o to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o receive_v his_o love_n when_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v real_a token_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o distinguish_a everlasting_a love_n do_v not_o you_o despise_v or_o reject_v these_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v some_o christian_n that_o christ_n love_v they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o his_o love_n be_v real_a and_o distinguish_a such_o as_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o child_n or_o spouse_n they_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o they_o love_v he_o but_o can_v so_o easy_o believe_v that_o he_o love_v they_o but_o i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o soul_n this_o question_n how_o come_v thou_o thus_o to_o love_n christ_n if_o thy_o love_n be_v real_a it_o be_v only_o a_o reflex_n beam_n of_o christ_n his_o love_n to_o thou_o he_o must_v necessary_o love_v thou_o before_o thou_o can_v love_v he_o for_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o thou_o do_v hate_v as_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n do_v and_o who_o make_v thou_o then_o to_o differ_v either_o from_o other_o or_o from_o what_o thou_o thyself_o once_o be_v it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o love_n shed_v abroad_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n plead_v ezek._n 16.1_o to_o the_o 15_o v._o love_n be_v a_o affection_n not_o to_o be_v force_v but_o to_o be_v draw_v as_o be_v intimate_v cant._n 8.7_o if_o a_o man_n will_v give_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o house_n for_o love_n it_o will_v utter_o be_v contemn_v and_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o suitable_a and_o desirable_a excellency_n in_o the_o object_n belove_v that_o may_v answer_v the_o need_n or_o desire_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o love_v the_o soul_n find_v itself_o empty_a or_o void_a of_o something_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o complete_n of_o its_o happiness_n for_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o want_v nothing_o while_o it_o want_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o complete_o happy_a upon_o this_o discovery_n of_o emptiness_n in_o itself_o seek_v out_o where_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v have_v and_o find_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v that_o all_o sufficient_a object_n which_o may_v every_o way_n answer_v the_o need_n and_o emptiness_n of_o the_o soul_n love_v he_o with_o a_o love_n of_o desire_n and_o earnest_a longing_n after_o he_o as_o the_o only_a person_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o who_o can_v make_v she_o absolute_o and_o perfect_o happy_a and_o so_o far_o as_o she_o can_v enjoy_v he_o so_o far_o she_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o love_n and_o if_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v right_a it_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o this_o if_o therefore_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o christ_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n answerable_a to_o thy_o indigence_n and_o emptiness_n thy_o soul_n do_v true_o love_n christ_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v who_o discover_v to_o thou_o this_o perfection_n and_o suitableness_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v so_o general_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n and_o who_o draw_v out_o thy_o heart_n in_o love_n to_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n sure_o it_o must_v it_o can_v be_v none_o but_o christ_n and_o if_o he_o thus_o with_o love_a kindness_n have_v draw_v thou_o certain_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n jer._n 31.3_o thou_o have_v less_o reason_n therefore_o to_o question_v the_o real_a love_n of_o christ_n to_o thou_o than_o to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o he_o open_v therefore_o thy_o heart_n free_o to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o instead_o of_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o thou_o rather_o study_v how_o thou_o may_v by_o return_n of_o love_n and_o thankful_a obedience_n answer_v so_o great_a love_n as_o he_o have_v manifest_v towards_o thou_o study_v to_o improve_v and_o high_o prize_v his_o love_n for_o he_o first_o love_v thou_o or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o have_v love_v he_o at_o all_o 7._o and_o last_o open_v to_o the_o company_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n come_v to_o thy_o door_n and_o will_v come_v in_o and_o afford_v thou_o his_o company_n in_o any_o ordinance_n or_o by_o any_o providence_n whether_o in_o public_a private_a or_o secret_a open_v to_o he_o let_v he_o in_o let_v he_o have_v thy_o company_n let_v he_o see_v all_o the_o part_n of_o thy_o heart_n hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o deal_v as_o hezekiah_n do_v with_o the_o babylonish_n ambassador_n show_v they_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n hide_v nothing_o from_o they_o so_o deal_v thou_o by_o christ_n full_o unbossome_v thyself_o to_o he_o improve_v thy_o time_n with_o he_o and_o interest_n in_o he_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n reveal_v to_o he_o thy_o secret_n confess_v to_o he_o thy_o sin_n acquaint_v he_o with_o thy_o want_n seek_v counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o he_o in_o all_o thy_o difficulty_n strength_n in_o all_o thy_o weakness_n support_v under_o all_o thy_o burden_n victory_n in_o all_o thy_o temptation_n comfort_n in_o all_o thy_o adversity_n a_o sanctify_a use_n or_o and_o a_o seasonable_a deliverance_n out_o of_o all_o thy_o trouble_n beg_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o counsel_n here_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o thou_o always_o even_o to_o 〈◊〉_d end_n and_o thy_o safe_a reception_n and_o conduct_n uâ—â—â—_n glory_n and_o if_o thou_o thus_o open_a to_o christ_n earnest_o desire_v and_o be_v free_o will_v that_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v work_v all_o thy_o work_n in_o thou_o and_o for_o thou_o he_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o thou_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o with_o he_o will_v feast_v thou_o with_o his_o grace_n here_o and_o will_v crown_v all_o thy_o grace_n with_o glory_n hereafter_o finis_fw-la
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 either_o of_o complacency_n in_o or_o commiseration_n to_o christ_n to_o see_v how_o ready_a christ_n be_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o request_n of_o his_o spouse_n how_o sweet_o and_o with_o what_o melt_a 〈◊〉_d irresistible_a argument_n he_o woo_v she_o hoâ—â—â—â—â—_n and_o plentiful_a he_o be_v in_o the_o emanation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o kindness_n towards_o she_o and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o consider_v how_o slight_o she_o look_v upon_o he_o how_o little_a account_n she_o make_v of_o he_o and_o how_o she_o make_v he_o dance_v attendance_n at_o her_o door_n with_o many_o other_o circumstance_n of_o her_o unkindness_n and_o withal_o to_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n which_o she_o run_v by_o her_o unkind_a behaviour_n towards_o christ_n these_o consideration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v serious_o weigh_v by_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o love_n for_o or_o breathe_n after_o christ_n among_o the_o number_n of_o 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 communicative_a nature_n wish_v that_o all_o bystander_n may_v likewise_o taste_v that_o sweetness_n which_o itself_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o grace_n desire_v not_o to_o eat_v its_o morsel_n alone_o but_o if_o any_o banquet_n be_v give_v in_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o refreshment_n by_o his_o company_n the_o soul_n cry_v out_o to_o bystander_n o_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a come_v therefore_o and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n but_o though_o your_o design_n be_v good_a yet_o the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o author_n may_v well_o have_v plead_v a_o excuse_n for_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o such_o a_o sweet_a and_o precious_a subject_n shall_v be_v render_v despicable_a by_o be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o so_o weak_a rude_a and_o unpolished_a a_o instrument_n as_o i_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v myself_o to_o be_v for_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o many_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n suffer_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o hand_n they_o to_o we_o however_o yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o own_o praise_n that_o the_o work_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n leave_v therefore_o the_o work_n in_o god_n hand_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v with_o and_o by_o it_o and_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o weakness_n i_o condescend_v to_o your_o request_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o cast_v this_o my_o poor_a mite_n into_o god_n treasury_n say_v to_o you_o and_o to_o all_o courteous_a reader_n as_o peter_n to_o the_o cripple_n act_v 3.6_o silver_n and_o gold_n have_v i_o none_o but_o such_o as_o i_o have_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o i_o hope_v the_o food_n be_v wholesome_a though_o it_o be_v but_o plain_o and_o mean_o dress_v and_o though_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o 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
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
with_o dew_n and_o my_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 intimate_v the_o fullness_n of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o christ_n come_v load_v with_o when_o he_o desire_v entrance_n into_o the_o soul_n sure_a i_o be_o that_o he_o that_o command_v that_o none_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a will_v not_o himself_o come_v empty-handed_n to_o give_v his_o spouse_n a_o visit_n especial_o know_v she_o needs_o and_o for_o what_o end_n she_o desire_v his_o company_n will_v you_o see_v what_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o read_v cantic_a 2.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o my_o taste_n he_o bring_v i_o into_o his_o banqueting-house_n and_o his_o bannâ—â—_n over_o i_o be_v love_n his_o left_a hand_n be_v undeâ—_n my_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n do_v embrace_v meâ—_n if_o he_o do_v but_o breath_n upon_o our_o garden_n the_o spicâ—_n will_v flow_v out_o cant._n 4.16_o he_o bring_v enough_o with_o he_o to_o feast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n cantic_a 5.1_o yea_o and_o bid_v both_o they_o and_o we_o hearty_o welcome_a see_v john_n 14.18_o 19_o i_o wiâ—â—_n not_o leave_v you_o comfortless_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o but_o what_o will_v he_o bring_v with_o he_o he_o wiâ—â—_n bring_v life_n vers_fw-la 19_o because_o i_o live_v you_o shaâ—â—_n live_v also_o where_o christ_n come_v he_o bring_v thâ—_n which_o will_v beget_v life_n and_o spirit_n grace_n anâ—_n comfort_n he_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o mirâ—h_a anâ—_n comfort_n and_o abundant_a satisfaction_n where_o hâ—_n come_v psal_n 36.7_o 8_o 9_o therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a not_o to_o open_v to_o he_o at_o his_o call_n 4._o consider_v our_o great_a unworthiness_n thâ—_n christ_n shall_v come_v under_o our_o roof_n if_o jacâ—_n find_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v less_o than_o thâ—_n lest_o of_o god_n mercy_n how_o much_o more_o wâ—_n reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n mâ—â—_n say_v with_o david_n psal_n 8.4_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o will_v we_o take_v a_o true_a view_n of_o our_o own_o state_n and_o see_v how_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v of_o we_o ezech._n 16._o there_o he_o tell_v thou_o thy_o pedigree_n vers_fw-la 3._o thy_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o thy_o mother_n a_o hittite_n a_o curse_a blood_n of_o a_o curse_a stock_n he_o tell_v thou_o also_o the_o manner_n of_o thy_o nativity_n and_o in_o what_o posture_n god_n find_v thou_o vers_n 4_o 5._o a_o naked_a and_o wretched_a infant_n cast_v out_o in_o its_o goar-blood_n and_o filthiness_n none_o to_o pity_n or_o do_v any_o necessary_a office_n of_o kindness_n for_o â—hee_o and_o in_o this_o posture_n and_o condition_n god_n â—ound_v thou_o and_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o thou_o when_o â—here_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v that_o be_v lovely_a â—n_n thou_o thou_o be_v a_o poor_a beggar_n that_o have_v either_o meat_n for_o thy_o belly_n nor_o clothes_n to_o cover_v â—ny_n nakedness_n nor_o a_o penny_n of_o money_n in_o thy_o â—urse_n in_o this_o condition_n he_o find_v thou_o set_v his_o â—ove_n upon_o thou_o enter_v into_o covenant_n of_o marâ—â—age_n with_o thou_o espouse_v thou_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n â—ecked_v and_o adorn_v thou_o with_o the_o jewel_n of_o his_o â—race_n make_v thou_o comely_a through_o his_o comeliness_n â—t_a upon_o thou_o set_v thou_o up_o in_o high_a and_o honourable_a estate_n see_v psal_n 45.9_o the_o queen_n stand_v christ_n right_a hand_n in_o gold_n of_o ophir_n vers_fw-la 13_o 4._o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o 〈◊〉_d raiment_n be_v of_o needlework_n etc._n etc._n the_o virgin_n her_o companion_n must_v wait_v upon_o she_o all_o this_o and_o more_o than_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v express_v have_v christ_n do_v for_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o most_o unworthy_a wretch_n and_o therefore_o if_o now_o when_o he_o come_v and_o call_v say_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a etc._n etc._n that_o now_o thou_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o saucy_a and_o slight_a answer_n 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 this_o may_v just_o make_v christ_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o match_n and_o therefore_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n we_o read_v luke_n 7.6_o the_o centurion_n when_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n in_o his_o estate_n of_o humiliation_n say_v lord_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n how_o much_o more_o unworthy_a be_v we_o of_o the_o spiritual_a presence_n and_o company_n of_o christ_n now_o he_o be_v in_o his_o estate_n of_o exaltation_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o disingenuous_a act_n that_o can_v be_v be_v now_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n desire_v entertainment_n well_o then_o may_v christ_n take_v this_o as_o a_o most_o horrible_a affront_n from_o such_o base_a and_o unworthy_a upstart_n as_o we_o be_v who_o but_o the_o other_o day_n be_v naked_a and_o beggarly_a creature_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n if_o 5._o we_o consider_v the_o great_a condescension_n oâ—_n christ_n in_o come_v christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n psal_n 24.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o his_o throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n his_o kingdom_n be_v over_o all_o he_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o need_v not_o thou_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o he_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n much_o more_o to_o behold_v any_o earthly_a creature_n and_o yet_o this_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n come_v to_o thy_o poor_a sootty_a beggarly_a cottage_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n desire_v admission_n and_o entertainment_n there_o and_o will_v be_v content_a either_o with_o such_o as_o he_o find_v or_o such_o as_o he_o bring_v for_o thou_o therefore_o to_o shut_v out_o this_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a affront_n let_v i_o illustrate_v these_o two_o argument_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o christ_n his_o condescension_n by_o this_o similitude_n suppose_v the_o great_a king_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v meet_v a_o poor_a naked_a nasty_a deform_a beggar_n nothing_o but_o dirt_n and_o louse_n not_o a_o rag_n to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n not_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n to_o put_v in_o her_o mouth_n not_o a_o cottage_n to_o put_v her_o head_n in_o not_o a_o penny_n in_o her_o purse_n but_o more_o in_o debt_n than_o she_o and_o all_o her_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o pay_v and_o therefore_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o house_n and_o harbour_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a dunghill_n to_o lie_v upon_o naked_a whatever_o weather_n come_v and_o so_o our_o of_o credit_n as_o that_o none_o will_v pity_v she_o or_o let_v she_o come_v in_o this_o great_a emperor_n cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o she_o pity_v her_o condition_n set_v his_o love_n upon_o she_o promise_v that_o if_o she_o will_v take_v he_o for_o her_o husband_n he_o will_v pay_v her_o debt_n for_o she_o procure_v she_o a_o discharge_n will_v marry_v she_o and_o make_v she_o his_o bride_n or_o queen_n wash_v away_o all_o her_o filthiness_n deck_n and_o adorn_v she_o with_o all_o costly_a jewel_n and_o raiment_n suitable_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o degree_n of_o such_o a_o person_n wife_n as_o himself_o be_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v her_o happy_a hereupon_o the_o match_n be_v conclude_v and_o he_o own_v she_o for_o his_o spouse_n deck_v and_o adorn_v she_o according_a to_o promise_n put_v clothes_n upon_o she_o back_o rich_a and_o costly_a and_o money_n in_o her_o purse_n yet_o take_v she_o not_o for_o the_o present_a home_o to_o his_o court_n and_o palace_n but_o leave_v she_o a_o while_n in_o her_o smoky_a cottage_n she_o pretend_v love_n to_o he_o think_v his_o absence_n long_o and_o therefore_o send_v to_o he_o to_o entreat_v his_o company_n such_o be_v the_o ardour_n of_o his_o affection_n that_o he_o come_v without_o delay_n though_o the_o weather_n be_v wet_a and_o stormy_a the_o way_n foul_a and_o deep_a the_o night_n dark_a and_o the_o journey_n tedious_a find_v she_o in_o bed_n the_o door_n shut_v and_o therefore_o knock_v and_o call_v say_v
and_o open_v to_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o over-weigh_a the_o benefit_n and_o desireableness_n of_o his_o company_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o will_v sup_v with_o she_o oh_o wonderful_a condescension_n will_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n take_v and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o a_o supper_n as_o can_v be_v provide_v for_o he_o in_o such_o a_o poor_a beggarly_a cottage_n as_o man_n heart_n be_v there_o any_o dish_n there_o that_o can_v please_v or_o give_v content_a to_o he_o have_v we_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o will_v feast_v christ_n oh_o then_o open_v quick_o and_o let_v he_o have_v it_o without_o any_o delay_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v nothing_o there_o that_o be_v worth_a the_o have_v but_o what_o be_v of_o his_o own_o send_n in_o and_o it_o be_v no_o better_o if_o not_o worse_o for_o come_v through_o our_o hand_n and_o therefore_o stick_v not_o to_o let_v he_o have_v it_o but_o yet_o further_o he_o will_v not_o only_o sup_v with_o we_o that_o be_v be_v refresh_v with_o the_o fruitfulness_n and_o sweetness_n of_o our_o grace_n as_o be_v evident_a cant._n 5.1_o but_o we_o shall_v sup_v with_o he_o that_o be_v he_o will_v feast_v we_o with_o his_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n christ_n never_o come_v empty_a hand_v but_o he_o bring_v such_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n with_o he_o as_o by_o their_o excellency_n and_o suitableness_n will_v not_o fail_v abundant_o to_o refresh_v our_o soul_n and_o wherewith_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n as_o david_n be_v psal_n 63.5_o 6._o christ_n never_o come_v in_o unto_o any_o soul_n that_o sincere_o open_v to_o he_o but_o he_o take_v they_o into_o his_o banquet_a house_n and_o his_o banner_n over_o they_o be_v love_n he_o stay_v they_o with_o flagon_n and_o comfort_v they_o with_o apple_n cant._n 2.4_o 5._o he_o abundant_o satisfy_v they_o with_o the_o fatness_n of_o his_o house_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o his_o pleasure_n for_o with_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o in_o his_o light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a psal_n 36.8_o 9_o and_o will_v not_o then_o christ_n feast_n make_v amends_o for_o our_o pain_n in_o open_v to_o he_o but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o can_v christ_n bring_v with_o he_o in_o such_o dark_a and_o stormy_a weather_n read_v but_o luke_n 14.17_o it_o be_v suppertime_n come_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a there_o be_v no_o dish_n want_v that_o may_v make_v a_o complete_a feast_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o prepare_a posture_n you_o need_v do_v no_o more_o but_o take_v and_o eat_v be_v iâ—_n therefore_o better_a to_o lie_v starve_v in_o thy_o bed_n that_o to_o rise_v and_o eat_v will_v not_o christ_n kingly_a feast_n if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o for_o the_o rarity_n of_o it_o make_v amends_o for_o thy_o pain_n in_o rise_v you_o see_v therefore_o what_o force_n this_o argument_n have_v every_o way_n to_o prevail_v with_o she_o to_o arise_v and_o open_v to_o he_o and_o can_v we_o think_v our_o denial_n will_v be_v well_o take_v let_v i_o only_o add_v this_o consideration_n more_o from_o this_o last_o expression_n luke_n 14.17_o come_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a christ_n have_v be_v at_o great_a care_n and_o charge_n to_o provide_v a_o royal_a and_o suitable_a supper_n for_o we_o not_o suitable_a to_o our_o desert_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v a_o miserable_a one_o but_o suitable_a to_o our_o need_n and_o necessity_n wherein_o no_o variety_n be_v want_v that_o may_v either_o nourish_v we_o or_o true_o satisfy_v we_o and_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o prepare_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n so_o that_o if_o you_o come_v not_o and_o that_o quick_o supper_n will_v be_v spoil_v and_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o charge_n will_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v he_o take_v this_o well_o at_o your_o hand_n very_o no_o v._o 24._o none_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bid_v shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n since_o they_o make_v so_o light_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o rather_o than_o i_o will_v want_v guest_n for_o my_o table_n and_o my_o supper_n be_v lose_v i_o will_v send_v into_o the_o hedge_n and_o highway_n and_o compel_v other_o to_o come_v in_o but_o as_o for_o those_o that_o make_v so_o light_a of_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o taste_v it_o how_o sad_a will_v it_o be_v with_o every_o soul_n that_o â—s_v thus_o shut_v out_o from_o christ_n supper_n be_v it_o not_o then_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o exclude_v christ_n when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v and_o these_o sweet_a and_o heart-melting_a argument_n flow_v from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o love_n and_o condescension_n be_v turn_v back_o with_o a_o unkind_a though_o complement_n denial_n 8._o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o when_o his_o come_n be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o all_o excuse_n that_o may_v be_v pretend_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o sluggishness_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n that_o may_v cost_v we_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_n the_o flesh_n be_v very_o fruitful_a and_o abundant_a in_o produce_v shift_n and_o excuse_n to_o hide_v and_o cover_v our_o backwardness_n and_o unwillingness_n and_o indeed_o so_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o favour_n ourselves_o that_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unreasonable_a excuse_n to_o we_o seem_v to_o carry_v strength_n enough_o of_o reason_n to_o render_v the_o call_v and_o command_v of_o christ_n unreasonable_a and_o our_o refusal_n plausible_a if_o we_o look_v back_o into_o the_o text_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o spouse_n she_o argue_v so_o unreasonable_a that_o the_o very_a argument_n she_o make_v use_v of_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reasonable_a excuse_n that_o if_o right_a conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o they_o they_o will_v rather_o enforce_v christ_n request_n than_o excuse_v her_o sloth_n and_o at_o the_o best_a they_o be_v but_o frivolous_a shift_n to_o excuse_v her_o sluggishness_n and_o indeed_o such_o be_v all_o the_o excuse_n which_o the_o flesh_n make_v against_o the_o call_v and_o command_v of_o christ_n let_v we_o a_o little_a examine_v they_o and_o you_o will_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o they_o 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 put_v off_o the_o coat_n intimate_v to_o we_o the_o lay_v aside_o of_o her_o watchfulness_n as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o danger_n and_o no_o long_o expect_v or_o wait_v for_o the_o company_n of_o any_o friend_n whereas_o the_o keep_n of_o our_o garment_n fast_o gird_v to_o we_o imply_v the_o contrary_a and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n that_o she_o plead_v why_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o she_o to_o arise_v and_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o be_v this_o good_a argue_v when_o true_o inquire_v into_o and_o lay_v down_o in_o plain_a term_n i_o have_v lay_v aside_o my_o watch_n i_o expect_v no_o further_o company_n of_o christ_n this_o night_n neither_o do_v i_o much_o desire_v it_o but_o have_v rather_o take_v my_o rest_n be_v this_o she_o that_o but_o now_o in_o a_o sense_n of_o her_o want_n have_v beg_v so_o earnest_o for_o christ_n company_n and_o be_v so_o desirous_a to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o that_o christ_n may_v not_o find_v she_o undress_v compare_v this_o answer_n with_o her_o prayer_n cant._n 4.16_o and_o see_v how_o those_o two_o arguing_n will_v stand_v together_o and_o yet_o both_o come_v forth_o oâ—_n the_o same_o mouth_n be_v her_o desire_n of_o christ_n then_o so_o great_a and_o be_v her_o love_n to_o christ_n now_o so_o cold_a will_v she_o then_o have_v christ_n to_o come_v and_o call_v he_o her_o belove_a the_o belove_a of_o hâ—â—_n soul_n and_o will_v she_o not_o now_o watch_v for_o he_o one_o hour_n but_o have_v lay_v by_o her_o coat_n of_o watchfulness_n as_o though_o she_o never_o look_v for_o he_o or_o care_v for_o his_o company_n yea_o will_v noâ—_n gird_v on_o her_o coat_n of_o watchfulness_n now_o where_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n but_o her_o coat_n be_v off_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v on_o again_o that_o night_n may_v not_o the_o spouse_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o be_v it_o not_o her_o sin_n to_o lay_v aside_o her_o watch_n when_o she_o have_v beg_v christ_n company_n and_o will_v she_o excuse_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o excuse_v her_o present_a sloth_n with_o her_o unwatchfulness_n may_v she_o not_o have_v more_o reasonable_o argue_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