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
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
he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n i_o have_v seek_v he_o but_o can_v find_v he_o i_o have_v call_v he_o but_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o many_o believer_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v there_o be_v cause_n for_o it_o they_o have_v give_v christ_n some_o unkind_a answer_n he_o have_v call_v but_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o heed_v he_o have_v knock_v and_o they_o have_v not_o open_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o affront_n and_o unhandsome_a carriage_n before_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o again_o 3._o hence_o also_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o gross_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o have_v many_o of_o we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o refuse_v to_o open_a to_o christ_n at_o his_o knock_n and_o call_v a_o great_a cheat_n the_o devil_n can_v not_o put_v upon_o we_o nor_o great_a danger_n can_v we_o possible_o be_v in_o than_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o he_o to_o refuse_v or_o delay_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o yet_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n to_o put_v this_o cheat_n upon_o we_o and_o by_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o cheat_v what_o dreadful_a and_o tremendous_a danger_n have_v we_o many_o of_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o christ_n have_v call_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o this_o very_a day_n we_o have_v put_v he_o off_o with_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a excuse_n and_o have_v not_o full_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o christ_n have_v press_v we_o so_o far_o with_o argument_n and_o those_o convince_a and_o startle_v one_o and_o of_o all_o sort_n so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o he_o may_v say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v or_o say_v more_o than_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o what_o cold_a entertainment_n have_v he_o find_v at_o our_o door_n may_v he_o not_o just_o complain_v of_o we_o as_o of_o israel_n of_o old_a isai_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v bare_a it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o tremble_v to_o think_v at_o the_o loud_a knock_n and_o call_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o sinner_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v shut_v out_o few_o have_v sincere_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v true_o say_v as_o be_v complain_v john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o many_o that_o have_v make_v a_o large_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v not_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o near_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o nay_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o we_o hope_v be_v true_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v many_o a_o time_n pray_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o yet_o at_o his_o come_n have_v shut_v he_o out_o and_o yet_o where_o be_v there_o any_o but_o they_o have_v their_o plausible_a excuse_n though_o if_o they_o be_v all_o examine_v they_o will_v prove_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o this_o in_o the_o text._n but_o these_o we_o shall_v make_v further_a inquiry_n into_o under_o another_o use_n only_o here_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o a_o horrible_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n have_v hereby_o put_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n we_o have_v hereby_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o which_o will_v undeniable_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o what_o and_o who_o those_o pretend_a friend_n and_o lover_n be_v that_o we_o have_v entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n while_o we_o have_v shut_v out_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o open_v at_o his_o call_n shall_v i_o tell_v you_o 1_o what_o and_o 2_o who_o they_o be_v 1._o what_o they_o be_v the_o lover_n which_o we_o have_v dote_v upon_o and_o entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n while_o christ_n have_v be_v keep_v out_o they_o be_v first_o false_a and_o flatter_a lover_n they_o do_v not_o love_v we_o real_o and_o cordial_o though_o they_o make_v great_a show_n and_o pretence_n of_o love_n there_o be_v none_o that_o love_v so_o real_o as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v his_o love_n be_v towards_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v he_o much_o disservice_n but_o these_o only_a love_n we_o while_o we_o please_v and_o gratify_v they_o do_v but_o cross_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v hate_v you_o and_o manifest_v themselves_o your_o enemy_n christ_n love_n be_v pure_a love_n without_o any_o by-end_n but_o the_o love_n of_o these_o be_v only_o a_o pretend_a love_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o own_o design_n his_o love_n be_v a_o love_n indeed_o and_o he_o have_v by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o real_a and_o great_a deed_n manifest_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o love_n but_o their_o love_n be_v mere_o verbal_a and_o complemental_a promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v his_o love_n be_v chief_o manifest_v in_o adversity_n in_o strait_n in_o distress_n when_o all_o other_o frown_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o have_v now_o hither_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o but_o their_o love_n be_v only_o in_o prosperity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v the_o least_o need_n of_o they_o for_o if_o ever_o we_o real_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o as_o at_o death_n and_o at_o judgement_n than_o they_o will_v be_v the_o further_a off_o from_o help_v we_o of_o afford_v any_o relief_n nay_o then_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o first_o that_o shall_v set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o be_v these_o friend_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o how_o do_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v miserable_o delude_v by_o these_o errand_n cheat_v 2._o these_o lover_n and_o pretend_a friend_n they_o be_v unprofitable_a lover_n and_o friend_n let_v they_o afford_v the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v they_o can_v afford_v no_o such_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n as_o jesus_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v the_o wiseman_n speak_v of_o worldly_a thing_n say_v prov._n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o eye_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o secure_v or_o hold_v fast_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o matth._n 4._o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o faith_n all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v but_o suppose_v these_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o real_o give_v they_o yet_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n but_o suppose_v he_o will_v persuade_v you_o that_o you_o may_v gain_v the_o one_o and_o save_v the_o other_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a 1_o joh._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 and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o he_o can_v save_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o if_o we_o love_v not_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v we_o can_v love_v he_o that_o beget_v for_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o real_a profit_n to_o be_v get_v by_o they_o but_o be_v great_a loser_n and_o therefore_o in_o harken_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v miserable_o cheat_v 3._o they_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a friend_n if_o compare_v with_o christ_n they_o pretend_v mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o mirth_n the_o heart_n be_v sad_a
a_o offer_n for_o sin_n psal_n 71.23_o my_o lip_n shall_v great_o rejoice_v and_o my_o soul_n which_o thou_o have_v redeem_v the_o soul_n be_v the_o jewel_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o therefore_o though_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o box_n or_o cabinet_n with_o it_o yet_o the_o cabinet_n without_o the_o jewel_n will_v not_o give_v he_o content_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n or_o soul_n therefore_o that_o he_o call_v for_o when_o he_o knock_v 3._o because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o royal_a seat_n or_o throne_n and_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o be_v a_o truckle-bed_n guest_n but_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o we_o and_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o command_a faculty_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n he_o may_v by_o that_o command_n the_o whole_a man_n but_o without_o this_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o keep_v possession_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o man_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o the_o stream_n that_o run_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o man_n proceed_v if_o this_o be_v not_o pure_a the_o stream_n must_v needs_o be_v filthy_a and_o therefore_o prov._n 4.23_o we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n the_o heart_n be_v always_o full_a and_o be_v continual_o send_v forth_o legion_n of_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a how_o shall_v christ_n keep_v the_o outward_a man_n quiet_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o for_o he_o our_o saviour_n speak_v it_o as_o a_o impossibility_n mat._n 12.34_o 35._o that_o they_o be_v evil_a shall_v speak_v good_a thing_n and_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o that_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o therefore_o according_a as_o the_o heart_n be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v such_o be_v the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n evil_a thing_n how_o shall_v the_o fruit_n be_v good_a when_o the_o tree_n be_v bad_a the_o heart_n then_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o christ_n will_v daily_o be_v send_v forth_o such_o troop_n of_o filthy_a molest_a enemy_n that_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o quiet_a abode_n near_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v either_o have_v the_o royal_a fort_n deliver_v and_o open_v to_o he_o or_o he_o will_v not_o come_v there_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v filthy_a the_o whole_a man_n be_v defile_v with_o what_o issue_v from_o thence_o and_o see_v what_o flood_n of_o stink_a filthiness_n issue_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o defile_v the_o man_n mat._n 15.18_o 19_o 20._o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false_a witness_n blasphemy_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o sweet_a breath_n of_o christ_n endure_v near_o such_o a_o sink_n of_o filthiness_n if_o he_o may_v not_o come_v to_o the_o spring_n or_o rise_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_a stay_n for_o he_o 4._o christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n or_o none_o because_o his_o chief_a suit_n and_o request_n be_v for_o our_o love_n and_o this_o he_o can_v have_v without_o the_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o though_o it_o send_v its_o servant_n abroad_o yet_o itself_o never_o stir_v from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v have_v this_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n such_o be_v christ_n love_n towards_o his_o spouse_n that_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o she_o and_o the_o term_n he_o propose_v be_v marriage-term_n wherein_o love_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o great_a reason_n he_o shall_v have_v this_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o regard_n we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o give_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o expect_v any_o other_o thing_n with_o we_o that_o may_v be_v desirable_a portion_n we_o have_v none_o not_o so_o much_o as_o clothes_n to_o our_o back_n oâ—_n to_o cover_v our_o nakedness_n nor_o meat_n for_o our_o belly_n nor_o penny_n of_o money_n in_o our_o purse_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n we_o have_v none_o till_o he_o have_v beautify_v we_o with_o his_o comeliness_n wisdom_n and_o part_n we_o have_v none_o for_o by_o nature_n we_o aâ—â—_n fool_n providence_n or_o good_a housewifery_n wâ—_n have_v none_o for_o we_o have_v a_o good_a portion_n leave_v we_o and_o we_o have_v waste_v and_o spend_v it_o all_o great_a friend_n and_o ally_n we_o have_v none_o that_o can_v dâ—_n any_o thing_n for_o we_o for_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thâ—_n loathe_v of_o our_o person_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o wâ—_n be_v bear_v and_o none_o eye_n pity_v we_o and_o as_o foâ—_n our_o descent_n our_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o mother_n a_o hittite_n a_o curse_a generation_n as_o wâ—_n read_v ezek._n 16._o beginning_n what_o have_v wâ—_n then_o that_o may_v commend_v we_o to_o christ_n or_o thâ—â—_n may_v in_o any_o sort_n please_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o oâ—â—_n love_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a thâ—â—_n he_o shall_v have_v this_o nay_o since_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o he_o will_v have_v this_o or_o not_o matâ—â—_n with_o we_o 5._o christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n open_v where_o he_o come_v because_o the_o feast_n and_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o chief_o respect_v the_o heart_n the_o outward_a man_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v in_o they_o or_o advantage_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n christ_n his_o feast_n be_v spiritual_a and_o therefore_o but_o little_a grateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n or_o outward_a man_n the_o word_n that_o christ_n speak_v be_v part_n of_o his_o banquet_n or_o feast_n and_o david_n say_v they_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n but_o what_o refreshment_n or_o feast_n will_v these_o be_v to_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a man_n if_o the_o heart_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o host_n 2.14_o christ_n will_v allure_v his_o spouse_n and_o take_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o will_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o she_o or_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v word_n yield_v but_o little_a comfort_n or_o refreshment_n if_o they_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n john_n 6._o christ_n tell_v we_o he_o will_v give_v his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o feed_v we_o and_o this_o but_o after_o a_o imaginary_a way_n neither_o for_o we_o must_v not_o real_o have_v his_o body_n and_o blood_n after_o a_o corporeal_a manner_n but_o spiritual_o represent_v and_o adumbrate_v by_o a_o little_a break_a bread_n and_o poured-forth_a wine_n if_o this_o feast_n therefore_o extend_v to_o or_o concern_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o body_n it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o poor_a hungry_a feast_n he_o find_v it_o so_o that_o go_v away_o from_o the_o ordinance_n without_o find_v and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o banquet_n spiritual_n and_o such_o as_o immediate_o concern_v the_o heart_n the_o scripture_n will_v never_o call_v it_o a_o feast_n of_o marrow_n and_o wine_n settle_v upon_o the_o lees_n nor_o will_v david_n say_v psal_n 63.5_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o he_o feed_v upon_o this_o and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o feast_n be_v chief_o spiritual_a and_o respect_v the_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v lose_v and_o signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o open_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n knock_v be_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o he_o require_v shall_v be_v open_v to_o he_o 2._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v at_o who_o door_n do_v christ_n knock_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n knock_v at_o every_o one_o door_n that_o live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o heart_n require_v entrance_n and_o admission_n thou_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v this_o word_n whoever_o thou_o be_v male_a or_o female_a bond_n or_o free_n young_a or_o old_a rich_a or_o poor_a high_a or_o low_a whatever_o order_n rank_n or_o degree_n thou_o be_v of_o in_o whatever_o condition_n or_o state_n thou_o be_v at_o thy_o door_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n by_o this_o word_n knock_v say_v open_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n see_v the_o universality_n of_o christ_n
at_o command_n this_o christ_n call_v for_o but_o alas_o too_o many_o that_o like_a boaz_n his_o kinsman_n have_v a_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o inheritance_n yet_o here_o turn_v their_o back_n and_o will_v rather_o let_v the_o inheritance_n go_v to_o another_o than_o they_o will_v take_v christ_n with_o it_o many_o will_v have_v christ_n his_o crown_n but_o few_o will_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v but_o slow_o hearken_v to_o in_o this_o respect_n 6._o christ_n call_v sometime_o to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v his_o spouse_n when_o she_o be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o her_o work_n sometime_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n own_o people_n grow_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a either_o lay_v aside_o their_o spiritual_a work_n or_o perform_v it_o lazy_o if_o they_o pray_v they_o pray_v heartless_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o they_o matter_a not_o whether_o they_o speed_v or_o not_o if_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o in_o too_o formal_a and_o customary_a a_o manner_n not_o study_v to_o profit_v thereby_o if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o come_v not_o with_o that_o appetite_n and_o enlarge_v desire_n and_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v though_o indeed_o their_o want_n be_v many_o and_o great_a yet_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v to_o elijah_n what_o do_v thou_o here_o elijah_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n or_o a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o be_v there_o they_o have_v sin_n enough_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o yet_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n bleed_v and_o die_v do_v but_o little_o move_v or_o affect_v they_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o yet_o mourn_v but_o little_a over_o he_o they_o can_v behold_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o have_v little_a stir_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a watch_n they_o let_v that_o fall_n though_o in_o their_o enemy_n country_n and_o hereby_o they_o give_v advantage_n and_o opportunity_n to_o their_o enemy_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o take_v they_o in_o his_o net_n therefore_o that_o careful_a and_o faithful_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n see_v in_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o enemy_n watchfulness_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a posture_n which_o indispose_v we_o for_o our_o work_n and_z gives_z advantage_n to_o our_o adversary_n he_o therefore_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o awaken_v we_o and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o watch_n and_o to_o our_o work_n to_o our_o watch_n lest_o our_o enemy_n come_v and_o take_v we_o nap_v and_o to_o our_o work_n leave_v the_o night_n come_v before_o our_o work_n be_v perfect_v it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o christ_n his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n thus_o to_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o awaken_n ordinance_n or_o providence_n when_o thus_o he_o find_v we_o incline_v to_o sloth_n or_o sluggishness_n and_o yet_o many_o time_n he_o be_v force_v to_o call_v aloud_o before_o he_o can_v make_v we_o hear_v 7._o christ_n call_v to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o of_o that_o rich_a feast_n or_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o believer_n know_v their_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o christ_n for_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n they_o make_v their_o request_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v a_o feast_n in_o their_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v fill_v their_o heart_n with_o â—ood_a and_o gladness_n that_o his_o comfort_n may_v deâ—ight_v their_o heart_n whatever_o other_o thought_n may_v trouble_v and_o cumber_v they_o and_o hereupon_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v for_o open_v and_o entertainment_n say_v as_o in_o the_o text_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a and_o promise_v as_o rev._n 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o christ_n will_v not_o loose_v his_o feast_n when_o he_o have_v prepare_v it_o nor_o do_v he_o love_v to_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o but_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o his_o spouse_n for_o who_o he_o have_v prepare_v they_o and_o therefore_o call_v this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o text._n the_o spouse_n vers_fw-la 16._o of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o revival_n of_o grace_n in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v beg_v his_o company_n this_o request_n be_v grant_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o her_o request_n come_v and_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o door_n open_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o load_n of_o comfort_n he_o many_o time_n find_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o he_o long_o knock_v and_o call_v before_o he_o gain_v admission_n the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n stand_v many_o time_n long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o open_v to_o and_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o many_o a_o excuse_n and_o put-off_a will_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n make_v against_o itself_o before_o it_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n for_o its_o own_o comfort_n yea_o sometime_o so_o compliment_v it_o and_o plead_v excuse_n till_o christ_n in_o a_o angeâ—_n withdraw_v and_o make_v the_o soul_n long_o and_o with_o a_o ache_a heart_n to_o seek_v christ_n in_o the_o promise_n before_o she_o find_v he_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_n to_o discover_v in_o this_o text._n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v no_o dispensation_n of_o god_n that_o he_o exercise_v towards_o we_o but_o it_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o it_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n and_o come_v with_o some_o message_n unto_o we_o messenger_n be_v not_o send_v but_o upon_o some_o message_n or_o errand_n god_n minister_n be_v his_o messenger_n send_v unto_o we_o with_o some_o word_n of_o reproof_n instruction_n counsel_n or_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 13.16_o and_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o his_o messenger_n bring_v and_o therefore_o their_o message_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v because_o it_o be_v a_o call_n or_o message_n from_o god_n every_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n check_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o conscience_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v listen_v and_o hearken_v to_o for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n or_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n every_o providence_n that_o befall_v thou_o whether_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o or_o affliction_n be_v a_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n and_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n in_o it_o something_o that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o learn_v by_o it_o yea_o even_o those_o common_a providence_n whether_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o befall_v thou_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o come_v with_o some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o a_o packet_n of_o letter_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o town_n or_o place_n by_o one_o common_a post_n or_o carrier_n but_o every_o one_o letter_n in_o particular_a come_v about_o his_o own_o special_a business_n though_o it_o come_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a carrier_n so_o in_o common_a affliction_n or_o judgement_n though_o they_o come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n and_o by_o a_o common_a hand_n either_o humane_a or_o divine_a or_o in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o come_v upon_o a_o particular_a errand_n and_o about_o particular_a business_n to_o the_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v if_o they_o come_v to_o thou_o know_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o voice_n and_o learn_v the_o lesson_n but_o though_o there_o be_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o every_o passage_n of_o god_n carriage_n towards_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o special_a time_n wherein_o god_n call_v be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o slight_v
therefore_o he_o be_v fit_a company_n for_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a self-denying_a self-condemning_a sinner_n 2._o the_o heart_n be_v many_o time_n shut_v against_o christ_n by_o unbelief_n faith_n be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o christ_n be_v receive_v faith_n must_v open_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o faith_n be_v want_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v shut_v against_o christ_n unbelief_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a bar_n or_o bolt_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v fast_o shut_v against_o christ_n this_o bar_n therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v be_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a gospel-sin_n the_o rock_n upon_o which_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n as_o plit_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n beware_v therefore_o of_o unbelief_n and_o open_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n give_v many_o invitation_n and_o call_v such_o as_o you_o read_v isai_n 55.1_o etc._n etc._n believe_v therefore_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o willing_a to_o receive_v those_o that_o he_o make_v such_o call_v unto_o and_o of_o those_o number_n thou_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o wilful_o exclude_v thyself_o through_o unbelief_n he_o make_v many_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o adoption_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a and_o withal_o he_o tell_v thou_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v have_v therefore_o by_o faith_n embrace_v these_o promise_n apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o thankful_o close_a with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o answer_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o on_o thy_o part_n manifest_v thy_o real_a willingness_n thou_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o thou_o with_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n believe_v his_o word_n embrace_v his_o promise_n obey_v his_o command_n dread_v his_o threaten_n give_v up_o thyself_o by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o thou_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 3._o sometime_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o impenitency_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n but_o too_o common_a and_o ordinary_a among_o sinner_n that_o repentance_n be_v only_o needful_a in_o some_o few_o gross_a case_n for_o some_o great_a and_o notorious_a enormity_n but_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o a_o less_o magnitude_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o pardon_v in_o course_n without_o any_o considerable_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v not_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o great_a sin_n they_o conceit_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v understand_v luke_n 15.7_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n i._n e._n that_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o secret_a thought_n but_o of_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o they_o shut_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o person_n that_o they_o have_v no_o great_a need_n of_o or_o occasion_n for_o they_o think_v themselves_o whole_a and_o therefore_o see_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n must_v see_v a_o need_n of_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a sinner_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n by_o nature_n a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n and_o this_o his_o enmity_n he_o must_v repent_v of_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o must_v be_v real_o willing_a and_o desirous_a of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n must_v abhor_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a enmity_n and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n but_o must_v come_v with_o a_o humble_a break_a melt_a heart_n to_o god_n beg_v pardon_n for_o what_o be_v bypass_a and_o deliberate_o resolve_v and_o promise_v new_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o he_o must_v do_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o repentance_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n come_v in_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o thou_o will_v open_v to_o christ_n aright_o set_v thyself_o serious_o to_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n perform_v that_o work_n thorough_o let_v no_o know_a sin_n or_o sin_n that_o thou_o can_v possible_o discover_v in_o thyself_o pass_v unrepented_a of_o go_v therefore_o into_o secret_a examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n what_o sin_n thou_o can_v find_v lodge_v there_o meditate_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o till_o such_o time_n as_o thou_o have_v bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o a_o utter_a loathe_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o and_o of_o thyself_o for_o commit_v of_o they_o and_o allow_v thyself_o in_o they_o and_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v thyself_o as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o harken_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o they_o and_o then_o let_v god_n hear_v thou_o bemoan_v thyself_o and_o complain_v of_o thy_o own_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o wretched_a condition_n thou_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o by_o thy_o sin_n and_o beg_v help_v of_o god_n to_o turn_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o bestow_v he_o upon_o thou_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o thou_o shall_v find_v christ_n ready_a to_o come_v in_o unto_o thy_o soul_n see_v this_o exemplify_v in_o ephraim_n repentance_n jer._n 31.18_o 19_o 20._o sure_o i_o have_v hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bubock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o ever_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n ephraim_n by_o repentance_n open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o then_o god_n heart_n be_v open_a towards_o he_o and_o god_n bowel_n yearn_v towards_o he_o thus_o do_v thou_o humble_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v exalt_v thou_o open_v thy_o heart_n by_o repentance_n and_o thou_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o sometime_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o decay_n or_o want_v of_o love_n it_o be_v want_n of_o due_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n do_v we_o love_v christ_n more_o we_o shall_v more_o ready_o open_a unto_o christ_n and_o do_v we_o more_o real_o and_o fervent_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o of_o his_o company_n if_o love_n be_v want_v christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v in_o that_o soul_n neither_o indeed_o will_v there_o be_v convenient_a room_n for_o christ_n in_o that_o soul_n if_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v cold_a thy_o heart_n will_v be_v shut_v against_o he_o for_o the_o heart_n be_v natural_o contract_v and_o shut_v where_o love_n be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o love_n to_o open_v expand_v or_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n towards_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o soul_n set_v love_n to_o work_v love_n will_v make_v christ_n precious_a and_o desirable_a to_o thy_o soul_n and_o thereupon_o set_v thou_o a_o longing_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a love_n will_v enlarge_v thy_o desire_n and_o make_v thou_o impatient_a of_o his_o absence_n and_o spur_v thou_o on_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o love_n will_v bid_v christ_n welcome_a at_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o will_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o remove_v whatever_o may_v be_v offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o
but_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n nay_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v no_o time_n lose_v in_o his_o company_n nor_o any_o cost_n too_o great_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o if_o love_n have_v be_v cold_a or_o want_v towards_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o but_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o maintain_v more_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v his_o company_n for_o love_n will_v make_v thou_o to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n we_o read_v rev._n 2._o that_o god_n threaten_v ephesus_n that_o he_o will_v depart_v and_o remove_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o because_o of_o her_o decay_n in_o her_o love_n towards_o he_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n and_o well_o he_o may_v for_o the_o less_o she_o love_v he_o the_o more_o be_v her_o heart_n contract_v and_o shut_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o little_a room_n can_v he_o have_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o consequent_o little_a heart_n to_o stay_v there_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o suffer_v thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o decay_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n but_o get_v thy_o heart_n fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v ready_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a negligence_n which_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o a_o negligence_n or_o sluggishness_n in_o their_o work_n or_o 2._o in_o their_o watch_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o both_o which_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n 1._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o work_n slothful_a work_v and_o labour_v in_o our_o spiritual_a call_n do_v but_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v after_o a_o sluggish_a and_o slothful_a manner_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o matter_n not_o christ_n company_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o for_o christ_n will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o slothful_a man_n will_v scarce_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n till_o christ_n come_v but_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o his_o work_n and_o be_v go_v to_o bed_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o too_o lazy_a too_o to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o some_o person_n indeed_o be_v impatient_a of_o christ_n delay_n because_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o company_n they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o these_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v other_o be_v impatient_a under_o delay_n because_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o duty_n love_v not_o to_o tug_v and_o toil_n and_o sweat_v in_o duty_n too_o long_o but_o will_v have_v christ_n come_v that_o their_o work_n may_v be_v over_o and_o if_o he_o come_v not_o in_o their_o time_n they_o leave_v off_o their_o work_n these_o do_v shut_v out_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o slothful_a or_o sluggish_a in_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a painful_a and_o industrious_a in_o thy_o spiritual_a work_n be_v diligent_a in_o mortify_v sin_n in_o quicken_a grace_n in_o discharge_v duty_n and_o those_o of_o all_o sort_n that_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o may_v find_v thou_o so_o do_v busy_o employ_v in_o thy_o lord_n work_v and_o then_o will_v he_o say_v to_o thou_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o watch_n the_o spouse_n here_o have_v lay_v aside_o her_o watch_n be_v compose_v herself_o for_o rest_n and_o now_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v her_o door_n shut_v when_o sinner_n grow_v lazy_a and_o let_v fall_v their_o watch_n they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a posture_n for_o satan_n to_o find_v they_o than_o christ_n for_o satan_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o therefore_o his_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v when_o he_o can_v find_v they_o nap_v and_o secure_a but_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o will_v find_v we_o watch_v he_o come_v as_o a_o master_n and_o therefore_o expect_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o thou_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n watch_v against_o the_o treachery_n deceitfulness_n and_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o a_o entice_a allure_a world_n watch_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o subtle_a devil_n watch_v thy_o corruption_n that_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o thou_o watch_v thy_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o decay_n nor_o be_v idle_a watch_v thy_o faith_n that_o that_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o watch_v thy_o patience_n that_o that_o wear_v not_o out_o but_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o watch_v thy_o love_n that_o by_o the_o decay_n and_o cooling_n of_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o contract_v and_o shut_v against_o christ_n keep_v up_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o faithful_a watch_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_v when_o christ_n come_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v upon_o his_o watchtower_n ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n and_o consequent_o by_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n have_v instruct_v you_o how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v the_o heart_n open_a for_o christ_n to_o all_o which_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n then_o live_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n look_v for_o his_o come_n when_o the_o servant_n think_v with_o himself_o my_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n he_o will_v not_o come_v yet_o he_o grow_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o neglect_v both_o his_o work_n and_o his_o watch_n but_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o judge_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v come_v and_o i_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o watch_v of_o the_o night_n this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n whereas_o the_o want_n of_o this_o make_v we_o suffer_v our_o faith_n to_o decay_v our_o love_n to_o cool_v and_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v shut_v and_o contract_v against_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o these_o be_v the_o the_o direction_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o heart_n 2._o i_o have_v some_o direction_n to_o give_v thou_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n 1._o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n aright_o then_o open_a thy_o heart_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o direction_n which_o here_o i_o give_v be_v the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o christ_n himself_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o wisdom_n cry_v without_o she_o utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o and_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v so_o close_o shut_v against_o christ_n you_o know_v that_o one_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o be_v by_o faith_n roll_v and_o recumb_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v his_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o know_v he_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o iâ—_n
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