very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3._o 5._o o_o sinner_n that_o hard_a heart_n of_o thou_o must_v be_v humble_v thy_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a will_n must_v be_v bow_v all_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o soul_n must_v be_v unlock_v and_o open_v unto_o christ_n he_o must_v come_v into_o thy_o soul_n or_o thou_o can_v never_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o peace_n it_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o glory_n col._n 1._o 27._o till_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_v christ_n with_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n stand_v without_o thou_o and_o if_o hope_v from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o we_o without_o the_o application_n of_o his_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o save_v man_n then_o why_o be_v any_o damn_v consult_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o adam_n sin_n damn_v none_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o and_o christ_n righteousness_n save_v none_o but_o those_o only_a that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o the_o father_n the_o meritorious_a death_n of_o the_o son_n put_v no_o man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n till_o both_o be_v bring_v home_o by_o the_o spirit_n powerful_a application_n in_o the_o work_n of_o save_a conversion_n it_o be_v good_a news_n good_a indeed_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n it_o be_v good_a news_n that_o christ_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o very_a door_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o many_o conviction_n and_o persuasion_n to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o enjoy_v the_o unspeakable_a benefit_n of_o his_o death_n these_o thing_n bring_v we_o nigh_o to_o christ_n the_o next_o door_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v eventual_o but_o a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o our_o damnation_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o to_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v but_o almost_o open_v to_o christ._n v._o inference_n see_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o word_n no_o heart_n can_v ever_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n alas_o such_o bar_n as_o these_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o the_o breath_n of_o man_n to_o break_v let_v minister_n pray_v and_o the_o people_n pray_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v preach_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o great_o concern_v we_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n upon_o our_o knee_n to_o accompany_v we_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o people_n to_o steep_v that_o seed_n we_o sow_v among_o you_o in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o you_o hear_v it_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n let_v we_o not_o strive_v alone_o join_v your_o cry_n to_o heaven_n with_o we_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o word_n how_o do_v paul_n beg_v of_o the_o people_n as_o a_o beggar_n will_v beg_v for_o a_o alm_n at_o the_o door_n for_o their_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n rom._n 15._o 30._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o strive_v together_o with_o i_o in_o your_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o i_o for_o want_v of_o such_o wrestle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v so_o little_a efficacy_n in_o ordinance_n martha_n tell_v her_o saviour_n john_n 11._o 21._o lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o die_v and_o i_o may_v tell_v you_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v here_o your_o soul_n have_v not_o remain_v dead_a under_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v this_o day_n oh_o when_o the_o sabbath_n draw_v near_o let_v fervent_a cry_n ascend_v from_o every_o family_n to_o heaven_n lord_n pour_v out_o thy_o spirit_n with_o thy_o word_n make_v it_o mighty_a through_o thy_o power_n to_o open_v these_o gate_n of_o iron_n and_o break_v asunder_o these_o bar_n of_o brass_n second_o use_v of_o exhortation_n see_v the_o case_n stand_v thus_o that_o all_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v bar_v and_o shut_v up_o against_o christ_n let_v every_o soul_n do_v what_o it_o can_v and_o strive_v to_o its_o uttermost_a to_o get_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n open_v to_o christ_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n christ_n be_v at_o the_o door_n oh_o strive_v with_o yourselves_o as_o well_o as_o with_o god_n now_o to_o get_v it_o open_v now_o that_o salvation_n be_v come_v so_o near_o to_o your_o soul_n object_n object_n but_o have_v you_o not_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o sinner_n can_v open_v his_o own_o heart_n nor_o bow_v his_o own_o will_n to_o christ_n answ._n answ._n true_a he_o can_v convert_v himself_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o which_o have_v a_o remote_a tendency_n towards_o it_o which_o he_o do_v not_o do_v and_o so_o he_o perish_v not_o though_o he_o can_v but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o divers_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o poor_a sinner_n with_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o do_v and_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v insufficient_a yet_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n in_o and_o by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n usual_o work_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v they_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o forbear_v the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o fasten_v your_o heart_n the_o more_o against_o christ_n who_o force_v thy_o hand_n to_o steal_v thy_o tongue_n to_o swear_v or_o lie_v who_o force_v the_o cup_n of_o excess_n down_o thy_o throat_n 2ly_n though_o you_o can_v open_v your_o heart_n under_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o external_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o can_v those_o foot_n carry_v thou_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o alehouse_n 3ly_n and_o though_o you_o can_v let_v the_o word_n effectual_o into_o your_o heart_n yet_o certain_o you_o can_v apply_v your_o mind_n with_o more_o attention_n and_o consideration_n to_o it_o than_o you_o do_v who_o force_v thy_o eye_n to_o wander_v or_o close_v they_o with_o sleep_n when_o the_o awful_a matter_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v sound_v in_o thy_o ear_n 4ly_n though_o you_o can_v open_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v christ_n yet_o certain_o you_o can_v reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o when_o the_o obvious_a character_n of_o a_o christless_a state_n be_v plain_o hold_v forth_o before_o your_o eye_n god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o self-reflecting_a power_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o when_o you_o hear_v of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n compunction_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n deep_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o its_o eternal_a state_n hungering_n and_o thirsting_n after_o christ_n restless_a and_o anxious_a day_n and_o night_n about_o salvation_n other_o have_v feel_v you_o can_v certain_o turn_v in_o upon_o yourselves_o and_o examine_v whether_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o and_o if_o not_o methinks_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o aggravate_v your_o own_o misery_n to_o take_v your_o poor_a soul_n aside_o and_o bemoan_v they_o say_v ah_o my_o poor_a soul_n can_v thou_o endure_v everlasting_a burn_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o if_o christ_n pass_v thou_o by_o and_o his_o spirit_n strive_v no_o more_o with_o thou_o why_o can_v you_o throw_v yourselves_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n and_o cry_v for_o mercy_n prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n distress_n usual_o put_v man_n upon_o it_o that_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n jonah_n 1._o 5._o do_v but_o this_o towards_o the_o open_n and_o save_v of_o your_o own_o soul_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o sufficient_a nor_o put_v god_n under_o any_o meritorious_a obligation_n or_o necessity_n to_o add_v the_o rest_n yet_o it_o put_v you_o into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n sinner_n worth_a as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v too_o have_v you_o not_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o pain_n than_o this_o for_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n that_o you_o perish_v so_o easy_o do_v you_o see_v many_o strive_v round_o about_o you_o for_o christ_n and_o salvation_n whilst_o you_o sit_v still_o with_o fold_a arm_n as_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v for_o another_o world_n
he_o with_o his_o cross_n of_o suffering_n and_o his_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n matth._n 16._o 24._o matth._n 11._o 29._o a_o exception_n against_o either_o of_o these_o be_v a_o effectual_a bar_n to_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o look_v upon_o that_o soul_n as_o not_o worthy_a of_o he_o that_o put_v in_o such_o a_o exception_n matth._n 10._o 38._o if_o thou_o judge_v not_o christ_n worth_a all_o suffering_n all_o loss_n all_o reproach_n he_o judge_v thou_o unworthy_a to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o his_o disciple_n so_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n call_v his_o yoke_n he_o that_o will_v not_o receive_v christ_n yoke_n can_v never_o receive_v his_o person_n nor_o any_o benefit_n by_o his_o blood._n v._o mark._n every_o heart_n that_o open_v sincere_o and_o evangelical_o to_o christ_n open_v to_o he_o in_o deep_a humility_n and_o sense_n of_o its_o emptiness_n and_o unworthiness_n all_o self-righteousness_n be_v give_v up_o as_o dung_n and_o dross_n thus_o abraham_n come_v unto_o he_o as_o to_z one_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a rom._n 4._o 5._o now_o unto_o he_o that_o work_v not_o but_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a his_o faith_n be_v account_v for_o righteousness_n yea_o here_o be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o justification_n indeed_o where_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n come_v all_o self-righteousness_n vanish_v before_o it_o by_o he_o that_o work_v not_o understand_v not_o a_o idle_a lazy_a believer_n that_o take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n no_o no_o a_o idle_a faith_n can_v never_o be_v a_o save_a faith_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o work_v not_o in_o a_o law_n sense_n to_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n to_o make_v up_o a_o righteousness_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o work_n to_o cover_v himself-with_a a_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o spin_v and_o weave_v a_o home-made_a cloth_n no_o not_o a_o rag_n of_o that_o thou_o must_v receive_v christ_n into_o a_o empty_a naked_a unworthy_a soul_n or_o not_o receive_v he_o at_o all_o bless_a paul_n hearty_o reject_v all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n cast_v down_o that_o house-idol_n to_o the_o ground_n that_o he_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o impute_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3._o 8._o cast_n that_o idol_n out_o of_o door_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o better_a righteousness_n there_o be_v diverse_a way_n wherein_o sinner_n maintain_v their_o own_o righteousness_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n there_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o more_o refine_a self-righteousness_n the_o one_o more_o palpable_a and_o easy_o liable_a to_o conviction_n the_o other_o much_o hard_a to_o be_v discover_v and_o cure_v ask_v some_o man_n upon_o what_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n be_v ground_v and_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o they_o be_v just_a in_o their_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o constant_a in_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o be_v all_o and_o therefore_o they_o doubt_v not_o of_o their_o salvation_n thus_o they_o substitute_v a_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n blood_n and_o be_v their_o own_o destroyer_n by_o seek_v this_o way_n to_o be_v their_o own_o saviour_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o more_o refine_a way_n of_o self-righteousness_n dress_v up_o with_o such_o pretence_n of_o humility_n that_o man_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o i_o pity_v many_o poor_a soul_n upon_o this_o account_n who_o stand_v off_o from_o christ_n dare_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o want_v such_o and_o such_o qualification_n to_o fit_v they_o for_o christ._n o_o say_v one_o can_v i_o find_v so_o much_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n so_o much_o reformation_n and_o power_n over_o corruption_n than_o i_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o if_o i_o can_v bring_v a_o price_n in_o my_o hand_n to_o purchase_v he_o than_o i_o shall_v be_v in_o courage_v to_o go_v unto_o he_o here_o now_o lie_v horrible_a pride_n cover_v over_o with_o a_o vail_n of_o great_a humility_n poor_a sinner_n either_o 〈◊〉_d naked_a and_o empty-handed_n according_a to_o isa._n 55._o 1._o rom._n 4._o 5._o or_o expect_v a_o repulse_n for_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o sale_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god._n vi_o mark._n last_o whatever_o soul_n open_v save_o to_o christ_n it_o open_v final_o and_o everlasting_o to_o he_o the_o heart_n once_o open_v to_o christ_n must_v stand_v open_a for_o ever_o to_o he_o never_o to_o shut_v out_o christ_n any_o more_o and_o here_o be_v a_o very_a observable_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o man_n that_o come_v to_o christ_n in_o a_o sudden_a fright_n of_o conscience_n and_o part_n with_o he_o again_o when_o that_o fright_n be_v over_o and_o a_o man_n that_o receive_v christ_n not_o to_o sojourn_v but_o to_o dwell_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o faith_n eph._n 3._o 17._o when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o say_v here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o ever_o and_o lord_n say_v the_o soul_n so_o i_o receive_v thou_o this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o union_n o_o let_v i_o never_o know_v a_o day_n of_o separation_n let_v it_o never_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o life_n or_o death_n angel_n principality_n or_o power_n thing_n present_a or_o to_o come_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o thou_o and_o i_o soul_n say_v christ_n thou_o shall_v be_v i_o whilst_o i_o be_o in_o heaven_n and_o lord_n say_v the_o soul_n i_o will_v be_v thou_o whilst_o i_o be_o on_o earth_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o say_v christ_n oh_o my_o lord_n say_v the_o soul_n hold_v i_o fast_o in_o thy_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v never_o leave_v nor_o forsake_v thou_o my_o estate_n liberty_n and_o life_n may_v and_o must_v go_v but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fix_a purpose_n of_o my_o heart_n never_o never_o to_o let_v thou_o go_v the_o espousal_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v for_o ever_o hos._n 2._o 19_o i_o will_v betrothe_v thou_o unto_o i_o for_o ever_o yea_o for_o ever_o and_o here_o lie_v another_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o hypocrite_n that_o take_v christ_n with_o a_o politic_a reserve_n that_o will_v venture_v with_o christ_n at_o sea_n no_o far_o than_o he_o can_v see_v the_o shore_n and_o the_o upright_a heart_n that_o imbark_v itself_o with_o christ_n without_o reserve_v come_v what_o will_v that_o say_v to_o he_o as_o ittai_n to_o david_n when_o persuade_v to_o go_v back_o in_o a_o time_n of_o danger_n nay_o say_v he_o where_o my_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o liberty_n or_o in_o prison_n in_o life_n or_o in_o death_n there_o also_o will_v i_o be_v flesh_n may_v persuade_v to_o a_o retreat_n nay_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o can_v retreat_v but_o wherever_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n the_o interest_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o also_o must_v i_o be_v for_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o first_o receive_v he_o and_o open_v the_o door_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o he_o these_o thing_n be_v no_o surprise_v to_o i_o christ_n and_o i_o have_v debate_v they_o long_o ago_o he_o deal_v fair_o with_o i_o and_o i_o must_v deal_v faithful_o with_o he_o now_o brethren_n view_v over_o these_o six_o trial_n have_v your_o eye_n be_v open_v to_o see_v sin_n in_o its_o vileness_n christ_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o necessity_n have_v your_o heart_n be_v prick_v and_o wound_v with_o compunction_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v the_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o sin_n go_v out_o of_o your_o soul_n have_v you_o no_o exception_n either_o to_o the_o cross_n or_o yoke_n of_o christ_n have_v you_o give_v up_o all_o your_o own_o righteousness_n whether_o gross_a or_o refine_a for_o dung_n and_o dross_n and_o receive_v christ_n for_o ever_o then_o thy_o heart_n be_v save_o open_v to_o he_o four_o use._n the_o last_o use_n that_o close_v this_o point_n will_v be_v consolation_n to_o all_o those_o who_o heart_n the_o lord_n have_v thus_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n at_o his_o knock_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v god_n indeed_o open_v any_o of_o your_o heart_n and_o make_v you_o sincere_o willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n then_o there_o be_v ten_o sweet_a consolation_n like_v so_o many_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n to_o be_v pour_v forth_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o every_o such_o soul._n and_o i._o consolation_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v this_o the_o open_n of_o any_o man_n heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n be_v a_o clear_a solid_a scripture_n evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a love_n to_o and_o set_v apart_o that_o man_n for_o himself_o from_o all_o eternity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n be_v thereupon_o immediate_o assure_v
of_o the_o hand_n be_v a_o signal_n give_v to_o procure_v attention_n act_v 21._o 40._o yet_o none_o regard_v and_o this_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o but_o all_o the_o day_n long_o isa._n 65._o 2._o show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 16._o in_o the_o open_n of_o this_o point_n i_o will_v show_v you_o 1._o what_o divine_a patience_n be_v 2._o wherein_o it_o be_v evidence_v 3._o why_o it_o be_v exercise_v to_o ward_n sinner_n first_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a patience_n it_o be_v a_o ability_n in_o god_n not_o only_o to_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o a_o time_n towards_o some_o but_o to_o delay_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o other_o let_v i_o speak_v to_o the_o part_n of_o this_o description_n of_o divine_a patience_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o ability_n or_o power_n in_o god_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o impotence_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n all_o sinner_n be_v continual_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o he_o can_v strike_v when_o and_o where_o he_o will._n esan_n have_v a_o revengeful_a mind_n against_o jacob_n but_o want_v opportunity_n and_o therefore_o be_v force_v to_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o conceive_a wrath_n until_o the_o day_n for_o mourning_n for_o his_o father_n be_v come_v and_o then_o faith_n he_o i_o will_v slay_v my_o brother_n jacob_n gen._n 27._o 41._o but_o in_o god_n it_o be_v a_o glorious_a effect_n of_o power_n nahum_n 1._o 3._o the_o lord_n be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o great_a in_o power_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o patience_n flow_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 9_o 22._o what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v or_o make_v up_o to_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o moses_n pray_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a patience_n towards_o the_o provoke_a israelite_n he_o do_v it_o in_o this_o form_n numb_a 14._o 17_o 18._o and_o now_o i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v the_o power_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v great_a according_a as_o thou_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a etc._n etc._n he_o can_v exercise_v this_o almighty_a power_n upon_o thou_o and_o crush_v thou_o by_o it_o as_o a_o moth_n be_v crush_v but_o behold_v he_o exercise_v it_o upon_o himself_o in_o stop_v the_o propension_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n which_o daily_o solicit_v he_o to_o cut_v thou_o off_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n over_o his_o wrath_n bridle_v and_o restrain_v it_o from_o day_n to_o day_n 2._o this_o patience_n be_v exercise_v towards_o such_o as_o perish_v in_o a_o temporary_a delay_n of_o their_o damnation_n and_o though_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a suspension_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o a_o time_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a act_n of_o patience_n in_o he_o as_o that_o forecited_a text_n rom._n 9_o 22._o show_n be_v it_o nothing_o for_o a_o sinner_n condemn_v as_o soon_o as_o bear_v to_o be_v reprieve_v so_o many_o year_n out_o of_o hell_n thou_o have_v be_v provoke_v he_o daily_o and_o hourly_o to_o cut_v thou_o off_o and_o send_v thou_o to_o thy_o own_o place_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v on_o this_o side_n the_o ever_o last_a burn_n this_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o forbearance_n ah_o how_o be_v god_n to_o be_v admire_v in_o this_o his_o glorious_a power_n over_o his_o own_o wrath_n when_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o see_v every_o where_o sinner_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n dare_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n to_o his_o face_n yet_o forbear_v how_o admirable_a be_v this_o power_n of_o god_n 3._o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o a_o temporary_a suspension_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o some_o who_o alas_o must_v feel_v it_o at_o last_o 9_o but_o he_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o 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against_o he_o and_o thou_o know_v thou_o do_v give_v he_o million_o of_o provocation_n so_o to_o do_v where_o have_v thou_o now_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o see_v christ_n nor_o the_o least_o dawn_a hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o he_o remember_v how_o oft_o you_o lay_v in_o those_o day_n upon_o bed_n of_o sickness_n upon_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o grave_n what_o be_v it_o that_o save_v thou_o from_o eternal_a wrath_n but_o this_o admirable_a patience_n of_o christ_n well_o therefore_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v account_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o be_v salvation_n this_o patience_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o branch_n spring_v out_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n only_o it_o differ_v from_o mercy_n in_o this_o that_o man_n as_o miserable_a be_v the_o object_n of_o mercy_n but_o man_n as_o criminal_a be_v the_o object_n of_o patience_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a patience_n a_o power_n of_o god_n over_o his_o own_o wrath_n not_o only_o to_o suspend_v it_o for_o a_o time_n towards_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o to_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o a_o design_n of_o salvation_n towards_o other_o second_o next_o we_o come_v to_o show_v the_o various_a evidence_n of_o this_o divine_a patience_n or_o wherein_o it_o appear_v in_o its_o glorious_a manifestation_n towards_o provoke_a sinner_n and_o there_o be_v seven_o full_a evidence_n and_o discovery_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v make_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n melt_v within_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v sound_v in_o their_o ear_n ah_o methinks_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o shall_v melt_v down_o your_o hard_a heart_n before_o the_o lord_n i._o evidence_n and_o the_o first_o evidence_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o patience_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o sin_n that_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v guilty_a of_o before_o he_o the_o least_o of_o which_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o any_o creature_n to_o bear_v the_o psalmist_n faith_n psal._n 40._o 12._o innumerable_a evil_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o it_o be_v true_a as_o apply_v to_o the_o person_n of_o david_n and_o though_o it_o be_v there_o apply_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v his_o own_o sin_n but_o we_o call_v his_o by_o god_n reckon_n or_o impute_v they_o to_o he_o man_n can_v number_v vast_a sum_n million_o of_o million_o but_o no_o man_n can_v number_v his_o own_o sin_n they_o pass_v all_o account_n there_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n though_o never_o so_o small_a but_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n of_o innumerable_a evil_n for_o instance_n the_o tongue_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n james_n 3._o 6._o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n in_o one_o member_n what_o then_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o how_o many_o idle_a frothy_a vain_a word_n have_v thy_o tongue_n utter_v and_o yet_o for_o they_o christ_n say_v man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n matth._n 12._o 36._o and_o what_o have_v the_o sin_n of_o thy_o thought_n be_v the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 24._o 9_o o_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n yet_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v not_o crack_v and_o break_v under_o such_o innumerable_a evil_n o_o glorious_a patience_n well_o may_v it_o be_v usher_v in_o in_o the_o text_n with_o a_o term_n of_o admiration_n behold_v i_o stand_v ii_o evidence_n the_o second_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a patience_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o some_o sin_n above_o other_o whereby_o sinner_n fly_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o bear_v with_o much_o
purchase_v you_o and_o may_v just_o condemn_v you_o upon_o the_o first_o denial_n or_o demur_n behold_v i_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o suitor_n 2._o his_o posture_n and_o action_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o preter_fw-la tense_n i_o have_v stand_v but_o be_v here_o join_v with_o another_o verb_n of_o the_o present_a tense_n it_o be_v fit_o translate_v i_o stand_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o it_o note_v a_o continue_a action_n i_o have_v stand_v and_o do_v still_o stand_v with_o unwearied_a patience_n i_o once_o stand_v personal_o and_o bodily_a among_o you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o flesh_n and_o i_o still_o stand_v spiritual_o and_o representative_o in_o my_o ambassador_n at_o the_o door_n i._n e._n the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n the_o faculty_n and_o power_n which_o be_v introductive_a into_o the_o whole_a soul._n the_o word_n door_n be_v here_o improper_o put_v to_o signify_v those_o introductive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a use_n to_o it_o as_o the_o door_n be_v to_o the_o house_n this_o be_v the_o redeemer_n posture_n his_o action_n be_v knock_v i._n e._n his_o powerful_a essay_n and_o gracious_a attempt_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o admission_n the_o word_n knock_n signify_v a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a knock_n 〈◊〉_d he_o stand_v patient_o and_o knock_v powerful_o by_o the_o word_n outward_o by_o the_o conviction_n motion_n impulse_n strive_n and_o instigation_n of_o his_o spirit_n inward_o 3._o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o suit_n it_o be_v for_o open_v i._n e._n consent_v receive_v embrace_v and_o hearty_a accept_n of_o he_o by_o faith_n act_n 16._o 14._o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n i._n e._n persuade_v her_o soul_n to_o believe_v imply_v that_o the_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v strong_o bar_v and_o lock_v up_o against_o christ_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o power_n from_o he_o can_v open_v it_o second_o the_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n use_v by_o christ_n to_o obtain_v his_o suit_n and_o get_v a_o grant_n from_o the_o sinner_n heart_n and_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o two_o inestimable_a benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o open_n or_o believe_v soul._n viz._n 1._o union_n 2._o communion_n with_o christ._n 1._o union_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v unite_v myself_o with_o the_o open_n believe_a soul_n he_o shall_v be_v mystical_o one_o with_o i_o and_o i_o with_o he_o 2._o communion_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o that_o be_v i_o will_v feast_v the_o believe_a soul_n with_o the_o delicate_n of_o heaven_n such_o comfort_n such_o joy_n such_o pleasure_n as_o none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o believer_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o set_v home_o all_o these_o special_a benefit_n be_v propose_v by_o christ_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n great_a and_o small_a old_a and_o young_a if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n that_o so_o no_o soul_n may_v be_v discourage_v from_o believe_v by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n may_v see_v free_a grace_n triumph_v over_o all_o their_o unworthiness_n upon_o their_o consent_n to_o take_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n thus_o open_v afford_v many_o great_a and_o useful_a point_n of_o doctrine_n comprehend_v in_o they_o the_o very_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o solemn_a and_o remarkable_a preface_n behold_v will_v be_v this_o i._o doctrine_n that_o every_o offer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n be_v record_v and_o witness_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o account_n and_o reckon_n â—_o here_o we_o shall_v inquire_v into_o three_o thing_n 1._o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o gospel_n tender_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o object_n matter_n they_o witness_v to_o 3._o why_o god_n record_v every_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v witness_v thereof_o first_o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o the_o tender_n and_o offer_v make_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o strict_a legal_a number_n for_o 1._o his_o minister_n by_o who_o he_o make_v they_o be_v all_o witness_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o people_n act_v 26._o 16._o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n here_o you_o see_v minister_n have_v a_o double_a office_n to_o propose_v and_o offer_n christ_n and_o then_o to_o bear_v witness_n for_o or_o against_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v thus_o offer_v they_o be_v express_o call_v god_n witness_n rev._n 11._o 6_o 7._o their_o labour_n witness_v their_o suffering_n witness_v their_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n witness_n yea_o the_o very_a dust_n of_o their_o foot_n shake_v off_o against_o the_o refuser_n of_o christ_n turn_v to_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o mark_v 6._o 11._o every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v every_o drop_n of_o sweat_n much_o more_o of_o blood_n be_v place_v in_o god_n book_n as_o marginal_a note_n by_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o will_v be_v produce_v and_o read_v in_o the_o great_a day_n against_o all_o the_o refuser_n and_o despiser_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v preach_v to_o you_o be_v a_o testimony_n or_o witness_n for_o god_n for_o or_o against_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v it_o john_n 12._o 48._o he_o that_o reject_v i_o and_o receive_v not_o my_o word_n have_v one_o that_o judge_v he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n word_n matth._n 24._o 14._o and_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v ah_o lord_n what_o a_o solemn_a record_n be_v here_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v yea_o every_o reproof_n persuasion_n and_o conviction_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n to_o cast_v and_o condemn_v every_o soul_n in_o judgement_n that_o comply_v not_o obedient_o with_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o sermon_n so_o many_o witness_n 3._o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n once_o make_v he_o the_o very_a conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n that_o have_v no_o other_o preacher_n but_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o other_o work_n of_o nature_n yet_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o that_o they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o certain_o if_o such_o vigour_n and_o activity_n be_v put_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o 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hence_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v be_v assessor_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o condemn_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n as_o noah_n do_v the_o old_a world_n and_o thus_o matth._n 21._o 32._o john_n come_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o you_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n believe_v he_o and_o you_o when_o you_o have_v see_v it_o repent_v not_o afterward_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v he_o q._n d._n what_o shift_n do_v you_o make_v to_o quiet_v your_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v your_o conviction_n when_o you_o see_v publican_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o harlot_n the_o worst_a of_o woman_n repent_v
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of_o christ_n necessary_a and_o they_o be_v 1._o to_o preserve_v and_o support_v his_o minister_n and_o church_n amid_o such_o host_n of_o potent_a and_o enrage_a enemy_n this_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o they_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a presence_n with_o jeremiah_n that_o be_v as_o a_o lifeguard_n to_o he_o against_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o noble_n of_o israel_n jer._n 15._o 20_o 21._o i_o will_v make_v thou_o unto_o this_o people_n a_o fence_a brazen_a wall_n and_o they_o shall_v fight_v against_o thou_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o to_o save_v thou_o and_o to_o deliver_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o i_o will_v redeem_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o terrible_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o roman_a army_n to_o scale_v the_o wall_n and_o batter_v down_o the_o tower_n of_o 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a_o draught_n when_o they_o shall_v flee_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o their_o window_n god_n now_o open_v a_o door_n of_o opportunity_n beyond_o expectation_n oh_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v suitable_o enlarge_v and_o the_o people_n make_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n four_o inference_n hence_o we_o also_o infer_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o the_o suitable_a respect_n and_o honour_v due_a to_o all_o christ_n faithful_a minister_n the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o be_v represent_v by_o they_o they_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o his_o authority_n be_v clothe_v upon_o they_o the_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v give_v they_o redound_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n luke_n 10._o 16._o the_o galatian_n receive_v paul_n as_o a_o angel_n of_o gold_n even_o as_o christ_n jesus_n gal._n 4._o 14._o yet_o how_o have_v their_o person_n and_o office_n be_v vilify_v and_o despise_v 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when_o god_n take_v away_o ordinance_n and_o spirit_n too_o woe_n indeed_o to_o that_o people_n and_o be_v there_o not_o sin_n among_o we_o presage_v such_o a_o judgement_n oh_o england_n reflect_v upon_o thy_o barrenness_n under_o it_o where_o be_v the_o fruit_n answerable_a to_o such_o precious_a mean_n the_o gospel_n be_v a_o golden_a lamp_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n communicate_v by_o it_o be_v golden_a oil_n as_o in_o that_o stately_a vision_n zach._n 4._o will_n god_n maintain_v such_o a_o lamp_n feed_v with_o such_o precious_a oil_n for_o man_n to_o trifle_n and_o play_v by_o and_o no_o less_o ominous_a and_o portentous_a be_v that_o bitter_a enmity_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o which_o i_o can_v speak_v without_o horror_n be_v every_o where_o find_v among_o we_o this_o great_a hatred_n bring_v on_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n and_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n with_o a_o swift_a and_o dreadful_a motion_n upon_o any_o people_n hosea_n 9_o 7._o seven_o inference_n if_o christ_n be_v present_a by_o way_n of_o spirit_n and_o energy_n in_o his_o ordinance_n than_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n that_o yet_o lie_v dead_a under_o the_o gospel_n what_o though_o their_o heart_n be_v hard_a their_o understanding_n dark_a and_o their_o will_n never_o so_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a all_o must_v give_v way_n and_o open_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n when_o his_o spirit_n join_v himself_o with_o the_o word_n this_o make_v it_o a_o irresistible_a word_n it_o be_v glorious_a to_o observe_v the_o heart_n of_o publican_n and_o harlot_n open_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n matth._n 21._o 31._o what_o be_v those_o three_o thousand_o person_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n by_o peter_n sermon_n act_v 2._o 36._o but_o the_o very_a man_n that_o with_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o what_o be_v the_o convert_v corinthian_n but_o idolater_n turn_v from_o dumb_a idol_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 2._o whoremonger_n adulterer_n effeminate_a etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6._o 11._o god_n have_v his_o elect_a among_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n the_o gospel_n will_v find_v they_o out_o and_o draw_v they_o home_o to_o christ_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n animate_v and_o bless_v it_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n therefore_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n preach_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n be_v a_o object_n worthy_a for_o angel_n to_o behold_v with_o admiration_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o what_o though_o satan_n have_v strong_o fortify_v their_o soul_n against_o christ_n with_o ignorance_n prejudice_n and_o enmity_n yet_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o pull_v down_o these_o strong_a hold_n despair_v not_o therefore_o of_o your_o carnal_a and_o dead_a heart_a relation_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o encouragement_n of_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n joh._n 5._o 25._o the_o hour_n come_v yea_o and_o now_o be_v that_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o shall_v live_v eight_o inference_n be_v christ_n spiritual_o present_a in_o his_o ordinance_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o endear_a affection_n shall_v every_o gracious_a soul_n bear_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o walk_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o appoint_a time_n and_o place_n for_o your_o meeting_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o there_o your_o soul_n first_o meet_v with_o christ_n there_o you_o begin_v your_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o there_o you_o have_v have_v many_o sweet_a converse_v with_o he_o since_o that_o day_n they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o your_o regeneration_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 23._o the_o bread_n of_o life_n by_o which_o your_o soul_n have_v be_v sustain_v ever_o since_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v more_o esteem_v by_o you_o than_o your_o necessary_a food_n job_n 23._o 12._o here_o you_o have_v find_v the_o rich_a cordial_n to_o revive_v and_o recover_v your_o droop_a spirit_n when_o ready_a to_o sink_v away_o in_o a_o faint_a fit_n under_o sin_n within_o you_o and_o affliction_n upon_o you_o psal._n 119._o 50._o no_o wonder_n david_n soul_n even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o god_n and_o that_o hezekiah_n desire_v a_o sign_n on_o his_o sick_a bed_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o be_v the_o choice_a comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n all_o our_o fresh_a spring_n be_v in_o zion_n psal._n 87._o 7._o what_o a_o dungeon_n what_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n be_v this_o world_n without_o they_o prize_v the_o ordinance_n love_v the_o ordinance_n wait_v assiduous_o upon_o the_o ordinance_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o
the_o soul_n of_o man_n against_o christ_n be_v ignorance_n that_o obex_fw-la infernalis_fw-la that_o hellish_a bolt_n which_o effectual_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul._n if_o knowledge_n be_v the_o key_n that_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o plain_a it_o be_v from_o luke_n 11._o 52._o where_o christ_n denounce_v a_o woe_n to_o they_o that_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n then_o ignorance_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o shutter_n that_o make_v fast_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o christ._n upon_o this_o ground_n christ_n tell_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n john_n 4._o 10._o that_o her_o infidelity_n grow_v upon_o the_o root_n of_o her_o ignorance_n if_o thou_o 〈◊〉_d the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v to_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o drink_v thou_o will_v have_v ask_v of_o he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v give_v thou_o live_a water_n ah_o sinner_n do_v you_o but_o know_v what_o a_o christ_n he_o be_v that_o be_v offer_v to_o your_o soul_n in_o the_o gospel_n do_v you_o see_v his_o beauty_n fullness_n and_o suitablness_n and_o feel_v your_o own_o necessity_n of_o he_o all_o the_o world_n can_v not_o keep_v you_o from_o he_o you_o will_v break_v through_o all_o reproach_n all_o suffering_n all_o self-denial_n to_o come_v into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o alas_o it_o be_v with_o you_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o cant._n 5._o 9_o what_o be_v thy_o beloved_a say_v they_o to_o the_o spouse_n more_o than_o another_o belove_a that_o thou_o do_v so_o charge_v we_o unknown_a excellency_n attract_v not_o ignorance_n be_v satan_n sceptre_n which_o he_o sway_v over_o all_o his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o hold_v his_o vassal_n in_o miserable_a bondage_n to_o he_o hence_o the_o devil_n be_v call_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n ephes._n 6._o 12._o alas_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o sinner_n but_o open_v to_o see_v their_o woeful_a state_n and_o their_o remedy_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v never_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n one_o day_n long_o they_o will_v break_v away_o from_o under_o his_o cruel_a government_n and_o run_v over_o by_o thousand_o to_o christ_n for_o so_o they_o do_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o god_n open_v their_o eye_n in_o the_o same_o hour_n they_o be_v turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n they_o be_v also_o turn_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 28._o 16._o oh_o that_o you_o do_v but_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o dreadful_a danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o fearful_a wrath_n that_o hang_v over_o they_o the_o willingness_n and_o ability_n of_o christ_n to_o save_v they_o you_o can_v not_o sleep_v one_o night_n long_o in_o the_o state_n you_o be_v the_o next_o cry_n will_v be_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v who_o will_v show_v i_o the_o way_n to_o christ_n help_v minister_n help_v christian_n yea_o help_v lord_n these_o will_v be_v the_o lament_n and_o cry_v of_o they_o that_o be_v now_o secure_a and_o quiet_a but_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o no_o cry_n for_o a_o physician_n because_o no_o sense_n how_o their_o soul_n be_v stab_v by_o sin_n of_o commission_n and_o starve_v by_o sin_n of_o omission_n oh_o that_o the_o great_a physician_n will_v once_o apply_v his_o excellent_a eyesalve_n to_o your_o understanding_n which_o be_v yet_o darken_v with_o gross_a ignorance_n both_o of_o your_o misery_n and_o remedy_n the_o second_o bar._n the_o second_o bar_n or_o lock_v that_o shut_v christ_n out_o of_o man_n soul_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a hold_n of_o satan_n wherein_o he_o trust_v this_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o not_o only_a lock_n up_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o also_o bind_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o saviour_n matth._n 13._o 58._o he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n it_o obstruct_v his_o miraculous_a work_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o it_o obstruct_v his_o gracious_a work_n now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n a_o saviour_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o poor_a unbeliever_n thy_o soul_n can_v neither_o have_v union_n nor_o communion_n with_o he_o till_o this_o bar_n of_o thy_o unbelief_n be_v remove_v the_o gospel_n be_v come_v among_o we_o with_o mighty_a argument_n to_o convince_v and_o powerful_a motive_n to_o persuade_v but_o little_o save_v effect_n follow_v its_o main_a design_n be_v to_o many_o frustrate_v and_o all_o this_o through_o unbelief_n shut_v up_o and_o harden_v man_n heart_n under_o it_o the_o word_n preach_v do_v not_o profit_v they_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n heb._n 4._o 2._o ah_o curse_a bar_n which_o shut_v up_o thy_o heart_n shut_v out_o thy_o saviour_n and_o will_v effectual_o shut_v thou_o out_o of_o heaven_n except_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n break_v it_o asunder_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v in_o because_o of_o unbelief_n the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n be_v lay_v at_o the_o door_n of_o unbelief_n it_o be_v the_o damn_v sin_n mark_v 16._o 16._o and_o true_o call_v so_o because_o no_o other_o sin_n can_v damn_v but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o second_o bar_n to_o christ._n three_o bar._n the_o three_o bar_n deny_v entrance_n to_o christ_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v pride_n and_o stoutness_n of_o spirit_n the_o natural_a heart_n be_v a_o proud_a heart_n it_o live_v upon_o its_o own_o stock_n it_o can_v stoop_v to_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a renunciation_n of_o its_o own_o righteousness_n rom._n 10._o 3._o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god._n pride_n stiffen_v the_o will_n that_o it_o can_v stoop_v or_o condescend_v to_o declare_v their_o own_o emptiness_n discover_v their_o own_o shame_n and_o live_v whole_o upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o another_o proud_a nature_n have_v as_o live_v be_v damn_v as_o deny_v itself_o in_o such_o appoint_n as_o this_o be_v this_o make_v faith_n so_o exceed_o difficult_a because_o it_o involve_v such_o deep_a point_n of_o self-denial_n in_o it_o to_o give_v up_o all_o to_o christ_n to_o draw_v all_o from_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o christ_n what_o will_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o deliberate_a consent_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o unless_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n bow_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n rather_o to_o eat_v a_o brown_a crust_n or_o wear_v a_o course_n ragged_a garment_n which_o they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o than_o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o rich_a dainty_n or_o wear_v the_o costly_a garment_n which_o they_o must_v receive_v as_o a_o alm_n or_o gift_n from_o another_o oh_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o subdue_v this_o pride_n of_o the_o heart_n even_o after_o light_n and_o conviction_n be_v come_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o undo_a condition_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o other_o and_o high_a righteousness_n than_o their_o own_o when_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o treaty_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o match_n be_v almost_o make_v this_o be_v the_o sin_n that_o make_v the_o last_o opposition_n feign_v will_v they_o come_v to_o christ_n ten_o thousand_o world_n for_o a_o christ_n but_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o must_v not_o approach_v he_o without_o some_o qualification_n which_o be_v yet_o want_v but_o soul_n if_o ever_o christ_n and_o thou_o conclude_v the_o match_n thou_o must_v deny_v self_n even_o in_o this_o the_o most_o refine_a form_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o come_v as_o abraham_n do_v naked_a and_o empty_a hand_a to_o he_o that_o justify_v the_o ungodly_a down_o with_o this_o house-idol_n thyself_o thy_o righteous_a self_n trim_v up_o like_o another_o agag_n with_o such_o specious_a pretence_n of_o humility_n four_o bar._n the_o four_o bar_n forbid_v christ_n entrance_n into_o the_o soul_n be_v custom_n in_o sin_n sin_n have_v so_o fix_v itself_o by_o long_a continuance_n in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n be_v so_o settle_a and_o confirm_v in_o its_o course_n that_o all_o argument_n and_o persuasion_n to_o change_v our_o way_n be_v sweep_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n as_o straw_n and_o feather_n be_v by_o the_o rapid_a course_n of_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o aethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a soap_n and_o nitre_n may_v as_o soon_o make_v a_o blackmoor_n white_a or_o fetch_v the_o spot_n out_o of_o the_o leopard_n
and_o satisfy_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o salvation_n but_o whether_o he_o apprehend_v it_o or_o no_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v certain_a and_o real_a consult_v 1._o thes._n 1._o 4_o 5._o know_v brethren_n belove_v your_o election_n of_o god_n for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n their_o election_n of_o god_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o alas_o may_v they_o say_v who_o can_v know_v that_o but_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v among_o the_o divine_a secret_n yes_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v it_o and_o by_o this_o we_o know_v it_o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o a_o empty_a sound_n but_o in_o mighty_a efficacy_n effectual_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o believe_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a evidence_n of_o your_o election_n can_v be_v give_v in_o this_o world_n look_v again_o into_o rom._n 8._o 30._o moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o ravish_a truth_n clear_v in_o this_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v this_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o call_v upon_o earth_n be_v take_v out_o of_o such_o as_o be_v predestinate_v to_o life_n before_o the_o world_n be_v the_o other_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o glorify_a saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n call_v and_o justify_v upon_o earth_n so_o the_o call_v soul_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o save_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n may_v from_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o he_o solid_o reason_n backward_o to_o god_n elect_v love_n before_o all_o time_n and_o forward_o to_o his_o glorification_n with_o god_n when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o oh_o how_o strong_a be_v the_o consolation_n flow_v out_o of_o this_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v one_o thing_n ii_o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n the_o arm_n of_o a_o angel_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o break_v those_o strong_a bar_n before_o mention_v therefore_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n be_v apply_v unto_o this_o work_n of_o believe_v ephes._n 1._o 19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n towards_o we_o who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v power_n the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n the_o very_a same_o power_n which_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o all_o this_o no_o more_o than_o needs_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n open_a by_o faith_n to_o receive_v christ_n the_o only_a key_n that_o fit_v the_o cross_a ward_n of_o man_n will_n and_o effectual_o open_v his_o heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n revel_v 3._o 7._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v how_o long_o have_v some_o of_o you_o â—at_a under_o able_a minister_n search_v sermon_n and_o roâ—â—ing_a providence_n yet_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n till_o this_o almighty_a power_n come_v with_o the_o word_n and_o then_o the_o work_n be_v do_v the_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n psal._n 110._o 3._o what_o a_o glorious_a power_n be_v that_o which_o open_v christ_n grave_n when_o he_o lie_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o a_o mighty_a stone_n roll_v upon_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o how_o mighty_a a_o power_n be_v that_o which_o break_v asunder_o all_o those_o bar_n which_o keep_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n none_o feel_v this_o power_n but_o those_o only_o who_o god_n intend_v for_o salvation_n and_o have_v once_o wrought_v this_o it_o be_v engage_v to_o go_v through_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v to_o perfect_v thy_o salvation_n iii_o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o effect_n of_o almighty_a power_n but_o such_o a_o effect_n of_o it_o without_o which_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v have_v be_v of_o no_o avail_n to_o thy_o salvation_n neither_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v effectual_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n until_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v wronght_n upon_o his_o heart_n the_o offer_v up_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o its_o kind_n and_o place_n â—ufficient_a to_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n that_o bring_v home_o salvation_n to_o our_o soul_n where_o there_o be_v many_o concause_n to_o produce_v one_o effect_n that_o effect_n be_v not_o produce_v until_o the_o last_o cause_n have_v wrought_v thus_o it_o be_v here_o the_o move_a cause_n viz._n the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n have_v wrought_v and_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v also_o wrought_v but_o still_o the_o heart_n even_o of_o a_o elect_a man_n remain_v under_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n until_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o apply_v cause_n have_v also_o wrought_v this_o bless_a effect_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v christ_n in_o we_o i._n e._n in_o union_n with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n 1_o col._n 27._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o behold_v then_o the_o last_o stroke_n give_v in_o this_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o faith_n herein_o elect_v love_n have_v bring_v home_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o purchase_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o thy_o soul._n oh_o how_o transport_v and_o ravish_v a_o consideration_n be_v this_o iv._o consolation_n in_o this_o work_n the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o great_a design_n and_o main_a intention_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v also_o answer_v and_o accomplish_v you_o behold_v in_o the_o church_n a_o glorious_a frame_n of_o ordinance_n set_v up_o by_o divine_a institution_n minister_n appoint_v to_o preach_v sermon_n sacrament_n prayer_n sing_v variety_n of_o ordinance_n set_v up_o excellent_a gift_n give_v to_o man_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n now_o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o by_o they_o as_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n our_o ignorant_a dead_a unbelieving_a heart_n may_v be_v open_v unto_o christ_n in_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o build_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n minister_n be_v send_v to_o open_v your_o eye_n turn_v you_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 26._o 18._o they_o be_v not_o send_v by_o christ_n into_o this_o world_n to_o get_v a_o live_n to_o drive_v so_o poor_a a_o trade_n as_o that_o for_o themselves_o but_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o when_o god_n elect_v be_v thus_o bring_v in_o and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n you_o shall_v see_v this_o glorious_a frame_n of_o ordinance_n take_v down_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 24._o then_o come_v the_o end_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o far_o upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v matter_n of_o transport_v joy_n minister_n may_v and_o must_v die_v ordinance_n may_v be_v remove_v but_o this_o bless_a effect_n of_o they_o upon_o thy_o soul_n shall_v never_o die_v god_n will_v perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v that_o be_v the_o four_o consolation_n v._o consolation_n and_o then_o five_o that_o day_n wherein_o thy_o heart_n be_v save_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n that_o very_a day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o soul._n when_o zacheus_n his_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n he_o tell_v he_o luke_n 19_o 9_o this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o house_n salvation_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n before_o thou_o be_v bear_v yea_o salvation_n be_v come_v to_o thy_o door_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n before_o but_o it_o never_o come_v into_o thy_o soul_n till_o the_o day_n wherein_o thy_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n
long-suffering_a le_fw-fr we_o not_o loose_v his_o hand_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o one_o size_n some_o have_v a_o slight_a tincture_n and_o some_o a_o deep_a call_v upon_o that_o account_n scarlet_a and_o crimson_a sin_n isa._n 1._o 18._o double_a die_v abomination_n sin_n in_o grain_n such_o be_v sin_n against_o knowledge_n sin_n commit_v after_o conviction_n and_o covenant_n and_o rebuke_n of_o providence_n i_o do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o outward_a gross_a act_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o the_o schoolman_n well_o determine_v though_o outward_o sin_n be_v sin_n of_o great_a infamy_n yet_o inward_a sin_n may_v be_v sin_n of_o great_a guilt_n even_o those_o sin_n that_o never_o take_v air_n to_o defame_v thou_o in_o the_o world_n but_o whatever_o they_o be_v reader_n whether_o outward_a or_o inward_a thy_o conscience_n be_v privy_a to_o they_o and_o thy_o soul_n may_v stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n in_o forbear_v thou_o all_o this_o while_n under_o such_o provocation_n and_o horrid_a rebellion_n against_o he_o especial_o consider_v how_o many_o there_o be_v this_o day_n in_o hell_n that_o never_o provoke_v god_n by_o sin_v with_o such_o a_o high_a hand_n as_o thou_o have_v do_v iii_o evidence_n three_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v with_o and_o forbear_v we_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o special_a sin_n viz._n the_o slight_n and_o neglect_v of_o jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o go_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o can_v bear_v any_o other_o sin_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o yet_o this_o have_v christ_n bear_v from_o every_o soul_n of_o you_o you_o be_v the_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v sputn_v at_o the_o yearning_n bowel_n of_o his_o mercy_n slight_v his_o grace_n trample_v his_o precious_a blood_n under_o foot_n and_o yet_o have_v he_o forbear_v you_o unto_o this_o day_n read_v matth._n 22._o 5_o and_o let_v thy_o conscience_n answer_v whether_o thou_o be_v not_o equal_o deep_a in_o the_o guilt_n of_o make_v light_n of_o christ_n with_o those_o wretch_n upon_o who_o it_o be_v there_o charge_v christ_n have_v suffer_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o thy_o room_n bring_v home_o salvation_n in_o gospel_n offer_v to_o thy_o door_n and_o then_o to_o be_v slight_v no_o patience_n but_o his_o own_o can_v bear_v it_o every_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n you_o have_v fat_a under_o with_o a_o dead_a heart_n every_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o you_o have_v quench_v what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o make_v light_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a salvation_n here_o the_o deep_a project_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o rich_a gift_n of_o freegrace_n wherein_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n to_o man_n be_v vile_o undervalue_v as_o small_a thing_n and_o thus_o have_v you_o do_v day_n without_o number_n and_o yet_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o stretch_v out_o to_o cut_v thou_o off_o in_o thy_o rebellion_n who_o be_v a_o god_n like_o unto_o thou_o what_o patience_n like_o the_o patience_n of_o christ_n iv._o evidence_n four_o the_o length_n of_o time_n the_o patience_n of_o christ_n have_v endure_v thou_o speak_v the_o perfection_n and_o riches_n of_o his_o patience_n towards_o thou_o consider_v sinner_n what_o age_n thou_o be_v of_o how_o many_o year_n thou_o can_v number_v and_o that_o all_o this_o have_v be_v a_o time_n of_o patience_n for_o thou_o be_v a_o transgressor_n from_o the_o womb_n isa._n 48._o 8_o 9_o yet_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n have_v he_o defer_v his_o anger_n and_o have_v not_o cut_v thou_o off_o how_o soon_o do_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o upon_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o have_v sin_v in_o heaven_n and_o how_o long_o have_v it_o bear_v with_o thou_o whilst_o thou_o have_v be_v provoke_v he_o on_o earth_n be_v there_o ever_o patience_n like_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n many_o thousand_o have_v be_v send_v away_o to_o hell_n fince_n thy_o day_n but_o thou_o be_v yet_o spare_v oh_o that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n may_v be_v salvation_n to_o thou_o v._o evidence_n five_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a patience_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o grievousness_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o god_n during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o his_o forbearance_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o proper_a passion_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n no_o real_a perturbation_n his_o anger_n be_v a_o mild_a and_o holy_a flame_n yet_o the_o contrariety_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v what_o make_v his_o patience_n miraculous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n speak_v in_o a_o condescend_v language_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o creature_n represent_v god_n as_o wound_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n so_o in_o ezek._n 6._o 9_o i_o be_o break_v with_o their_o whorish_a heart_n which_o have_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o amos_n 2._o 13._o behold_v i_o be_o press_v under_o you_o as_o a_o cart_n be_v press_v that_o be_v full_a of_o sheaf_n when_o the_o axletree_n be_v ready_a to_o crack_v under_o the_o load_n and_o 2_o chron._n 36._o 16_o it_o be_v say_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n his_o patience_n will_v bear_v no_o long_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o execute_v his_o wrath_n upon_o provoke_a sinner_n that_o execution_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o ease_n or_o relief_n to_o his_o burden_a patience_n and_o justice_n isa._n i._n 24._o ah_o say_v he_o i_o will_v ease_v i_o of_o my_o enemy_n and_o avenge_v i_o of_o my_o adversary_n yet_o observe_v it_o come_v in_o with_o a_o ah_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n so_o in_o isa._n 1â—_n 25._o yet_o a_o very_a little_a while_n and_o the_o indignation_n shall_v cease_v and_o my_o anger_n in_o their_o destruction_n god_n can_v have_v give_v ease_n and_o rest_v this_o way_n to_o his_o anger_n long_o ago_o but_o he_o choose_v rather_o still_o to_o bear_v with_o thou_o than_o on_o these_o term_n to_o ease_v himself_o of_o thou_o vi_o evidence_n six_o the_o vast_a expense_n of_o his_o riches_n and_o bounty_n upon_o we_o during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o he_o for_o bearance_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o speak_v he_o unconceivable_a and_o infinite_a in_o his_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o rom._n 2._o 4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n q._n d._n vile_a sinner_n can_v thou_o compute_v the_o treasure_n of_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n thou_o have_v be_v riotous_o spend_v and_o waste_v all_o this_o while_n do_v thou_o know_v what_o vast_a sum_n christ_n have_v spend_v upon_o thou_o to_o preserve_v thou_o so_o long_o out_o of_o hell_n there_o be_v two_o treasure_n spend_v upon_o sinner_n all_o the_o time_n of_o god_n forbearance_n of_o they_o there_o be_v the_o precious_a treasure_n of_o thy_o time_n waste_v and_o the_o invaluable_a stream_n of_o gospel_n grace_n run_v all_o this_o while_n at_o the_o waste_n spout_v thy_o time_n be_v precious_a the_o whole_a of_o thy_o time_n which_o be_v betwixt_o thou_o and_o eternity_n be_v but_o little_a and_o the_o most_o thereof_o have_v be_v waste_v in_o sin_n and_o cast_v away_o upon_o vanity_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o gospel_n grace_n have_v be_v waste_v all_o this_o while_n upon_o thou_o in_o zach._n 4._o 12._o it_o be_v compare_v to_o golden_a oil_n maintain_v the_o lamp_n of_o ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o that_o stately_a emblem_n who_o will_v maintain_v a_o lamp_n with_o golden_a oil_n for_o wanton_a child_n to_o play_v by_o yet_o this_o have_v god_n do_v while_o thy_o soul_n have_v dally_v and_o trifle_v with_o he_o the_o witness_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o rev._n 11._o 3_o 4._o be_v compare_v to_o those_o olive-tree_n that_o drop_v their_o precious_a oil_n their_o gift_n grace_n yea_o and_o their_o natural_a spirit_n with_o they_o into_o this_o lamp_n to_o keep_v it_o burn_v all_o this_o while_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v run_v in_o vain_a the_o minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v and_o beseech_v in_o vain_a the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n strive_v with_o you_o in_o vain_a you_o burn_v away_o golden_a oil_n and_o yet_o your_o lamp_n be_v not_o go_v out_o oh_o marvellous_a patience_n oh_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n forbearance_n vii_o evidence_n last_o the_o riches_n of_o divine_a patience_n towards_o you_o be_v great_o heighten_v and_o aggravate_v by_o the_o quick_a dispatch_n the_o lord_n have_v make_v of_o other_o sinner_n whilst_o
call_v at_o their_o door_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o turn_v aside_o to_o thy_o soul_n and_o wait_v and_o knock_v there_o for_o entrance_n i_o say_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n how_o many_o soul_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n equal_a in_o natural_a dignity_n to_o you_o and_o of_o sweet_a natural_a temper_n who_o yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v alone_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o satan_n luke_n 11._o 21._o there_o be_v a_o deep_a silence_n and_o stillness_n in_o their_o conscience_n no_o stir_n nor_o disturbance_n by_o conviction_n but_o through_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o if_o their_o conscience_n at_o any_o time_n begin_v to_o grumble_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o hush_v and_o quiet_v again_o by_o satan_n what_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o former_a age_n we_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 14._o 16._o who_o in_o time_n past_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n o_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sleepy_a conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o be_v rouse_v by_o conviction_n because_o it_o be_v introductive_a to_o all_o other_o spiritual_a mercy_n i_o confess_v this_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v little_o apprehend_v by_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n much_o rather_o will_v poor_a sinner_n be_v let_v alone_o than_o be_v thus_o disturb_v by_o troublesome_a conviction_n and_o when_o christ_n disturb_v their_o rest_n how_o do_v they_o startle_v at_o the_o knock_v of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o angry_a be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o enjoy_v their_o quiet_a sleep_n in_o sin_n till_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n awaken_v they_o mr._n fenner_n that_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o this_o work_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n how_o it_o fare_v with_o a_o certain_a man_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o preach_v it_o seem_v the_o word_n have_v get_v entrance_n into_o his_o conscience_n and_o give_v it_o a_o terrible_a alarm_n and_o as_o he_o be_v go_v home_o some_o that_o follow_v he_o hear_v he_o thus_o blame_v and_o bemoan_v himself_o o_o what_o a_o fool_n what_o a_o beast_n be_v i_o to_o come_v under_o this_o sermon_n to_o day_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n any_o more_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o smooth_a and_o general_a preach_v be_v so_o much_o applaud_v and_o affect_v in_o the_o world_n and_o close_o convince_a doctrine_n so_o much_o shun_v and_o hate_v but_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v very_o loath_a to_o be_v disquiet_v and_o have_v their_o conscience_n thorough_o awake_v well_o whatever_o your_o apprehension_n be_v certain_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n for_o christ_n to_o knock_v and_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o call_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2_o the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o motion_n towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n begin_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o christ._n we_o never_o knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n by_o prayer_n till_o christ_n have_v first_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n by_o his_o spirit_n do_v not_o christ_n move_v first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o motion_n after_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o move_v towards_o he_o because_o he_o have_v first_o move_v upon_o our_o soul_n christ_n may_v sit_v long_o enough_o unsought_a and_o undesired_a do_v he_o not_o make_v the_o first_o motion_n all_o our_o motion_n be_v secondary_a and_o consequential_a motion_n isa._n 65._o 1._o i_o be_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o as_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o so_o we_o seek_v after_o he_o because_o he_o first_o seek_v we_o alas_o poor_a sinner_n be_v as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v to_o lie_v fast_o asleep_a in_o the_o devil_n be_v arms._n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o with_o the_o word_n of_o conviction_n he_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o very_a same_o posture_n which_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v survey_v the_o world_n report_v the_o whole_a earth_n to_o be_v in_o zach._n 1._o 11._o behold_v all_o the_o earth_n sit_v still_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n every_o man_n settle_v and_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o way_n what_o a_o strange_a stillness_n and_o midnight_n silence_n be_v there_o among_o sinner_n not_o a_o sigh_n not_o a_o cry_n to_o be_v hear_v for_o sin_n so_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 14._o 2._o represent_v the_o case_n of_o sinner_n the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v understand_v and_o seek_v god._n they_o be_v all_o go_v aside_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o be_v admirable_o strange_a in_o this_o case_n that_o even_o those_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o rattle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o sleep_n and_o security_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n i_o mean_v their_o estate_n health_n child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o awake_v not_o there_o be_v no_o stir_n after_o god._n o_o what_o a_o dead_a sleep_n have_v sin_n cast_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n into_o you_o have_v a_o notable_a scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o job_n 35._o 9_o 10._o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o elihu_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n person_n squeeze_v and_o grind_v by_o the_o cruel_a hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o oppression_n they_o make_v the_o oppress_v to_o cry_v they_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o mighty_a but_o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o give_v song_n in_o the_o night_n i._o e._n succour_n comfort_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o afflict_a here_o be_v man_n turn_v out_o of_o their_o estate_n throw_v into_o prison_n cast_v upon_o all_o extremity_n and_o misery_n and_o what_o do_v these_o poor_a creature_n do_v why_o say_v he_o they_o cry_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o oppression_n o_o my_o father_n or_o my_o mother_n my_o wife_n my_o child_n my_o estate_n my_o liberty_n but_o none_o say_v where_o be_v my_o god_n o_o my_o sin_n or_o my_o misery_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n where_o be_v he_o that_o give_v song_n in_o the_o night_n the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o they_o lie_v muse_v upon_o their_o bed_n under_o affliction_n they_o have_v their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o trouble_a thought_n within_o they_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n delight_v their_o soul_n those_o be_v their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n but_o no_o such_o word_n or_o thought_n in_o carnal_a man_n how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o salvation_n have_v their_o first_o spring_n and_o rise_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n three_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n imply_v the_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o conversion_n to_o be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n soul_n mark_v christ_n expression_n in_o the_o text_n he_o do_v not_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v to_o the_o door_n and_o break_v it_o open_v by_o violence_n no_o christ_n make_v no_o forcible_a entry_n whether_o sinner_n will_v or_o no_o he_o will_v come_v in_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n or_o not_o at_o all_o i_o stand_v and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o friendly_a admission_n by_o consent_n and_o a_o forcible_a entrance_n in_o a_o forcible_a entrance_n bar_v of_o iron_n be_v bring_v to_o break_v open_a the_o door_n but_o in_o a_o friendly_a admission_n one_o knock_n and_o the_o other_o open_v forcible_n action_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o will_n who_o motion_n be_v free_a and_o spontaneous_a therefore_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 110._o 3._o the_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n it_o be_v true_a the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o power_n of_o god_n do_v not_o act_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n by_o co-action_n and_o force_n no_o but_o of_o unwilling_a he_o make_v it_o willing_a take_v away_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o
reluctancy_n of_o the_o will_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o some_o divine_n call_v victrix_fw-la delectatio_fw-la a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a victory_n and_o so_o the_o door_n of_o the_o will_v still_o open_v free_o hosea_n 11._o 4._o i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love._n i_o draw_v they_o there_o be_v almighty_a power_n but_o how_o do_v this_o power_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n with_o rational_a argument_n convince_a the_o judgement_n beast_n be_v drive_v and_o force_v but_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o reason_n and_o will_v not_o move_v without_o it_o if_o they_o act_v like_o themselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v for_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o draw_v he_o effectual_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o yet_o still_o the_o soul_n come_v free_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o will_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n in_o draw_v soul_n to_o he_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n a_o kid_n a_o offer_v make_v for_o the_o will_v both_o by_o satan_n and_o christ._n satan_n bid_v riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n with_o ease_n and_o quietness_n to_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o abide_v where_o thou_o be_v say_v satan_n remain_v with_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v escape_v all_o the_o persecution_n loss_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n which_o conscience_n entangle_v other_o man_n in_o thou_o shall_v draw_v thy_o life_n through_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o thy_o die_a day_n o_o say_v the_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o good_a motion_n what_o can_v be_v better_o for_o i_o but_o than_o say_v christ_n do_v thou_o not_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o behold_v i_o offer_v thou_o the_o free_a full_a and_o final_a pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n treasure_n in_o heaven_n all_o these_o shall_v be_v thou_o with_o trouble_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world._n the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n i_o say_v when_o a_o convince_a judgement_n have_v due_o balance_v these_o thing_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o will_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o it_o it_o move_v towards_o christ_n free_o and_o yet_o can_v according_o to_o its_o natural_a order_n act_n otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n so_o often_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v in_o luke_n 14._o 23._o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o what!_o by_o force_a man_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o no_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o protestant_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o gloss_n of_o stella_n a_o popish_a commentator_n upon_o the_o place_n christ_n say_v he_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o by_o show_v to_o their_o will_n such_o a_o excel_a good_a as_o it_o can_v but_o embrace_v for_o volunt_fw-la as_o nature_n aliter_fw-la fertur_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la the_o will_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a good_a and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n harmonious_o and_o agreeable_o to_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n fouthly_a christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n manifest_o imply_v the_o immediate_a access_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o very_a innermost_a door_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o make_v what_o impression_n upon_o it_o he_o please_v as_o for_o other_o instrument_n use_v in_o this_o work_n they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n or_o power_n minister_n can_v but_o knock_v at_o the_o external_a door_n of_o the_o sense_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n we_o can_v see_v their_o person_n and_o hear_v their_o voice_n we_o can_v reason_v with_o sinner_n and_o plead_v with_o their_o soul_n but_o awaken_v they_o we_o can_v open_v their_o heart_n we_o can_v we_o can_v only_o lodge_v our_o message_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a this_o be_v a_o royalty_n belong_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n incommunicable_a to_o angel_n or_o men._n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v the_o preacher_n he_o can_v not_o give_v one_o immediate_a stroke_n to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v man_n we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o conscience_n the_o key_n of_o the_o door_n of_o your_o soul_n hang_v not_o at_o our_o girdle_n but_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n revel_v 3._o 7._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o can_v wound_v they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o make_v what_o impression_n he_o please_v upon_o they_o learn_v hence_o what_o need_v there_o be_v both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o blessing_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o lord_n send_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n pour_v it_o forth_o upon_o and_o with_o thy_o word_n ah_o how_o many_o sermon_n have_v we_o preach_v and_o you_o hear_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o open_n these_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n viz._n condescend_v grace_n all_o first_o motion_n begin_v in_o god_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n can_v have_v immedate_v access_n to_o the_o innermost_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o by_o what_o instrument_n christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n conscience_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v two_o viz._n by_o 1._o his_o word_n 2._o his_o providence_n here_o my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v use_n both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n to_o rouse_v and_o open_v the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o sinner_n these_o be_v the_o two_o hammer_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n 1._o the_o word_n write_v or_o preach_v but_o especial_o preach_v to_o this_o christ_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n employ_v about_o this_o work_n and_o answerable_o the_o word_n be_v call_v god_n hammer_n jer._n 23._o 29._o be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o fire_n and_o as_o the_o hammer_n which_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n by_o this_o hammer_n christ_n rap_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n soul_n to_o give_v warning_n that_o he_o be_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v open_v the_o heart_n immediate_o if_o he_o please_v but_o he_o will_v honour_v his_o word_n in_o this_o work._n and_o therefore_o when_o lydias_n heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v paul_n the_o great_a gospel_n preacher_n must_v be_v invite_v even_o by_o a_o angel_n to_o come_v over_o to_o macedonia_n and_o assist_v in_o that_o bless_a work_n act_v 16._o 9_o lydia_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v her_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n appoint_a instrument_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o work._n i_o have_v make_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o paul_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 26._o 18._o now_o there_o be_v three_o way_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n use_v the_o word_n as_o his_o hammer_n in_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul._n 1._o he_o knock_v by_o the_o particular_a conviction_n of_o of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o knock_n by_o conviction_n ring_n and_o sound_n through_o all_o the_o room_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a and_o effectual_a conviction_n wound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n ah_o when_o
in_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v ephes._n 3._o 9_o to_o make_v all_o man_n see_v what_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o now_o unto_o the_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god._n the_o next_o intention_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o set_v open_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n without_o which_o all_o the_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o gracious_a contrivance_n of_o god_n for_o and_o about_o we_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o real_a advantage_n christ_n stand_v knocking_z and_o speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n of_o which_o we_o have_v before_o treat_v receive_v their_o success_n and_o attain_v their_o end_n when_o the_o heart_n open_v itself_o by_o faith_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o not_o till_o then_o hence_o note_n ix_o doct._n that_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n doct._n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o aim_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n to_o which_o all_o the_o arrow_n in_o the_o gospel_n quiver_n be_v level_v the_o centre_n unto_o which_o those_o bless_a line_n be_v draw_v john_n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v and_o believe_v may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n all_o those_o precious_a truth_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o faith._n the_o great_a aim_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o illumination_n conviction_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n john_n 6._o 29._o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_a opus_fw-la deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la a_o work_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o author_n but_o it_o be_v that_o on_o which_o god_n eye_n be_v fix_v in_o his_o work_n upon_o we_o the_o end_n and_o aim_v of_o his_o work_n great_a person_n have_v great_a design_n this_o be_v the_o glorious_a project_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o every_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v engage_v and_o concern_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o father_n have_v his_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n and_o such_o a_o hand_n as_o without_o it_o no_o heart_n can_v ever_o open_a or_o move_v in_o the_o least_o towards_o christ_n john_n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o say_v christ_n except_o my_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o none_o but_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a can_v raise_v up_o a_o dead_a heart_n unto_o save_a faith_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o son_n hand_n be_v in_o this_o work_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n 3_o and_o then_o for_o the_o spirit_n he_o come_v from_o heaven_n design_o and_o express_o to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o beget_v faith_n in_o they_o john_n 16._o 9_o so_o that_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o heaven_n the_o drist_n and_o level_a both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god._n touch_v this_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v here_o speak_v endeavour_v to_o open_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a project_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o ensue_a property_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o instrument_n employ_v in_o it_o 4._o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o it_o and_o first_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o design_n of_o god_n we_o little_o understand_v what_o a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n by_o faith._n it_o will_v transport_v we_o with_o admiration_n do_v we_o thorough_o consider_v it_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n place_v it_o in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o all_o the_o glorious_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flâ—sh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world._n observe_v with_o what_o work_v of_o wonder_n faith_n be_v here_o rank_v and_o associate_v it_o be_v a_o astonish_a work_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o flesh_n that_o he_o that_o thunder_v in_o the_o cloud_n shall_v be_v hear_v cry_v in_o a_o cradle_n that_o he_o who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o shall_v become_v a_o man._n it_o be_v astonish_v that_o when_o he_o be_v take_v down_o dead_a from_o the_o cross_n lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o the_o stone_n seal_v upon_o it_o he_o shall_v rise_v on_o the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o his_o own_o power_n that_o ever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o such_o a_o miserable_a and_o sorlorn_a people_n as_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o no_o less_o marvellous_a be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o poor_a creature_n glue_v so_o fast_o to_o idolatry_n so_o perfect_o dead_a in_o sin_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n upon_o such_o self-denying_a term_n as_o to_o let_v go_v all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o bless_a inheritance_n which_o they_o never_o see_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a work_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o will_v never_o be_v such_o joy_n and_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n among_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o open_n of_o every_o sinner_n heart_n to_o christ_n luke_n 15._o 7._o the_o whole_a city_n of_o god_n be_v move_v with_o it_o heaven_n ring_v again_o with_o the_o joyful_a tiding_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o will_n begin_v to_o bow_v and_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o news_n be_v quick_o in_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n rejoice_v at_o the_o tiding_n as_o when_o a_o young_a prince_n be_v bear_v the_o conduit_n run_v with_o wine_n there_o be_v joy_n in_o every_o city_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n so_o also_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n when_o christ_n have_v get_v a_o new_a habitation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o any_o sinner_n upon_o earth_n moreover_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o design_n appear_v from_o the_o great_a reward_n promise_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o every_o servant_n of_o he_o who_o have_v but_o the_o least_o hand_n to_o help_v it_o on_o god_n will_v never_o reward_v the_o instrument_n so_o rich_o if_o the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n be_v not_o of_o great_a value_n in_o his_o eye_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v ill_o reward_v by_o man_n perfecute_v and_o reproach_v for_o their_o labour_n but_o god_n will_v bountiful_o repay_v their_o pain_n and_o faithfulness_n dan._n 12._o 3._o they_o that_o turn_v many_o unto_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n and_o as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v it_o a_o very_a great_a and_o important_a design_n upon_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v much_o set_v second_o and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a and_o important_a design_n and_o work_v of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n in_o itself_o a_o work_n who_o difficulty_n surmount_v the_o ability_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o work_n carry_v on_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o the_o great_a opposition_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v note_v rev._n 3._o 7._o that_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o faith._n man_n think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o believe_v but_o if_o you_o consult_v the_o scripture_n you_o will_v quick_o be_v inform_v how_o gross_o you_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n in_o col._n 2._o 12._o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o glorious_a operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n indeed_o you_o know_v it_o astonish_v the_o
yet_o one_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o main_a thing_n sanctify_v grace_n be_v want_v hereupon_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n seize_v his_o soul_n and_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o most_o inward_a search_a experimental_a minister_n and_o crown_v his_o labour_n with_o unusual_a success_n this_o minister_n to_o his_o die_a day_n be_v not_o ashamed_a in_o all_o company_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o mistake_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o recovery_n out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o most_o of_o his_o sermon_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v professor_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o second_o conversion_n 2._o fear_n be_v another_o pull-back_a which_o withhold_v man_n from_o execute_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o obey_v its_o call_n in_o this_o grand_a case_n and_o concern_v of_o the_o soul._n they_o be_v pretty_a easy_a and_o safe_a under_o the_o external_n profession_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o throw_v up_o their_o vain_a hope_n and_o engage_v themselves_o hearty_o and_o thorough_o in_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n scare_v they_o 1_o the_o inward_a pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n attend_v the_o new-birth_n which_o they_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o and_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o in_o other_o oh_o it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o terror_n that_o many_o have_v feel_v and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o one_o that_o have_v a_o bone_n ill_o set_v who_o if_o he_o have_v any_o ease_n will_v rather_o endure_v a_o little_a daily_a pain_n and_o be_v content_a to_o halt_v all_o his_o life_n than_o undergo_v the_o pain_n of_o another_o fraction_n or_o dislocation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o perfect_a cure_n 2_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o external_n suffering_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n leave_v man_n a_o latitude_n to_o take_v or_o leave_v according_a as_o the_o time_n favour_n or_o frown_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o will_v engage_v and_o put_v they_o beyond_o retreat_n they_o must_v then_o stand_v to_o it_o come_v what_o will._n but_o soul_n let_v i_o tell_v thou_o if_o the_o just_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o eternal_a wrath_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o thou_o to_o which_o thy_o hypocrisy_n and_o formality_n will_v expose_v thou_o all_o these_o fear_n of_o inward_a or_o outward_a trouble_n will_v vanish_v the_o same_o hour_n 3._o pride_n of_o heart_n suffer_v not_o this_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n to_o work_v out_o its_o effect_n but_o hold_v this_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n to_o the_o hazard_n and_o ruin_n of_o many_o soul_n man_n that_o live_v upon_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o self-righteousness_n be_v not_o easy_o bring_v to_o renounce_v all_o this_o and_o live_v upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n proud_a nature_n will_v rather_o venture_v the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n than_o such_o self_n denial_n rom._n 10._o 3._o as_o you_o see_v it_o common_a among_o poor_a people_n to_o live_v mean_o on_o coarse_a fare_v of_o their_o own_o than_o upon_o the_o alm_n and_o bounty_n of_o another_o o_o but_o if_o once_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v and_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o feel_v the_o commandment_n come_v home_o to_o his_o conscience_n as_o paul_n do_v rom._n 7._o 9_o when_o he_o come_v to_o realize_v the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o value_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o danger_n it_o be_v in_o then_o all_o these_o remora_n be_v as_o easy_o sweep_v away_o as_o so_o many_o straw_n by_o the_o rapid_a course_n of_o a_o mighty_a torrent_n then_o let_v man_n say_v or_o think_v what_o they_o please_v i_o must_v not_o throw_v away_o my_o own_o soul_n to_o maintain_v a_o vain_a estimation_n among_o man_n let_v inward_a or_o outward_a suffering_n be_v never_o so_o great_a it_o be_v better_a for_o i_o to_o feel_v they_o than_o to_o suffer_v the_o everlasting_a wrath_n of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a god._n let_v my_o own_o righteousness_n be_v what_o it_o will_v all_o be_v but_o dung_n and_o dross_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ._n second_o as_o this_o general_a conviction_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n state_n and_o condition_n be_v hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o man_n and_o woman_n go_v with_o grumble_a conscience_n and_o frequent_a inward_a fear_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o so_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a conviction_n bind_v and_o imprison_v in_o man_n soul_n particular_a conviction_n i_o say_v both_o as_o to_o sin_n commit_v and_o know_v duty_n omit_v against_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n call_v in_o the_o text_n ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n conscience_n labour_n and_o strive_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o confess_v bewail_v and_o reform_v they_o but_o can_v prevail_v contrary_a lust_n and_o interest_n overpower_v they_o and_o detain_v they_o in_o unrighteousness_n what_o these_o be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v withhold_v by_o those_o lust_n i_o shall_v give_v some_o instance_n i._o instance_n and_o first_o for_o conviction_n of_o ungodliness_n there_o be_v many_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n who_o conscience_n tell_v they_o god_n be_v to_o be_v daily_o and_o due_o worship_v by_o they_o both_o in_o family_n and_o closet_n prayer_n it_o set_v before_o they_o iosua_n pious_a practice_n jos._n 24._o 15._o as_o for_o i_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n they_o know_v god_n be_v the_o founder_n the_o owner_n the_o master_n of_o their_o family_n that_o all_o family_n blessing_n be_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v own_v acknowledge_v and_o seek_v in_o daily_a family_n prayer_n and_o praise_n it_o tell_v they_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n hang_v over_o prayerless_a family_n jer._n 10._o 25._o and_o that_o they_o live_v in_o the_o inexcusable_a neglect_n of_o these_o duty_n seldom_o worship_v of_o god_n with_o their_o family_n or_o in_o their_o closet_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world._n and_o dreadful_a will_v the_o account_n and_o reckon_n be_v at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o their_o own_o soul_n which_o they_o have_v starve_v for_o want_n of_o closet_n prayer_n and_o for_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n which_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o family_n duty_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o who_o yet_o will_v needs_o pass_v for_o professor_n of_o christianity_n lord_n how_o sad_a a_o case_n be_v here_o how_o can_v man_n possible_o live_v in_o the_o daily_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n certain_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o light_n or_o conviction_n the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n if_o we_o have_v no_o bibles_n discover_v these_o duty_n but_o three_o thing_n hold_v this_o truth_n of_o god_n dictate_v by_o man_n conscience_n in_o unrighteousness_n viz._n 1._o the_o love_n of_o the_o world._n 2._o consciousness_n of_o inability_n 3._o a_o disincline_v heart_n first_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n choke_v this_o conviction_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o some_o and_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o plead_v for_o their_o excuse_n the_o want_n of_o opportunity_n and_o many_o encumberance_n they_o have_v which_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o time_n for_o these_o duty_n the_o world_n be_v a_o severe_a taskmaster_n and_o fill_v their_o head_n and_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n with_o care_n and_o toil_v and_o must_v the_o mouth_n of_o conscience_n then_o be_v stop_v with_o such_o a_o plea_n as_o this_o no_o no_o god_n and_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v answer_v and_o put_v off_o so_o the_o great_a number_n of_o person_n in_o the_o world_n from_o who_o god_n have_v the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o excellent_a worship_n be_v of_o the_o low_a and_o poor_a rank_n psal._n 74._o 20._o jam._n 2._o 5._o and_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a your_o necessity_n have_v be_v less_o if_o your_o prayer_n have_v be_v more_o and_o what_o sweet_a outlet_n and_o vent_n to_o all_o these_o trouble_n can_v you_o find_v than_o prayer_n this_o will_v sweeten_v all_o your_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n in_o the_o world._n second_o consciousness_n and_o sense_n of_o inability_n and_o want_n of_o gift_n restrain_v this_o conviction_n in_o other_o shall_v they_o attempt_v such_o duty_n before_o other_o they_o shall_v but_o expose_v their_o own_o ignorance_n &_o shame_n but_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n of_o shake_v off_o duty_n the_o neglect_n of_o prayer_n be_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o inability_n you_o complain_v of_o gift_n as_o well_o as_o grace_n grow_v by_o exercise_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n and_o argue_v your_o eye_n to_o be_v more_o upon_o your_o own_o