company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o 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i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n which_o manifest_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o true_o christian_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v find_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a work_n in_o case_n of_o a_o easy_a nature_n than_o this_o here_o of_o this_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n there_o be_v some_o weary_a step_n that_o a_o believer_n must_v take_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o 1._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o finisher_n and_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n and_o beginner_n of_o this_o grace_n faith_n in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o habit_n must_v be_v obtain_v of_o christ_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o to_o tug_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o ought_v be_v no_o easy_a work_n especial_o if_o christ_n 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purity_n and_o sanctity_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n worthy_a of_o his_o company_n but_o these_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o shall_v first_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o will_v help_v they_o to_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o they_o this_o work_n of_o purity_n for_o it_o be_v his_o work_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o purify_v and_o this_o purify_n virtue_n we_o must_v fetch_v from_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n because_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o our_o work_n be_v first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o this_o work_n be_v difficult_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n by_o faith_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n this_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o will_v glad_o have_v something_o of_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o righteousness_n in_o its_o justification_n whereas_o our_o work_n be_v to_o disclaim_v all_o worthyness_n of_o our_o own_o and_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o rope_n about_o our_o neck_n as_o selfcondemned_n person_n lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o justification_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o remain_v any_o measure_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o pride_n christ_n will_v be_v shut_v out_o the_o weary_a step_n of_o self-denial_n in_o this_o case_n the_o sluggish_a christian_a be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v thus_o you_o see_v the_o work_n itself_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o hence_o the_o lazy_a christian_a lie_v down_o upon_o his_o bed_n of_o present_a ease_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o 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oh_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o let_v not_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v you_o and_o as_o in_o faith_n so_o in_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o love_n there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n much_o ado_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o open_v full_o to_o christ_n by_o love_n these_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v so_o lovely_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v much_o steal_v away_o by_o they_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o constant_o present_a with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o suitable_a to_o sense_n by_o which_o we_o too_o much_o live_v that_o
of_o christ_n call_n that_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n great_a contempt_n can_v person_n pour_v upon_o christ_n than_o to_o despise_v and_o set_v light_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v as_o mean_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o ordinary_o be_v christ_n shut_v out_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o trade_n and_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n all_o kind_n of_o commodity_n carry_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a christ_n trade_n be_v very_o low_a the_o commodity_n which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o market_n of_o his_o ordinance_n though_o very_o rich_a and_o costly_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a rate_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o most_o man_n o_o how_o slight_a a_o occasion_n will_v keep_v person_n back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o worldly_a business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v person_n think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o 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time_n to_o meditate_v or_o beg_v god_n blessing_n upon_o what_o they_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o be_v this_o your_o open_n to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n of_o person_n unfruitfulness_n under_o ordinance_n at_o this_o day_n because_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o conscientious_o attend_v nor_o do_v person_n allow_v themselves_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v have_v its_o soak_a influence_n upon_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n sir_n you_o do_v too_o ordinary_o if_o not_o constant_o shut_v out_o christ_n this_o low_a esteem_n that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o we_o do_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o right_o open_a to_o christ_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2.3_o she_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o her_o taste_n but_o these_o have_v 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he_o any_o entertainment_n man_n be_v general_o get_v plunge_v so_o deep_a in_o the_o care_n and_o cumber_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o to_o procure_v admission_n into_o their_o heart_n oh_o how_o busy_a be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n head_n and_o heart_n hand_n and_o foot_n yea_o whole_a soul_n and_o body_n as_o busy_o exercise_v about_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v and_o they_o think_v all_o this_o little_a enough_o too_o they_o think_v they_o get_v little_a enough_o by_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v these_o then_o have_v leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o wonder_v though_o he_o call_v be_v so_o ineffectual_a when_o person_n 〈◊〉_d so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o leisure_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v whether_o that_o which_o they_o be_v about_o or_o 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you_o this_o question_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a business_n which_o you_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n do_v you_o not_o sometime_o find_v leisure_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n dress_z and_o adorn_v the_o body_n you_o will_v say_v yes_o without_o these_o we_o can_v not_o live_v nor_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o follow_v our_o business_n well_o will_v time_n be_v afford_v for_o take_v and_o feed_v upon_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v and_o no_o time_n allow_v for_o feed_v upon_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n read_v john_n 6.27_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n have_v your_o body_n more_o need_n of_o clothes_n to_o cover_v your_o nakedness_n and_o keep_v your_o warm_a than_o your_o soul_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o robe_n or_o garment_n if_o you_o do_v but_o as_o real_o see_v how_o naked_a your_o soul_n look_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n etc._n etc._n you_o will_v be_v as_o much_o ashamed_a of_o yourselves_o as_o you_o will_v now_o be_v to_o have_v man_n see_v your_o body_n naked_a and_o therefore_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o take_v fit_a and_o convenient_a time_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o clothe_v your_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v for_o feed_v and_o clothe_v your_o body_n and_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v not_o your_o precious_a soul_n famish_v and_o starve_v while_o you_o so_o careful_o pamper_v your_o body_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o your_o great_a and_o urgent_a business_n in_o the_o world_n again_o you_o that_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o busy_a about_o the_o world_n and_o have_v your_o time_n and_o thought_n so_o take_v up_o about_o it_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o one_o question_n more_o whether_o do_v you_o judge_v that_o your_o success_n in_o your_o worldly_a affair_n do_v principal_o flow_v from_o your_o own_o wisdom_n care_n and_o pain_n or_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n i_o believe_v that_o few_o or_o none_o of_o you_o will_v be_v so_o audacious_o impious_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o former_a whatever_o you_o think_v but_o rather_o that_o your_o successive_a business_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n and_o if_o so_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n or_o warrant_v you_o can_v expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n when_o you_o wilful_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n against_o his_o well_o belove_a son_n and_o when_o you_o make_v so_o light_a of_o he_o and_o his_o company_n that_o every_o worldly_a trifle_n must_v take_v place_n of_o he_o and_o be_v prefer_v before_o he_o may_v not_o many_o of_o you_o succeed_v better_o in_o your_o worldly_a business_n if_o you_o will_v give_v christ_n better_a entertainment_n in_o your_o 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the_o sleepy_a spouse_n of_o christ_n alarm_v or_o a_o warn_v to_o beware_v of_o drowsiness_n when_o christ_n call_v lest_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o some_o sermon_n upon_o cant._n 5_o and_o the_o beginning_n by_o j._n b._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o matth._n 23.37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o 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destruction_n 1_o thess_n 5.3_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n of_o this_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v to_o prevent_v that_o ruin_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o follow_v upon_o that_o drowsiness_n and_o security_n which_o do_v so_o general_o prevail_v and_o in_o wish_v that_o he_o may_v accomplish_v his_o design_n be_v to_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n if_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o season_n be_v like_o apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n there_o need_v no_o enlarge_n in_o the_o commendation_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o lord_n make_v it_o as_o profitable_a as_o it_o be_v seasonable_a this_o be_v the_o desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o thy_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n nathanael_n vincent_n the_o sleepy_a spouse_n of_o christ_n alarm_v or_o a_o warn_v to_o beware_v of_o drowsiness_n when_o christ_n call_v lest_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n canticle_n 5.2_o 3_o 5_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o belove_a that_o 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condition_n and_o under_o various_a dispensation_n bring_v in_o and_o carry_v on_o by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n and_o discourse_n between_o several_a person_n 3._o the_o person_n speak_v and_o person_n act_v their_o part_n in_o this_o dialogue_n or_o discourse_n be_v principal_o three_o first_o the_o bridegroom_n by_o which_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o bride_n or_o spouse_n by_o which_o understand_v the_o church_n either_o in_o general_a or_o particular_a believer_n 3._o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n and_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o we_o may_v understand_v either_o young_a convert_v or_o visible_a believer_n the_o person_n speak_v of_o be_v 1._o the_o bridegroom_n which_o be_v christ_n 2._o the_o bride_n the_o church_n 3._o the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n which_o be_v the_o minister_n or_o messenger_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o virgin_n or_o daughter_n of_o jerusalem_n young_a candidate_n in_o religion_n and_o professor_n of_o 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sweetness_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o herself_o that_o she_o may_v be_v refresh_v with_o what_o he_o have_v revive_v and_o refresh_v in_o she_o but_o she_o possible_o be_v weary_a with_o wait_v so_o long_o and_o late_o for_o he_o not_o expect_v his_o company_n at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o night_n be_v go_v to_o bed_n and_o fall_v asleep_o as_o she_o herself_o confess_v verse_n the_o 2._o but_o as_o late_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n come_v and_o knock_v and_o she_o hear_v and_o know_v his_o voice_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n what_o he_o say_v to_o she_o as_o she_o have_v but_o now_o make_v her_o suit_n and_o request_n to_o he_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v so_o he_o be_v come_v make_v another_o kind_n and_o love_a motion_n to_o she_o and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o one_o will_v have_v think_v will_v have_v be_v ready_o embrace_v she_o have_v beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o now_o be_v come_v and_o find_v she_o in_o bed_n he_o beg_v of_o she_o that_o she_o will_v open_v to_o he_o and_o let_v he_o in_o but_o alas_o poor_a spouse_n as_o if_o she_o have_v forget_v her_o respect_n to_o her_o husband_n the_o benefit_n and_o desireableness_n of_o his_o company_n and_o her_o own_o request_n so_o late_o make_v she_o give_v he_o a_o flat_a denial_n couch_v under_o some_o complemental_a excuse_n verse_n 3_o i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v it_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o she_o can_v wish_v to_o have_v christ_n but_o be_v too_o lazy_a to_o rise_v out_o of_o her_o bed_n to_o open_v to_o he_o she_o will_v have_v christ_n and_o his_o comfort_n but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o perform_v any_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o he_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n but_o christ_n have_v a_o more_o warm_a heart_n and_o affection_n for_o she_o than_o she_o have_v for_o he_o resolve_v not_o so_o to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o speed_n in_o his_o request_n will_v not_o so_o let_v she_o alone_o and_o therefore_o powerful_a yet_o sweet_o make_v a_o assault_n upon_o the_o door_n of_o her_o heart_n so_o effectual_o move_v upon_o her_o affection_n and_o awaken_n her_o grace_n that_o she_o can_v no_o long_o deny_v but_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o by_o arise_v and_o come_v to_o the_o door_n find_v a_o wonderful_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o herself_o v._o 4_o 5._o my_o belove_a put_v in_o his_o hand_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n and_o my_o bowel_n be_v move_v for_o he_o i_o rise_v up_o to_o open_a to_o my_o belove_a and_o my_o hand_n drop_v with_o myrrh_n and_o my_o finger_n with_o sweet_a smell_a myrrh_n upon_o the_o handle_v of_o the_o lock_n she_o no_o soon_o begin_v to_o act_v faith_n upon_o christ_n but_o she_o
knock_n or_o call_v rev._n 3.20_o i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 22.17_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o isai_n 55.1_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n christ_n knock_v not_o only_o at_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o here_o of_o the_o spouse_n open_v my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a but_o also_o at_o the_o door_n of_o other_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v he_o not_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o own_o regenerate_a one_o he_o call_v for_o the_o awaken_n and_o â—â—â—â—ring_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o yet_o stranger_n to_o he_o he_o call_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o find_v rest_n for_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o to_o believer_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v their_o grace_n that_o be_v already_o implant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o unbeliever_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a soul_n nor_o the_o great_a sinner_n leave_v out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n and_o crimson_a he_o will_v make_v they_o as_o snow_n and_o wool_n isai_n 1.16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o or_o with_o what_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v christ_n do_v not_o ordinary_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o saul_n act._n 9_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n ordinary_o call_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o way_n 1._o christ_n knock_v or_o call_v sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n christ_n many_o time_n send_v some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o other_o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v sleepy_a and_o sluggish_a and_o these_o providence_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n sometime_o such_o as_o we_o call_v mercy_n though_o all_o his_o dispensation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n but_o by_o mercy_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v joyous_a and_o desirable_a for_o the_o present_a he_o sometime_o load_v his_o people_n with_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n hos_fw-la 11.3_o 4._o and_o every_o mercy_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o awaken_n and_o quicken_a spur_n unto_o duty_n therefore_o god_n complain_v hosea_n 2.8_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v they_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n wool_n and_o flax_n silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v serve_v he_o withal_o and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o threaten_v to_o take_v they_o away_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o god_n expostulation_n with_o his_o people_n deut_n 32.6_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v person_n to_o repentance_n god_n expect_v it_o and_o by_o this_o many_o time_n call_v sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o correction_n and_o judgement_n strive_v by_o the_o smartness_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n that_o be_v rather_o harden_v by_o prosperity_n and_o to_o affright_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v his_o own_o people_n out_o of_o that_o sleep_n which_o they_o have_v lull_v themselves_o into_o by_o prosperity_n thus_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n when_o he_o lay_v person_n in_o fetter_n and_o iron_n of_o affliction_n then_o he_o show_v they_o their_o way_n and_o their_o transgression_n wherein_o they_o have_v exceed_v and_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o knock_v usual_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n lead_v the_o way_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o judgement_n and_o the_o rod_n follow_v after_o for_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o but_o if_o need_v be_v they_o must_v be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tribulation_n and_o temptation_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o thus_o god_n call_v by_o his_o providence_n 2._o sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o ordinance_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o faithful_a minister_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n to_o call_v and_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o bid_v guest_n to_o his_o wedding-supper_n matth._n 22._o and_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o be_v their_o work_n which_o they_o be_v send_v about_o and_o be_v give_v they_o in_o charge_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o i_o command_v you_o so_o act_v 26.18_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_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 unto_o god_n christ_n himself_o come_v and_o preach_v for_o this_o end_n and_o his_o doctrine_n or_o sermon_n be_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n matth._n 4.17_o and_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v with_o this_o message_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o every_o minister_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o sermon_n that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o call_n and_o knock_v from_o christ_n to_o open_v unto_o he_o 3._o sometime_o christ_n call_v by_o the_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n thus_o we_o read_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n sermon_n they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o inward_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o conscience_n accompany_v the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n thus_o god_n secret_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 16.14_o and_o thus_o the_o jailor_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v 16.29_o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n this_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n sinner_n many_o time_n have_v when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o do_v not_o always_o give_v heed_n and_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o this_o many_o time_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v lazy_a drowsy_a and_o to_o fall_v asleep_a in_o security_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o not_o to_o quench_v or_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o ephes_n 4.30_o and_o indeed_o the_o two_o former_a way_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v ineffectual_a unless_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o last_o way_n of_o call_v for_o neither_o ordinance_n nor_o providence_n can_v awaken_v sinner_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n by_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o first_o bind_v they_o in_o cord_n and_o then_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n 4._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v for_o what_o end_n christ_n knock_v and_o call_v or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n of_o christ_n knock_n and_o call_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o at_o the_o door_n of_o who_o heart_n he_o call_v but_o usual_o when_o he_o call_v he_o will_v have_v or_o design_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n or_o thing_n 1._o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o deep_a sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n
mortification_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n where_o be_v thy_o sincere_a cordial_a constant_a universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v that_o thy_o rule_n in_o all_o thy_o action_n square_n thy_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n thyself_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n according_a thereunto_o give_v every_o duty_n in_o thy_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n its_o due_a time_n place_n and_o respect_v not_o allow_v the_o world_n to_o engross_v to_o itself_o what_o proper_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o put_v off_o god_n with_o such_o homage_n and_o service_n as_o may_v better_v fit_a and_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o our_o worldly_a concernment_n my_o meaning_n be_v our_o invert_v or_o go_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_n or_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 6.33_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n keep_v god_n and_o his_o interest_n above_o and_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o world_n if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n wherein_o thy_o soul_n in_o some_o measure_n abound_v never_o tell_v i_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o true_o open_a to_o christ_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o thy_o unfruitfulness_n remain_v in_o measure_n and_o part_n at_o least_o shut_v against_o christ_n notwithstanding_o thy_o pretence_n to_o open_v to_o he_o how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o then_o friend_n in_o what_o posture_n do_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n be_v they_o open_a or_o shut_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n his_o call_n have_v be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o question_n that_o be_v now_o put_v to_o your_o conscience_n to_o make_v answer_n to_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o suffer_v your_o conscience_n to_o speak_v and_o to_o speak_v out_o what_o they_o know_v and_o can_v tell_v you_o in_o this_o case_n stifle_v they_o not_o bribe_v they_o not_o turn_v not_o the_o deaf_a ear_n to_o what_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v god_n deputy_n within_o you_o and_o if_o these_o condemn_v you_o know_v that_o god_n be_v great_a than_o your_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n you_o may_v deceive_v man_n you_o may_v deceive_v yourselves_o but_o god_n you_o can_v deceive_v christ_n know_v what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v and_o he_o will_v make_v you_o to_o know_v it_o one_o day_n also_o and_o therefore_o deal_v faithful_o with_o yourselves_o and_o if_o by_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v lay_v before_o you_o we_o may_v try_v ourselves_o this_o may_v lead_v many_o of_o we_o at_o least_o to_o another_o work_n which_o may_v be_v a_o 3._o use_v here_o lie_v before_o we_o matter_n of_o deep_a humiliation_n that_o so_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a call_v of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o his_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n have_v find_v such_o cold_a and_o poor_a entertainment_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o this_o i_o will_v not_o much_o enlarge_v upon_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v within_o some_o convenient_a bound_n it_o be_v too_o obvious_a and_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n desire_v of_o he_o and_o frequent_a implore_v his_o company_n by_o prayer_n we_o have_v in_o too_o sad_a and_o shameful_a a_o manner_n shut_v he_o out_o at_o his_o come_n though_o his_o call_n have_v be_v visible_a and_o convince_a how_o may_v we_o then_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o this_o our_o behaviour_n will_v be_v resent_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o that_o from_o what_o they_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o christ_n his_o withdraw_n for_o a_o time_n if_o not_o total_a departure_n but_o from_o what_o usage_n christ_n have_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n without_o look_v any_o further_a abroad_o we_o may_v find_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o by_o that_o time_n all_o reckon_n and_o account_n be_v cast_v up_o if_o christ_n do_v depart_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o departure_n will_v be_v find_v among_o his_o own_o profess_v people_n such_o as_o have_v call_v upon_o his_o name_n cry_v after_o he_o and_o profess_v themselves_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o his_o company_n and_o yet_o when_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n he_o have_v come_v have_v not_o hearty_o and_o full_o open_v unto_o he_o mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o here_o mean_a by_o these_o person_n of_o who_o i_o be_o speak_v only_a hypocrite_n and_o such_o as_o make_v only_o a_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n though_o there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o these_o in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o sincere_a believer_n who_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o truth_n of_o grace_n within_o they_o and_o shall_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o blemish_n be_v find_v at_o christ_n right-hand_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o yet_o have_v too_o sad_o shut_v out_o christ_n when_o he_o have_v come_v and_o call_v in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n think_v not_o this_o impossible_a for_o in_o my_o text_n it_o be_v the_o spouse_n the_o bride_n of_o christ_n that_o thus_o unkind_o treat_v he_o when_o he_o stand_v at_o her_o door_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v he_o have_v find_v no_o better_a entertainment_n from_o we_o what_o cause_n then_o have_v we_o to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v lest_o christ_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o here_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o humility_n and_o brokenness_n of_o heart_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v resolve_v against_o this_o unworthy_a ungrateful_a and_o undutiful_a behaviour_n towards_o our_o lord_n and_o husband_n but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o a_o ______o 4._o use_v viz._n of_o exhortation_n to_o beseech_v you_o all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o open_a to_o the_o call_v and_o knock_v of_o christ_n lay_v aside_o all_o excuse_n whatsoever_o o_o let_v christ_n have_v your_o heart_n let_v he_o have_v warm_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n there_o do_v i_o need_v here_o to_o use_v argument_n or_o summon_v in_o the_o topic_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o quicken_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o embrace_v this_o reasonable_a motion_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v use_v all_o the_o argument_n i_o can_v invent_v or_o that_o i_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o mouth_n and_o pen_n of_o other_o man_n will_v these_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o you_o if_o christ_n his_o own_o word_n and_o argument_n can_v prevail_v can_v i_o in_o this_o case_n or_o any_o man_n breathe_v say_v more_o for_o christ_n than_o he_o can_v and_o do_v speak_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n can_v how_o shall_v i_o think_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o if_o either_o friendly_a compellation_n earnest_a entreaty_n or_o strong_a argument_n may_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o be_v want_v in_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o power_n and_o weak_a ability_n to_o unfold_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o and_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o only_o beg_v your_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o they_o and_o consider_v their_o weight_n and_o importance_n see_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o preponderate_a and_o outweigh_v all_o argument_n that_o your_o carnal_a deceitful_a heart_n a_o subtle_a devil_n and_o a_o allure_a whorish_a world_n can_v bring_v against_o this_o duty_n only_o give_v i_o leave_v in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o expostulate_v the_o case_n a_o little_a with_o you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o 1._o how_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o life_n you_o think_v to_o live_v without_o christ_n and_o without_o his_o company_n in_o your_o heart_n serious_o meditate_v upon_o this_o before_o you_o give_v a_o answer_n do_v you_o think_v to_o live_v to_o more_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o yourselves_o without_o than_o with_o christ_n be_v christ_n no_o gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o your_o soul_n will_v he_o bring_v no_o profit_n and_o advantage_n with_o he_o be_v not_o his_o head_n fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n have_v not_o he_o the_o command_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o withhold_v
the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o 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rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o 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deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o