we_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o cast_v away_o our_o lust_n and_o sin_n but_o our_o heart_n must_v be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v he_o by_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n beautify_v and_o enrich_v they_o with_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a qualification_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o be_v earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n that_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n may_v come_v down_o upon_o we_o and_o make_v our_o heart_n and_o soul_n meet_v temple_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o iv_o go_v forth_o unto_o christ_n by_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o all_o occasion_n let_v christ_n dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n ephes_n 3.17_o according_a to_o every_o alteration_n in_o your_o condition_n and_o according_a to_o all_o the_o diversity_n of_o providence_n do_v you_o look_v unto_o christ_n exercise_n faith_n on_o he_o and_o by_o faith_n fetch_v supply_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o v._o meditate_v much_o and_o often_o on_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n read_v over_o the_o gospel_n the_o several_a apostolical_a epistle_n and_o the_o many_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n especial_o isa_n 63._o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o remarkable_a passage_n there_o relate_v to_o christ_n declare_v his_o condescension_n and_o love_n weigh_v they_o serious_o and_o press_v they_o upon_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n dwell_v on_o these_o matter_n in_o thy_o thought_n and_o expostulate_v with_o thyself_o about_o they_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v my_o nature_n have_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n condescend_v to_o live_v here_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n do_v he_o patient_o undergo_v all_o the_o unjust_a affront_v and_o contempt_n of_o lewd_a and_o profane_a people_n do_v he_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o actual_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o the_o most_o open_a scandalous_a curse_a linguer_a and_o painful_a kind_n of_o death_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v all_o this_o for_o my_o sake_n o_o incomprehensible_a love_n what_o shall_v i_o return_v unto_o my_o saviour_n for_o all_o this_o i_o can_v never_o love_v christ_n enough_o may_v i_o never_o cease_v admire_v the_o many_o instance_n wherein_o his_o love_n have_v break_v forth_o unto_o i_o may_v i_o so_o wonder_v at_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o love_n to_o christ_n may_v shine_v through_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o my_o life_n may_v i_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o i_o do_v arrive_v at_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o my_o saviour_n in_o his_o own_o kingdom_n what_o have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v so_o much_o for_o i_o have_v he_o reveal_v such_o truth_n make_v such_o promise_n suffer_v such_o sorrow_n submit_v to_o such_o a_o death_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o many_o glorious_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n relate_v concern_v he_o do_v he_o now_o reign_v in_o heaven_n and_o have_v he_o purchase_v such_o bless_a inheritance_n and_o satisfy_a treasure_n for_o poor_a sinner_n nay_o do_v he_o still_o importune_v and_o entreat_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o his_o benefit_n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v oppose_v his_o motion_n and_o resist_v his_o love_n any_o long_o shall_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v slight_v and_o exclude_v still_o by_o i_o shall_v i_o wilful_o cast_v away_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o stubborn_o neglect_v this_o great_a salvation_n god_n forbid_v shall_v it_o be_v write_v on_o my_o grave_n here_o lie_v the_o sturdy_a ungrateful_a wretch_n that_o do_v wilful_o resist_v jesus_n christ_n the_o wretch_n that_o resolve_v to_o force_v his_o way_n to_o hell_n through_o all_o the_o impediment_n and_o discouragement_n infinite_a justice_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n have_v lay_v in_o his_o way_n that_o vile_a unpitiable_a miscreant_n that_o will_v damn_v himself_o in_o spite_n of_o love_n itself_o vi_o converse_v much_o with_o those_o who_o be_v experience_a christian_n and_o have_v much_o acquaintance_n with_o christ_n he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o a_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v prov._n 13.20_o such_o people_n will_v very_o much_o assist_v thou_o in_o thy_o close_n with_o christ_n by_o their_o discourse_n exhortation_n and_o practice_n they_o can_v tell_v thou_o such_o thing_n concern_v christ_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n as_o will_v warm_v and_o melt_v thy_o heart_n and_o inflame_v thy_o affection_n they_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o thy_o help_n by_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n by_o the_o account_n they_o can_v give_v thou_o off_o their_o own_o experience_n by_o their_o watchfulness_n over_o thou_o and_o by_o their_o fervent_a effectual_a prayer_n for_o thou_o vii_o labour_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o motion_n and_o working_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n and_o close_o with_o and_o improve_v every_o one_o of_o they_o when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o exert_v any_o of_o they_o towards_o thyself_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o call_v he_o do_v give_v thou_o in_o his_o word_n and_o the_o awaken_n visit_n he_o do_v make_v thou_o by_o his_o providential_a occurrence_n and_o improve_v these_o to_o put_v thou_o on_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n and_o close_o walk_v after_o he_o and_o to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v in_o thou_o more_o fervent_a desire_n after_o communion_n with_o he_o viii_o conscientious_o frequent_a those_o ordinance_n wherein_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o more_o especial_a presence_n prepare_v thyself_o careful_o to_o meet_v thy_o lord_n and_o come_v with_o passionate_a desire_n and_o confident_a expectation_n ground_v on_o his_o faithfulness_n word_n and_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v exhibit_v himself_o unto_o those_o soul_n that_o sincere_o long_a and_o wait_v for_o he_o ix_o last_o faithful_o resign_v and_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o christ_n when_o thy_o heart_n be_v affect_v true_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o christ_n love_n then_o desire_v he_o by_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v thou_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o and_o make_v a_o hearty_a faithful_a entire_a resignation_n of_o thyself_o unto_o he_o o_o bless_a jesus_n most_o holy_a saviour_n i_o be_o unworthy_a i_o acknowledge_v to_o make_v use_n of_o thy_o name_n i_o have_v often_o resist_v and_o sin_v against_o thy_o constrain_a love_n but_o i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a now_o that_o ever_o i_o do_v so_o o_o compassionate_a and_o tender-hearted_a saviour_n reject_v not_o a_o humble_a return_v mourn_a penitent_a embrace_v i_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o admit_v i_o into_o thy_o favour_n the_o more_o stubborn_a and_o headstrong_a and_o wilful_a i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o abundant_o let_v thy_o grace_n be_v manifest_v towards_o i_o and_o bring_v i_o under_o the_o more_o powerful_a influence_n of_o thy_o love_n lord_n seize_z by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o grace_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o soul_n gracious_a saviour_n who_o bowel_n have_v ever_o yearned_a over_o the_o miserable_a and_o who_o have_v be_v always_o compassionate_a and_o gracious_a to_o the_o unworthy_a favourable_o accept_v of_o this_o poor_a oblation_n lord_n it_o be_v the_o purchase_n of_o thy_o own_o blood_n o_o reject_v not_o despise_v not_o cast_v not_o away_o what_o thou_o have_v buy_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n lord_n here_o be_v my_o soul_n my_o body_n my_o heart_n my_o affection_n my_o mind_n my_o judgement_n my_o will_n lord_n here_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v lord_n i_o resign_v up_o all_o unto_o thou_o without_o any_o reservation_n do_v with_o all_o as_o please_v thou_o best_o only_o accept_v of_o they_o o_o lord_n i_o love_v thou_o above_o all_o i_o desire_v with_o my_o whole_a soul_n to_o love_v thou_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o lord_n dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n rule_n over_o my_o whole_a man_n bring_v all_o my_o power_n unto_o a_o true_a and_o sound_a subjection_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o thou_o in_o every_o thing_n may_v my_o soul_n always_o admire_v thou_o my_o heart_n love_v thou_o my_o tongue_n praise_v thou_o my_o lip_n speak_v of_o thy_o glory_n and_o goodness_n may_v my_o life_n glorify_v thou_o may_v i_o in_o every_o part_n of_o my_o practice_n serve_v and_o honour_v thou_o may_v all_o my_o faculty_n and_o member_n be_v ready_a and_o faithful_a servant_n for_o and_o unto_o thou_o lord_n i_o long_o to_o be_v with_o thou_o my_o soul_n pant_v after_o thou_o for_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v phil._n 1.21_o finis_fw-la
thing_n be_v require_v to_o and_o import_v by_o our_o receive_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n one_a hear_v his_o voice_n two_o open_v unto_o he_o but_o before_o i_o speak_v particular_o to_o these_o thing_n let_v i_o observe_v to_o you_o from_o the_o general_a indefinite_a expression_n here_o use_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o exclude_v any_o one_o person_n from_o enjoy_v he_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o gracious_a presence_n provide_v he_o will_v but_o comply_v with_o he_o and_o accept_v of_o his_o gracious_a offer_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o and_o dwell_v with_o any_o person_n who_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n and_o give_v he_o admittance_n he_o will_v not_o refuse_v you_o for_o any_o personal_a unworthiness_n or_o because_o you_o have_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o notorious_a transgressor_n he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o he_o invite_v all_o without_o exception_n isa_n 55.1_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n any_o man_n though_o ever_o so_o poor_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o violent_a and_o fierce_a against_o i_o though_o his_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o many_o never_o so_o great_a never_o so_o heinous_a yet_o if_o he_o will_v but_o hear_v my_o voice_n obey_v my_o call_n and_o open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v accept_v of_o he_o i_o will_v be_v his_o guest_n and_o impart_v unto_o he_o myself_o my_o merit_n and_o the_o comfort_n satisfaction_n and_o benefit_n arise_v therefrom_o we_o have_v very_a signal_n evidence_n of_o this_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n peter_n after_o his_o most_o detestable_a denial_n of_o christ_n be_v receive_v into_o favour_n paul_n though_o he_o have_v be_v such_o a_o outrageous_a persecutor_n find_v mercy_n and_o be_v make_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o useful_a apostle_n the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o any_o that_o will_v accept_v of_o he_o christ_n have_v put_v no_o bar_n no_o impediment_n no_o hindrance_n in_o any_o man_n way_n if_o we_o do_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o if_o we_o reap_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n the_o fault_n be_v our_o own_o even_o because_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v he_o when_o he_o come_v unto_o we_o and_o entreat_v for_o admittance_n he_o come_v to_o and_o seek_v after_o the_o most_o unworthy_a mark_v 2.17_o he_o come_v to_o save_v sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o he_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v the_o lose_a he_o except_v none_o if_o they_o renounce_v their_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n isa_n 55.7_o the_o term_n he_o propose_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o reap_v all_o this_o advantage_n be_v but_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n one_a hear_v his_o voice_n this_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o attend_v to_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o argument_n he_o do_v urge_v to_o obtain_v admittance_n i_o have_v give_v you_o before_o a_o short_a account_n of_o these_o argument_n but_o this_o instruct_v we_o that_o a_o heedful_a attentive_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v ordinary_o requisite_a to_o a_o due_a receive_n of_o christ_n into_o our_o heart_n a_o unruly_a froward_a temper_n that_o be_v impatient_a of_o spiritual_a advice_n instruction_n reproof_n etc._n etc._n and_o fume_n and_o chafe_v on_o all_o such_o occasion_n and_o apply_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o course_n to_o divert_v from_o serious_a consideration_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o unhappy_a temper_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o hear_n christ_n voice_n do_v import_v people_n may_v attend_v to_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o design_n no_o more_o than_o to_o obtain_v some_o embellishment_n in_o their_o discourse_n or_o they_o may_v have_v some_o design_n not_o true_o useful_a and_o commendable_a indeed_o god_n may_v make_v his_o word_n to_o fasten_v and_o prove_v effectual_a to_o those_o who_o have_v none_o of_o the_o best_a purpose_n in_o harken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o discourage_v any_o man_n absolute_o from_o attend_v whatever_o he_o may_v propose_v to_o himself_o in_o so_o do_v because_o the_o word_n may_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o beyond_o expectation_n mr._n bilney_n report_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o buy_v and_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o because_o erasmus_n have_v translate_v it_o into_o excellent_a latin_a yet_o it_o please_v god_n when_o he_o read_v 1_o tim._n 1.15_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v particular_o fix_v on_o those_o word_n so_o that_o god_n make_v they_o effectual_a for_o his_o conversion_n and_o reformation_n but_o such_o instance_n be_v something_o out_o of_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a road_n therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n do_v note_v something_o more_o than_o bare_a attendance_n to_o his_o voice_n 2._o it_o do_v note_v the_o influence_n the_o argument_n our_o saviour_n do_v use_v have_v on_o our_o affection_n and_o heart_n attention_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a expedient_a for_o the_o make_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o have_v some_o efficacy_n on_o we_o when_o we_o diligent_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v we_o have_v impression_n ordinary_o make_v on_o our_o mind_n which_o bear_v some_o proportion_n with_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v import_v here_o by_o hear_v christ_n voice_n those_o impression_n which_o the_o serious_a consider_v what_o he_o have_v propose_v occasion_n to_o be_v fasten_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n the_o affection_n and_o disposition_n of_o soul_n which_o do_v result_v from_o our_o harken_v to_o his_o voice_n which_o be_v something_o betwixt_o bare_a hear_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v the_o result_n fruit_n and_o consequent_a of_o the_o former_a and_o a_o good_a and_o proper_a preparative_a to_o the_o latter_a two_o open_v the_o door_n this_o be_v the_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n to_o note_v our_o receive_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o do_v import_v our_o compliance_n with_o he_o our_o free_a and_o sincere_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o he_o as_o a_o person_n who_o be_v in_o a_o house_n when_o another_o who_o be_v the_o right_a owner_n of_o it_o come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o party_n within_o his_o claim_n to_o that_o house_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v he_o be_v the_o true_a owner_n of_o that_o house_n and_o have_v authority_n to_o require_v the_o possession_n to_o be_v deliver_v up_o unto_o he_o the_o party_n within_o harken_v to_o what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v and_o be_v convince_v and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o his_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v that_o demand_v he_o open_v the_o door_n to_o he_o and_o admit_v he_o into_o the_o house_n not_o only_o in_o point_n of_o common_a civility_n but_o so_o as_o own_v his_o propriety_n and_o deliver_v up_o the_o possession_n to_o he_o thus_o open_v to_o christ_n do_v note_v our_o give_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o and_o own_v he_o for_o the_o only_a true_a lawful_a sovereign_n owner_n and_o governor_n of_o they_o our_o receive_n christ_n be_v not_o right_a till_o we_o arrive_v at_o this_o point_n people_n may_v give_v attendance_n to_o christ_n voice_n and_o have_v their_o affection_n and_o heart_n in_o some_o measure_n move_v and_o influence_v by_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o corruption_n may_v prevail_v and_o keep_v they_o from_o resign_v up_o the_o possession_n to_o he_o nay_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o often_o thus_o with_o the_o true_o godly_a that_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o upon_o some_o affection_n and_o sense_n beget_v in_o they_o upon_o their_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o saviour_n resign_v up_o themselves_o and_o comply_v with_o his_o demand_n as_o they_o shall_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.2_o 4_o etc._n etc._n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o her_o belove_a she_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o voice_n and_o seem_v to_o attend_v to_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 2._o and_o though_o she_o make_v several_a excuse_n yet_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v his_o voice_n have_v some_o influence_n on_o she_o ver._n 4._o my_o bowel_n be_v move_v for_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o she_o do_v not_o open_a unto_o he_o he_o be_v provoke_v to_o withdraw_v and_o go_v his_o way_n vers_n 6._o but_o i_o will_v not_o confine_v myself_o strict_o to_o a_o minute_n enquiry_n into_o the_o extent_n of_o these_o phrase_n use_v in_o the_o
because_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v often_o compare_v to_o and_o call_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n a_o habitation_n god_n have_v a_o secret_a and_o real_a commerce_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n he_o communicate_v much_o of_o himself_o and_o impart_v his_o heavenly_a grace_n unto_o every_o such_o person_n he_o set_v up_o his_o government_n in_o that_o soul_n and_o he_o express_v his_o gracious_a concernment_n with_o that_o soul_n by_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o make_v that_o person_n his_o house_n and_o habitation_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o joh._n 14.23_o see_v isa_n 57.15_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v very_o gracious_a proposal_n to_o we_o he_o offer_v we_o his_o blessing_n his_o grace_n his_o spirit_n the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n himself_o and_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v we_o to_o accept_v of_o these_o and_o give_v they_o room_n in_o our_o heart_n his_o address_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n persuasion_n and_o tender_v of_o these_o to_o we_o be_v call_v his_o knock_n at_o the_o door_n our_o learning_n of_o he_o accept_v of_o and_o close_v with_o his_o tender_v be_v call_v our_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a here_o to_o take_v notice_n 1._o of_o our_o saviour_n posture_n 2._o of_o his_o gesture_n 1._o his_o posture_n behold_v i_o stand_v which_o note_v both_o his_o patience_n how_o long_o he_o do_v wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v a_o good_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a for_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o note_n a_o readiness_n of_o departure_n if_o he_o be_v not_o admit_v 2._o his_o gesture_n and_o knock_v which_o note_v his_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o he_o make_v his_o visit_n unto_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o depart_v without_o bestow_v some_o blessing_n he_o seem_v resolve_v not_o to_o take_v a_o denial_n he_o will_v fasten_v some_o good_a some_o blessing_n on_o thou_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o ingenuity_n or_o of_o modesty_n in_o thou_o the_o phrase_n be_v take_v from_o what_o be_v ordinary_o observe_v in_o the_o visit_n which_o people_n make_v to_o one_o another_o as_o the_o person_n which_o go_v to_o see_v another_o do_v common_o stand_v before_o the_o door_n of_o that_o house_n where_o the_o other_n be_v abide_v be_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v entrance_n knock_n and_o make_v a_o noise_n at_o the_o door_n till_o if_o any_o one_o be_v in_o the_o house_n he_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o argue_v he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o discourse_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o person_n he_o come_v to_o visit_v thus_o christ_n set_v forth_o his_o desire_n and_o his_o earnestness_n to_o have_v some_o commerce_n and_o familiarity_n with_o poor_a sinner_n he_o wait_v he_o knock_v he_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o importunity_n with_o they_o the_o doctrine_n i_o design_v to_o insist_v on_o a_o little_a from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o doct._n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v wait_v long_o and_o use_v much_o importunity_n with_o sinner_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o his_o benefit_n he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n long_o and_o knock_v often_o before_o we_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o he_o and_o open_a unto_o he_o indeed_o his_o own_o people_n and_o servant_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o forget_v he_o and_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o wait_v and_o stay_v long_o when_o he_o make_v he_o after_o address_n to_o they_o before_o they_o rise_v and_o let_v he_o in_o we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o he_o and_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o excuse_n for_o our_o not_o give_v he_o so_o speedy_a and_o grateful_a a_o reception_n as_o we_o owe_v he_o how_o often_o do_v even_a believer_n forget_v themselves_o and_o grow_v so_o remiss_a and_o drowsy_a as_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o deny_v they_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o love_n so_o that_o they_o must_v seek_v long_o and_o undergo_v much_o trouble_n before_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o again_o this_o you_o may_v see_v full_o prove_v if_o you_o serious_o read_v and_o weigh_v the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o song_n of_o solomon_n from_o v._o one_a to_o the_o 9th_o and_o if_o those_o who_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n understand_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o his_o excellency_n and_o taste_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v may_v grow_v so_o negligent_a and_o careless_a it_o can_v be_v very_o much_o wonder_v at_o if_o christ_n when_o he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o other_o who_o be_v still_o in_o their_o natural_a estate_n be_v not_o present_o hearken_v unto_o but_o must_v use_v importunity_n before_o he_o find_v admittance_n but_o yet_o the_o sinner_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o hear_v he_o and_o comply_v with_o he_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o ill_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v it_o now_o this_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o who_o be_v already_o regenerate_v and_o what_o need_v the_o best_a have_v to_o be_v always_o on_o their_o watch_n and_o likewise_o how_o strange_o stupid_a and_o stubborn_a people_n be_v till_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n their_o heart_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v on_o and_o awaken_v and_o o_o how_o wonderful_a be_v the_o condescension_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o that_o he_o take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o and_o do_v with_o such_o patience_n and_o earnestness_n court_n and_o strive_v to_o overcome_v such_o vile_a such_o senseless_a and_o such_o unworthy_a creature_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o first_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o not_o we_o of_o he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o if_o christ_n do_v never_o love_n and_o importune_v we_o we_o shall_v never_o love_v he_o shall_v not_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n we_o shall_v never_o think_v of_o nor_o look_v after_o he_o in_o good_a earnest_n how_o shall_v we_o stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o it_o be_v when_o we_o be_v enemy_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n that_o he_o come_v and_o entreat_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o god_n may_v easy_o and_o full_o have_v glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o our_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o yet_o how_o earnest_n be_v he_o with_o we_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o his_o kindness_n it_o be_v whilst_o we_o lie_v wallow_v in_o our_o blood_n without_o pity_n that_o he_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o we_o and_o say_v unto_o we_o live_v it_o be_v christ_n work_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o himself_o he_o love_v we_o first_o he_o manifest_v his_o love_n first_o and_o he_o make_v those_o discovery_n of_o his_o love_n powerful_a &_o of_o force_n to_o work_v upon_o our_o stubborn_a nature_n and_o hard_a heart_n before_o we_o will_v yield_v and_o acknowledge_v either_o our_o own_o emptiness_n and_o need_n of_o he_o or_o his_o wonderful_a love_n and_o condescension_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o she_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v say_v to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n hos_n 2.23_o you_o see_v christ_n speak_v first_o before_o we_o acknowledge_v he_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o have_v such_o regard_n unto_o he_o what_o a_o miracle_n of_o condescension_n and_o love_n be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a god_n shall_v thus_o court_v and_o solicit_v dust_n and_o ash_n shall_v represent_v himself_o so_o in_o love_n with_o sinful_a worm_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v i._o to_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v this_o of_o christ_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o sinner_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o ii_o to_o show_v you_o what_o our_o receive_n of_o christ_n do_v import_v iii_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o main_a instance_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o receive_v of_o christ_n into_o our_o heart_n iv_o to_o offer_v a_o reason_n or_o two_o why_o christ_n be_v thus_o importunate_a with_o sinner_n v._o to_o make_v
lord_n i_o throw_v myself_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o thy_o grace_n o_o reject_v i_o not_o but_o grant_v i_o may_v be_v find_v in_o thou_o and_o may_v have_v thy_o righteousness_n to_o commend_v i_o 4._o our_o receive_n christ_n do_v note_n our_o comply_v with_o his_o term_n most_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v at_o last_o provide_v they_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v at_o present_a but_o christ_n must_v be_v accept_v on_o his_o own_o term_n he_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n if_o we_o will_v conclude_v on_o good_a ground_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v christ_n we_o must_v see_v to_o it_o that_o we_o sincere_o forsake_v our_o former_a lust_n and_o sin_n which_o so_o long_o separate_v betwixt_o we_o and_o our_o god_n and_o for_o which_o christ_n do_v undergo_v and_o suffer_v such_o press_a and_o astonish_a sorrow_n and_o punishment_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n etc._n etc._n isa_n 55.7_o we_o must_v believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o out_o of_o pure_a love_n he_o do_v assume_v our_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o reconcile_v we_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a author_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n and_o we_o must_v rely_v and_o depend_v upon_o he_o only_o for_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n we_o must_v devote_v ourselves_o to_o live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o and_o make_v conscience_n of_o attend_v to_o and_o walk_v in_o all_o christ_n commandment_n and_o we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o get_v all_o this_o clear_v and_o evidence_v to_o ourselves_o from_o scripture-ground_n be_v thou_o true_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o thy_o lust_n to_o mortify_v thy_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o die_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o to_o sin_n to_o be_v crucify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v all_o that_o fight_v against_o thy_o soul_n do_v thou_o labour_v to_o exercise_v faith_n vigorous_o be_v it_o thy_o business_n to_o eye_n christ_n continual_o do_v thou_o fetch_v all_o thy_o strength_n and_o supply_n from_o he_o be_v all_o thy_o hope_n and_o expectation_n lay_v up_o in_o he_o do_v thou_o without_o any_o reservation_n give_v up_o thyself_o to_o christ_n be_v it_o thy_o hearty_a desire_n study_n care_n and_o endeavour_v continual_o to_o imitate_v and_o please_v christ_n 5._o our_o receive_n christ_n do_v import_v our_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o his_o relation_n it_o be_v a_o great_a reflection_n on_o some_o who_o follow_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o for_o the_o loaf_n with_o which_o he_o feed_v they_o and_o not_o for_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v whereby_o his_o divinity_n be_v attest_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v undeniable_o evidence_v and_o confirm_v and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o severe_a a_o reflection_n upon_o we_o shall_v christ_n lay_v it_o to_o our_o charge_n that_o though_o we_o pretend_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o one_o relation_n yet_o we_o refuse_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o his_o other_o relation_n that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v he_o to_o be_v our_o priest_n to_o suffer_v for_o we_o but_o will_v not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o his_o yoke_n but_o do_v resolute_o cast_v his_o law_n behind_o our_o back_n and_o determine_v that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o we_o but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a for_o his_o sake_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n as_o well_o as_o to_o wear_v the_o crown_n to_o submit_v to_o do_v his_o work_n as_o well_o as_o to_o expect_v and_o receive_v the_o recompense_n and_o wage_n he_o do_v bestow_v we_o must_v take_v he_o as_o our_o king_n as_o our_o husband_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o as_o our_o owner_n and_o perform_v to_o he_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o concern_v we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o subject_n his_o spouse_n his_o servant_n and_o people_n in_o who_o he_o have_v a_o undeniable_a property_n we_o shall_v complain_v to_o christ_n of_o our_o hard_a and_o inflexible_a heart_n our_o unruly_a and_o tumultuous_a affection_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o wickedness_n which_o we_o find_v strong_a in_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v earnest_a with_o he_o in_o desire_v his_o powerful_a govern_v presence_n in_o and_o with_o we_o that_o our_o lust_n may_v be_v conquer_v our_o affection_n tame_v make_v moderate_a and_o sanctify_a and_o that_o our_o stubborn_a heart_n may_v be_v make_v soft_a and_o pliable_a we_o must_v take_v he_o for_o our_o priest_n expect_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n as_o what_o be_v due_a to_o what_o we_o can_v do_v of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o rely_v whole_o on_o christ_n we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o any_o pardon_n but_o what_o christ_n blood_n have_v purchase_v nor_o any_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o what_o christ_n do_v by_o his_o intercession_n obtain_v for_o we_o we_o must_v take_v he_o for_o our_o prophet_n to_o teach_v direct_v and_o guide_v we_o and_o to_o advise_v and_o counsel_v we_o we_o be_v natural_o ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o the_o thing_n which_o most_o of_o all_o concern_v we_o and_o we_o can_v get_v a_o sound_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o by_o his_o instruction_n who_o be_v the_o great_a revealer_n of_o they_o even_o jesus_n christ_n as_o prophet_n those_o who_o will_v receive_v christ_n aright_o must_v learn_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v his_o voice_n and_o dialect_n that_o whensoever_o they_o hear_v it_o they_o may_v follow_v he_o john_n 10.4_o christ_n be_v the_o truth_n the_o way_n and_o the_o life_n and_o there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o or_o know_v of_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o john_n 14.6_o we_o must_v take_v he_o for_o our_o great_a teacher_n we_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o learn_v whatever_o he_o shall_v instruct_v we_o in_o and_o embrace_v and_o receive_v every_o direction_n he_o shall_v give_v we_o consider_v therefore_o with_o yourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o whether_o you_o have_v sincere_o give_v up_o yourselves_o to_o his_o government_n do_v willing_o submit_v to_o his_o law_n do_v cheerful_o consent_v that_o he_o shall_v rule_v over_o you_o do_v you_o depend_v only_o on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o merit_n and_o do_v you_o rejoice_v in_o his_o light_n do_v you_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o master_n a_o father_n a_o brother_n a_o friend_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v you_o demean_v yourselves_o to_o he_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o your_o relation_n as_o by_o the_o obligation_n arise_v from_o such_o relation_n you_o be_v bind_v unto_o mal._n 1.6_o 6._o our_o receive_n christ_n into_o our_o heart_n do_v import_v our_o have_v a_o transcendent_a and_o extraordinary_a love_n for_o christ_n no_o man_n be_v worthy_a to_o follow_v christ_n or_o be_v own_v by_o he_o that_o can_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n for_o his_o sake_n christ_n will_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n in_o that_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o entire_o give_v up_o and_o resign_v to_o he_o our_o love_v other_o thing_n either_o with_o a_o equal_a or_o a_o great_a love_n than_o what_o we_o have_v for_o christ_n render_v we_o whole_o unfit_a to_o enjoy_v he_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o those_o special_a communication_n he_o will_v otherwise_o vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o we_o and_o call_v for_o admittance_n he_o come_v not_o like_o a_o stranger_n to_o stay_v for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o a_o friend_n nay_o a_o owner_n to_o take_v up_o his_o fix_a residence_n and_o make_v his_o constant_a abode_n with_o we_o a_o little_a outward_a ceremony_n and_o common_a courtesy_n do_v suffice_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o such_o as_o make_v visit_n accidental_o or_o for_o who_o there_o be_v no_o very_o great_a respect_n but_o love_n be_v necessary_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o personal_a constant_a abode_n and_o a_o mutual_a friendly_a converse_n together_o christ_n must_v have_v our_o whole_a heart_n he_o can_v endure_v a_o rival_n if_o we_o love_v other_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o or_o else_o this_o will_v exclude_v he_o and_o evidence_n that_o we_o refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o call_v yourselves_o now_o to_o a_o account_n and_o see_v whether_o your_o heart_n be_v free_a and_o disengage_v from_o all_o other_o thing_n or_o whether_o you_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n according_a to_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n can_v you_o say_v in_o sincerity_n
bless_a jesus_n my_o only_a and_o most_o belove_a saviour_n here_o be_v my_o whole_a heart_n i_o resign_v it_o entire_o unto_o thou_o i_o desire_v no_o great_a nor_o no_o other_o happiness_n than_o that_o thou_o will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o thy_o temple_n the_o place_n of_o thy_o gracious_a residence_n it_o be_v my_o earnest_a request_n and_o shall_v be_v my_o diligent_a endeavour_n to_o have_v it_o cleanse_v and_o make_v pure_a from_o every_o affection_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v any_o way_n contrary_a to_o thy_o purity_n and_o holiness_n o_o do_v thou_o be_v please_v to_o give_v in_o thy_o assistance_n dispose_v and_o prepare_v my_o soul_n to_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o bless_a lord_n take_v full_a possession_n of_o i_o dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o rule_v over_o my_o whole_a man_n can_v thou_o true_o say_v lord_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o psal_n 73.25_o do_v thou_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 1_o cor._n 2.2_o do_v thou_o love_v christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o world_n more_o than_o all_o thy_o relation_n more_o than_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_o esteem_v the_o great_a endearment_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o more_o than_o life_n itself_o luke_n 14.26_o jesus_n christ_n be_v very_o precious_a unto_o they_o who_o believe_v 1_o pet._n 2.7_o now_o can_v thou_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n deny_v thy_o lust_n thyself_o thy_o best_a and_o most_o religious_a performance_n can_v thou_o live_v for_o christ_n and_o can_v thou_o suffer_v yea_o die_v for_o christ_n and_o be_v christ_n above_o all_o in_o thy_o heart_n thus_o you_o have_v some_o little_a account_n what_o kind_n of_o reception_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v call_v for_o or_o what_o our_o receive_a christ_n do_v import_v it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n here_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o consideration_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o evince_v it_o to_o be_v our_o interest_n and_o that_o we_o be_v under_o indispensible_a obligation_n to_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o in_o this_o manner_n unto_o he_o much_o may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n from_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o saviour_n how_o precious_a he_o be_v in_o himself_o how_o wonderful_a in_o his_o condescension_n unto_o we_o and_o what_o unvaluable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n do_v accrue_v unto_o believer_n from_o christ_n etc._n etc._n but_o have_v on_o other_o occasion_n discourse_v of_o these_o matter_n more_o distinct_o i_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o now_o hasten_v to_o what_o i_o promise_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o three_o place_n only_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v observe_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n imply_v in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v our_o receive_n of_o christ_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o countenance_n our_o refusal_n or_o just_o discourage_v we_o from_o comply_v with_o his_o call_n and_o entreaties_n and_o what_o shall_v the_o eternal_a god_n our_o only_a saviour_n importune_v we_o with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o we_o harden_v ourselves_o against_o he_o resist_v and_o reject_v he_o in_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v uncivil_a ungrateful_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n impious_a against_o god_n inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a to_o our_o power_n against_o christ_n and_o actual_o so_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a of_o all_o that_o can_v deserve_v a_o hateful_a a_o ignominious_a reproachful_a name_n indeed_o if_o man_n ordinary_a practice_n do_v not_o full_o and_o undeniable_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v no_o real_a value_n for_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o do_v stubborn_o refuse_v to_o close_v with_o his_o call_n we_o may_v when_o meditate_v on_o this_o subject_a be_v very_o apt_a to_o imagine_v and_o conclude_v that_o none_o can_v be_v so_o undutiful_a or_o so_o forgetful_a of_o themselves_o or_o so_o foolish_a so_o distractedly-fond_a and_o ambitious_a of_o damnation_n as_o to_o purchase_v it_o by_o a_o stubborn_a harden_v themselves_o against_o the_o powerful_a affectionate_a persuasion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o contemptuous_a despiteful_a throw_v the_o gracious_a offer_n the_o very_a blood_n and_o tender_a mercy_n of_o a_o love_a compassionate_a divine_a saviour_n back_o into_o his_o own_o face_n but_o alas_o people_z every_o where_o give_v too_o many_o and_o too_o frequent_a demonstration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n of_o their_o disaffection_n to_o christ_n and_o how_o little_a influence_n his_o love_n have_v on_o they_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a where_o jesus_n christ_n do_v reside_v by_o his_o gracious_a presence_n there_o will_v be_v a_o vigorous_a and_o active_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n which_o will_v manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o outward_a conversation_n when_o christ_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o heart_n do_v settle_v his_o abide_v there_o and_o do_v command_v and_o govern_v there_o that_o person_n with_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o will_v be_v possess_v with_o such_o a_o lively_a work_a principle_n of_o purity_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n as_o will_v have_v a_o most_o powerful_a influence_n on_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a deplorable_a thing_n that_o among_o so_o many_o pretender_n to_o christianity_n with_o which_o the_o world_n do_v abound_v be_v even_o throng_a and_o crowd_v there_o shall_v be_v so_o few_o who_o give_v any_o serious_a real_a attendance_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v any_o tolerable_a discovery_n that_o they_o have_v open_v their_o heart_n to_o receive_v he_o iii_o let_v we_o now_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o place_n inquire_v after_o some_o of_o those_o let_n and_o hindrance_n which_o keep_v our_o heart_n shut_v against_o christ_n many_o may_v be_v mention_v but_o i_o will_v only_o take_v a_o brief_a notice_n of_o these_o few_o 1._o carnal_a pride_n and_o spiritual_a selfconceitedness_a people_z be_v general_o very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v their_o condition_n so_o bad_a and_o helpless_a as_o natural_o it_o be_v it_o go_v against_o man_n spirit_n and_o stomach_n to_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o themselves_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o recover_v secure_a and_o save_v themselves_o they_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o prop_n or_o other_o in_o themselves_o to_o lean_v upon_o indeed_o they_o will_v be_v their_o own_o physician_n and_o their_o own_o saviour_n and_o be_v very_o difficult_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o carnal_a selfish_a confidence_n they_o will_v either_o please_v themselves_o with_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o have_v no_o wound_n or_o if_o they_o must_v own_v that_o they_o will_v find_v a_o plaster_n for_o it_o at_o home_o they_o can_v in_o this_o case_n endure_v to_o go_v abroad_o for_o help_v corrupt_a nature_n be_v very_o proud_a we_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o think_v so_o mean_o of_o ourselves_o our_o work_n our_o performance_n our_o religious_a duty_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v pure_o by_o free_a grace_n we_o will_v fain_o have_v some_o share_n in_o this_o great_a work_n ourselves_o we_o will_v have_v our_o own_o wing_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n at_o least_o we_o will_v have_v our_o own_o work_n and_o religious_a performance_n to_o have_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o glory_n man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o have_v christ_n hand_n and_o arm_v to_o help_v they_o out_o of_o the_o ditch_n provide_v they_o may_v come_v out_o with_o some_o credit_n that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o fall_n and_o some_o dirt_n in_o the_o case_n yet_o vigour_n and_o strength_n continue_v and_o they_o be_v able_a with_o a_o very_a little_a help_n to_o recover_v themselves_o their_o power_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o be_v sufficient_a they_o only_o want_v a_o staff_n or_o cord_n to_o hold_v by_o that_o so_o they_o may_v exert_v that_o ability_n and_o strength_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o as_o pride_n do_v at_o first_o put_v man_n upon_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o god_n so_o now_o it_o do_v tempt_v he_o to_o usurp_v the_o honour_n belong_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n man_n will_v be_v his_o own_o saviour_n yea_o his_o own_o god_n he_o can_v endure_v to_o stoop_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n but_o as_o god_n and_o mammon_n light_n and_o darkness_n so_o christ_n and_o carnal_a proud_a self_n can_v dwell_v and_o agree_v together_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v about_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v pride_n and_o selfishness_n which_o do_v most_o oppose_v it_o and_o resist_v christ_n rom._n 10.3_o they_o be_v all_o for_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o recover_v from_o the_o superstition_n and_o darkness_n which_o
55.1_o 2_o 3._o hos_fw-la 14.1_o 2._o a_o return_a sinner_n be_v the_o welcome_a guest_n to_o jesus_n christ_n what_o joy_n do_v such_o a_o one_o occasion_n in_o heaven_n with_o what_o satisfaction_n do_v the_o father_n receive_v and_o entertain_v the_o return_v prodigal_a how_o do_v the_o glorious_a and_o bless_a spirit_n above_o rejoice_n and_o sing_v for_o gladness_n when_o a_o sinner_n forsake_v his_o unrighteous_a course_n seek_v after_o and_o return_n unto_o his_o saviour_n and_o sincere_o close_v with_o and_o embrace_v he_o luke_n 15.7_o and_o as_o christ_n be_v importunate_a with_o we_o so_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v importunate_a in_o our_o application_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v very_o much_o please_v with_o our_o importunity_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n when_o we_o insist_v on_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v when_o we_o plead_v his_o office_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o become_v so_o earnest_a and_o vigorous_a in_o our_o prayer_n and_o wrestle_n that_o we_o resolve_v we_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o bless_v we_o he_o sometime_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o seem_v to_o withhold_v his_o ear_n from_o our_o cry_n but_o it_o be_v that_o hereby_o he_o may_v awaken_v we_o from_o our_o chilliness_n and_o deadness_n in_o the_o duty_n try_v our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o quicken_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o a_o great_a fervency_n in_o our_o address_n nay_o he_o seem_v to_o make_v this_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a to_o our_o come_n to_o he_o acceptable_o mat._n 11.12_o 5._o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n very_o importunate_a with_o sinner_n to_o receive_v &_o entertain_v he_o then_o let_v we_o all_o be_v hence_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v with_o to_o embrace_v and_o close_v with_o his_o motion_n do_v not_o resist_v and_o oppose_v he_o any_o long_o do_v not_o delay_v to_o open_v unto_o he_o and_o give_v he_o that_o reception_n he_o call_v for_o be_v you_o in_o love_n with_o death_n will_v you_o resolve_v to_o court_v damnation_n as_o sollicitous_o and_o with_o as_o much_o fervency_n as_o you_o be_v entreat_v to_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n what_o have_v thou_o sinner_n to_o except_v against_o christ_n why_o will_v thou_o add_v this_o of_o sturdy_a inexcusable_a and_o most_o hideous_a frustrate_v the_o high_a design_n of_o love_n in_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o and_o comply_v with_o a_o earnest_n importunate_a saviour_n to_o all_o thy_o other_o provocation_n be_v thou_o afraid_a thou_o shall_v not_o sink_v low_a enough_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n nor_o find_v sorrow_n and_o torment_n enough_o in_o hell_n unless_o thy_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o despise_v of_o christ_n may_v add_v weight_n to_o thy_o former_a gild_n and_o make_v the_o unquenchable_a infernal_a flame_n more_o scorch_a and_o to_o prey_n on_o thou_o with_o great_a vehemence_n and_o fury_n sinner_n hell_n will_v be_v direful_o black_a and_o terrible_a the_o infernal_a torment_n will_v insupportable_o afflict_v and_o macerate_v the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n will_v be_v inexpressible_o dreadful_a and_o confound_a will_v fill_v with_o unsufferable_a remorse_n and_o horror_n when_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o man_n wilfulness_n and_o choice_n exercise_v reason_n therefore_o once_o in_o thy_o life_n and_o hearken_v to_o advice_n do_v not_o be_v ambitious_a to_o plunge_v thyself_o into_o the_o utmost_a depth_n of_o divine_a indignation_n and_o fury_n by_o offer_v the_o most_o provoke_a contemptuous_a affront_n to_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o love_n for_o fancy_n thou_o thy_o patience_n strength_n and_o courage_n to_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o invincible_a yet_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o damnation_n will_v present_o baffle_v and_o triumph_v over_o they_o it_o will_v soon_o weary_v thou_o out_o fill_v thou_o with_o such_o horror_n and_o extort_v and_o force_v from_o thou_o such_o dreadful_a howl_n and_o shriek_n as_o will_v full_o manifest_v thy_o impatience_n be_v boundless_a and_o thy_o misery_n remediless_a sinner_n why_o will_v thou_o reject_v the_o gracious_a offer_n which_o thy_o saviour_n make_v thou_o why_o will_v thou_o deny_v he_o admittance_n when_o he_o tender_v thou_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o benefit_n what_o better_a what_o more_o desirable_a guest_n can_v thou_o have_v whether_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o better_o thy_o heart_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o filthy_a diabolical_a suggestion_n and_o noisome_a lust_n or_o that_o thy_o soul_n shall_v be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o be_v beautify_v and_o enrich_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o grace_n and_o divine_a disposition_n what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v thou_o unwilling_a to_o yield_v to_o thy_o saviour_n importunity_n produce_v thy_o shadowy_a vain_a pretence_n and_o see_v how_o thou_o delude_v thyself_o can_v thou_o value_v the_o wealth_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o prize_v thou_o at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o thou_o certain_o thou_o do_v esteem_v they_o much_o above_o their_o worth_n and_o unless_o thou_o rectify_v this_o mistake_n in_o a_o little_a time_n thou_o will_v make_v a_o very_a foolish_a bargain_n for_o thyself_o o_o stupid_a sinner_n awake_a rouse_v up_o thyself_o shame_n thyself_o out_o of_o thy_o incogitancy_n folly_n falseness_n and_o ingratitude_n be_v the_o transitory_a empty_a counterfeit_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n of_o great_a value_n and_o more_o precious_a to_o thou_o than_o those_o river_n those_o ocean_n of_o real_a transcendent_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v in_o god_n presence_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v a_o perish_v uncertain_a world_n assure_v thou_o of_o better_a and_o more_o splendid_a entertainment_n than_o he_o can_v who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v and_o who_o fill_v all_o in_o all_o be_v not_o the_o transport_v and_o rapture_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o those_o gross_a and_o fulsome_a diversion_n carnal_a and_o foolish_a man_n do_v so_o mad_o dote_v on_o can_v thou_o think_v it_o better_o and_o more_o rational_o desirable_a to_o be_v a_o beast_n on_o earth_n than_o to_o be_v like_o one_o of_o the_o shine_a glorious_a seraphim_n in_o the_o region_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n have_v thou_o any_o thing_n to_o except_v against_o the_o term_n thy_o saviour_n do_v propound_v do_v he_o invite_v thou_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a do_v he_o lay_v any_o burden_n on_o thou_o which_o be_v insupportable_a or_o unto_o which_o he_o will_v not_o administer_v strength_n proportionable_a thou_o can_v not_o pretend_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o what_o he_o require_v be_v almost_o obvious_o reasonable_a just_a good_a and_o equal_a and_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v and_o importune_v thou_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o sweet_a voice_n and_o the_o most_o heavenly_a and_o ravish_a news_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v know_v do_v he_o who_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n condescend_v to_o entreat_v for_o a_o abode_n with_o thou_o that_o he_o may_v communicate_v himself_o and_o his_o riches_n and_o benefit_n to_o thou_o in_o the_o free_a and_o most_o friendly_a manner_n and_o will_v thou_o yet_o reject_v he_o o_o how_o great_a must_v thy_o gild_n need_v be_v what_o a_o aggravation_n will_v this_o be_v both_o of_o thy_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o damnation_n but_o to_o help_v thou_o a_o little_a more_o to_o quicken_v and_o to_o make_v some_o impression_n on_o thy_o affection_n let_v i_o propose_v these_o few_o question_n and_o do_v thou_o perform_v thy_o duty_n faithful_o in_o answer_v they_o to_o thy_o own_o conscience_n sincere_o and_o urge_v they_o impartial_o on_o thy_o own_o soul_n quest_n 1._o what_o be_v thou_o without_o christ_n o_o sinner_n whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o sin_n thou_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o very_a firebrand_n of_o hell_n ephes_n 2.12_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o plague_n break_v on_o thou_o or_o be_v under_o any_o desperate_a distemper_n how_o welcome_a will_v a_o physician_n be_v to_o thou_o who_o can_v infallible_o cure_v and_o heal_v thou_o nay_o what_o speed_n will_v thou_o make_v in_o inquire_v and_o search_v out_o for_o such_o a_o one_o if_o thou_o can_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o what_o shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v under_o the_o worst_a of_o plague_n even_o the_o dominion_n of_o thy_o lust_n and_o sin_n be_v thy_o condition_n such_o that_o thou_o be_v every_o minute_n in_o danger_n of_o have_v all_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o thou_o and_o will_v thou_o still_o reject_v thy_o saviour_n and_o sturdy_o
fear_n and_o horror_n do_v so_o prevail_v in_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o same_o my_o heart_n fail_v i_o and_o my_o spirit_n be_v go_v why_o now_o one_o glimpse_n of_o christ_n one_o taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n a_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n will_v revive_v and_o exhilerate_v the_o soul_n and_o disperse_v all_o these_o cloud_n these_o darkness_n and_o storm_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n a_o person_n can_v be_v in_o but_o if_o christ_n will_v dart_v into_o he_o a_o ray_n of_o his_o special_a love_n he_o will_v thence_o receive_v mighty_a even_o inexpressible_a support_n and_o comfort_n the_o continue_a love_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a cordial_n in_o every_o estate_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v go_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n we_o may_v adventure_v upon_o any_o suffering_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o love_n o_o what_o a_o excellent_a cheer_v scripture_n be_v that_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 8._o v._n 35_o to_o the_o end_n what_o will_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v effectual_o excite_v and_o encourage_v to_o a_o course_n of_o piety_n or_o what_o can_v support_v we_o under_o burden_n and_o trouble_n if_o christ_n do_v not_o continue_v his_o love_n to_o sinner_n 2_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o common_o take_v as_o particular_a notice_n as_o we_o can_v of_o strange_a and_o unwonted_a occurrence_n how_o do_v people_n view_v and_o observe_v comet_n and_o blaze_a star_n how_o do_v they_o flock_v to_o see_v any_o strange_a sort_n of_o beast_n when_o exhibit_v to_o be_v see_v we_o admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o thing_n which_o be_v considerable_a only_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strangeness_n and_o rarity_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o great_a worth_n nor_o can_v produce_v we_o any_o profit_n and_o real_a advantage_n o_o therefore_o let_v we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o turn_v all_o our_o admiration_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v true_o strange_a and_o equal_o advantageous_a and_o comfortable_a the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o sinner_n be_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_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 and_o receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o strange_a even_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o it_o the_o bless_a angel_n stand_v amaze_v at_o it_o and_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o if_o a_o prince_n the_o only_a son_n of_o a_o king_n or_o emperor_n shall_v condescend_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o mean_a traitorous_a wretch_n ready_a to_o have_v all_o the_o torment_n and_o punishment_n his_o treason_n deserve_v inflict_v on_o he_o and_o plead_v for_o this_o person_n yea_o deny_v himself_o all_o the_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o father_n court_n yea_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o indignity_n for_o many_o year_n together_o to_o procure_v the_o other_o pardon_n and_o be_v at_o last_o receive_v to_o court_n again_o and_o live_v in_o the_o great_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n shall_v come_v to_o this_o person_n who_o life_n he_o have_v save_v at_o the_o forementioned_a rate_n and_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v and_o court_v he_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o that_o a_o intimate_a familiarity_n and_o correspondence_n may_v be_v settle_v betwixt_o they_o promise_v he_o all_o the_o entertainment_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o do_v participate_v of_o himself_o will_v not_o this_o be_v look_v on_o by_o all_o as_o a_o most_o prodigious_a instance_n of_o affection_n and_o love_n but_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o to_o that_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o here_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n who_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n this_o be_v the_o person_n who_o condescend_v to_o take_v on_o he_o our_o nature_n who_o live_v for_o many_o year_n together_o a_o life_n that_o be_v very_o mean_a and_o to_o outward_a appearance_n very_o contemptible_a what_o indignity_n do_v he_o suffer_v from_o man_n how_o deep_o do_v he_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n of_o god_n wrath_n when_o groan_v and_o pray_v and_o sweat_a blood_n in_o the_o garden_n when_o expostulate_v so_o earnest_o with_o his_o father_n on_o the_o cross_n he_o submit_v to_o death_n yea_o he_o become_v obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o most_o painful_a the_o most_o linger_a the_o most_o ignominious_a and_o curse_a sort_n of_o death_n then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o this_o be_v to_o reconcile_v sinner_n and_o enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o save_v they_o from_o that_o eternal_a misery_n and_o damnation_n they_o can_v not_o other_o way_n be_v save_v from_o and_o after_o all_o this_o have_v raise_v himself_o to_o life_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o glory_n he_o continue_v his_o love_n to_o these_o sinner_n and_o many_o way_n importune_v and_o solicit_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n which_o cost_v he_o so_o dear_a and_o to_o yield_v themselves_o up_o into_o the_o bond_n of_o friendship_n that_o a_o constant_a mutual_a correspondence_n may_v be_v maintain_v betwixt_o they_o be_v not_o this_o a_o incomprehensible_a astonish_a prodigy_n of_o love_n what_o can_v be_v compare_v unto_o it_o what_o heart_n so_o hard_o such_o condescension_n such_o love_n such_o passionate_a court_n will_v not_o soften_v and_o overcome_v what_o so_o strange_a what_o so_o oblige_v as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v entreat_v and_o beseech_v rebel_n to_o accept_v of_o pardon_n shall_v court_n and_o make_v so_o much_o ado_n be_v so_o importunate_a and_o keep_v such_o a_o stir_n with_o we_o who_o be_v only_o hold_v by_o his_o hand_n from_o fall_v into_o hell_n to_o accept_v of_o heaven_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o strange_a as_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o curse_a heart_n which_o be_v too_o obdurate_a and_o stubborn_a to_o be_v overcome_v and_o win_v by_o so_o kind_a so_o win_v and_o so_o mighty_a a_o force_n as_o this_o be_v applic._n what_o care_v now_o shall_v we_o take_v to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v and_o settle_v in_o this_o great_a truth_n do_v not_o labour_v only_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o in_o the_o theory_n but_o endeavour_n and_o pray_v that_o a_o save_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o may_v be_v wrought_v in_o you_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n concern_v thou_o much_o thy_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o if_o thou_o lose_v thy_o soul_n thou_o lose_v all_o if_o thou_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n if_o this_o love_n have_v no_o influence_n on_o thou_o thou_o be_v miserable_a indeed_o all_o true_a comfort_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o this_o act_n 4.12_o o_o study_v this_o great_a truth_n and_o do_v not_o desist_v or_o leave_v off_o till_o it_o have_v its_o proper_a influence_n on_o thy_o affection_n heart_n and_o life_n let_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v thou_o resolve_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n improve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o to_o fix_v and_o promote_v thy_o faith_n thy_o love_n thy_o hope_n thy_o patience_n and_o every_o other_o grace_n but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v any_o long_o on_o this_o first_o word_n which_o be_v introductory_n and_o shall_v lead_v we_o attentive_o unto_o that_o which_o follow_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o verse_n acquaint_v we_o with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n seek_v for_o and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v admittance_n with_o we_o and_o the_o privilege_n which_o shall_v accrue_v to_o those_o who_o harken_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v he_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o now_o unto_o the_o first_o of_o these_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n though_o in_o discourse_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a word_n viz._n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n our_o saviour_n seek_v and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v admittance_n with_o we_o be_v here_o express_v by_o three_o word_n 1._o stand_v 2._o knock_v 3._o the_o word_n door_n the_o person_n or_o rather_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o person_n