the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o may_v be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o in_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o for_o instance_n 1._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o may_v rip_v up_o our_o old_a sore_n and_o bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n which_o may_v renew_v our_o torment_n and_o pain_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o he_o make_v new_a discovery_n in_o the_o soul_n many_o a_o sin_n forget_v and_o not_o due_o repent_v of_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o wound_n and_o cut_v the_o soul_n put_v the_o soul_n to_o new_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o pain_n and_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a of_o open_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v in_o every_o one_o such_o a_o indelible_a sense_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o guilt_n that_o though_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o real_a desire_n of_o christ_n company_n yet_o be_v real_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o lest_o christ_n shall_v discover_v there_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o have_v see_v and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v not_o only_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o soul_n without_o inward_a reluctancy_n or_o fearfulness_n can_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 139.23_o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n this_o be_v a_o work_n wherein_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v tender_o deal_v with_o and_o lest_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v deal_v faithful_o and_o round_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n though_o reason_n will_v pray_v with_o we_o to_o have_v our_o wound_n search_v yet_o nature_n itself_o be_v afraid_a to_o have_v the_o surgeon_n meddle_v with_o it_o such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o fainthearted_a christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o may_v be_v as_o painful_a and_o as_o unwilling_o yield_v to_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n right_a foot_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n nay_o his_o word_n may_v further_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n discern_v and_o discover_v the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o will_v shall_v be_v discover_v or_o cut_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o in_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o linger_v and_o put_v off_o christ_n from_o time_n to_o time_n sometime_o again_o christ_n may_v put_v his_o spouse_n upon_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v cross_v her_o natural_a inclination_n or_o particular_a present_a and_o visible_a interest_n such_o as_o deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o
thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n of_o christ_n and_o willing_o receive_v they_o 5._o open_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o christ_n we_o read_v that_o when_o christ_n come_v to_o his_o disciple_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o his_o first_o salutation_n which_o he_o give_v they_o be_v peace_n be_v unto_o you_o luke_n 24.36_o and_o true_o where_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n he_o bring_v true_a inward_a spiritual_a peace_n along_o with_o he_o and_o free_o bestow_v it_o upon_o his_o spouse_n but_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o unbelief_n that_o we_o many_o time_n refuse_v the_o comfort_n which_o christ_n bring_v and_o do_v not_o apply_v they_o to_o ourselves_o sinner_n indeed_o do_v many_o time_n snatch_v presumptuous_o at_o these_o comfort_n which_o do_v not_o of_o right_o belong_v unto_o they_o nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o offer_v by_o christ_n to_o they_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n sometime_o through_o a_o foolish_a and_o sinful_a modesty_n refuse_v or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a to_o take_v and_o apply_v those_o comfort_n which_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n bring_v with_o he_o insomuch_o that_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o invite_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o as_o his_o free_a gift_n which_o he_o be_v real_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v real_o a_o fault_n in_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o christ_n real_a dâ—signe_n in_o come_v be_v to_o give_v that_o which_o may_v be_v the_o sure_a and_o best_a ground_n of_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n if_o he_o convince_v of_o and_o reprove_v for_o sin_n and_o thereby_o cause_n sorrow_n and_o sadness_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o search_n be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o their_o wound_n that_o they_o may_v afterward_o have_v more_o solid_a peace_n and_o comfort_n if_o he_o frown_v it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v his_o smile_n the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o make_v we_o to_o prize_v they_o the_o more_o if_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o more_o difficult_a and_o to_o the_o flesh_n unpleasant_a work_n it_o be_v but_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v honour_v we_o the_o more_o and_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n shall_v be_v with_o we_o in_o it_o if_o he_o cast_v we_o down_o for_o a_o time_n he_o will_v be_v careful_a that_o we_o be_v not_o overwhelm_v with_o too_o much_o sorrow_n and_o will_v in_o due_a time_n lift_v we_o up_o refuse_v not_o therefore_o his_o comfort_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o all_o his_o carriage_n towards_o thou_o whatever_o christ_n do_v and_o however_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v towards_o thou_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o comfort_v thou_o and_o therefore_o have_v promise_v rom._n 8.28_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6._o open_v to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v persuade_v you_o before_o to_o open_a and_o enlarge_v your_o heart_n in_o love_n towards_o christ_n but_o now_o i_o advise_v you_o to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o receive_v his_o love_n when_o christ_n come_v and_o manifest_v real_a token_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o distinguish_a everlasting_a love_n do_v not_o you_o despise_v or_o reject_v these_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v some_o christian_n that_o christ_n love_v they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o his_o love_n be_v real_a and_o distinguish_a such_o as_o he_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o child_n or_o spouse_n they_o will_v easy_o grant_v that_o they_o love_v he_o but_o can_v so_o easy_o believe_v that_o he_o love_v they_o but_o i_o will_v ask_v such_o a_o soul_n this_o question_n how_o come_v thou_o thus_o to_o love_n christ_n if_o thy_o love_n be_v real_a it_o be_v only_o a_o reflex_n beam_n of_o christ_n his_o love_n to_o thou_o he_o must_v necessary_o love_v thou_o before_o thou_o can_v love_v he_o for_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o thou_o do_v hate_v as_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n do_v and_o who_o make_v thou_o then_o to_o differ_v either_o from_o other_o or_o from_o what_o thou_o thyself_o once_o be_v it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o love_n shed_v abroad_o in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o argument_n plead_v ezek._n 16.1_o to_o the_o 15_o v._o love_n be_v a_o affection_n not_o to_o be_v force_v but_o to_o be_v draw_v as_o be_v intimate_v cant._n 8.7_o if_o a_o man_n will_v give_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o house_n for_o love_n it_o will_v utter_o be_v contemn_v and_o it_o must_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o discovery_n of_o some_o suitable_a and_o desirable_a excellency_n in_o the_o object_n belove_v that_o may_v answer_v the_o need_n or_o desire_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o love_v the_o soul_n find_v itself_o empty_a or_o void_a of_o something_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o complete_n of_o its_o happiness_n for_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o want_v nothing_o while_o it_o want_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o complete_o happy_a upon_o this_o discovery_n of_o emptiness_n in_o itself_o seek_v out_o where_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v have_v and_o find_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v that_o all_o sufficient_a object_n which_o may_v every_o way_n answer_v the_o need_n and_o emptiness_n of_o the_o soul_n love_v he_o with_o a_o love_n of_o desire_n and_o earnest_a longing_n after_o he_o as_o the_o only_a person_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o who_o can_v make_v she_o absolute_o and_o perfect_o happy_a and_o so_o far_o as_o she_o can_v enjoy_v he_o so_o far_o she_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v with_o he_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o love_n and_o if_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v right_a it_o be_v such_o a_o love_n as_o this_o if_o therefore_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o christ_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n answerable_a to_o thy_o indigence_n and_o emptiness_n thy_o soul_n do_v true_o love_n christ_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v who_o discover_v to_o thou_o this_o perfection_n and_o suitableness_n in_o christ_n who_o be_v so_o general_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n and_o who_o draw_v out_o thy_o heart_n in_o love_n to_o christ_n upon_o this_o account_n sure_o it_o must_v it_o can_v be_v none_o but_o christ_n and_o if_o he_o thus_o with_o love_a kindness_n have_v draw_v thou_o certain_o it_o be_v because_o he_o have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n jer._n 31.3_o thou_o have_v less_o reason_n therefore_o to_o question_v the_o real_a love_n of_o christ_n to_o thou_o than_o to_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o thy_o love_n to_o he_o open_v therefore_o thy_o heart_n free_o to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o instead_o of_o question_v the_o reality_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o thou_o rather_o study_v how_o thou_o may_v by_o return_n of_o love_n and_o thankful_a obedience_n answer_v so_o great_a love_n as_o he_o have_v manifest_v towards_o thou_o study_v to_o improve_v and_o high_o prize_v his_o love_n for_o he_o first_o love_v thou_o or_o else_o thou_o can_v not_o have_v love_v he_o at_o all_o 7._o and_o last_o open_v to_o the_o company_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n come_v to_o thy_o door_n and_o will_v come_v in_o and_o afford_v thou_o his_o company_n in_o any_o ordinance_n or_o by_o any_o providence_n whether_o in_o public_a private_a or_o secret_a open_v to_o he_o let_v he_o in_o let_v he_o have_v thy_o company_n let_v he_o see_v all_o the_o part_n of_o thy_o heart_n hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o deal_v as_o hezekiah_n do_v with_o the_o babylonish_n ambassador_n show_v they_o all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o house_n hide_v nothing_o from_o they_o so_o deal_v thou_o by_o christ_n full_o unbossome_v thyself_o to_o he_o improve_v thy_o time_n with_o he_o and_o interest_n in_o he_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n reveal_v to_o he_o thy_o secret_n confess_v to_o he_o thy_o sin_n acquaint_v he_o with_o thy_o want_n seek_v counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o he_o in_o all_o thy_o difficulty_n strength_n in_o all_o thy_o weakness_n support_v under_o all_o thy_o burden_n victory_n in_o all_o thy_o temptation_n comfort_n in_o all_o thy_o adversity_n a_o sanctify_a use_n or_o and_o a_o seasonable_a deliverance_n out_o of_o all_o thy_o trouble_n beg_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o counsel_n here_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o thou_o always_o even_o to_o 〈◊〉_d end_n and_o thy_o safe_a reception_n and_o conduct_n uâ—â—â—_n glory_n and_o if_o thou_o thus_o open_a to_o christ_n earnest_o desire_v and_o be_v free_o will_v that_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v work_v all_o thy_o work_n in_o thou_o and_o for_o thou_o he_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o thou_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o thou_o and_o thou_o with_o he_o will_v feast_v thou_o with_o his_o grace_n here_o and_o will_v crown_v all_o thy_o grace_n with_o glory_n hereafter_o finis_fw-la
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company_n and_o business_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n of_o private_a conference_n and_o discourse_n with_o she_o which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o business_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n both_o he_o and_o she_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o opportunity_n friend_n account_v that_o time_n lose_v that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v one_o another_o though_o they_o be_v together_o all_o the_o while_n if_o by_o throng_n of_o company_n they_o can_v have_v their_o discourse_n and_o conference_n which_o they_o design_v in_o their_o meeting_n they_o account_v their_o time_n lose_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o a_o unhappy_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o meet_v at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o and_o that_o thus_o we_o be_v interrupt_v in_o our_o discourse_n the_o more_o intimate_a that_o friend_n be_v the_o more_o private_a matter_n of_o discourse_n they_o have_v and_o the_o less_o they_o care_v to_o be_v interrupt_v with_o company_n 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their_o room_n than_o their_o company_n their_o silence_n than_o their_o discourse_n because_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o compose_v ourselves_o for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o sleepy_a and_o secure_a condition_n his_o company_n be_v no_o whit_n pleasant_a and_o his_o discourse_n sink_v but_o ear-deep_a if_o it_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o do_v little_a good_a now_o christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v and_o find_v his_o spouse_n in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o this_o but_o when_o he_o find_v she_o watch_v or_o busy_a at_o her_o spiritual_a work_n in_o a_o lively_a condition_n now_o say_v he_o my_o company_n will_v be_v acceptable_a now_o in_o a_o lively_a manner_n will_v she_o unbosom_v herself_o to_o i_o tell_v i_o her_o whole_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o i_o shall_v as_o free_o impart_v my_o counsel_n and_o comfort_n unto_o she_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o condition_n that_o i_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o in_o and_o find_v she_o in_o this_o condition_n it_o yield_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o christ_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o bless_a posture_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o posture_n to_o give_v christ_n such_o abundant_a satisfaction_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v that_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v upon_o their_o watch_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o honour_n and_o benefit_n which_o he_o will_v confer_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v commend_v and_o praise_v they_o he_o will_v give_v they_o honourable_a title_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n he_o will_v give_v they_o bountiful_a reward_n and_o a_o sumptuous_a feast_n and_o he_o himself_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o therefore_o need_v no_o further_a enlargement_n 2._o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o damnable_a and_o desperate_a condition_n of_o many_o sinner_n and_o the_o mournful_a droop_a and_o seek_v condition_n of_o many_o saint_n it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n seldom_o come_v abroad_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o because_o when_o he_o come_v he_o find_v such_o unready_a admission_n and_o entertainmet_a if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o sinner_n perish_v everlasting_o and_o that_o under_o gospel-light_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v not_o because_o he_o never_o call_v or_o knock_v at_o their_o door_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_a and_o let_v he_o in_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n john_n 3.19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v so_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o so_o also_o prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v how_o often_o do_v christ_n knock_v and_o call_v by_o his_o word_n by_o his_o rod_n by_o his_o messenger_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o sinner_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n of_o security_n and_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o condemnation_n again_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o we_o see_v so_o many_o christian_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n inquire_v as_o here_o the_o spouse_n do_v see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v if_o you_o see_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n i_o
have_v seek_v he_o but_o can_v find_v he_o i_o have_v call_v he_o but_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o many_o believer_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v there_o be_v cause_n for_o it_o they_o have_v give_v christ_n some_o unkind_a answer_n he_o have_v call_v but_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o heed_v he_o have_v knock_v and_o they_o have_v not_o open_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o affront_n and_o unhandsome_a carriage_n before_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o again_o 3._o hence_o also_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o gross_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o have_v many_o of_o we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o refuse_v to_o open_a to_o christ_n at_o his_o knock_n and_o call_v a_o great_a cheat_n the_o devil_n can_v not_o put_v upon_o we_o nor_o great_a danger_n can_v we_o possible_o be_v in_o than_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o he_o to_o refuse_v or_o delay_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o yet_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n to_o put_v this_o cheat_n upon_o we_o and_o by_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o cheat_v what_o dreadful_a and_o tremendous_a danger_n have_v we_o many_o of_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o christ_n have_v call_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o this_o very_a day_n we_o have_v put_v he_o off_o with_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a excuse_n and_o have_v not_o full_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o christ_n have_v press_v we_o so_o far_o with_o argument_n and_o those_o convince_a and_o startle_v one_o and_o of_o all_o sort_n so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o he_o may_v say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v or_o say_v more_o than_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o what_o cold_a entertainment_n have_v he_o find_v at_o our_o door_n may_v he_o not_o just_o complain_v of_o we_o as_o of_o israel_n of_o old_a isai_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v bare_a it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o tremble_v to_o think_v at_o the_o loud_a knock_n and_o call_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o sinner_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v shut_v out_o few_o have_v sincere_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v true_o say_v as_o be_v complain_v john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o many_o that_o have_v make_v a_o large_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v not_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o near_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o nay_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o we_o hope_v be_v true_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v many_o a_o time_n pray_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o yet_o at_o his_o come_n have_v shut_v he_o out_o and_o yet_o where_o be_v there_o any_o but_o they_o have_v their_o plausible_a excuse_n though_o if_o they_o be_v all_o examine_v they_o will_v prove_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o this_o in_o the_o text._n but_o these_o we_o shall_v make_v further_a inquiry_n into_o under_o another_o use_n only_o here_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o a_o horrible_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n have_v hereby_o put_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n we_o have_v hereby_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o which_o will_v undeniable_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o what_o and_o who_o those_o pretend_a friend_n and_o lover_n be_v that_o we_o have_v entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n 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pretend_a love_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o own_o design_n his_o love_n be_v a_o love_n indeed_o and_o he_o have_v by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o real_a and_o great_a deed_n manifest_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o love_n but_o their_o love_n be_v mere_o verbal_a and_o complemental_a promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v his_o love_n be_v chief_o manifest_v in_o adversity_n in_o strait_n in_o distress_n when_o all_o other_o frown_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o have_v now_o hither_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o but_o their_o love_n be_v only_o in_o prosperity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v the_o least_o need_n of_o they_o for_o if_o ever_o we_o real_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o as_o at_o death_n and_o at_o judgement_n than_o they_o will_v be_v the_o further_a off_o from_o help_v we_o of_o afford_v any_o relief_n nay_o then_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o first_o that_o shall_v set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o be_v these_o friend_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o how_o do_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v miserable_o delude_v by_o these_o errand_n cheat_v 2._o these_o lover_n and_o pretend_a friend_n they_o be_v unprofitable_a lover_n and_o friend_n let_v they_o afford_v the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v they_o can_v afford_v no_o such_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n as_o jesus_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v the_o wiseman_n speak_v of_o worldly_a thing_n say_v prov._n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o eye_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o secure_v or_o hold_v fast_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o matth._n 4._o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o faith_n all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v but_o suppose_v these_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o real_o give_v they_o yet_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n but_o suppose_v he_o will_v persuade_v you_o that_o you_o may_v gain_v the_o one_o and_o save_v the_o other_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a 1_o joh._n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o he_o can_v save_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o if_o we_o love_v not_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v we_o can_v love_v he_o that_o beget_v for_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o real_a profit_n to_o be_v get_v by_o they_o but_o be_v great_a loser_n and_o therefore_o in_o harken_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v miserable_o cheat_v 3._o they_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a friend_n if_o compare_v with_o christ_n they_o pretend_v mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o mirth_n the_o heart_n be_v sad_a
therefore_o he_o be_v fit_a company_n for_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a self-denying_a self-condemning_a sinner_n 2._o the_o heart_n be_v many_o time_n shut_v against_o christ_n by_o unbelief_n faith_n be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o christ_n be_v receive_v faith_n must_v open_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o faith_n be_v want_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v shut_v against_o christ_n unbelief_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a bar_n or_o bolt_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v fast_o shut_v against_o christ_n this_o bar_n therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v be_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a gospel-sin_n the_o rock_n upon_o which_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n as_o plit_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n beware_v therefore_o of_o unbelief_n and_o open_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n give_v many_o invitation_n and_o call_v such_o as_o you_o read_v isai_n 55.1_o etc._n etc._n believe_v therefore_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o willing_a to_o receive_v those_o that_o he_o make_v such_o call_v unto_o and_o of_o those_o number_n thou_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o wilful_o exclude_v thyself_o through_o unbelief_n he_o make_v many_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o adoption_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a and_o withal_o he_o tell_v thou_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v have_v therefore_o by_o faith_n embrace_v these_o promise_n apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o thankful_o close_a with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o answer_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o on_o thy_o part_n manifest_v thy_o real_a willingness_n thou_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o thou_o with_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n believe_v his_o word_n embrace_v his_o promise_n obey_v his_o command_n dread_v his_o threaten_n give_v up_o thyself_o by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o thou_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 3._o sometime_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o impenitency_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n but_o too_o common_a and_o ordinary_a among_o sinner_n that_o repentance_n be_v only_o needful_a in_o some_o few_o gross_a case_n for_o some_o great_a and_o notorious_a enormity_n but_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o a_o less_o magnitude_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o pardon_v in_o course_n without_o any_o considerable_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v not_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o great_a sin_n they_o conceit_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v understand_v luke_n 15.7_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n i._n e._n that_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o secret_a thought_n but_o of_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o they_o shut_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o person_n that_o they_o have_v no_o great_a need_n of_o or_o occasion_n for_o they_o think_v themselves_o whole_a and_o therefore_o see_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n must_v see_v a_o need_n of_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a sinner_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n by_o nature_n a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n and_o this_o his_o enmity_n he_o must_v repent_v of_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o must_v be_v real_o willing_a and_o desirous_a of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n must_v abhor_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a enmity_n and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n but_o must_v come_v with_o a_o humble_a break_a melt_a heart_n to_o god_n beg_v pardon_n for_o what_o be_v bypass_a and_o deliberate_o resolve_v and_o promise_v new_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o he_o must_v do_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o repentance_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n come_v in_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o thou_o will_v open_v to_o christ_n aright_o set_v thyself_o serious_o to_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n perform_v that_o work_n thorough_o let_v no_o know_a sin_n or_o sin_n that_o thou_o can_v possible_o discover_v in_o thyself_o pass_v unrepented_a of_o go_v therefore_o into_o secret_a examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n what_o sin_n thou_o can_v find_v lodge_v there_o meditate_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o till_o such_o time_n as_o thou_o have_v bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o a_o utter_a loathe_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o and_o of_o thyself_o for_o commit_v of_o they_o and_o allow_v thyself_o in_o they_o and_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v thyself_o as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o harken_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o they_o and_o then_o let_v god_n hear_v thou_o bemoan_v thyself_o and_o complain_v of_o thy_o own_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o wretched_a condition_n thou_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o by_o thy_o sin_n and_o beg_v help_v of_o god_n to_o turn_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o bestow_v he_o upon_o thou_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o thou_o shall_v find_v christ_n ready_a to_o come_v in_o unto_o thy_o soul_n see_v this_o exemplify_v in_o ephraim_n repentance_n jer._n 31.18_o 19_o 20._o sure_o i_o have_v hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bubock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o ever_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n ephraim_n by_o repentance_n open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o then_o god_n heart_n be_v open_a towards_o he_o and_o god_n bowel_n yearn_v towards_o he_o thus_o do_v thou_o humble_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v exalt_v thou_o open_v thy_o heart_n by_o repentance_n and_o thou_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o sometime_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o decay_n or_o want_v of_o love_n it_o be_v want_n of_o due_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n do_v we_o love_v christ_n more_o we_o shall_v more_o ready_o open_a unto_o christ_n and_o do_v we_o more_o real_o and_o fervent_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o of_o his_o company_n if_o love_n be_v want_v christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v in_o that_o soul_n neither_o indeed_o will_v there_o be_v convenient_a room_n for_o christ_n in_o that_o soul_n if_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v cold_a thy_o heart_n will_v be_v shut_v against_o he_o for_o the_o heart_n be_v natural_o contract_v and_o shut_v where_o love_n be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o love_n to_o open_v expand_v or_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n towards_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o soul_n set_v love_n to_o work_v love_n will_v make_v christ_n precious_a and_o desirable_a to_o thy_o soul_n and_o thereupon_o set_v thou_o a_o longing_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a love_n will_v enlarge_v thy_o desire_n and_o make_v thou_o impatient_a of_o his_o absence_n and_o spur_v thou_o on_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o love_n will_v bid_v christ_n welcome_a at_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o will_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o remove_v whatever_o may_v be_v offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o
but_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n nay_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v no_o time_n lose_v in_o his_o company_n nor_o any_o cost_n too_o great_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o if_o love_n have_v be_v cold_a or_o want_v towards_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o but_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o maintain_v more_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v his_o company_n for_o love_n will_v make_v thou_o to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n we_o read_v rev._n 2._o that_o god_n threaten_v ephesus_n that_o he_o will_v depart_v and_o remove_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o because_o of_o her_o decay_n in_o her_o love_n towards_o he_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n and_o well_o he_o may_v for_o the_o less_o she_o love_v he_o the_o more_o be_v her_o heart_n contract_v and_o shut_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o little_a room_n can_v he_o have_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o consequent_o little_a heart_n to_o stay_v there_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o suffer_v thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o decay_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n but_o get_v thy_o heart_n fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v ready_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a negligence_n which_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o a_o negligence_n or_o sluggishness_n in_o their_o work_n or_o 2._o in_o their_o watch_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o both_o which_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n 1._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o work_n slothful_a work_v and_o labour_v in_o our_o spiritual_a call_n do_v but_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v after_o a_o sluggish_a and_o slothful_a manner_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o matter_n not_o christ_n company_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o for_o christ_n will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o slothful_a man_n will_v scarce_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n till_o christ_n come_v but_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o his_o work_n and_o be_v go_v to_o bed_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o too_o lazy_a too_o to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o some_o person_n indeed_o be_v impatient_a of_o christ_n delay_n because_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o company_n they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o these_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v other_o be_v impatient_a under_o delay_n because_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o duty_n love_v not_o to_o tug_v and_o toil_n and_o sweat_v in_o duty_n too_o long_o but_o will_v have_v christ_n come_v that_o their_o work_n may_v be_v over_o and_o if_o he_o come_v not_o in_o their_o time_n they_o leave_v off_o their_o work_n these_o do_v shut_v out_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o slothful_a or_o sluggish_a in_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a painful_a and_o industrious_a in_o thy_o spiritual_a work_n be_v diligent_a in_o mortify_v sin_n in_o quicken_a grace_n in_o discharge_v duty_n and_o those_o of_o all_o sort_n that_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o may_v find_v thou_o so_o do_v busy_o employ_v in_o thy_o lord_n work_v and_o then_o will_v he_o say_v to_o thou_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o watch_n the_o spouse_n here_o have_v lay_v aside_o her_o watch_n be_v compose_v herself_o for_o rest_n and_o now_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v her_o door_n shut_v when_o sinner_n grow_v lazy_a and_o let_v fall_v their_o watch_n they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a posture_n for_o satan_n to_o find_v they_o than_o christ_n for_o satan_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o therefore_o his_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v when_o he_o can_v find_v they_o nap_v and_o secure_a but_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o will_v find_v we_o watch_v he_o come_v as_o a_o master_n and_o therefore_o expect_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o thou_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n watch_v against_o the_o treachery_n deceitfulness_n and_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o a_o entice_a allure_a world_n watch_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o subtle_a devil_n watch_v thy_o corruption_n that_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o thou_o watch_v thy_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o decay_n nor_o be_v idle_a watch_v thy_o faith_n that_o that_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o watch_v thy_o patience_n that_o that_o wear_v not_o out_o but_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o watch_v thy_o love_n that_o by_o the_o decay_n and_o cooling_n of_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o contract_v and_o shut_v against_o christ_n keep_v up_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o faithful_a watch_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_v when_o christ_n come_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v upon_o his_o watchtower_n ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n and_o consequent_o by_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n have_v instruct_v you_o how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v the_o heart_n open_a for_o christ_n to_o all_o which_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n then_o live_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n look_v for_o his_o come_n when_o the_o servant_n think_v with_o himself_o my_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n he_o will_v not_o come_v yet_o he_o grow_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o neglect_v both_o his_o work_n and_o his_o watch_n but_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o judge_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v come_v and_o i_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o watch_v of_o the_o night_n this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n at_o 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behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o and_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v so_o close_o shut_v against_o christ_n you_o know_v that_o one_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o be_v by_o faith_n roll_v and_o recumb_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v his_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o know_v he_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o iâ—_n
be_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o excellency_n all-sufficiency_n and_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o insufficiency_n and_o emptiness_n that_o make_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o very_o cold_a for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o love_n be_v some_o suitable_a desirable_a good_a thing_n be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v then_o with_o that_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o and_o free_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o christ_n do_v we_o but_o see_v his_o loveliness_n in_o every_o respect_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o disposition_n and_o qualification_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o undertake_n and_o his_o suitableness_n every_o way_n to_o our_o condition_n we_o shall_v from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o love_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o spouse_n he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a nay_o our_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o desire_v after_o he_o will_v be_v so_o fervent_a that_o we_o shall_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n more_o open_a to_o christ_n study_n christ_n better_o for_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v exalt_v or_o set_v on_o high_a such_o as_o know_v his_o name_n and_o set_v their_o love_n upon_o he_o psal_n 91.14_o and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o high_o advance_v thou_o than_o by_o honour_v thou_o with_o his_o company_n our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o call_v and_o therefore_o we_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o his_o call_n 2._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v of_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o teach_v thou_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o attend_v thereunto_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n be_v who_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n yea_o let_v thy_o heart_n burn_v within_o thou_o while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o thou_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n do_v while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o attend_v diligent_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v with_o the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_a ready_o prepare_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o divine_a truth_n god_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o and_o resolve_v to_o practice_v what_o truth_n thou_o shall_v receive_v let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o every_o ordinance_n as_o samuel_n do_v speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v or_o as_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v or_o as_o the_o people_n to_o moses_n but_o with_o a_o better_a heart_n and_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v none_o of_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a but_o say_v with_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n remember_v that_o christ_n be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o thou_o for_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o in_o keep_v his_o command_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n 3._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o christ_n thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o christ_n will_v advise_v thou_o to_o nothing_o but_o for_o thy_o good_a see_v what_o counsel_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o asian_a church_n rev._n 2_o 3._o chap._n his_o counsel_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o laodicea_n she_o be_v a_o very_a lukewarm_a church_n and_o yet_o very_o proud_a self-confident_a church_n she_o say_v she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o what_o be_v christ_n counsel_n to_o she_o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v rev._n 3.17_o 18._o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o faithful_a friend_n and_o physician_n will_v certain_o give_v very_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n he_o be_v call_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n isai_n 9.6_o open_v thy_o heart_n and_o listen_v to_o the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o thou_o he_o will_v instruct_v thou_o how_o to_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o improve_v ordinance_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o exercise_v thy_o grace_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o order_v thy_o conversation_n aright_o and_o to_o improve_v all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o thou_o take_v but_o christ_n counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v amiss_o for_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o communicative_a of_o his_o wisdom_n never_o fail_v any_o that_o trust_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n read_v james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o but_o know_v this_o that_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o counsel_n slight_v to_o do_v this_o will_v high_o displease_v he_o read_v prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n i_o call_v 〈◊〉_d but_o you_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v theâ—_n shall_v they_o call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n counsel_n thou_o may_v follow_v thy_o own_o device_n and_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o psal_n 81.11_o 12._o write_v out_o the_o text._n 4._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o too_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o thou_o but_o as_o david_n speak_v concern_v the_o righteous_a so_o do_v thou_o from_o thy_o very_a heart_n say_v let_v the_o righteous_a christ_n smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n though_o thou_o know_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o thou_o at_o his_o come_n yet_o be_v never_o the_o more_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o nor_o be_v thou_o weary_a of_o his_o rebuke_n it_o be_v unpleasant_a discourse_n many_o time_n when_o our_o friend_n rip_v up_o our_o fault_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v real_o our_o fault_n so_o to_o account_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o real_a part_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o reprove_v we_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o our_o soul_n however_o it_o may_v be_v unpleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o safe_a it_o argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o thou_o if_o he_o deal_v thus_o faithful_o with_o thou_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o let_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o be_v open_a ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v his_o most_o severe_a rebuke_n and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o kindness_n from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v rebuke_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o blessedness_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n rebuke_n and_o chasten_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 94.12_o david_n have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o say_v psal_n 119.75_o i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v right_a and_o that_o thou_o in_o faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v i_o and_o v._o 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o afterward_o it_o work_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o heb._n 12.11_o open_a therefore_o
your_o request_n to_o christ_n say_v tell_v i_o oh_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v and_o where_o thou_o cause_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n etc._n etc._n oh_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v powerful_a ordinance_n and_o meet_v with_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o my_o eye_n may_v see_v my_o teacher_n and_o my_o ear_n hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o suchlike_a prayer_n as_o these_o you_o have_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o put_v up_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o your_o prayer_n christ_n be_v come_v and_o stand_v knock_v and_o call_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n and_o my_o undefiled_a those_o call_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v according_a to_o your_o real_a desire_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v eminent_a and_o remarkable_a 8._o be_v not_o you_o the_o profess_a spouse_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v profess_o give_v up_o yourselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a marriage-covenant_n unto_o christ_n engage_v and_o swear_v that_o you_o will_v be_v he_o and_o at_o his_o service_n what_o deep_a obligation_n can_v you_o lay_v upon_o yourselves_o than_o you_o have_v do_v in_o your_o baptism_n and_o renew_v covenant_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o by_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n upon_o several_a occasion_n so_o that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v more_o solemn_o engage_v to_o open_a to_o christ_n than_o you_o be_v and_o in_o regard_n you_o expect_v his_o come_n every_o hour_n do_v it_o not_o stand_v you_o upon_o to_o be_v always_o upon_o your_o watchtower_n wait_v when_o your_o lord_n will_v come_v that_o you_o may_v present_o open_v to_o he_o and_o now_o when_o he_o both_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a summons_n to_o you_o to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o every_o call_n of_o a_o husband_n especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o christ_n be_v shall_v have_v so_o much_o weight_n in_o 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do_v not_o all_o these_o lay_v that_o christ_n speak_v like_o a_o most_o sweet_a love_a tender_a and_o kind-hearted_a husband_n to_o you_o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n etc._n etc._n and_o sure_o these_o soft_a word_n may_v break_v the_o bone_n and_o force_v open_a the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o delâ—â—_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n have_v manifest_v as_o much_o love_n and_o deal_v with_o as_o much_o tenderness_n towards_o we_o as_o ever_o he_o do_v towards_o a_o people_n and_o therefore_o his_o call_n be_v loud_a enough_o to_o be_v hear_v 10._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 if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n in_o a_o good_a sense_n that_o he_o come_v full_o fraught_v and_o furnish_v with_o all_o fullness_n and_o plenitude_n of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v desire_v or_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o of_o your_o soul_n that_o ever_o do_v open_a to_o and_o let_v 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