gospel_n which_o you_o enjoy_v lead_v you_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n iâ—a_n 53._o 5._o by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peace_n peace_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v a_o rational_a peace_n found_v upon_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o christ_n ephes._n 1._o 7._o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n here_o you_o see_v justice_n and_o mercy_n kiss_v each_o other_o god_n satisfy_v and_o the_o sinner_n justify_v for_o conscience_n demand_v as_o much_o to_o satisfy_v it_o as_o god_n demand_v to_o satisfy_v he_o if_o god_n be_v satisfy_v conscience_n be_v satisfy_v o_o bless_a be_v the_o people_n that_o hear_v this_o joyful_a sound_n psal._n 89._o 15._o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o joyful_a sound_n to_o every_o convince_a humble_a soul_n beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o bring_v good_a tiding_n that_o publish_v peace_n it_o be_v a_o gospel_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o it_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o fullness_n of_o blessing_n among_o the_o people_n o_o england_n o_o dartmouth_n provoke_v not_o thy_o god_n to_o extinguish_v this_o bless_a light_n great_a be_v our_o wantonness_n and_o ominous_a be_v our_o barrenness_n and_o ingratitude_n yet_o a_o little_a while_o the_o light_n be_v with_o you_o walk_z whilst_o you_o have_v the_o light_n lest_o darkness_n come_v upon_o you_o for_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n know_v not_o whither_o he_o go_v john_n 12._o 35._o shall_v god_n blow_v out_o this_o light_n whither_o will_v you_o go_v who_o shall_v pour_v in_o balm_n to_o your_o distress_a bleed_a conscience_n conscience_n ii_o inference_n hence_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o follow_v infer_v that_o the_o greatness_n heinousness_n of_o past_a sin_n be_v no_o bar_n to_o believe_v and_o accept_v christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n let_v no_o sinner_n be_v dismay_v by_o the_o atrocity_n and_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n past_a from_o come_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o remission_n and_o peace_n i_o be_o awar_n what_o mischievous_a use_n satan_n make_v of_o former_a sin_n to_o discourage_v soul_n from_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n by_o heap_v they_o together_o he_o raise_v up_o a_o mountain_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o distress_a soul_n but_o behold_v this_o day_n christ_n leap_v over_o these_o mountain_n and_o skipe_v over_o these_o hill_n can_v this_o objection_n be_v roll_v out_o of_o the_o way_n sinner_n will_v go_v on_o in_o hope_n but_o certain_o if_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o sin_n need_v not_o discourage_v thou_o from_o believe_v for_o 1._o thou_o have_v sufficient_a encouragement_n from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o pardon_n whatever_o thy_o particular_a enormity_n have_v be_v there_o be_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o impulsive_a cause_n the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n exod._n 34._o 6_o 7._o micah_n 7._o 18_o 19_o isa._n 55._o 7_o 8_o 9_o it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v mercy_n enough_o in_o god_n to_o heal_v and_o cover_v all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o less_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o pardon_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o take_v away_o all_o sin_n 1_o john_n 1._o 7._o 1_o john_n 29._o and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v divine_a blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o neither_o be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o apply_v cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v already_o begin_v to_o work_v upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o be_v able_a to_o break_v it_o and_o bow_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o home_o full_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o work_n of_o faith_n upon_o thou_o with_o power_n thou_o complain_v thou_o can_v not_o mourn_v nor_o believe_v as_o thou_o will_v but_o he_o want_v no_o ability_n to_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o thy_o repentance_n and_o faith_n well_o then_o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o creature_n if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o treasure_n and_o revenue_n of_o a_o king_n be_v able_a to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o a_o beggar_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o work_v by_o a_o almighty_a power_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v thou_o of_o righteousness_n as_o well_o as_o sin_n john_n 16._o 9_o i_o say_v if_o all_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o forgiveness_n be_v sufficient_a every_o one_o in_o its_o kind_n the_o first_o to_o move_v the_o second_o to_o purchase_v and_o the_o three_o to_o apply_v what_o hinder_v but_o thy_o tremble_a conscience_n shall_v go_v to_o christ_n and_o thy_o discourage_v soul_n move_v onward_o with_o hope_n in_o the_o way_n of_o believe_v whatever_o thy_o former_a enormity_n have_v be_v 2._o if_o god_n raise_v glory_n to_o his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o pardon_v than_o the_o greatness_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o believe_v but_o so_o god_n do_v he_o raise_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n from_o the_o multitude_n and_o magnitude_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o pardon_v jer._n 33._o 8_o 9_o i_o will_v cleanse_v they_o from_o all_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o i_o and_o i_o will_v pardon_v all_o their_o iniquity_n whereby_o they_o have_v sin_v and_o whereby_o they_o have_v transgress_v against_o i_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o name_n of_o joy_n a_o praise_n and_o a_o honour_n before_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o shall_v hear_v all_o the_o good_a i_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v for_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o for_o all_o the_o prosperity_n that_o i_o procure_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o cure_n perform_v upon_o a_o man_n labour_v under_o a_o desperate_a disease_n it_o magnify_v the_o physician_n and_o spread_v his_o name_n far_o and_o near_o the_o devil_n envy_v god_n this_o glory_n and_o thy_o soul_n this_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o scare_n thou_o off_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o aggravation_n of_o thy_o sin_n david_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o pardon_v his_o great_a iniquity_n and_o with_o that_o very_a argument_n move_v he_o for_o a_o pardon_n psal._n 25._o 11._o pardon_v my_o iniquity_n for_o it_o be_v great_a you_o see_v there_o be_v strange_a way_n of_o argue_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o in_o use_n among_o man_n this_o be_v one_o lord_n pardon_v my_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v great_a he_o do_v not_o say_v lord_n pardon_v it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a offence_n no_o but_o pardon_v it_o because_o it_o be_v great_a and_o the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n will_v thou_o have_v in_o pardon_v it_o and_o then_o there_o be_v another_o way_n of_o argue_v for_o pardon_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v peculiar_a and_o that_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o former_a pardon_n unto_o new_a pardon_n when_o man_n beg_v their_o pardon_n one_o of_o another_o they_o use_v to_o say_v i_o never_o wrong_v you_o before_o and_o therefore_o forgive_v i_o now_o but_o here_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o lord_n thou_o have_v sign_v thousand_o of_o pardon_n heretofore_o therefore_o pardon_v i_o again_o such_o be_v that_o plea_n numb_a 14._o 19_o pardon_v i_o beseech_v thou_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o people_n according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o mercy_n and_o as_o thou_o have_v forgive_v they_o from_o egypt_n even_o until_o now_o 3._o as_o great_a sin_n as_o those_o that_o now_o stare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o thy_o conscience_n have_v be_v actual_o forgive_v to_o man_n upon_o their_o humiliation_n and_o close_n with_o christ._n poor_a sinner_n under_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n like_o they_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v diminish_v and_o extenuate_v sin_n but_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o free_a grace_n have_v pardon_v as_o great_a sinner_n as_o thou_o be_v upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n what_o think_v you_o have_v you_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n will_v not_o that_o sin_n have_v be_v as_o dreadful_a as_o any_o that_o now_o discourage_v you_o yea_o certain_o you_o will_v have_v think_v that_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o yet_o behold_v that_o very_a sin_n be_v no_o bar_n to_o their_o pardon_n when_o once_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o make_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o christ_n act_v 2._o 36_o 37_o 38._o 4._o if_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o policy_n of_o satan_n to_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o your_o sin_n to_o prevent_v the_o pardon_v of_o they_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v neither_o your_o duty_n nor_o interest_n
purchase_v you_o and_o may_v just_o condemn_v you_o upon_o the_o first_o denial_n or_o demur_n behold_v i_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o suitor_n 2._o his_o posture_n and_o action_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o preter_fw-la tense_n i_o have_v stand_v but_o be_v here_o join_v with_o another_o verb_n of_o the_o present_a tense_n it_o be_v fit_o translate_v i_o stand_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o it_o note_v a_o continue_a action_n i_o have_v stand_v and_o do_v still_o stand_v with_o unwearied_a patience_n i_o once_o stand_v personal_o and_o bodily_a among_o you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o flesh_n and_o i_o still_o stand_v spiritual_o and_o representative_o in_o my_o ambassador_n at_o the_o door_n i._n e._n the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n the_o faculty_n and_o power_n which_o be_v introductive_a into_o the_o whole_a soul._n the_o word_n door_n be_v here_o improper_o put_v to_o signify_v those_o introductive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a use_n to_o it_o as_o the_o door_n be_v to_o the_o house_n this_o be_v the_o redeemer_n posture_n his_o action_n be_v knock_v i._n e._n his_o powerful_a essay_n and_o gracious_a attempt_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o admission_n the_o word_n knock_n signify_v a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a knock_n 〈◊〉_d he_o stand_v patient_o and_o knock_v powerful_o by_o the_o word_n outward_o by_o the_o conviction_n motion_n impulse_n strive_n and_o instigation_n of_o his_o spirit_n inward_o 3._o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o suit_n it_o be_v for_o open_v i._n e._n consent_v receive_v embrace_v and_o hearty_a accept_n of_o he_o by_o faith_n act_n 16._o 14._o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n i._n e._n persuade_v her_o soul_n to_o believe_v imply_v that_o the_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v strong_o bar_v and_o lock_v up_o against_o christ_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o power_n from_o he_o can_v open_v it_o second_o the_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n use_v by_o christ_n to_o obtain_v his_o suit_n and_o get_v a_o grant_n from_o the_o sinner_n heart_n and_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o two_o inestimable_a benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o open_n or_o believe_v soul._n viz._n 1._o union_n 2._o communion_n with_o christ._n 1._o union_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v unite_v myself_o with_o the_o open_n believe_a soul_n he_o shall_v be_v mystical_o one_o with_o i_o and_o i_o with_o he_o 2._o communion_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o that_o be_v i_o will_v feast_v the_o believe_a soul_n with_o the_o delicate_n of_o heaven_n such_o comfort_n such_o joy_n such_o pleasure_n as_o none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o believer_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o set_v home_o all_o these_o special_a benefit_n be_v propose_v by_o christ_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n great_a and_o small_a old_a and_o young_a if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n that_o so_o no_o soul_n may_v be_v discourage_v from_o believe_v by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n may_v see_v free_a grace_n triumph_v over_o all_o their_o unworthiness_n upon_o their_o consent_n to_o take_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n thus_o open_v afford_v many_o great_a and_o useful_a point_n of_o doctrine_n comprehend_v in_o they_o the_o very_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o solemn_a and_o remarkable_a preface_n behold_v will_v be_v this_o i._o doctrine_n that_o every_o offer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n be_v record_v and_o witness_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o account_n and_o reckon_n â—_o here_o we_o shall_v inquire_v into_o three_o thing_n 1._o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o gospel_n tender_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o object_n matter_n they_o witness_v to_o 3._o why_o god_n record_v every_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v witness_v thereof_o first_o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o the_o tender_n and_o offer_v make_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o strict_a legal_a number_n for_o 1._o his_o minister_n by_o who_o he_o make_v they_o be_v all_o witness_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o people_n act_v 26._o 16._o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n here_o you_o see_v minister_n have_v a_o double_a office_n to_o propose_v and_o offer_n christ_n and_o then_o to_o bear_v witness_n for_o or_o against_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v thus_o offer_v they_o be_v express_o call_v god_n witness_n rev._n 11._o 6_o 7._o their_o labour_n witness_v their_o suffering_n witness_v their_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n witness_n yea_o the_o very_a dust_n of_o their_o foot_n shake_v off_o against_o the_o refuser_n of_o christ_n turn_v to_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o mark_v 6._o 11._o every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v every_o drop_n of_o sweat_n much_o more_o of_o blood_n be_v place_v in_o god_n book_n as_o marginal_a note_n by_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o will_v be_v produce_v and_o read_v in_o the_o great_a day_n against_o all_o the_o refuser_n and_o despiser_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v preach_v to_o you_o be_v a_o testimony_n or_o witness_n for_o god_n for_o or_o against_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v it_o john_n 12._o 48._o he_o that_o reject_v i_o and_o receive_v not_o my_o word_n have_v one_o that_o judge_v he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n word_n matth._n 24._o 14._o and_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v ah_o lord_n what_o a_o solemn_a record_n be_v here_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v yea_o every_o reproof_n persuasion_n and_o conviction_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n to_o cast_v and_o condemn_v every_o soul_n in_o judgement_n that_o comply_v not_o obedient_o with_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o sermon_n so_o many_o witness_n 3._o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n once_o make_v he_o the_o very_a conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n that_o have_v no_o other_o preacher_n but_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o other_o work_n of_o nature_n yet_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o that_o they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o certain_o if_o such_o vigour_n and_o activity_n be_v put_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o heathen_n who_o can_v only_o read_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o dim_a moonlight_n of_o natural_a reason_n how_o much_o more_o vigorous_a and_o active_a will_n conscience_n be_v in_o its_o accuse_a office_n against_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o gospel_n light_n their_o conscience_n will_v be_v swift_a witness_n and_o will_v ring_v sad_a peal_n in_o their_o ear_n another_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o ezek._n 2._o 5._o this_o single_a witness_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n for_o god._n 4._o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o witness_n for_o god_n against_o the_o despiser_n and_o neglecter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n every_o mourn_a tremble_a soul_n among_o you_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o all_o the_o dead_a heart_a unbelieving_a disobedient_a one_o that_o sit_v with_o they_o under_o the_o same_o ordinance_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v be_v assessor_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o condemn_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n as_o noah_n do_v the_o old_a world_n and_o thus_o matth._n 21._o 32._o john_n come_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o you_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n believe_v he_o and_o you_o when_o you_o have_v see_v it_o repent_v not_o afterward_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v he_o q._n d._n what_o shift_n do_v you_o make_v to_o quiet_v your_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v your_o conviction_n when_o you_o see_v publican_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o harlot_n the_o worst_a of_o woman_n repent_v
adam_n which_o be_v as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n that_o not_o only_o so_o many_o person_n but_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v must_v come_v into_o judgement_n even_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n their_o conscience_n to_o be_v interrogated_a all_o other_o witness_n full_o hear_v and_o examine_v how_o great_a a_o day_n must_v this_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o be_v the_o second_o use_n but_o the_o main_a use_n of_o this_o point_n will_v be_v for_o exhortation_n that_o see_v all_o the_o offer_v of_o christ_n be_v record_v and_o witness_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o day_n of_o account_n every_o one_o of_o you_o will_v therefore_o immediate_o embrace_v the_o present_a gracious_a tender_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o ever_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v acquit_v and_o clear_v in_o that_o great_a day_n take_v heed_n of_o denial_n nay_o of_o delay_n and_o demur_n for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2._o 2_o 3._o the_o question_n be_v put_v but_o no_o answer_n make_v how_o shall_v we_o escape_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o ten_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o lord_n follow_v home_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o your_o heart_n i._o consideration_n consider_v how_o invaluable_a a_o mercy_n it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v yet_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o offer_a grace_n the_o mercy_n that_o stand_v in_o offer_n before_o you_o this_o day_n be_v never_o set_v before_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v no_o mediator_n be_v ever_o appoint_v for_o they_o oh_o astonish_a mercy_n that_o those_o vessel_n of_o gold_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o such_o clay_n vessel_n as_o we_o be_v thus_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o great_a happiness_n than_o ever_o they_o fall_v from_o nay_o the_o mercy_n that_o stand_v before_o you_o be_v not_o only_o deny_v to_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v but_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o fellow_n creature_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o dignity_n with_o you_o psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o he_o show_v his_o word_n to_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n and_o as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o praise_v you_o the_o lord_n a_o mercy_n deserve_o celebrate_v with_o a_o joyful_a allelujah_o what_o vast_a tract_n be_v there_o in_o the_o habitable_a world_n where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v unknown_a it_o be_v your_o special_a mercy_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o land_n of_o bibles_n and_o minister_n where_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a for_o you_o to_o avoid_v and_o shun_v the_o light_n as_o it_o be_v for_o other_o to_o behold_v and_o enjoy_v it_o ii_o consideration_n consider_v the_o nature_n weight_n and_o worth_a of_o the_o mercy_n which_o be_v this_o day_n free_o offer_v you_o certain_o they_o be_v mercy_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n the_o most_o ponderous_a precious_a and_o necessary_a among_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god._n christ_n the_o first_o bear_v of_o mercy_n and_o in_o he_o pardon_n peace_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v set_v before_o you_o it_o be_v astonish_v to_o see_v a_o starve_a man_n refuse_v offer_v bread_n or_o a_o condemn_a man_n a_o gracious_a pardon_n lord_n what_o composition_n of_o sloth_n and_o stupidity_n be_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v need_v so_o many_o entreaty_n to_o be_v happy_a iii_o consideration_n consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o make_v these_o gracious_a tender_n of_o pardon_n peace_n and_o salvation_n to_o you_o even_o that_o god_n who_o you_o have_v so_o deep_o wrong_v who_o law_n you_o have_v violate_v who_o mercy_n you_o have_v spurn_v and_o who_o wrath_n you_o have_v just_o incense_v his_o patience_n groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o your_o daily_a provocation_n he_o lose_v nothing_o if_o you_o be_v damn_v and_o receive_v no_o benefit_n if_o you_o be_v save_v yet_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n to_o you_o free_o arise_v out_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n god_n entreat_v you_o to_o be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o the_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n who_o blood_n thy_o sin_n have_v shed_v now_o free_o offer_v that_o blood_n for_o thy_o reconciliation_n justification_n and_o salvation_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o sincere_o accept_v he_o ere_o it_o be_v too_o late_o iv._o consideration_n reflect_v serious_o upon_o your_o own_o vileness_n to_o who_o such_o gracious_a offer_n of_o peace_n and_o mercy_n be_v make_v thy_o sin_n have_v set_v thou_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o pardon_n as_o any_o sinner_n in_o the_o world._n consider_v man_n what_o thou_o have_v be_v what_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o what_o vast_a heap_n of_o guilt_n thou_o have_v contract_v by_o a_o life_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o that_o unto_o thou_o pardon_v and_o peace_n shall_v be_v offer_v in_o christ_n after_o such_o a_o life_n of_o rebellion_n how_o astonish_v be_v the_o mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v content_v to_o pass_v by_o all_o thy_o former_a rebellion_n thy_o deep_a die_v transgression_n and_o to_o sign_v a_o act_n of_o oblivion_n for_o all_o that_o be_v past_a if_o now_o at_o last_o thy_o heart_n relent_v for_o sin_n and_o thy_o will_n bow_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o grâ—at_a command_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n isa._n 55._o 2._o &_o 1._o 18._o v._o consideration_n consider_v how_o many_o offer_n of_o mercy_n you_o have_v already_o refuse_v and_o that_o every_o refusal_n be_v record_v against_o you_o how_o long_o you_o have_v try_v and_o even_o tire_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n already_o and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o last_o overture_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o god_n will_v make_v to_o your_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v a_o offer_n that_o will_v be_v the_o last_o offer_n a_o strive_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v be_v his_o last_o strive_v and_o after_o that_o no_o more_o offer_n without_o you_o no_o more_o motion_n or_o strive_n within_o you_o for_o evermore_o the_o treaty_n be_v then_o end_v and_o your_o last_o neglect_n or_o rejection_n of_o christ_n record_v against_o the_o day_n of_o your_o account_n and_o what_o if_o this_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v that_o last_o tender_a of_o grace_n which_o must_v conclude_v the_o treaty_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o you_o what_o undo_v wretch_n must_v you_o then_o be_v with_o who_o so_o gracious_a a_o treaty_n break_v off_o upon_o such_o dreadful_a term_n vi_o consideration_n consider_v well_o the_o reasonable_a mild_a and_o gracious_a nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n term_n on_o which_o life_n and_o pardon_n be_v offer_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n require_v nothing_o of_o you_o but_o repentance_n and_o faith_n act_v 20._o 21._o can_v you_o think_v it_o hard_o when_o a_o prince_n pardon_v a_o rebel_n to_o require_v he_o to_o fall_v upon_o his_o knee_n and_o stretch_v forth_o a_o willing_a and_o thankful_a hand_n to_o receive_v his_o pardon_n your_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n here_o be_v no_o legal_a satisfaction_n require_v at_o your_o hand_n no_o reparation_n of_o the_o injure_a law_n by_o your_o do_n or_o suffering_n but_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n commit_v sincere_a purpose_n and_o endeavour_n after_o new_a obedience_n and_o a_o hearty_a thankful_a acceptation_n of_o christ_n your_o saviour_n and_o for_o your_o encouragement_n herein_o his_o spirit_n stand_v ready_a to_o furnish_v you_o with_o power_n and_o ability_n prov._n 1._o 23._o turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o i_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o and_o isa._n 26._o 20._o lord_n thou_o have_v wrought_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o vii_o consideration_n again_o consider_v how_o your_o way_n to_o christ_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n be_v beat_v before_o you_o by_o thousand_o of_o sinner_n for_o your_o encouragement_n you_o be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o ever_o adventure_v your_o soul_n in_o this_o path_n multitude_n be_v go_v before_o you_o and_o that_o under_o as_o much_o guilt_n fear_n and_o discouragement_n as_o you_o that_o come_v after_o can_v pretend_v unto_o and_o not_o a_o man_n among_o they_o repulse_v or_o discourage_v here_o they_o have_v find_v rest_n and_o peace_n to_o their_o weary_a soul_n heb._n 4._o 3._o act_n 13._o 39_o here_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n have_v be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o ensample_n to_o you_o
that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 16._o you_o see_v if_o you_o will_v not_o other_o will_n joyful_o accept_v the_o offer_n of_o christ_n what_o discouragement_n have_v you_o that_o they_o have_v not_o or_o what_o great_a encouragement_n have_v they_o which_o god_n have_v not_o give_v you_o this_o day_n therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v your_o judge_n viii_o consideration_n consider_v the_o great_a hazard_n of_o these_o precious_a season_n you_o now_o enjoy_v opportunity_n be_v the_o golden_a spot_n of_o time_n but_o it_o be_v tempus_fw-la â—abiâ—e_fw-la a_o very_a slippery_a and_o uncertain_a thing_n great_a and_o manifold_o be_v the_o hazard_n and_o contingency_n attend_v it_o your_o life_n be_v immediate_o uncertain_a your_o breath_n continual_o go_v in_o your_o nostril_n and_o that_o which_o be_v every_o moment_n go_v will_v be_v go_v at_o last_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o uncertain_a as_o your_o life_n god_n have_v make_v no_o such_o settlement_n of_o it_o but_o that_o he_o may_v aâ—_n pleasure_n remove_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v so_o if_o we_o thus_o trifle_v under_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o candlestick_n though_o a_o golden_a one_o rev._n 2._o 5._o and_o that_o you_o all_o know_v be_v a_o movable_a thing_n and_o not_o only_o your_o life_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o your_o eternal_a life_n i_o mean_v the_o gospel_n be_v uncertain_a thing_n but_o even_o the_o motion_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o your_o soul_n be_v as_o uncertain_a as_o either_o phil._n 12._o 13._o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n that_o god_n now_o work_v with_o you_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a encouragement_n to_o your_o work_n but_o that_o he_o work_v at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n as_o a_o free_a arbitrary_a agent_n who_o can_v cease_v when_o he_o please_v and_o never_o give_v one_o knock_v at_o your_o heart_n more_o shall_v make_v you_o work_v with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a ix_o consideration_n think_v what_o a_o fearful_a aggravation_n it_o will_v be_v both_o of_o your_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o perish_v in_o the_o fight_n and_o presence_n of_o a_o offer_a remedy_n to_o sink_v into_o hell_n betwixt_o the_o outstretch_a arm_n of_o a_o compassionate_a redeemer_n that_o will_v have_v gather_v you_o but_o you_o will_v not_o heathen_n yea_o devil_n will_v upbraid_v you_o in_o hell_n for_o such_o unaccountable_a folly_n and_o desperate_a madness_n heathen_n will_v say_v alas_o we_o have_v but_o the_o dim_a moonlight_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v indeed_o discover_v sin_n but_o not_o christ_n the_o remedy_n ah_o have_v your_o preacher_n and_o your_o bible_n be_v send_v among_o we_o how_o glady_n will_v we_o have_v embrace_v they_o sure_o say_v god_n to_o ezechiel_n have_v i_o send_v thou_o to_o they_o they_o will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o thou_o ezek._n 3._o 5_o 6._o matth._n 11._o 21._o the_o very_a devil_n will_v upbraid_v you_o oh_o if_o god_n have_v send_v a_o mediator_n in_o our_o nature_n we_o have_v never_o reject_v he_o as_o you_o have_v do_v but_o he_o take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n x._o consideration_n last_o how_o clear_a as_o well_o as_o sure_o will_v your_o condemnation_n be_v in_o the_o great_a day_n against_o who_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n will_v appear_v oh_o how_o manifest_a will_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v man_n and_o angel_n shall_v applaud_v the_o sentence_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n shall_v acknowledge_v the_o equity_n of_o it_o you_o that_o be_v christless_a now_o will_v be_v speechless_a then_o matth._n 22._o 12._o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o persuade_v man_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 11._o as_o one_o that_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o be_v summon_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o any_o of_o your_o soul_n oh_o that_o i_o may_v be_v your_o rejoice_v and_o you_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sermon_n ii_o revel_v 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n etc._n etc._n have_v in_o the_o former_a sermon_n ponder_v christ_n solemn_a preface_n to_o his_o earnest_a suit_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o come_v under_o our_o consideration_n be_v the_o person_n solicit_v and_o plead_v for_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n which_o be_v christ_n himself_o behold_v i_o stand_v the_o only_a difficulty_n here_o be_v right_o to_o apprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o gospel_n administration_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o heaven_n his_o bodily_a presence_n be_v remove_v from_o this_o low_a world_n above_o sixty_o year_n before_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o the_o laodicean_n john_n banishment_n into_o patmos_n be_v by_o eusebius_n out_o of_o irenaeus_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n place_v in_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o the_o emperor_n domitian_n and_o under_o his_o second_o persecution_n which_o be_v about_o the_o ninety_o seven_o year_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o christ._n yet_o here_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o stand_v not_o my_o messenger_n and_o minister_n only_o but_o i_o by_o my_o spiritual_a presence_n among_o you_o i_o your_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o owner_n who_o have_v all_o right_a and_o authority_n by_o creation_n and_o redemption_n to_o possess_v and_o dispose_v of_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v i_o that_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n i_o by_o my_o spirit_n solicit_v and_o move_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o men._n you_o see_v none_o but_o man_n but_o believe_v it_o i_o be_o real_o and_o true_o though_o spiritual_o and_o invisible_o present_a in_o all_o those_o administration_n all_o those_o knock_n motion_n and_o solicitation_n be_v true_o i_o they_o be_v my_o act_n and_o i_o own_o they_o and_o so_o i_o will_v have_v you_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v they_o hence_o the_o second_o note_n be_v this_o doct._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v true_o present_a with_o man_n in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o visible_a to_o their_o carnal_a eye_n thus_o run_v the_o promise_n matth._n 18._o 20._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o the_o middle_a place_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o precedent_n in_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n where_o he_o may_v equal_o hear_v and_o be_v hear_v of_o all_o so_o will_v i_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a meet_v together_o in_o my_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o bless_v guide_v and_o protect_v they_o hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o place_n of_o his_o foot_n isa._n 16._o 13._o a_o manifest_a allusion_n to_o the_o ark_n call_v god_n footstool_n psal._n 99_o 5._o and_o agreeable_o hereunto_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v among_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n revel_v 2._o 1._o there_o be_v the_o spiritual_a walk_n of_o christ_n there_o his_o converse_v and_o communion_n with_o man_n and_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o glorious_a promise_n comfortable_o so_o extend_v with_o the_o church_n from_o first_o to_o last_o matth._n 28._o ult_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n this_o promise_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o expectation_n of_o benefit_n from_o ordinance_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v not_o here_o consider_v personal_o but_o official_o to_o you_o and_o all_o that_o succeed_v you_o in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o office_n not_o to_o you_o only_o as_o extraordinary_n but_o to_o all_o the_o succeed_a ordinary_n stand_v officer_n in_o my_o church_n as_o for_o the_o apostle_n neither_o their_o person_n nor_o extraordinary_a office_n be_v to_o continue_v long_o but_o this_o promise_n be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n nor_o be_v this_o promise_n make_v absolute_o but_o conditional_o the_o connection_n of_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o command_n enforce_v this_o qualify_a sense_n as_o 2_o chron._n 15._o 2._o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o whilst_o you_o be_v with_o he_o ignorant_n idle_a unqualified_a person_n can_v claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o gracious_a grant_n once_o more_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v ot_fw-mi every_o hour_n and_o minute_n of_o time_n i_o be_o with_o you_o all_o the_o day_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a text_n in_o dark_a and_o dangerous_a as_o well_o as_o peaceable_a and_o encourage_v day_n and_o it_o be_v close_v up_o with_o a_o
very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3._o 5._o o_o sinner_n that_o hard_a heart_n of_o thou_o must_v be_v humble_v thy_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a will_n must_v be_v bow_v all_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o soul_n must_v be_v unlock_v and_o open_v unto_o christ_n he_o must_v come_v into_o thy_o soul_n or_o thou_o can_v never_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o peace_n it_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o glory_n col._n 1._o 27._o till_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_v christ_n with_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n stand_v without_o thou_o and_o if_o hope_v from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o we_o without_o the_o application_n of_o his_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o save_v man_n then_o why_o be_v any_o damn_v consult_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o adam_n sin_n damn_v none_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o and_o christ_n righteousness_n save_v none_o but_o those_o only_a that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o the_o father_n the_o meritorious_a death_n of_o the_o son_n put_v no_o man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n till_o both_o be_v bring_v home_o by_o the_o spirit_n powerful_a application_n in_o the_o work_n of_o save_a conversion_n it_o be_v good_a news_n good_a indeed_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n it_o be_v good_a news_n that_o christ_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o very_a door_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o many_o conviction_n and_o persuasion_n to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o enjoy_v the_o unspeakable_a benefit_n of_o his_o death_n these_o thing_n bring_v we_o nigh_o to_o christ_n the_o next_o door_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v eventual_o but_o a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o our_o damnation_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o to_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v but_o almost_o open_v to_o christ._n v._o inference_n see_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o word_n no_o heart_n can_v ever_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n alas_o such_o bar_n as_o these_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o the_o breath_n of_o man_n to_o break_v let_v minister_n pray_v and_o the_o people_n pray_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v preach_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o great_o concern_v we_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n upon_o our_o knee_n to_o accompany_v we_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o people_n to_o steep_v that_o seed_n we_o sow_v among_o you_o in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o you_o hear_v it_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n let_v we_o not_o strive_v alone_o join_v your_o cry_n to_o heaven_n with_o we_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o word_n how_o do_v paul_n beg_v of_o the_o people_n as_o a_o beggar_n will_v beg_v for_o a_o alm_n at_o the_o door_n for_o their_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n rom._n 15._o 30._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o strive_v together_o with_o i_o in_o your_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o i_o for_o want_v of_o such_o wrestle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v so_o little_a efficacy_n in_o ordinance_n martha_n tell_v her_o saviour_n john_n 11._o 21._o lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o die_v and_o i_o may_v tell_v you_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v here_o your_o soul_n have_v not_o remain_v dead_a under_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v this_o day_n oh_o when_o the_o sabbath_n draw_v near_o let_v fervent_a cry_n ascend_v from_o every_o family_n to_o heaven_n lord_n pour_v out_o thy_o spirit_n with_o thy_o word_n make_v it_o mighty_a through_o thy_o power_n to_o open_v these_o gate_n of_o iron_n and_o break_v asunder_o these_o bar_n of_o brass_n second_o use_v of_o exhortation_n see_v the_o case_n stand_v thus_o that_o all_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v bar_v and_o shut_v up_o against_o christ_n let_v every_o soul_n do_v what_o it_o can_v and_o strive_v to_o its_o uttermost_a to_o get_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n open_v to_o christ_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n christ_n be_v at_o the_o door_n oh_o strive_v with_o yourselves_o as_o well_o as_o with_o god_n now_o to_o get_v it_o open_v now_o that_o salvation_n be_v come_v so_o near_o to_o your_o soul_n object_n object_n but_o have_v you_o not_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o sinner_n can_v open_v his_o own_o heart_n nor_o bow_v his_o own_o will_n to_o christ_n answ._n answ._n true_a he_o can_v convert_v himself_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o which_o have_v a_o remote_a tendency_n towards_o it_o which_o he_o do_v not_o do_v and_o so_o he_o perish_v not_o though_o he_o can_v but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o divers_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o poor_a sinner_n with_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o do_v and_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v insufficient_a yet_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n in_o and_o by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n usual_o work_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v they_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o forbear_v the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o fasten_v your_o heart_n the_o more_o against_o christ_n who_o force_v thy_o hand_n to_o steal_v thy_o tongue_n to_o swear_v or_o lie_v who_o force_v the_o cup_n of_o excess_n down_o thy_o throat_n 2ly_n though_o you_o can_v open_v your_o heart_n under_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o external_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o can_v those_o foot_n carry_v thou_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o alehouse_n 3ly_n and_o though_o you_o can_v let_v the_o word_n effectual_o into_o your_o heart_n yet_o certain_o you_o can_v apply_v your_o mind_n with_o more_o attention_n and_o consideration_n to_o it_o than_o you_o do_v who_o force_v thy_o eye_n to_o wander_v or_o close_v they_o with_o sleep_n when_o the_o awful_a matter_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v sound_v in_o thy_o ear_n 4ly_n though_o you_o can_v open_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v christ_n yet_o certain_o you_o can_v reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o when_o the_o obvious_a character_n of_o a_o christless_a state_n be_v plain_o hold_v forth_o before_o your_o eye_n god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o self-reflecting_a power_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o when_o you_o hear_v of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n compunction_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n deep_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o its_o eternal_a state_n hungering_n and_o thirsting_n after_o christ_n restless_a and_o anxious_a day_n and_o night_n about_o salvation_n other_o have_v feel_v you_o can_v certain_o turn_v in_o upon_o yourselves_o and_o examine_v whether_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o and_o if_o not_o methinks_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o aggravate_v your_o own_o misery_n to_o take_v your_o poor_a soul_n aside_o and_o bemoan_v they_o say_v ah_o my_o poor_a soul_n can_v thou_o endure_v everlasting_a burn_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o if_o christ_n pass_v thou_o by_o and_o his_o spirit_n strive_v no_o more_o with_o thou_o why_o can_v you_o throw_v yourselves_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n and_o cry_v for_o mercy_n prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n distress_n usual_o put_v man_n upon_o it_o that_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n jonah_n 1._o 5._o do_v but_o this_o towards_o the_o open_n and_o save_v of_o your_o own_o soul_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o sufficient_a nor_o put_v god_n under_o any_o meritorious_a obligation_n or_o necessity_n to_o add_v the_o rest_n yet_o it_o put_v you_o into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n sinner_n worth_a as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v too_o have_v you_o not_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o pain_n than_o this_o for_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n that_o you_o perish_v so_o easy_o do_v you_o see_v many_o strive_v round_o about_o you_o for_o christ_n and_o salvation_n whilst_o you_o sit_v still_o with_o fold_a arm_n as_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v for_o another_o world_n
reluctancy_n of_o the_o will_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o some_o divine_n call_v victrix_fw-la delectatio_fw-la a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a victory_n and_o so_o the_o door_n of_o the_o will_v still_o open_v free_o hosea_n 11._o 4._o i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love._n i_o draw_v they_o there_o be_v almighty_a power_n but_o how_o do_v this_o power_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n with_o rational_a argument_n convince_a the_o judgement_n beast_n be_v drive_v and_o force_v but_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o reason_n and_o will_v not_o move_v without_o it_o if_o they_o act_v like_o themselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v for_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o draw_v he_o effectual_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o yet_o still_o the_o soul_n come_v free_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o will_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n in_o draw_v soul_n to_o he_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n a_o kid_n a_o offer_v make_v for_o the_o will_v both_o by_o satan_n and_o christ._n satan_n bid_v riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n with_o ease_n and_o quietness_n to_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o abide_v where_o thou_o be_v say_v satan_n remain_v with_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v escape_v all_o the_o persecution_n loss_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n which_o conscience_n entangle_v other_o man_n in_o thou_o shall_v draw_v thy_o life_n through_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o thy_o die_a day_n o_o say_v the_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o good_a motion_n what_o can_v be_v better_o for_o i_o but_o than_o say_v christ_n do_v thou_o not_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o behold_v i_o offer_v thou_o the_o free_a full_a and_o final_a pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n treasure_n in_o heaven_n all_o these_o shall_v be_v thou_o with_o trouble_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world._n the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n i_o say_v when_o a_o convince_a judgement_n have_v due_o balance_v these_o thing_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o will_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o it_o it_o move_v towards_o christ_n free_o and_o yet_o can_v according_o to_o its_o natural_a order_n act_n otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n so_o often_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v in_o luke_n 14._o 23._o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o what!_o by_o force_a man_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o no_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o protestant_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o gloss_n of_o stella_n a_o popish_a commentator_n upon_o the_o place_n christ_n say_v he_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o by_o show_v to_o their_o will_n such_o a_o excel_a good_a as_o it_o can_v but_o embrace_v for_o volunt_fw-la as_o nature_n aliter_fw-la fertur_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la the_o will_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a good_a and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n harmonious_o and_o agreeable_o to_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n fouthly_a christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n manifest_o imply_v the_o immediate_a access_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o very_a innermost_a door_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o make_v what_o impression_n upon_o it_o he_o please_v as_o for_o other_o instrument_n use_v in_o this_o work_n they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n or_o power_n minister_n can_v but_o knock_v at_o the_o external_a door_n of_o the_o sense_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n we_o can_v see_v their_o person_n and_o hear_v their_o voice_n we_o can_v reason_v with_o sinner_n and_o plead_v with_o their_o soul_n but_o awaken_v they_o we_o can_v open_v their_o heart_n we_o can_v we_o can_v only_o lodge_v our_o message_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a this_o be_v a_o royalty_n belong_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n incommunicable_a to_o angel_n or_o men._n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v the_o preacher_n he_o can_v not_o give_v one_o immediate_a stroke_n to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v man_n we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o conscience_n the_o key_n of_o the_o door_n of_o your_o soul_n hang_v not_o at_o our_o girdle_n but_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n revel_v 3._o 7._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o can_v wound_v they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o make_v what_o impression_n he_o please_v upon_o they_o learn_v hence_o what_o need_v there_o be_v both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o blessing_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o lord_n send_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n pour_v it_o forth_o upon_o and_o with_o thy_o word_n ah_o how_o many_o sermon_n have_v we_o preach_v and_o you_o hear_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o open_n these_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n viz._n condescend_v grace_n all_o first_o motion_n begin_v in_o god_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n can_v have_v immedate_v access_n to_o the_o innermost_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o by_o what_o instrument_n christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n conscience_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v two_o viz._n by_o 1._o his_o word_n 2._o his_o providence_n here_o my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v use_n both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n to_o rouse_v and_o open_v the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o sinner_n these_o be_v the_o two_o hammer_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n 1._o the_o word_n write_v or_o preach_v but_o especial_o preach_v to_o this_o christ_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n employ_v about_o this_o work_n and_o answerable_o the_o word_n be_v call_v god_n hammer_n jer._n 23._o 29._o be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o fire_n and_o as_o the_o hammer_n which_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n by_o this_o hammer_n christ_n rap_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n soul_n to_o give_v warning_n that_o he_o be_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v open_v the_o heart_n immediate_o if_o he_o please_v but_o he_o will_v honour_v his_o word_n in_o this_o work._n and_o therefore_o when_o lydias_n heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v paul_n the_o great_a gospel_n preacher_n must_v be_v invite_v even_o by_o a_o angel_n to_o come_v over_o to_o macedonia_n and_o assist_v in_o that_o bless_a work_n act_v 16._o 9_o lydia_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v her_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n appoint_a instrument_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o work._n i_o have_v make_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o paul_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 26._o 18._o now_o there_o be_v three_o way_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n use_v the_o word_n as_o his_o hammer_n in_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul._n 1._o he_o knock_v by_o the_o particular_a conviction_n of_o of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o knock_n by_o conviction_n ring_n and_o sound_n through_o all_o the_o room_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a and_o effectual_a conviction_n wound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n ah_o when_o
god_n countenance_n psal._n 4._o 6_o 7._o the_o heavenly_a 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v we_o love_v etc._n etc._n the_o soul_n be_v transport_v with_o joy_n ravish_v with_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ._n do_v thou_o ever_o see_v this_o christ_n who_o thy_o soul_n be_v so_o ravish_v with_o no_o i_o have_v not_o see_v he_o yet_o my_o soul_n be_v transport_v with_o so_o much_o love_n to_o he_o who_o have_v not_o see_v we_o love_v but_o if_o thou_o never_o see_v he_o how_o come_v thy_o soul_n to_o be_v so_o delight_v and_o ravish_v with_o he_o why_o though_o i_o never_o see_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n yet_o i_o do_v see_v he_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o by_o that_o sight_n my_o soul_n be_v flood_v with_o spiritual_a joy_n believe_v we_o rejoice_v but_o what_o manner_n of_o joy_n be_v that_o which_o you_o taste_v why_o no_o tongue_n can_v express_v that_o for_o it_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a but_o how_o be_v christ_n and_o heaven_n turn_v into_o such_o ravish_a joy_n to_o the_o soul_n why_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v the_o believe_a soul_n not_o only_o a_o light_n to_o discern_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o these_o spiritual_a object_n but_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o they_o also_o this_o be_v my_o christ_n and_o this_o the_o glory_n prepare_v for_o i_o without_o interest_n heaven_n itself_o can_v be_v turn_v into_o joy_n my_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n luke_n 1._o 47._o we_o read_v luke_n 13._o 28._o of_o some_o that_o shall_v have_v a_o sight_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o a_o sight_n without_o joy_n a_o dreadful_a sight_n to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o a_o joint_a interest_n with_o they_o in_o that_o glory_n they_o shall_v see_v and_o yet_o wail_v and_o weep_v and_o gnash_v their_o tooth_n but_o a_o interest_n seal_v give_v joy_n unspeakable_a now_o as_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o joy_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o pleasant_a light_n of_o the_o soul_n light_n and_o joy_n be_v synonimous_a term_n in_o scripture_n psal._n 97._o 11._o it_o be_v as_o the_o cheerful_a light_n of_o the_o morning_n after_o a_o sad_a and_o dismal_a night_n you_o that_o have_v sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n you_o that_o have_v sit_v mourn_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o one_o glimpse_n of_o a_o promise_n you_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o nothing_o but_o dismal_a thought_n of_o hell_n and_o wrath_n o_o i_o shall_v be_v cast_v away_o for_o ever_o what_o will_v you_o say_v when_o after_o all_o this_o darkness_n the_o daystar_n shall_v arise_v in_o your_o heart_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n shall_v beam_n upon_o your_o soul_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n for_o all_o your_o self-denial_n for_o christ_n and_o full_o recompense_v for_o the_o frown_n of_o carnal_a relation_n for_o give_v entertainment_n to_o christ_n this_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o heaven_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n this_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n neh._n 8._o 10._o let_v god_n but_o give_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n a_o little_a of_o this_o joy_n into_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o shall_v present_o feel_v himself_o strengthen_v by_o it_o either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god._n now_o he_o can_v pray_v with_o enlargement_n hear_v with_o comfort_n meditate_v with_o delight_n and_o if_o god_n call_v he_o to_o suffer_v this_o joy_n shall_v strengthen_v he_o to_o bear_v it_o this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v the_o martyr_n go_v sing_v to_o the_o stake_n this_o therefore_o transcend_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o this_o low_a world_n there_o be_v sinful_a pleasure_n man_n find_v in_o the_o fulfil_n their_o lust_n there_o be_v sensitive_a joy_n that_o man_n find_v in_o the_o good_a creature_n of_o god_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n there_o be_v also_o delusive_a joy_n false_a comfort_n that_o hypocrite_n find_v in_o their_o ungrounded_a hope_n of_o heaven_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o sensualist_n be_v brutish_a the_o joy_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v ensnare_a and_o vanish_v but_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v solid_a sweet_a and_o lead_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o everlasting_a joy_n this_o be_v the_o three_o heavenly_a dainty_a you_o may_v expect_v to_o feed_v on_o if_o you_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n else_o you_o have_v all_o the_o consolation_n that_o ever_o you_o must_v expect_v iv._o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o choice_n and_o bless_a privilege_n of_o believer_n consequent_a upon_o believe_v eph._n 1._o 13._o in_o who_o after_o that_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n this_o than_o may_v be_v expect_v by_o every_o soul_n that_o open_v to_o christ_n how_o rich_a soever_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o seal_v not_o before_o faith_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a but_o he_o usual_o seal_v after_o believe_v and_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n note_v here_o the_o agent_n or_o person_n seal_v the_o spirit_n he_o know_v the_o counsel_n thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 10_o 11._o he_o also_o be_v authorize_v to_o this_o work_n and_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o can_v deceive_v we_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a seal_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n one_o refer_v to_o god_n eternal_a foreknowledge_n and_o choice_n of_o man_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 19_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o i._n e._n the_o lord_n perfect_o know_v every_o soul_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o through_o the_o world_n but_o now_o what_o comfort_n be_v this_o to_o a_o poor_a believer_n that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v he_o therefore_o there_o be_v another_o seal_n refer_v to_o the_o spirit_n as_o his_o act_n upon_o believer_n to_o make_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v he_o the_o first_o be_v general_a the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v be_v but_o this_o be_v particular_a the_o lord_n know_v thou_o to_o be_v he_o this_o be_v joyful_a news_n indeed_o the_o former_a make_v it_o sure_a in_o itself_o the_o latter_a make_v it_o sure_a to_o we_o now_o this_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a privilege_n a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o have_v a_o most_o ravish_a delicious_a sweetness_n in_o it_o and_o that_o which_o make_v it_o so_o be_v 1_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o matter_n seal_v to_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o christ_n and_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n purchase_v by_o his_o blood._n this_o seal_n secure_v our_o title_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a glory_n we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o seal_a believer_n can_v say_v christ_n how_o great_a how_o glorious_a soever_o he_o be_v be_v my_o christ_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o invaluable_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v i_o 2._o the_o rest_n and_o quietness_n which_o follow_v it_o make_v it_o a_o invaluable_a mercy_n this_o bring_v the_o anxious_a solicitous_a mind_n and_o conscience_n to_o rest_n and_o peace_n o_o what_o a_o mercy_n be_v it_o to_o have_v all_o those_o knot_n untie_v those_o objection_n answer_v those_o fear_n banish_v under_o which_o the_o doubt_a soul_n so_o long_o labour_v and_o which_o keep_v it_o so_o many_o night_n wake_v and_o restless_a god_n only_o know_v at_o what_o rate_n some_o poor_a creature_n live_v under_o the_o scaring_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o frequent_a fear_n of_o hell_n and_o what_o a_o inconceivable_a mercy_n it_o will_v be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v deliver_v at_o once_o from_o their_o danger_n and_o fear_n which_o hold_v they_o under_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n open_v to_o christ_n and_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o such_o a_o deliverance_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n say_v christ_n matth._n 11._o 28_o 29._o 3._o this_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o follow_v upon_o believe_v will_v establish_v the_o soul_n in_o christ_n confirm_v it_o and_o settle_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a privilege_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o now_o he_o which_o establish_v we_o with_o you_o in_o christ_n be_v god_n who_o also_o have_v seal_v we_o mark_v how_o establishment_n follow_v seal_v new_a temptation_n may_v come_v great_a persecution_n and_o sore_a affliction_n may_v come_v but_o how_o well_o be_v that_o soul_n provide_v for_o they_o all_o that_o have_v the_o sealing_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n yea_o
of_o satan_n to_o think_v so_o but_o this_o be_v what_o i_o say_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o mere_a performance_n of_o duty_n communion_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v two_o thing_n separable_a one_o from_o the_o other_o man_n may_v multiply_v duty_n and_o yet_o be_v stranger_n to_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o even_o humiliation_n and_o fast_a day_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o soul_n that_o be_v estrange_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n zach._n 7._o 5._o speak_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o unto_o the_o priest_n say_v when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o q._n d._n have_v your_o soul_n pure_a intention_n and_o respect_n in_o those_o duty_n to_o my_o glory_n have_v you_o special_a communion_n with_o i_o or_o i_o with_o you_o in_o those_o duty_n do_v you_o ever_o feel_v your_o soul_n in_o these_o day_n wound_v for_o sin_n or_o do_v you_o not_o fast_o out_o of_o custom_n and_o mourn_v for_o company_n god_n may_v be_v near_o in_o man_n mouth_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n far_o from_o their_o reins_o jer._n 12._o 2._o religious_a word_n may_v flow_v out_o of_o man_n lip_n when_o not_o one_o drop_n of_o religion_n touch_v their_o reins_o and_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o secret_a inward_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n you_o can_v therefore_o safe_o depend_v upon_o this_o christ_n reject_v this_o plea_n matth._n 7._o 22._o get_v a_o better_a evidence_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o this_o or_o you_o will_v certain_o come_v short_a of_o your_o expectation_n i_o know_v you_o not_o say_v christ_n there_o be_v never_o any_o spiritual_a acquaintance_n betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o approbation_n 2_o neither_o do_v all_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o duty_n infallible_o evidence_n and_o prove_v communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o that_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a yea_o common_a to_o have_v the_o affection_n raise_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n and_o by_o external_a motive_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o you_o see_v in_o that_o example_n ezck._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o the_o sweet_a modulation_n of_o the_o prophet_n voice_n be_v like_o the_o skilful_a touch_n of_o a_o rare_a musical_a instrument_n which_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n move_v and_o excite_v their_o affection_n thus_o johns_n hearer_n rejoice_v in_o his_o ministry_n for_o a_o season_n i_o confess_v this_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o cast_v soul_n into_o a_o mistake_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o distinguish_v not_o betwixt_o the_o influence_n that_o come_v upon_o their_o affection_n from_o without_o from_o extrinsic_a thing_n and_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a but_o then_o ii_o to_o show_v you_o positive_o what_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v here_o we_o must_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o thing_n it_o presuppose_v in_o we_o 2._o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v first_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n pre-required_n and_o presuppose_a unto_o all_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v man_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o god._n you_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o his_o people_n and_o communion_n with_o his_o ordinance_n but_o not_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o these_o pre-requisites_a be_v three_o i_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o all_o communion_n with_o he_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v in_o union_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n you_o know_v say_v a_o excellent_a person_n the_o member_n receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o head_n 84._o unless_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o it_o nor_o the_o branch_n from_o the_o root_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o here_o be_v a_o vast_a possession_n but_o all_o found_v upon_o union_n as_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v upon_o union_n so_o all_o union_n terminate_v in_o communion_n and_o the_o close_o the_o union_n the_o full_a be_v the_o communion_n before_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o god_n eph._n 2._o i3_n we_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v make_v nigh_o it_o be_v in_o the_o belove_a we_o be_v make_v accept_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o alienation_n from_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o communication_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o a_o native_a indian_a have_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o london_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o ii_o communion_n with_o god_n presuppose_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o sanctification_n a_o find_v and_o sincere_a change_n of_o heart_n no_o sanctification_n no_o communion_n 1_o john_n 1._o 6._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o such_o bold_a pretender_n the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n that_o latter_a clause_n restrain_v all_o spiritual_a communion_n unto_o upright_a soul_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o job_n 13._o 16._o iii_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v grace_v implant_v but_o also_o implant_v grace_n excite_v grace_n in_o act_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n for_o by_o this_o grace_n be_v awake_v and_o put_v into_o act_n a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v asleep_a and_o act_v no_o grace_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v actual_a communion_n his_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n must_v be_v awake_v they_o must_v not_o lie_v asleep_a in_o the_o habit_n thou_o say_v seek_v my_o face_n my_o heart_n say_v unto_o thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v psal._n 27._o 8._o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n so_o earnest_o beg_v fresh_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o excite_v her_o grace_n into_o act_n cant._n 4._o i6_n awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n and_o though_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o to_o wait_v for_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o mean_a time_n to_o neglect_v all_o proper_a outward_a mean_n of_o exciting_a their_o own_o grace_n engage_v their_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n jer._n 30._o 21._o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n the_o seaman_n may_v trim_v the_o sail_n weigh_v the_o anchor_n put_v all_o into_o a_o sail_a posture_n but_o till_o a_o gale_n come_v from_o heaven_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o motion_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o plant_v the_o habit_n be_v he_o also_o that_o excite_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n these_o three_o thing_n therefore_o be_v pre-requisites_a unto_o all_o communion_n with_o god._n second_o next_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o this_o heavenly_a privilege_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o more_o general_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o spiritual_a correspondency_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul._n god_n let_v forth_o influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v return_n again_o unto_o god._n communion_n be_v a_o mutual_a action_n so_o in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o we_o cry_v to_o god_n and_o god_n answer_v that_o cry_n by_o the_o income_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n upon_o the_o soul_n psal._n i38_n 3._o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n more_o particular_o there_o be_v many_o way_n or_o method_n wherein_o man_n have_v this_o spiritual_a correspondence_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n viz._n 1._o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n 2._o in_o
safety_n and_o security_n lie_v in_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n psal._n 73._o 27_o 28._o they_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v perish_v but_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o god._n it_o be_v good_a indeed_o not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o comfort_n but_o the_o good_a of_o safety_n be_v in_o it_o deut._n 33._o 12._o the_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n shall_v dwell_v in_o safety_n by_o he_o you_o know_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v your_o shield_n and_o safety_n and_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n thus_o present_a with_o you_o in_o all_o your_o fear_n straits_n and_o danger_n see_v that_o you_o keep_v near_o to_o he_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o whilst_o you_o be_v with_o he_o 2_o chron._n 15._o 2._o xii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n that_o ever_o god_n confer_v on_o any_o creature_n it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n to_o be_v always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n matth._n 18._o 10._o oh_o that_o god_n shall_v admit_v poor_a dust_n and_o ash_n unto_o such_o a_o nearness_n to_o himself_o to_o walk_v with_o a_o king_n and_o have_v frequent_a converse_n with_o he_o put_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o honour_n upon_o a_o subject_a but_o the_o saint_n walk_v with_o god_n so_o do_v enoch_n so_o do_v all_o the_o saint_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n they_o have_v liberty_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v they_o the_o golden_a key_n of_o prayer_n by_o which_o they_o may_v come_v into_o his_o presence_n on_o all_o occasion_n with_o the_o freedom_n of_o child_n to_o a_o father_n xiii_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o mortification_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o successful_a instrument_n for_o that_o purpose_n in_o all_o the_o world_n gal._n 5._o 16._o this_o i_o say_v then_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o god._n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o you_o thus_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n throughout_o the_o course_n of_o holy_a duty_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n he_o do_v not_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o feel_v the_o motion_n of_o sin_n in_o you_o or_o temptation_n to_o sin_n assault_v you_o but_o he_o say_v you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o this_o will_v let_v out_o the_o life-blood_n of_o sin_n a_o temptation_n overcome_v this_o way_n be_v more_o effectual_o subdue_v than_o by_o all_o the_o vow_n resolution_n and_o external_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o candle_n that_o be_v blow_v out_o with_o a_o puff_n of_o breath_n may_v be_v rekindle_v by_o another_o puff_n but_o if_o it_o be_v quench_v in_o water_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o light_v again_o so_o it_o be_v here_o you_o never_o find_v that_o power_n or_o success_n in_o temptation_n when_o your_o heart_n be_v up_o with_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o you_o do_v when_o your_o heart_n hang_v loose_a from_o he_o and_o dead_a towards_o he_o the_o schoolman_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v impeccable_a no_o sin_n can_v fasten_v upon_o they_o because_o say_v they_o they_o there_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god._n this_o be_v sure_a the_o more_o communion_n any_o man_n have_v with_o god_n on_o earth_n the_o free_a he_o live_v from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o corruption_n fourteen_o excellency_n it_o be_v the_o kernel_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n word_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o integument_n husk_n and_o shell_n of_o duty_n communion_n with_o god_n be_v the_o sweet_a kernel_n the_o pleasant_a and_o nourish_a food_n which_o lie_v within_o they_o you_o see_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v cover_v and_o defend_v by_o husk_n shell_n and_o such_o like_a integument_n within_o which_o lie_v the_o pleasant_a kernel_n and_o grain_n and_o that_o be_v the_o food_n the_o hypocrite_n who_o go_v no_o far_a than_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o feed_v of_o ash_n isa._n 44._o 20._o to_o spend_v his_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o his_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfy_v not_o isa._n 55._o 2._o he_o feed_v but_o upon_o husk_n in_o which_o there_o be_v little_a pleasure_n or_o nourishment_n what_o a_o poor_a house_n do_v a_o hypocrite_n keep_v word_n gesture_n ceremony_n of_o religion_n will_v never_o fill_v the_o soul_n but_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v substantial_a nourishment_n my_o soul_n say_v david_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n whilst_o i_o think_v and_o meditate_v on_o thou_o psal._n 63._o 5_o 6._o it_o will_v grieve_v one_o heart_n to_o think_v what_o airy_a thing_n many_o soul_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o feed_v like_o ephraim_n upon_o the_o wind_n well_o content_v if_o they_o can_v but_o shuffle_v over_o a_o few_o heartless_a empty_a duty_n whilst_o the_o saint_n feed_v upon_o this_o hide_a manna_n be_v feast_v as_o it_o be_v with_o angel_n food_n xv._n excellency_n it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o darkness_n and_o the_o pleasant_a light_n that_o ever_o shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v many_o a_o soul_n which_o walk_v in_o darkness_n some_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n the_o most_o dismal_a of_o all_o darkness_n except_o that_o in_o hell._n there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v child_n of_o light_n in_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n yet_o walk_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o outward_a affliction_n and_o inward_a desertion_n and_o temptation_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v upon_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o he_o that_o darkness_n be_v dissipate_v and_o scatter_v it_o be_v all_o light_n within_o he_o and_o round_o about_o he_o psal._n 34._o 5._o they_o look_v unto_o he_o and_o be_v enlighten_v they_o look_v there_o be_v faith_n act_v in_o duty_n and_o be_v enlighten_v there_o be_v the_o sweet_a effect_n of_o faith._n the_o horror_n and_o trouble_n of_o gracious_a soul_n shrink_v away_o upon_o the_o rise_n of_o this_o cheerful_a light_n as_o wild_a beast_n come_v out_o of_o their_o den_n in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o shrink_v back_o again_o into_o they_o when_o the_o sun_n arise_v psal._n 104._o 20_o 21_o 22._o so_o do_v the_o fear_n and_o inward_a trouble_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o this_o light_n shine_v upon_o their_o soul_n nay_o more_o this_o be_v a_o light_n which_o scatter_v the_o very_a darkness_n of_o death_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o worthy_a divine_a of_o germany_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n when_o his_o eyesight_n be_v go_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o be_v within_o why_o say_v he_o though_o all_o be_v dark_a about_o i_o yet_o point_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v to_o his_o breast_n hiâ—sat_fw-la lucis_fw-la here_o be_v light_a enough_o xvi_o excellency_n it_o be_v liberty_n to_o the_o straighten_v soul_n and_o the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o excellent_a liberty_n in_o the_o whole_a world._n he_o only_o walk_v at_o liberty_n that_o walk_v with_o god_n psal._n 119._o 45._o i_o will_v walk_v at_o liberty_n for_o i_o seek_v thy_o precept_n wicked_a man_n cry_v out_o of_o band_n and_o cord_n in_o religion_n they_o look_v upon_o the_o duty_n of_o goldliness_n as_o the_o great_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n psal._n 2._o 3._o let_v we_o break_v their_o band_n asunder_o and_o cast_v away_o their_o cord_n from_o we_o q._n d._n away_o with_o this_o strictness_n and_o precisness_n it_o extinguish_v the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o our_o life_n give_v we_o our_o cup_n instead_o of_o bibles_n our_o profane_a song_n instead_o of_o spiritual_a psalm_n our_o sport_n and_o pastime_n instead_o of_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n alas_o poor_a creature_n how_o do_v they_o dance_v in_o their_o shackle_n and_o chain_n when_o in_o reality_n the_o sweet_a liberty_n be_v enjoy_v in_o those_o duty_n at_o which_o they_o thus_o snuff_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o law_n of_o liberty_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n never_o enjoy_v more_o liberty_n than_o when_o it_o be_v bind_v with_o the_o strict_a band_n of_o duty_n to_o god._n here_o be_v liberty_n from_o enthral_a lust_n