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
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
ah_o sinner_n how_o can_v thou_o grieve_v and_o dishonour_n that_o god_n that_o thus_o feed_v clothe_v and_o comfort_v thou_o on_o every_o side_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a yet_o all_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o judgement_n nor_o mercy_n can_v affright_v or_o allure_v the_o carnal_a heart_n to_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v his_o spirit_n his_o almighty_a power_n alone_o that_o open_v these_o everlasting_a gate_n and_o make_v these_o strong_a bar_n give_v way_n and_o fly_v at_o his_o voice_n i._o inference_n behold_v here_o the_o dismal_a state_n of_o nature_n the_o woeful_a condition_n of_o all_o unregenerate_a soul_n christ_n the_o redeemer_n shut_v out_o sin_n and_o satan_n shut_v in_o this_o be_v the_o horrid_a state_n of_o nature_n shut_v up_o in_o unbelief_n rom._n 4._o 32._o ah_o lord_n what_o a_o condition_n be_v this_o we_o shall_v certain_o account_v it_o a_o unspeakable_a misery_n to_o be_v shut_v into_o a_o house_n haunt_v by_o the_o devil_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v continual_o scare_v and_o fright_v with_o dreadful_a noise_n and_o apparition_n but_o alas_o what_o be_v a_o apparition_n of_o the_o devil_n without_o we_o to_o the_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o devil_n within_o we_o nay_o what_o be_v the_o possession_n of_o a_o body_n to_o satan_n possession_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o unregenerate_a luke_n 11._o 21._o the_o strong_a man_n arm_v keep_v the_o palace_n till_o christ_n dispossess_v he_o by_o sovereign_n victorious_a grace_n poor_a wretch_n can_v thou_o start_v at_o a_o suppose_a vision_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o not_o tremble_v to_o think_v that_o thy_o soul_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o devil_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a misery_n lie_v upon_o all_o christless_a unregenerate_v person_n satan_n be_v 1._o their_o ruler_n in_o this_o world._n 2._o their_o tormenter_n in_o that_o to_o come_v 1._o he_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o this_o world_n the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n ephes._n 2._o 3._o look_v as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v and_o rule_v in_o sanctify_a soul_n walk_n in_o they_o as_o in_o hallow_a temple_n guide_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o satan_n dwell_v in_o unregenerate_a heart_n actuate_a their_o lust_n inflame_v they_o with_o his_o temptation_n use_v their_o faculty_n and_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o then_o 2_o he_o will_v be_v their_o tormenter_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v he_o that_o tempt_v now_o will_v torment_n then_o matth._n 25._o 41._o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n flee_v therefore_o and_o escape_v for_o your_o life_n sleep_v not_o quiet_o another_o night_n in_o so_o dismal_a and_o dreadful_a estate_n if_o the_o son_n make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o ii_o inference_n what_o a_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a effect_n of_o sovereign_n omnipotent_a grace_n be_v the_o effectual_a conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n unto_o god_n if_o every_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v secure_v for_o satan_n under_o so_o many_o lock_n and_o bar_n than_o the_o open_n of_o any_o heart_n to_o christ_n be_v deserve_o marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n you_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o open_n of_o the_o grave_n at_o the_o resurrection_n will_v be_v a_o glorious_a display_v of_o almighty_a power_n and_o so_o it_o will_v it_o will_v be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o behold_v the_o grave_n open_v and_o the_o dead_a raise_v at_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n and_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n but_o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o the_o open_n of_o thy_o heart_n poor_a sinner_n to_o receive_v christ_n be_v a_o more_o glorious_a work_n than_o that_o of_o raise_v the_o dead_a it_o be_v therefore_o deserve_o put_v into_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o christ_n be_v believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o he_o that_o well_o view_v and_o consider_v christ_n may_v just_o wonder_v that_o all_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o enlighten_v world_n do_v not_o stand_v wide_a open_a to_o embrace_v he_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v consider_v the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o natural_a heart_n and_o how_o strong_o satan_n have_v entrench_v and_o fortify_v himself_o in_o it_o may_v just_o wonder_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o work_n of_o conversion_n in_o a_o age_n oh_o brethren_n consider_v the_o marvel_n of_o conversion_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o open_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o new_a eye_n create_v in_o the_o mind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o oh_o that_o eye_n that_o precious_a eye_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a world_n a_o world_n of_o new_a and_o ravish_a object_n eph._n 5._o 8._o all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n minister_n and_o library_n upon_o earth_n can_v create_v such_o a_o eye_n give_v such_o a_o illumination_n it_o be_v only_a he_o that_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o the_o darkness_n that_o thus_o shine_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o 2_o and_o what_o a_o glorious_a supernatural_a work_n be_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o the_o powerful_a stroke_n of_o the_o save_a beam_n of_o light_n upon_o it_o now_o the_o conscience_n that_o lie_v in_o a_o dead_a sleep_n begin_v to_o startle_v and_o look_v about_o it_o with_o fear_n and_o horror_n life_n and_o sense_n be_v get_v into_o it_o and_o now_o it_o cry_v ah_o sick_a sick_a sick_a at_o the_o heart_n for_o sin_n sick_a for_o a_o saviour_n 3_o and_o no_o less_o marvellous_a a_o effect_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n be_v the_o bow_n of_o the_o stuborn_v will_v so_o efficacious_o so_o congruous_o and_o so_o determinate_o and_o fix_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o will_n be_v efficacious_o determine_v so_o as_o no_o power_n of_o hell_n or_o nature_n can_v resist_v or_o frustrate_v that_o mighty_a power_n which_o work_v effectual_o in_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o yet_o it_o work_v not_o by_o way_n of_o compulsion_n but_o in_o a_o way_n congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o will_n 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 satan_n bid_v for_o the_o soul_n christ_n infinite_o outbid_v all_o his_o offer_n eternal_a spiritual_n and_o unsearchable_a riches_n instead_o of_o sensitive_a perish_v enjoyment_n which_o determine_v the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n in_o its_o own_o natural_a method_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o excel_a glory_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o thus_o the_o mighty_a supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n open_v that_o heart_n which_o satan_n have_v secure_v so_o many_o way_n against_o christ._n iii_o inference_n hence_o it_o also_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v no_o free_a will_n of_o his_o own_o to_o supernatural_a good_a the_o will_n can_v by_o its_o own_o power_n open_v itself_o to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n when_o it_o do_v open_a to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o virtute_fw-la innata_fw-la sed_fw-la illata_fw-la not_o by_o its_o natural_a power_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o the_o admirer_n of_o nature_n talk_v much_o of_o the_o sovereignty_n virginity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n as_o if_o it_o alone_o have_v escape_v the_o fall_n and_o that_o no_o more_o but_o a_o moral_a suasion_n be_v need_v to_o open_v it_o to_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o god_n need_v do_v no_o more_o to_o save_v man_n than_o the_o devil_n do_v to_o damn_v they_o but_o if_o ever_o god_n make_v you_o sensible_a what_o the_o work_n of_o â—aving_a conversion_n be_v you_o will_v quick_o find_v that_o your_o will_n be_v lame_a its_o freedom_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n go_v you_o will_v cry_v out_o of_o a_o wound_a will_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o dark_a head_n and_o a_o hard_a heart_n you_o will_v quick_o find_v that_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2._o 13._o that_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n john_n 1._o 13._o iv._o inference_n learn_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o conversion_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n christ_n and_o heaven_n be_v shut_v up_o against_o you_o till_o your_o heart_n be_v save_o open_v unto_o he_o
call_v at_o their_o door_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o turn_v aside_o to_o thy_o soul_n and_o wait_v and_o knock_v there_o for_o entrance_n i_o say_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n how_o many_o soul_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n equal_a in_o natural_a dignity_n to_o you_o and_o of_o sweet_a natural_a temper_n who_o yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v alone_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o satan_n luke_n 11._o 21._o there_o be_v a_o deep_a silence_n and_o stillness_n in_o their_o conscience_n no_o stir_n nor_o disturbance_n by_o conviction_n but_o through_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o if_o their_o conscience_n at_o any_o time_n begin_v to_o grumble_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o hush_v and_o quiet_v again_o by_o satan_n what_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o former_a age_n we_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 14._o 16._o who_o in_o time_n past_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n o_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sleepy_a conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o be_v rouse_v by_o conviction_n because_o it_o be_v introductive_a to_o all_o other_o spiritual_a mercy_n i_o confess_v this_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v little_o apprehend_v by_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n much_o rather_o will_v poor_a sinner_n be_v let_v alone_o than_o be_v thus_o disturb_v by_o troublesome_a conviction_n and_o when_o christ_n disturb_v their_o rest_n how_o do_v they_o startle_v at_o the_o knock_v of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o angry_a be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o enjoy_v their_o quiet_a sleep_n in_o sin_n till_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n awaken_v they_o mr._n fenner_n that_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o this_o work_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n how_o it_o fare_v with_o a_o certain_a man_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o preach_v it_o seem_v the_o word_n have_v get_v entrance_n into_o his_o conscience_n and_o give_v it_o a_o terrible_a alarm_n and_o as_o he_o be_v go_v home_o some_o that_o follow_v he_o hear_v he_o thus_o blame_v and_o bemoan_v himself_o o_o what_o a_o fool_n what_o a_o beast_n be_v i_o to_o come_v under_o this_o sermon_n to_o day_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n any_o more_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o smooth_a and_o general_a preach_v be_v so_o much_o applaud_v and_o affect_v in_o the_o world_n and_o close_o convince_a doctrine_n so_o much_o shun_v and_o hate_v but_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v very_o loath_a to_o be_v disquiet_v and_o have_v their_o conscience_n thorough_o awake_v well_o whatever_o your_o apprehension_n be_v certain_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n for_o christ_n to_o knock_v and_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o call_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2_o the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o motion_n towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n begin_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o christ._n we_o never_o knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n by_o prayer_n till_o christ_n have_v first_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n by_o his_o spirit_n do_v not_o christ_n move_v first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o motion_n after_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o move_v towards_o he_o because_o he_o have_v first_o move_v upon_o our_o soul_n christ_n may_v sit_v long_o enough_o unsought_a and_o undesired_a do_v he_o not_o make_v the_o first_o motion_n all_o our_o motion_n be_v secondary_a and_o consequential_a motion_n isa._n 65._o 1._o i_o be_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o as_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o so_o we_o seek_v after_o he_o because_o he_o first_o seek_v we_o alas_o poor_a sinner_n be_v as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v to_o lie_v fast_o asleep_a in_o the_o devil_n be_v arms._n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o with_o the_o word_n of_o conviction_n he_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o very_a same_o posture_n which_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v survey_v the_o world_n report_v the_o whole_a earth_n to_o be_v in_o zach._n 1._o 11._o behold_v all_o the_o earth_n sit_v still_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n every_o man_n settle_v and_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o way_n what_o a_o strange_a stillness_n and_o midnight_n silence_n be_v there_o among_o sinner_n not_o a_o sigh_n not_o a_o cry_n to_o be_v hear_v for_o sin_n so_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 14._o 2._o represent_v the_o case_n of_o sinner_n the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v understand_v and_o seek_v god._n they_o be_v all_o go_v aside_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o be_v admirable_o strange_a in_o this_o case_n that_o even_o those_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o rattle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o sleep_n and_o security_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n i_o mean_v their_o estate_n health_n child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o awake_v not_o there_o be_v no_o stir_n after_o god._n o_o what_o a_o dead_a sleep_n have_v sin_n cast_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n into_o you_o have_v a_o notable_a scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o job_n 35._o 9_o 10._o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o elihu_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n person_n squeeze_v and_o grind_v by_o the_o cruel_a hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o oppression_n they_o make_v the_o oppress_v to_o cry_v they_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o mighty_a but_o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o give_v song_n in_o the_o night_n i._o e._n succour_n comfort_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o afflict_a here_o be_v man_n turn_v out_o of_o their_o estate_n throw_v into_o prison_n cast_v upon_o all_o extremity_n and_o misery_n and_o what_o do_v these_o poor_a creature_n do_v why_o say_v he_o they_o cry_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o oppression_n o_o my_o father_n or_o my_o mother_n my_o wife_n my_o child_n my_o estate_n my_o liberty_n but_o none_o say_v where_o be_v my_o god_n o_o my_o sin_n or_o my_o misery_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n where_o be_v he_o that_o give_v song_n in_o the_o night_n the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o they_o lie_v muse_v upon_o their_o bed_n under_o affliction_n they_o have_v their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o trouble_a thought_n within_o they_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n delight_v their_o soul_n those_o be_v their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n but_o no_o such_o word_n or_o thought_n in_o carnal_a man_n how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o salvation_n have_v their_o first_o spring_n and_o rise_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n three_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n imply_v the_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o conversion_n to_o be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n soul_n mark_v christ_n expression_n in_o the_o text_n he_o do_v not_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v to_o the_o door_n and_o break_v it_o open_v by_o violence_n no_o christ_n make_v no_o forcible_a entry_n whether_o sinner_n will_v or_o no_o he_o will_v come_v in_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n or_o not_o at_o all_o i_o stand_v and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o friendly_a admission_n by_o consent_n and_o a_o forcible_a entrance_n in_o a_o forcible_a entrance_n bar_v of_o iron_n be_v bring_v to_o break_v open_a the_o door_n but_o in_o a_o friendly_a admission_n one_o knock_n and_o the_o other_o open_v forcible_n action_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o will_n who_o motion_n be_v free_a and_o spontaneous_a therefore_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 110._o 3._o the_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n it_o be_v true_a the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o power_n of_o god_n do_v not_o act_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n by_o co-action_n and_o force_n no_o but_o of_o unwilling_a he_o make_v it_o willing_a take_v away_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o
reluctancy_n of_o the_o will_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o some_o divine_n call_v victrix_fw-la delectatio_fw-la a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a victory_n and_o so_o the_o door_n of_o the_o will_v still_o open_v free_o hosea_n 11._o 4._o i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love._n i_o draw_v they_o there_o be_v almighty_a power_n but_o how_o do_v this_o power_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n with_o rational_a argument_n convince_a the_o judgement_n beast_n be_v drive_v and_o force_v but_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o reason_n and_o will_v not_o move_v without_o it_o if_o they_o act_v like_o themselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v for_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o draw_v he_o effectual_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o yet_o still_o the_o soul_n come_v free_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o will_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n in_o draw_v soul_n to_o he_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n a_o kid_n a_o offer_v make_v for_o the_o will_v both_o by_o satan_n and_o christ._n satan_n bid_v riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n with_o ease_n and_o quietness_n to_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o abide_v where_o thou_o be_v say_v satan_n remain_v with_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v escape_v all_o the_o persecution_n loss_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n which_o conscience_n entangle_v other_o man_n in_o thou_o shall_v draw_v thy_o life_n through_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o thy_o die_a day_n o_o say_v the_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o good_a motion_n what_o can_v be_v better_o for_o i_o but_o than_o say_v christ_n do_v thou_o not_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o behold_v i_o offer_v thou_o the_o free_a full_a and_o final_a pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n treasure_n in_o heaven_n all_o these_o shall_v be_v thou_o with_o trouble_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world._n the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n i_o say_v when_o a_o convince_a judgement_n have_v due_o balance_v these_o thing_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o will_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o it_o it_o move_v towards_o christ_n free_o and_o yet_o can_v according_o to_o its_o natural_a order_n act_n otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n so_o often_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v in_o luke_n 14._o 23._o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o what!_o by_o force_a man_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o no_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o protestant_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o gloss_n of_o stella_n a_o popish_a commentator_n upon_o the_o place_n christ_n say_v he_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o by_o show_v to_o their_o will_n such_o a_o excel_a good_a as_o it_o can_v but_o embrace_v for_o volunt_fw-la as_o nature_n aliter_fw-la fertur_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la the_o will_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a good_a and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n harmonious_o and_o agreeable_o to_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n fouthly_a christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n manifest_o imply_v the_o immediate_a access_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o very_a innermost_a door_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o make_v what_o impression_n upon_o it_o he_o please_v as_o for_o other_o instrument_n use_v in_o this_o work_n they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n or_o power_n minister_n can_v but_o knock_v at_o the_o external_a door_n of_o the_o sense_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n we_o can_v see_v their_o person_n and_o hear_v their_o voice_n we_o can_v reason_v with_o sinner_n and_o plead_v with_o their_o soul_n but_o awaken_v they_o we_o can_v open_v their_o heart_n we_o can_v we_o can_v only_o lodge_v our_o message_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a this_o be_v a_o royalty_n belong_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n incommunicable_a to_o angel_n or_o men._n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v the_o preacher_n he_o can_v not_o give_v one_o immediate_a stroke_n to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v man_n we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o conscience_n the_o key_n of_o the_o door_n of_o your_o soul_n hang_v not_o at_o our_o girdle_n but_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n revel_v 3._o 7._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o can_v wound_v they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o make_v what_o impression_n he_o please_v upon_o they_o learn_v hence_o what_o need_v there_o be_v both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o blessing_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o lord_n send_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n pour_v it_o forth_o upon_o and_o with_o thy_o word_n ah_o how_o many_o sermon_n have_v we_o preach_v and_o you_o hear_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o open_n these_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n viz._n condescend_v grace_n all_o first_o motion_n begin_v in_o god_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n can_v have_v immedate_v access_n to_o the_o innermost_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o by_o what_o instrument_n christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n conscience_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v two_o viz._n by_o 1._o his_o word_n 2._o his_o providence_n here_o my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v use_n both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n to_o rouse_v and_o open_v the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o sinner_n these_o be_v the_o two_o hammer_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n 1._o the_o word_n write_v or_o preach_v but_o especial_o preach_v to_o this_o christ_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n employ_v about_o this_o work_n and_o answerable_o the_o word_n be_v call_v god_n hammer_n jer._n 23._o 29._o be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o fire_n and_o as_o the_o hammer_n which_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n by_o this_o hammer_n christ_n rap_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n soul_n to_o give_v warning_n that_o he_o be_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v open_v the_o heart_n immediate_o if_o he_o please_v but_o he_o will_v honour_v his_o word_n in_o this_o work._n and_o therefore_o when_o lydias_n heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v paul_n the_o great_a gospel_n preacher_n must_v be_v invite_v even_o by_o a_o angel_n to_o come_v over_o to_o macedonia_n and_o assist_v in_o that_o bless_a work_n act_v 16._o 9_o lydia_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v her_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n appoint_a instrument_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o work._n i_o have_v make_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o paul_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 26._o 18._o now_o there_o be_v three_o way_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n use_v the_o word_n as_o his_o hammer_n in_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul._n 1._o he_o knock_v by_o the_o particular_a conviction_n of_o of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o knock_n by_o conviction_n ring_n and_o sound_n through_o all_o the_o room_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a and_o effectual_a conviction_n wound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n ah_o when_o
now_o for_o no_o less_o than_o the_o prize_n of_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v now_o for_o all_o or_o none_o for_o life_n or_o death_n for_o heaven_n or_o hell_n the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v now_o all_o in_o arm_n to_o destroy_v conviction_n and_o secure_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o christ_n as_o when_o a_o granado_n fall_v into_o a_o garrison_n the_o first_o care_n of_o the_o defendant_n be_v to_o stifle_v and_o choke_v it_o before_o it_o break_v whilst_o christ_n be_v speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o one_o ear_n the_o devil_n be_v whisper_v in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o thing_n he_o whisper_v to_o quench_v conviction_n be_v usual_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o yet_o what_o need_v such_o haste_n enjoy_v thy_o pleasure_n a_o little_a long_o thou_o may_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o be_v save_v at_o last_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o he_o change_v his_o voice_n to_o what_o purpose_n will_v thou_o go_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v now_o too_o late_o the_o time_n of_o grace_n be_v over_o have_v thou_o come_v to_o he_o in_o thy_o youth_n and_o obey_v his_o first_o call_n it_o have_v be_v somewhat_o but_o now_o it_o be_v â—o_o no_o purpose_n if_o this_o will_v not_o quiet_a the_o soul_n than_o he_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v pardon_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o such_o a_o prodigious_a sinner_n as_o thou_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n help_v the_o soul_n to_o overcome_v this_o by_o discover_v to_o it_o the_o riches_n of_o mercy_n pardon_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n then_o he_o represent_v the_o multitude_n which_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o convince_a sinner_n come_v fear_v not_o if_o it_o go_v ill_a with_o thou_o it_o will_v be_v as_o bad_a for_o million_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n if_o thou_o go_v to_o hell_n thousand_o will_v go_v with_o thou_o but_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o company_n than_o he_o bid_v it_o look_v upon_o the_o train_n of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v along_o with_o christ_n and_o will_v certain_o follow_v he_o if_o the_o door_n be_v open_v to_o let_v he_o in_o if_o christ_n come_v in_o reproach_n loss_n and_o suffering_n will_v certain_o come_v in_o with_o he_o troop_n of_o misery_n and_o calamity_n follow_v he_o himself_o have_v tell_v thou_o so_o and_o be_v thou_o mad_a to_o ruin_v all_o thy_o comfort_n in_o the_o world_n and_o plunge_v thyself_o into_o a_o sea_n of_o trouble_n for_o what_o thy_o eye_n never_o see_v but_o if_o the_o soul_n reply_n these_o be_v more_o tolerable_a than_o damnation_n better_a my_o flesh_n suffer_v for_o a_o time_n than_o my_o soul_n be_v cast_v away_o for_o ever_o then_o he_o represent_v the_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n what_o a_o hard_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v how_o many_o painful_a duty_n and_o act_n of_o mortification_n the_o soul_n must_v pass_v through_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o a_o alarm_n conviction_n give_v to_o the_o power_n of_o hell._n 9_o every_o effectual_a knock_n of_o christ_n be_v follow_v on_o and_o new_a conviction_n revive_v old_a and_o former_a one_o and_o the_o lord_n never_o leave_v knock_v till_o the_o door_n be_v open_v if_o one_o sermon_n will_v not_o do_v another_o shall_v if_o one_o wound_n be_v plaster_v and_o heal_v by_o the_o art_n of_o satan_n a_o fresh_a wound_n shall_v be_v make_v if_o a_o former_a conviction_n vanish_v the_o next_o shall_v be_v seal_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n seal_v a_o conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n raze_v it_o out_o who_o can_v and_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o special_a and_o common_a conviction_n common_a conviction_n come_v and_o go_v they_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o fright_n for_o a_o day_n or_o a_o month_n and_o then_o trouble_v it_o no_o more_o for_o ever_o but_o special_a conviction_n will_v be_v continue_v one_o thing_n back_n another_o for_o christ_n be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o will_v give_v it_o chase_n till_o at_o last_o he_o overtake_v and_o come_v up_o with_o it_o 10_o in_o the_o last_o place_n all_z the_o knocks_z of_o christ_n cease_v and_o end_v when_o the_o sinner_n day_n of_o grace_n be_v end_v this_o be_v of_o dreadful_a consideration_n when_o the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v over_o no_o more_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o a_o man_n after_o that_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o drowsy_a sinner_n as_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o drowsy_a disciple_n in_o the_o garden_n sleep_v on_o now_o and_o take_v your_o rest_n so_o here_o i_o call_v thou_o in_o such_o a_o sermon_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o by_o such_o a_o providence_n but_o thou_o obey_v not_o sleep_v on_o now_o and_o take_v thy_o rest_n my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n psal._n 81._o 11_o 12._o q._n d._n i_o have_v do_v with_o they_o the_o treaty_n be_v end_v i_o will_v make_v no_o more_o essay_n towards_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o methinks_v it_o sound_v as_o much_o as_o this_o take_v he_o sin_n take_v he_o devil_n i_o will_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o he_o so_o hosea_n 4._o 17._o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o his_o heart_n be_v glue_v fast_o to_o sin_n he_o be_v enamour_v upon_o other_o lover_n let_v he_o a_o lone_a o_o belove_a it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o say_v let_v this_o man_n alone_o in_o his_o formality_n and_o that_o man_n in_o his_o carnal_a security_n let_v not_o this_o be_v misapply_v by_o poor_a tremble_a soul_n under_o conviction_n i_o know_v the_o fear_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v upon_o their_o heart_n nothing_o make_v they_o tremble_v more_o than_o lest_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n be_v end_v with_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o fear_n whilst_o the_o spirit_n continue_v convince_v and_o the_o soul_n tremble_v lest_o his_o conviction_n shall_v prove_v ineffectual_a thus_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n instrument_n and_o manner_n of_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n heart_n our_o way_n be_v now_o open_v to_o a_o fruitful_a application_n of_o this_o point_n which_o will_v wind_v up_o in_o divers_a necessary_a uses_n i._o use_v for_o information_n and_o first_o the_o point_n before_o we_o will_v be_v useful_a for_o information_n in_o the_o follow_a inference_n and_o deduction_n i._o inference_n into_o how_o deep_a a_o sleep_n have_v sin_n cast_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n that_o christ_n must_v stand_v so_o long_o and_o give_v such_o loud_o repeat_v knock_n before_o it_o will_v awake_v and_o open_a to_o he_o there_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o deep_a sleep_n fall_v upon_o man_n like_o that_o into_o which_o god_n cast_v adam_n god_n speak_v once_o yea_o twice_o but_o man_n regard_v it_o not_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o rouse_v and_o awaken_v a_o man_n out_o of_o his_o carnal_a security_n look_v over_o satan_n kingdom_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o general_a stillness_n and_o quietness_n among_o his_o subject_n there_o be_v no_o trouble_n for_o sin_n no_o strive_n after_o salvation_n no_o cry_n out_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v go_v into_o the_o crowd_n of_o carnal_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o all_o intent_n and_o busy_a about_o other_o matter_n how_o long_o shall_v you_o be_v in_o their_o company_n before_o you_o hear_v one_o groan_n for_o sin_n or_o see_v one_o tear_n slide_v from_o their_o eye_n on_o that_o account_n oh_o what_o a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v here_o do_v not_o their_o conscience_n know_v the_o guilt_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o be_v they_o not_o aware_a of_o a_o day_n of_o reckon_v which_o approach_v yes_o yes_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o their_o conscience_n what_o be_v then_o be_v use_v to_o keep_v they_o so_o still_o and_o quiet_a why_o there_o be_v divers_a rattle_n to_o still_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n and_o they_o do_v it_o effectual_o there_o be_v five_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o wonderful_a stillness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n 1._o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n take_v that_o for_o regeneration_n which_o be_v none_o of_o it_o thus_o do_v the_o jew_n joh._n 8._o 55._o confident_o affirm_v god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o know_v he_o how_o many_o proor_a ignorant_a creature_n think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o work_n of_o regeneration_n but_o what_o pass_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o be_v
knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o under_o these_o thing_n his_o vain_a hope_n live_v and_o flourish_v until_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n come_v home_o to_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o teach_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o his_o vain_a hope_n give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n stare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o conscience_n vii_o character_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v general_o and_o ordinary_o convey_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o choose_a organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o its_o conveyance_n we_o can_v absolute_o and_o universal_o affirm_v that_o christ_n always_o speak_v to_o man_n this_o way_n but_o certain_o this_o be_v his_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a course_n 1_o thess._n 1._o 5._o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o gospel_n because_o preach_v and_o minister_v by_o we_o but_o have_v that_o be_v all_o it_o have_v come_v to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o as_o it_o do_v to_o many_o thousand_o other_o in_o the_o world_n who_o hear_v and_o feel_v nothing_o in_o it_o more_o than_o what_o be_v human_a but_o unto_o you_o it_o come_v in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v our_o word_n be_v the_o vehicle_n or_o organ_n through_o which_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v into_o your_o soul_n providence_n have_v their_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sometime_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n have_v accompany_v the_o voice_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o this_o be_v more_o rare_a and_o unusual_a the_o establish_v and_o ordinary_a way_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o especial_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n and_o consideration_n as_o it_o be_v the_o organ_n of_o convey_v the_o voice_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o this_o instrument_n the_o lord_n general_o 〈◊〉_d and_o honour_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 18._o i_o e._n the_o choose_a instrument_n by_o which_o the_o save_a power_n of_o god_n communicate_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o although_o god_n may_v exert_v his_o save_a power_n through_o providence_n yet_o we_o seldom_o or_o never_o find_v he_o do_v so_o where_o the_o word_n may_v be_v have_v but_o be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v and_o true_o herein_o god_n consult_v our_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o suppose_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o another_o medium_n as_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o call_v which_o be_v a_o usual_a case_n the_o call_v soul_n shall_v question_v all_o and_o say_v how_o do_v i_o know_v bâ—t_v all_o this_o may_v be_v a_o delusion_n may_v not_o satan_n impose_v upon_o poor_a mortal_n and_o this_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v a_o counterfeit_a voice_n my_o eternal_a estate_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o have_v need_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o very_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v such_o clear_a distinguish_a character_n as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_o difference_n the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o now_o when_o god_n make_v the_o word_n his_o instrument_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o yield_v abundant_o more_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pâ—t_n 1._o 19_o and_o though_o paul_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o lord_n send_v he_o to_o aâ—anias_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o act_v 9_o 17._o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v his_o word_n providence_n may_v make_v way_n and_o prepare_v the_o heart_n but_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n ordinary_o to_o salvation_n viii_o character_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n leave_v abide_v effect_n and_o last_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v scatter_v into_o the_o wind_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o christ_n voice_n be_v durable_a and_o last_a thing_n psal._n 119._o 93._o i_o will_v never_o forget_v thy_o word_n for_o by_o it_o thou_o have_v quicken_v i_o how_o many_o hundred_o sermon_n have_v we_o hear_v and_o all_o those_o excellent_a truth_n vanish_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n oh_o but_o if_o ever_o thou_o hear_v christ_n speak_v to_o thy_o heart_n in_o any_o sermon_n or_o prayer_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o will_v stick_v by_o thou_o for_o ever_o his_o word_n be_v seal_v upon_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n jer._n 31._o 33._o what_o job_n wish_v concern_v his_o word_n that_o be_v real_o perform_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v write_v as_o in_o the_o rock_n for_o ever_o we_o have_v slippery_a memory_n but_o the_o weak_a memory_n will_v and_o must_v retain_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v seal_v upon_o it_o job_n 33._o 16._o he_o seal_v their_o instruction_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o innate_a character_n of_o christ_n voice_n four_o i_o shall_v next_o speak_v unto_o the_o personal_a object_n unto_o who_o christ_n ordinary_o direct_v this_o his_o internal_a efficacious_a and_o save_a voice_n or_o call._n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n act_v with_o the_o great_a liberty_n and_o call_v who_o he_o will_v according_a to_o that_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o it_o be_v true_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o christ_n have_v make_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n he_o common_o take_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o that_o christ_n direct_v this_o save_a voice_n or_o call_v of_o he_o to_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v he_o say_v not_o any_o but_o not_o many_o some_o christ_n do_v call_v lest_o as_o one_o note_n the_o world_n shall_v think_v that_o christian_n be_v deceive_v through_o their_o simplicity_n and_o weakness_n one_o rich_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n one_o honourable_a niâ—odemus_n but_o not_o many_o man_n of_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o renown_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o great_a and_o fierce_a enemy_n against_o christ._n galen_n the_o chief_a physician_n porphyry_n the_o chief_a aristotelian_a plotinus_n the_o chief_a platonist_n lybanus_n and_o lucian_n the_o chief_a orator_n be_v all_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a endowment_n of_o providence_n heap_v up_o riches_n and_o honour_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o internal_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n adorn_v the_o inward_a man_n as_o strong_a reason_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n etc._n etc._n when_o both_o these_o meet_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n they_o make_v he_o great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usual_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n too_o yea_o too_o great_a to_o stoop_v to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o humble_v self-denying_a term_n thereof_o these_o the_o lord_n usual_o pass_v by_o and_o direct_v his_o voice_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n james_n 2._o 5._o and_o this_o choice_n of_o god_n christ_n bless_v he_o for_o matth._n 11._o 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n deserve_v our_o admiration_n in_o this_o dispensation_n for_o 1._o hereby_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v vindicate_v none_o can_v
world_n to_o hear_v of_o it_o the_o very_a same_o power_n that_o wrought_v that_o must_v also_o be_v put_v forth_o to_o work_v this_o or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o be_v wrought_v so_o again_o eph._n 2._o 8._o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o yourselves_o you_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o believe_v in_o christ_n than_o you_o be_v to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a no_o more_o able_a to_o come_v one_o step_n towards_o he_o by_o faith_n in_o your_o own_o power_n than_o lazarus_n be_v able_a to_o unbind_v himself_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o come_v forth_o yea_o in_o eph._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20._o the_o work_n of_o believe_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n nothing_o but_o power_n can_v do_v it_o no_o other_o power_n but_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n can_v do_v it_o it_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o minister_n yea_o of_o angel_n three_o thing_n will_v evince_v the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o work_n viz._n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o subject_a of_o it_o 3._o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o first_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v whole_o supernatural_a it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o gain_n over_o the_o hearty_a and_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o take_v jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o yoke_n of_o obedience_n matth._n 11._o 29._o and_o with_o his_o cross_n of_o suffering_n matth._n 16._o 24._o and_o how_o far_o these_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n into_o outward_a danger_n loss_n torment_n and_o suffering_n who_o can_v tell_v and_o all_o this_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o unseen_a happiness_n and_o glory_n dear_a lust_n and_o corruption_n must_v be_v mortify_v sweet_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n in_o the_o world_n abandon_v and_o forsake_v all_o reproach_n loss_n pain_n and_o penalty_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n must_v be_v embrace_v and_o wellcome_v and_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o power_n beneath_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n any_o voice_n except_o the_o efficacious_a voice_n of_o christ_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o will_n to_o give_v its_o firm_a explicit_a consent_n to_o such_o difficult_a and_o self-denying_a term_n as_o these_o second_o consider_v the_o subject_a wrought_v upon_o viz._n the_o dead_a hard_a obstinate_a heart_n of_o a_o blind_a perverse_a sinner_n a_o heart_n hard_a by_o nature_n than_o the_o nether_a millstone_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o melt_v the_o most_o obdurate_a rock_n into_o a_o sweet_a syrup_n as_o it_o be_v to_o melt_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n into_o penitential_a forrow_n for_o sin_n what!_o to_o bring_v a_o dead_a heart_n to_o life_n to_o make_v that_o man_n bitter_o bewail_v the_o sin_n that_o be_v his_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n more_o than_o ever_o he_o bewail_v the_o death_n of_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v a_o proud_a heart_n renounce_v its_o own_o self-righteousness_n which_o it_o so_o dote_v upon_o and_o take_v all_o shame_n and_o reproach_n to_o itself_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v wonderful_a you_o will_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o course_n of_o the_o tide_n stop_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o man_n but_o o_o what_o a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v here_o that_o at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o poor_a worm_n the_o lord_n shall_v turn_v the_o tide_n of_o the_o will_n and_o thus_o work_v about_o the_o soul_n to_o a_o ready_a compliance_n with_o his_o most_o self-denying_a term_n and_o proposal_n three_o and_o that_o which_o far_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v be_v the_o fierce_a and_o obstinate_a opposition_n make_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o earth_n devil_n and_o man_n without_o we_o be_v confederate_a and_o in_o league_n with_o the_o corruption_n within_o we_o to_o resâ—â—t_v and_o hinder_v this_o work_n of_o believe_v never_o be_v the_o devil_n more_o busy_a than_o when_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v treat_v about_o union_n oh_o the_o discouragement_n objection_n and_o difficulty_n that_o be_v roll_v into_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n one_o while_o it_o be_v the_o high_a presumption_n another_o while_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o utter_o too_o late_o sometime_o blasphemous_a injection_n like_o fiery_a dart_n be_v shoot_v reek_v hot_a out_o of_o hell_n into_o the_o soul_n otherwhile_o the_o invincible_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v object_v all_o loss_n torment_n etc._n etc._n oppose_v unto_o this_o work_n the_o tempter_n cast_v himself_o into_o a_o thousand_o shape_n to_o hinder_v the_o soul_n passage_n out_o of_o nature_n unto_o christ._n sometime_o object_v the_o greatness_n of_o sin_n and_o sometime_o the_o lapse_n and_o loss_n of_o the_o proper_a season_n and_o opportunity_n of_o mercy_n together_o with_o the_o want_n of_o due_a qualification_n to_o come_v to_o christ._n thus_o and_o many_o other_o way_n he_o endeavour_v to_o rap_v off_o the_o finger_n of_o faith_n from_o take_v hold_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o every_o devil_n in_o hell_n oppose_v this_o work_n so_o every_o carnal_a interest_n we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o faith._n we_o have_v enemy_n enough_o within_o we_o as_o well_o as_o without_o we_o both_o conspire_v together_o to_o obstruct_v this_o work_n all_o thing_n increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v three_o we_o be_v next_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o instrument_n employ_v in_o this_o great_a design_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o principal_n or_o 2._o subordinate_a 1._o the_o principal_a instrument_n in_o who_o efficacy_n the_o heart_n be_v open_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o design_n shall_v ever_o prosper_v neither_o ordinance_n providence_n or_o minister_n can_v successful_o manage_v it_o without_o he_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v use_n of_o any_o man_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o another_o soul_n he_o may_v rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o withal_o must_v say_v as_o peter_n to_o the_o jew_n act_n 3._o 12._o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v so_o may_v the_o able_a minister_n in_o the_o world_n say_v when_o god_n bless_v his_o labour_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o any_o soul_n look_v not_o upon_o i_o as_o though_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o reason_n or_o power_n of_o my_o gift_n i_o have_v open_v thy_o soul_n to_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o who_o hand_n i_o be_o a_o instrument_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 7._o he_o that_o plant_v be_v nothing_o and_o he_o that_o water_n be_v nothing_o nothing_o in_o himself_o the_o very_a first_o stroke_n of_o conviction_n which_o be_v introductive_a to_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n be_v just_o ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n job._n 16._o 9_o the_o spirit_n when_o be_v come_v shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o sanctify_a and_o gracious_a influence_n ordinance_n be_v but_o as_o the_o sail_n of_o a_o ship_n minister_n as_o the_o seaman_n that_o manage_v those_o sail_n the_o anchor_n may_v be_v weigh_v the_o sail_n spread_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o sail_v till_o a_o gale_n come_v we_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o you_o hear_v but_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n christward_o until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n compard_v to_o the_o wind_n john_n 3._o 8._o blow_v upon_o they_o till_o he_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n with_o divine_a light_n and_o bow_v the_o will_n by_o a_o almighty_a power_n there_o can_v be_v no_o spiritual_a motion_n heaven-ward_n now_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n tie_v to_o mean_n time_n or_o instrument_n but_o as_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n a_o angel_n come_v down_o upon_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n and_o put_v a_o heal_a virtue_n into_o they_o so_o it_o be_v here_o therefore_o never_o come_v to_o any_o gospel_n ordinance_n without_o a_o eye_n to_o the_o spirit_n on_o who_o all_o their_o blessing_n and_o efficacy_n depend_v oh_o lift_v up_o your_o heart_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o mean_n as_o ever_o you_o expect_v save_v benefit_n from_o they_o 2_o the_o subordinate_a instrumental_a mean_n by_o which_o this_o bless_a design_n be_v effectual_o manage_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o gospel-ministry_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o who_o then_o be_v paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a state_v method_n of_o beget_v faith_n and_o though_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o this_o
may_v be_v pardon_v do_v not_o this_o sin_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n be_v this_o go_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v go_v too_o but_o whilst_o unbelief_n remain_v they_o also_o remain_v upon_o thou_o 2_o of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a sin_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o cure_v other_o sin_n lie_v more_o open_a to_o conviction_n but_o this_o have_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n to_o countenance_n and_o defend_v it_o man_n commit_v this_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o fear_n of_o sin_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v lest_o they_o shall_v presume_v they_o dare_v not_o believe_v because_o they_o be_v not_o qualify_v the_o strength_n of_o other_o sin_n meet_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a fort_n wherein_o satan_n trust_v take_v a_o adulterer_n or_o a_o profane_a swearer_n and_o you_o have_v a_o fair_a open_a way_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n show_v he_o the_o command_n he_o have_v violate_v and_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o his_o own_o defence_n but_o the_o unbeliever_n have_v a_o thousand_o plausible_a defence_n 3_o this_o be_v the_o great_a damn_v sin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o all_o other_o sin_n deserve_v damnation_n for_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n in_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o other_o sin_n damn_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul._n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n john_n 3._o 19_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o damn_v sin_n so_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o damn_v with_o aggravate_v damnation_n 2_o thess._n 1._o 8._o o_o then_o let_v we_o mourn_v over_o and_o tremble_v at_o this_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o oppose_v and_o so_o often_o frustrate_v the_o great_a design_n and_o main_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n iv._o use_v for_o exhortation_n be_v it_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n then_o be_v persuade_v hearty_o to_o comply_v with_o this_o great_a design_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n minister_n ordinance_n and_o providence_n in_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n this_o day_n by_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v suitable_o press_v this_o great_a point_n which_o fall_v in_o so_o direct_o with_o the_o main_a stream_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o oh_o that_o whilst_o i_o be_o press_v it_o you_o will_v listen_v up_o a_o hearty_a cry_n to_o heaven_n lord_n give_v i_o faith_n whatever_o else_o thou_o deny_v i_o open_v my_o heart_n to_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n call_v i_o do_v not_o only_o press_v you_o to_o a_o general_a and_o common_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o sinner_n but_o unto_o a_o hearty_a evangelical_n consent_v to_o receive_v he_o upon_o gospel_n term_n to_o close_o with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o office_n subject_v heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o authority_n live_v entire_o upon_o he_o for_o righteousness_n and_o to_o he_o by_o holiness_n the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o be_v above_o all_o estimation_n for_o 1._o this_o be_v the_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v dignify_v and_o crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n above_o all_o its_o fellow_n grace_n it_o be_v singular_a praise_n and_o encomium_n be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v call_v precious_a faith_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o soul_n enrich_v faith_n james_n 2._o 5._o that_o be_v a_o miserable_a poor_a soul_n indeed_o that_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o whatever_o the_o largess_n of_o providence_n have_v be_v to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v true_o rich_a to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v faith_n whatever_o he_o have_v deny_v he_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n this_o christ_n call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n john_n 6._o 29._o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v why_o so_o be_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o your_o eye_n behold_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o earth_n the_o sea_n the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n they_o be_v his_o handiwork_n true_o they_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v the_o work_n the_o most_o eminent_a glorious_a and_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n sine_fw-la pari_fw-la excel_v all_o his_o other_o work_n which_o your_o eye_n behold_v and_o 2._o that_o which_o exalt_v and_o dignify_v it_o not_o only_o above_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n but_o even_o above_o its_o fellow_n grace_n the_o work_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v that_o high_a office_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n god_n have_v single_v out_o this_o grace_n from_o among_o all_o the_o other_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o receive_v and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o guilty_a soul_n rom._n 5._o 1._o you_o be_v never_o say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o love_n hope_v or_o desire_v but_o by_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a all_o other_o grace_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o person_n justify_v but_o none_o apprehend_v and_o apply_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n for_o justification_n but_o this_o only_a and_o the_o justify_v act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o receive_a act_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o secure_v therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n 3._o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o be_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o day_n be_v not_o only_o the_o instrument_n of_o your_o justification_n but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o bond_n of_o your_o union_n with_o christ_n eph._n 3._o 17._o that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith._n it_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n the_o marriage_n knot_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v interest_n in_o and_o title_n to_o the_o person_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o awaken_v world_n be_v intent_o and_o solicitous_o fix_v whatever_o apprehension_n you_o have_v of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o whatever_o his_o benefit_n be_v worth_a in_o your_o eye_n neither_o himself_n or_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v obtain_v without_o faith._n o_o brethren_n there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o they_o that_o now_o sleight_n and_o neglect_v this_o interest_n and_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n will_v glad_o part_v with_o ten_o thousand_o world_n for_o a_o good_a title_n to_o christ_n can_v it_o be_v purchase_v therewith_o but_o it_o be_v faith_n and_o nothing_o without_o faith_n that_o entitle_v you_o to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o benefit_n 4._o that_o which_o shall_v yet_o more_o endear_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n to_o you_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n which_o receive_v your_o pardon_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v a_o seal_a pardon_n to_o a_o tremble_a sinner_n act_v 10._o 43._o and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n clear_v of_o all_o those_o sin_n from_o which_o the_o law_n can_v never_o clear_v they_o nor_o any_o repentance_n restitution_n or_o obedience_n of_o their_o own_o without_o faith_n o_o what_o a_o welcome_a messenger_n be_v faith_n and_o what_o joyful_a tiding_n do_v it_o bring_v you_o will_v say_v so_o if_o ever_o you_o have_v feel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o your_o conscience_n if_o ever_o you_o have_v lie_v as_o some_o sinner_n have_v with_o a_o cold_a sweat_a horror_n upon_o your_o pant_a bosom_n under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n god._n this_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v admire_v than_o express_v psal._n 32._o 1._o 5._o faith_n be_v not_o only_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v you_o a_o pardon_n from_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o heavenly_a herald_n that_o publish_v peace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n o_o peace_n how_o sweet_a a_o word_n be_v thou_o how_o welcome_n to_o a_o poor_a condemn_a sinner_n beautiful_a upon_o the_o mountain_n be_v the_o foot_n of_o they_o that_o publish_v peace_n now_o it_o be_v faith_n that_o bring_v this_o bless_a news_n and_o publish_v it_o in_o the_o soul_n without_o which_o all_o the_o publisher_n of_o peace_n without_o we_o can_v administer_v but_o little_a support_n rom._n 5._o 1._o faith_n bring_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n with_o which_o it_o be_v toss_v into_o a_o sweet_a rest_n and_o calm_v hebr._n 4._o 3._o we_o which_o have_v believe_v do_v enter_v into_o rest._n be_v the_o quiet_a harbour_n welcome_a to_o poor_a weather-beaten_a seaman_n after_o they_o have_v pass_v furious_a storm_n and_o many_o fear_n upon_o the_o rage_a