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
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
the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n matth._n 11._o 12._o why_o shall_v other_o man_n soul_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o you_o unto_o you_o what_o discouragement_n have_v you_o which_o other_o man_n have_v not_o or_o what_o encouragement_n have_v they_o which_o you_o have_v not_o say_v not_o object_n we_o have_v no_o assurance_n our_o pain_n shall_v prosper_v or_o our_o strive_n be_v make_v effectual_a to_o conversion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o such_o endeavour_n shall_v be_v second_v from_o heaven_n and_o make_v available_a to_o salvation_n then_o we_o will_v strive_v as_o long_o as_o breath_n and_o life_n shall_v last_v but_o all_o this_o may_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n we_o may_v be_v christ-less_a and_o hope-less_a when_o all_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o remember_v it_o be_v possible_a god_n may_v bless_v these_o weak_a endeavour_n and_o come_v in_o by_o his_o almighty_a spirit_n with_o they_o sol._n nay_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o be_v a_o strong_a probability_n nothing_o with_o you_o do_v you_o use_v to_o do_v no_o action_n about_o your_o civil_a calling_n without_o a_o assurance_n of_o success_n when_o the_o merchant_n adventure_n his_o life_n or_o estate_n at_o sea_n be_v he_o sure_a of_o a_o good_a return_n or_o do_v he_o not_o adventure_v upon_o the_o mere_a hope_n and_o probability_n of_o a_o gainful_a voyage_n when_o the_o husbandman_n blow_v his_o land_n empty_v both_o his_o bag_n and_o purse_n upon_o it_o be_v he_o sure_a of_o a_o good_a harvest_n may_v not_o a_o blast_n come_v that_o shall_v defeat_v all_o his_o hope_n yet_o he_o ploweâ—h_v and_o sow_v in_o hope_n and_o ordinary_o god_n make_v he_o partaker_n of_o his_o hope_n but_o without_o such_o industry_n his_o expectation_n will_v be_v vain_a away_o then_o with_o vain_a excuse_n up_o and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o appoint_a mean_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o three_o use_v for_o trial_n before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o point_n let_v we_o try_v ourselves_o by_o it_o whether_o god_n have_v open_v our_o heart_n to_o christ_n break_v these_o bar_n of_o ignorance_n unbelief_n custom_n prejudice_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o will_v stand_v wide_a open_a to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o solemn_a use_n the_o consequence_n of_o it_o great_a oh_o that_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o seriousness_n in_o the_o trial_n may_v be_v answerable_a try_v yourselves_o by_o these_o follow_a mark_n i._o mark._n if_o your_o eye_n be_v not_o open_v to_o see_v sin_n in_o its_o vileness_n and_o christ_n in_o his_o glory_n suitableness_n and_o necessity_n then_o sure_a your_o heart_n be_v never_o yet_o effectual_o open_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o confess_v man_n eye_n may_v be_v open_v to_o see_v sin_n and_o yet_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shut_v up_o by_o unbelief_n against_o christ_n but_o no_o man_n heart_n can_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n whilst_o his_o eye_n be_v shut_v john_n 6._o 40._o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o every_o one_o which_o see_v the_o son_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o may_v have_v everlasting_a life_n the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o wrought_v in_o the_o light_n of_o conviction_n the_o cure_n of_o the_o heart_n begin_v at_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n act_v 26._o 18._o 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 god_n open_v man_n heart_n by_o shine_v into_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o if_o therefore_o any_o man_n eye_n be_v still_o blind_v with_o ignorance_n prejudice_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o he_o apprehend_v not_o his_o own_o guilt_n and_o misery_n nor_o see_v the_o worth_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n that_o man_n heart_n be_v still_o under_o satan_n lock_n and_o bar_n sin_n be_v shut_v in_o and_o christ_n be_v shut_v out_o of_o that_o man_n soul._n ii_o mark._n no_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v first_o prick_v and_o wound_v by_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n this_o heart-wounding_a work_n be_v always_o antecedent_n to_o the_o work_n of_o faith._n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o your_o thought_n forerun_v my_o discourse_n to_o that_o famous_a scripture_n act_v 2._o 37._o where_o peter_n preach_v to_o those_o that_o have_v crucify_v christ_n and_o bring_v up_o his_o discourse_n close_o to_o their_o conscience_n in_o the_o application_n of_o that_o sermon_n convince_a they_o not_o only_o what_o a_o horrid_a and_o atrocious_a crime_n the_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o also_o charge_v it_o home_o upon_o they_o who_o you_o have_v take_v and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v upon_o this_o outcry_n three_o thousand_o soul_n open_v in_o one_o hour_n to_o christ_n now_o consider_v whether_o your_o heart_n have_v be_v thus_o prick_v and_o wound_v have_v sorrow_n for_o sin_n pierce_v thy_o soul_n vain_a sinner_n that_o frothy_a heart_n of_o thou_o must_v be_v make_v to_o bleed_v under_o compunction_n for_o sin_n or_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n for_o christ_n in_o it_o come_v soul_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o flatter_v yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o eye_n reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_v of_o your_o heart_n call_v back_o the_o day_n that_o be_v past_a and_o say_v when_o be_v the_o time_n and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n when_o thou_o lay_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n sob_v and_o mourn_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o thy_o sin_n do_v ever_o god_n hear_v such_o a_o cry_n as_o this_o from_o thy_o soul_n ah_o lord_n my_o soul_n be_v distress_v i_o roll_v hither_o and_o thither_o for_o ease_v and_o comfort_n but_o find_v none_o o_o the_o insupportable_a weight_n of_o guilt_n oh_o the_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n my_o soul_n fail_v under_o it_o lord_n undertake_v for_o i_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o degree_n of_o compunction_n and_o humiliation_n be_v equal_a in_o all_o convert_v neither_o their_o sin_n nor_o ability_n to_o bear_v sorrow_n for_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o this_o i_o say_v thy_o heart_n must_v ache_v for_o sin_n or_o it_o will_v never_o open_v to_o christ_n he_o bind_v up_o none_o but_o break_a heart_n isa._n 61._o 1._o iii_o mark._n if_o christ_n be_v come_v into_o thy_o heart_n than_o the_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v go_v out_o of_o thy_o heart_n christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n can_v dwell_v together_o what_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o soldier_n that_o apprehend_v he_o in_o the_o garden_n the_o like_a he_o say_v to_o every_o soul_n that_o come_v to_o apprehend_v he_o by_o faith_n if_o you_o seek_v i_o let_v these_o go_v their_o way_n away_o with_o the_o sin_n thou_o most_o delight_v in_o christ_n can_v come_v in_o till_o these_o be_v go_v isa._n 55._o 6_o 7_o 8._o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v here_o be_v the_o term_n of_o your_o acceptation_n and_o salvation_n plain_o lay_v down_o forsake_v thy_o way_n and_o thought_n the_o way_n note_v the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o thought_n the_o internal_a act_n both_o of_o contrivance_n and_o delight_n in_o sin_n both_o these_o must_v be_v forsake_v and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o for_o this_o make_v up_o but_o a_o negative_a holiness_n let_v he_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o man_n to_o make_v the_o door_n of_o salvation_n wide_a than_o god_n have_v make_v it_o we_o can_v bring_v down_o christ_n term_n low_a than_o he_o have_v set_v they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o they_o christ_n and_o we_o must_v part_v and_o this_o make_v the_o great_a struggle_n the_o sharp_a debate_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o convert_v oh_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o give_v up_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a lust_n but_o away_o they_o must_v go_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n must_v be_v sign_v for_o they_o or_o you_o can_v be_v espouse_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o hard_a tug_v than_o to_o part_n with_o all_o external_o for_o christ_n sake_n iu_o mark._n no_o heart_n can_v open_v true_o to_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o make_v willing_a upon_o due_a deliberation_n to_o receive_v
and_o satisfy_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o salvation_n but_o whether_o he_o apprehend_v it_o or_o no_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o be_v certain_a and_o real_a consult_v 1._o thes._n 1._o 4_o 5._o know_v brethren_n belove_v your_o election_n of_o god_n for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n their_o election_n of_o god_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v but_o alas_o may_v they_o say_v who_o can_v know_v that_o but_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v among_o the_o divine_a secret_n yes_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o know_v it_o and_o by_o this_o we_o know_v it_o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o a_o empty_a sound_n but_o in_o mighty_a efficacy_n effectual_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o believe_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a evidence_n of_o your_o election_n can_v be_v give_v in_o this_o world_n look_v again_o into_o rom._n 8._o 30._o moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v there_o be_v two_o great_a and_o ravish_a truth_n clear_v in_o this_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v this_o that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o call_v upon_o earth_n be_v take_v out_o of_o such_o as_o be_v predestinate_v to_o life_n before_o the_o world_n be_v the_o other_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o glorify_a saint_n in_o heaven_n be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n call_v and_o justify_v upon_o earth_n so_o the_o call_v soul_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n that_o save_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n may_v from_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o he_o solid_o reason_n backward_o to_o god_n elect_v love_n before_o all_o time_n and_o forward_o to_o his_o glorification_n with_o god_n when_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o oh_o how_o strong_a be_v the_o consolation_n flow_v out_o of_o this_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v one_o thing_n ii_o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n the_o arm_n of_o a_o angel_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o break_v those_o strong_a bar_n before_o mention_v therefore_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n be_v apply_v unto_o this_o work_n of_o believe_v ephes._n 1._o 19_o and_o what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n towards_o we_o who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v power_n the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n the_o very_a same_o power_n which_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o all_o this_o no_o more_o than_o needs_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n open_a by_o faith_n to_o receive_v christ_n the_o only_a key_n that_o fit_v the_o cross_a ward_n of_o man_n will_n and_o effectual_o open_v his_o heart_n 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 how_o long_o have_v some_o of_o you_o â—at_a under_o able_a minister_n search_v sermon_n and_o roâ—â—ing_a providence_n yet_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n till_o this_o almighty_a power_n come_v with_o the_o word_n and_o then_o the_o work_n be_v do_v the_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n psal._n 110._o 3._o what_o a_o glorious_a power_n be_v that_o which_o open_v christ_n grave_n when_o he_o lie_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o a_o mighty_a stone_n roll_v upon_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o how_o mighty_a a_o power_n be_v that_o which_o break_v asunder_o all_o those_o bar_n which_o keep_v thy_o soul_n in_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n none_o feel_v this_o power_n but_o those_o only_o who_o god_n intend_v for_o salvation_n and_o have_v once_o wrought_v this_o it_o be_v engage_v to_o go_v through_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v to_o perfect_v thy_o salvation_n iii_o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o a_o effect_n of_o almighty_a power_n but_o such_o a_o effect_n of_o it_o without_o which_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v have_v be_v of_o no_o avail_n to_o thy_o salvation_n neither_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v effectual_a to_o any_o man_n salvation_n until_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v wronght_n upon_o his_o heart_n the_o offer_v up_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o its_o kind_n and_o place_n â—ufficient_a to_o purchase_v our_o redemption_n but_o it_o be_v the_o receive_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n that_o bring_v home_o salvation_n to_o our_o soul_n where_o there_o be_v many_o concause_n to_o produce_v one_o effect_n that_o effect_n be_v not_o produce_v until_o the_o last_o cause_n have_v wrought_v thus_o it_o be_v here_o the_o move_a cause_n viz._n the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n have_v wrought_v and_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v also_o wrought_v but_o still_o the_o heart_n even_o of_o a_o elect_a man_n remain_v under_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n until_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v the_o apply_v cause_n have_v also_o wrought_v this_o bless_a effect_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v christ_n in_o we_o i._n e._n in_o union_n with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o we_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n 1_o col._n 27._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o behold_v then_o the_o last_o stroke_n give_v in_o this_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o faith_n herein_o elect_v love_n have_v bring_v home_o christ_n with_o all_o the_o purchase_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n into_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o thy_o soul._n oh_o how_o transport_v and_o ravish_v a_o consideration_n be_v this_o iv._o consolation_n in_o this_o work_n the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o faith_n the_o great_a design_n and_o main_a intention_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v also_o answer_v and_o accomplish_v you_o behold_v in_o the_o church_n a_o glorious_a frame_n of_o ordinance_n set_v up_o by_o divine_a institution_n minister_n appoint_v to_o preach_v sermon_n sacrament_n prayer_n sing_v variety_n of_o ordinance_n set_v up_o excellent_a gift_n give_v to_o man_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n now_o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o by_o they_o as_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n our_o ignorant_a dead_a unbelieving_a heart_n may_v be_v open_v unto_o christ_n in_o act_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o build_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n minister_n be_v send_v to_o open_v your_o eye_n turn_v you_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 they_o be_v not_o send_v by_o christ_n into_o this_o world_n to_o get_v a_o live_n to_o drive_v so_o poor_a a_o trade_n as_o that_o for_o themselves_o but_o to_o bring_v you_o to_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o when_o god_n elect_v be_v thus_o bring_v in_o and_o build_v up_o in_o christ_n you_o shall_v see_v this_o glorious_a frame_n of_o ordinance_n take_v down_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 24._o then_o come_v the_o end_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o far_o upon_o thy_o heart_n be_v matter_n of_o transport_v joy_n minister_n may_v and_o must_v die_v ordinance_n may_v be_v remove_v but_o this_o bless_a effect_n of_o they_o upon_o thy_o soul_n shall_v never_o die_v god_n will_v perfect_v what_o he_o have_v begin_v that_o be_v the_o four_o consolation_n v._o consolation_n and_o then_o five_o that_o day_n wherein_o thy_o heart_n be_v save_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n that_o very_a day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o soul._n when_o zacheus_n his_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n he_o tell_v he_o luke_n 19_o 9_o this_o day_n be_v salvation_n come_v to_o thy_o house_n salvation_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n before_o thou_o be_v bear_v yea_o salvation_n be_v come_v to_o thy_o door_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n before_o but_o it_o never_o come_v into_o thy_o soul_n till_o the_o day_n wherein_o thy_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n
the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v from_o hence_o the_o eight_o observation_n will_v be_v this_o viii_o doct._n that_o no_o man_n will_n save_o and_o effectual_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n doct._n till_o the_o spiritual_a quicken_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o hear_v by_o the_o soul._n now_o touch_v this_o almighty_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v effectual_o open_v six_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v in_o order_n 1._o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n 2._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o this_o internal_a voice_n 3._o the_o innate_a character_n and_o special_a property_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o object_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v 5._o the_o motive_n induce_v christ_n to_o speak_v to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o another_o 6._o the_o special_a effect_n wrought_v and_o seal_v by_o it_o upon_o every_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n i_o be_o here_o only_o concern_v about_o two_o viz._n 1._o his_o external_n 2._o his_o internal_a voice_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o external_n voice_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v call_v his_o ministerial_a voice_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o minister_n his_o mouth_n jer._n 15._o 19_o he_o that_o hear_v they_o hear_v christ._n 2_o there_o be_v also_o a_o internal_a energetical_a voice_n of_o christ_n consist_v not_o in_o sound_n but_o power_n and_o betwixt_o these_o two_o there_o be_v two_o remarkable_a difference_n 1._o the_o external_n or_o ministerial_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o internal_a and_o efficacious_a voice_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o former_a he_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o or_o by_o that_o â—ound_n convey_v his_o spiritual_a voice_n to_o the_o heart_n 2_o the_o external_n voice_n be_v evermore_o ineffectual_a and_o successless_a when_o it_o be_v not_o animate_v by_o this_o internal_a spiritual_a voice_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o see_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n at_o the_o sound_n of_o rams-horn_n there_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o external_a blast_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n but_o more_o marvellous_a it_o be_v to_o see_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o the_o weapon_n of_o iniquity_n fall_v out_o of_o sinner_n hand_n but_o the_o very_a enmity_n itself_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o voice_n a_o internal_a efficacy_n in_o the_o external_n sound_n without_o which_o the_o gospel_n make_v no_o save_v impression_n second_o this_o spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o general_a nature_n which_o imply_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o almighty_a efficacy_n 2._o great_a facilty_n i._o almighty_a efficacy_n to_o quicken_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o word_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o voice_n be_v this_o which_o carry_v such_o a_o vital_a power_n along_o with_o it_o in_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o christ_n his_o power_n be_v still_o put_v forth_o in_o some_o voice_n as_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 43._o he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o so_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o deaf_a man_n mark_v 7._o 34._o he_o say_v unto_o he_o ephphathai_n and_o straight_o way_n his_o ear_n be_v open_v thus_o in_o the_o exert_n of_o his_o almighty_a glorious_a power_n in_o quicken_a a_o soul_n spiritual_o dead_a and_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o by_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n a_o internal_a almighty_a efficacy_n pass_v from_o christ_n along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o effect_v this_o glorious_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n a_o emblem_n where_o of_o we_o have_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o then_o say_v he_o unto_o i_o prophesy_v unto_o the_o wind_n prophesy_v son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wind_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n come_v from_o the_o four_o wind_n o_o breath_n and_o breath_n upon_o these_o slay_v that_o they_o may_v live_v so_o i_o prophesy_v as_o he_o command_v i_o and_o the_o breath_n come_v into_o they_o and_o they_o live_v and_o stand_v up_o upon_o their_o foot_n a_o exceed_a great_a army_n the_o animate_v vital_a breath_n which_o quicken_v the_o dead_a come_v in_o or_o with_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n as_o this_o almighty_a power_n of_o christ_n do_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o before_o it_o the_o heart_n open_v the_o will_n bow_v psal._n 110._o 3._o man_n can_v no_o long_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n man_n and_o man_n stand_v upon_o equal_a ground_n the_o power_n of_o man_n can_v repel_v the_o power_n of_o a_o fellow_n creature_n but_o when_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n come_v along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o more_o power_n to_o resist_v semper_fw-la this_o voice_n of_o christ_n then_o of_o which_o the_o text_n speak_v loc_n be_v a_o almighty_a impression_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o that_o soul_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o voice_n and_o as_o full_o expressive_a of_o god_n mind_n concern_v it_o as_o any_o articulate_v voice_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v it_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o plain_o and_o evident_o discover_v both_o its_o danger_n and_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n have_v declare_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v isa._n 8._o 11._o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o isaiah_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n that_o be_v by_o a_o mighty_a impression_n upon_o the_o prophet_n spirit_n which_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o thus_o here_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o direct_v a_o suitable_a word_n to_o a_o sinner_n condition_n but_o also_o impress_n it_o with_o such_o a_o strong_a hand_n upon_o his_o heart_n as_o leave_v no_o doubt_n behind_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n himself_o that_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n of_o speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o inner_a spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o oraculous_a voice_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v but_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o overtroubled_a fancy_n but_o by_o a_o efficacious_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o oraculous_a voice_n we_o may_v soon_o meet_v satanical_a delusion_n than_o divine_a illumination_n in_o that_o way_n the_o learned_a gerson_n speak_v of_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v in_o prayer_n seem_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n as_o this_o i_o be_o come_v in_o person_n to_o visit_v thou_o for_o thou_o be_v worthy_a but_o he_o just_o suspect_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o say_v nolo_fw-la hic_fw-la videre_fw-la christum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v i_o to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n voice_n in_o the_o write_a word_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n l._n 1._o 9_o this_o inward_a spiritual_a impression_n be_v christ_n effectual_a call_n from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o voice_n sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la without_o sound_n or_o syllable_n ii_o as_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n imply_v almighty_a efficacy_n so_o it_o imply_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o facility_n of_o conversion_n unto_o christ_n he_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o bodily_a cure_n perform_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n how_o sudden_o and_o easy_o do_v christ_n effect_v they_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o say_v the_o centurion_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v thus_o let_v the_o spirit_n but_o speak_v internal_o to_o the_o dead_a soul_n and_o it_o live_v elijah_n do_v but_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o elisha_n as_o he_o be_v plough_v in_o the_o field_n and_o he_o present_o entreat_v the_o prophet_n to_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v home_o and_o bid_v his_o friend_n farewell_o and_o he_o will_v follow_v he_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o let_v a_o beam_n of_o save_a light_n shine_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o man_n heart_n let_v a_o effectual_a impression_n be_v make_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v present_o make_v willing_a to_o quit_v and_o give_v up_o his_o dear_a lust_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n upon_o the_o severe_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n conversion_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o work_n for_o angel_n or_o man_n to_o effect_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o christ_n can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o
treasure_n psal._n 119._o 14._o i_o have_v rejoice_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o riches_n ii_o it_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o passive_a obedience_n make_v a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o suffering_n col._n 1._o 24._o it_o will_v make_v a_o christian_a stand_n as_o porter_n in_o london_n do_v at_o the_o merchant_n door_n to_o receive_v any_o burden_n or_o load_n they_o have_v to_o lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o thank_v they_o to_o be_v so_o employ_v this_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o strength_n neh._n 8._o 10._o a_o christian_a under_o the_o cheerful_a influence_n of_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n can_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n lie_v down_o his_o neck_n for_o christ_n than_o other_o man_n can_v lay_v out_o a_o shilling_n for_o he_o in_o all_o these_o twenty_o particular_n you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o privilege_n but_o oh_o how_o short_a a_o account_n have_v i_o give_v of_o it_o what_o remain_v be_v the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n in_o a_o double_a use_n 1._o of_o information_n 2._o of_o exhortation_n first_o for_o information_n in_o the_o follow_a inference_n i._o inference_n how_o sure_a and_o certain_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o sanctify_a soul_n these_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a god_n have_v set_v they_o before_o our_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o sense_n beside_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o single_o make_v it_o infallible_a the_o lord_n for_o our_o abundant_a satisfaction_n have_v bring_v these_o thing_n down_o to_o the_o touch_n and_o test_n of_o our_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n you_o that_o have_v have_v so_o many_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n so_o many_o sweet_a taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n o_o what_o a_o confirmation_n and_o â—eal_n have_v you_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o invisible_a thing_n you_o may_v say_v of_o heaven_n and_o the_o joy_n above_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o he_o that_o purchase_v it_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o that_o which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o our_o ear_n have_v hear_v and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v etc._n etc._n for_o god_n have_v set_v these_o thing_n in_o some_o degree_n before_o your_o very_a eye_n and_o put_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o into_o your_o own_o hand_n the_o sweet_a relish_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o very_a palate_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o this_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o blieve_a hebrew_n the_o apostle_n appeal_v heb._n 10._o 34._o when_o he_o say_v you_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o know_v in_o ourselves_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o sweet_a than_o all_o the_o traditional_a knowledge_n we_o get_v from_o the_o report_n of_o other_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_n who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n there_o be_v more_o of_o heaven_n feel_v and_o taste_v in_o this_o world_n than_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o hear_v of_o such_o country_n as_o spain_n italy_n smirna_n by_o the_o discourse_n and_o report_v we_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o our_o childhood_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o understand_v those_o country_n by_o the_o rich_a commodity_n import_v from_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o trade_n and_o commerce_n o_o do_v we_o but_o know_v what_o other_o christian_n have_v feel_v and_o taste_v we_o will_v not_o have_v such_o stagger_a thought_n about_o invisible_a thing_n but_o the_o secret_a comfort_n of_o religion_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n enclose_v thing_n religion_n lay_v not_o all_o open_a the_o christian_n life_n be_v a_o hide_a life_n ii_o inference_n if_o such_o a_o height_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v attainable_a on_o earth_n than_o most_o christian_n live_v below_o the_o duty_n and_o comfort_n of_o christianity_n alas_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v but_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o pleasant_a mount_n pisga_n as_o we_o be_v but_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o grace_n so_o we_o be_v but_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o comfort_n what_o a_o poor_a house_n be_v keep_v by_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n live_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n seldom_o taste_v the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o there_o be_v five_o thing_n which_o usual_o keep_v they_o poor_a and_o low_a as_o to_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n 1._o the_o encumbrance_n of_o the_o world_n which_o divert_v they_o from_o or_o distract_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o so_o keep_v they_o low_o in_o their_o spiritual_a comfort_n they_o have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v on_o earth_n that_o they_o have_v little_a time_n for_o heavenly_a employment_n oh_o what_o a_o noise_n and_o din_n do_v the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n make_v in_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o christian_n how_o dear_o do_v we_o pay_v for_o such_o trifle_n as_o these_o 2._o a_o spirit_n of_o formality_n creep_v in_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n impoverish_v the_o vital_a spirit_n thereof_o like_o the_o wanton_a embrace_n of_o the_o ivy_n which_o bind_v and_o starve_v the_o tree_n it_o clasp_v about_o religion_n can_v thrive_v under_o formality_n and_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o keep_v out_o formality_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o duty_n and_o much_o more_o when_o duty_n be_v intermit_v 3._o the_o business_n of_o temptation_n pester_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o christian_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o melancholy_n constitution_n how_o importunate_a and_o restless_a be_v these_o temptation_n with_o some_o christian_n they_o can_v make_v little_a comfort_n or_o advantage_n out_o of_o duty_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o 4._o heart-apostacy_n inward_a decay_n of_o our_o first_o love_n be_v another_o reason_n why_o our_o duty_n prosper_v so_o little_a rev._n 2._o 4._o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n you_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o serve_v god_n with_o such_o coldness_n 5._o in_o a_o word_n spiritual_a pride_n impoverish_v our_o comfort_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n like_o brisk_a wine_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o our_o weak_a head_n for_o these_o cause_v many_o christian_n be_v keep_v low_o in_o spiritual_a comfort_n iii_o inference_n how_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v desirable_a to_o walk_v with_o they_o who_o walk_v with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o no_o such_o companion_n as_o the_o saint_n what_o benefit_n or_o pleasure_n can_v we_o find_v in_o converse_v with_o sensual_a worldling_n all_o we_o can_v carry_v away_o out_o of_o such_o company_n be_v guilt_n or_o grief_n all_o my_o delight_n say_v david_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n which_o excel_v in_o virtue_n psal._n 16._o 3._o and_o their_o society_n will_v certain_o be_v much_o more_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a than_o it_o be_v do_v they_o live_v more_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o they_o do_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exceed_v lovely_a mal._n 3._o 16._o act_n 2._o 46_o 47._o the_o lord_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a glory_n and_o sweetness_n iv._o inference_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n be_v conversion_n which_o let_v the_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n here_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o your_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n the_o first_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n of_o which_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o end_n all_o the_o time_n man_n have_v spend_v in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o unconverted_a state_n have_v be_v a_o time_n of_o estrangement_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n when_o the_o lord_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o chris_n in_o the_o way_n of_o conversion_n he_o than_o begin_v his_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n job_n 22._o 21._o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o he_o and_o â—e_z at_o peace_n thereby_o good_a shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o this_o be_v your_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n which_o will_v be_v a_o grow_a thing_n every_o visit_v you_o give_v he_o in_o prayer_n increase_v your_o acquaintance_n and_o beget_v more_o intimacy_n and_o humble_a holy_a familiarity_n betwixt_o he_o and_o you_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o paradise_n of_o pleasure_n do_v this_o let_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n abound_v with_o pleasure_n psal._n 16._o 11._o all_o his_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o