company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o christ_n interest_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o sufficient_o open_v to_o he_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o man_n find_v who_o pray_v for_o christ_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o he_o yea_o and_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o a_o love_n for_o he_o and_o yet_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n never_o true_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n examine_v your_o heart_n therefore_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v there_o and_o open_v to_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v how_o come_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o world_n to_o have_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o you_o and_o to_o bear_v so_o much_o sway_n with_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o world_n will_v be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n and_o from_o which_o at_o all_o time_n it_o fetch_v direction_n so_o it_o have_v a_o large_a office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n its_o work_n be_v to_o purify_v both_o heart_n and_o life_n act_n 15.9_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a be_v alone_o i_o may_v well_o compare_v faith_n to_o a_o large_a and_o frugiferous_a tree_n who_o root_n or_o foundation_n be_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n record_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n the_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o heart_n the_o command_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n or_o trunk_n of_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o habit_n or_o principle_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o we_o and_o nourish_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o several_a branch_n of_o this_o tree_n spread_v themselves_o every_o way_n be_v the_o several_a emanation_n or_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n guide_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o several_a particular_a act_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n guide_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n now_o where_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v warm_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o influential_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v open_v unto_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n the_o tree_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o flourish_v and_o draw_v in_o fresh_a supply_n of_o sap_n from_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v digest_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n must_v needs_o bring_v forth_o suitable_a and_o proportionable_a fruit_n of_o all_o kind_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o therefore_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n where_o then_o be_v the_o fruit_n effect_n act_n and_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o passage_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n where_o be_v thy_o dependence_n upon_o and_o embrace_v of_o his_o promise_n rely_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n where_o be_v thy_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n discharge_v duty_n in_o every_o part_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n live_v by_o and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o every_o thing_n thou_o go_v about_o leave_v the_o issue_n success_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thy_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o god_n to_o his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o be_v thy_o constant_a watch_n against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o heart_n the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o allurement_n and_o enticement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o faithful_a resistance_n of_o all_o temptation_n thy_o deep_a repentance_n for_o and_o faithful_a
the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o may_v be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o in_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o for_o instance_n 1._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o may_v rip_v up_o our_o old_a sore_n and_o bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n which_o may_v renew_v our_o torment_n and_o pain_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o he_o make_v new_a discovery_n in_o the_o soul_n many_o a_o sin_n forget_v and_o not_o due_o repent_v of_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o wound_n and_o cut_v the_o soul_n put_v the_o soul_n to_o new_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o pain_n and_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a of_o open_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v in_o every_o one_o such_o a_o indelible_a sense_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o guilt_n that_o though_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o real_a desire_n of_o christ_n company_n yet_o be_v real_o afraid_a to_o 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rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o may_v be_v as_o painful_a and_o as_o unwilling_o yield_v to_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n right_a foot_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n nay_o his_o word_n may_v further_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n discern_v and_o discover_v the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o will_v shall_v be_v discover_v or_o cut_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o in_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o linger_v and_o put_v off_o christ_n from_o time_n to_o time_n sometime_o again_o christ_n may_v put_v his_o spouse_n upon_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v cross_v her_o natural_a inclination_n or_o particular_a present_a and_o visible_a interest_n such_o as_o deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o
the_o sleepy_a spouse_n of_o christ_n alarm_v or_o a_o warn_v to_o beware_v of_o drowsiness_n when_o christ_n call_v lest_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o some_o sermon_n upon_o cant._n 5_o and_o the_o beginning_n by_o j._n b._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o matth._n 23.37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 95.7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n recommend_v in_o a_o preface_n by_o m._n nath._n vincent_n london_n print_v 〈◊〉_d samuel_n crouch_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n at_o 〈…〉_o to_o mrs._n j._n d._n the_o author_n wish_v all_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n honour_a friend_n it_o be_v at_o your_o request_n and_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n that_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o follow_a sermon_n the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v because_o your_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n open_v to_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_n herein_o treat_v of_o be_v very_o sweet_a and_o precious_a and_o such_o as_o may_v well_o warm_v the_o freeze_a heart_n of_o any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o drachm_n of_o sincere_a love_n 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which_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v true_o reckon_v you_o can_v choose_v but_o in_o some_o measure_n awaken_v the_o sleepy_a soul_n and_o warm_v the_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n this_o effect_n i_o perceive_v the_o word_n have_v upon_o you_o for_o which_o you_o owe_v the_o thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n to_o your_o heart_n and_o give_v it_o entertainment_n there_o for_o man_n speak_v only_o to_o the_o ear_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n you_o have_v therefore_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o word_n yourself_o desire_v the_o communication_n of_o it_o to_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n with_o you_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o your_o design_n i_o must_v own_o to_o be_v good_a for_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o diffusive_a nature_n spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o also_o of_o a_o 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at_o command_n this_o christ_n call_v for_o but_o alas_o too_o many_o that_o like_a boaz_n his_o kinsman_n have_v a_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o inheritance_n yet_o here_o turn_v their_o back_n and_o will_v rather_o let_v the_o inheritance_n go_v to_o another_o than_o they_o will_v take_v christ_n with_o it_o many_o will_v have_v christ_n his_o crown_n but_o few_o will_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v but_o slow_o hearken_v to_o in_o this_o respect_n 6._o christ_n call_v sometime_o to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v his_o spouse_n when_o she_o be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o her_o work_n sometime_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n own_o people_n grow_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a either_o lay_v aside_o their_o spiritual_a work_n or_o perform_v it_o lazy_o if_o they_o pray_v they_o pray_v heartless_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o they_o matter_a not_o whether_o they_o speed_v or_o not_o if_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o in_o too_o formal_a and_o 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heart_n and_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a watch_n they_o let_v that_o fall_n though_o in_o their_o enemy_n country_n and_o hereby_o they_o give_v advantage_n and_o opportunity_n to_o their_o enemy_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o take_v they_o in_o his_o net_n therefore_o that_o careful_a and_o faithful_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n see_v in_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o enemy_n watchfulness_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a posture_n which_o indispose_v we_o for_o our_o work_n and_z gives_z advantage_n to_o our_o adversary_n he_o therefore_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o awaken_v we_o and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o watch_n and_o to_o our_o work_n to_o our_o watch_n lest_o our_o enemy_n come_v and_o take_v we_o nap_v and_o to_o our_o work_n leave_v the_o night_n come_v before_o our_o work_n be_v perfect_v it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o christ_n his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n thus_o to_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o 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undefiled_a and_o promise_v as_o rev._n 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o christ_n will_v not_o loose_v his_o feast_n when_o he_o have_v prepare_v it_o nor_o do_v he_o love_v to_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o but_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o his_o spouse_n for_o who_o he_o have_v prepare_v they_o and_o therefore_o call_v this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o text._n the_o spouse_n vers_fw-la 16._o of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o revival_n of_o grace_n in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v beg_v his_o company_n this_o request_n be_v grant_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o her_o request_n come_v and_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o door_n open_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o load_n of_o comfort_n he_o many_o time_n find_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o he_o long_o knock_v and_o call_v before_o he_o gain_v admission_n the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n stand_v many_o time_n long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o open_v to_o and_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o many_o a_o excuse_n and_o put-off_a will_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n make_v against_o itself_o before_o it_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n for_o its_o own_o comfort_n yea_o sometime_o so_o compliment_v it_o and_o plead_v excuse_n till_o christ_n in_o a_o angeâ—_n withdraw_v and_o make_v the_o soul_n long_o and_o with_o a_o ache_a heart_n to_o seek_v christ_n in_o the_o promise_n before_o she_o find_v he_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_n to_o discover_v in_o this_o text._n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o 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the_o spirit_n check_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o conscience_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v listen_v and_o hearken_v to_o for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n or_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n every_o providence_n that_o befall_v thou_o whether_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o or_o affliction_n be_v a_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n and_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n in_o it_o something_o that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o learn_v by_o it_o yea_o even_o those_o common_a providence_n whether_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o befall_v thou_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o come_v with_o some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o a_o packet_n of_o letter_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o town_n or_o place_n by_o one_o common_a post_n or_o carrier_n but_o every_o one_o letter_n in_o particular_a come_v about_o his_o own_o special_a business_n though_o it_o come_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a carrier_n so_o in_o common_a affliction_n or_o judgement_n though_o they_o come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n and_o by_o a_o common_a hand_n either_o humane_a or_o divine_a or_o in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o come_v upon_o a_o particular_a errand_n and_o about_o particular_a business_n to_o the_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v if_o they_o come_v to_o thou_o know_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o voice_n and_o learn_v the_o lesson_n but_o though_o there_o be_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o every_o passage_n of_o god_n carriage_n towards_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o special_a time_n wherein_o god_n call_v be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o slight_v
with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n which_o be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n as_o be_v note_v before_o intimate_v the_o fullness_n of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o christ_n come_v load_v with_o when_o he_o desire_v entrance_n into_o the_o soul_n sure_a i_o be_o that_o he_o that_o command_v that_o none_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a will_v not_o himself_o come_v empty-handed_n to_o give_v his_o spouse_n a_o visit_n especial_o know_v she_o needs_o and_o for_o what_o end_n she_o desire_v his_o company_n will_v you_o see_v what_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o read_v cantic_a 2.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o my_o taste_n he_o bring_v i_o into_o his_o banqueting-house_n and_o his_o bannâ—â—_n over_o i_o be_v love_n his_o left_a hand_n be_v undeâ—_n my_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n do_v embrace_v meâ—_n if_o he_o do_v but_o breath_n upon_o our_o garden_n the_o spicâ—_n will_v flow_v out_o cant._n 4.16_o he_o bring_v enough_o with_o he_o to_o feast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n cantic_a 5.1_o yea_o and_o bid_v both_o they_o and_o we_o hearty_o welcome_a see_v john_n 14.18_o 19_o i_o wiâ—â—_n not_o leave_v you_o comfortless_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o but_o what_o will_v he_o bring_v with_o he_o he_o wiâ—â—_n bring_v life_n vers_fw-la 19_o because_o i_o live_v you_o shaâ—â—_n live_v also_o where_o christ_n come_v he_o bring_v thâ—_n which_o will_v beget_v life_n and_o spirit_n grace_n anâ—_n comfort_n he_o fill_v the_o soul_n with_o mirâ—h_a anâ—_n comfort_n and_o abundant_a satisfaction_n where_o hâ—_n come_v psal_n 36.7_o 8_o 9_o therefore_o it_o be_v dangerous_a not_o to_o open_v to_o he_o at_o his_o call_n 4._o consider_v our_o great_a unworthiness_n thâ—_n christ_n shall_v come_v under_o our_o roof_n if_o jacâ—_n find_v cause_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v less_o than_o thâ—_n lest_o of_o god_n mercy_n how_o much_o more_o wâ—_n reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n mâ—â—_n say_v with_o david_n psal_n 8.4_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o will_v we_o take_v a_o true_a view_n of_o our_o own_o state_n and_o see_v how_o fit_a we_o be_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v of_o we_o ezech._n 16._o there_o he_o tell_v thou_o thy_o pedigree_n vers_fw-la 3._o thy_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o thy_o mother_n a_o hittite_n a_o curse_a blood_n of_o a_o curse_a stock_n he_o tell_v thou_o also_o the_o manner_n of_o thy_o nativity_n and_o in_o what_o posture_n god_n find_v thou_o vers_n 4_o 5._o a_o naked_a and_o wretched_a infant_n cast_v out_o in_o its_o goar-blood_n and_o filthiness_n none_o to_o pity_n or_o do_v any_o necessary_a office_n of_o kindness_n for_o â—hee_o and_o in_o this_o posture_n and_o condition_n god_n â—ound_v thou_o and_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o thou_o when_o â—here_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v see_v that_o be_v lovely_a â—n_n thou_o thou_o be_v a_o poor_a beggar_n that_o have_v either_o meat_n for_o thy_o belly_n nor_o clothes_n to_o cover_v â—ny_n nakedness_n nor_o a_o penny_n of_o money_n in_o thy_o â—urse_n in_o this_o condition_n he_o find_v thou_o set_v his_o â—ove_n upon_o thou_o enter_v into_o covenant_n of_o marâ—â—age_n with_o thou_o espouse_v thou_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n â—ecked_v and_o adorn_v thou_o with_o the_o jewel_n of_o his_o â—race_n make_v thou_o comely_a through_o his_o comeliness_n â—t_a upon_o thou_o set_v thou_o up_o in_o high_a and_o honourable_a estate_n see_v psal_n 45.9_o the_o queen_n stand_v christ_n right_a hand_n in_o gold_n of_o ophir_n vers_fw-la 13_o 4._o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o 〈◊〉_d raiment_n be_v of_o needlework_n etc._n etc._n the_o virgin_n her_o companion_n must_v wait_v upon_o she_o all_o this_o and_o more_o than_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v express_v have_v christ_n do_v for_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o most_o unworthy_a wretch_n and_o therefore_o if_o now_o when_o he_o come_v and_o call_v say_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a etc._n etc._n that_o now_o thou_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o saucy_a and_o slight_a answer_n i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v they_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o this_o may_v just_o make_v christ_n to_o repent_v of_o his_o match_n and_o therefore_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n we_o read_v luke_n 7.6_o the_o centurion_n when_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n in_o his_o estate_n of_o humiliation_n say_v lord_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a that_o thou_o shall_v come_v under_o my_o roof_n how_o much_o more_o unworthy_a be_v we_o of_o the_o spiritual_a presence_n and_o company_n of_o christ_n now_o he_o be_v in_o his_o estate_n of_o exaltation_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o unworthy_a and_o disingenuous_a act_n that_o can_v be_v be_v now_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n desire_v entertainment_n well_o then_o may_v christ_n take_v this_o as_o a_o most_o horrible_a affront_n from_o such_o base_a and_o unworthy_a upstart_n as_o we_o be_v who_o but_o the_o other_o day_n be_v naked_a and_o beggarly_a creature_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n if_o 5._o we_o consider_v the_o great_a condescension_n oâ—_n christ_n in_o come_v christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n psal_n 24.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o his_o throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n his_o kingdom_n be_v over_o all_o he_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o need_v not_o thou_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o he_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n much_o more_o to_o behold_v any_o earthly_a creature_n and_o yet_o this_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n come_v to_o thy_o poor_a sootty_a beggarly_a cottage_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n desire_v admission_n and_o entertainment_n there_o and_o will_v be_v content_a either_o with_o such_o as_o he_o find_v or_o such_o as_o he_o bring_v for_o thou_o therefore_o to_o shut_v out_o this_o king_n of_o glory_n be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a affront_n let_v i_o illustrate_v these_o two_o argument_n of_o our_o unworthiness_n and_o christ_n his_o condescension_n by_o this_o similitude_n suppose_v the_o great_a king_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v meet_v a_o poor_a naked_a nasty_a deform_a beggar_n nothing_o but_o dirt_n and_o louse_n not_o a_o rag_n to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n not_o a_o morsel_n of_o bread_n to_o put_v in_o her_o mouth_n not_o a_o cottage_n to_o put_v her_o head_n in_o not_o a_o penny_n in_o her_o purse_n but_o more_o in_o debt_n than_o she_o and_o all_o her_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o pay_v and_o therefore_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o house_n and_o harbour_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a dunghill_n to_o lie_v upon_o naked_a whatever_o weather_n come_v and_o so_o our_o of_o credit_n as_o that_o none_o will_v pity_v she_o or_o let_v she_o come_v in_o this_o great_a emperor_n cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o she_o pity_v her_o condition_n set_v his_o love_n upon_o she_o promise_v that_o if_o she_o will_v take_v he_o for_o her_o husband_n he_o will_v pay_v her_o debt_n for_o she_o procure_v she_o a_o discharge_n will_v marry_v she_o and_o make_v she_o his_o bride_n or_o queen_n wash_v away_o all_o her_o filthiness_n deck_n and_o adorn_v she_o with_o all_o costly_a jewel_n and_o raiment_n suitable_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o degree_n of_o such_o a_o person_n wife_n as_o himself_o be_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v her_o happy_a hereupon_o the_o match_n be_v conclude_v and_o he_o own_v she_o for_o his_o spouse_n deck_v and_o adorn_v she_o according_a to_o promise_n put_v clothes_n upon_o she_o back_o rich_a and_o costly_a and_o money_n in_o her_o purse_n yet_o take_v she_o not_o for_o the_o present_a home_o to_o his_o court_n and_o palace_n but_o leave_v she_o a_o while_n in_o her_o smoky_a cottage_n she_o pretend_v love_n to_o he_o think_v his_o absence_n long_o and_o therefore_o send_v to_o he_o to_o entreat_v his_o company_n such_o be_v the_o ardour_n of_o his_o affection_n that_o he_o come_v without_o delay_n though_o the_o weather_n be_v wet_a and_o stormy_a the_o way_n foul_a and_o deep_a the_o night_n dark_a and_o the_o journey_n tedious_a find_v she_o in_o bed_n the_o door_n shut_v and_o therefore_o knock_v and_o call_v say_v
no_o good_a thing_n psal_n 84.11_o and_o do_v not_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o will_v also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o rom._n 8.32_o do_v you_o think_v to_o live_v more_o to_o your_o own_o pleasure_n contentment_n or_o comfort_n be_v it_o not_o in_o his_o presence_n that_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16.11_o be_v it_o not_o in_o he_o alone_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n can_v have_v true_a peace_n and_o a_o calm_a and_o that_o when_o nothing_o but_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v without_o read_v john_n 16.33_o tell_v i_o who_o but_o christ_n can_v put_v your_o soul_n into_o david_n frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o in_o david_n condition_n psal_n 63._o banish_v hunt_v persecute_a in_o the_o wilderness_n destitute_a of_o maintenance_n friend_n a_o restingplace_n ordinance_n every_o hour_n in_o jeopardy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o his_o soul_n fill_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n in_o the_o company_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n there_o can_v he_o sing_v and_o give_v â—raise_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n also_o be_v he_o when_o he_o pen_v psalm_n 57_o and_o yet_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v to_o sing_v and_o give_v praise_n if_o you_o think_v you_o can_v â—ive_a more_o profitable_o or_o more_o pleasant_o without_o christ_n in_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a way_n and_o course_n let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o your_o time_n carriage_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n that_o that_o be_v by_o past_a and_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o the_o same_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 6.21_o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a this_o i_o will_v assure_v you_o that_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o profit_n pleasure_n honour_n or_o comfort_n no_o company_n be_v like_a to_o christ_n oh_o therefore_o let_v not_o he_o stand_v without_o while_o worse_a company_n be_v entertain_v in_o your_o heart_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christian_n heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o guilt_n doubt_n fear_n and_o dissatisfaction_n of_o every_o kind_n but_o for_o want_v of_o the_o company_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n if_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v but_o with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n arise_v upon_o and_o shine_v into_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v quick_o dispel_v and_o scatter_v all_o those_o midnight_n fog_n and_o terror_n that_o do_v so_o disturb_v and_o disquiet_v we_o and_o render_v our_o life_n so_o uncomfortable_a 2._o suppose_v that_o you_o can_v live_v well_o enough_o without_o christ_n while_o you_o live_v in_o this_o world_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o you_o will_v do_v or_o how_o you_o will_v make_v up_o your_o account_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n without_o he_o you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n the_o judgement_n you_o know_v also_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n act_v 17.31_o and_o that_o in_o that_o day_n we_o must_v give_v he_o account_v of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n whether_o secret_a or_o open_a whether_o in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n there_o than_o we_o can_v avoid_v the_o meeting_n with_o christ_n how_o then_o do_v you_o think_v that_o christ_n the_o judge_n will_v look_v upon_o you_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o slight_o look_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n read_v with_o seriousness_n prov._n 1.24_o to_o the_o end_n matth._n 25.11_o 12._o oh_o the_o countenance_n and_o look_n of_o christ_n which_o to_o you_o now_o be_v despicable_a but_o to_o the_o saint_n lovely_a will_v to_o you_o then_o be_v most_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a then_o will_v you_o cry_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o hill_n to_o fall_v on_o you_o and_o to_o hide_v you_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o abide_v it_o 3._o let_v i_o further_o ask_v you_o what_o be_v it_o that_o hinder_v you_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o present_a be_v it_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o colour_n or_o face_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o if_o not_o why_o do_v you_o suffer_v it_o to_o hinder_v you_o if_o it_o have_v let_v we_o examine_v it_o and_o see_v what_o strength_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v but_o at_o present_a call_v to_o mind_v these_o three_o great_a and_o main_a hindrance_n that_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n 1._o the_o low_a and_o mean_a esteem_n which_o person_n have_v of_o christ_n company_n feast_n and_o banquet_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o for_o some_o sensible_a good_a thing_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a thing_n psal_n 4.6_o something_n that_o may_v yield_v they_o some_o present_a advantage_n that_o may_v advance_v their_o estate_n their_o credit_n pleasure_n or_o honour_n something_o that_o they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n or_o handle_v or_o taste_v etc._n etc._n something_o that_o be_v obvious_a to_o sense_n but_o as_o for_o invisible_a thing_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o future_a reward_n in_o another_o life_n only_o for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o apprehend_v in_o the_o promise_n these_o thing_n be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o if_o christ_n will_v give_v they_o of_o these_o worldly_a good_a thing_n than_o they_o will_v set_v store_n by_o he_o but_o if_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o spiritual_a feast_n of_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n these_o be_v not_o much_o take_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o feast_n company_n and_o benefit_n be_v spiritual_a be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o by_o carnal_a heart_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o open_v to_o he_o they_o make_v light_n of_o it_o as_o not_o judge_v he_o worth_a the_o open_n to_o but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o may_v easy_o demonstrate_v for_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o have_v so_o low_a a_o esteem_n and_o value_n of_o christ_n his_o benefit_n and_o banquet_n if_o we_o do_v but_o right_o understand_v ourselves_o we_o will_v suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v he_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o want_v true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n true_a comfort_n in_o his_o soul_n can_v these_o thing_n give_v he_o this_o without_o christ_n but_o where_o a_o soul_n have_v christ_n he_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n david_n in_o a_o wilderness_n paul_n and_o silas_n in_o a_o dungeon_n with_o their_o foot_n fast_o in_o the_o stock_n their_o stripe_n and_o wound_n unwashed_a can_v sing_v praise_n to_o god_n with_o a_o merry_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n nay_o my_o friend_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o express_v that_o quietness_n and_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n that_o abundant_a peace_n of_o conscience_n joy_n of_o heart_n contentation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o a_o believer_n enjoy_v in_o the_o company_n of_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4.7_o it_o be_v call_v a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o it_o be_v not_o what_o a_o man_n have_v but_o what_o give_v true_a peace_n satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o this_o none_o but_o christ_n can_v do_v and_o therefore_o his_o company_n and_o banquet_n must_v needs_o be_v not_o so_o despicable_a as_o many_o man_n account_v they_o but_o alas_o it_o be_v their_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o experience_n will_v they_o but_o be_v persuade_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o company_n and_o rarity_n of_o his_o banquet_n they_o will_v have_v a_o more_o venerable_a esteem_n for_o christ_n than_o now_o they_o have_v 2._o another_o grand_a hindrance_n that_o keep_v we_o off_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n be_v the_o urgency_n of_o other_o business_n when_o christ_n come_v and_o call_v person_n be_v so_o crowd_v with_o other_o business_n that_o they_o can_v be_v at_o leisure_n to_o open_v to_o he_o or_o give_v
i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n which_o manifest_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o true_o christian_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v find_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a work_n in_o case_n of_o a_o easy_a nature_n than_o this_o here_o of_o this_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n there_o be_v some_o weary_a step_n that_o a_o believer_n must_v take_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o 1._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o finisher_n and_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n and_o beginner_n of_o this_o grace_n faith_n in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o habit_n must_v be_v obtain_v of_o christ_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o to_o tug_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o ought_v be_v no_o easy_a work_n especial_o if_o christ_n for_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o hold_v back_o and_o deny_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n this_o put_v the_o soul_n sometime_o into_o a_o sweat_n and_o therefore_o the_o easeful_a soul_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n his_o patience_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o he_o faint_v and_o flag_n in_o the_o duty_n 2._o another_o weary_a step_n the_o soul_n must_v take_v to_o get_v faith_n into_o the_o exercise_n be_v the_o search_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o right_o apply_v they_o it_o be_v sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v such_o promise_n as_o may_v right_o suit_v our_o condition_n when_o we_o have_v find_v they_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o difficult_a right_o to_o understand_v they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o purport_n of_o they_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a to_o get_v our_o heart_n right_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o clear_v up_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o so_o that_o sometime_o a_o believer_n find_v a_o promise_n and_o meditate_v see_v it_o to_o suit_v his_o condition_n well_o enough_o but_o yet_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v suck_v no_o sweetness_n from_o it_o because_o he_o can_v clear_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o particular_a condition_n or_o qualification_n annex_v thereto_o which_o he_o find_v not_o in_o himself_o in_o this_o case_n to_o believe_v seem_v difficult_a and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o no_o comfort_n gather_v from_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n a_o lazy_a soul_n sit_v down_o in_o unbelief_n and_o do_v not_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 3._o another_o weary_a step_n be_v the_o overcome_a that_o unbelieving_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o prone_a unto_o unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n which_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o accompany_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o this_o part_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n poor_a soul_n find_v as_o much_o difficulty_n in_o the_o overcome_a as_o any_o corruption_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o of_o all_o corruption_n none_o have_v more_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o than_o this_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n proper_o be_v unseen_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o sense_n such_o as_o seem_v to_o thwart_v both_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o frequent_a experience_n such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o bottom_v our_o faith_n concern_v upon_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o hope_n contrary_a to_o hope_v and_o this_o make_v the_o work_n difficult_a hereupon_o few_o christian_n be_v so_o resolve_v and_o industrious_a as_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n which_o the_o psalmist_n be_v psal_n 73._o to_o search_v thing_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o weigh_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o therefore_o they_o sit_v down_o without_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 4._o another_o difficulty_n be_v the_o gripe_a guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n which_o so_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n when_o they_o shall_v open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v dim_a and_o they_o can_v with_o any_o confidence_n look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a say_n that_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n need_v no_o accuser_n conscience_n will_v inward_o check_v the_o adulterous_a spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v she_o blush_v when_o she_o shall_v open_v to_o he_o and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n the_o psalmist_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v so_o compass_v about_o and_o torment_v with_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v not_o look_v up_o psal_n 40.12_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n very_o common_a in_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o they_o must_v not_o dare_v not_o by_o faith_n open_a to_o and_o close_o with_o christ_n till_o they_o have_v attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o internal_a purity_n and_o sanctity_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n worthy_a of_o his_o company_n but_o these_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o shall_v first_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o will_v help_v they_o to_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o they_o this_o work_n of_o purity_n for_o it_o be_v his_o work_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o purify_v and_o this_o purify_n virtue_n we_o must_v fetch_v from_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n because_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o our_o work_n be_v first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o this_o work_n be_v difficult_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n by_o faith_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n this_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o will_v glad_o have_v something_o of_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o righteousness_n in_o its_o justification_n whereas_o our_o work_n be_v to_o disclaim_v all_o worthyness_n of_o our_o own_o and_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o rope_n about_o our_o neck_n as_o selfcondemned_n person_n lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o justification_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o remain_v any_o measure_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o pride_n christ_n will_v be_v shut_v out_o the_o weary_a step_n of_o self-denial_n in_o this_o case_n the_o sluggish_a christian_a be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v thus_o you_o see_v the_o work_n itself_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o hence_o the_o lazy_a christian_a lie_v down_o upon_o his_o bed_n of_o present_a ease_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o will_v the_o soul_n but_o consider_v the_o amends_o that_o christ_n company_n will_v make_v for_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o how_o easy_a all_o these_o duty_n will_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n come_v in_o sure_o the_o soul_n will_v never_o think_v his_o pain_n better_o bestow_v than_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v he_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n and_o help_v we_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o himself_o and_o prevail_v it_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v promise_n to_o our_o mind_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o right_o to_o apply_v they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v we_o a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o unseen_a thing_n and_o assure_v our_o soul_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o help_v our_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o that_o by_o his_o blood_n must_v purge_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n oh_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o let_v not_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v you_o and_o as_o in_o faith_n so_o in_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o love_n there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n much_o ado_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o open_v full_o to_o christ_n by_o love_n these_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v so_o lovely_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v much_o steal_v away_o by_o they_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o constant_o present_a with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o suitable_a to_o sense_n by_o which_o we_o too_o much_o live_v that_o