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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 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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 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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 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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 either_o of_o complacency_n in_o or_o commiseration_n to_o christ_n to_o see_v how_o ready_a christ_n be_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o request_n of_o his_o spouse_n how_o sweet_o and_o with_o what_o melt_a 〈◊〉_d irresistible_a argument_n he_o woo_v she_o hoâ—â—â—â—â—_n and_o plentiful_a he_o be_v in_o the_o emanation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o kindness_n towards_o she_o and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o consider_v how_o slight_o she_o look_v upon_o he_o how_o little_a account_n she_o make_v of_o he_o and_o how_o she_o make_v he_o dance_v attendance_n at_o her_o door_n with_o many_o other_o circumstance_n of_o her_o unkindness_n and_o withal_o to_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n which_o she_o run_v by_o her_o unkind_a behaviour_n towards_o christ_n these_o consideration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v serious_o weigh_v by_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o love_n for_o or_o breathe_n after_o christ_n among_o the_o number_n of_o 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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it_o be_v bad_a enough_o if_o only_o profane_a person_n be_v fast_o asleep_a in_o sin_n it_o be_v worse_o that_o professor_n be_v so_o too_o but_o it_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o that_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a what_o may_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o carnal_a security_n we_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v of_o when_o man_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v on_o after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o evil_a heart_n the_o lord_n confute_v their_o presumption_n by_o threaten_v all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n promise_v safety_n to_o themselves_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o sinner_n sudden_a
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
knock_n or_o call_v rev._n 3.20_o i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 22.17_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o isai_n 55.1_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n christ_n knock_v not_o only_o at_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o here_o of_o the_o spouse_n open_v my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a but_o also_o at_o the_o door_n of_o other_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v he_o not_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o own_o regenerate_a one_o he_o call_v for_o the_o awaken_n and_o â—â—â—â—ring_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o yet_o stranger_n to_o he_o he_o call_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o find_v rest_n for_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o to_o believer_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v their_o grace_n that_o be_v already_o implant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o unbeliever_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a soul_n nor_o the_o great_a sinner_n leave_v out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n and_o crimson_a he_o will_v make_v they_o as_o snow_n and_o wool_n isai_n 1.16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o or_o with_o what_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v christ_n do_v not_o ordinary_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o saul_n act._n 9_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n ordinary_o call_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o way_n 1._o christ_n knock_v or_o call_v sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n christ_n many_o time_n send_v some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o other_o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v sleepy_a and_o sluggish_a and_o these_o providence_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n sometime_o such_o as_o we_o call_v mercy_n though_o all_o his_o dispensation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n but_o by_o mercy_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v joyous_a and_o desirable_a for_o the_o present_a he_o sometime_o load_v his_o people_n with_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n hos_fw-la 11.3_o 4._o and_o every_o mercy_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o awaken_n and_o quicken_a spur_n unto_o duty_n therefore_o god_n complain_v hosea_n 2.8_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v they_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n wool_n and_o flax_n silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v serve_v he_o withal_o and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o threaten_v to_o take_v they_o away_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o god_n expostulation_n with_o his_o people_n deut_n 32.6_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v person_n to_o repentance_n god_n expect_v it_o and_o by_o this_o many_o time_n call_v sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o correction_n and_o judgement_n strive_v by_o the_o smartness_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n that_o be_v rather_o harden_v by_o prosperity_n and_o to_o affright_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v his_o own_o people_n out_o of_o that_o sleep_n which_o they_o have_v lull_v themselves_o into_o by_o prosperity_n thus_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n when_o he_o lay_v person_n in_o fetter_n and_o iron_n of_o affliction_n then_o he_o show_v they_o their_o way_n and_o their_o transgression_n wherein_o they_o have_v exceed_v and_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o knock_v usual_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n lead_v the_o way_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o judgement_n and_o the_o rod_n follow_v after_o for_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o but_o if_o need_v be_v they_o must_v be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tribulation_n and_o temptation_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o thus_o god_n call_v by_o his_o providence_n 2._o sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o ordinance_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o faithful_a minister_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n to_o call_v and_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o bid_v guest_n to_o his_o wedding-supper_n matth._n 22._o and_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o be_v their_o work_n which_o they_o be_v send_v about_o and_o be_v give_v they_o in_o charge_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o i_o command_v you_o so_o act_v 26.18_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_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 unto_o god_n christ_n himself_o come_v and_o preach_v for_o this_o end_n and_o his_o doctrine_n or_o sermon_n be_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n matth._n 4.17_o and_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v with_o this_o message_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o every_o minister_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o sermon_n that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o call_n and_o knock_v from_o christ_n to_o open_v unto_o he_o 3._o sometime_o christ_n call_v by_o the_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n thus_o we_o read_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n sermon_n they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o inward_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o conscience_n accompany_v the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n thus_o god_n secret_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 16.14_o and_o thus_o the_o jailor_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v 16.29_o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n this_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n sinner_n many_o time_n have_v when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o do_v not_o always_o give_v heed_n and_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o this_o many_o time_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v lazy_a drowsy_a and_o to_o fall_v asleep_a in_o security_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o not_o to_o quench_v or_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o ephes_n 4.30_o and_o indeed_o the_o two_o former_a way_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v ineffectual_a unless_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o last_o way_n of_o call_v for_o neither_o ordinance_n nor_o providence_n can_v awaken_v sinner_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n by_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o first_o bind_v they_o in_o cord_n and_o then_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n 4._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v for_o what_o end_n christ_n knock_v and_o call_v or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n of_o christ_n knock_n and_o call_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o at_o the_o door_n of_o who_o heart_n he_o call_v but_o usual_o when_o he_o call_v he_o will_v have_v or_o design_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n or_o thing_n 1._o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o deep_a sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n
sinner_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o fast_o asleep_a in_o such_o a_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n knock_v and_o speak_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v awaken_v they_o hence_o we_o read_v john_n 5.25_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v 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 which_o must_v be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a death_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n but_o of_o a_o death_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o say_v the_o time_n now_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v i._n e._n by_o the_o powerful_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n will_v you_o see_v what_o one_o of_o christ_n call_n be_v in_o this_o case_n read_v eph._n 5.14_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o stand_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o ear_n by_o his_o word_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n 2._o christ_n his_o call_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n many_o time_n design_v repentance_n repentance_n be_v a_o gospel-duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o person_n act_v 17.30_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o repentance_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o can_v come_v to_o he_o again_o but_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n because_o repentance_n be_v proper_o a_o gospel-doctrine_n a_o doctrine_n that_o the_o law_n preach_v not_o for_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n admit_v of_o no_o repentance_n but_o upon_o our_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n immediate_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n gal._n 3.10_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o the_o gospel-covenant_n admit_v of_o yea_o call_v for_o repentance_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v mercy_n yea_o promise_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n upon_o our_o repentance_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v luke_n 13_o 5._o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n than_o christ_n knock_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o business_n with_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o must_v either_o repent_v or_o perish_v everlasting_o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneracy_n and_o have_v by_o some_o temptation_n or_o other_o lapse_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o it_o may_v be_v have_v some_o sin_n lodging_n in_o they_o not_o yet_o true_o discover_v and_o consequent_o not_o particular_o repent_v of_o then_o and_o in_o such_o case_n christ_n call_v to_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v act_n of_o repentance_n for_o repentance_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o concern_v we_o all_o our_o life_n long_o and_o therefore_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n 3._o christ_n call_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n he_o come_v as_o a_o mediator_n and_o peacemaker_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o utter_a enmity_n against_o each_o other_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o enmity_n christ_n have_v take_v away_o by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n the_o cause_n be_v remove_v he_o come_v and_o call_v to_o entreat_v that_o the_o enmity_n itself_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o man_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v woo_v and_o persuade_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n the_o enmity_n that_o be_v lodge_v there_o against_o god_n and_o his_o wayâ—_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o knock_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o before_o we_o will_v in_o this_o case_n be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v to_o his_o suit_n 4._o christ_n call_v for_o a_o closure_n with_o himself_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v be_v therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v arrest_v by_o divine_a justice_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n where_o we_o may_v lie_v and_o rot_v to_o all_o eternity_n jesus_n christ_n see_v we_o in_o this_o misery_n and_o distress_n come_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n offer_v to_o be_v our_o surety_n to_o pay_v every_o farthing_n of_o our_o debt_n for_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o that_o he_o may_v have_v our_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o with_o thankfulness_n what_o kindness_n he_o show_v herein_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o work_n for_o we_o and_o wherever_o justice_n shall_v lay_v any_o charge_n or_o accusation_n against_o we_o we_o will_v by_o faith_n confident_o and_o steadfast_o plead_v his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o discharge_n this_o be_v all_o that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o promise_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n free_v we_o from_o imprisonment_n and_o seal_v we_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a discharge_n that_o shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n in_o this_o case_n be_v such_o as_o these_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n isai_n 55.1_o hâ—_n every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v unto_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v and_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o he_o assure_v we_o john_n 1.12_o that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o they_o he_o will_v give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v this_o call_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v embrace_v with_o all_o readiness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n 5._o christ_n call_v to_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o law_n he_o call_v to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o learn_v of_o he_o mat._n 11.29_o this_o call_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o of_o boaz_n to_o his_o kinsman_n ruth_n 4._o buy_v naomi_n inheritance_n but_o know_v also_o that_o thou_o must_v buy_v it_o of_o ruth_n i._n e._n buy_v the_o inheritance_n but_o thou_o must_v take_v she_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n also_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o thy_o kinsman_n that_o be_v dead_a so_o say_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o take_v the_o inheritance_n that_o i_o have_v purchase_v for_o thâ—â—_n and_o thou_o be_v free_o welcome_a to_o it_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o do_v this_o thou_o must_v also_o 〈◊〉_d i_o to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o 〈◊〉_d solemn_o engage_v to_o behave_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o loyal_a faithful_a and_o obedient_a wife_n to_o i_o thou_o must_v take_v i_o whole_o as_o i_o be_o only_o absolute_o and_o everlasting_o not_o only_o for_o a_o priest_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o father_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v thou_o such_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o requisite_a for_o thou_o to_o observe_v and_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v thou_o by_o my_o law_n thy_o heart_n must_v be_v my_o throne_n and_o there_o must_v i_o sit_v and_o exercise_v my_o authority_n and_o have_v thy_o whole_a man_n
such_o call_v or_o let_v slip_v such_o opportunity_n and_o they_o be_v such_o time_n as_o these_o 1._o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v very_o remarkable_a under_o powerful_a ordinance_n accompany_v with_o secret_a strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n god_n qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o he_o send_v they_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o it_o be_v his_o work_n they_o be_v about_o and_o they_o must_v have_v his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o work_n he_o must_v put_v word_n into_o their_o mouth_n such_o as_o may_v accomplish_v the_o end_n and_o errand_n for_o which_o he_o send_v they_o to_o such_o person_n or_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o diverse_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o their_o work_n but_o they_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n various_o direct_v assist_a restrain_v or_o enlarge_n according_a as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o call_v they_o forth_o upon_o some_o particular_a work_n and_o design_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o may_v observe_v this_o in_o himself_o by_o frequent_a experience_n both_o in_o his_o private_a study_n and_o public_a exercise_n now_o when_o god_n do_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n raise_v enlarge_v and_o direct_v his_o servant_n in_o their_o study_n warm_v the_o word_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o inlve_v and_o enlarge_v and_o warm_v they_o in_o their_o public_a work_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v busy_a at_o work_n strive_v with_o the_o people_n to_o who_o this_o message_n be_v send_v by_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a call_n from_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o let_v slip_v such_o opportunity_n to_o stifle_v such_o conviction_n and_o to_o quench_v such_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o eminent_a instance_n we_o have_v of_o this_o act_v 18._o where_o we_o have_v paul_n at_o corinth_n inward_o press_v in_o his_o spirit_n v._o 5._o and_o therefore_o warm_v in_o his_o work_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v also_o busy_a at_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o hearer_n for_o many_o believe_v v._o 8._o god_n encourage_v he_o and_o bid_v he_o not_o fear_v but_o go_v on_o bold_o with_o his_o work_n and_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o and_o defend_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v much_o people_n in_o that_o city_n v._o 9_o 10._o this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o call_n and_o the_o jew_n oppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o reject_v this_o call_n prove_v of_o dreadful_a consequence_n to_o they_o v._o 6._o for_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n real_o warm_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n and_o withal_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o open_v thy_o ear_n to_o attend_v to_o enlighten_v thy_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v to_o convince_v thy_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o awake_v thy_o conscience_n and_o make_v thy_o bowel_n to_o stir_v within_o thou_o as_o here_o he_o do_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o special_a call_n from_o christ_n and_o take_v heed_n how_o thou_o resiste_v it_o or_o let_v it_o slip_v 2._o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_n be_v eminent_a under_o special_a and_o remarkable_a providence_n the_o more_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a god_n providence_n be_v towards_o they_o the_o more_o loud_a and_o considerable_a be_v his_o call_n upon_o thou_o as_o for_o instance_n 1._o under_o visible_a danger_n of_o christ_n his_o removal_n or_o withdraw_a if_o christ_n show_v sign_n and_o token_n of_o remove_v it_o be_v to_o correct_v our_o former_a negligence_n and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o lay_v fast_o hold_v upon_o he_o thus_o in_o this_o chapter_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v part_n the_o spouse_n do_v but_o too_o much_o slight_a christ_n in_o that_o she_o be_v so_o lazy_a that_o she_o will_v not_o arise_v to_o let_v he_o in_o and_o therefore_o he_o withdraw_v and_o make_v she_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v with_o a_o â—aking_v heaâ—â—_n and_o guilty_a self-condemning_a conscience_n long_o before_o she_o can_v find_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n departure_n from_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v many_o time_n gradual_a he_o do_v not_o depart_v on_o a_o sudden_a but_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n that_o every_o step_n may_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v quite_o go_v thus_o we_o find_v he_o depart_v from_o the_o temple_n of_o old_a as_o be_v evident_a in_o ezekiel_n vision_n chapter_n 10.11_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n first_o remove_v to_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o then_o quite_o away_o if_o we_o have_v any_o business_n with_o god_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o improve_v our_o present_a opportunity_n when_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o sign_n and_o token_n that_o he_o be_v remove_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v go_v there_o be_v a_o woe_n immediate_o fall_v upon_o that_o person_n or_o people_n from_o who_o god_n depart_v when_o he_o be_v go_v hosea_n 9.12_o wo_n unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n departure_n must_v needs_o be_v strong_a alarm_n to_o cause_v we_o speedy_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o god_n before_o he_o depart_v therefore_o say_v the_o prophet_n isai_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o 2._o when_o god_n have_v for_o some_o time_n withdraw_v himself_o and_o afterward_o for_o some_o little_a space_n have_v return_v again_o and_o manifest_v his_o presence_n or_o nearness_n this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o improve_v our_o time_n and_o while_o it_o be_v call_v today_o to_o hearken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n we_o read_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o etc._n etc._n that_o when_o the_o owner_n have_v come_v several_a year_n expect_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o command_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o because_o it_o but_o cumber_v the_o ground_n but_o at_o the_o request_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o spare_v it_o one_o year_n long_o and_o take_v more_o pain_n with_o it_o that_o year_n than_o he_o have_v do_v of_o other_o year_n before_o and_o if_o then_o it_o bear_v not_o fruit_n it_o must_v be_v cut_v down_o without_o remedy_n if_o after_o our_o many_o year_n barrenness_n in_o god_n orchard_n and_o his_o threaten_a to_o cut_v we_o down_o he_o take_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n with_o we_o by_o his_o word_n messenger_n and_o spirit_n seem_v more_o eminent_o and_o visible_o to_o return_v to_o we_o for_o some_o space_n to_o dig_v about_o we_o and_o dung_n we_o this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n from_o he_o to_o improve_v the_o present_a opportunity_n lest_o he_o cut_v we_o down_o and_o there_o be_v no_o servant_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n or_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o we_o god_n minister_n be_v his_o husbandman_n and_o if_o god_n threaten_v to_o cut_v down_o any_o tree_n they_o cry_v out_o lord_n spare_v it_o a_o little_a long_o let_v we_o take_v a_o littlâ—_n more_o pain_n with_o it_o and_o if_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v fruitful_a we_o will_v hold_v our_o peace_n and_o if_o hereupon_o god_n do_v for_o some_o time_n spare_v and_o yet_o no_o fruit_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o tree_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v curse_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o fire_n if_o once_o god_n say_v to_o his_o minister_n as_o once_o he_o do_v to_o jeremy_n jer._n 7.16_o pray_v not_o thou_o for_o this_o people_n neither_o lift_v up_o prayer_n nor_o cry_n for_o i_o will_v not_o â—ear_v thou_o such_o people_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o time_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d time_n of_o probation_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o let_v it_o slip_v lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n we_o find_v that_o good_a and_o public-spirited_a man_n ezra_n chap._n 9_o v._n 8_o etc._n etc._n sad_o tremble_v and_o astonish_v at_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o god_n have_v punish_v his_o people_n by_o a_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o now_o for_o a_o little_a time_n grace_n have_v be_v show_v
and_o therefore_o what_o a_o intolerable_a wrong_n be_v here_o to_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o own_o house_n to_o keep_v his_o own_o door_n lock_v against_o he_o in_o such_o weather_n and_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o he_o be_v it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o instead_o of_o withdraw_a he_o do_v not_o fire_v the_o house_n about_o her_o ear_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_o patient_a husband_n such_o carriage_n as_o these_o be_v intolerable_a wrong_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o may_v cost_v we_o dear_a 6._o consider_v the_o earnest_n and_o sweet_a persuasive_n that_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o knock_v make_v use_v of_o to_o procure_v his_o admission_n there_o be_v three_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o will_v pitch_v upon_o from_o thence_o to_o gather_v the_o sweet_a win_a argument_n that_o christ_n ordinary_o make_v use_v of_o when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o spouse_n one_o be_v the_o text_n another_o be_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n at_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o king_n son_n luke_n 14.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o three_o be_v rev._n 3.20_o and_o from_o these_o text_n i_o will_v gather_v these_o three_o argument_n which_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o 1._o he_o woo_v and_o entreat_v from_o that_o neeâ—_n relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o she_o be_v his_o sister_n and_o spouse_n as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o my_o dear_a sister_n and_o spouse_n it_o be_v thy_o dear_a brother_n and_o husband_n that_o be_v come_v wet_a and_o weary_a to_o thy_o door_n stand_v here_o wet_a to_o the_o very_a skin_n my_o head_n fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n can_v thou_o find_v in_o thy_o heart_n to_o lie_v snort_v in_o thy_o bed_n and_o take_v thy_o ease_n and_o hear_v thy_o poor_a afflict_a weary_a brother_n and_o husband_n stand_v without_o in_o all_o this_o stormy_a weather_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o not_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o door_n to_o open_v to_o i_o thou_o need_v not_o stir_v a_o foot_n out_o of_o the_o door_n but_o only_o come_v to_o the_o door_n and_o open_v it_o have_v thou_o no_o more_o of_o a_o sympathize_v and_o commiserate_v spirit_n in_o thou_o will_v the_o nearness_n of_o our_o relation_n work_v no_o more_o upon_o thou_o if_o i_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o thou_o i_o can_v say_v the_o less_o for_o myself_o though_o common_a pity_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o stranger_n but_o be_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o thou_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o multiply_v word_n but_o may_v find_v present_a admission_n and_o ready_a entertainment_n why_o then_o do_v thou_o not_o come_v now_o a_o refusal_n or_o slighty_a neglect_n in_o this_o case_n will_v scarce_o be_v bear_v the_o bond_n of_o relation_n shall_v double_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o therefore_o unkindness_n from_o near_a relation_n be_v of_o a_o more_o provoke_a and_o exasperate_a nature_n than_o from_o other_o person_n because_o better_a thing_n be_v expect_v and_o therefore_o to_o deny_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n when_o thus_o he_o call_v and_o plead_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o provoke_v and_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n 2._o he_o woo_v and_o entreat_v from_o the_o deaâ—_n and_o reciprocal_a affection_n that_o be_v betwixt_o they_o my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a oh_o what_o sweet_a compellation_n how_o can_v these_o be_v deny_v and_o sure_o christ_n be_v in_o good_a earnest_n he_o do_v not_o dissemble_v or_o flatter_v do_v elihu_n say_v job_n 32.22_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o give_v flatter_a title_n for_o in_o so_o do_v my_o maker_n will_v soon_o take_v i_o away_o and_o do_v you_o think_v that_o our_o faithful_a lord_n and_o husband_n jesus_n christ_n will_v flatter_v and_o dissemble_v sure_o no_o he_o be_v real_a therefore_o in_o these_o sweet_a and_o heart-melting_a compellation_n which_o be_v expression_n of_o love_n come_v from_o his_o very_a heart_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v thou_o be_v she_o who_o heart_n be_v join_v to_o i_o in_o most_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a affection_n i_o have_v set_v my_o love_n only_o upon_o thou_o and_o have_v choose_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v my_o spouse_n have_v love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n and_o therefore_o with_o love_a kindness_n have_v i_o draw_v thou_o and_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o real_a kindness_n and_o respect_n for_o i_o and_o that_o thou_o prefer_v my_o love_n before_o wine_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o that_o in_o thy_o eye_n however_o contemptible_a i_o may_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_o altogether_o lovely_a oh_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n and_o drowziness_n so_o far_o prevail_v and_o make_v thou_o to_o forget_v thy_o love_n to_o i_o and_o my_o love_n to_o thou_o which_o i_o have_v give_v thou_o full_a and_o 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we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o and_o sup_v with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o he_o there_o be_v emphasis_n and_o weight_n in_o every_o word_n he_o will_v come_v in_o this_o piece_n of_o condescension_n in_o he_o be_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n of_o her_o pain_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n that_o such_o a_o guest_n shall_v come_v under_o her_o roof_n that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n and_o before_o who_o the_o very_a angel_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n as_o not_o able_a to_o behold_v his_o glory_n that_o such_o a_o glorious_a person_n as_o this_o be_v shall_v come_v into_o such_o a_o smoky_a cottage_n as_o that_o of_o man_n heart_n be_v wonderful_a condescension_n and_o therefore_o honour_n enough_o put_v upon_o the_o spouse_n which_o may_v abundant_o recompense_v her_o labour_n in_o open_v to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o will_v come_v in_o and_o therefore_o she_o be_v within_o shall_v have_v his_o company_n stand_v in_o his_o presence_n in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o and_o sure_o his_o company_n be_v no_o little_a worth_n and_o that_o she_o herself_o be_v judge_n or_o else_o wherefore_o do_v she_o so_o earnest_o pray_v for_o it_o cant._n 4._o v._n 16._o fruition_n be_v that_o which_o love_n labour_v after_o and_o which_o alone_o give_v satisfaction_n and_o rest_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o love_n she_o may_v now_o enjoy_v she_o belove_v which_o she_o have_v so_o earnest_o pant_v after_o and_o long_o look_v for_o and_o sure_o her_o pain_n in_o rise_v
another_o if_o one_o argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v they_o make_v use_v of_o another_o leave_v no_o stone_n no_o subject_n unturned_a unspeak_a to_o that_o they_o can_v imagine_v may_v prevail_v with_o you_o what_o bespeak_v all_o this_o earnestness_n and_o industry_n but_o that_o christ_n call_v now_o in_o good_a earnest_n upon_o you_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o he_o it_o be_v he_o that_o direct_v we_o to_o our_o subject_n and_o put_v a_o word_n into_o our_o mouth_n it_o be_v he_o that_o enlarge_v our_o meditation_n bless_v our_o study_n and_o warm_v the_o word_n upon_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v he_o that_o touch_v our_o lip_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o his_o altar_n and_o help_v we_o to_o deliver_v our_o message_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o power_n and_o all_o this_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o the_o call_n may_v be_v more_o convince_a and_o effectual_a upon_o you_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o find_v a_o 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simplicity_n and_o the_o scorner_n delight_v in_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o whole_o depart_v out_o of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o that_o yet_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o his_o spirit_n be_v yet_o strive_v with_o we_o and_o that_o yet_o he_o have_v compassion_n of_o his_o heritage_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v his_o dwell_a place_n be_v there_o not_o now_o and_o then_o a_o secret_a word_n whisper_v in_o your_o ear_n that_o this_o word_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v send_v a_o particular_a message_n to_o you_o be_v not_o you_o ready_a to_o think_v within_o yourselves_o sometime_o how_o come_v the_o minister_n to_o know_v my_o case_n so_o particular_o and_o to_o speak_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o none_o know_v but_o god_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n why_o you_o must_v know_v that_o this_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o you_o by_o we_o it_o be_v he_o that_o send_v we_o unto_o you_o and_z puts_z word_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o to_o say_v to_o you_o he_o who_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n direct_v we_o what_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n open_v your_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n convince_v your_o conscience_n that_o you_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o you_o may_v assure_o know_v that_o this_o a_o special_a knock_n and_o call_v from_o christ_n may_v there_o not_o be_v the_o same_o inward_a work_n in_o your_o heart_n while_o this_o word_n be_v sound_v in_o your_o ear_n or_o represent_v to_o your_o eye_n in_o read_v of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o and_o open_v the_o scripture_n luke_n 24.32_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o etc._n etc._n have_v you_o not_o some_o secret_a motion_n gripe_n and_o pricking_n at_o the_o heart_n under_o this_o or_o other_o ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n say_v open_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o more_o sensible_a and_o pierce_a these_o be_v the_o more_o loud_o be_v christ_n call_n 6._o be_v there_o no_o fear_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n lest_o christ_n his_o stay_n at_o our_o door_n shall_v not_o be_v long_o be_v there_o no_o sign_n and_o symptom_n of_o christ_n weariness_n and_o readiness_n to_o depart_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v there_o not_o a_o general_a fear_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o most_o man_n lest_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o be_v remove_v what_o ground_n and_o cause_n man_n have_v for_o those_o fear_n from_o second_o cause_n i_o say_v nothing_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o fear_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o what_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o be_v evident_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o can_v be_v without_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o fear_n be_v a_o evil_n of_o affliction_n it_o disquiet_v and_o trouble_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o amos_n 3.6_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o this_o negative_a interrogation_n be_v a_o more_o vehement_a affirmation_n and_o if_o christ_n shall_v not_o whole_o depart_v and_o take_v away_o his_o gospel_n yet_o his_o particular_a calâ—s_n by_o inward_a conviction_n and_o strive_n of_o his_o spirit_n may_v not_o last_v long_o as_o he_o give_v you_o a_o day_n so_o he_o will_v give_v you_o but_o a_o day_n and_o then_o he_o will_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n how_o much_o of_o this_o day_n may_v be_v spend_v you_o may_v better_o guess_v than_o any_o one_o can_v tell_v you_o know_v how_o long_o he_o have_v call_v and_o wait_v how_o clear_a and_o full_a conviction_n have_v be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v now_o how_o hot_a the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v and_o how_o cool_v it_o be_v now_o and_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o and_o if_o this_o be_v go_v what_o will_v it_o advantage_v you_o to_o have_v the_o gospel_n continue_v it_o will_v be_v but_o for_o your_o harden_v and_o the_o seal_v you_o up_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n isaiah_n be_v a_o powerful_a preacher_n and_o yet_o you_o see_v what_o a_o message_n god_n send_v he_o to_o israeâ—_n isai_n 6.9_o 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a message_n to_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v send_v upon_o this_o errand_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o message_n that_o god_n send_v they_o to_o many_o a_o one_o with_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o message_n to_o you_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a however_o we_o must_v go_v what_o message_n our_o master_n send_v we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o we_o it_o will_v be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o dreadful_a to_o you_o only_o our_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o you_o may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o your_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o your_o everlasting_a peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o your_o eye_n and_o these_o general_a fear_n be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o delay_v or_o linger_v no_o long_o but_o open_a to_o christ_n 7._o be_v not_o all_o these_o call_v by_o gospel-ordidinances_a in_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n here_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o that_o do_v pray_v for_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o prayerless_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o number_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o the_o prophet_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v his_o wrath_n upon_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o dreadful_a will_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v when_o it_o come_v but_o i_o speak_v here_o to_o those_o that_o do_v pray_v have_v it_o not_o be_v your_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v return_v into_o his_o rest_a place_n he_o and_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o strength_n have_v not_o you_o pray_v arise_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n and_o breath_n upon_o my_o garden_n let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n have_v not_o you_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v see_v and_o meet_v with_o god_n as_o sometime_o you_o have_v do_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o you_o may_v sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n may_v be_v pleasant_a to_o your_o taste_n have_v not_o you_o sigh_v and_o breathe_v out_o
of_o christ_n call_n that_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n great_a contempt_n can_v person_n pour_v upon_o christ_n than_o to_o despise_v and_o set_v light_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v as_o mean_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o ordinary_o be_v christ_n shut_v out_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o trade_n and_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n all_o kind_n of_o commodity_n carry_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a christ_n trade_n be_v very_o low_a the_o commodity_n which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o market_n of_o his_o ordinance_n though_o very_o rich_a and_o costly_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a rate_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o most_o man_n o_o how_o slight_a a_o occasion_n will_v keep_v person_n back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o worldly_a business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v person_n think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o 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with_o myrrh_n there_o will_v be_v a_o sensible_a alteration_n of_o the_o humour_n to_o speak_v so_o a_o change_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n where_o christ_n come_v and_o meet_v with_o ready_a entertainment_n the_o soul_n sleepy_a fit_n will_v be_v over_o when_o christ_n come_v in_o and_o her_o grace_n will_v fall_v to_o their_o work_n faith_n will_v be_v strong_o active_a love_n will_v be_v inflame_v thankfulness_n will_v be_v increase_v obedience_n will_v be_v more_o exact_a and_o universal_a repentance_n more_o deep_a and_o serious_a the_o heart_n whole_o and_o zealous_o engage_v for_o christ_n when_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o oh_o how_o far_o otherwise_o be_v it_o with_o we_o something_o of_o the_o carcase_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v but_o little_a of_o the_o life_n and_o zeal_n and_o warmth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n leave_v in_o former_a day_n when_o christ_n be_v eminent_o see_v in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o believer_n heart_n be_v more_o free_o and_o full_o open_a to_o he_o we_o see_v what_o holy_a heavenly_a zealous_a universal_o circumspect_a christian_n be_v then_o to_o be_v find_v what_o wonderful_a work_n do_v manifest_v themselves_o in_o they_o and_o be_v do_v by_o they_o but_o where_o have_v we_o almost_o any_o christian_n of_o the_o old_a stamp_n and_o strain_v leave_v now_o adays_o we_o have_v much_o talk_n of_o religion_n but_o little_a holy_a strict_a and_o exemplary_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n sure_o i_o be_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o christian_n in_o former_a day_n and_o those_o that_o now_o live_v then_o they_o be_v humble_a holy_a blameless_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n lively_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o their_o duty_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n fervent_a in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o that_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o how_o many_o professor_n of_o religion_n be_v there_o who_o be_v proud_a covetous_a sensual_a complier_n with_o the_o fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n envious_a malicious_a backbiter_n slanderer_n have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n very_o curious_a about_o circumstance_n very_o careless_a about_o the_o substance_n and_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o show_v that_o though_o we_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o forehead_n yet_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o much_o keep_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n 4._o if_o the_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n have_v so_o great_a a_o share_n and_o interest_n there_o sure_o where_o christ_n come_v he_o gain_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v after_o he_o nothing_o more_o earnest_o desire_v or_o diligent_o seek_v for_o than_o christ_n rachel_n language_n to_o jacob_n upon_o better_a ground_n and_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n to_o god_n give_v i_o child_n or_o i_o die_v so_o say_v the_o soul_n give_v i_o christ_n or_o i_o die_v i_o can_v no_o long_o be_v without_o he_o i_o languish_v and_o pine_v away_o for_o want_n of_o he_o if_o i_o may_v have_v but_o one_o wish_n or_o request_n in_o all_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v bestow_v christ_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o only_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o title_n or_o claim_n to_o he_o but_o that_o i_o may_v have_v his_o
to_o mention_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v free_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o he_o will_v ready_o open_v to_o thou_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v few_o but_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o trouble_n and_o restlessness_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o not_o full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a state_n they_o be_v in_o but_o be_v still_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o something_o further_o in_o hope_n another_o condition_n may_v be_v better_o and_o this_o they_o may_v gather_v from_o all_o their_o experience_n that_o a_o rest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o and_o consequent_o all_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o in_o a_o seek_v condition_n seek_v for_o rest_n and_o can_v find_v none_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v often_o something_o within_o that_o suggest_v this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_a place_n by_o daily_a experience_n they_o also_o see_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o rest_n must_v be_v have_v in_o another_o world_n or_o not_o have_v at_o all_o for_o here_o no_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o do_v remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o open_v to_o christ_n here_o for_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o any_o at_o that_o day_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o now_o no_o he_o tell_v we_o quite_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n you_o know_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n cry_v loud_a open_v to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o restlessness_n in_o this_o world_n that_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o in_o hell_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o rest_n at_o death_n and_o in_o heaven_n desirable_a open_a to_o christ_n now_o as_o ever_o thou_o will_v avoid_v the_o one_o or_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o use_n if_o either_o sense_n of_o duty_n love_v to_o thyself_o and_o thou_o own_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n either_o of_o divinity_n or_o humanity_n may_v work_v upon_o thou_o here_o be_v fullness_n of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v reason_n prevail_v with_o thou_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o what_o will_v you_o have_v i_o in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n if_o i_o know_v but_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n that_o i_o may_v help_v thou_o a_o little_a in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n i_o shall_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v and_o what_o to_o do_v and_o so_o shall_v conclude_v this_o subject_n and_o these_o direction_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o manner_n or_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n 2._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n in_o and_o make_v himself_o manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o such_o direction_n as_o respect_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heart_n may_v these_o several_a way_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n by_o unbelief_n by_o impenitency_n by_o want_n of_o love_n or_o coldness_n of_o affection_n by_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n either_o in_o our_o watch_n or_o work_v a_o little_a to_o open_v each_o of_o these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o they_o what_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o though_o the_o sinner_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o his_o sin_n yet_o he_o seek_v to_o justify_v himself_o and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o a_o pardon_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o their_o shift_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o guilt_n upon_o some_o one_o else_o adam_z when_o examine_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v faulty_a lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o eve_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n upon_o god_n himself_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o give_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o do_v eat_v the_o woman_n when_o examine_v lay_v the_o guilt_n upon_o the_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o &c_n &c_n and_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o pride_n remain_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o adam_n posterity_n which_o make_v they_o use_v their_o uttermost_a endeavour_n to_o justify_v themselves_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o excuse_n that_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o person_n do_v so_o overmuch_o value_v their_o own_o work_n of_o righteousness_n judge_v in_o effect_n that_o every_o small_a parcel_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v jesus_n christ_n be_v undervalue_v and_o little_a store_n set_v by_o for_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v whole_o behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o justification_n while_o he_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o to_o lean_v to_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n as_o this_o pride_n harden_v god_n heart_n against_o the_o sinner_n and_o make_v god_n to_o resist_v or_o set_v himself_o in_o battle-array_n against_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v james_n 4.6_o and_o as_o this_o self-justifying_a confidence_n cause_v christ_n many_o time_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n without_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9.13_o that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v through_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o this_o pride_n do_v harden_v and_o shut_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o sinner_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n psal_n 10.4_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o and_o full_o open_v to_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n get_v rid_v of_o all_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n labour_v to_o be_v humble_a low_a and_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o such_o christ_n will_v look_v isai_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o i_o e._n they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a humble_a self-denying_a spirit_n have_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n bring_v unto_o they_o to_o these_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v these_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n while_o david_n justify_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o sin_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o but_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o confess_v free_o his_o sin_n god_n come_v in_o with_o pardon_n psal_n 32._o oh_o therefore_o labour_n after_o humility_n and_o lowness_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a humble_a yourselves_o therefore_o and_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v exalt_v you_o with_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n christ_n must_v do_v all_o and_o have_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o command_n of_o all_o where_o he_o come_v and_o
but_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n nay_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v no_o time_n lose_v in_o his_o company_n nor_o any_o cost_n too_o great_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o if_o love_n have_v be_v cold_a or_o want_v towards_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o but_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o maintain_v more_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v his_o company_n for_o love_n will_v make_v thou_o to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n we_o read_v rev._n 2._o that_o god_n threaten_v ephesus_n that_o he_o will_v depart_v and_o remove_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o because_o of_o her_o decay_n in_o her_o love_n towards_o he_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n and_o well_o he_o may_v for_o the_o less_o she_o love_v he_o the_o more_o be_v her_o heart_n contract_v and_o shut_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o little_a room_n can_v he_o have_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o consequent_o little_a heart_n to_o stay_v there_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o suffer_v thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o decay_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n but_o get_v thy_o heart_n fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v ready_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a negligence_n which_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o a_o negligence_n or_o sluggishness_n in_o their_o work_n or_o 2._o in_o their_o watch_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o both_o which_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n 1._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o work_n slothful_a work_v and_o labour_v in_o our_o spiritual_a call_n do_v but_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v after_o a_o sluggish_a and_o slothful_a manner_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o matter_n not_o christ_n company_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o for_o christ_n will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o slothful_a man_n will_v scarce_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n till_o christ_n come_v but_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o his_o work_n and_o be_v go_v to_o bed_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o too_o lazy_a too_o to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o some_o person_n indeed_o be_v impatient_a of_o christ_n delay_n because_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o company_n they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o these_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v other_o be_v impatient_a under_o delay_n because_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o duty_n love_v not_o to_o tug_v and_o toil_n and_o sweat_v in_o duty_n too_o long_o but_o will_v have_v christ_n come_v that_o their_o work_n may_v be_v over_o and_o if_o he_o come_v not_o in_o their_o time_n they_o leave_v off_o their_o work_n these_o do_v shut_v out_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o slothful_a or_o sluggish_a in_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a painful_a and_o industrious_a in_o thy_o spiritual_a work_n be_v diligent_a in_o mortify_v sin_n in_o quicken_a grace_n in_o discharge_v duty_n and_o those_o of_o all_o sort_n that_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o may_v find_v thou_o so_o do_v busy_o employ_v in_o thy_o lord_n work_v and_o then_o will_v he_o say_v to_o thou_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o watch_n the_o spouse_n here_o have_v lay_v aside_o her_o watch_n be_v compose_v herself_o for_o rest_n and_o now_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v her_o door_n shut_v when_o sinner_n grow_v lazy_a and_o let_v fall_v their_o watch_n they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a posture_n for_o satan_n to_o find_v they_o than_o christ_n for_o satan_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o therefore_o his_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v when_o he_o can_v find_v they_o nap_v and_o secure_a but_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o will_v find_v we_o watch_v he_o come_v as_o a_o master_n and_o therefore_o expect_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o thou_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n watch_v against_o the_o treachery_n deceitfulness_n and_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o a_o entice_a allure_a world_n watch_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o subtle_a devil_n watch_v thy_o corruption_n that_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o thou_o watch_v thy_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o decay_n nor_o be_v idle_a watch_v thy_o faith_n that_o that_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o watch_v thy_o patience_n that_o that_o wear_v not_o out_o but_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o watch_v thy_o love_n that_o by_o the_o decay_n and_o cooling_n of_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o contract_v and_o shut_v against_o christ_n keep_v up_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o faithful_a watch_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_v when_o christ_n come_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v upon_o his_o watchtower_n ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n and_o consequent_o by_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n have_v instruct_v you_o how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v the_o heart_n open_a for_o christ_n to_o all_o which_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n then_o live_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n look_v for_o his_o come_n when_o the_o servant_n think_v with_o himself_o my_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n he_o will_v not_o come_v yet_o he_o grow_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o neglect_v both_o his_o work_n and_o his_o watch_n but_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o judge_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v come_v and_o i_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o watch_v of_o the_o night_n this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n whereas_o the_o want_n of_o this_o make_v we_o suffer_v our_o faith_n to_o decay_v our_o love_n to_o cool_v and_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v shut_v and_o contract_v against_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o these_o be_v the_o the_o direction_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o heart_n 2._o i_o have_v some_o direction_n to_o give_v thou_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n 1._o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n aright_o then_o open_a thy_o heart_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o direction_n which_o here_o i_o give_v be_v the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o christ_n himself_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o wisdom_n cry_v without_o she_o utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n 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 and_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v so_o close_o shut_v against_o christ_n you_o know_v that_o one_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o be_v by_o faith_n roll_v and_o recumb_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v his_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o know_v he_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o iâ—_n