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 matth._n 23.37_o 4._o christ_n do_v importune_v we_o for_o admittance_n by_o every_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n how_o often_o be_v we_o bring_v to_o some_o sense_n of_o our_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o some_o kind_n of_o resolution_n to_o yield_v and_o open_a to_o he_o by_o the_o strait_n and_o exigency_n and_o suffering_n we_o be_v involve_v in_o though_o it_o be_v our_o very_a great_a fault_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v all_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o pain_n be_v over_o but_o what_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o every_o affliction_n but_o to_o make_v we_o see_v more_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o endear_v he_o unto_o our_o soul_n o_o happy_a suffering_n may_v they_o all_o have_v such_o a_o influence_n on_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n mercy_n but_o to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n why_o be_v you_o thus_o long_o preserve_v out_o of_o hell_n why_o be_v you_o not_o at_o this_o time_n torment_v and_o fry_a in_o eternal_a burn_n be_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v assign_v why_o you_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n yea_o the_o common_a mercy_n of_o your_o life_n but_o only_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v still_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o you_o and_o that_o by_o these_o mean_v he_o be_v invite_v and_o importune_v you_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o fly_v from_o that_o damnation_n which_o do_v not_o slumber_n but_o be_v hasten_v apace_o upon_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o ungodly_a sinner_n god_n can_v as_o easy_o have_v dismiss_v you_o to_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n the_o place_n of_o most_o dreadful_a and_o insupportable_a horror_n many_o year_n ago_o as_o any_o other_o who_o be_v now_o in_o torment_n all_o the_o mercy_n and_o all_o the_o time_n you_o have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n love_n testimony_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o instance_n of_o his_o plead_n with_o you_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o not_o ruin_n and_o undo_v yourselves_o how_o small_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o christ_n to_o send_v thou_o to_o hell_n to_o say_v unto_o thou_o go_v thou_o curse_v alas_o one_o frown_n from_o he_o will_v immediate_o sink_v thou_o into_o the_o earth_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o what_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v thou_o but_o the_o tenderness_n of_o thy_o saviour_n and_o for_o what_o end_n do_v he_o express_v so_o much_o regard_n unto_o thou_o but_o to_o try_v whether_o his_o patience_n and_o lenity_n and_o his_o allow_v thou_o so_o much_o time_n strength_n and_o so_o many_o mercy_n will_v prevail_v with_o thou_o to_o prize_n and_o receive_v thy_o saviour_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o our_o receive_a christ_n into_o our_o heart_n do_v import_v but_o before_o i_o speak_v positive_o to_o this_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n with_o which_o people_n do_v too_o common_o false_o please_v and_o satisfy_v and_o consequent_o deceive_v themselves_o we_o shall_v observe_v these_o as_o mariner_n do_v the_o rock_n and_o shelf_n where_o other_o have_v suffer_v shipwreck_n before_o they_o 1._o this_o receive_v christ_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o bare_a notional_a knowledge_n of_o he_o a_o man_n may_v by_o common_a instruction_n and_o ordinary_a diligence_n and_o study_n acquire_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o notion_n concern_v christ_n as_o man_n do_v usual_o obtain_v by_o study_n and_o diligence_n in_o any_o point_n of_o philosophy_n but_o this_o be_v only_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o do_v float_n in_o the_o head_n and_o may_v be_v in_o that_o person_n who_o have_v not_o any_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o christ_n such_o may_v have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o common_a sense_n or_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n be_v communicate_v and_o convey_v unto_o people_n they_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o grammatical_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o these_o people_n may_v not_o entertain_v christ_n they_o may_v not_o understand_v nor_o can_v dive_v into_o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n of_o those_o doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o julian_n know_v a_o great_a deal_n concern_v christ_n and_o so_o do_v colsus_n but_o they_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o christ_n the_o only_a principle_n which_o enable_v a_o man_n for_o the_o right_n judge_v and_o discern_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n want_v and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v live_v without_o a_o soul_n nor_o see_v without_o a_o eye_n nor_o hear_v without_o a_o ear_n because_o these_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n from_o which_o life_n and_o sight_n and_o hear_v do_v flow_v so_o no_o man_n can_v know_v and_o serve_v god_n aright_o without_o god_n spirit_n enlighten_v and_o enable_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n because_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n from_o which_o all_o both_o spiritual_a action_n and_o ability_n do_v spring_n mason_n of_o hear_v and_o do_v p._n 328._o 2._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o outward_a profess_v to_o own_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n alas_o how_o many_o make_v a_o general_a profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o embrace_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o take_v no_o care_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o very_a devil_n have_v make_v as_o honourable_a a_o profession_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o any_o mere_a word_n we_o can_v devise_v will_v amount_v unto_o luke_n 4.41_o 3._o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o bare_a performance_n of_o some_o duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n perform_v duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o speak_v honourable_o and_o much_o of_o christ_n be_v very_o good_a and_o commendable_a when_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_a principle_n and_o spring_n from_o a_o real_a and_o very_a ardent_a affection_n to_o christ_n but_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o these_o thing_n whilst_o they_o may_v have_v a_o false_a original_a or_o be_v use_v to_o improper_a ends._n however_o we_o must_v be_v sure_o we_o do_v not_o stay_v here_o without_o proceed_v further_o people_z have_v use_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n act_n 19.13_o many_o pretend_v to_o perform_v duty_n with_o earnestness_n in_o his_o name_n for_o who_o he_o have_v no_o respect_n and_o who_o do_v never_o true_o bid_v he_o welcome_a into_o their_o heart_n mat._n 7.22_o 23._o indeed_o where_o christ_n be_v receive_v aright_o there_o will_v be_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o measure_n but_o these_o will_v not_o be_v all_o which_o will_v be_v there_o there_o must_v be_v some_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n though_o not_o that_o which_o do_v only_o soar_v aloft_o in_o the_o head_n and_o evaporate_v and_o manifest_v itself_o only_o at_o the_o mouth_n but_o such_o as_o will_v influence_n the_o heart_n and_o life_n many_o who_o receive_v christ_n aright_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o discover_v their_o knowledge_n to_o other_o in_o such_o apposite_a free_a and_o voluble_a expression_n as_o some_o other_o can_v who_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spiritual_a sense_n of_o divine_a truth_n or_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o one_o sort_n be_v more_o beholden_a to_o their_o natural_a or_o acquire_v ability_n the_o other_o to_o the_o inward_a and_o effectual_a working_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n every_o person_n who_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n a_o true_a and_o sound_a believer_n shall_v be_v eloquent_a or_o have_v a_o voluble_a tongue_n much_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n and_o utterance_n and_o lively_a affection_n as_o a_o worthy_a reverend_a person_n have_v say_v be_v all_o very_a desirable_a but_o you_o must_v judge_v your_o estate_n by_o none_o of_o those_o for_o they_o be_v all_o uncertain_a and_o whoever_o true_o receive_v christ_n will_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v his_o own_n of_o christ_n for_o as_o man_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n so_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o but_o now_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v more_o positive_o to_o this_o point_n our_o receive_n of_o christ_n be_v express_v in_o my_o text_n by_o these_o word_n if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n so_o that_o two_o
christ_n and_o his_o gracious_a offer_n as_o their_o gild_n do_v unmeasurable_o exceed_v other_o people_n who_o have_v not_o the_o light_n and_o means_n the_o call_v and_o offer_v they_o have_v so_o they_o may_v just_o expect_v that_o their_o damnation_n misery_n and_o torment_v will_n exceed_o outweigh_v and_o be_v increase_v beyond_o other_o people_n o_o sir_n who_o can_v think_v of_o your_o danger_n your_o misery_n that_o dreadful_a portion_n which_o be_v in_o store_n for_o you_o without_o tear_n and_o groan_n without_o tremble_v and_o faint_v of_o heart_n and_o soul_n read_v with_o attention_n prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 12.25_o matth._n 11.21_o to_o 25._o 6._o those_o who_o do_v true_o receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n and_o close_o with_o his_o gracious_a offer_n be_v very_o much_o change_v and_o alter_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o be_v and_o all_o be_v by_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o a_o change_n of_o name_n or_o a_o change_n of_o opinion_n or_o a_o change_n from_o a_o party_n or_o a_o change_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o external_n which_o will_v serve_v turn_n to_o prove_v that_o you_o have_v indeed_o close_v with_o christ_n it_o must_v be_v a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o change_n of_o principle_n of_o end_n and_o purpose_n a_o change_n of_o the_o whole_a bent_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o change_n of_o life_n and_o course_n of_o conversation_n he_o that_o true_o receive_v christ_n love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n give_v he_o the_o pre-eminence_n in_o every_o thing_n delight_n in_o his_o law_n resign_v up_o himself_o entire_o to_o his_o disposal_n and_o government_n depend_v and_o rely_v on_o his_o merit_n alsufficiency_n and_o faithfulness_n rejoice_v in_o his_o comfort_n and_o acquiesce_n in_o a_o patient_a expectation_n of_o his_o come_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n gal._n 6.14_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 5.17_o rom._n 8.8_o 9_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o tit._n 3.4_o to_o 9_o now_o do_v you_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n serious_o especial_o examine_v search_n and_o consider_v diligent_o the_o scripture_n you_o be_v refer_v unto_o and_o apply_v they_o faithful_o and_o impartial_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o life_n make_v no_o delay_n stand_v not_o out_o in_o oppose_a christ_n any_o long_o do_v not_o deceive_v and_o flatter_v your_o own_o soul_n remember_v that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o just_o that_o the_o blood_n and_o love_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v lose_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_o improve_v and_o close_v with_o they_o will_v bring_v vengeance_n upon_o you_o to_o the_o uttermost_a remember_v that_o christ_n invitation_n and_o entreaty_n will_v not_o be_v very_o much_o long_o continue_v unto_o you_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o you_o must_v lie_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o little_a time_n more_o that_o you_o shall_v hear_v these_o call_v and_o entreaty_n in_o a_o little_a while_n you_o will_v be_v past_o read_v the_o scripture_n hear_v sermon_n have_v opportunity_n to_o cry_v and_o pray_v for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n with_o hope_n o_o how_o fearful_a will_v your_o estate_n be_v if_o you_o resist_v all_o christ_n call_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o and_o grace_n till_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o in_o anger_n and_o resolve_v he_o will_v never_o speak_v a_o word_n more_o of_o peace_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o you_o or_o entertain_v a_o favourable_a thought_n towards_o you_o you_o must_v before_o long_o quit_v all_o you_o set_v your_o heart_n on_o here_o riches_n applause_n carnal_a delight_n sport_n and_o merriment_n will_v in_o short_a time_n take_v their_o leave_n and_o fly_v away_o from_o you_o alas_o get_v what_o you_o can_v here_o if_o you_o be_v without_o christ_n you_o be_v miserable_a comfortless_a helpless_a ere_o long_o you_o will_v see_v death_n and_o judgement_n and_o hell_n plain_o before_o you_o now_o what_o will_v relieve_v and_o support_v you_o then_o o_o what_o trifle_n what_o torment_n will_v your_o lust_n and_o all_o worldly_a enjoyment_n and_o entertainment_n appear_v and_o be_v then_o what_o will_v you_o do_v if_o you_o persist_v to_o deny_v christ_n admittance_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v come_v in_o flame_a fire_n etc._n etc._n 2_o thess_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o o_o what_o a_o dreadful_a spectacle_n will_v christ_n in_o glory_n be_v to_o all_o the_o obstinate_a despiser_n contemner_n and_o sleighter_n of_o he_o his_o grace_n his_o spirit_n his_o word_n his_o ordinance_n his_o people_n his_o messenger_n how_o full_a of_o horror_n amazement_n and_o terror_n will_v the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o all_o those_o against_o who_o his_o blood_n will_v rise_v and_o plead_v for_o vengeance_n press_v these_o thing_n on_o your_o own_o heart_n show_v some_o love_n now_o at_o last_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n build_v not_o your_o hope_n and_o confidence_n on_o your_o belong_v to_o any_o congregation_n or_o party_n nor_o on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o outward_a gospel-priviledge_n but_o hasten_v to_o christ_n indeed_o and_o never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o save_o unite_a unto_o he_o do_v not_o only_o read_v but_o practice_v good_a book_n be_v not_o only_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n lest_o you_o deceive_v your_o own_o soul_n jam._n 1.22_o if_o you_o get_v any_o good_a by_o this_o discourse_n give_v god_n all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n and_o when_o you_o have_v get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n make_v use_n of_o it_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o for_o yourself_o but_o to_o further_o the_o spiritual_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o he_o who_o earnest_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o your_o everlasting_a walfare_n s._n b._n revel_v iii._o 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 into_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o the_o condescension_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o poor_a sinner_n be_v very_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a that_o reiterated_a affront_v and_o multiply_v provocation_n do_v as_o it_o be_v but_o only_o lengthen_v out_o his_o patience_n and_o add_v warmth_n and_o earnestness_n to_o his_o importunity_n be_v indeed_o the_o high_a demonstration_n imaginable_a of_o astonish_a kindness_n and_o a_o love_n which_o can_v be_v parallel_v but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o encourage_v our_o obstinacy_n and_o refractoriness_n it_o shall_v overcome_v our_o sturdiness_n and_o conquer_v and_o master_v our_o stubborness_n it_o shall_v soften_v and_o make_v we_o tractable_a and_o compliant_a o_o the_o hardness_n of_o that_o heart_n the_o searedness_n of_o that_o soul_n and_o conscience_n which_o will_v not_o be_v melt_v into_o a_o remorse_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o joyful_a unfeigned_a closure_n with_o the_o offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o mercy_n at_o the_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o passionate_a court_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o almighty_a god_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n because_o grace_n do_v abound_v god_n forbid_v rom._n 6.1_o 2._o how_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v thus_o solicit_v from_o heaven_n thus_o importune_v by_o the_o bless_a jesus_n live_v any_o long_o in_o a_o contradiction_n unto_o he_o the_o love_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o and_o do_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o many_o instance_n especial_o in_o these_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o seem_v to_o be_v almost_o transport_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n shall_v take_v such_o notice_n of_o enemy_n forlorn_a despicable_a wretch_n miserable_a sinner_n who_o at_o best_o whilst_o in_o their_o natural_a estate_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o nothing_o but_o wrath_n and_o damnation_n as_o to_o stand_v before_o they_o come_v unto_o they_o and_o use_v all_o manner_n of_o earnestness_n with_o they_o to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o yield_v he_o admittance_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v advance_v and_o have_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o be_v so_o strange_a so_o unheard_a of_o a_o piece_n of_o condescension_n so_o wonderful_a so_o surprise_v so_o amaze_a a_o instance_n of_o love_n our_o saviour_n himself_o at_o the_o mention_v of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o rapture_n he_o do_v preface_n it_o with_o a_o note_n of_o admiration_n behold_v if_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mighty_a condescension_n in_o a_o great_a prince_n or_o emperor_n to_o descend_v from_o his_o throne_n and_o come_v personal_o to_o visit_v some_o poor_a subject_n who_o have_v no_o habitation_n or_o place_n of_o abide_v but_o some_o
because_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o man_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v often_o compare_v to_o and_o call_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n a_o habitation_n god_n have_v a_o secret_a and_o real_a commerce_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o true_a believer_n he_o communicate_v much_o of_o himself_o and_o impart_v his_o heavenly_a grace_n unto_o every_o such_o person_n he_o set_v up_o his_o government_n in_o that_o soul_n and_o he_o express_v his_o gracious_a concernment_n with_o that_o soul_n by_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o make_v that_o person_n his_o house_n and_o habitation_n jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o joh._n 14.23_o see_v isa_n 57.15_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v very_o gracious_a proposal_n to_o we_o he_o offer_v we_o his_o blessing_n his_o grace_n his_o spirit_n the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n himself_o and_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v we_o to_o accept_v of_o these_o and_o give_v they_o room_n in_o our_o heart_n his_o address_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n persuasion_n and_o tender_v of_o these_o to_o we_o be_v call_v his_o knock_n at_o the_o door_n our_o learning_n of_o he_o accept_v of_o and_o close_v with_o his_o tender_v be_v call_v our_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v to_o he_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a here_o to_o take_v notice_n 1._o of_o our_o saviour_n posture_n 2._o of_o his_o gesture_n 1._o his_o posture_n behold_v i_o stand_v which_o note_v both_o his_o patience_n how_o long_o he_o do_v wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v a_o good_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a for_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o note_n a_o readiness_n of_o departure_n if_o he_o be_v not_o admit_v 2._o his_o gesture_n and_o knock_v which_o note_v his_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o he_o make_v his_o visit_n unto_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o depart_v without_o bestow_v some_o blessing_n he_o seem_v resolve_v not_o to_o take_v a_o denial_n he_o will_v fasten_v some_o good_a some_o blessing_n on_o thou_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n either_o of_o ingenuity_n or_o of_o modesty_n in_o thou_o the_o phrase_n be_v take_v from_o what_o be_v ordinary_o observe_v in_o the_o visit_n which_o people_n make_v to_o one_o another_o as_o the_o person_n which_o go_v to_o see_v another_o do_v common_o stand_v before_o the_o door_n of_o that_o house_n where_o the_o other_n be_v abide_v be_v and_o desire_v to_o have_v entrance_n knock_n and_o make_v a_o noise_n at_o the_o door_n till_o if_o any_o one_o be_v in_o the_o house_n he_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o which_o argue_v he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o have_v some_o discourse_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o person_n he_o come_v to_o 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natural_a estate_n be_v not_o present_o hearken_v unto_o but_o must_v use_v importunity_n before_o he_o find_v admittance_n but_o yet_o the_o sinner_n either_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v to_o hear_v he_o and_o comply_v with_o he_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o ill_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v it_o now_o this_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o grace_n in_o many_o who_o be_v already_o regenerate_v and_o what_o need_v the_o best_a have_v to_o be_v always_o on_o their_o watch_n and_o likewise_o how_o strange_o stupid_a and_o stubborn_a people_n be_v till_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n their_o heart_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v on_o and_o awaken_v and_o o_o how_o wonderful_a be_v the_o condescension_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o that_o he_o take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o and_o do_v with_o such_o patience_n and_o earnestness_n court_n and_o strive_v to_o overcome_v such_o vile_a such_o senseless_a and_o such_o unworthy_a creature_n it_o be_v christ_n that_o first_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o not_o we_o of_o he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o love_v we_o first_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o if_o christ_n do_v never_o love_n and_o importune_v we_o we_o shall_v never_o love_v he_o shall_v not_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n we_o shall_v never_o think_v of_o nor_o look_v after_o he_o in_o good_a earnest_n how_o shall_v we_o stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o it_o be_v when_o we_o be_v enemy_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n that_o he_o come_v and_o entreat_v we_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o god_n may_v easy_o and_o full_o have_v glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o our_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o yet_o how_o earnest_n be_v he_o with_o we_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o happy_a fruit_n of_o his_o kindness_n it_o be_v whilst_o we_o lie_v wallow_v in_o our_o blood_n without_o pity_n that_o he_o set_v his_o love_n upon_o we_o and_o say_v unto_o we_o live_v it_o be_v christ_n work_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o himself_o he_o love_v we_o first_o he_o manifest_v his_o love_n first_o and_o he_o make_v those_o discovery_n of_o his_o love_n powerful_a &_o of_o force_n to_o work_v upon_o our_o stubborn_a nature_n and_o hard_a heart_n before_o we_o will_v yield_v and_o acknowledge_v either_o our_o own_o emptiness_n and_o need_n of_o he_o or_o his_o wonderful_a love_n and_o condescension_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v christ_n that_o say_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o she_o that_o have_v not_o obtain_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v say_v to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n thou_o be_v my_o people_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n hos_n 2.23_o you_o see_v christ_n speak_v first_o before_o we_o acknowledge_v he_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 have_v such_o regard_n unto_o he_o what_o a_o miracle_n of_o condescension_n and_o love_n be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a god_n shall_v thus_o court_v and_o solicit_v dust_n and_o ash_n shall_v represent_v himself_o so_o in_o love_n with_o sinful_a worm_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v i._o to_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v this_o of_o christ_n wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o sinner_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o ii_o to_o show_v you_o what_o our_o receive_n of_o christ_n do_v import_v iii_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o main_a instance_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o receive_v of_o christ_n into_o our_o heart_n iv_o to_o offer_v a_o reason_n or_o two_o why_o christ_n be_v thus_o importunate_a with_o sinner_n v._o to_o make_v
with_o he_o where_o he_o shall_v be_v john_n 17.24_o and_o he_o still_o intercede_v now_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o such_o that_o they_o may_v be_v with_o he_o and_o will_v certain_o conduct_v they_o to_o and_o possess_v they_o for_o ever_o of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o imagination_n and_o which_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o no_o creature_n but_o those_o who_o do_v enjoy_v it_o a_o happiness_n which_o be_v absolute_o free_a from_o all_o evil_a and_o unpleasant_a mixture_n and_o which_o be_v every_o way_n complete_a and_o full_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grateful_a pleasant_a and_o can_v administer_v any_o satisfaction_n a_o happiness_n that_o be_v stable_n sure_a and_o certain_a which_o shall_v last_v to_o all_o eternity_n and_o never_o cease_v decay_n nor_o cloy_v but_o always_o entertain_v with_o rapture_n of_o joy_n ravish_v pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o arise_v to_o uninterrupted_a and_o constant_a ecstasy_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v strong_o urge_v to_o prevail_v with_o sinner_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n but_o his_o importunity_n will_v yet_o further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o instrument_n he_o do_v employ_v and_o make_v use_n of_o about_o this_o work_n the_o instrument_n be_v many_o which_o be_v employ_v to_o entreat_v and_o persuade_v and_o move_v sinner_n to_o close_v with_o the_o gracious_a tender_v make_v they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o will_v name_v but_o four_o 1._o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v christ_n advocate_n and_o be_v employ_v to_o plead_v christ_n cause_n with_o sinner_n this_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o only_o in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n but_o he_o do_v plead_v often_o with_o particular_a person_n sometime_o he_o work_v pious_a inclination_n and_o desire_n in_o the_o soul_n sometime_o he_o affect_v with_o a_o penetrate_a apprehension_n of_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o a_o natural_a estate_n sometime_o he_o convince_v powerful_o of_o a_o necessity_n of_o look_v after_o christ_n sometime_o he_o move_v and_o persuade_v the_o soul_n to_o close_v with_o christ_n and_o accept_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v various_o secret_o and_o powerful_o on_o the_o heart_n and_o do_v often_o testify_v of_o christ_n even_o to_o those_o who_o do_v a_o long_a time_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v final_o stand_v out_o and_o refuse_v to_o close_v hearty_o with_o he_o but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o person_n be_v sin_n to_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ephes_n 4.30_o and_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o christ_n but_o stubborn_o oppose_v and_o resist_v he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o we_o and_o plead_v with_o we_o and_o entreat_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o o_o to_o what_o a_o height_n do_v our_o gild_n ascend_v when_o christ_n send_v his_o spirit_n to_o treat_v with_o we_o and_o we_o despise_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o working_n and_o witnessing_n of_o this_o holy_a spirit_n what_o a_o heighten_v crime_n and_o wickedness_n be_v this_o to_o contemn_v and_o make_v light_a of_o christ_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o we_o and_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o dignity_n of_o christ_n his_o unvaluable_a transcendent_a excellency_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o saviour_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n earnestness_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o we_o that_o he_o plead_v with_o we_o by_o such_o a_o one_o and_o employ_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o transact_v and_o manage_v this_o business_n with_o we_o 2._o he_o send_v his_o minister_n on_o this_o errand_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o preacher_n of_o reconciliation_n unto_o the_o world_n they_o be_v entrust_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o plead_v with_o sinner_n and_o endeavour_v to_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o receive_v christ_n and_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o you_o hear_v or_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o so_o christ_n interpret_v your_o readiness_n or_o unwillingness_n to_o receive_v he_o luke_n 10.16_o the_o great_a work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o beseech_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v down_o your_o enmity_n which_o you_o have_v unjust_o conceive_v against_o he_o and_o hearken_v unto_o his_o wholesome_a save_a advice_n and_o counsel_n even_o to_o accept_v of_o he_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v with_o you_o and_o you_o with_o he_o now_o than_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o though_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 unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o now_o how_o often_o and_o with_o how_o much_o earnestness_n have_v you_o be_v entreat_v this_o way_n to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o his_o gracious_a offer_n be_v not_o christ_n very_o importunate_a for_o admittance_n what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v that_o a_o particular_a sort_n of_o people_n shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o this_o very_a business_n to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v and_o entreat_v people_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n ephes_n 4.11_o etc._n etc._n 3._o jesus_n christ_n do_v importune_v you_o by_o his_o word_n when_o you_o read_v or_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o urge_n and_o entreat_n have_v you_o there_o from_o christ_n to_o accept_v of_o he_o it_o be_v people_n great_a sin_n that_o they_o slight_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o do_v minister_n and_o ordinance_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o observe_v christ_n speak_v in_o they_o but_o o_o what_o a_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n do_v christ_n manifest_v there_o in_o beseech_v and_o call_v sinner_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v of_o he_o consider_v and_o weigh_v these_o few_o particular_n among_o the_o many_o you_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o christ_n be_v concern_v for_o your_o close_n with_o his_o gracious_a tender_v 1._o his_o free_a and_o solemn_a invitation_n what_o frank_a and_o liberal_a promise_n do_v he_o make_v to_o all_o who_o will_v but_o comply_v with_o his_o call_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n matth._n 11.28_o ho_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 wherefore_o do_v you_o spend_v money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o your_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o satisfi_v not_o harken_v diligent_o unto_o i_o and_o eat_v you_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o let_v your_o soul_n delight_v itself_o in_o fatness_n incline_v your_o ear_n and_o come_v unto_o i_o hear_v and_o your_o soul_n shall_v live_v and_o i_o will_v make_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o you_o even_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n isa_n 55.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o see_v here_o that_o he_o except_v none_o and_o that_o he_o assure_v of_o the_o best_a the_o most_o useful_a the_o choice_a and_o most_o valuable_a blessing_n 2._o his_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a protestation_n he_o swear_v by_o himself_o that_o his_o love_n be_v cordial_a and_o sincere_a he_o importune_v we_o often_o and_o condescend_v to_o argue_v and_o expostulate_v with_o we_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o cast_v away_o from_o you_o all_o your_o transgression_n whereby_o you_o have_v transgress_v and_o make_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n for_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n wherefore_o turn_n yourselves_o and_o live_v you_o ezek._n 18.31_o 32._o 3._o his_o passionate_a lamentation_n over_o those_o who_o do_v stubborn_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o notwithstanding_o he_o plead_v with_o they_o thus_o earnest_o he_o weep_v over_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n after_o he_o have_v long_o importune_v they_o in_o vain_a how_o do_v he_o express_v by_o groan_n and_o sigh_n his_o mournful_a sorrowful_a resentment_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o destruction_n they_o be_v wilful_o draw_v on_o themselves_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