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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truth_n of_o christ_n suffer_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o hand_n they_o to_o we_o however_o yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o own_o praise_n that_o the_o work_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n leave_v therefore_o the_o work_n in_o god_n hand_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v with_o and_o by_o it_o and_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o weakness_n i_o condescend_v to_o your_o request_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o cast_v this_o my_o poor_a mite_n into_o god_n treasury_n say_v to_o you_o and_o to_o all_o courteous_a reader_n as_o peter_n to_o the_o cripple_n act_v 3.6_o silver_n and_o gold_n have_v i_o none_o but_o such_o as_o i_o have_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o i_o hope_v the_o food_n be_v wholesome_a though_o it_o be_v but_o plain_o and_o mean_o dress_v and_o though_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o who_o curious_a stomach_n may_v loathe_v such_o plain_a and_o homely_a diet_n yet_o possible_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o poor_a creature_n who_o be_v hungry_a humble_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n some_o poor_a hungry_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o here_o meet_v with_o meat_n though_o there_o be_v little_a sauce_n to_o he_o have_v and_o if_o any_o poor_a soul_n shall_v reap_v benefit_n by_o my_o poor_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o own_v such_o a_o worthless_a creature_n in_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n and_o if_o it_o do_v good_a the_o less_o of_o the_o instrument_n the_o more_o will_v there_o be_v of_o god_n see_v in_o it_o i_o beg_v of_o you_o therefore_o and_o of_o all_o candid_a reader_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o small_a treatise_n may_v come_v their_z and_o your_o serious_a perusal_n of_o it_o with_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o what_o you_o find_v of_o humane_a weakness_n in_o it_o pardon_n and_o pass_v it_o by_o whatever_o you_o find_v of_o god_n in_o it_o mind_n it_o and_o apply_v it_o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o heaven_n powerful_o influence_n it_o with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v do_v your_o soul_n good_a and_o that_o you_o may_v ready_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o he_o may_v open_v to_o and_o own_o you_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o you_o in_o and_o for_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n james_n bradshaw_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n exceed_o prevail_v at_o this_o day_n as_o great_a security_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o nation_n as_o be_v in_o the_o old_a world_n and_o in_o sodom_n before_o the_o one_o be_v drown_v and_o the_o other_o burn_v god_n have_v use_v several_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o awaken_v we_o but_o our_o spiritual_a lethargy_n prove_v a_o very_a stubborn_a malady_n 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
to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o a_o nail_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o some_o token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o visible_a presence_n but_o now_o they_o begin_v to_o fall_v to_o their_o old_a course_n of_o sin_v and_o mis-improve_a this_o day_n of_o grace_n this_o make_v ezra_n to_o tremble_v and_o sit_v down_o astonish_v and_o see_v what_o he_o say_v in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n vers_fw-la 13._o if_o after_o all_o that_o be_v come_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o evil_a deed_n see_v that_o thou_o our_o god_n have_v punish_v we_o lest_o than_o our_o iniquity_n deserve_v and_o have_v give_v we_o such_o deliverance_n as_o this_o shall_v we_o again_o breaâ—_n thy_o commandment_n will_v not_o thou_o bâ—_n angry_a with_o we_o until_o thou_o have_v destroy_v we_o sâ—_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o remnant_n nor_o escape_v 〈◊〉_d clear_o intimate_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n iâ—_n be_v to_o shut_v our_o ear_n against_o such_o a_o call_n as_o thiâ—_n be_v 3._o christ_n call_n be_v eminent_a under_o great_a mercy_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a large_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o more_o large_o god_n hand_n iâ—_n open_v to_o thou_o in_o bounty_n the_o more_o loud_a 〈◊〉_d his_o knock_n and_o call_v to_o thou_o to_o open_v to_o he_o the_o psalmist_n make_v this_o a_o strong_a argument_n to_o his_o soul_n to_o return_v to_o his_o god_n psal_n 116.7_o return_v unto_o thy_o rest_n i._n e._n unto_o thy_o god_n for_o god_n be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o perfect_a rest_n of_o the_o soul_n o_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bountiful_o with_o thou_o and_o if_o in_o this_o case_n thou_o shut_v he_o out_o or_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o his_o call_n the_o great_a will_v be_v thy_o sin_n we_o find_v therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n often_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n from_o this_o consideration_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n 2_o samuel_n 12._o when_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o vriah_n god_n send_v nathan_n to_o he_o who_o thus_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8_o 9_o i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o i_o deliver_v thou_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o then_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o make_v david_n sin_n wonderful_o great_a and_o so_o be_v it_o a_o most_o sad_a aggravation_n of_o any_o man_n sin_n see_v how_o god_n plead_v with_o his_o church_n deut._n 32._o upon_o this_o account_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n why_o what_o have_v god_n do_v for_o they_o see_v vers_fw-la 9_o etc._n etc._n he_o have_v choose_v they_o for_o his_o portion_n his_o providence_n have_v be_v wonderful_a about_o 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and_o so_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v do_v thus_o with_o they_o vers_n 12._o and_o what_o follow_v mark_n and_o because_o i_o will_v do_v thus_o unto_o thou_o therefore_o prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n to_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n the_o same_o prophet_n put_v this_o question_n in_o the_o negative_a which_o the_o more_o strong_o affirm_v amos_n 3.6_o shall_v a_o trumpet_n be_v blow_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o people_n not_o be_v afraid_a when_o god_n judgement_n sound_v as_o a_o trumpet_n of_o a_o enemy_n that_o have_v take_v the_o city_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o the_o people_n to_o tremble_v 5._o when_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o we_o be_v plain_o and_o legible_o write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o we_o the_o more_o loud_a and_o intelligible_a be_v his_o 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refulal_a to_o open_v to_o he_o do_v most_o clear_o point_v out_o her_o sin_n to_o she_o and_o no_o question_n be_v a_o most_o bitter_a and_o bite_a sting_n upon_o her_o conscience_n sometime_o there_o come_v secret_a conviction_n and_o intimation_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n cotroversie_n along_o with_o the_o affliction_n god_n whisper_v we_o in_o the_o ear_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o lash_n and_o scourge_n be_v for_o such_o a_o fault_n and_o when_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o thus_o they_o be_v loud_o call_v from_o christ_n to_o hearken_v to_o instruction_n and_o to_o bow_v our_o ear_n to_o discipline_n that_o say_v of_o elihu_n be_v very_o considerable_a for_o this_o purpose_n job_n 36.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o if_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o fetter_n and_o hold_v in_o cord_n of_o affliction_n then_o he_o show_v they_o their_o work_n and_o their_o transgression_n that_o they_o have_v exceed_v he_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n and_o command_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o 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the_o text_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v text_n or_o instance_n about_o it_o for_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a enough_o here_o the_o spouse_n have_v pray_v that_o christ_n will_v come_v into_o the_o garden_n of_o her_o heart_n christ_n make_v no_o delay_n but_o quick_o come_v and_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o find_v ready_a admission_n be_v so_o earnest_o invite_v but_o contrary_a to_o his_o expectation_n he_o find_v she_o in_o bed_n the_o door_n shut_v and_o she_o too_o lazy_a to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n as_o well_o he_o may_v if_o therefore_o upon_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n christ_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n either_o by_o
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 more_o than_o ordinary_a spirit_n upon_o the_o prophet_n at_o this_o day_n you_o may_v conclude_v it_o be_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a call_n and_o therefore_o apply_v that_o to_o yourselves_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v act_v 17.30_o however_o christ_n may_v wink_v at_o former_a ignorance_n or_o neglect_v yet_o now_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n he_o command_v every_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v 5._o do_v not_o christ_n eminent_o knock_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o come_v within_o thy_o bosom_n and_o not_o only_o prove_v a_o general_a word_n speak_v to_o all_o but_o bring_v some_o special_a message_n to_o thou_o and_o say_v to_o thou_o as_o nathan_n do_v to_o david_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n or_o as_o wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a one_o prov._n 1.22_o 23._o how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v 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
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
his_o ordinance_n or_o providence_n let_v we_o not_o stand_v debate_v whether_o we_o shall_v let_v he_o in_o or_o not_o whatever_o posture_n we_o be_v in_o though_o naked_a in_o our_o bed_n for_o this_o be_v a_o special_a time_n of_o his_o come_n and_o will_v be_v unkind_o take_v if_o he_o find_v not_o admission_n according_a to_o his_o invitation_n 4._o when_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n when_o christ_n be_v in_o so_o very_o good_a earnest_n that_o he_o woe_n and_o entreat_v and_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n this_o be_v a_o loud_a because_o a_o earnest_n call_v and_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v come_v very_o nigh_o even_o to_o the_o very_a door_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n advise_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o close_v with_o such_o a_o opportunity_n as_o this_o isai_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text._n christ_n be_v come_v to_o her_o door_n and_o not_o only_o stand_v there_o knock_v but_o by_o all_o the_o friendly_a compellation_n imaginable_a endeavour_n to_o persuade_v she_o to_o let_v he_o in_o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a and_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o come_v near_o to_o the_o door_n and_o put_v in_o his_o finger_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n as_o though_o he_o will_v make_v a_o forcible_a entry_n intimate_v his_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v admission_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unkind_o do_v of_o she_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o and_o cost_v her_o dear_a before_o he_o do_v come_v in_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o thou_o 5._o when_o christ_n his_o lock_n be_v wet_a with_o the_o dew_n of_o the_o night_n then_o be_v his_o call_n earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o keep_v he_o out_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n many_o thing_n may_v be_v include_v in_o this_o argument_n and_o all_o of_o force_n to_o persuade_v she_o to_o let_v he_o in_o and_o make_v the_o argument_n more_o strong_a and_o forcible_a make_v the_o call_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o loud_o and_o the_o denial_n the_o more_o unreasonable_a the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n i_o e._n i_o come_v full_o fraught_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o cheer_v refresh_a and_o fructify_a of_o thy_o spiritual_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o i_o to_o make_v thou_o perfect_o and_o every_o way_n happy_a only_o open_a to_o i_o and_o let_v i_o in_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o that_o be_v i_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o i_o what_o be_v not_o want_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v to_o thou_o only_o open_a to_o i_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v i_o in_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o our_o emptiness_n and_o penury_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o want_n or_o defect_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o he_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v but_o from_o ourselves_o because_o we_o open_v not_o to_o he_o and_o thus_o understand_v they_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o spouse_n her_o prayer_n chapter_n 4.16_o awake_v o_o north_n wind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n and_o breath_n upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o she_o pray_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o her_o grace_n may_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v more_o active_a and_o odoriferous_a and_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v this_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o fullness_n of_o it_o be_v to_o open_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v he_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o if_o she_o will_v do_v so_o he_o assure_v she_o that_o he_o bring_v all_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o blessing_n with_o he_o his_o very_a head_n and_o lock_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o most_o full_a and_o convince_a argument_n be_v apply_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o her_o prayer_n and_o may_v well_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o loud_a call_n in_o her_o ear_n sufficient_a to_o raise_v she_o though_o lay_v down_o to_o take_v her_o ease_n but_o the_o word_n may_v also_o be_v take_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n import_v the_o misery_n and_o hardship_n which_o christ_n have_v undergo_v in_o come_v to_o she_o in_o so_o dark_a and_o wet_a a_o night_n and_o that_o still_o he_o do_v endure_v by_o stand_v out_o of_o door_n in_o the_o wet_a and_o dark_a and_o cold_a as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v o_o my_o dear_a spouse_n thou_o by_o thy_o prayer_n which_o so_o late_o thou_o do_v send_v to_o i_o do_v importune_v my_o company_n and_o help_v and_o out_o of_o that_o true_a affection_n which_o i_o have_v for_o thou_o and_o commiseration_n of_o thy_o condition_n i_o have_v undertake_v this_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n wherein_o i_o be_o benight_a the_o way_n have_v be_v very_o foul_a for_o i_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o god_n wrath_n alone_o have_v endure_v much_o persecution_n in_o my_o own_o person_n and_o the_o person_n of_o my_o minister_n and_o much_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o myself_o it_o have_v cost_v i_o my_o dear_a heart_n blood_n to_o make_v my_o way_n to_o thou_o and_o the_o weather_n have_v be_v very_o wet_a stormy_a and_o tempestuous_a so_o that_o i_o be_o wet_a to_o the_o very_a skin_n not_o a_o dry_a hair_n upon_o my_o head_n and_o the_o night_n have_v be_v and_o be_v very_o dark_a so_o dark_a that_o it_o make_v i_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o now_o i_o be_o come_v i_o stand_v at_o thy_o door_n in_o this_o miserable_a wet_a and_o weary_a condition_n desire_v entrance_n and_o admission_n therefore_o open_a to_o i_o and_o though_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o warm_a bed_n and_o at_o ease_n yet_o consider_v what_o a_o sad_a condition_n i_o be_o in_o and_o how_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o my_o health_n to_o stand_v here_o in_o this_o condition_n and_o do_v not_o so_o far_o forget_v thy_o relation_n to_o i_o thy_o late_a request_n the_o pain_n and_o hardship_n which_o i_o have_v endure_v and_o do_v endure_v and_o the_o reciprocal_a affection_n which_o thou_o ought_v to_o bear_v unto_o i_o as_o to_o suffer_v i_o to_o stand_v here_o out_o of_o door_n but_o arise_v quick_o and_o open_o to_o i_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o pity_n or_o commiseration_n in_o thy_o heart_n show_v it_o now_o to_o i_o thy_o belove_a husband_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o make_v the_o argument_n press_v and_o cogent_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o loud_a a_o powerful_a and_o irresistible_a call_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o explication_n and_o now_o follow_v the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o to_o be_v lazy_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n call_v and_o knock_v may_v be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o when_o his_o come_n and_o call_v be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n as_o you_o see_v here_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text._n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v manifest_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o ingratitude_n and_o unkindness_n which_o hereby_o we_o manifest_v nay_o i_o may_v say_v not_o only_a unkindness_n and_o unthankfulness_n but_o we_o hereby_o manifest_v wonderful_a hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n we_o importune_v and_o entreat_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o our_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o prayer_n we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v very_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o his_o company_n and_o that_o we_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n but_o entreat_v again_o and_o again_o at_o last_o christ_n yield_v consent_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o business_n come_v little_o question_v but_o to_o find_v we_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v he_o or_o however_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o he_o when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v in_o regard_n we_o have_v so_o earnest_o invite_v he_o therefore_o now_o at_o his_o come_n to_o find_v the_o door_n shut_v we_o so_o careless_a of_o his_o company_n as_o not_o to_o watch_v for_o he_o one_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o knock_v
company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o christ_n interest_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o sufficient_o open_v to_o he_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o man_n find_v who_o pray_v for_o christ_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o he_o yea_o and_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o a_o love_n for_o he_o and_o yet_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n never_o true_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n examine_v your_o heart_n therefore_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v there_o and_o open_v to_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v how_o come_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o world_n to_o have_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o you_o and_o to_o bear_v so_o much_o sway_n with_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o world_n will_v be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n and_o from_o which_o at_o all_o time_n it_o fetch_v direction_n so_o it_o have_v a_o large_a office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n its_o work_n be_v to_o purify_v both_o heart_n and_o life_n act_n 15.9_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a be_v alone_o i_o may_v well_o compare_v faith_n to_o a_o large_a and_o frugiferous_a tree_n who_o root_n or_o foundation_n be_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n record_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n the_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o heart_n the_o command_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n or_o trunk_n of_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o habit_n or_o principle_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o we_o and_o nourish_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o several_a branch_n of_o this_o tree_n spread_v themselves_o every_o way_n be_v the_o several_a emanation_n or_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n guide_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o several_a particular_a act_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n guide_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n now_o where_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v warm_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o influential_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v open_v unto_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n the_o tree_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o flourish_v and_o draw_v in_o fresh_a supply_n of_o sap_n from_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v digest_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n must_v needs_o bring_v forth_o suitable_a and_o proportionable_a fruit_n of_o all_o kind_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o therefore_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n where_o then_o be_v the_o fruit_n effect_n act_n and_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o passage_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n where_o be_v thy_o dependence_n upon_o and_o embrace_v of_o his_o promise_n rely_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n where_o be_v thy_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n discharge_v duty_n in_o every_o part_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n live_v by_o and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o every_o thing_n thou_o go_v about_o leave_v the_o issue_n success_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thy_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o god_n to_o his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o be_v thy_o constant_a watch_n against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o heart_n the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o allurement_n and_o enticement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o faithful_a resistance_n of_o all_o temptation_n thy_o deep_a repentance_n for_o and_o faithful_a
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