Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n word_n work_n worm_n 23 3 8.3512 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39660 Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable priviledges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ... Flavel, John, 1630?-1691. 1689 (1689) Wing F1159A; ESTC R40912 301,553 568

There are 21 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

amid_o such_o host_n of_o potent_a and_o enrage_a enemy_n if_o christ_n be_v not_o among_o they_o they_o have_v certain_o be_v swallow_v up_o long_o ago_o it_o be_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n rev._n 2._o 1._o his_o walk_n among_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v their_o best_a security_n the_o burn_a bush_n exod._n 3._o 3._o be_v a_o rare_a emblem_n to_o open_v this_o mystery_n the_o bush_n burn_v with_o fire_n but_o be_v not_o consume_v the_o bush_n be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o egypt_n the_o flame_n upon_o it_o be_v their_o terrible_a persecution_n the_o wonder_n that_o no_o ash_n appear_v as_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o terrible_a flame_n the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v god_n be_v in_o the_o bush_n jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o people_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o presence_n we_o be_v here_o this_o day_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o gospel_n liberty_n no_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o security_n as_o the_o church_n have_v upon_o this_o account_n the_o mighty_a monarchy_n have_v be_v over-turned_n no_o policy_n nor_o humane_a power_n can_v preserve_v they_o but_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n be_v still_o preserve_v and_o shall_v ever_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o gracious_a promise_n jer._n 30._o 11._o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o save_v thou_o though_o i_o make_v a_o full_a end_n of_o all_o nation_n whither_o i_o have_v scatter_v thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o make_v a_o full_a end_n of_o thou_o the_o babylonian_a persian_a grecian_a monarchy_n have_v destroy_v and_o ruin_a one_o another_o sic_fw-la medus_n ademit_fw-la assyrio_fw-la syroque_fw-la tulit_fw-la moderamina_fw-la perses_n etc._n etc._n but_o still_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o behold_v their_o ruin_n second_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o with_o his_o ordinance_n be_v undeniable_o evince_v from_o their_o supernatural_a effect_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o give_v they_o their_o success_n and_o efficacy_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v its_o point_n and_o edge_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o heart_n of_o a_o stupid_a harden_a sinner_n shall_v ever_o be_v prick_v or_o wound_v by_o it_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o manage_v it_o when_o sinner_n fall_v down_o convince_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n they_o feel_v and_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o cor._n 14._o 25._o ruffinus_n report_v that_o at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a a_o godly_a man_n of_o no_o great_a learning_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convert_v a_o learned_a philosopher_n who_o the_o bishop_n with_o all_o their_o argument_n can_v not_o persuade_v of_o which_o the_o philosopher_n himself_o give_v this_o remarkable_a account_n whilst_o you_o reason_v with_o i_o say_v he_o against_o word_n i_o oppose_v word_n and_o what_o be_v speak_v i_o overthrow_v by_o the_o art_n of_o speak_v but_o when_o in_o stead_n of_o word_n power_n come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o speaker_n word_n can_v no_o long_o withstand_v truth_n nor_o man_n resist_v the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a and_o just_a account_n of_o all_o those_o marvellous_a and_o gracious_a change_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n can_v the_o vanish_v breath_n of_o a_o die_a man_n think_v you_o inspire_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o man_n can_v he_o search_v the_o conscience_n break_v the_o heart_n and_o bow_v the_o will_n at_o this_o rate_n no_o no_o this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o christ_n 3._o and_o of_o that_o presence_n we_o must_v say_v say_v a_o reverend_a author_n as_o martha_n do_v to_o her_o saviour_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o her_o brother_n lazarus_n john_n 11._o 21._o lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o die_v so_o say_v i_o if_o that_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n be_v feel_v by_o all_o which_o have_v be_v certain_o experience_v and_o feel_v by_o many_o they_o have_v not_o remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o spiritual_a death_n as_o they_o do_v but_o though_o there_o be_v thousand_o under_o ordinance_n that_o never_o feel_v this_o power_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o yet_o bless_v be_v god_n there_o be_v also_o multitude_n of_o witness_n and_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a spiritual_a energetical_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v evince_v second_o the_o second_o thing_n require_v explication_n be_v the_o use_v and_o end_v which_o make_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o christ_n necessary_a and_o they_o be_v 1._o to_o preserve_v and_o support_v his_o minister_n and_o church_n amid_o such_o host_n of_o potent_a and_o enrage_a enemy_n this_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o a_o wall_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o they_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a presence_n with_o jeremiah_n that_o be_v as_o a_o lifeguard_n to_o he_o against_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o noble_n of_o israel_n jer._n 15._o 20_o 21._o i_o will_v make_v thou_o unto_o this_o people_n a_o fence_a brazen_a wall_n and_o they_o shall_v fight_v against_o thou_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o thou_o for_o i_o be_o with_o thou_o to_o save_v thou_o and_o to_o deliver_v thou_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o i_o will_v redeem_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o terrible_a it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o roman_a army_n to_o scale_v the_o wall_n and_o batter_v down_o the_o tower_n of_o jerusalem_n than_o for_o all_o the_o enemy_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o destroy_v this_o prophet_n of_o god_n thus_o immure_v by_o the_o divine_a presence_n athanasius_n and_o luther_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o empire_n engage_v against_o they_o yet_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o security_n the_o witness_n can_v not_o be_v slay_v till_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o testimony_n rev._n 11._o 7._o to_o this_o presence_n alone_o the_o faithful_a witness_n of_o christ_n owe_v their_o marvellous_a preservation_n at_o this_o day_n have_v not_o christ_n say_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o you_o have_v not_o say_v at_o this_o day_n behold_v our_o minister_n be_v still_o with_o we_o second_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a to_o assist_v and_o enable_v his_o minister_n in_o their_o work_n for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n quite_o above_o their_o own_o strength_n it_o be_v well_o we_o be_v workers-togeth_a with_o god_n else_o we_o shall_v soon_o faint_v under_o our_o labour_n when_o moses_n object_v i_o be_o not_o eloquent_a the_o lord_n tell_v he_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thy_o mouth_n exod._n 4._o 10._o when_o god_n guide_v the_o tongue_n how_o powerful_a and_o persuasive_a must_v the_o language_n be_v when_o the_o apostle_n illiterate_a man_n be_v send_v out_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n christ_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n luke_n 21._o 15._o a_o mouth_n to_o speak_v and_o wisdom_n to_o guide_v that_o mouth_n and_o then_o their_o word_n be_v demonstration_n all_o their_o adversary_n can_v not_o resist_v that_o spirit_n and_o power_n by_o which_o they_o speak_v empire_n and_o kingdom_n full_a of_o enemy_n receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o wonderful_a success_n be_v give_v we_o in_o mark_n 16._o 20._o they_o go_v out_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o it_o be_v sweet_a and_o prosperous_a work_n in_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o manifold_a assistance_n to_o his_o minister_n in_o their_o work_n it_o be_v he_o that_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o subject_n wherein_o they_o labour_v with_o such_o success_n to_o their_o hearer_n he_o dictate_v the_o matter_n influence_n their_o affection_n guide_v their_o lip_n follow_v home_o their_o doctrine_n with_o success_n and_o this_o be_v a_o special_a use_n and_o end_v of_o christ_n presence_n with_o his_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n three_o the_o spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preparation_n and_o open_n of_o the_o people_n heart_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n to_o salvation_n not_o a_o heart_n will_v open_v to_o receive_v christ_n till_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n unlock_v they_o paul_n and_o timothy_n be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o preach_v
reluctancy_n of_o the_o will_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o some_o divine_n call_v victrix_fw-la delectatio_fw-la a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a victory_n and_o so_o the_o door_n of_o the_o will_v still_o open_v free_o hosea_n 11._o 4._o i_o draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n with_o the_o band_n of_o love._n i_o draw_v they_o there_o be_v almighty_a power_n but_o how_o do_v this_o power_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n i._n e._n with_o rational_a argument_n convince_a the_o judgement_n beast_n be_v drive_v and_o force_v but_o man_n be_v draw_v by_o reason_n and_o will_v not_o move_v without_o it_o if_o they_o act_v like_o themselves_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o when_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n be_v come_v for_o the_o bring_n home_o of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v resist_v the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o draw_v he_o effectual_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o yet_o still_o the_o soul_n come_v free_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o will_n for_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n in_o draw_v soul_n to_o he_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o a_o sinner_n conversion_n a_o kid_n a_o offer_v make_v for_o the_o will_v both_o by_o satan_n and_o christ._n satan_n bid_v riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n with_o ease_n and_o quietness_n to_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o abide_v where_o thou_o be_v say_v satan_n remain_v with_o i_o and_o thou_o shall_v escape_v all_o the_o persecution_n loss_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n which_o conscience_n entangle_v other_o man_n in_o thou_o shall_v draw_v thy_o life_n through_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o thy_o die_a day_n o_o say_v the_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o good_a motion_n what_o can_v be_v better_o for_o i_o but_o than_o say_v christ_n do_v thou_o not_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n will_v quick_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o thou_o then_o behold_v i_o offer_v thou_o the_o free_a full_a and_o final_a pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n treasure_n in_o heaven_n all_o these_o shall_v be_v thou_o with_o trouble_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n in_o this_o world._n the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n i_o say_v when_o a_o convince_a judgement_n have_v due_o balance_v these_o thing_n and_o lay_v they_o before_o the_o will_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o the_o renovation_n of_o it_o it_o move_v towards_o christ_n free_o and_o yet_o can_v according_o to_o its_o natural_a order_n act_n otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n so_o often_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v in_o luke_n 14._o 23._o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o what!_o by_o force_a man_n against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n no_o no_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o many_o protestant_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o gloss_n of_o stella_n a_o popish_a commentator_n upon_o the_o place_n christ_n say_v he_o compel_v man_n to_o come_v in_o by_o show_v to_o their_o will_n such_o a_o excel_a good_a as_o it_o can_v but_o embrace_v for_o volunt_fw-la as_o nature_n aliter_fw-la fertur_fw-la in_o bonum_fw-la the_o will_n be_v natural_o carry_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o best_a good_a and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n harmonious_o and_o agreeable_o to_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n fouthly_a christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul_n manifest_o imply_v the_o immediate_a access_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o very_a innermost_a door_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o make_v what_o impression_n upon_o it_o he_o please_v as_o for_o other_o instrument_n use_v in_o this_o work_n they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n or_o power_n minister_n can_v but_o knock_v at_o the_o external_a door_n of_o the_o sense_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n we_o can_v see_v their_o person_n and_o hear_v their_o voice_n we_o can_v reason_v with_o sinner_n and_o plead_v with_o their_o soul_n but_o awaken_v they_o we_o can_v open_v their_o heart_n we_o can_v we_o can_v only_o lodge_v our_o message_n in_o their_o ear_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a this_o be_v a_o royalty_n belong_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n incommunicable_a to_o angel_n or_o men._n if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v the_o preacher_n he_o can_v not_o give_v one_o immediate_a stroke_n to_o the_o conscience_n much_o less_o can_v man_n we_o have_v no_o dominion_n over_o your_o conscience_n the_o key_n of_o the_o door_n of_o your_o soul_n hang_v not_o at_o our_o girdle_n but_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n revel_v 3._o 7._o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v the_o conscience_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o stroke_n of_o god_n spirit_n he_o can_v wound_v they_o and_o heal_v they_o and_o make_v what_o impression_n he_o please_v upon_o they_o learn_v hence_o what_o need_v there_o be_v both_o for_o minister_n and_o people_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o blessing_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o lord_n send_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n pour_v it_o forth_o upon_o and_o with_o thy_o word_n ah_o how_o many_o sermon_n have_v we_o preach_v and_o you_o hear_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o open_n these_o be_v the_o four_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n viz._n condescend_v grace_n all_o first_o motion_n begin_v in_o god_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o his_o spirit_n can_v have_v immedate_v access_n to_o the_o innermost_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o his_o pleasure_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o consider_v three_o by_o what_o instrument_n christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n conscience_n and_o will_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o these_o be_v two_o viz._n by_o 1._o his_o word_n 2._o his_o providence_n here_o my_o work_n will_v be_v to_o show_v you_o how_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v use_n both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god_n to_o rouse_v and_o open_v the_o conscience_n and_o heart_n of_o sinner_n these_o be_v the_o two_o hammer_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n 1._o the_o word_n write_v or_o preach_v but_o especial_o preach_v to_o this_o christ_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o instrument_n employ_v about_o this_o work_n and_o answerable_o the_o word_n be_v call_v god_n hammer_n jer._n 23._o 29._o be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o fire_n and_o as_o the_o hammer_n which_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n by_o this_o hammer_n christ_n rap_v at_o the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n soul_n to_o give_v warning_n that_o he_o be_v there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v open_v the_o heart_n immediate_o if_o he_o please_v but_o he_o will_v honour_v his_o word_n in_o this_o work._n and_o therefore_o when_o lydias_n heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v paul_n the_o great_a gospel_n preacher_n must_v be_v invite_v even_o by_o a_o angel_n to_o come_v over_o to_o macedonia_n and_o assist_v in_o that_o bless_a work_n act_v 16._o 9_o lydia_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v her_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o angel_n can_v not_o do_v it_o but_o call_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o apostle_n god_n appoint_a instrument_n to_o carry_v on_o that_o work._n i_o have_v make_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o paul_n a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n act_v 26._o 18._o now_o there_o be_v three_o way_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n use_v the_o word_n as_o his_o hammer_n in_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o soul._n 1._o he_o knock_v by_o the_o particular_a conviction_n of_o of_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o conscience_n this_o knock_n by_o conviction_n ring_n and_o sound_n through_o all_o the_o room_n and_o chamber_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a and_o effectual_a conviction_n wound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n ah_o when_o
rise_v not_o out_o of_o nature_n as_o common_a gift_n do_v but_o of_o this_o it_o be_v express_o say_v eph._n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n where_o this_o work_n be_v effectual_o wrought_v we_o may_v reason_v as_o solid_o as_o comfortable_o from_o it_o both_o backward_a to_o the_o elect_a love_n of_o god_n and_o forward_o to_o our_o eternal_a glorification_n with_o he_o rom._n 8._o 30._o ii_o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o save_v faith_n give_v thou_o interest_n in_o christ_n the_o very_a same_o hour_n the_o relation_n be_v then_o constitute_v the_o conjugal_a tie_n or_o bond_n be_v fasten_v betwixt_o he_o and_o thy_o soul_n john_n 1._o 12._o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n viz._n right_a or_o privilege_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o as_o many_o as_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n you_o neither_o need_v nor_o may_v expect_v a_o extraordinary_a messenger_n or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o christ_n be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v he_o you_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n in_o this_o word_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o my_o part_n if_o god_n will_v give_v i_o the_o clear_a and_o satisfy_a experience_n of_o this_o work_n upon_o my_o heart_n i_o will_v never_o desire_v more_o satisfaction_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n may_v counterfeit_v a_o extraordinary_a voice_n and_o cheat_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o lie_a oracle_n but_o if_o i_o real_o feel_v my_o heart_n and_o will_v sincere_o open_v to_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o that_o iii_o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o thy_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v a_o good_a assurance_n that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v open_v to_o thy_o soul_n hereafter_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o none_o but_o those_o that_o shut_v their_o heart_n against_o christ_n by_o unbelief_n will_v you_o bar_v christ_n out_o of_o your_o soul_n by_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n and_o then_o cry_v lord_n open_a to_o we_o no_o god_n will_v open_v to_o none_o but_o they_o that_o open_v to_o christ._n eternity_n itself_o shall_v but_o suffice_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o this_o open_a act_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16._o 16._o iv._o consolation_n the_o open_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n make_v it_o christ_n habitation_n for_o ever_o in_o that_o hour_n outgo_v sin_n and_o satan_n and_o income_n christ_n and_o grace_n if_o any_o man_n open_a unto_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o say_v the_o text_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n christ_n say_v as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o temple_n psalm_n 132._o 13_o 14._o the_o lord_n have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o thy_o soul_n now_o become_v a_o hallow_a temple_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o o_o what_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n be_v here_o christ_n dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o god_n dwell_v in_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n v._o consolation_n in_o a_o word_n the_o op●●ing_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o christ_n be_v that_o work_n which_o answer_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o have_v god_n set_v up_o ordinance_n and_o minister_n yea_o wherefore_o be_v the_o spirit_n send_v forth_o but_o to_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n to_o christ_n by_o faith_n when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o main_a end_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v attain_v and_o answer_v the_o union_n be_v effect_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v now_o put_v out_o of_o hazard_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o that_o be_v but_o to_o build_v up_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n ripen_v it_o be_v implant_v grace_n and_o make_v it_o meet_v for_o glory_n and_o thus_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o five_o observation_n that_o every_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o motion_n upon_o the_o affection_n be_v a_o knock_n or_o call_v of_o christ_n for_o entrance_n into_o the_o sinner_n heart_n sermon_n vi._n revel_v 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n etc._n etc._n i_o stand_v and_o knock_v here_o be_v pain_n and_o patience_n all_o mean_v use_v by_o christ_n to_o gain_v entrance_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n it_o speak_v the_o earnestness_n of_o his_o suit_n and_o vehemency_n of_o his_o desire_n to_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o six_o observation_n therefore_o will_v be_v this_o vi_o doct._n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o earnest_a suitor_n for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o point_n lie_v direct_o and_o full_o in_o the_o very_a eye_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o text._n in_o the_o open_n of_o it_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n viz._n 1._o the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v so_o 2._o the_o marvellous_a and_o admirable_a grace_n and_o condescension_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o first_o for_o demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o earnest_a suitor_n for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n i_o shall_v draw_v down_o the_o demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n from_o a_o view_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o disposition_n carriage_n and_o action_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n towards_o poor_a sinner_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o when_o you_o have_v compare_v they_o all_o together_o and_o by_o they_o see_v the_o temper_n of_o his_o heart_n how_o great_a and_o clear_a a_o light_n will_v shine_v upon_o this_o point_n that_o his_o heart_n have_v still_o incline_v towards_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o sinful_a man_n will_v evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v he_o in_o a_o fourfold_a state_n and_o time_n 1._o before_o his_o incarnation_n 2._o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh._n 3._o at_o his_o death_n and_o 4._o at_o and_o since_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n first_o consider_v he_o before_o his_o incarnation_n demonst._n and_o you_o will_v find_v too_o thing_n in_o that_o state_n which_o plain_o speak_v his_o desire_n after_o union_n with_o we_o 1._o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n he_o make_v with_o god_n concern_v we_o before_o this_o world_n have_v a_o be_v for_o such_o covenant_n and_o promise_n do_v real_o pass_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o father_n before_o all_o time_n or_o else_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o understand_v that_o scripture_n tit._n 1._o 2._o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o who_o can_v that_o promise_n be_v make_v but_o unto_o christ_n which_o bear_v date_n before_o the_o creation_n what_o else_o can_v this_o mean_a but_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n make_v betwixt_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n the_o term_n whereof_o be_v set_v down_o in_o isa._n 53._o 10_o 11._o where_o you_o find_v what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v viz._n to_o put_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v his_o reward_n for_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n viz._n to_o see_v his_o seed_n to_o see_v the_o travail_n of_o his_o soul_n even_o a_o church_n purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o christ_n heart_n and_o desire_n towards_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o poor_a sinner_n let_v all_o man_n judge_v o_o what_o a_o value_n do_v christ_n set_v upon_o our_o soul_n that_o upon_o such_o costly_a term_n he_o will_v consent_v to_o redeem_v they_o unto_o this_o agreement_n god_n the_o father_n hold_v he_o rom._n 8._o 32._o god_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son._n and_o this_o very_a covenant_n christ_n plead_v with_o the_o father_n john_n 17._o 6._o i_o have_v manifest_v thy_o name_n to_o the_o man_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o out_o of_o the_o world_n thou_o they_o be_v and_o thou_o give_v they_o i_o this_o plain_o show_v the_o vehement_a desire_n of_o christ_n heart_n to_o be_v in_o union_n with_o man_n according_a to_o that_o prov._n 8._o 31._o rejoice_v in_o the_o habitable_a part_n of_o his_o earth_n and_o my_o delight_n be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o men._n bless_a jesus_n nothing_o but_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o own_o desire_n and_o love_n can_v ever_o have_v draw_v thou_o
purchase_v you_o and_o may_v just_o condemn_v you_o upon_o the_o first_o denial_n or_o demur_n behold_v i_o stand_v this_o be_v the_o suitor_n 2._o his_o posture_n and_o action_n i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n be_v in_o the_o preter_fw-la tense_n i_o have_v stand_v but_o be_v here_o join_v with_o another_o verb_n of_o the_o present_a tense_n it_o be_v fit_o translate_v i_o stand_v yet_o so_o as_o that_o it_o note_v a_o continue_a action_n i_o have_v stand_v and_o do_v still_o stand_v with_o unwearied_a patience_n i_o once_o stand_v personal_o and_o bodily_a among_o you_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o flesh_n and_o i_o still_o stand_v spiritual_o and_o representative_o in_o my_o ambassador_n at_o the_o door_n i._n e._n the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n the_o faculty_n and_o power_n which_o be_v introductive_a into_o the_o whole_a soul._n the_o word_n door_n be_v here_o improper_o put_v to_o signify_v those_o introductive_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o like_a use_n to_o it_o as_o the_o door_n be_v to_o the_o house_n this_o be_v the_o redeemer_n posture_n his_o action_n be_v knock_v i._n e._n his_o powerful_a essay_n and_o gracious_a attempt_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o give_v he_o admission_n the_o word_n knock_n signify_v a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a knock_n 〈◊〉_d he_o stand_v patient_o and_o knock_v powerful_o by_o the_o word_n outward_o by_o the_o conviction_n motion_n impulse_n strive_n and_o instigation_n of_o his_o spirit_n inward_o 3._o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o the_o suit_n it_o be_v for_o open_v i._n e._n consent_v receive_v embrace_v and_o hearty_a accept_n of_o he_o by_o faith_n act_n 16._o 14._o the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n i._n e._n persuade_v her_o soul_n to_o believe_v imply_v that_o the_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v strong_o bar_v and_o lock_v up_o against_o christ_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o power_n from_o he_o can_v open_v it_o second_o the_o powerful_a argument_n and_o motive_n use_v by_o christ_n to_o obtain_v his_o suit_n and_o get_v a_o grant_n from_o the_o sinner_n heart_n and_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o two_o inestimable_a benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o open_n or_o believe_v soul._n viz._n 1._o union_n 2._o communion_n with_o christ._n 1._o union_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o that_o be_v i_o will_v unite_v myself_o with_o the_o open_n believe_a soul_n he_o shall_v be_v mystical_o one_o with_o i_o and_o i_o with_o he_o 2._o communion_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o that_o be_v i_o will_v feast_v the_o believe_a soul_n with_o the_o delicate_n of_o heaven_n such_o comfort_n such_o joy_n such_o pleasure_n as_o none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o believer_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o set_v home_o all_o these_o special_a benefit_n be_v propose_v by_o christ_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n great_a and_o small_a old_a and_o young_a if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n that_o so_o no_o soul_n may_v be_v discourage_v from_o believe_v by_o the_o greatness_n or_o multitude_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o the_o vile_a of_o sinner_n may_v see_v free_a grace_n triumph_v over_o all_o their_o unworthiness_n upon_o their_o consent_n to_o take_v christ_n according_a to_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o word_n thus_o open_v afford_v many_o great_a and_o useful_a point_n of_o doctrine_n comprehend_v in_o they_o the_o very_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o solemn_a and_o remarkable_a preface_n behold_v will_v be_v this_o i._o doctrine_n that_o every_o offer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n be_v record_v and_o witness_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o day_n of_o account_n and_o reckon_n ●_o here_o we_o shall_v inquire_v into_o three_o thing_n 1._o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o gospel_n tender_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o object_n matter_n they_o witness_v to_o 3._o why_o god_n record_v every_o offer_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v witness_v thereof_o first_o who_o be_v god_n witness_n to_o all_o the_o tender_n and_o offer_v make_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o strict_a legal_a number_n for_o 1._o his_o minister_n by_o who_o he_o make_v they_o be_v all_o witness_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o people_n act_v 26._o 16._o i_o have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o for_o this_o purpose_n to_o make_v thou_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o witness_n here_o you_o see_v minister_n have_v a_o double_a office_n to_o propose_v and_o offer_n christ_n and_o then_o to_o bear_v witness_n for_o or_o against_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v thus_o offer_v they_o be_v express_o call_v god_n witness_n rev._n 11._o 6_o 7._o their_o labour_n witness_v their_o suffering_n witness_v their_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n witness_n yea_o the_o very_a dust_n of_o their_o foot_n shake_v off_o against_o the_o refuser_n of_o christ_n turn_v to_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o mark_v 6._o 11._o every_o groan_n and_o sigh_v every_o drop_n of_o sweat_n much_o more_o of_o blood_n be_v place_v in_o god_n book_n as_o marginal_a note_n by_o all_o their_o sermon_n and_o prayer_n and_o will_v be_v produce_v and_o read_v in_o the_o great_a day_n against_o all_o the_o refuser_n and_o despiser_n of_o christ._n 2._o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v preach_v to_o you_o be_v a_o testimony_n or_o witness_n for_o god_n for_o or_o against_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v it_o john_n 12._o 48._o he_o that_o reject_v i_o and_o receive_v not_o my_o word_n have_v one_o that_o judge_v he_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n word_n matth._n 24._o 14._o and_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v ah_o lord_n what_o a_o solemn_a record_n be_v here_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v yea_o every_o reproof_n persuasion_n and_o conviction_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n to_o cast_v and_o condemn_v every_o soul_n in_o judgement_n that_o comply_v not_o obedient_o with_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n so_o many_o sermon_n so_o many_o witness_n 3._o every_o man_n own_o conscience_n be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a offer_n once_o make_v he_o the_o very_a conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_n that_o never_o see_v a_o bible_n that_o have_v no_o other_o preacher_n but_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n and_o other_o work_n of_o nature_n yet_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o that_o they_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o certain_o if_o such_o vigour_n and_o activity_n be_v put_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o heathen_n who_o can_v only_o read_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o the_o dim_a moonlight_n of_o natural_a reason_n how_o much_o more_o vigorous_a and_o active_a will_n conscience_n be_v in_o its_o accuse_a office_n against_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o gospel_n light_n their_o conscience_n will_v be_v swift_a witness_n and_o will_v ring_v sad_a peal_n in_o their_o ear_n another_o day_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o ezek._n 2._o 5._o this_o single_a witness_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n for_o god._n 4._o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o witness_n for_o god_n against_o the_o despiser_n and_o neglecter_n of_o the_o great_a salvation_n every_o mourn_a tremble_a soul_n among_o you_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o all_o the_o dead_a heart_a unbelieving_a disobedient_a one_o that_o sit_v with_o they_o under_o the_o same_o ordinance_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v be_v assessor_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o condemn_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n as_o noah_n do_v the_o old_a world_n and_o thus_o matth._n 21._o 32._o john_n come_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o you_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n believe_v he_o and_o you_o when_o you_o have_v see_v it_o repent_v not_o afterward_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v he_o q._n d._n what_o shift_n do_v you_o make_v to_o quiet_v your_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v your_o conviction_n when_o you_o see_v publican_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o harlot_n the_o worst_a of_o woman_n repent_v
solemn_a amen_o so_o be_v it_o or_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v to_o open_v this_o point_n distinct_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a presence_n of_o christ_n 1._o corporeal_a 2._o represent_v 3._o spiritual_a first_o there_o be_v a_o corporeal_a presence_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o church_n once_o enjoy_v on_o earth_n when_o he_o go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o his_o people_n act_v 1._o 21._o when_o their_o eye_n see_v he_o and_o their_o hand_n handle_v he_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o this_o presence_n be_v a_o singular_a consolation_n to_o the_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v great_o deject_v when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v from_o they_o but_o after_o redemption-work_a be_v finish_v on_o earth_n this_o bodily_a presence_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o this_o world_n but_o more_o expedient_a to_o be_v remove_v to_o heaven_n john_n 16._o 7._o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o must_v there_o abide_v until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n act_n 3._o 21._o and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o tell_v the_o disciple_n john_n 16._o 28._o leave_n the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n second_o there_o be_v a_o represent_v presence_n of_o christ_n in_o ordinance_n as_o the_o person_n of_o a_o king_n be_v represent_v in_o another_o country_n by_o his_o ambassador_n so_o be_v christ_n in_o this_o world_n by_o his_o minister_n 2_o cor_fw-la 5._o 26._o we_o then_o be_v ambassador_n for_o god_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 to_o god._n christ_n be_v about_o other_o work_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n but_o we_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o speak_v the_o great_a dignity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n whatever_o abuse_n or_o contempt_n be_v cast_v on_o they_o they_o reflect_v upon_o christ_n luke_n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o it_o also_o teach_v we_o whence_o the_o validity_n of_o gospel_n administration_n be_v christ_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v they_o with_o his_o own_o authority_n it_o also_o instruct_v we_o how_o wise_a spiritual_n and_o holy_a minister_n shall_v be_v who_o represent_v christ_n to_o the_o word_n a_o drunkard_n a_o persecutor_n a_o sensual_a worldling_n be_v but_o a_o ill_a representative_a of_o the_o bless_a and_o holy_a jesus_n three_o beside_o and_o above_o the_o two_o former_a there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n and_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o that_o from_o which_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n derive_v 1._o their_o beauty_n and_o glory_n 2._o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n 3._o their_o awful_a solemnity_n 4._o their_o continuance_n and_o stability_n first_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n the_o ordinance_n and_o church_n derive_v their_o beauty_n and_o glory_n psal._n 27._o 4._o to_o see_v thy_o power_n and_o thy_o glory_n so_o as_o i_o have_v see_v thou_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n look_v as_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o body_n be_v a_o result_n from_o the_o soul_n that_o animate_v it_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o body_n be_v go_v also_o so_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o all_o ordinance_n come_v and_o go_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o very_a soul_n of_o they_o the_o church_n be_v indeed_o golden_a candlestick_n but_o the_o candlestick_n have_v no_o light_n but_o what_o the_o candle_n give_v it_o hence_o that_o magnificent_a description_n of_o the_o new_a temple_n be_v close_v up_o in_o this_o expression_n ezek._n 48._o ult_n the_o name_n of_o that_o city_n shall_v be_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o second_o from_o this_o spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n all_o gospel_n ordinance_n derive_v all_o that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o be_v by_o they_o exert_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n either_o in_o their_o conversion_n or_o edification_n this_o power_n be_v not_o inherent_a in_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o act_v as_o natural_a necessary_a agent_n but_o as_o institute_v mean_n which_o be_v successful_a or_o unsuccessful_a according_a as_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n co-operate_v with_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 7._o he_o that_o plant_v be_v nothing_o neither_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n that_o be_v they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n nothing_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o man_n salvation_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n make_v himself_o and_o apollos_n with_o all_o other_o minister_n nothing_o we_o must_v understand_v he_o speak_v not_o absolute_o but_o comparative_o and_o relative_o they_o be_v necessary_a in_o their_o place_n and_o sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n for_o what_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o else_o it_o will_v be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o institute_v they_o but_o single_o in_o themselves_o and_o disjunctive_o consider_v they_o be_v nothing_o as_o a_o trumpet_n or_o wind_n instrument_n be_v nothing_o as_o to_o its_o end_n and_o use_v except_o breath_n be_v inspire_v into_o it_o and_o that_o breath_n modulate_v by_o the_o art_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o inspirer_n like_o ezekiet_n wheel_n that_o move_v not_o but_o as_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o move_v and_o direct_v their_o motion_n if_o ordinance_n wrought_v upon_o soul_n natural_o and_o necessary_o as_o the_o fire_n burn_v than_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o success_n upon_o all_o that_o come_v under_o they_o but_o it_o be_v with_o they_o as_o with_o the_o water_n of_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n who_o heal_a virtue_n be_v only_o find_v at_o that_o season_n when_o the_o angel_n descend_v and_o trouble_v they_o three_o this_o spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o awful_a solemnity_n which_o be_v due_a upon_o that_o account_n to_o they_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o command_v reverence_n from_o all_o that_o be_v about_o he_o god_n be_v great_o to_o be_v fear_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o hence_o be_v that_o solemn_a caution_n or_o threaten_a levit._fw-la 26._o 23_o 24._o if_o you_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o i_o then_o will_v i_o also_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o you_o the_o hebrew_a word_n in_o that_o text_n signify_v to_o walk_v rash_o or_o at_o a_o adventure_n with_o god_n sine_fw-la personae_fw-la discrimine_fw-la without_o consider_v with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o what_o a_o awful_a majesty_n we_o stand_v before_o and_o the_o punishment_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o sin_n i_o also_o will_v walk_v at_o a_o adventure_n with_o you_o make_v no_o discrimination_n in_o my_o judgement_n betwixt_o your_o person_n and_o the_o person_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n oh_o that_o this_o be_v due_o consider_v by_o all_o that_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n in_o gospel_n institution_n four_o it_o be_v the_o spiritual_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n that_o give_v they_o their_o continuance_n and_o stability_n when_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o they_o depart_v from_o we_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o their_o continuance_n will_v be_v little_a to_o our_o advantage_n when_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n once_o dismount_v from_o betwixt_o the_o cherubim_n when_o that_o sad_a voice_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o temple_n migremus_fw-la hinc_fw-la let_v we_o go_v hence_o how_o soon_o be_v both_o city_n and_o temple_n make_v a_o desolation_n and_o true_o christ_n presence_n be_v not_o so_o fix_v to_o any_o place_n or_o any_o ordinance_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n may_v banish_v it_o away_o rev._n 2._o 5._o who_o will_v tarry_v in_o any_o place_n long_o than_o he_o be_v welcome_a if_o he_o have_v any_o where_o else_o to_o go_v but_o more_o particular_o let_v we_o here_o discuss_v these_o two_o point_n i._n how_o it_o appear_v christ_n be_v thus_o spiritual_o present_a with_o his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n ii_o why_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v be_v so_o first_o by_o what_o evidence_n do_v it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o two_o undeniable_a evidence_n thereof_o 1._o by_o their_o wonderful_a preservation_n 2._o from_o their_o supernatural_a effect_n first_o from_o their_o wonderful_a preservation_n for_o it_o be_v whole_o unaccountable_a and_o unconceivable_a how_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v support_v and_o preserve_v without_o it_o
very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3._o 5._o o_o sinner_n that_o hard_a heart_n of_o thou_o must_v be_v humble_v thy_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a will_n must_v be_v bow_v all_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o soul_n must_v be_v unlock_v and_o open_v unto_o christ_n he_o must_v come_v into_o thy_o soul_n or_o thou_o can_v never_o see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o peace_n it_o be_v christ_n in_o you_o that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o glory_n col._n 1._o 27._o till_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_v christ_n with_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n stand_v without_o thou_o and_o if_o hope_v from_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o we_o without_o the_o application_n of_o his_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o save_v man_n then_o why_o be_v any_o damn_v consult_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o adam_n sin_n damn_v none_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v in_o he_o and_o christ_n righteousness_n save_v none_o but_o those_o only_a that_o be_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o the_o father_n the_o meritorious_a death_n of_o the_o son_n put_v no_o man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n till_o both_o be_v bring_v home_o by_o the_o spirit_n powerful_a application_n in_o the_o work_n of_o save_a conversion_n it_o be_v good_a news_n good_a indeed_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n it_o be_v good_a news_n that_o christ_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o very_a door_n in_o the_o tender_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o many_o conviction_n and_o persuasion_n to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o enjoy_v the_o unspeakable_a benefit_n of_o his_o death_n these_o thing_n bring_v we_o nigh_o to_o christ_n the_o next_o door_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v eventual_o but_o a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o our_o damnation_n and_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o to_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v but_o almost_o open_v to_o christ._n v._o inference_n see_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n accompany_v the_o word_n no_o heart_n can_v ever_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n alas_o such_o bar_n as_o these_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o the_o breath_n of_o man_n to_o break_v let_v minister_n pray_v and_o the_o people_n pray_v that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v preach_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o it_o great_o concern_v we_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n upon_o our_o knee_n to_o accompany_v we_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o people_n to_o steep_v that_o seed_n we_o sow_v among_o you_o in_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o you_o hear_v it_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n let_v we_o not_o strive_v alone_o join_v your_o cry_n to_o heaven_n with_o we_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o word_n how_o do_v paul_n beg_v of_o the_o people_n as_o a_o beggar_n will_v beg_v for_o a_o alm_n at_o the_o door_n for_o their_o assistance_n in_o prayer_n rom._n 15._o 30._o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o you_o strive_v together_o with_o i_o in_o your_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o i_o for_o want_v of_o such_o wrestle_n with_o god_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v so_o little_a efficacy_n in_o ordinance_n martha_n tell_v her_o saviour_n john_n 11._o 21._o lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o my_o brother_n have_v not_o die_v and_o i_o may_v tell_v you_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v here_o your_o soul_n have_v not_o remain_v dead_a under_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v this_o day_n oh_o when_o the_o sabbath_n draw_v near_o let_v fervent_a cry_n ascend_v from_o every_o family_n to_o heaven_n lord_n pour_v out_o thy_o spirit_n with_o thy_o word_n make_v it_o mighty_a through_o thy_o power_n to_o open_v these_o gate_n of_o iron_n and_o break_v asunder_o these_o bar_n of_o brass_n second_o use_v of_o exhortation_n see_v the_o case_n stand_v thus_o that_o all_o heart_n by_o nature_n be_v bar_v and_o shut_v up_o against_o christ_n let_v every_o soul_n do_v what_o it_o can_v and_o strive_v to_o its_o uttermost_a to_o get_v the_o heart_n and_o will_n open_v to_o christ_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n christ_n be_v at_o the_o door_n oh_o strive_v with_o yourselves_o as_o well_o as_o with_o god_n now_o to_o get_v it_o open_v now_o that_o salvation_n be_v come_v so_o near_o to_o your_o soul_n object_n object_n but_o have_v you_o not_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o sinner_n can_v open_v his_o own_o heart_n nor_o bow_v his_o own_o will_n to_o christ_n answ._n answ._n true_a he_o can_v convert_v himself_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o which_o have_v a_o remote_a tendency_n towards_o it_o which_o he_o do_v not_o do_v and_o so_o he_o perish_v not_o though_o he_o can_v but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o divers_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o poor_a sinner_n with_o their_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v not_o do_v and_o though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v insufficient_a yet_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n in_o and_o by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n usual_o work_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v they_o as_o for_o example_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o forbear_v the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o fasten_v your_o heart_n the_o more_o against_o christ_n who_o force_v thy_o hand_n to_o steal_v thy_o tongue_n to_o swear_v or_o lie_v who_o force_v the_o cup_n of_o excess_n down_o thy_o throat_n 2ly_n though_o you_o can_v open_v your_o heart_n under_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v upon_o the_o external_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n why_o can_v those_o foot_n carry_v thou_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o alehouse_n 3ly_n and_o though_o you_o can_v let_v the_o word_n effectual_o into_o your_o heart_n yet_o certain_o you_o can_v apply_v your_o mind_n with_o more_o attention_n and_o consideration_n to_o it_o than_o you_o do_v who_o force_v thy_o eye_n to_o wander_v or_o close_v they_o with_o sleep_n when_o the_o awful_a matter_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v sound_v in_o thy_o ear_n 4ly_n though_o you_o can_v open_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v christ_n yet_o certain_o you_o can_v reflect_v upon_o yourselves_o when_o the_o obvious_a character_n of_o a_o christless_a state_n be_v plain_o hold_v forth_o before_o your_o eye_n god_n have_v give_v you_o a_o self-reflecting_a power_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 11._o when_o you_o hear_v of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n compunction_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n deep_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o its_o eternal_a state_n hungering_n and_o thirsting_n after_o christ_n restless_a and_o anxious_a day_n and_o night_n about_o salvation_n other_o have_v feel_v you_o can_v certain_o turn_v in_o upon_o yourselves_o and_o examine_v whether_o ever_o it_o be_v so_o with_o you_o and_o if_o not_o methinks_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o aggravate_v your_o own_o misery_n to_o take_v your_o poor_a soul_n aside_o and_o bemoan_v they_o say_v ah_o my_o poor_a soul_n can_v thou_o endure_v everlasting_a burn_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o if_o christ_n pass_v thou_o by_o and_o his_o spirit_n strive_v no_o more_o with_o thou_o why_o can_v you_o throw_v yourselves_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o god_n and_o cry_v for_o mercy_n prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n distress_n usual_o put_v man_n upon_o it_o that_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n jonah_n 1._o 5._o do_v but_o this_o towards_o the_o open_n and_o save_v of_o your_o own_o soul_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o sufficient_a nor_o put_v god_n under_o any_o meritorious_a obligation_n or_o necessity_n to_o add_v the_o rest_n yet_o it_o put_v you_o into_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v not_o thy_o soul_n sinner_n worth_a as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v too_o have_v you_o not_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o pain_n than_o this_o for_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n to_o all_o eternity_n that_o you_o perish_v so_o easy_o do_v you_o see_v many_o strive_v round_o about_o you_o for_o christ_n and_o salvation_n whilst_o you_o sit_v still_o with_o fold_a arm_n as_o if_o you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v for_o another_o world_n
call_v at_o their_o door_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o turn_v aside_o to_o thy_o soul_n and_o wait_v and_o knock_v there_o for_o entrance_n i_o say_v here_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a act_n of_o favour_n that_o can_v be_v show_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n how_o many_o soul_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n equal_a in_o natural_a dignity_n to_o you_o and_o of_o sweet_a natural_a temper_n who_o yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n let_v alone_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o satan_n luke_n 11._o 21._o there_o be_v a_o deep_a silence_n and_o stillness_n in_o their_o conscience_n no_o stir_n nor_o disturbance_n by_o conviction_n but_o through_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n and_o if_o their_o conscience_n at_o any_o time_n begin_v to_o grumble_v how_o soon_o be_v they_o hush_v and_o quiet_v again_o by_o satan_n what_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o former_a age_n we_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 14._o 16._o who_o in_o time_n past_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n o_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sleepy_a conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o be_v rouse_v by_o conviction_n because_o it_o be_v introductive_a to_o all_o other_o spiritual_a mercy_n i_o confess_v this_o act_n of_o grace_n be_v little_o apprehend_v by_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n much_o rather_o will_v poor_a sinner_n be_v let_v alone_o than_o be_v thus_o disturb_v by_o troublesome_a conviction_n and_o when_o christ_n disturb_v their_o rest_n how_o do_v they_o startle_v at_o the_o knock_v of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n how_o angry_a be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o enjoy_v their_o quiet_a sleep_n in_o sin_n till_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n awaken_v they_o mr._n fenner_n that_o great_a and_o eminent_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o this_o work_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n how_o it_o fare_v with_o a_o certain_a man_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o preach_v it_o seem_v the_o word_n have_v get_v entrance_n into_o his_o conscience_n and_o give_v it_o a_o terrible_a alarm_n and_o as_o he_o be_v go_v home_o some_o that_o follow_v he_o hear_v he_o thus_o blame_v and_o bemoan_v himself_o o_o what_o a_o fool_n what_o a_o beast_n be_v i_o to_o come_v under_o this_o sermon_n to_o day_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v peace_n and_o quietness_n any_o more_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o smooth_a and_o general_a preach_v be_v so_o much_o applaud_v and_o affect_v in_o the_o world_n and_o close_o convince_a doctrine_n so_o much_o shun_v and_o hate_v but_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v very_o loath_a to_o be_v disquiet_v and_o have_v their_o conscience_n thorough_o awake_v well_o whatever_o your_o apprehension_n be_v certain_o it_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n for_o christ_n to_o knock_v and_o disquiet_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n by_o his_o call_n that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n 2_o the_o next_o thing_n imply_v in_o this_o action_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o first_o motion_n towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n begin_v not_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o christ._n we_o never_o knock_v at_o heaven_n door_n by_o prayer_n till_o christ_n have_v first_o knock_v at_o our_o door_n by_o his_o spirit_n do_v not_o christ_n move_v first_o there_o will_v be_v no_o motion_n after_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o move_v towards_o he_o because_o he_o have_v first_o move_v upon_o our_o soul_n christ_n may_v sit_v long_o enough_o unsought_a and_o undesired_a do_v he_o not_o make_v the_o first_o motion_n all_o our_o motion_n be_v secondary_a and_o consequential_a motion_n isa._n 65._o 1._o i_o be_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o as_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o so_o we_o seek_v after_o he_o because_o he_o first_o seek_v we_o alas_o poor_a sinner_n be_v as_o well_o satisfy_v as_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v to_o lie_v fast_o asleep_a in_o the_o devil_n be_v arms._n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v forth_o with_o the_o word_n of_o conviction_n he_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o very_a same_o posture_n which_o the_o angel_n that_o have_v survey_v the_o world_n report_v the_o whole_a earth_n to_o be_v in_o zach._n 1._o 11._o behold_v all_o the_o earth_n sit_v still_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n every_o man_n settle_v and_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o way_n what_o a_o strange_a stillness_n and_o midnight_n silence_n be_v there_o among_o sinner_n not_o a_o sigh_n not_o a_o cry_n to_o be_v hear_v for_o sin_n so_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 14._o 2._o represent_v the_o case_n of_o sinner_n the_o lord_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v understand_v and_o seek_v god._n they_o be_v all_o go_v aside_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o be_v admirable_o strange_a in_o this_o case_n that_o even_o those_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o rattle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o bring_v they_o into_o this_o sleep_n and_o security_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n i_o mean_v their_o estate_n health_n child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o awake_v not_o there_o be_v no_o stir_n after_o god._n o_o what_o a_o dead_a sleep_n have_v sin_n cast_v the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n into_o you_o have_v a_o notable_a scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o job_n 35._o 9_o 10._o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o elihu_n concern_v man_n and_o woman_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n person_n squeeze_v and_o grind_v by_o the_o cruel_a hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o oppression_n they_o make_v the_o oppress_v to_o cry_v they_o cry_v out_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o mighty_a but_o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o give_v song_n in_o the_o night_n i._o e._n succour_n comfort_n and_o refreshment_n to_o the_o afflict_a here_o be_v man_n turn_v out_o of_o their_o estate_n throw_v into_o prison_n cast_v upon_o all_o extremity_n and_o misery_n and_o what_o do_v these_o poor_a creature_n do_v why_o say_v he_o they_o cry_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o oppression_n o_o my_o father_n or_o my_o mother_n my_o wife_n my_o child_n my_o estate_n my_o liberty_n but_o none_o say_v where_o be_v my_o god_n o_o my_o sin_n or_o my_o misery_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n where_o be_v he_o that_o give_v song_n in_o the_o night_n the_o people_n of_o god_n when_o they_o lie_v muse_v upon_o their_o bed_n under_o affliction_n they_o have_v their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o trouble_a thought_n within_o they_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n delight_v their_o soul_n those_o be_v their_o song_n in_o the_o night_n but_o no_o such_o word_n or_o thought_n in_o carnal_a man_n how_o plain_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o salvation_n have_v their_o first_o spring_n and_o rise_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o we_o that_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n imply_v in_o christ_n knock_n three_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n imply_v the_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o conversion_n to_o be_v congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n soul_n mark_v christ_n expression_n in_o the_o text_n he_o do_v not_o say_v behold_v i_o come_v to_o the_o door_n and_o break_v it_o open_v by_o violence_n no_o christ_n make_v no_o forcible_a entry_n whether_o sinner_n will_v or_o no_o he_o will_v come_v in_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n or_o not_o at_o all_o i_o stand_v and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o friendly_a admission_n by_o consent_n and_o a_o forcible_a entrance_n in_o a_o forcible_a entrance_n bar_v of_o iron_n be_v bring_v to_o break_v open_a the_o door_n but_o in_o a_o friendly_a admission_n one_o knock_n and_o the_o other_o open_v forcible_n action_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o will_n who_o motion_n be_v free_a and_o spontaneous_a therefore_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 110._o 3._o the_o people_n shall_v be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o power_n it_o be_v true_a the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o conversion_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o power_n of_o god_n do_v not_o act_n against_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n by_o co-action_n and_o force_n no_o but_o of_o unwilling_a he_o make_v it_o willing_a take_v away_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o
the_o word_n shall_v come_v who_o by_o the_o spirit_n particular_a application_n like_o that_o of_o nathan_n to_o david_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n then_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v rouse_v and_o alarm_v now_o it_o pierce_v as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n heb._n 4._o 12._o divide_v the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a faculty_n of_o it_o cut_v down_o by_o the_o backbone_n lay_v open_v the_o secret_a guilt_n and_o innermost_a thought_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n before_o which_o the_o sinner_n can_v stand_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o fall_a down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24._o o_o these_o conviction_n of_o the_o word_n be_v such_o a_o rap_n such_o a_o knock_n at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o conscience_n as_o will_v never_o be_v forget_v no_o not_o in_o heaven_n to_o all_o eternity_n 2_o christ_n knock_v in_o the_o word_n by_o its_o terrible_a commination_n and_o awful_a threaten_n menace_v the_o soul_n that_o open_v not_o with_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o be_v dreadful_a knock_n o_o sinner_n say_v christ_n will_v thou_o not_o open_a shall_v all_o the_o tender_v of_o my_o grace_n make_v to_o thou_o be_v in_o vain_a know_v then_o that_o this_o thy_o obstinacy_n shall_v be_v thy_o damnation_n thus_o the_o word_n denounce_v ruin_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a god_n to_o all_o wilful_a impenitent_n and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n john_n 3._o 36._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o o_o dreadful_a sound_n like_v unto_o which_o be_v that_o john_n 8._o 24._o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n q._n d._n thy_o mittimu●_fw-la for_o hell_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o sign_v will_v you_o not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n then_o i_o will_v foretell_v what_o death_n you_o shall_v die_v you_o shall_v even_o die_v in_o your_o sin_n oh_o it_o be_v better_o for_o thou_o to_o die_v like_o a_o dog_n in_o a_o ditch_n than_o to_o die_v in_o thy_o sin_n these_o be_v loud_a knock_n of_o the_o word_n terrible_a sound_n yet_o no_o more_o than_o needs_o to_o startle_v the_o drowsy_a conscience_n of_o sinner_n and_o then_o 3_o the_o spirit_n knock_v by_o the_o gracious_a invitation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o sweet_a allurement_n and_o gracious_a insinuation_n of_o it_o and_o without_o this_o no_o heart_n will_v ever_o open_v to_o christ._n it_o be_v not_o frost_n and_o snow_n storm_n and_o thunder_n but_o the_o gentle_a distil_a dew_n and_o cherish_v sunbeam_n that_o make_v the_o flower_n open_v in_o the_o spring_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v preparative_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o effectual_o open_v the_o sinner_n heart_n the_o obdurate_a flint_n will_v soon_o fly_v when_o smite_v upon_o the_o soft_a pillow_n than_o upon_o the_o anvil_n now_o the_o gospel_n abound_v with_o allure_a invitation_n to_o draw_v the_o will_n and_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n such_o be_v that_o matth._n 11._o 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 o_o what_o a_o charm_a voice_n be_v here_o he_o that_o consider_v it_o may_v well_o wonder_v what_o heart_n in_o the_o world_n can_v resist_v it_o like_v unto_o this_o be_v that_o in_o isa._n 55._o 1._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 let_v he_o come_v yea_o let_v he_o come_v and_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n q._n d._n come_v sinner_n come_v though_o thou_o have_v no_o qualification_n no_o worthiness_n nor_o righteousness_n of_o thy_o own_o though_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o heap_n of_o sin_n and_o vileness_n yet_o come_v my_o grace_n be_v a_o gift_n not_o a_o sale_n and_o such_o be_v that_o in_o john_n 7._o 37._o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v up_o and_o cry_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v to_o i_o and_o drink_n q._n d._n my_o grace_n be_v no_o seal_a fountain_n it_o be_v free_a and_o open_a to_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n if_o they_o thirst_v they_o be_v invite_v to_o come_v and_o drink_v this_o be_v that_o oil_n of_o gospel_n grace_n which_o make_v the_o key_n turn_v so_o pleasant_o and_o effectual_o among_o all_o the_o cross_a ward_n of_o man_n will._n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o word_n preach_v become_v a_o instrument_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v hand_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o a_o sinner_n heart_n at_o which_o it_o knock_v by_o its_o mighty_a conviction_n dreadful_a threat_n and_o gracious_a invitation_n second_o we_o next_o come_v to_o the_o second_o hammer_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n knock_v at_o the_o sinner_n heart_n and_o that_o be_v the_o providential_a work_n of_o god._n these_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o word_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n and_o make_v they_o open_v their_o heart_n to_o christ._n god_n have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o providential_a work_n of_o god_n great_o serviceable_a in_o this_o case_n the_o word_n sanctify_v providence_n and_o providence_n assist_v the_o word_n and_o make_v it_o work_v now_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o providential_a dispensation_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v use_v of_o to_o gain_v entrance_n for_o he_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n viz._n 1._o judgement_n 2._o mercy_n 1._o judgement_n and_o affliction_n the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o time_n work_v not_o till_o some_o stroke_n of_o god_n come_v to_o quicken_v and_o assist_v it_o thus_o do_v the_o lord_n open_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o monster_n of_o wickedness_n manasseh_n the_o word_n will_v not_o work_v alone_o but_o a_o smart_a rod_n quicken_v its_o operation_n 2_o chron._n 33._o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o manasseh_n and_o to_o his_o people_n but_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v wherefore_o the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o they_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n which_o take_v manasseh_n among_o the_o thorn_n and_o bind_v he_o with_o fetter_n and_o carry_v he_o to_o babylon_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o affliction_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n thus_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o man_n relent_v under_o the_o word_n assist_v by_o the_o rod._n ah_o it_o be_v good_a that_o god_n take_v such_o a_o course_n with_o some_o sinner_n else_o the_o word_n will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o in_o job_n 36._o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_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 and_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n this_o be_v that_o rough_a course_n the_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n heart_n make_v necessary_a for_o their_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o some_o word_n of_o god_n have_v lie_v dead_a in_o some_o sinner_n heart_n for_o year_n together_o and_o at_o last_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v under_o some_o smart_n and_o close_a rod._n alas_o while_o all_o thing_n be_v pleasant_a and_o prosperous_a about_o we_o the_o word_n have_v but_o little_a operation_n and_o effect_n jer._n 22._o 21_o 22._o i_o speak_v unto_o thou_o in_o thy_o prosperity_n but_o thou_o say_v i_o will_n not_o hear_v this_o have_v be_v thy_o manner_n from_o thy_o youth_n that_o thou_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n the_o wind_n shall_v eat_v up_o all_o thy_o pasture_n and_o thy_o lover_n shall_v go_v into_o captivity_n sure_o then_o shall_v thou_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v for_o all_o thy_o wickedness_n q._n d._n your_o eye_n be_v so_o dazzle_v with_o the_o beautiful_a flower_n and_o your_o ear_n so_o charm_v with_o the_o siren_n song_n and_o lullaby_n of_o earthly_a delight_n that_o my_o word_n can_v take_v no_o place_n upon_o you_o let_v a_o east-wind_n blow_n and_o wither_v up_o these_o flower_n then_o the_o word_n shall_v work_v and_o conscience_n rescent_a the_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n this_o course_n god_n be_v feign_v to_o take_v with_o many_o of_o you_o here_o you_o sit_v from_o sabbath_n to_o sabbath_n under_o the_o word_n and_o nothing_o take_v place_n upon_o your_o heart_n will_v you_o not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o word_n go_v death_n say_v god_n and_o smite_v that_o man_n child_n dead_a i_o
the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v from_o hence_o the_o eight_o observation_n will_v be_v this_o viii_o doct._n that_o no_o man_n will_n save_o and_o effectual_o open_v to_o receive_v christ_n doct._n till_o the_o spiritual_a quicken_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o hear_v by_o the_o soul._n now_o touch_v this_o almighty_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v effectual_o open_v six_o thing_n must_v be_v open_v in_o order_n 1._o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n 2._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o this_o internal_a voice_n 3._o the_o innate_a character_n and_o special_a property_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o object_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v 5._o the_o motive_n induce_v christ_n to_o speak_v to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o another_o 6._o the_o special_a effect_n wrought_v and_o seal_v by_o it_o upon_o every_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o divers_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o christ_n voice_n i_o be_o here_o only_o concern_v about_o two_o viz._n 1._o his_o external_n 2._o his_o internal_a voice_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o external_n voice_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o may_v call_v his_o ministerial_a voice_n in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o minister_n his_o mouth_n jer._n 15._o 19_o he_o that_o hear_v they_o hear_v christ._n 2_o there_o be_v also_o a_o internal_a energetical_a voice_n of_o christ_n consist_v not_o in_o sound_n but_o power_n and_o betwixt_o these_o two_o there_o be_v two_o remarkable_a difference_n 1._o the_o external_n or_o ministerial_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o convey_v his_o internal_a and_o efficacious_a voice_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o former_a he_o speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o or_o by_o that_o ●ound_n convey_v his_o spiritual_a voice_n to_o the_o heart_n 2_o the_o external_n voice_n be_v evermore_o ineffectual_a and_o successless_a when_o it_o be_v not_o animate_v by_o this_o internal_a spiritual_a voice_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o see_v the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n at_o the_o sound_n of_o rams-horn_n there_o be_v certain_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o external_a blast_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n but_o more_o marvellous_a it_o be_v to_o see_v at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o the_o weapon_n of_o iniquity_n fall_v out_o of_o sinner_n hand_n but_o the_o very_a enmity_n itself_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n here_o you_o see_v be_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o voice_n a_o internal_a efficacy_n in_o the_o external_n sound_n without_o which_o the_o gospel_n make_v no_o save_v impression_n second_o this_o spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o general_a nature_n which_o imply_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o almighty_a efficacy_n 2._o great_a facilty_n i._o almighty_a efficacy_n to_o quicken_v and_o open_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o word_n o_o what_o manner_n of_o voice_n be_v this_o which_o carry_v such_o a_o vital_a power_n along_o with_o it_o in_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n of_o christ_n his_o power_n be_v still_o put_v forth_o in_o some_o voice_n as_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n john_n 11._o 43._o he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o so_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o deaf_a man_n mark_v 7._o 34._o he_o say_v unto_o he_o ephphathai_n and_o straight_o way_n his_o ear_n be_v open_v thus_o in_o the_o exert_n of_o his_o almighty_a glorious_a power_n in_o quicken_a a_o soul_n spiritual_o dead_a and_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o by_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n a_o internal_a almighty_a efficacy_n pass_v from_o christ_n along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o effect_v this_o glorious_a work_n upon_o the_o soul_n a_o emblem_n where_o of_o we_o have_v in_o ezek._n 37._o 9_o 10._o then_o say_v he_o unto_o i_o prophesy_v unto_o the_o wind_n prophesy_v son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wind_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n come_v from_o the_o four_o wind_n o_o breath_n and_o breath_n upon_o these_o slay_v that_o they_o may_v live_v so_o i_o prophesy_v as_o he_o command_v i_o and_o the_o breath_n come_v into_o they_o and_o they_o live_v and_o stand_v up_o upon_o their_o foot_n a_o exceed_a great_a army_n the_o animate_v vital_a breath_n which_o quicken_v the_o dead_a come_v in_o or_o with_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n as_o this_o almighty_a power_n of_o christ_n do_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o before_o it_o the_o heart_n open_v the_o will_n bow_v psal._n 110._o 3._o man_n can_v no_o long_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o god_n man_n and_o man_n stand_v upon_o equal_a ground_n the_o power_n of_o man_n can_v repel_v the_o power_n of_o a_o fellow_n creature_n but_o when_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n come_v along_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n there_o be_v no_o more_o power_n to_o resist_v semper_fw-la this_o voice_n of_o christ_n then_o of_o which_o the_o text_n speak_v loc_n be_v a_o almighty_a impression_n make_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v to_o that_o soul_n in_o stead_n of_o a_o voice_n and_o as_o full_o expressive_a of_o god_n mind_n concern_v it_o as_o any_o articulate_v voice_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v it_o be_v a_o beam_n of_o light_n shine_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o plain_o and_o evident_o discover_v both_o its_o danger_n and_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n have_v declare_v they_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v isa._n 8._o 11._o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o isaiah_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n that_o be_v by_o a_o mighty_a impression_n upon_o the_o prophet_n spirit_n which_o be_v as_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o thus_o here_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o direct_v a_o suitable_a word_n to_o a_o sinner_n condition_n but_o also_o impress_n it_o with_o such_o a_o strong_a hand_n upon_o his_o heart_n as_o leave_v no_o doubt_n behind_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n himself_o that_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v christ_n way_n of_o speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o inner_a spiritual_a ear_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o oraculous_a voice_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v but_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o overtroubled_a fancy_n but_o by_o a_o efficacious_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n as_o to_o oraculous_a voice_n we_o may_v soon_o meet_v satanical_a delusion_n than_o divine_a illumination_n in_o that_o way_n the_o learned_a gerson_n speak_v of_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v in_o prayer_n seem_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n as_o this_o i_o be_o come_v in_o person_n to_o visit_v thou_o for_o thou_o be_v worthy_a but_o he_o just_o suspect_v a_o delusion_n of_o satan_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o say_v nolo_fw-la hic_fw-la videre_fw-la christum_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n here_o it_o shall_v suffice_v i_o to_o see_v he_o in_o glory_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n voice_n in_o the_o write_a word_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o pet._n l._n 1._o 9_o this_o inward_a spiritual_a impression_n be_v christ_n effectual_a call_n from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v a_o voice_n sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la without_o sound_n or_o syllable_n ii_o as_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n imply_v almighty_a efficacy_n so_o it_o imply_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o facility_n of_o conversion_n unto_o christ_n he_o can_v do_v it_o easy_o with_o a_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o bodily_a cure_n perform_v by_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n how_o sudden_o and_o easy_o do_v christ_n effect_v they_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o say_v the_o centurion_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v thus_o let_v the_o spirit_n but_o speak_v internal_o to_o the_o dead_a soul_n and_o it_o live_v elijah_n do_v but_o cast_v his_o mantle_n upon_o elisha_n as_o he_o be_v plough_v in_o the_o field_n and_o he_o present_o entreat_v the_o prophet_n to_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o go_v home_o and_o bid_v his_o friend_n farewell_o and_o he_o will_v follow_v he_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o let_v a_o beam_n of_o save_a light_n shine_v from_o the_o spirit_n into_o a_o man_n heart_n let_v a_o effectual_a impression_n be_v make_v upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v present_o make_v willing_a to_o quit_v and_o give_v up_o his_o dear_a lust_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o embrace_v christ_n upon_o the_o severe_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n conversion_n be_v too_o difficult_a a_o work_n for_o angel_n or_o man_n to_o effect_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n but_o christ_n can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o
word_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a internal_a voice_n but_o all_o this_o give_v we_o but_o a_o remote_a imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o therefore_o three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v the_o innate_a character_n and_o special_a property_n of_o this_o internal_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v hear_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v he_o i._o character_n and_o the_o first_o character_n be_v this_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o a_o still_a voice_n whereby_o somewhat_o be_v as_o it_o be_v whisper_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v external_o to_o the_o ear_n much_o like_o that_o of_o nathan_n to_o david_n thou_o be_v the_o man._n this_o still_a voice_n sound_v throughout_o the_o whole_a soul_n yet_o none_o hear_v it_o but_o the_o soul_n concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o sam._n 9_o 15._o the_o lord_n tell_v samuel_n in_o his_o ear_n the_o night_n before_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o whisper_v the_o secret_a into_o the_o prophet_n mind_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n whisper_v a_o word_n into_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o make_v his_o heart_n to_o tremble_v after_o this_o manner_n this_o be_v thy_o very_a state_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v thy_o sin_n which_o be_v now_o open_v by_o the_o gospel_n in_o thy_o ear_n this_o be_v a_o voice_n without_o sound_n or_o noise_n to_o any_o other_o but_o very_o intelligible_a to_o the_o soul_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v you_o read_v in_o 1_o king_n 19_o 11_o 12._o when_o elijah_n stand_v upon_o the_o mount_n before_o the_o lord_n there_o come_v a_o great_a and_o strong_a wind_n which_o rend_v the_o mountain_n and_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o rock_n before_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o wind_n and_o after_o the_o wind_n a_o earthquake_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o after_o the_o earthquake_n a_o fire_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o after_o the_o fire_n a_o still_o small_a voice_n and_o it_o be_v so_o when_o elijah_n hear_v it_o that_o he_o wrap_v his_o face_n in_o his_o mantle_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v here_o dreadful_a thing_n be_v thunder_v against_o man_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o law_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v know_v hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o sinner_n but_o until_o the_o lord_n come_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o apply_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o conscience_n the_o sinner_n never_o cover_v his_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n nor_o go_v aside_o to_o mourn_v and_o lament_v his_o misery_n this_o voice_n of_o god_n sound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n as_o for_o the_o outward_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n alone_o it_o signify_v little_a in_o hear_v man_n hear_v not_o matth._n 13._o 13._o they_o have_v the_o voice_n of_o man_n but_o not_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n they_o hear_v the_o sound_n but_o feel_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n what_o be_v speak_v external_o die_v in_o the_o ear_n that_o hear_v it_o but_o this_o still_a voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o secret_a passage_n make_v its_o way_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o none_o know_v what_o god_n speak_v but_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v that_o be_v the_o first_o character_n ii_o character_n the_o internal_a spiritnal_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o personal_a and_o particular_a voice_n speak_v distinct_o and_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o name_n minister_n do_v and_o must_v speak_v in_o general_a they_o draw_v the_o bow_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o a_o adventure_n not_o know_v to_o who_o god_n will_v direct_v the_o arrow_n but_o the_o spirit_n guide_v it_o to_o the_o mark._n he_o apply_v general_a truth_n unto_o particular_a person_n so_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o be_v full_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o lord_n intend_v and_o mean_v it_o in_o such_o a_o convictive_a and_o threaten_a expression_n o_o say_v the_o soul_n have_v the_o lord_n single_v i_o out_o in_o special_a this_o be_v my_o very_a state_n and_o case_n you_o read_v john_n 10._o 5._o that_o christ_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o name_n how_o do_v he_o call_v they_o by_o name_n but_o by_o speak_v direct_o and_o particular_o to_o their_o condition_n and_o case_n as_o if_o he_o call_v they_o by_o their_o particular_a name_n he_o do_v not_o now_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o of_o old_a call_v samuel_n samuel_n or_o saul_n saul_n but_o he_o send_v a_o beam_n of_o convince_a light_n into_o the_o conscience_n plain_o discover_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v our_o sin_n danger_n or_o duty_n and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o god_n name_v he_o and_o true_o till_o it_o come_v to_o this_o the_o word_n have_v no_o save_v operation_n upon_o the_o soul._n a_o man_n may_v hear_v ten_o thousand_o general_a truth_n assent_n to_o they_o and_o never_o be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o how_o still_o and_o quiet_a be_v david_n conscience_n till_o nathan_n strike_v the_o nail_n upon_o the_o head_n by_o a_o home_n personal_a application_n and_o then_o his_o conscience_n startle_v thus_o god_n single_v out_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n from_o among_o a_o thousand_o in_o the_o congregation_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n rip_v up_o the_o secure_a conscience_n the_o rest_n hear_v the_o same_o word_n but_o feel_v not_o the_o same_o efficacy_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o choice_a mercy_n when_o god_n shall_v please_v thus_o to_o single_a out_o one_o person_n from_o among_o many_o after_o this_o manner_n to_o speak_v to_o his_o heart_n as_o christ_n say_v in_o luke_n 4._o 25_o 26._o many_o widow_n be_v in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o none_o of_o they_o be_v elias_n send_v save_v unto_o sarepta_n a_o city_n of_o sydon_n unto_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o widow_n so_o here_o multitude_n sit_v with_o you_o under_o the_o same_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n but_o unto_o none_o of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o spirit_n send_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a convictive_a application_n thereof_o but_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o the_o peculiar_a goodness_n of_o god_n shine_v out_o and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v admire_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o that_o soul._n iii_o character_n three_o this_o spiritual_a internal_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v distinguishable_a by_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o from_o all_o other_o voice_n john_n 10._o 4._o the_o sheep_n know_v his_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o weight_n and_o majesty_n which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o human_a composure_n so_o in_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o majesty_n a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n a_o divine_a and_o awful_a authority_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o human_a voice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n john_n 7._o 46._o never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man._n the_o same_o may_v we_o say_v of_o his_o spiritual_a voice_n the_o soul_n never_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n before_o it_o seal_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o heart_n so_o firm_o that_o no_o objection_n be_v leave_v against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o man._n and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o inward_a voice_n of_o christ_n which_o apparent_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o human_a voice_n 1._o a_o marvellous_a light_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n with_o it_o which_o discover_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n god_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n the_o same_o time_n he_o speak_v unto_o it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o and_o now_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_a and_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 25._o 2_o a_o marvellous_a power_n deny_v this_o voice_n to_o make_v a_o deep_a and_o firm_a impression_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o power_n be_v a_o innate_a character_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o soul_n receive_v it_o as_o he_o with_o much_o assurance_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o thess._n 1._o 5._o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n they_o can_v not_o be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o be_v of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o that_o word_n
it_o be_v true_a at_o the_o first_o instant_n the_o soul_n may_v be_v amaze_v and_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o peter_z when_o he_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o prison_n act_v 12_o 11._o thought_n at_o first_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o himself_o now_o say_v he_o i_o know_v of_o a_o surety_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v his_o angel_n etc._n etc._n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v amaze_v and_o doubt_n what_o manner_n of_o call_n or_o power_n this_o be_v sure_o it_o be_v it_o never_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n nor_o ever_o feel_v any_o thing_n like_o this_o before_o but_o the_o matter_n be_v quick_o clear_v up_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v reflect_v due_o upon_o it_o and_o find_v as_o it_o quick_o do_v such_o a_o wonderful_a change_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o heart_n follow_v upon_o it_o i_o now_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o into_o who_o grace_n be_v distil_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godly_a education_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n but_o of_o adult_a person_n and_o especial_o such_o as_o have_v be_v grosser_n sinner_n iv._o character_n this_o spiritual_a internal_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o surprise_v voice_n altogether_o unexpected_a by_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o i_o be_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o isai._n 65._o 1._o little_o do_v we_o foresee_v the_o design_n god_n have_v upon_o we_o in_o bring_v we_o to_o such_o a_o place_n and_o under_o such_o a_o sermon_n at_o such_o or_o such_o a_o time_n even_o as_o little_a as_o saul_n think_v of_o a_o kingdom_n when_o he_o be_v seek_v his_o father_n ass_n it_o be_v much_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o apostle_n when_o christ_n call_v they_o little_o do_v matthew_n think_v when_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n or_o saul_n think_v when_o post_v unto_o damascus_n upon_o the_o devil_n errand_n that_o christ_n and_o salvation_n have_v then_o be_v so_o near_o they_o some_o have_v come_v to_o scoff_n and_o deride_v the_o messenger_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n other_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n and_o many_o in_o a_o customary_a course_n not_o know_v where_o else_o with_o peace_n to_o themselves_o or_o reputation_n with_o other_o to_o spend_v that_o hour_n but_o god_n thought_n be_v not_o they_o the_o time_n of_o mercy_n be_v now_o come_v and_o whatever_o sinful_a or_o low_a end_n bring_v they_o thither_o the_o lord_n design_n be_v then_o and_o there_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o it_o be_v with_o such_o soul_n in_o some_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 6._o 12._o to_o who_o expression_n i_o may_v here_o allude_v or_o ever_o i_o be_v aware_a my_o soul_n make_v i_o as_o the_o chariot_n of_o aminadab_n i_o go_v to_o the_o congregation_n for_o company_n i_o be_v fit_v under_o the_o word_n with_o a_o careless_a wander_a heart_n as_o at_o other_o time_n when_o lo_o above_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o my_o heart_n a_o arrow_n of_o conviction_n be_v sudden_o shoot_v into_o my_o conscience_n which_o so_o startle_v wound_v and_o disquiet_v it_o as_o it_o be_v now_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o any_o but_o christ_n himself_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v it_o v._o character_n five_o this_o spiritual_a internal_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v energetical_a great_a and_o mighty_a in_o power_n pierce_v the_o heart_n cleave_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a reins_o full_a of_o efficacy_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n come_v along_o with_o this_o voice_n of_o god._n you_o read_v hebr._n 4._o 12._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n now_o this_o efficacy_n be_v not_o inherent_a in_o the_o word_n itself_o it_o work_v not_o thus_o as_o a_o natural_a agent_n than_o all_o will_v feel_v this_o power_n that_o come_v within_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o no_o this_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o it_o to_o the_o sinner_n conscience_n when_o it_o be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o it_o become_v thus_o efficacious_a you_o read_v in_o psalm_n 29._o from_o v_o 3._o to_o 10._o of_o the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o god_n providential_a voice_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v powerful_a the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v full_a of_o majesty_n it_o break_v the_o cedar_n divide_v the_o flame_n of_o fire_n shake_v the_o wilderness_n make_v the_o hind_n to_o calve_fw-la this_o the_o providential_a voice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o wind_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n can_v do_v but_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spiritual_a voice_n what_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o cedar_n of_o lebanon_n to_o the_o break_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n what_o be_v the_o shake_n of_o the_o tree_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o wrath_n to_o come_v which_o shake_v the_o soul_n of_o convince_a sinner_n and_o make_v their_o very_a heart_n to_o tremble_v act_n 16._o 30._o what_o be_v the_o divide_v of_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n to_o the_o divide_v of_o a_o soul_n from_o its_o belove_a lust_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o here_o be_v the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o this_o voice_n which_o plain_o discover_v from_o who_o it_o come_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v admire_v in_o its_o magnificent_a effect_n in_o the_o new_a creation_n than_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n compare_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o god_n that_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o see_v at_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n lazarus_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o his_o grave_n to_o come_v forth_o bind_v in_o his_o grave-cloth_n and_o no_o less_o to_o see_v a_o soul_n dead_a in_o sin_n bind_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o corruption_n at_o a_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o arise_v and_o come_v forth_o with_o spiritual_a life_n john_n 5._o 25._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 it_o shall_v live_v vi_o character_n this_o spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o convictive_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o it_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o evasion_n whilst_o man_n only_o speak_v the_o soul_n have_v a_o thousand_o shift_n to_o evade_v and_o put_v off_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o now_o all_o dispute_n and_o debate_n be_v at_o a_o end_n no_o more_o subterfuge_n and_o cunning_a evasion_n now_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o come_v he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n john_n 16._o 8._o the_o word_n signify_v to_o convince_v by_o demonstration_n and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o we_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v former_o when_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v threaten_v against_o sin_n the_o shuffle_a heart_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v this_o concern_v i_o no_o more_o than_o other_o if_o it_o go_v ill_a with_o i_o it_o will_v go_v ill_a with_o thousand_o as_o well_o as_o i_o it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v my_o evil_n and_o who_o be_v without_o they_o i_o have_v some_o evil_n in_o i_o but_o yet_o i_o have_v some_o good_a too_o but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o spirit_n speak_v conviction_n to_o the_o conscience_n but_o all_o these_o plea_n be_v out_o of_o door_n it_o may_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o sinner_n soul_n be_v doubtful_a to_o he_o before_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o now_o it_o have_v some_o fear_n of_o hell_n but_o balance_v with_o some_o vain_a hope_n of_o heaven_n but_o now_o the_o debate_n be_v end_v the_o great_a question_n determine_v whatever_o i_o be_o or_o have_v whatever_o duty_n i_o have_v do_v and_o whatsoever_o sin_n i_o have_v avoid_v i_o see_v i_o be_o not_o regenerate_v i_o be_o in_o my_o natural_a christless_a state_n and_o except_o i_o be_v change_v i_o must_v be_v damn_v this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o christ_n convictive_a voice_n unto_o paul_n rom._n 7._o 9_o i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o but_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v he_o have_v read_v the_o law_n many_o a_o time_n and_o have_v the_o literal_a
knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o under_o these_o thing_n his_o vain_a hope_n live_v and_o flourish_v until_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n come_v home_o to_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o teach_n and_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o his_o vain_a hope_n give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n stare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o conscience_n vii_o character_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v general_o and_o ordinary_o convey_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n through_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o be_v the_o choose_a organ_n or_o instrument_n of_o its_o conveyance_n we_o can_v absolute_o and_o universal_o affirm_v that_o christ_n always_o speak_v to_o man_n this_o way_n but_o certain_o this_o be_v his_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a course_n 1_o thess._n 1._o 5._o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o gospel_n because_o preach_v and_o minister_v by_o we_o but_o have_v that_o be_v all_o it_o have_v come_v to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o as_o it_o do_v to_o many_o thousand_o other_o in_o the_o world_n who_o hear_v and_o feel_v nothing_o in_o it_o more_o than_o what_o be_v human_a but_o unto_o you_o it_o come_v in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v our_o word_n be_v the_o vehicle_n or_o organ_n through_o which_o the_o vital_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v convey_v into_o your_o soul_n providence_n have_v their_o voice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sometime_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n have_v accompany_v the_o voice_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o this_o be_v more_o rare_a and_o unusual_a the_o establish_v and_o ordinary_a way_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n be_v by_o the_o word_n and_o especial_o the_o word_n preach_v which_o upon_o that_o very_a account_n and_o consideration_n as_o it_o be_v the_o organ_n of_o convey_v the_o voice_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o this_o instrument_n the_o lord_n general_o 〈◊〉_d and_o honour_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o spiritual_a life_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v in_o the_o world_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 18._o i_o e._n the_o choose_a instrument_n by_o which_o the_o save_a power_n of_o god_n communicate_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o although_o god_n may_v exert_v his_o save_a power_n through_o providence_n yet_o we_o seldom_o or_o never_o find_v he_o do_v so_o where_o the_o word_n may_v be_v have_v but_o be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v and_o true_o herein_o god_n consult_v our_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o suppose_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o another_o medium_n as_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o call_v which_o be_v a_o usual_a case_n the_o call_v soul_n shall_v question_v all_o and_o say_v how_o do_v i_o know_v b●t_v all_o this_o may_v be_v a_o delusion_n may_v not_o satan_n impose_v upon_o poor_a mortal_n and_o this_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v a_o counterfeit_a voice_n my_o eternal_a estate_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o have_v need_v to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o very_a voice_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v such_o clear_a distinguish_a character_n as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o clear_o difference_n the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o now_o when_o god_n make_v the_o word_n his_o instrument_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o yield_v abundant_o more_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n 2_o p●t_n 1._o 19_o and_o though_o paul_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o lord_n send_v he_o to_o a●anias_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o he_o act_v 9_o 17._o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v his_o word_n providence_n may_v make_v way_n and_o prepare_v the_o heart_n but_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n ordinary_o to_o salvation_n viii_o character_n the_o voice_n of_o christ_n leave_v abide_v effect_n and_o last_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v scatter_v into_o the_o wind_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o christ_n voice_n be_v durable_a and_o last_a thing_n psal._n 119._o 93._o i_o will_v never_o forget_v thy_o word_n for_o by_o it_o thou_o have_v quicken_v i_o how_o many_o hundred_o sermon_n have_v we_o hear_v and_o all_o those_o excellent_a truth_n vanish_v away_o as_o a_o dream_n oh_o but_o if_o ever_o thou_o hear_v christ_n speak_v to_o thy_o heart_n in_o any_o sermon_n or_o prayer_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o will_v stick_v by_o thou_o for_o ever_o his_o word_n be_v seal_v upon_o the_o soul_n for_o ever_o they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n jer._n 31._o 33._o what_o job_n wish_v concern_v his_o word_n that_o be_v real_o perform_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v write_v as_o in_o the_o rock_n for_o ever_o we_o have_v slippery_a memory_n but_o the_o weak_a memory_n will_v and_o must_v retain_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v seal_v upon_o it_o job_n 33._o 16._o he_o seal_v their_o instruction_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o innate_a character_n of_o christ_n voice_n four_o i_o shall_v next_o speak_v unto_o the_o personal_a object_n unto_o who_o christ_n ordinary_o direct_v this_o his_o internal_a efficacious_a and_o save_a voice_n or_o call._n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n act_v with_o the_o great_a liberty_n and_o call_v who_o he_o will_v according_a to_o that_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o it_o be_v true_a de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o christ_n have_v make_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n to_o hear_v his_o voice_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n he_o common_o take_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o seldom_o that_o christ_n direct_v this_o save_a voice_n or_o call_v of_o he_o to_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v he_o say_v not_o any_o but_o not_o many_o some_o christ_n do_v call_v lest_o as_o one_o note_n the_o world_n shall_v think_v that_o christian_n be_v deceive_v through_o their_o simplicity_n and_o weakness_n one_o rich_a joseph_n of_o arimathea_n one_o honourable_a ni●odemus_n but_o not_o many_o man_n of_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o renown_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o great_a and_o fierce_a enemy_n against_o christ._n galen_n the_o chief_a physician_n porphyry_n the_o chief_a aristotelian_a plotinus_n the_o chief_a platonist_n lybanus_n and_o lucian_n the_o chief_a orator_n be_v all_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n make_v a_o man_n great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a endowment_n of_o providence_n heap_v up_o riches_n and_o honour_n upon_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o internal_a gift_n and_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n adorn_v the_o inward_a man_n as_o strong_a reason_n sharpness_n of_o wit_n etc._n etc._n when_o both_o these_o meet_v as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n they_o make_v he_o great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usual_o in_o his_o own_o eye_n too_o yea_o too_o great_a to_o stoop_v to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o humble_v self-denying_a term_n thereof_o these_o the_o lord_n usual_o pass_v by_o and_o direct_v his_o voice_n to_o the_o poor_a the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a of_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n james_n 2._o 5._o and_o this_o choice_n of_o god_n christ_n bless_v he_o for_o matth._n 11._o 25._o i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n and_o indeed_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n deserve_v our_o admiration_n in_o this_o dispensation_n for_o 1._o hereby_o the_o freeness_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v vindicate_v none_o can_v
now_o pretend_v that_o any_o earthly_a excellency_n commend_v any_o man_n to_o god_n or_o that_o the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n be_v engage_v by_o the_o same_o motive_n that_o the_o respect_n of_o this_o world_n be_v for_o now_o you_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o scripture_n job_n 34._o 19_o before_o your_o eye_n he_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n earthly_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o empty_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v too_o much_o idolise_v by_o man_n what_o will_v they_o be_v can_v they_o procure_v our_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n with_o the_o lord_n 2_o by_o such_o a_o choice_n as_o this_o the_o lord_n plain_o show_v we_o that_o religion_n need_v not_o worldly_a prop_n to_o support_v it_o as_o at_o first_o it_o be_v spread_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o poor_a contemptible_a man_n so_o it_o be_v still_o uphold_v without_o human_a policy_n or_o riches_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o poor_a psal._n 74._o 20._o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v and_o carry_v on_o his_o counsel_n in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o wealth_n of_o rich_a man_n the_o authority_n of_o great_a man_n or_o the_o policy_n of_o wise_a man_n he_o need_v they_o not_o 3_o by_o this_o choice_n he_o pour_v contempt_n upon_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o admire_v among_o man_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 27._o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a and_o certain_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n will_v cover_v the_o great_a one_o of_o this_o world_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v those_o poor_a christian_n who_o they_o contemn_v and_o scorn_v upon_o earth_n as_o not_o worthy_a to_o come_v into_o their_o presence_n to_o be_v so_o infinite_o prefer_v before_o they_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god._n in_o a_o word_n this_o efficacious_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v direct_v but_o to_o a_o few_o even_o of_o the_o many_o that_o sit_v within_o the_o sound_n and_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 22._o 14._o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v christ_n flock_n be_v a_o little_a flock_n there_o be_v many_o bird_n of_o prey_n to_o one_o bird_n of_o paradise_n many_o common_a pebble_n to_o one_o saphir_n or_o diamond_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o dispute_v the_o reason_n but_o to_o adore_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o of_o those_o few_o who_o he_o call_v the_o great_a part_n be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n the_o glitter_n and_o dazzle_v of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o great_a extremity_n of_o pinch_a want_n divert_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o very_o low_a but_o betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o the_o lord_n most_o usual_o call_v five_o if_o it_o be_v query_v why_o the_o voice_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o this_o person_n rather_o than_o to_o that_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n outward_a or_o inward_a that_o christ_n see_v in_o one_o above_o another_o for_o all_o be_v shut_v up_o under_o the_o same_o common_a sin_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n who_o have_v hear_v and_o answer_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n even_o as_o other_o eph._n 2._o 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o man_n will_v have_v something_o to_o glory_n in_o before_o god_n but_o christ_n resolve_v this_o whole_a dispensation_n into_o its_o proper_a cause_n the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n matth._n 11._o 26._o even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n this_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n sometime_o order_v those_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o son_n that_o seem_v to_o stand_v at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n and_o improbability_n to_o hear_v it_o than_o other_o do_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o be_v a_o far_o off_o eph._n 2._o 13._o yet_o they_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n when_o that_o discreet_a scribe_n mark_v 12._o 34._o who_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o agrippa_n act_v 26._o 28._o who_o almost_o or_o within_o a_o very_a little_a be_v persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n never_o hear_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 8._o 11_o 12._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n o_o marvellous_a dispensation_n many_o a_o poor_a soul_n under_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n a_o poor_a servant_n that_o have_v but_o little_a time_n and_o multitude_n of_o encumbrance_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o be_v often_o call_v effectual_o by_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n when_o those_o that_o enjoy_v multitude_n of_o opportunity_n and_o have_v abundance_n of_o time_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o who_o have_v the_o choice_a book_n at_o command_n yet_o hear_v nothing_o feel_v nothing_o amid_o all_o these_o advantage_n to_o any_o purpose_n all_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god._n six_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o view_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v divers_a remarkable_a effect_n wrought_v upon_o the_o heart_n by_o it_o i._o effect_v and_o the_o first_o effect_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v conviction_n upon_o the_o conscience_n conviction_n both_o of_o sin_n and_o misery_n john_n 16._o 9_o the_o spirit_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v a_o voice_n of_o terror_n it_o strike_v dead_a the_o vain_a hope_n of_o a_o sinner_n rom._n 7._o 9_o now_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v before_o secure_a and_o quiet_a become_v the_o seat_n of_o trouble_n and_o anxiety_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o general_a conviction_n of_o sin_n before_o they_o know_v that_o all_o be_v sinner_n that_o they_o deny_v not_o but_o alas_o this_o general_a conviction_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n to_o what_o the_o soul_n feel_v now_o now_o it_o can_v shift_v and_o wave_v the_o matter_n no_o long_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n show_v they_o their_o iniquity_n and_o how_o they_o have_v exceed_v as_o the_o expression_n be_v job_n 36._o 8_o 9_o exceed_v in_o number_n and_o exceed_v in_o heinousness_n of_o aggravation_n a_o general_a conviction_n of_o sin_n affect_v a_o man_n no_o more_o than_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o paint_a lion_n upon_o a_o signpost_n but_o when_o a_o particular_a conviction_n be_v set_v on_o upon_o the_o conscience_n by_o this_o special_a inward_a voice_n of_o christ_n sm_n be_v now_o like_o a_o live_a lion_n meet_v a_o man_n in_o the_o way_n and_o roar_v dreadful_o upon_o he_o this_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o christ_n voice_n and_o be_v introductive_a unto_o the_o ii_o effect_n which_o be_v humiliation_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n for_o sin_n those_o threat_n of_o scripture_n against_o sin_n and_o sinner_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v slight_v be_v now_o tremble_v at_o those_o jew_n act_n 2._o 37._o to_o who_o heart_n christ_n speak_v in_o peter_n sermon_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v conviction_n in_o their_o conscience_n they_o be_v present_o prick_v at_o the_o heart_n no_o sword_n or_o poniard_n can_v make_v such_o a_o wound_n and_o put_v a_o poor_a creature_n into_o such_o pain_n as_o a_o sight_n of_o sin_n will_v do_v therefore_o zach._n 12._o 10._o they_o be_v say_v to_o mourn_v for_o christ_n as_o for_o a_o only_a son._n now_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v able_a to_o reach_v and_o wound_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o word_n the_o voice_n of_o man_n can_v do_v it_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n lie_v naked_a and_o open_a both_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o heal_v by_o a_o word_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ._n no_o soon_o have_v a_o poor_a sinner_n hear_v the_o awful_a voice_n of_o conviction_n speak_v to_o his_o conscience_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o he_o feel_v himself_o sick_a at_o heart_n home_n he_o go_v
special_a season_n or_o hour_n as_o christ_n call_v it_o john_n 5._o 25._o the_o hour_n come_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 elsewhere_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v call_v the_o accept_a time_n the_o day_n of_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 2._o and_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o word_n ordinance_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o especial_o the_o word_n make_v this_o bless_a hour_n the_o word_n alone_o though_o never_o so_o excellent_o preach_v conduce_v no_o more_o to_o the_o conviction_n and_o salvation_n of_o a_o sinner_n than_o the_o water_n of_o bethesda_n do_v when_o the_o angel_n come_v not_o down_o to_o trouble_v they_o john_n 5._o 4._o but_o when_o the_o lord_n pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n with_o the_o word_n according_a to_o that_o promise_n prov._n 1._o 23._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o you_o and_o make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o then_o christ_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n this_o great_a conjunction_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n make_v that_o bless_a nick_n and_o season_n of_o salvation_n the_o time_n of_o love_n the_o time_n of_o life_n now_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v hear_v with_o effect_n the_o ordinance_n impregnate_v with_o convince_a and_o convert_v efficacy_n there_o be_v a_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o then_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v hear_v by_o multitude_n of_o soul_n at_o once_o there_o have_v since_o be_v a_o restraint_n of_o the_o spirit_n comparative_o speak_v whereas_o three_o thousand_o soul_n be_v then_o convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n possible_o three_o thousand_o sermon_n have_v since_o be_v preach_v and_o not_o one_o soul_n effectual_o call_v this_o have_v make_v the_o church_n like_o a_o wilderness_n a_o land_n of_o drought_n and_o so_o it_o be_v like_a to_o remain_v until_o the_o spirit_n be_v pour_v upon_o we_o from_o on_o high_a and_o the_o wilderness_n be_v a_o fruitful_a field_n according_a to_o that_o promise_n isa._n 32._o 15._o and_o such_o a_o time_n we_o expect_v lord_n hasten_v it_o when_o the_o water_n of_o the_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v heal_v and_o every_o thing_n that_o live_v which_o move_v whithersoever_o the_o river_n shall_v come_v shall_v live_v and_o fisher_n shall_v stand_v upon_o it_o from_o engedi_n even_o unto_o eneglaim_n they_o shall_v be_v a_o place_n to_o spread_v forth_o net_n their_o fish_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o their_o kind_n as_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o great_a sea_n exceed_v many_o ezek._n 47._o 9_o 10._o then_o minister_n shall_v no_o long_o fish_n with_o angle_n catch_v now_o one_o than_o another_o but_o shall_v spread_v forth_o their_o net_n and_o enclose_v whole_a shoal_n multitude_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n there_o be_v some_o signal_n period_n and_o happy_a season_n wherein_o christ_n utter_v his_o almighty_a voice_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o season_n be_v utter_o unforeknow_v to_o man_n we_o can_v say_v when_o it_o will_v come_v but_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o it_o as_o the_o man_n do_v at_o the_o pool_n of_o bethesda_n minister_n must_v preach_v in_o hope_n wait_v in_o hope_n if_o at_o any_o time_n god_n will_v give_v the_o people_n repentance_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 25._o we_o be_v often_o mistake_v in_o our_o conjecture_n when_o we_o have_v make_v the_o best_a preparation_n and_o find_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a enlargedness_n of_o spirit_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v certain_o this_o be_v the_o bless_a hour_n wherein_o christ_n will_v speak_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o ear_n but_o we_o ofttimes_o find_v ourselves_o mistake_v yet_o we_o must_v wait_v in_o hope_n and_o so_o must_v our_o people_n such_o a_o happy_a time_n may_v come_v and_o when_o it_o do_v it_o will_v be_v a_o day_n for_o ever_o to_o be_v remember_v because_o then_o the_o first_o actual_a application_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v make_v to_o your_o soul_n without_o which_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v do_v in_o election_n and_o the_o son_n in_o his_o meritorious_a redemption_n have_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n stand_v betwixt_o both_o those_o work_n and_o make_v they_o both_o effectual_a to_o our_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o this_o be_v that_o bless_a hour_n upon_o which_o your_o eternal_a blessedness_n depend_v eternity_n will_v be_v take_v up_o in_o blessing_n god_n for_o this_o hour_n it_o will_v be_v celebrate_v for_o ever_o in_o your_o praise_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v o_o what_o a_o influence_n have_v this_o hour_n into_o all_o eternity_n the_o hear_n of_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n effectual_o open_v the_o cabinet_n counsel_v of_o heaven_n and_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v you_o 1_o thes._n 1._o 4_o 5._o know_v brethren_n belove_v your_o election_n of_o god_n for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o give_v great_a assurance_n of_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n to_o a_o man_n soul_n than_o the_o sweet_a smile_n of_o providence_n or_o any_o oraculous_a voice_n from_o heaven_n can_v do_v this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o life_n the_o day_n of_o your_o spiritual_a resurrection_n john_n 5._o 25._o a_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a resurrection_n by_o far_o than_o that_o of_o your_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n ●o_o much_o great_a as_o the_o value_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v above_o your_o body_n as_o also_o because_o the_o blessedness_n of_o your_o corporeal_a resurrection_n depend_v upon_o this_o your_o spiritual_a resurrection_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ._n dreadful_a will_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o your_o body_n except_o you_o first_o hear_v this_o vital_a voice_n of_o christ_n quicken_a your_o soul_n on_o earth_n with_o spiritual_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o be_v the_o great_a aera_fw-la or_o head_n of_o account_n from_o which_o you_o be_v to_o reckon_v and_o date_n all_o your_o spiritual_a sanctify_a mercy_n for_o as_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o the_o jew_n hag._n 2._o 19_o from_o henceforth_o will_v i_o bless_v you_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o you_o from_o this_o hour_n wherein_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n will_v i_o bless_v you_o for_o ever_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o he_o i._o use_v for_o lamentation_n this_o point_n present_v we_o with_o abundant_a matter_n of_o lamentation_n and_o mourning_n over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v under_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o as_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n john●_n ●_z 37._o who_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o ministerial_a voice_n of_o christ_n they_o hear_v daily_o but_o this_o efficacious_a internal_a voice_n which_o make_v the_o ministerial_a voice_n the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o power_n they_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o most_o of_o our_o hearer_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a sound_n this_o be_v a_o sad_a symptom_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o etc._n etc._n this_o hide_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o oppose_v to_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o it_o nor_o yet_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o that_o internal_a efficacy_n which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o hear_n of_o christ_n voice_n our_o people_n be_v general_o well_o satisfy_v when_o they_o have_v hear_v a_o sermon_n much_o more_o if_o they_o can_v remember_v something_o of_o it_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v one_o truth_n they_o have_v hear_v home_o to_o their_o heart_n now_o this_o be_v a_o sad_a case_n and_o god_n grant_v it_o be_v not_o that_o very_a judgement_n threaten_v isa._n 6._o 9_o hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o so_o that_o hear_v the_o mere_a voice_n of_o man_n without_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o hear_v not_o reflect_v sad_o upon_o this_o you_o that_o sit_v as_o unconcern_v under_o the_o word_n as_o the_o seat_n you_o sit_v upon_o god_n speak_v once_o yea_o twice_o but_o man_n perceive_v it_o not_o well_o the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v now_o execute_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o many_o as_o
be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n shall_v believe_v and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o god_n truth_n upon_o their_o heart_n act_n 13._o 48._o and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o startle_a consideration_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v other_o strike_v to_o the_o heart_n cast_v into_o fear_n and_o tremble_n by_o the_o same_o word_n that_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o touch_v your_o heart_n it_o may_v be_v you_o think_v this_o be_v but_o fancy_n and_o melancholy_n that_o very_a thought_n be_v a_o artifice_n of_o satan_n to_o blind_v your_o eye_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n make_v another_o use_n of_o it_o when_o he_o tell_v the_o secure_a and_o self-righteous_a jew_n matth._n 21._o 32._o john_n come_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o you_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o the_o publican_n and_o harlot_n believe_v he_o and_o you_o when_o you_o have_v see_v it_o repent_v not_o afterward_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v he_o q._n d._n what_o shift_n do_v you_o make_v to_o quiet_v your_o conscience_n when_o you_o see_v other_o poor_a sinner_n so_o humble_v and_o bronght_n to_o faith_n under_o john_n ministry_n it_o be_v strange_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o reflection_n in_o your_o conscience_n upon_o your_o own_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v one_o shall_v be_v take_v and_o another_o leave_v to_o some_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o to_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n o_o who_o can_v look_v over_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o a_o congregation_n without_o melt_a bowel_n of_o compassion_n consider_v that_o unto_o this_o day_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v they_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o ear_n to_o hear_v they_o have_v hear_v multitude_n of_o sermon_n they_o have_v hear_v also_o what_o effect_n they_o have_v have_v upon_o other_o man_n heart_n but_o none_o upon_o they_o o_o that_o such_o poor_a soul_n will_v cry_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o such_o language_n as_o that_o cant._n 8._o 13._o the_o companion_n hearken_v to_o thy_o voice_n cause_v i_o to_o hear_v it_o lord_n let_v i_o not_o sit_v under_o the_o word_n any_o long_o deaf_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o thy_o spirit_n in_o it_o open_v and_o unstop_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o may_v hear_v thy_o voice_n and_o feel_v thy_o power_n otherwise_o the_o external_a ministerial_a voice_n will_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o my_o salvation_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o rattle_n to_o still_o and_o quiet_a my_o conscience_n for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o a_o dreadful_a aggravation_n of_o my_o misery_n in_o the_o issue_n ii_o use_v of_o information_n second_o the_o point_n before_o we_o present_v five_o other_o truth_n with_o equal_a clearness_n to_o ous_a eye_n i._o inference_n in_o the_o first_o place_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v this_o day_n before_o our_o eye_n a_o great_a seal_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n no_o miracle_n can_v seal_v it_o firm_a than_o the_o event_n of_o it_o do_v which_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o will_v observe_v they_o what_o you_o read_v in_o the_o word_n you_o may_v see_v every_o day_n fulfil_v before_o your_o eye_n you_o read_v 2_o cor._n 2._o 15_o 16._o we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o again_o act_v 28._o 24._o it_o be_v observe_v that_o when_o paul_n in_o his_o lodging_n have_v expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v from_o morning_n till-evening_n it_o be_v observe_v i_o say_v that_o some_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o be_v speak_v and_o some_o believe_v not_o here_o you_o see_v the_o different_a yea_o contrary_a event_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_n of_o it_o it_o quicken_v some_o and_o kills_z other_o it_o bring_v some_o to_o faith_n and_o leaf_n other_o still_o fix_v in_o unbelief_n compare_v this_o account_n with_o what_o be_v daily_o before_o your_o eye_n do_v you_o not_o see_v soul_n different_o influence_v to_o contrary_a effect_n under_o the_o same_o word_n one_o melt_a and_o tender_a another_o harden_a and_o whole_o unconcern_v tell_v i_o you_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o nature_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n exercise_v reason_n alike_o man_n that_o have_v the_o same_o inbred_a fear_n and_o hope_n of_o thing_n eternal_a who_o have_v the_o same_o passion_n and_o affection_n and_o be_v in_o the_o self_n same_o condition_n and_o state_n with_o other_o yet_o one_o man_n heart_n shall_v be_v wound_v and_o go_v away_o tremble_v from_o under_o the_o self_n same_o word_n which_o affect_v the_o other_o no_o more_o than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v preach_v among_o the_o tomb_n to_o the_o dead_a that_o lie_n there_o say_v not_o some_o have_v more_o courage_n than_o other_o or_o clear_a understanding_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o word_n have_v convince_v as_o rational_a and_o courageous_a person_n as_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o have_v have_v no_o such_o effect_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o jailor_n that_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o tremble_n and_o astonishment_n act_v 16._o 30._o be_v as_o stout_a and_o rugged_a a_o person_n as_o any_o to_o who_o paul_n usual_o preach_v his_o very_a office_n bespeak_v he_o such_o a_o man_n wonder_v not_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n fright_v at_o such_o a_o sound_n which_o you_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o it_o affect_v you_o not_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o that_o voice_n to_o their_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o you_o and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_a event_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o which_o be_v i_o say_v a_o fair_a and_o firm_a seal_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o high_o worth_a the_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o men._n ii_o inference_n what_o dignity_n have_v god_n stamp_v on_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o make_v they_o the_o organ_n and_o medium_n through_o and_o by_o which_o christ_n speak_v life_n to_o dead_a soul_n this_o great_o exalt_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o deserve_o endear_v it_o to_o all_o our_o soul_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n can_v convey_v spiritual_a life_n immediate_o without_o they_o but_o though_o he_o have_v not_o tie_v up_o himself_o yet_o he_o have_v tie_v we_o up_o to_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o with_o the_o deep_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o they_o luke_n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o behold_v how_o the_o sin_n be_v graduate_v and_o aggravate_v to_o the_o height_n of_o sinfulness_n the_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n run_v much_o high_a than_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o we_o think_v it_o no_o great_a matter_n to_o neglect_v or_o contemn_v a_o messenger_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o contempt_n fly_v in_o the_o very_a face_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v they_o their_o commission_n yea_o in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o god_n the_o father_n who_o give_v christ_n his_o commission_n christ_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o his_o minister_n they_o be_v as_o his_o mouth_n jer._n 15._o 19_o moreover_o the_o sin_n stick_v at_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o we_o injure_v they_o as_o well_o as_o christ_n for_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v his_o appoint_a instrument_n to_o convey_v spiritual_a life_n the_o best_a of_o blessing_n to_o our_o soul_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o life_n phil._n 2._o 16._o and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o we_o then_o militate_v against_o our_o life_n and_o salvation_n when_o we_o despise_v and_o neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god._n it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o they_o and_o continual_o wait_v on_o they_o who_o know_v when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v breathe_v life_n to_o your_o soul_n through_o they_o what_o if_o yet_o you_o have_v find_v no_o such_o benefit_n from_o they_o the_o very_o next_o opportunity_n may_v be_v the_o time_n of_o life_n the_o appoint_a season_n of_o your_o salvation_n bring_v your_o carnal_a relation_n to_o they_o as_o they_o do_v their_o sick_a and_o disease_a friend_n in_o the_o day_n when_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n lay_v they_o in_o the_o way_n he_o be_v to_o pass_v christ_n will_v honour_v his_o ordinance_n
though_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v seal_v shall_v for_o the_o present_a be_v under_o new_a darkness_n new_a temptation_n and_o fear_n yet_o former_a seal_n will_v give_v establishment_n and_o relief_n when_o the_o thought_n run_v back_o to_o the_o seal_a day_n and_o a_o man_n remember_v how_o clear_a god_n once_o make_v his_o title_n to_o christ_n well_o then_o open_a to_o christ_n if_o ever_o you_o expect_v to_o be_v seal_v to_o salvation_n if_o you_o continue_v to_o despise_v and_o reject_v the_o tender_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o other_o that_o embrace_v he_o be_v seal_v to_o redemption_n your_o unbelief_n and_o final_a rejection_n of_o christ_n will_v seal_v you_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o damnation_n v._o and_o last_o we_o read_v likewise_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o earnest_a of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v three_o time_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n eph._n 1._o 14._o which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n until_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o purchasad_a possession_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 22._o where_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o former_a privilege_n of_o seal_v who_o have_v also_o seal_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o again_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 5._o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o for_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n be_v god_n who_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d original_o a_o syriak_a word_n the_o greek_n be_v suppose_v to_o get_v it_o from_o the_o phonician_a merchant_n with_o who_o they_o trade_v and_o it_o note_v a_o part_n pay_v in_o hand_n to_o confirm_v a_o bargain_n for_o the_o whole_a there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o a_o earnest_n 1_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o sum_n or_o inheritance_n if_o it_o be_v a_o contract_n for_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n than_o it_o be_v a_o small_a part_n of_o a_o great_a parcel_n if_o for_o a_o inheritance_n than_o the_o earnest_n be_v a_o take_v a_o part_n of_o the_o inheritance_n as_o a_o twig_n or_o turf_n part_n of_o the_o whole_a now_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n choose_v this_o word_n on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v two_o great_a thing_n to_o his_o people_n by_o it_o 1._o that_o those_o comfort_n communicate_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o believer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n though_o in_o a_o far_o inferior_a degree_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o call_v there_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o rom._n 8._o 23._o call_v there_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o first-fruit_n and_o the_o crop_n or_o harvest_n be_v one_o in_o kind_n sure_o there_o be_v something_o of_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o hell_n taste_v by_o man_n in_o this_o world_n hell_n be_v begin_v here_o in_o the_o terror_n of_o some_o man_n conscience_n and_o heaven_n also_o be_v begin_v here_o in_o the_o absolution_n peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o other_o man_n conscience_n 2._o as_o a_o earnest_n be_v part_n of_o the_o sum_n or_o inheritance_n so_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v confirmation_n and_o security_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v take_v this_o in_o part_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v pay_v yea_o take_v it_o for_o thy_o security_n that_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v pay_v believer_n have_v a_o double_a pledge_n or_o earnest_n for_o heaven_n one_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v enter_v into_o that_o glory_n for_o they_o john_n 14._o 2_o 3._o the_o other_o in_o the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o feel_v and_o taste_v in_o themselves_o these_o be_v two_o great_a security_n and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o give_v we_o these_o earnest_n and_o foreta_v of_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o to_o settle_v our_o mind_n but_o to_o whet_v our_o industry_n that_o we_o may_v long_o the_o more_o earnest_o and_o labour_v the_o more_o diligent_o for_o the_o full_a possession_n the_o lord_n see_v how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o flag_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o therefore_o give_v his_o people_n a_o taste_n a_o earnest_n of_o it_o to_o excite_v their_o diligence_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o people_n in_o this_o case_n as_o with_o israel_n they_o have_v be_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n many_o sore_a temptation_n they_o have_v there_o encounter_v at_o last_o they_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o very_a border_n of_o canaan_n but_o then_o their_o heart_n begin_v to_o faint_v there_o be_v anakim_v giant_n in_o the_o land_n poor_a israel_n fear_v they_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o they_o but_o joshua_n send_v spy_n into_o the_o land_n who_o return_v bring_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o canaan_n to_o they_o whereby_o they_o see_v what_o a_o goodly_a country_n it_o be_v and_o then_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o anakim_v begin_v to_o vanish_v and_o a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n to_o revive_v in_o the_o people_n thus_o it_o be_v even_o with_o the_o borderer_n upon_o heaven_n though_o we_o be_v near_o that_o bless_a land_n of_o promise_n yet_o our_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o faint_v upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o those_o great_a suffering_n without_o we_o and_o those_o conflict_n with_o corruption_n we_o feel_v within_o we_o but_o one_o taste_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o heaven_n like_o those_o grape_n of_o eshcol_n revive_v our_o spirit_n rouse_v our_o zeal_n and_o quicken_v our_o pursuit_n of_o blessedness_n for_o these_o reason_n god_n will_v not_o have_v all_o of_o heaven_n reserve_v till_o we_o come_v thither_o and_o now_o tell_v i_o you_o that_o have_v taste_v these_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o be_v there_o not_o something_o in_o faith_n of_o that_o glorify_a eye_n by_o which_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n do_v see_v god_n in_o heaven_n matth._n 5._o 8._o o_o that_o eye_n of_o faith_n that_o precious_a eye_n which_o come_v as_o near_o to_o the_o glorify_a eye_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n can_v come_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_n in_o who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 2_o be_v there_o not_o something_o of_o that_o glorify_a love_n to_o be_v feel_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n by_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o world_n what_o else_o can_v we_o make_v of_o that_o transport_v of_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2._o 5._o stay_v i_o with_o flagon_n comfort_v i_o with_o apple_n for_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n it_o be_v true_a our_o love_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n be_v much_o more_o servant_n pure_a and_o constant_a yet_o these_o high-raised_n act_n of_o spiritual_a love_n have_v a_o taste_n and_o relish_v of_o it_o 3_o be_v there_o not_o something_o here_o of_o that_o heavenly_a delight_n wherewith_o the_o glorify_a delight_n in_o god_n as_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v on_o earth_n so_o the_o heavenly_a delight_n be_v begin_v here_o also_o some_o drop_n of_o that_o delight_n be_v let_v fall_v here_o psal._n 94._o 19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o thought_n i_o have_v within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul._n david_n heart_n it_o be_v like_a have_v be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n a_o sea_n of_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n have_v overflow_v his_o soul_n god_n le_fw-fr we_o fall_v but_o a_o drop_n or_o two_o of_o heavenly_a delight_n and_o all_o be_v turn_v into_o sweetness_n and_o comfort_n 4_o be_v there_o not_o something_o here_o of_o that_o transformation_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v complete_a in_o heaven_n and_o a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n thereof_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 3._o 2._o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o i_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v this_o be_v heaven_n this_o be_v glory_n to_o have_v the_o soul_n mould_v into_o full_a conformity_n with_o god_n something_o thereof_o be_v experience_v in_o this_o world_n o_o that_o we_o have_v more_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o but_o we_o all_o with_o open_a face_n behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_v as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 5_o be_v there_o not_o something_o feel_v here_o of_o the_o ravish_a sweetness_n of_o god_n presence_n in_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v a_o faint_a shadow_n at_o least_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o feel_a presence_n of_o god_n a_o sensible_a nearness_n unto_o god_n at_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o his_o name_n be_v as_o a_o ointment_n pour_v forth_o cant._n 1._o 3._o something_o that_o be_v feel_v beyond_o
and_o above_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n 6_o in_o a_o word_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v unspeakable_a joy_n no_o word_n can_v make_v know_v to_o other_o what_o they_o be_v when_o paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n he_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 4._o and_o be_v there_o not_o time_n even_o in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o saint_n do_v feel_v that_o which_o no_o word_n can_v express_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o rev._n 2._o 17._o now_o if_o such_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v follow_v after_o believe_v if_o open_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n do_v bring_v it_o into_o these_o suburb_n of_o heaven_n who_o then_o will_v not_o receive_v christ_n into_o his_o soul_n and_o such_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n with_o he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o some_o of_o those_o heavenly_a rarity_n be_v with_o which_o christ_n entertain_v believer_n upon_o earth_n the_o fullness_n and_o perfection_n whereof_o be_v reserve_v for_o heaven_n and_o hereby_o secure_v to_o the_o open_n or_o believe_v soul_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v discover_v second_o next_o we_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n thus_o entertain_v feast_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n that_o receive_v he_o and_o first_o reas._n this_o he_o do_v to_o express_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n his_o soul_n have_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o poor_a sinner_n we_o read_v isa._n 53._o 11._o of_o the_o hard_a travel_n of_o christ_n soul_n and_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n he_o have_v in_o the_o fruit_n and_o issue_n thereof_o he_o shall_v see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v o_o what_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n do_v it_o give_v he_o to_o behold_v the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o sore_a travel_n of_o his_o soul_n bring_v to_o such_o a_o birth_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n like_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n as_o it_o be_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n to_o behold_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o design_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o many_o thought_n and_o much_o cost_n at_o last_o happy_o finish_v or_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o woman_n that_o have_v have_v a_o hard_a labour_n a_o sore_a travel_n for_o a_o child_n to_o behold_v the_o fruit_n of_o her_o womb_n to_o embrace_v and_o smile_v upon_o that_o child_n she_o travail_v for_o so_o and_o much_o more_o than_o so_o it_o be_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_n manifest_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o return_n of_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o he_o as_o dead_a and_o lose_v by_o a_o feast_n and_o music_n so_o do_v christ_n here_o answerable_o manifest_v the_o content_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o soul_n by_o entertain_v the_o believer_n with_o these_o royal_a dainty_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n welcome_a home_n to_o christ._n second_o reas._n this_o christ_n do_v to_o relieve_v and_o refresh_v poor_a distress_a soul_n who_o have_v endure_v so_o many_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o conviction_n until_o this_o day_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith._n the_o way_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a humble_v way_n there_o be_v much_o cut_a work_n in_o antecedent_n conviction_n and_o humiliation_n sad_a night_n and_o sick_a day_n with_o many_o poor_a soul_n and_o these_o thing_n bring_v they_o very_o low_a they_o see_v the_o law_n break_v by_o sin_n wrath_n hang_v over_o they_o in_o the_o threaten_n the_o bitter_a taste_n thereof_o they_o have_v in_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v dwell_v with_o fear_n and_o horror_n a_o long_a time_n and_o they_o need_v succour_n and_o support_v which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v now_o resolve_v to_o give_v they_o lest_o the_o spirit_n fail_v before_o he_o isa._n 57_o 16._o he_o delight_v to_o comfort_v they_o that_o be_v cast_v down_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 6._o christ_n be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a nature_n he_o be_v as_o ready_a as_o able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v heb._n 2._o 18._o that_o word_n which_o we_o render_v succour_n signify_v to_o run_v in_o by_o way_n of_o help_n at_o the_o cry_n of_o one_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n many_o emphatical_a cry_n have_v go_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o the_o distress_a sinsick_a soul_n these_o the_o compassionate_a jesus_n hear_v and_o now_o come_v in_o seasonable_o to_o succour_v and_o refresh_v it_o he_o have_v rich_a cordial_n for_o faint_a hour_n the_o soul_n have_v have_v a_o bitter_a breakfast_n and_o therefore_o christ_n will_v give_v it_o a_o comfortable_a supper_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o three_o reas._n those_o that_o open_v their_o heart_n to_o christ_n must_v expect_v to_o meet_v great_a trouble_n suffering_n and_o temptation_n in_o that_o new_a course_n whereinto_o they_o be_v enter_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n lie_v through_o much_o tribulation_n all_o our_o trouble_n be_v not_o over_o when_o we_o be_v get_v into_o christ_n nay_o then_o common_o our_o great_a outward_a trouble_n begin_v heb._n 10._o 32._o after_o you_o believe_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n carnal_a relation_n now_o scoff_n frown_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o and_o mark_n they_o out_o for_o persecution_n now_o that_o poor_a christian_n may_v not_o utter_o be_v discourage_v when_o they_o meet_v with_o those_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n christ_n will_v cheer_v and_o hearten_v they_o by_o these_o spiritual_a refreshment_n this_o be_v a_o stock_n lay_v in_o for_o a_o rainy_a day_n christ_n himself_o have_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n matth._n 17._o 5._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n a_o little_a before_o his_o great_a combat_n much_o more_o do_v his_o poor_a people_n need_v such_o consolation_n to_o support_v and_o encourage_v they_o the_o wise_a god_n foresee_v and_o by_o this_o provision_n forelay_v the_o trouble_n they_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o hour_n of_o seal_v fortify_v the_o soul_n for_o a_o hour_n of_o suffer_v it_o have_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o christian_n when_o they_o have_v feel_v more_o than_o ordinary_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o some_o great_a trial_n have_v be_v near_o they_o and_o the_o event_n have_v confirm_v it_o whatever_o comfort_v christ_n give_v his_o people_n at_o their_o first_o entrance_n into_o his_o service_n they_o will_v have_v need_n enough_o of_o they_o all_o before_o they_o finish_v their_o course_n to_o these_o first_o sealing_n they_o will_v need_v often_o to_o run_v back_o and_o have_v frequent_a recourse_n to_o they_o and_o all_o little_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o in_o after-tryal_n four_o reas._n christ_n come_v in_o to_o the_o open_v soul_n with_o such_o divine_a cordial_n and_o refreshment_n to_o defeat_v and_o countermine_v the_o plot_n of_o satan_n who_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o late_o be_v discourage_v they_o by_o represent_v the_o way_n of_o christ_n as_o sad_a melancholy_a way_n tell_v they_o they_o shall_v never_o laugh_v more_o never_o be_v merry_a more_o after_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o espouse_v the_o way_n of_o holiness_n spiritus_fw-la calvinianus_n est_fw-la spiritus_fw-la melancholicus_fw-la well_o their_o own_o experience_n shall_v now_o confute_v it_o for_o they_o now_o taste_v that_o pleasure_n in_o christ_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o never_o taste_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n thus_o that_o scandalous_a libel_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v experimental_o confute_v they_o find_v they_o be_v never_o true_o merry_a till_o now_o luke_n 15._o 24._o all_o true_a mirth_n commence_v from_o our_o close_n with_o christ_n and_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v merry_a now_o these_o spiritual_a refreshment_n be_v by_o christ_n here_o call_v a_o supper_n because_o the_o supper_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o best_a meal_n luke_n 14._o 17._o and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o last_o meal_n this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o best_a meal_n that_o ever_o a_o believer_n make_v but_o upon_o these_o spiritual_a comfort_n though_o much_o more_o refine_a and_o perfect_a they_o be_v to_o feed_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n o_o christian_n well_o may_v thou_o be_v content_v with_o thy_o outward_a lot_n of_o providence_n however_o it_o shall_v fall_v in_o this_o world_n with_o respect_n to_o thy_o outward-man_n will_v a_o king_n from_o heaven_n come_v and_o sup_v with_o thou_o do_v he_o feed_v thy_o soul_n with_o pardon_n peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n seal_v a_o earnest_n of_o future_a glory_n then_o thou_o live_v at_o a_o high_a and_o noble_a rate_n than_o any_o of_o thy_o carnal_a neighbour_n do_v bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o
the_o exercise_n of_o our_o grace_n in_o religious_a duty_n 3._o in_o his_o various_a providence_n in_o all_o these_o the_o saint_n have_v communion_n with_o they_o first_o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a and_o sensible_a communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o the_o impression_n god_n make_v by_o they_o upon_o our_o soul_n whilst_o we_o medi●ate_v on_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n 1._o sometime_o the_o lord_n discover_v and_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n his_o immense_a greatness_n the_o manifestation_n of_o which_o attribute_n make_v a_o awful_a humble_v impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n make_v they_o seem_v as_o nothing_o to_o themselves_o thus_o when_o abraham_n that_o great_a believer_n consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o that_o god_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v that_o sight_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o reduce_v he_o to_o his_o first_o principle_n to_o crumble_v he_o as_o it_o be_v into_o dust_n and_o ash_n again_o gen._n 18._o 27._o i_o that_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v unto_o god._n he_o now_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o heap_n of_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n so_o david_n psal._n 8._o 12._o when_o i_o consider_v thy_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o thou_o have_v make_v from_o whence_o he_o infer_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o creator_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o q._n d._n when_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o great_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n be_v i_o be_o just_o astonish_v that_o ever_o he_o shall_v set_v his_o heart_n upon_o so_o vile_a a_o thing_n as_o man._n when_o man_n compare_v themselves_o among_o themselves_o and_o measure_v themselves_o by_o themselves_o their_o spirit_n be_v apt_a to_o swell_v with_o pride_n but_o will_v they_o look_v up_o to_o god_n as_o these_o holy_a man_n do_v they_o will_v admire_v his_o condescension_n and_o this_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o his_o immense_a greatness_n second_o the_o representation_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n work_v shame_n and_o deep_a abasement_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o pollution_n and_o sinful_a filthiness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o this_o be_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o a_o excellent_a way_n of_o fellowship_n with_o he_o thus_o when_o a_o representation_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o prophet_n isa._n 6._o 3_o 4_o 5._o there_o be_v the_o seraphim_n cover_v their_o face_n with_o their_o wing_n and_o cry_v one_o to_o another_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n the_o effect_n this_o produce_v or_o the_o return_n make_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o this_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n be_v deep_a abasement_n of_o soul_n for_o his_o unsuitableness_n to_o so_o holy_a a_o god_n vers_fw-la 5._o then_o say_v i_o woe_n be_v i_o for_o i_o be_o undo_v because_o i_o be_o a_o man_n of_o unclean_a lip_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v real_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o holiness_n thus_o job_n who_o have_v stiff_o defend_v his_o own_o integrity_n against_o man_n yet_o when_o god_n enter_v the_o list_n with_o he_o and_o he_o see_v what_o a_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o cry_v out_o job_n 40._o 4_o 5._o behold_v i_o be_o vile_a what_o shall_v i_o answer_v thou_o i_o will_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o my_o mouth_n once_o have_v i_o speak_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v yea_o twice_o but_o i_o will_v proceed_v no_o further_o q._n d._n i_o have_v do_v lord_n i_o have_v do_v i_o can_v answer_v man_n but_o i_o can_v answer_v thou_o thou_o be_v holy_a but_o i_o be_o vile_a three_o there_o be_v sometime_o representation_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n when_o these_o produce_v a_o ingenuous_a thaw_n and_o melt_a of_o the_o heart_n into_o a_o humble_a thankful_a admiration_n of_o it_o and_o a_o answerable_a care_n of_o please_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n then_o have_v man_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n run_v down_o to_o man_n in_o a_o double_a channel_n his_o goodness_n to_o their_o body_n in_o external_a providence_n his_o goodness_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o spiritual_a mercy_n when_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n either_o way_n draw_v forth_o the_o love_n and_o gratitude_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o god_n of_o our_o mercy_n then_o have_v we_o real_a communion_n with_o he_o thus_o jacob_n gen._n 32._o 9_o 10._o and_o jacob_n say_v o_o god_n of_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o god_n of_o my_o father_n isaac_n which_o say_v unto_o i_o return_v unto_o thy_o country_n and_o to_o thy_o kindred_n and_o i_o will_v deal_v well_o with_o thou_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o thou_o have_v show_v unto_o thy_o servant_n for_o with_o my_o staff_n i_o pass_v over_o this_o jordan_n and_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o ●ands_n ah_o lord_n i_o see_v a_o multitude_n of_o mercy_n round_o about_o i_o and_o the_o least_o of_o they_o be_v great_a than_o i_o so_o david_n 1_o chron._n i7_n i6_n i7_n and_o david_n the_o king_n come_v and_o sit_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n god_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n in_o thy_o eye_n o_o god_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v david_n speak_v more_o to_o thou_o you_o see_v in_o these_o instance_n what_o effect_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o in_o inferior_a outward_a mercy_n use_v to_o produce_v in_o sanctify_a heart_n but_o then_o if_o you_o come_v to_o spiritual_a mercy_n and_o ponder_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o your_o soul_n in_o pardon_v accept_v and_o save_v such_o vile_a sinful_a creature_n as_o you_o have_v be_v this_o much_o more_o affect_v the_o heart_n and_o overwhelm_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a astonishment_n as_o you_o see_v in_o paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 16._o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v abundant_a i_o be_v a_o persecutor_n a_o blasphemer_n yet_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n so_o mary_n that_o notorious_a sinner_n when_o pardon_v grace_n appear_v to_o she_o into_o what_o a_o flood_n of_o tear_n into_o what_o transport_v of_o love_n do_v the_o sight_n of_o mercy_n cast_v her_o soul_n she_o weep_v and_o wash_v her_o saviour_n foot_n with_o tear_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n luke_n 7._o 44._o no_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n no_o fright_n of_o hell_n thaw_v the_o heart_n like_o the_o apprehension_n of_o pardon_v mercy_n four_o sometime_o there_o be_v special_a representation_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n make_v unto_o his_o people_n beget_v trust_n and_o holy_a confidence_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o then_o have_v man_n communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o faithfulness_n thus_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o there_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o follow_v upon_o this_o see_v vers_fw-la 6._o so_o that_o we_o may_v bold_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v our_o god_n we_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o here_o be_v faithfulness_n in_o god_n produce_v trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o believer_n this_o be_v that_o reciprocation_n that_o sweet_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o a_o believer_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o fidelity_n behold_v god_n be_v my_o salvation_n i_o will_v trust_v and_o not_o be_v afraid_a isa._n i2_n 2._o and_o true_o friend_n this_o be_v what_o the_o lord_n just_o expect_v from_o thou_o even_o thy_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o thy_o steady_a dependence_n on_o he_o in_o return_n to_o all_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n to_o thou_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n five_o there_o be_v manifestation_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n by_o the_o hide_v of_o his_o face_n from_o they_o and_o the_o frown_n of_o his_o providence_n when_o these_o produce_v repentance_n and_o deep_a humiliation_n for_o sin_n a_o unquietness_n a_o restlessness_n of_o spirit_n till_o he_o restore_v his_o favour_n and_o manifest_a his_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o soul_n even_o here_o also_o be_v real_a communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n psal._n 30._o 7._o thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n and_o i_o be_v trouble_v nor_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n rest_v there_o but_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o sue_v out_o a_o fresh_a pardon_n
treasure_n psal._n 119._o 14._o i_o have_v rejoice_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o riches_n ii_o it_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o passive_a obedience_n make_v a_o man_n to_o rejoice_v in_o his_o suffering_n col._n 1._o 24._o it_o will_v make_v a_o christian_a stand_n as_o porter_n in_o london_n do_v at_o the_o merchant_n door_n to_o receive_v any_o burden_n or_o load_n they_o have_v to_o lay_v upon_o their_o shoulder_n and_o thank_v they_o to_o be_v so_o employ_v this_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v their_o strength_n neh._n 8._o 10._o a_o christian_a under_o the_o cheerful_a influence_n of_o near_a communion_n with_o god_n can_v with_o more_o cheerfulness_n lie_v down_o his_o neck_n for_o christ_n than_o other_o man_n can_v lay_v out_o a_o shilling_n for_o he_o in_o all_o these_o twenty_o particular_n you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o privilege_n but_o oh_o how_o short_a a_o account_n have_v i_o give_v of_o it_o what_o remain_v be_v the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n in_o a_o double_a use_n 1._o of_o information_n 2._o of_o exhortation_n first_o for_o information_n in_o the_o follow_a inference_n i._o inference_n how_o sure_a and_o certain_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n prepare_v in_o heaven_n for_o sanctify_a soul_n these_o thing_n be_v undeniable_a god_n have_v set_v they_o before_o our_o spiritual_a eye_n and_o sense_n beside_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n which_o single_o make_v it_o infallible_a the_o lord_n for_o our_o abundant_a satisfaction_n have_v bring_v these_o thing_n down_o to_o the_o touch_n and_o test_n of_o our_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o experience_n you_o that_o have_v have_v so_o many_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n so_o many_o sweet_a taste_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n o_o what_o a_o confirmation_n and_o ●eal_n have_v you_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o invisible_a thing_n you_o may_v say_v of_o heaven_n and_o the_o joy_n above_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o he_o that_o purchase_v it_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o that_o which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o our_o ear_n have_v hear_v and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v etc._n etc._n for_o god_n have_v set_v these_o thing_n in_o some_o degree_n before_o your_o very_a eye_n and_o put_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o into_o your_o own_o hand_n the_o sweet_a relish_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o very_a palate_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o this_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o blieve_a hebrew_n the_o apostle_n appeal_v heb._n 10._o 34._o when_o he_o say_v you_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o your_o good_n know_v in_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n this_o know_v in_o ourselves_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o sweet_a than_o all_o the_o traditional_a knowledge_n we_o get_v from_o the_o report_n of_o other_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 8._o who_o have_v not_o see_v you_o love_n who_o though_o now_o you_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o believe_v you_o rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n there_o be_v more_o of_o heaven_n feel_v and_o taste_v in_o this_o world_n than_o man_n be_v aware_a of_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o hear_v of_o such_o country_n as_o spain_n italy_n smirna_n by_o the_o discourse_n and_o report_v we_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o our_o childhood_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o understand_v those_o country_n by_o the_o rich_a commodity_n import_v from_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o trade_n and_o commerce_n o_o do_v we_o but_o know_v what_o other_o christian_n have_v feel_v and_o taste_v we_o will_v not_o have_v such_o stagger_a thought_n about_o invisible_a thing_n but_o the_o secret_a comfort_n of_o religion_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n enclose_v thing_n religion_n lay_v not_o all_o open_a the_o christian_n life_n be_v a_o hide_a life_n ii_o inference_n if_o such_o a_o height_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v attainable_a on_o earth_n than_o most_o christian_n live_v below_o the_o duty_n and_o comfort_n of_o christianity_n alas_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v but_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o pleasant_a mount_n pisga_n as_o we_o be_v but_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o grace_n so_o we_o be_v but_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o our_o comfort_n what_o a_o poor_a house_n be_v keep_v by_o many_o of_o god_n own_o child_n live_v between_o hope_n and_o fear_n seldom_o taste_v the_o riches_n and_o pleasure_n the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o assurance_n and_o will_v you_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o there_o be_v five_o thing_n which_o usual_o keep_v they_o poor_a and_o low_a as_o to_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n 1._o the_o encumbrance_n of_o the_o world_n which_o divert_v they_o from_o or_o distract_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o so_o keep_v they_o low_o in_o their_o spiritual_a comfort_n they_o have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v on_o earth_n that_o they_o have_v little_a time_n for_o heavenly_a employment_n oh_o what_o a_o noise_n and_o din_n do_v the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n make_v in_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o many_o christian_n how_o dear_o do_v we_o pay_v for_o such_o trifle_n as_o these_o 2._o a_o spirit_n of_o formality_n creep_v in_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n impoverish_v the_o vital_a spirit_n thereof_o like_o the_o wanton_a embrace_n of_o the_o ivy_n which_o bind_v and_o starve_v the_o tree_n it_o clasp_v about_o religion_n can_v thrive_v under_o formality_n and_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o keep_v out_o formality_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n of_o duty_n and_o much_o more_o when_o duty_n be_v intermit_v 3._o the_o business_n of_o temptation_n pester_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o christian_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v of_o melancholy_n constitution_n how_o importunate_a and_o restless_a be_v these_o temptation_n with_o some_o christian_n they_o can_v make_v little_a comfort_n or_o advantage_n out_o of_o duty_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o 4._o heart-apostacy_n inward_a decay_n of_o our_o first_o love_n be_v another_o reason_n why_o our_o duty_n prosper_v so_o little_a rev._n 2._o 4._o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n you_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o serve_v god_n with_o such_o coldness_n 5._o in_o a_o word_n spiritual_a pride_n impoverish_v our_o comfort_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o spirit_n like_o brisk_a wine_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o our_o weak_a head_n for_o these_o cause_v many_o christian_n be_v keep_v low_o in_o spiritual_a comfort_n iii_o inference_n how_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a be_v the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v desirable_a to_o walk_v with_o they_o who_o walk_v with_o god_n 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o no_o such_o companion_n as_o the_o saint_n what_o benefit_n or_o pleasure_n can_v we_o find_v in_o converse_v with_o sensual_a worldling_n all_o we_o can_v carry_v away_o out_o of_o such_o company_n be_v guilt_n or_o grief_n all_o my_o delight_n say_v david_n be_v in_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o excellent_a of_o the_o earth_n which_o excel_v in_o virtue_n psal._n 16._o 3._o and_o their_o society_n will_v certain_o be_v much_o more_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a than_o it_o be_v do_v they_o live_v more_o in_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o they_o do_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exceed_v lovely_a mal._n 3._o 16._o act_n 2._o 46_o 47._o the_o lord_n restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a glory_n and_o sweetness_n iv._o inference_n what_o a_o unspeakable_a mercy_n be_v conversion_n which_o let_v the_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n here_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o your_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n the_o first_o taste_n of_o spiritual_a pleasure_n of_o which_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v a_o end_n all_o the_o time_n man_n have_v spend_v in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o unconverted_a state_n have_v be_v a_o time_n of_o estrangement_n and_o alienation_n from_o god_n when_o the_o lord_n bring_v a_o man_n to_o chris_n in_o the_o way_n of_o conversion_n he_o than_o begin_v his_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n job_n 22._o 21._o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o he_o and_o ●e_z at_o peace_n thereby_o good_a shall_v come_v unto_o thou_o this_o be_v your_o first_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o lord_n which_o will_v be_v a_o grow_a thing_n every_o visit_v you_o give_v he_o in_o prayer_n increase_v your_o acquaintance_n and_o beget_v more_o intimacy_n and_o humble_a holy_a familiarity_n betwixt_o he_o and_o you_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o paradise_n of_o pleasure_n do_v this_o let_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o life_n of_o religion_n abound_v with_o pleasure_n psal._n 16._o 11._o all_o his_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o
they_o by_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n reduce_v to_o beggary_n and_o yet_o when_o a_o temptation_n be_v before_o you_o you_o can_v forbear_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n as_o you_o call_v it_o to_o get_v the_o gain_n of_o oppression_n you_o have_v see_v drunkard_n clothe_v with_o rag_n and_o bring_v to_o miserable_a end_n adulterer_n severe_o punish_v their_o name_n and_o estate_n soul_n and_o body_n blast_v and_o waste_v by_o a_o secret_a but_o just_a stroke_n of_o god_n have_v you_o take_v warning_n by_o these_o stroke_n of_o god_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o monition_n and_o caution_n your_o conscience_n have_v thereupon_o give_v you_o if_o not_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n iv._o demand_v do_v not_o you_o inward_o hate_v and_o do_v not_o your_o heart_n rise_v against_o necessary_a and_o due_a reproof_n give_v you_o by_o those_o that_o love_v your_o soul_n better_a than_o yourselves_o if_o you_o hate_v a_o faithful_a reprover_n though_o you_o know_v you_o just_o deserve_v the_o reproof_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n he_o reprove_v if_o you_o recriminate_a or_o deny_v in_o such_o case_n you_o be_v certain_o so_o far_a confederate_n with_o satan_n against_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o imprison_v your_o own_o conviction_n v._o demand_v be_v not_o some_o of_o you_o apostatise_v from_o the_o first_o profession_n and_o be_v not_o those_o hopeful_a blossom_n that_o once_o appear_v upon_o your_o soul_n blast_v and_o go_v you_o have_v quick_a conviction_n and_o melt_a affection_n tenderness_n in_o your_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o duty_n but_o all_o be_v now_o vanish_v your_o affection_n be_v grow_v cold_a your_o duty_n omit_v though_o conscience_n often_o bid_v you_o remember_v from_o whence_o you_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v your_o first_o work_n you_o be_v the_o person_n guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n vi_o demand_n do_v none_o of_o you_o presume_v upon_o future_a repentance_n and_o so_o make_v bold_a with_o your_o conscience_n for_o present_a think_v to_o compound_v that_o way_n with_o it_o this_o argue_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o self-condemned_n man_n and_o one_o that_o hold_v truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n thy_o sin_n be_v present_a and_o certain_a thy_o repentance_n but_o a_o peradventure_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 25._o this_o be_v a_o high_a and_o a_o dare_a way_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_v vii_o demand_v last_o have_v none_o of_o you_o take_v the_o vow_n of_o god_n upon_o you_o to_o reform_v your_o course_n and_o break_v off_o your_o iniquity_n by_o repentance_n when_o you_o have_v be_v under_o dangerous_a sickness_n on_o shore_n or_o dreadful_a tempest_n at_o sea_n have_v you_o not_o say_v lord_n if_o thou_o will_v but_o spare_v and_o save_v i_o this_o once_o i_o will_v never_o live_v at_o the_o rate_n i_o have_v live_v any_o more_o try_v i_o o_o lord_n this_o once_o and_o yet_o when_o that_o affliction_n have_v vanish_v your_o purpose_n and_o promise_n to_o god_n have_v vanish_v with_o it_o you_o be_v the_o person_n that_o hold_v the_o know_a truth_n of_o god_n prisoner_n in_o your_o soul_n and_o to_o all_o these_o seven_o sort_n of_o sinner_n this_o text_n may_v just_o be_v as_o the_o hand-writing_n upon_o the_o wall_n once_o be_v even_o a_o mene_n tekel_n that_o may_v make_v thy_o very_a loin_n to_o shake_v iv._o use_v this_o doctrine_n wind_v up_o and_o finish_v in_o direction_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o presumptuous_a sin_n in_o man_n for_o time_n to_o come_v that_o truth_n may_v have_v its_o free_a course_n through_o your_o soul_n i._o direction_n and_o to_o this_o end_n my_o first_o counsel_n and_o direction_n be_v that_o you_o fail_v not_o to_o put_v every_o conviction_n in_o speedy_a execution_n do_v delay_n it_o be_v a_o very_a critical_a hour_n and_o delay_n be_v exceed_o hazardous_a conviction_n be_v fix_v and_o secure_v in_o man_n soul_n four_o way_n 1._o by_o deep_a and_o serious_a consideration_n psal._n 119._o 59_o i_o think_v upon_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n 2._o by_o earnest_a prayer_n thus_o saul_n under_o his_o first_o conviction_n fall_v present_o on_o his_o knee_n act_n 9_o 11._o behold_v be_v pray_v the_o warm_a breath_n of_o prayer_n foment_n and_o nourish_v the_o spark_n of_o conviction_n that_o it_o be_v not_o extinct_a 3._o by_o diligent_a attendance_n upon_o the_o word_n the_o word_n beget_v it_o and_o the_o word_n can_v through_o god_n blessing_n preserve_v it_o 1_o jam._n 23._o 24._o 4._o present_a execution_n fall_v without_o delay_n on_o the_o duty_n thou_o be_v convince_v of_o jam._n 1._o 24._o be_v not_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n otherwise_o a_o man_n be_v as_o one_o that_o look_v into_o a_o glass_n and_o straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v take_v the_o sense_n thus_o a_o man_n look_v into_o the_o glass_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o perhaps_o he_o see_v a_o spot_n on_o his_o face_n a_o disorder_n in_o his_o hair_n or_o clothes_n and_o think_v with_o himself_o well_o i_o will_v rectify_v it_o anon_o but_o be_v go_v from_o the_o place_n one_o thing_n or_o other_o divert_v his_o mind_n he_o forget_v what_o he_o see_v and_o go_v all_o the_o day_n with_o the_o spot_n on_o his_o face_n never_o mind_v it_o any_o more_o o_o brethren_n delay_n be_v dangerous_a sin_n be_v deceitful_a heb._n 3._o 13._o satan_n be_v subtle_a 2_o cor._n 11._o 3._o and_o this_o way_n gain_v his_o point_n this_o motto_n may_v be_v write_v on_o the_o tombstone_n of_o most_o that_o perish_v here_o lie_v one_o that_o be_v destroy_v by_o delay_n your_o life_n be_v immediate_o uncertain_a so_o be_v the_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n also_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n in_o the_o primus_fw-la impetus_fw-la the_o first_o heat_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o thy_o heart_n be_v once_o up_o in_o warm_a affection_n and_o resolution_n the_o work_n may_v be_v easy_o do_v as_o a_o bell_n if_o once_o up_o go_v easy_o but_o hard_o to_o raise_v when_o down_o see_v 2_o chron._n 29._o 36._o what_o advantage_n there_o be_v in_o a_o present_a warm_a frame_n beside_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o serious_a and_o weighty_a to_o be_v postponed_a and_o delay_v you_o can_v get_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o hell_n or_o into_o christ_n too_o soon_o moreover_o every_o repetition_n of_o sin_n after_o conviction_n great_o aggravate_v it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o sin_v as_o it_o be_v in_o number_v if_o the_o first_o be_v one_o the_o second_o be_v ten_o the_o three_o a_o hundred_o the_o four_o a_o thousand_o and_o to_o conclude_v think_v what_o you_o will_v you_o can_v never_o have_v a_o fit_a season_n than_o the_o present_a the_o same_o difficulty_n you_o have_v to_o day_n you_o will_v have_v to_o morrow_n and_o it_o may_v be_v great_a fall_v present_o therefore_o to_o execute_v your_o conviction_n ii_o direction_n if_o you_o will_v be_v clear_a from_o this_o great_a wickedness_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n then_o see_v that_o you_o reverence_v the_o voice_n and_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o resolve_v with_o job_n my_o heart_n shall_v not_o reproach_v i_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v job_n 27._o 6._o there_o be_v two_o consideration_n apt_a to_o beget_v reverence_n in_o man_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n 1._o it_o be_v our_o best_a friend_n when_o pure_a and_o inviolated_a 2._o it_o be_v our_o worst_a enemy_n when_o wound_v and_o affront_v 1._o conscience_n obey_v and_o keep_v pure_a and_o inviolate_a be_v thy_o best_a friend_n on_o earth_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n the_o very_a heathen_a can_v say_v nil_fw-la conscire_fw-la tibi_fw-la nulla_fw-la pallescere_fw-la culpa_fw-la his_fw-la murus_fw-la ahenus_fw-la esto_fw-la what_o comfort_v hezekiah_n on_o his_o suppose_a deathbed_n but_o the_o fair_a testimonial_a his_o conscience_n give_v in_o of_o his_o integrity_n 2_o king_n 2._o 3._o a_o good_a man_n say_v soloman_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o but_o the_o backslider_n in_o heart_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o his_o own_o way_n mark_v the_o opposition_n conscience_n give_v the_o backslider_n his_o bellyful_a of_o sorrow_n and_o the_o upright_a man_n his_o heartful_a of_o peace_n he_o be_v satisfy_v from_o himself_o that_o be_v from_o his_o own_o conscience_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o original_a spring_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o conduit_n at_o which_o he_o drink_v peace_n joy_n and_o encouragement_n 2._o conscience_n wound_v and_o abuse_v will_v be_v our_o worst_a enemy_n no_o poniard_n to_o mortal_a as_o the_o wound_n of_o conscience_n a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v prov._n 18._o 14._o can_v judas_n
bear_v it_o or_o can_v spira_n bear_v it_o what_o be_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n but_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o what_o be_v that_o worm_n but_o the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n mark_v 9_o 44._o o_o what_o be_v that_o fearful_a expectation_n mention_v heb._n 10._o 27._o see_v how_o you_o like_v that_o life_n describe_v deut._n 28._o 65_o 66._o the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v rather_o to_o be_v cast_v to_o the_o lion_n than_o into_o the_o paw_n of_o a_o enrage_a conscience_n ad_fw-la leones_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la ad_fw-la lenones_fw-la every_o little_a trouble_n will_v be_v insupportable_a to_o a_o sick_a and_o wound_a conscience_n as_o a_o quart_n of_o water_n will_v be_v to_o your_o shoulder_n in_o a_o great_a leaden_a vessel_n o_o if_o man_n do_v but_o fear_v their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v reverence_v themselves_o as_o the_o moralist_n speak_v if_o they_o do_v herein_o exercise_n themselves_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n as_o paul_n do_v act_v 24._o 16._o then_o will_v you_o be_v clear_a of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n iii_o direction_n if_o you_o will_v escape_v the_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o hold_v god_n truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n then_o keep_v your_o heart_n under_o the_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o every_o secret_a thing_n must_v come_v into_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n like_o a_o register_n book_n be_v to_o be_v open_v and_o examine_v the_o consideration_n of_o that_o day_n give_v your_o conscience_n a_o sevenfold_a defensative_a against_o sin._n 1._o it_o provoke_v every_o man_n to_o get_v real_a solid_a grace_n and_o not_o rest_n in_o a_o empty_a profession_n matth._n 25._o and_o this_o secure_v we_o from_o formal_a hypocrisy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o find_v foolish_a virgin_n 2._o it_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o our_o talent_n that_o we_o be_v not_o find_v slothful_a servant_n neglect_v any_o duty_n god_n and_o conscience_n call_v we_o to_o matth._n 25._o 21._o 3._o it_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o we_o wound_v not_o conscience_n by_o apostasy_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 28._o 4._o it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o every_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o lie_v stupid_a and_o senseless_a under_o guilt_n act_v 17._o 30_o 31._o 5._o it_o be_v a_o powerful_a antidote_n against_o formality_n in_o religion_n the_o general_a and_o dangerous_a disease_n of_o professor_n matth._n 7._o 22_o 23._o 6._o it_o excite_v holy_a fear_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o 7._o it_o put_v we_o not_o only_o to_o our_o watch_n but_o to_o our_o knee_n in_o fervent_a prayer_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 7._o and_o he_o that_o feel_v such_o effect_n as_o these_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o day_n be_v fortify_v against_o that_o sin_n my_o text_n warn_v of_o and_o dare_v never_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v our_o regardlessness_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o so_o embolden_v we_o to_o neglect_v know_v duty_n and_o commit_v know_v sin_n amos_n 6._o 3._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 3_o 4._o if_o our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n be_v engage_v more_o frequent_o and_o serious_o on_o such_o a_o awful_a subject_n you_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o die_v than_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o your_o conscience_n iv._o direction_n get_v right_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o the_o moral_a evil_n that_o be_v in_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o penal_a evil_n that_o follow_v sin_n then_o no_o temptation_n shall_v prevail_v with_o you_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o escape_v a_o present_a trouble_n or_o neglect_v a_o know_a duty_n to_o accommodate_v any_o earthly_a interest_n and_o consequent_o to_o hold_v no_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n it_o be_v fear_n of_o loss_n and_o suffering_n that_o so_o often_o overbear_v conscience_n but_o if_o man_n be_v once_o make_v thorough_o sensible_a that_o the_o least_o sin_n be_v worse_a for_o they_o than_o the_o great_a affliction_n or_o suffering_n the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v well_o secure_v and_o that_o this_o be_v real_o so_o appear_v thus_o 1._o affliction_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n vile_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god._n a_o man_n may_v be_v under_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o yet_o very_o dear_a and_o precious_a in_o god_n account_n heb._n 11._o 36_o 37_o 38._o but_o saint_n in_o make_v a_o man_n vile_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n dan._n 11._o 2._o 2._o affliction_n do_v not_o put_v man_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o affliction_n may_v go_v together_o psal._n 94._o 12._o but_o sin_n bring_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3._o 10._o 3._o affliction_n make_v man_n more_o like_a unto_o god_n heb._n 12._o 10._o but_o sin_n make_v we_o more_o like_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 8._o joh._n 8._o 34._o 4._o affliction_n for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v but_o the_o creature_n wrath_n inflame_v against_o we_o but_o sin_n be_v the_o inflamer_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o we_o as_o in_o the_o text._n 5._o affliction_n be_v but_o outward_a evil_n upon_o the_o body_n but_o sin_n be_v a_o internal_a evil_n upon_o the_o soul._n prov._n 8._o 36._o 6._o affliction_n for_o duty_n sake_n have_v many_o sweet_a promise_v annex_v to_o they_o matth._n 5._o 10._o but_o sin_n have_v none_o 7._o the_o effect_n of_o suffering_n for_o christ_n be_v sweet_a to_o the_o soul_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 4._o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o sin_n be_v bitter_a it_o yield_v nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o fear_n 8._o affliction_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o roadway_n to_o hell_n rom._n 6._o ult_n 9_o suffering_n for_o duty_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o but_o suffering_n for_o sin_n will_v be_v eternal_a mark_v 9_o 44._o if_o such_o thought_n may_v be_v suffer_v to_o dwell_v with_o we_o how_o will_v they_o guard_v the_o conscience_n against_o temptation_n and_o secure_v their_o peace_n and_o purity_n v._o direction_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o god_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o uprightness_n and_o will_v own_v and_o honour_n integrity_n amid_o all_o the_o danger_n that_o befall_v it_o psal._n 11._o 7._o prov._n 11._o 20._o when_o he_o will_v encourage_v abraham_n to_o a_o life_n of_o integrity_n he_o engage_v his_o almighty_a power_n for_o the_o protection_n of_o he_o in_o that_o way_n gen._n 17._o 1._o i_o be_o god_n almighty_a walk_v thou_o before_o i_o and_o be_v perfect_a so_o psal._n 84._o 11._o the_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o a_o shield_n he_o will_v give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o no_o good_a thing_n will_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o a_o upright_a man_n be_v the_o boast_n of_o heaven_n job_n 1._o 8._o he_o be_v god_n darling_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n psal._n 11._o 7._o the_o upright_a lord_n love_v uprightness_n yea_o and_o if_o integrity_n bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n they_o may_v be_v sure_a the_o lord_n will_v bring_v they_o out_o psal._n 34._o 19_o many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v they_o out_o of_o all_o how_o safe_o then_o may_v they_o leave_v themselves_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o fatherly_a care_n nay_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o protector_n but_o he_o be_v also_o the_o rewarder_n of_o conscientious_a integrity_n psal._n 18._o 20._o and_o that_o four_o way_n 1._o in_o the_o inward_a peace_n it_o yield_v they_o isaiah_n 32._o 17._o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o sinful_a shift_n and_o carnal_a policy_n be_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n 2._o in_o the_o success_n and_o issue_n of_o it_o it_o not_o only_o turn_v to_o god_n glory_n but_o it_o answer_v and_o accommodate_v our_o own_o design_n and_o end_n far_o better_o than_o our_o sinful_a project_n can_v do_v prov._n 28._o 23._o 3._o great_a be_v the_o joy_n and_o encouragement_n result_v from_o it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n 2_o king_n 20._o 3._o psal._n 37._o 37._o 4._o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v psal._n 49._o 14._o be_v this_o due_o consider_v and_o thorough_o believe_v man_n will_v choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o life_n than_o the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o will_v suffer_v all_o wrong_n and_o injury_n rather_o than_o do_v conscience_n the_o least_o injury_n vi_o direction_n do_v not_o idolise_v the_o world_n nor_o overvalue_v the_o trifle_n of_o