such_o call_v or_o let_v slip_v such_o opportunity_n and_o they_o be_v such_o time_n as_o these_o 1._o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v very_o remarkable_a under_o powerful_a ordinance_n accompany_v with_o secret_a strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n god_n qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o those_o to_o who_o he_o send_v they_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o it_o be_v his_o work_n they_o be_v about_o and_o they_o must_v have_v his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o work_n he_o must_v put_v word_n into_o their_o mouth_n such_o as_o may_v accomplish_v the_o end_n and_o errand_n for_o which_o he_o send_v they_o to_o such_o person_n or_o people_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o diverse_o gift_v and_o qualify_v for_o their_o work_n but_o they_o find_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n various_o direct_v assist_a restrain_v or_o enlarge_n according_a as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o call_v they_o forth_o upon_o some_o particular_a work_n and_o design_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n but_o may_v observe_v this_o in_o himself_o by_o frequent_a experience_n both_o in_o his_o private_a study_n and_o public_a exercise_n now_o when_o god_n do_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n raise_v enlarge_v and_o direct_v his_o servant_n in_o their_o study_n warm_v the_o word_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o likewise_o inlve_v and_o enlarge_v and_o warm_v they_o in_o their_o public_a work_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v busy_a at_o work_n strive_v with_o the_o people_n to_o who_o this_o message_n be_v send_v by_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o conscience_n doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a call_n from_o christ_n and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o let_v slip_v such_o opportunity_n to_o stifle_v such_o conviction_n and_o to_o quench_v such_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o eminent_a instance_n we_o have_v of_o this_o act_v 18._o where_o we_o have_v paul_n at_o corinth_n inward_o press_v in_o his_o spirit_n v._o 5._o and_o therefore_o warm_v in_o his_o work_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v also_o busy_a at_o work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o hearer_n for_o many_o believe_v v._o 8._o god_n encourage_v he_o and_o bid_v he_o not_o fear_v but_o go_v on_o bold_o with_o his_o work_n and_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o and_o defend_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v much_o people_n in_o that_o city_n v._o 9_o 10._o this_o be_v a_o remarkable_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o call_n and_o the_o jew_n oppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o reject_v this_o call_n prove_v of_o dreadful_a consequence_n to_o they_o v._o 6._o for_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o and_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n real_o warm_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n and_o withal_o send_v his_o spirit_n to_o open_v thy_o ear_n to_o attend_v to_o enlighten_v thy_o understanding_n to_o apprehend_v to_o convince_v thy_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o awake_v thy_o conscience_n and_o make_v thy_o bowel_n to_o stir_v within_o thou_o as_o here_o he_o do_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o special_a call_n from_o christ_n and_o take_v heed_n how_o thou_o resiste_v it_o or_o let_v it_o slip_v 2._o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_n be_v eminent_a under_o special_a and_o remarkable_a providence_n the_o more_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a god_n providence_n be_v towards_o they_o the_o more_o loud_a and_o considerable_a be_v his_o call_n upon_o thou_o as_o for_o instance_n 1._o under_o visible_a danger_n of_o christ_n his_o removal_n or_o withdraw_a if_o christ_n show_v sign_n and_o token_n of_o remove_v it_o be_v to_o correct_v our_o former_a negligence_n and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o lay_v fast_o hold_v upon_o he_o thus_o in_o this_o chapter_n whereof_o the_o text_n be_v part_n the_o spouse_n do_v but_o too_o much_o slight_a christ_n in_o that_o she_o be_v so_o lazy_a that_o she_o will_v not_o arise_v to_o let_v he_o in_o and_o therefore_o he_o withdraw_v and_o make_v she_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v with_o a_o â—aking_v heaâ—â—_n and_o guilty_a self-condemning_a conscience_n long_o before_o she_o can_v find_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n departure_n from_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v many_o time_n gradual_a he_o do_v not_o depart_v on_o a_o sudden_a but_o by_o step_n and_o degree_n that_o every_o step_n may_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v quite_o go_v thus_o we_o find_v he_o depart_v from_o the_o temple_n of_o old_a as_o be_v evident_a in_o ezekiel_n vision_n chapter_n 10.11_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n first_o remove_v to_o the_o door_n of_o the_o house_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o then_o quite_o away_o if_o we_o have_v any_o business_n with_o god_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o improve_v our_o present_a opportunity_n when_o god_n tell_v we_o by_o sign_n and_o token_n that_o he_o be_v remove_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v go_v there_o be_v a_o woe_n immediate_o fall_v upon_o that_o person_n or_o people_n from_o who_o god_n depart_v when_o he_o be_v go_v hosea_n 9.12_o wo_n unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o god_n departure_n must_v needs_o be_v strong_a alarm_n to_o cause_v we_o speedy_o to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o god_n before_o he_o depart_v therefore_o say_v the_o prophet_n isai_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o 2._o when_o god_n have_v for_o some_o time_n withdraw_v himself_o and_o afterward_o for_o some_o little_a space_n have_v return_v again_o and_o manifest_v his_o presence_n or_o nearness_n this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o improve_v our_o time_n and_o while_o it_o be_v call_v today_o to_o hearken_v and_o not_o harden_v our_o heart_n we_o read_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o barren_a figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o etc._n etc._n that_o when_o the_o owner_n have_v come_v several_a year_n expect_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o command_v that_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o because_o it_o but_o cumber_v the_o ground_n but_o at_o the_o request_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o spare_v it_o one_o year_n long_o and_o take_v more_o pain_n with_o it_o that_o year_n than_o he_o have_v do_v of_o other_o year_n before_o and_o if_o then_o it_o bear_v not_o fruit_n it_o must_v be_v cut_v down_o without_o remedy_n if_o after_o our_o many_o year_n barrenness_n in_o god_n orchard_n and_o his_o threaten_a to_o cut_v we_o down_o he_o take_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n with_o we_o by_o his_o word_n messenger_n and_o spirit_n seem_v more_o eminent_o and_o visible_o to_o return_v to_o we_o for_o some_o space_n to_o dig_v about_o we_o and_o dung_n we_o this_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n from_o he_o to_o improve_v the_o present_a opportunity_n lest_o he_o cut_v we_o down_o and_o there_o be_v no_o servant_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n or_o speak_v a_o word_n for_o we_o god_n minister_n be_v his_o husbandman_n and_o if_o god_n threaten_v to_o cut_v down_o any_o tree_n they_o cry_v out_o lord_n spare_v it_o a_o little_a long_o let_v we_o take_v a_o littlâ—_n more_o pain_n with_o it_o and_o if_o then_o it_o will_v not_o be_v fruitful_a we_o will_v hold_v our_o peace_n and_o if_o hereupon_o god_n do_v for_o some_o time_n spare_v and_o yet_o no_o fruit_n be_v bring_v forth_o that_o tree_n will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v curse_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o fire_n if_o once_o god_n say_v to_o his_o minister_n as_o once_o he_o do_v to_o jeremy_n jer._n 7.16_o pray_v not_o thou_o for_o this_o people_n neither_o lift_v up_o prayer_n nor_o cry_n for_o i_o will_v not_o â—ear_v thou_o such_o people_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o sad_a condition_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o time_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d time_n of_o probation_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o let_v it_o slip_v lest_o god_n swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n we_o find_v that_o good_a and_o public-spirited_a man_n ezra_n chap._n 9_o v._n 8_o etc._n etc._n sad_o tremble_v and_o astonish_v at_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o god_n have_v punish_v his_o people_n by_o a_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o now_o for_o a_o little_a time_n grace_n have_v be_v show_v
jesus_n christ_n repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v thy_o sin_n turn_v to_o god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n flee_v unto_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o utter_a unworthiness_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o take_v he_o for_o thy_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n give_v up_o thyself_o unto_o he_o in_o all_o humble_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n this_o the_o word_n dictate_v and_o conscience_n set_v in_o with_o it_o and_o second_v it_o and_o to_o make_v up_o the_o conviction_n more_o full_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v in_o and_o tell_v thou_o that_o this_o condition_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o thou_o must_v either_o turn_v or_o die_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n then_o harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n ere_o long_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a thy_o sun_n will_v be_v set_v thy_o day_n of_o grace_n over_o and_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n hereupon_o thy_o conscience_n be_v startle_v and_o thou_o begin_v to_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v haste_v some_o sudden_a earnest_a motion_n purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o turn_v and_o to_o break_v off_o from_o thy_o old_a way_n and_o course_n to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o alas_o how_o sudden_o be_v all_o these_o vanish_v and_o go_v again_o and_o thou_o fall_v fast_o asleep_a again_o in_o security_n conviction_n wear_v off_o affection_n cool_a fear_n abate_v sin_n look_v not_o so_o terrible_a thy_o own_o estate_n and_o condition_n not_o to_o dreadful_a and_o hopeless_a death_n not_o so_o near_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n not_o so_o hot_a and_o scorch_a and_o so_o the_o wook_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o leave_v undo_v and_o thou_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o she_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o at_o most_o if_o these_o continue_v still_o thou_o go_v with_o a_o inward_a gripe_a wound_a conscience_n and_o do_v not_o real_o come_v out_o of_o thyself_o unto_o christ_n for_o heal_v christ_n be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o or_o seek_v after_o but_o thou_o patche_v up_o a_o plaster_n for_o thy_o wound_a conscience_n of_o some_o pitiful_a poor_a and_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o thy_o own_o take_v up_o some_o small_a formal_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o stop_v the_o clamour_n of_o thy_o conscience_n and_o christ_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o stand_v without_o still_o nay_o may_v i_o not_o say_v of_o some_o that_o instead_o oâ—_n open_v to_o chr_v they_o be_v harden_v in_o theiâ—_n sin_n and_o grow_v sermon-proof_n the_o word_n oâ—_n god_n affect_v they_o not_o take_v not_o hold_v upoâ—_n they_o as_o sometime_o it_o have_v do_v but_o theâ—_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o torture_v of_o conscience_n caâ—_n turn_v off_o reproof_n than_o former_o they_o coulâ—_n have_v do_v and_o sit_v more_o quiet_o and_o undisturbed_o under_o ordinance_n and_o that_o not_o because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o former_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o they_o be_v before_o but_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v more_o harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n more_o brawny_a and_o their_o soul_n more_o sluggish_a and_o senseless_a than_o they_o be_v before_o be_v this_o thy_o open_n to_o christ_n be_v this_o the_o entertainment_n which_o christ_n find_v when_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n oh_o consider_v this_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a before_o christ_n be_v withdraw_v and_o go_v we_o have_v a_o sad_a complaint_n which_o god_n make_v against_o ephraim_n hos_n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o a_o morning-cloud_n and_o as_o a_o early_a dew_n it_o pass_v away_o a_o morning-cloud_n seem_v to_o promise_v rain_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n arise_v it_o vanish_v away_o a_o early_a dew_n seem_v to_o moisten_v and_o refresh_v the_o earth_n but_o when_o the_o sun_n come_v to_o be_v hot_a the_o dew_n be_v quick_o go_v and_o the_o grass_n scorch_v so_o much_o the_o more_o so_o be_v their_o goodness_n very_o vanish_v and_o unconstant_a they_o seem_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o purpose_n amendment_n but_o alas_o their_o promise_n and_o purpose_n quick_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o according_a to_o what_o you_o find_v psal_n 78.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o have_v it_o not_o be_v too_o much_o your_o case_n under_o conviction_n you_o have_v seem_v to_o promise_n god_n fair_a thing_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o hope_n of_o your_o conversion_n and_o change_n but_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o heat_n of_o conviction_n be_v over_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v quick_o vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o be_v this_o the_o entertainment_n that_o christ_n have_v find_v blame_v he_o not_o then_o if_o he_o depart_v and_o make_v you_o seek_v he_o before_o you_o find_v he_o but_o further_a since_o it_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o let_v i_o carry_v on_o this_o query_n about_o conviction_n a_o little_a further_o you_o who_o real_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant-relation_n to_o christ_n have_v you_o open_v to_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n have_v there_o not_o be_v many_o strong_a conviction_n upon_o your_o spirit_n in_o many_o particular_a case_n wherein_o you_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o your_o conscience_n have_v smite_v you_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o you_o have_v stifle_v these_o conviction_n and_o have_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n you_o have_v many_o time_n be_v convince_v of_o your_o pride_n worldly-mindedness_a vanity_n and_o unsavoriness_n sloth_n and_o lukewarmness_n backwardness_n to_o duty_n deadness_n in_o duty_n unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o yet_o your_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v willing_a full_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o let_v conviction_n have_v its_o perfect_a work_n in_o order_n to_o your_o reformation_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n have_v reprove_v conscience_n have_v speak_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v speak_v and_o yet_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n and_o dictate_v thereof_o but_o have_v turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n and_o go_v on_o in_o your_o sin_n still_o be_v this_o your_o open_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n who_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o who_o command_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o you_o oh_o my_o friend_n we_o may_v all_o sad_o complain_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o make_v excuse_n and_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n 2._o if_o the_o door_n be_v not_o shut_v against_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o little_o prize_v so_o little_a store_n set_v by_o at_o this_o day_n we_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o one_o way_n of_o christ_n his_o calling_n be_v by_o his_o ordinance_n in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o convince_v of_o and_o reprove_v sin_n direct_v in_o and_o encourage_v unto_o duty_n communicate_v grace_n afford_v his_o company_n give_v in_o nourishment_n refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n unto_o the_o hungry_a pant_a soul_n these_o be_v the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v for_o the_o refresh_a the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n where_o these_o therefore_o be_v slight_v christ_n must_v necessary_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o not_o open_v to_o we_o have_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 1.7_o 8._o inquire_v where_o she_o may_v meet_v she_o belove_v and_o he_o tell_v she_o she_o may_v find_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n there_o he_o record_v his_o name_n and_o there_o he_o meet_v his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o careless_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o he_o person_n may_v and_o often_o do_v frequent_a the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n
the_o sleepy_a spouse_n of_o christ_n alarm_v or_o a_o warn_v to_o beware_v of_o drowsiness_n when_o christ_n call_v lest_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o some_o sermon_n upon_o cant._n 5_o and_o the_o beginning_n by_o j._n b._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o matth._n 23.37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 95.7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n recommend_v in_o a_o preface_n by_o m._n nath._n vincent_n london_n print_v 〈◊〉_d samuel_n crouch_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n at_o 〈…〉_o to_o mrs._n j._n d._n the_o author_n wish_v all_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n honour_a friend_n it_o be_v at_o your_o request_n and_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n that_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o follow_a sermon_n the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v because_o your_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n open_v to_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_n herein_o treat_v of_o be_v very_o sweet_a and_o precious_a and_o such_o as_o may_v well_o warm_v the_o freeze_a heart_n of_o any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o drachm_n of_o sincere_a love_n either_o of_o complacency_n in_o or_o commiseration_n to_o christ_n to_o see_v how_o ready_a christ_n be_v to_o condescend_v to_o the_o request_n of_o his_o spouse_n how_o sweet_o and_o with_o what_o melt_a 〈◊〉_d irresistible_a argument_n he_o woo_v she_o hoâ—â—â—â—â—_n and_o plentiful_a he_o be_v in_o the_o emanation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o kindness_n towards_o she_o and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o consider_v how_o slight_o she_o look_v upon_o he_o how_o little_a account_n she_o make_v of_o he_o and_o how_o she_o make_v he_o dance_v attendance_n at_o her_o door_n with_o many_o other_o circumstance_n of_o her_o unkindness_n and_o withal_o to_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n which_o she_o run_v by_o her_o unkind_a behaviour_n towards_o christ_n these_o consideration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v serious_o weigh_v by_o a_o soul_n that_o have_v any_o love_n for_o or_o breathe_n after_o christ_n among_o the_o number_n of_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v true_o reckon_v you_o can_v choose_v but_o in_o some_o measure_n awaken_v the_o sleepy_a soul_n and_o warm_v the_o cold_a and_o freeze_a affection_n this_o effect_n i_o perceive_v the_o word_n have_v upon_o you_o for_o which_o you_o owe_v the_o thanks_o and_o praise_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n to_o your_o heart_n and_o give_v it_o entertainment_n there_o for_o man_n speak_v only_o to_o the_o ear_n it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n you_o have_v therefore_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o word_n yourself_o desire_v the_o communication_n of_o it_o to_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o opportunity_n with_o you_o to_o hear_v it_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o your_o design_n i_o must_v own_o to_o be_v good_a for_o grace_n where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o of_o a_o diffusive_a nature_n spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o also_o of_o a_o communicative_a nature_n wish_v that_o all_o bystander_n may_v likewise_o taste_v that_o sweetness_n which_o itself_o be_v much_o delight_v with_o grace_n desire_v not_o to_o eat_v its_o morsel_n alone_o but_o if_o any_o banquet_n be_v give_v in_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o refreshment_n by_o his_o company_n the_o soul_n cry_v out_o to_o bystander_n o_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o good_a the_o lord_n be_v he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a come_v therefore_o and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n but_o though_o your_o design_n be_v good_a yet_o the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o author_n may_v well_o have_v plead_v a_o excuse_n for_o it_o be_v pity_n that_o such_o a_o sweet_a and_o precious_a subject_n shall_v be_v render_v despicable_a by_o be_v hand_v into_o the_o world_n by_o so_o weak_a rude_a and_o unpolished_a a_o instrument_n as_o i_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v myself_o to_o be_v for_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o many_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n suffer_v in_o the_o world_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o hand_n they_o to_o we_o however_o yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n to_o perfect_v his_o own_o praise_n that_o the_o work_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v not_o of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n leave_v therefore_o the_o work_n in_o god_n hand_n who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v with_o and_o by_o it_o and_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o weakness_n i_o condescend_v to_o your_o request_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o cast_v this_o my_o poor_a mite_n into_o god_n treasury_n say_v to_o you_o and_o to_o all_o courteous_a reader_n as_o peter_n to_o the_o cripple_n act_v 3.6_o silver_n and_o gold_n have_v i_o none_o but_o such_o as_o i_o have_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o i_o hope_v the_o food_n be_v wholesome_a though_o it_o be_v but_o plain_o and_o mean_o dress_v and_o though_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o who_o curious_a stomach_n may_v loathe_v such_o plain_a and_o homely_a diet_n yet_o possible_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o poor_a creature_n who_o be_v hungry_a humble_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n some_o poor_a hungry_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o here_o meet_v with_o meat_n though_o there_o be_v little_a sauce_n to_o he_o have_v and_o if_o any_o poor_a soul_n shall_v reap_v benefit_n by_o my_o poor_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o own_v such_o a_o worthless_a creature_n in_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n and_o if_o it_o do_v good_a the_o less_o of_o the_o instrument_n the_o more_o will_v there_o be_v of_o god_n see_v in_o it_o i_o beg_v of_o you_o therefore_o and_o of_o all_o candid_a reader_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o small_a treatise_n may_v come_v their_z and_o your_o serious_a perusal_n of_o it_o with_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o what_o you_o find_v of_o humane_a weakness_n in_o it_o pardon_n and_o pass_v it_o by_o whatever_o you_o find_v of_o god_n in_o it_o mind_n it_o and_o apply_v it_o and_o the_o very_a god_n of_o heaven_n powerful_o influence_n it_o with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v do_v your_o soul_n good_a and_o that_o you_o may_v ready_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o he_o may_v open_v to_o and_o own_o you_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o you_o in_o and_o for_o christ_n my_o lord_n and_o master_n james_n bradshaw_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n exceed_o prevail_v at_o this_o day_n as_o great_a security_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o nation_n as_o be_v in_o the_o old_a world_n and_o in_o sodom_n before_o the_o one_o be_v drown_v and_o the_o other_o burn_v god_n have_v use_v several_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o awaken_v we_o but_o our_o spiritual_a lethargy_n prove_v a_o very_a stubborn_a malady_n it_o be_v bad_a enough_o if_o only_o profane_a person_n be_v fast_o asleep_a in_o sin_n it_o be_v worse_o that_o professor_n be_v so_o too_o but_o it_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o that_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a what_o may_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o carnal_a security_n we_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v of_o when_o man_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v on_o after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o evil_a heart_n the_o lord_n confute_v their_o presumption_n by_o threaten_v all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n promise_v safety_n to_o themselves_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o sinner_n sudden_a
knock_n or_o call_v rev._n 3.20_o i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 22.17_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o isai_n 55.1_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n christ_n knock_v not_o only_o at_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o here_o of_o the_o spouse_n open_v my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a but_o also_o at_o the_o door_n of_o other_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v he_o not_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o own_o regenerate_a one_o he_o call_v for_o the_o awaken_n and_o â—â—â—â—ring_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o yet_o stranger_n to_o he_o he_o call_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o find_v rest_n for_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o to_o believer_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v their_o grace_n that_o be_v already_o implant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o unbeliever_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a soul_n nor_o the_o great_a sinner_n leave_v out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n and_o crimson_a he_o will_v make_v they_o as_o snow_n and_o wool_n isai_n 1.16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o or_o with_o what_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v christ_n do_v not_o ordinary_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o saul_n act._n 9_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n ordinary_o call_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o way_n 1._o christ_n knock_v or_o call_v sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n christ_n many_o time_n send_v some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o other_o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v sleepy_a and_o sluggish_a and_o these_o providence_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n sometime_o such_o as_o we_o call_v mercy_n though_o all_o his_o dispensation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n but_o by_o mercy_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v joyous_a and_o desirable_a for_o the_o present_a he_o sometime_o load_v his_o people_n with_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n hos_fw-la 11.3_o 4._o and_o every_o mercy_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o awaken_n and_o quicken_a spur_n unto_o duty_n therefore_o god_n complain_v hosea_n 2.8_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v they_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n wool_n and_o flax_n silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v serve_v he_o withal_o and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o threaten_v to_o take_v they_o away_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o god_n expostulation_n with_o his_o people_n deut_n 32.6_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v person_n to_o repentance_n god_n expect_v it_o and_o by_o this_o many_o time_n call_v sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o correction_n and_o judgement_n strive_v by_o the_o smartness_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n that_o be_v rather_o harden_v by_o prosperity_n and_o to_o affright_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v his_o own_o people_n out_o of_o that_o sleep_n which_o they_o have_v lull_v themselves_o into_o by_o prosperity_n thus_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n when_o he_o lay_v person_n in_o fetter_n and_o iron_n of_o affliction_n then_o he_o show_v they_o their_o way_n and_o their_o transgression_n wherein_o they_o have_v exceed_v and_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o knock_v usual_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n lead_v the_o way_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o judgement_n and_o the_o rod_n follow_v after_o for_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o but_o if_o need_v be_v they_o must_v be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tribulation_n and_o temptation_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o thus_o god_n call_v by_o his_o providence_n 2._o sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o ordinance_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o faithful_a minister_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n to_o call_v and_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o bid_v guest_n to_o his_o wedding-supper_n matth._n 22._o and_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o be_v their_o work_n which_o they_o be_v send_v about_o and_o be_v give_v they_o in_o charge_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o i_o command_v you_o so_o act_v 26.18_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n christ_n himself_o come_v and_o preach_v for_o this_o end_n and_o his_o doctrine_n or_o sermon_n be_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n matth._n 4.17_o and_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v with_o this_o message_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o every_o minister_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o sermon_n that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o call_n and_o knock_v from_o christ_n to_o open_v unto_o he_o 3._o sometime_o christ_n call_v by_o the_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n thus_o we_o read_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n sermon_n they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o inward_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o conscience_n accompany_v the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n thus_o god_n secret_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 16.14_o and_o thus_o the_o jailor_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v 16.29_o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n this_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n sinner_n many_o time_n have_v when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o do_v not_o always_o give_v heed_n and_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o this_o many_o time_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v lazy_a drowsy_a and_o to_o fall_v asleep_a in_o security_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o not_o to_o quench_v or_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o ephes_n 4.30_o and_o indeed_o the_o two_o former_a way_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v ineffectual_a unless_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o last_o way_n of_o call_v for_o neither_o ordinance_n nor_o providence_n can_v awaken_v sinner_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n by_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o first_o bind_v they_o in_o cord_n and_o then_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n 4._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v for_o what_o end_n christ_n knock_v and_o call_v or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n of_o christ_n knock_n and_o call_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o at_o the_o door_n of_o who_o heart_n he_o call_v but_o usual_o when_o he_o call_v he_o will_v have_v or_o design_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n or_o thing_n 1._o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o deep_a sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n
sinner_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o fast_o asleep_a in_o such_o a_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n knock_v and_o speak_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v awaken_v they_o hence_o we_o read_v john_n 5.25_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v which_o must_v be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a death_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n but_o of_o a_o death_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o say_v the_o time_n now_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v i._n e._n by_o the_o powerful_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n will_v you_o see_v what_o one_o of_o christ_n call_n be_v in_o this_o case_n read_v eph._n 5.14_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o stand_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o ear_n by_o his_o word_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n 2._o christ_n his_o call_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n many_o time_n design_v repentance_n repentance_n be_v a_o gospel-duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o person_n act_v 17.30_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o repentance_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o can_v come_v to_o he_o again_o but_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n because_o repentance_n be_v proper_o a_o gospel-doctrine_n a_o doctrine_n that_o the_o law_n preach_v not_o for_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n admit_v of_o no_o repentance_n but_o upon_o our_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n immediate_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n gal._n 3.10_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o the_o gospel-covenant_n admit_v of_o yea_o call_v for_o repentance_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v mercy_n yea_o promise_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n upon_o our_o repentance_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v luke_n 13_o 5._o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n than_o christ_n knock_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o business_n with_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o must_v either_o repent_v or_o perish_v everlasting_o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneracy_n and_o have_v by_o some_o temptation_n or_o other_o lapse_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o it_o may_v be_v have_v some_o sin_n lodging_n in_o they_o not_o yet_o true_o discover_v and_o consequent_o not_o particular_o repent_v of_o then_o and_o in_o such_o case_n christ_n call_v to_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v act_n of_o repentance_n for_o repentance_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o concern_v we_o all_o our_o life_n long_o and_o therefore_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n 3._o christ_n call_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n he_o come_v as_o a_o mediator_n and_o peacemaker_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o utter_a enmity_n against_o each_o other_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o enmity_n christ_n have_v take_v away_o by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n the_o cause_n be_v remove_v he_o come_v and_o call_v to_o entreat_v that_o the_o enmity_n itself_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o man_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v woo_v and_o persuade_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n the_o enmity_n that_o be_v lodge_v there_o against_o god_n and_o his_o wayâ—_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o knock_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o before_o we_o will_v in_o this_o case_n be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v to_o his_o suit_n 4._o christ_n call_v for_o a_o closure_n with_o himself_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v be_v therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v arrest_v by_o divine_a justice_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n where_o we_o may_v lie_v and_o rot_v to_o all_o eternity_n jesus_n christ_n see_v we_o in_o this_o misery_n and_o distress_n come_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n offer_v to_o be_v our_o surety_n to_o pay_v every_o farthing_n of_o our_o debt_n for_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o that_o he_o may_v have_v our_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o with_o thankfulness_n what_o kindness_n he_o show_v herein_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o work_n for_o we_o and_o wherever_o justice_n shall_v lay_v any_o charge_n or_o accusation_n against_o we_o we_o will_v by_o faith_n confident_o and_o steadfast_o plead_v his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o discharge_n this_o be_v all_o that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o promise_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n free_v we_o from_o imprisonment_n and_o seal_v we_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a discharge_n that_o shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n in_o this_o case_n be_v such_o as_o these_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n isai_n 55.1_o hâ—_n every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v unto_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v and_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o he_o assure_v we_o john_n 1.12_o that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o they_o he_o will_v give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v this_o call_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v embrace_v with_o all_o readiness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n 5._o christ_n call_v to_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o law_n he_o call_v to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o learn_v of_o he_o mat._n 11.29_o this_o call_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o of_o boaz_n to_o his_o kinsman_n ruth_n 4._o buy_v naomi_n inheritance_n but_o know_v also_o that_o thou_o must_v buy_v it_o of_o ruth_n i._n e._n buy_v the_o inheritance_n but_o thou_o must_v take_v she_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n also_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o thy_o kinsman_n that_o be_v dead_a so_o say_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o take_v the_o inheritance_n that_o i_o have_v purchase_v for_o thâ—â—_n and_o thou_o be_v free_o welcome_a to_o it_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o do_v this_o thou_o must_v also_o 〈◊〉_d i_o to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o 〈◊〉_d solemn_o engage_v to_o behave_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o loyal_a faithful_a and_o obedient_a wife_n to_o i_o thou_o must_v take_v i_o whole_o as_o i_o be_o only_o absolute_o and_o everlasting_o not_o only_o for_o a_o priest_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o father_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v thou_o such_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o requisite_a for_o thou_o to_o observe_v and_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v thou_o by_o my_o law_n thy_o heart_n must_v be_v my_o throne_n and_o there_o must_v i_o sit_v and_o exercise_v my_o authority_n and_o have_v thy_o whole_a man_n
at_o command_n this_o christ_n call_v for_o but_o alas_o too_o many_o that_o like_a boaz_n his_o kinsman_n have_v a_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o inheritance_n yet_o here_o turn_v their_o back_n and_o will_v rather_o let_v the_o inheritance_n go_v to_o another_o than_o they_o will_v take_v christ_n with_o it_o many_o will_v have_v christ_n his_o crown_n but_o few_o will_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v but_o slow_o hearken_v to_o in_o this_o respect_n 6._o christ_n call_v sometime_o to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v his_o spouse_n when_o she_o be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o her_o work_n sometime_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n own_o people_n grow_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a either_o lay_v aside_o their_o spiritual_a work_n or_o perform_v it_o lazy_o if_o they_o pray_v they_o pray_v heartless_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o they_o matter_a not_o whether_o they_o speed_v or_o not_o if_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o in_o too_o formal_a and_o customary_a a_o manner_n not_o study_v to_o profit_v thereby_o if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o come_v not_o with_o that_o appetite_n and_o enlarge_v desire_n and_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v though_o indeed_o their_o want_n be_v many_o and_o great_a yet_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v to_o elijah_n what_o do_v thou_o here_o elijah_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n or_o a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o be_v there_o they_o have_v sin_n enough_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o yet_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n bleed_v and_o die_v do_v but_o little_o move_v or_o affect_v they_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o yet_o mourn_v but_o little_a over_o he_o they_o can_v behold_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o have_v little_a stir_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a watch_n they_o let_v that_o fall_n though_o in_o their_o enemy_n country_n and_o hereby_o they_o give_v advantage_n and_o opportunity_n to_o their_o enemy_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o take_v they_o in_o his_o net_n therefore_o that_o careful_a and_o faithful_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n see_v in_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o enemy_n watchfulness_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a posture_n which_o indispose_v we_o for_o our_o work_n and_z gives_z advantage_n to_o our_o adversary_n he_o therefore_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o awaken_v we_o and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o watch_n and_o to_o our_o work_n to_o our_o watch_n lest_o our_o enemy_n come_v and_o take_v we_o nap_v and_o to_o our_o work_n leave_v the_o night_n come_v before_o our_o work_n be_v perfect_v it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o christ_n his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n thus_o to_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o awaken_n ordinance_n or_o providence_n when_o thus_o he_o find_v we_o incline_v to_o sloth_n or_o sluggishness_n and_o yet_o many_o time_n he_o be_v force_v to_o call_v aloud_o before_o he_o can_v make_v we_o hear_v 7._o christ_n call_v to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o of_o that_o rich_a feast_n or_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o believer_n know_v their_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o christ_n for_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n they_o make_v their_o request_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v a_o feast_n in_o their_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v fill_v their_o heart_n with_o â—ood_a and_o gladness_n that_o his_o comfort_n may_v deâ—ight_v their_o heart_n whatever_o other_o thought_n may_v trouble_v and_o cumber_v they_o and_o hereupon_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v for_o open_v and_o entertainment_n say_v as_o in_o the_o text_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a and_o promise_v as_o rev._n 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o christ_n will_v not_o loose_v his_o feast_n when_o he_o have_v prepare_v it_o nor_o do_v he_o love_v to_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o but_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o his_o spouse_n for_o who_o he_o have_v prepare_v they_o and_o therefore_o call_v this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o text._n the_o spouse_n vers_fw-la 16._o of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o revival_n of_o grace_n in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v beg_v his_o company_n this_o request_n be_v grant_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o her_o request_n come_v and_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o door_n open_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o load_n of_o comfort_n he_o many_o time_n find_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o he_o long_o knock_v and_o call_v before_o he_o gain_v admission_n the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n stand_v many_o time_n long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o open_v to_o and_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o many_o a_o excuse_n and_o put-off_a will_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n make_v against_o itself_o before_o it_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n for_o its_o own_o comfort_n yea_o sometime_o so_o compliment_v it_o and_o plead_v excuse_n till_o christ_n in_o a_o angeâ—_n withdraw_v and_o make_v the_o soul_n long_o and_o with_o a_o ache_a heart_n to_o seek_v christ_n in_o the_o promise_n before_o she_o find_v he_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_n to_o discover_v in_o this_o text._n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v no_o dispensation_n of_o god_n that_o he_o exercise_v towards_o we_o but_o it_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o it_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n and_o come_v with_o some_o message_n unto_o we_o messenger_n be_v not_o send_v but_o upon_o some_o message_n or_o errand_n god_n minister_n be_v his_o messenger_n send_v unto_o we_o with_o some_o word_n of_o reproof_n instruction_n counsel_n or_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 13.16_o and_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o his_o messenger_n bring_v and_o therefore_o their_o message_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v because_o it_o be_v a_o call_n or_o message_n from_o god_n every_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n check_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o conscience_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v listen_v and_o hearken_v to_o for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n or_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n every_o providence_n that_o befall_v thou_o whether_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o or_o affliction_n be_v a_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n and_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n in_o it_o something_o that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o learn_v by_o it_o yea_o even_o those_o common_a providence_n whether_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o befall_v thou_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o come_v with_o some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o a_o packet_n of_o letter_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o town_n or_o place_n by_o one_o common_a post_n or_o carrier_n but_o every_o one_o letter_n in_o particular_a come_v about_o his_o own_o special_a business_n though_o it_o come_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a carrier_n so_o in_o common_a affliction_n or_o judgement_n though_o they_o come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n and_o by_o a_o common_a hand_n either_o humane_a or_o divine_a or_o in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o come_v upon_o a_o particular_a errand_n and_o about_o particular_a business_n to_o the_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v if_o they_o come_v to_o thou_o know_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o voice_n and_o learn_v the_o lesson_n but_o though_o there_o be_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o every_o passage_n of_o god_n carriage_n towards_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o special_a time_n wherein_o god_n call_v be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o slight_v
and_o call_v for_o we_o to_o answer_v i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v they_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o to_o make_v thus_o light_a oâ—_n his_o pain_n and_o come_n what_o great_a unkindness_n or_o manifest_a token_n of_o complement_a dissimulation_n and_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v show_v well_o may_v christ_n say_v o_o spouse_n though_o thy_o invitation_n seem_v to_o be_v real_a yet_o by_o this_o carriage_n i_o see_v and_o plain_o perceive_v the_o falseness_n and_o treachery_n of_o thy_o dissemble_a heart_n foâ—_n instead_o of_o deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o i_o thou_o have_v but_o mock_v i_o and_o how_o can_v thou_o then_o say_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o well_o may_v christ_n then_o take_v this_o ingratitude_n and_o dissimulation_n unkind_o from_o she_o and_o take_v occasion_n hereupon_o to_o depart_v if_o any_o of_o you_o shall_v invite_v a_o friend_n to_o your_o house_n and_o according_a to_o your_o earnest_a invitation_n your_o friend_n come_v but_o at_o his_o come_n you_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o and_o though_o you_o be_v within_o yet_o you_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o he_o may_v he_o not_o well_o take_v this_o piece_n of_o ingratitude_n and_o mockery_n unkind_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a affront_n put_v upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o depart_v in_o a_o rage_n and_o resolve_v to_o miss_v your_o door_n the_o next_o time_n he_o come_v that_o way_n but_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o her_o husband_n will_v not_o this_o manifest_a much_o dissimulation_n and_o unkindness_n and_o may_v not_o he_o well_o take_v this_o as_o a_o high_a affront_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_o look_v upon_o by_o his_o wife_n such_o be_v the_o case_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n though_o he_o depart_v in_o a_o discontent_n when_o thus_o affront_v and_o treacherous_o deal_v with_o we_o find_v it_o reckon_v among_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n isai_n 53.2_o 3._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v slight_o esteem_v and_o account_v of_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n we_o hide_v our_o face_n as_o it_o be_v from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteemeâ—_n they_o not_o so_o john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o owâ—_n and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o thus_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o mock_v and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o thiâ—_n go_v near_o his_o heart_n and_o may_v well_o put_v hiâ—_n into_o a_o rage_n against_o we_o this_o affront_n woulâ—_n far_o more_o easy_o have_v be_v bear_v have_v it_o beeâ—_n from_o a_o enemy_n but_o from_o a_o friend_n and_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n one_o that_o have_v give_v he_o so_o faiâ—â—_n a_o invitation_n this_o cut_n and_o wound_n to_o thâ—_n very_a heart_n see_v what_o david_n personate_n christ_n in_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n speak_v psal_n 55.12_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n that_o reproach_v i_o than_o i_o can_v have_v bear_v it_o buâ—_n it_o be_v thou_o a_o man_n my_o equal_a my_o guide_n anâ—_n my_o acquaintance_n this_o so_o provoke_v that_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 15._o let_v death_n seize_v on_o they_o and_o let_v they_o go_v down_o quick_a into_o hell_n for_o wickedness_n be_v among_o they_o yea_o this_o strike_v sad_a upon_o christ_n spirit_n psal_n 41.9_o yea_o my_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v which_o do_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o such_o affront_n as_o these_o cut_v deep_a they_o wound_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v hereupon_o be_v sad_a and_o dreadful_a to_o the_o soul_n 2._o consider_v the_o great_a damage_n which_o our_o soul_n sustain_v by_o keep_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o shut_v he_o out_o he_o may_v withdraw_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v without_o he_o we_o read_v john_n 15.5_o without_o i_o â—_o e._n jesus_n christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v â—ou_fw-mi leave_v in_o if_o christ_n depart_v therefore_o say_v god_n hos_n 9.12_o wo_n also_o unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o assure_v thyself_o that_o thou_o â—anst_v not_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o cause_n â—im_v to_o withdraw_v than_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o when_o â—e_n come_v at_o thy_o invitation_n christ_n may_v withdraw_v yea_o and_o so_o withdraw_v as_o never_o to_o â—eturn_v again_o or_o call_v at_o thy_o door_n more_o psal_n â—1_n 11_o 12._o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o â—y_a voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o â—ave_n they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n god_n knock_v forty_o year_n at_o israel_n door_n but_o when_o no_o admission_n will_v be_v have_v than_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o â—rath_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n psal_n 95.10_o 11._o see_v that_o threaten_n against_o ephraim_n than_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o great_a hos_fw-la 4.17_o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o as_o if_o god_n have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v he_o i_o have_v call_v often_o at_o his_o door_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n therefore_o i_o will_v concern_v myself_o no_o more_o about_o he_o i_o will_v call_v no_o more_o at_o his_o door_n read_v with_o tremble_a ezek._n 24.13_o 14._o prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n sometime_o though_o god_n may_v at_o last_o return_n and_o be_v reconcile_v and_o call_v again_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v long_o first_o and_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n may_v he_o cause_v thou_o to_o take_v in_o seek_v of_o he_o before_o thou_o find_v he_o god_n threaten_v this_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n and_o hide_v myself_o until_o they_o seek_v my_o face_n in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o text_n that_o christ_n do_v deal_v thus_o with_o his_o spouse_n when_o she_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v christ_n have_v hear_v and_o answer_v she_o at_o her_o first_o call_v but_o since_o she_o have_v deal_v so_o deceitful_o and_o disingenious_o with_o he_o she_o shall_v now_o call_v and_o call_v again_o before_o he_o give_v she_o any_o answer_n shall_v seek_v and_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v before_o she_o shall_v find_v he_o she_o be_v but_o now_o so_o lazy_a easeful_a and_o delicate_a that_o she_o can_v not_o abide_v to_o be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n have_v put_v it_o off_o can_v not_o endure_v so_o much_o hardship_n as_o to_o tread_v upon_o the_o floor_n with_o her_o naked_a foot_n lest_o she_o shall_v defile_v it_o but_o if_o christ_n be_v so_o little_a store_n set_v by_o her_o love_n to_o christ_n shall_v be_v further_o try_v she_o shall_v take_v a_o long_a journey_n and_o not_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o soulness_n of_o the_o way_n neither_o before_o she_o find_v he_o if_o it_o be_v so_o tedious_a a_o journey_n to_o cross_v the_o house-floor_n christ_n will_v see_v whether_o she_o will_v take_v a_o journey_n through_o the_o street_n and_o highway_n in_o as_o dark_a and_o foul_a way_n and_o weather_n as_o he_o have_v come_v before_o she_o find_v he_o that_o so_o she_o may_v know_v something_o of_o what_o he_o have_v endure_v in_o come_v to_o she_o and_o may_v now_o ready_o open_a to_o he_o the_o next_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o shut_v out_o christ_n when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v 3._o consider_v the_o benefit_n and_o bounty_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o into_o the_o soul_n that_o open_v to_o and_o entertain_v he_o our_o saviour_n say_v rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o if_o christ_n will_v make_v a_o feast_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o let_v he_o in_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v ill_a to_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o such_o store_n of_o provision_n within_o herself_o as_o to_o despise_v the_o feast_n which_o christ_n will_v make_v she_o in_o the_o text_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n to_o move_v she_o to_o open_v the_o door_n for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v
dress_v and_o all_o in_o order_n but_o we_o find_v our_o friend_n in_o the_o door_n wait_v and_o earnest_o look_v for_o we_o think_v our_o tarry_n long_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_o welcome_a now_o we_o be_v come_v so_o when_o christ_n find_v the_o heart_n prepare_v and_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o door_n watch_v or_o look_v in_o the_o way_n wherein_o she_o expect_v to_o see_v he_o come_v he_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n to_o that_o soul_n sure_o say_v christ_n i_o shall_v now_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n to_o my_o spouse_n now_o she_o be_v so_o earnest_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o i_o and_o this_o please_v christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o variety_n that_o she_o can_v possible_o prepare_v for_o he_o for_o alas_o she_o be_v but_o poor_a have_v no_o rich_a entertainment_n for_o he_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o his_o own_o send_n and_o prepare_v and_o therefore_o welcome_a be_v likely_a to_o be_v his_o best_a fare_n and_o all_o that_o she_o can_v give_v he_o and_o therefore_o christ_n expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o she_o but_o to_o have_v the_o door_n open_a and_o himself_o make_v welcome_a when_o he_o come_v and_o where_o he_o find_v this_o he_o be_v so_o well_o please_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v no_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v while_o he_o stay_v he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o feast_n and_o of_o the_o dress_n of_o it_o too_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v cant._n 5.1_o that_o he_o not_o only_o eat_v but_o gather_v his_o fruit_n himself_o i_o have_v gather_v my_o myrrh_n with_o my_o spice_n i_o have_v eat_v my_o honeycomb_n with_o my_o honey_n etc._n etc._n 2._o find_v we_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o may_v expect_v that_o we_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o other_o company_n and_o business_n to_o entertain_v he_o with_o our_o company_n christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v when_o his_o spouse_n be_v in_o the_o throng_n or_o crowd_v of_o worldly_a company_n and_o business_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n of_o private_a conference_n and_o discourse_n with_o she_o which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o business_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n both_o he_o and_o she_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o opportunity_n friend_n account_v that_o time_n lose_v that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v one_o another_o though_o they_o be_v together_o all_o the_o while_n if_o by_o throng_n of_o company_n they_o can_v have_v their_o discourse_n and_o conference_n which_o they_o design_v in_o their_o meeting_n they_o account_v their_o time_n lose_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o a_o unhappy_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o meet_v at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o and_o that_o thus_o we_o be_v interrupt_v in_o our_o discourse_n the_o more_o intimate_a that_o friend_n be_v the_o more_o private_a matter_n of_o discourse_n they_o have_v and_o the_o less_o they_o care_v to_o be_v interrupt_v with_o company_n none_o more_o intimate_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n anâ—_n have_v matter_n of_o private_a conference_n with_o she_o do_v not_o care_n to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o she_o have_v a_o crowd_n of_o other_o company_n about_o she_o but_o when_o she_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o come_v if_o she_o be_v not_o alone_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o apart_o by_o herself_o and_o then_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v most_o heed_v and_o have_v most_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o she_o therefore_o we_o read_v hos_fw-la 2.14_o i_o will_v allure_v she_o say_v god_n and_o bring_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o will_v speak_v comfortable_o unto_o she_o or_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v now_o when_o christ_n find_v the_o soul_n wait_v and_o look_v for_o he_o all_o alone_a either_o in_o her_o door_n or_o in_o the_o highway_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v i_o come_v seasonable_o for_o yonder_o be_v my_o spouse_n all_o alone_a free_a from_o cumber_v and_o other_o business_n wait_v for_o my_o come_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v expect_v her_o company_n and_o this_o abundant_o please_v he_o for_o it_o be_v her_o company_n he_o chief_o come_v for_o christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v crowd_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n he_o desire_v her_o company_n alone_o and_o be_v best_a please_v when_o he_o find_v it_o so_o 3._o find_v we_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o watchfulness_n our_o clothes_n on_o and_o our_o loin_n gird_v he_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v we_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o drowsy_a and_o sluggish_a condition_n and_o that_o therefore_o his_o company_n will_v be_v pleasant_a and_o not_o burdensome_a to_o we_o and_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v better_o need_v by_o we_o when_o sleep_n and_o sluggishness_n overtake_v we_o the_o company_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n be_v but_o burdensome_a and_o their_o discourse_n but_o little_o regard_v we_o have_v rather_o have_v their_o room_n than_o their_o company_n their_o silence_n than_o their_o discourse_n because_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o compose_v ourselves_o for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o sleepy_a and_o secure_a condition_n his_o company_n be_v no_o whit_n pleasant_a and_o his_o discourse_n sink_v but_o ear-deep_a if_o it_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o do_v little_a good_a now_o christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v and_o find_v his_o spouse_n in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o this_o but_o when_o he_o find_v she_o watch_v or_o busy_a at_o her_o spiritual_a work_n in_o a_o lively_a condition_n now_o say_v he_o my_o company_n will_v be_v acceptable_a now_o in_o a_o lively_a manner_n will_v she_o unbosom_v herself_o to_o i_o tell_v i_o her_o whole_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o i_o shall_v as_o free_o impart_v my_o counsel_n and_o comfort_n unto_o she_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o condition_n that_o i_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o in_o and_o find_v she_o in_o this_o condition_n it_o yield_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o christ_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o bless_a posture_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o posture_n to_o give_v christ_n such_o abundant_a satisfaction_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v that_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v upon_o their_o watch_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o honour_n and_o benefit_n which_o he_o will_v confer_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v commend_v and_o praise_v they_o he_o will_v give_v they_o honourable_a title_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n he_o will_v give_v they_o bountiful_a reward_n and_o a_o sumptuous_a feast_n and_o he_o himself_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o therefore_o need_v no_o further_a enlargement_n 2._o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o damnable_a and_o desperate_a condition_n of_o many_o sinner_n 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and_o wait_v how_o clear_a and_o full_a conviction_n have_v be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v now_o how_o hot_a the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v and_o how_o cool_v it_o be_v now_o and_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o and_o if_o this_o be_v go_v what_o will_v it_o advantage_v you_o to_o have_v the_o gospel_n continue_v it_o will_v be_v but_o for_o your_o harden_v and_o the_o seal_v you_o up_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n isaiah_n be_v a_o powerful_a preacher_n and_o yet_o you_o see_v what_o a_o message_n god_n send_v he_o to_o israeâ—_n isai_n 6.9_o 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a message_n to_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v send_v upon_o this_o errand_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o message_n that_o god_n send_v they_o to_o many_o a_o one_o with_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o message_n to_o you_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a however_o we_o must_v go_v what_o message_n our_o master_n send_v we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o we_o it_o will_v be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o dreadful_a to_o you_o only_o our_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o you_o may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o your_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o your_o everlasting_a peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o your_o eye_n and_o these_o general_a fear_n be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o delay_v or_o linger_v no_o long_o but_o open_a to_o christ_n 7._o be_v not_o all_o these_o call_v by_o gospel-ordidinances_a in_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n here_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o that_o do_v pray_v for_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o prayerless_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o number_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o the_o prophet_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v his_o wrath_n upon_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o dreadful_a will_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v when_o it_o come_v but_o i_o speak_v here_o to_o those_o that_o do_v pray_v have_v it_o not_o be_v your_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v return_v into_o his_o rest_a place_n he_o and_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o strength_n have_v not_o you_o pray_v arise_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n and_o breath_n upon_o my_o garden_n let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n have_v not_o you_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v see_v and_o meet_v with_o god_n as_o sometime_o you_o have_v do_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o you_o may_v sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n may_v be_v pleasant_a to_o your_o taste_n have_v not_o you_o sigh_v and_o breathe_v out_o
company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o christ_n interest_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o sufficient_o open_v to_o he_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o man_n find_v who_o pray_v for_o christ_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o he_o yea_o and_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o a_o love_n for_o he_o and_o yet_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n never_o true_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n examine_v your_o heart_n therefore_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v there_o and_o open_v to_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v how_o come_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o world_n to_o have_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o you_o and_o to_o bear_v so_o much_o sway_n with_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o world_n will_v be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o 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the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o 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rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o may_v be_v as_o painful_a and_o as_o unwilling_o yield_v to_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n right_a foot_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n nay_o his_o word_n may_v further_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n discern_v and_o discover_v the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o will_v shall_v be_v discover_v or_o cut_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o in_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o linger_v and_o put_v off_o christ_n from_o time_n to_o time_n sometime_o again_o christ_n may_v put_v his_o spouse_n upon_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v cross_v her_o natural_a inclination_n or_o particular_a present_a and_o visible_a interest_n such_o as_o deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o
to_o mention_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v free_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o he_o will_v ready_o open_v to_o thou_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v few_o but_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o trouble_n and_o restlessness_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o not_o full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a state_n they_o be_v in_o but_o be_v still_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o something_o further_o in_o hope_n another_o condition_n may_v be_v better_o and_o this_o they_o may_v gather_v from_o all_o their_o experience_n that_o a_o rest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o and_o consequent_o all_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o in_o a_o seek_v condition_n seek_v for_o rest_n and_o can_v find_v none_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v often_o something_o within_o that_o suggest_v this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_a place_n by_o daily_a experience_n they_o also_o see_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o rest_n must_v be_v have_v in_o another_o world_n or_o not_o have_v at_o all_o for_o here_o no_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o do_v remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o open_v to_o christ_n here_o for_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o any_o at_o that_o day_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o now_o no_o he_o tell_v we_o quite_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n you_o know_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n cry_v loud_a open_v to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o restlessness_n in_o this_o world_n that_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o in_o hell_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o rest_n at_o death_n and_o in_o heaven_n desirable_a open_a to_o christ_n now_o as_o ever_o thou_o will_v avoid_v the_o one_o or_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o use_n if_o either_o sense_n of_o duty_n love_v to_o thyself_o and_o thou_o own_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n either_o of_o divinity_n or_o humanity_n may_v work_v upon_o thou_o here_o be_v fullness_n of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v reason_n prevail_v with_o thou_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o what_o will_v you_o have_v i_o in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n if_o i_o know_v but_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n that_o i_o may_v help_v thou_o a_o little_a in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n i_o shall_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v and_o what_o to_o do_v and_o so_o shall_v conclude_v this_o subject_n and_o these_o direction_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o manner_n or_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n 2._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n in_o and_o make_v himself_o manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o such_o direction_n as_o respect_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heart_n may_v these_o several_a way_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n by_o unbelief_n by_o impenitency_n by_o want_n of_o love_n or_o coldness_n of_o affection_n by_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n either_o in_o our_o watch_n or_o work_v a_o little_a to_o open_v each_o of_o these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o they_o what_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o though_o the_o sinner_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o his_o sin_n yet_o he_o seek_v to_o justify_v himself_o and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o a_o pardon_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o their_o shift_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o guilt_n upon_o some_o one_o else_o adam_z when_o examine_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v faulty_a lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o eve_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n upon_o god_n himself_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o give_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o do_v eat_v the_o woman_n when_o examine_v lay_v the_o guilt_n upon_o the_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o &c_n &c_n and_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o pride_n remain_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o adam_n posterity_n which_o make_v they_o use_v their_o uttermost_a endeavour_n to_o justify_v themselves_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o excuse_n that_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o person_n do_v so_o overmuch_o value_v their_o own_o work_n of_o righteousness_n judge_v in_o effect_n that_o every_o small_a parcel_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v jesus_n christ_n be_v undervalue_v and_o little_a store_n set_v by_o for_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v whole_o behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o justification_n while_o he_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o to_o lean_v to_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n as_o this_o pride_n harden_v god_n heart_n against_o the_o sinner_n and_o make_v god_n to_o resist_v or_o set_v himself_o in_o battle-array_n against_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v james_n 4.6_o and_o as_o this_o self-justifying_a confidence_n cause_v christ_n many_o time_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n without_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9.13_o that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v through_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o this_o pride_n do_v harden_v and_o shut_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o sinner_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n psal_n 10.4_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o and_o full_o open_v to_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n get_v rid_v of_o all_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n labour_v to_o be_v humble_a low_a and_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o such_o christ_n will_v look_v isai_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o i_o e._n they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a humble_a self-denying_a spirit_n have_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n bring_v unto_o they_o to_o these_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v these_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n while_o david_n justify_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o sin_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o but_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o confess_v free_o his_o sin_n god_n come_v in_o with_o pardon_n psal_n 32._o oh_o therefore_o labour_n after_o humility_n and_o lowness_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a humble_a yourselves_o therefore_o and_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v exalt_v you_o with_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n christ_n must_v do_v all_o and_o have_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o command_n of_o all_o where_o he_o come_v and_o
be_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o excellency_n all-sufficiency_n and_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o insufficiency_n and_o emptiness_n that_o make_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o very_o cold_a for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o love_n be_v some_o suitable_a desirable_a good_a thing_n be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v then_o with_o that_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o and_o free_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o christ_n do_v we_o but_o see_v his_o loveliness_n in_o every_o respect_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o disposition_n and_o qualification_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o undertake_n and_o his_o suitableness_n every_o way_n to_o our_o condition_n we_o shall_v from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o love_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o spouse_n he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a nay_o our_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o desire_v after_o he_o will_v be_v so_o fervent_a that_o we_o shall_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n more_o open_a to_o christ_n study_n christ_n better_o for_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v exalt_v or_o set_v on_o high_a such_o as_o know_v his_o name_n and_o set_v their_o love_n upon_o he_o psal_n 91.14_o and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o high_o advance_v thou_o than_o by_o honour_v thou_o with_o his_o company_n our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o call_v and_o therefore_o we_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o his_o call_n 2._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v of_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o teach_v thou_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o attend_v thereunto_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n be_v who_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n yea_o let_v thy_o heart_n burn_v within_o thou_o while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o thou_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n do_v while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o attend_v diligent_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v with_o the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_a ready_o prepare_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o divine_a truth_n god_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o and_o resolve_v to_o practice_v what_o truth_n thou_o shall_v receive_v let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o every_o ordinance_n as_o samuel_n do_v speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v or_o as_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v or_o as_o the_o people_n to_o moses_n but_o with_o a_o better_a heart_n and_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v none_o of_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a but_o say_v with_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n remember_v that_o christ_n be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o thou_o for_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o in_o keep_v his_o command_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n 3._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o christ_n thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o christ_n will_v advise_v thou_o to_o nothing_o but_o for_o thy_o good_a see_v what_o counsel_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o asian_a church_n rev._n 2_o 3._o chap._n his_o counsel_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o laodicea_n she_o be_v a_o very_a lukewarm_a church_n and_o yet_o very_o proud_a self-confident_a church_n she_o say_v she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o what_o be_v christ_n counsel_n to_o she_o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v rev._n 3.17_o 18._o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o faithful_a friend_n and_o physician_n will_v certain_o give_v very_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n he_o be_v call_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n isai_n 9.6_o open_v thy_o heart_n and_o listen_v to_o the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o thou_o he_o will_v instruct_v thou_o how_o to_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o improve_v ordinance_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o exercise_v thy_o grace_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o order_v thy_o conversation_n aright_o and_o to_o improve_v all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o thou_o take_v but_o christ_n counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v amiss_o for_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o communicative_a of_o his_o wisdom_n never_o fail_v any_o that_o trust_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n read_v james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o but_o know_v this_o that_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o counsel_n slight_v to_o do_v this_o will_v high_o displease_v he_o read_v prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n i_o call_v 〈◊〉_d but_o you_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v theâ—_n shall_v they_o call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n counsel_n thou_o may_v follow_v thy_o own_o device_n and_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o psal_n 81.11_o 12._o write_v out_o the_o text._n 4._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o too_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o thou_o but_o as_o david_n speak_v concern_v the_o righteous_a so_o do_v thou_o from_o thy_o very_a heart_n say_v let_v the_o righteous_a christ_n smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n though_o thou_o know_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o thou_o at_o his_o come_n yet_o be_v never_o the_o more_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o nor_o be_v thou_o weary_a of_o his_o rebuke_n it_o be_v unpleasant_a discourse_n many_o time_n when_o our_o friend_n rip_v up_o our_o fault_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v real_o our_o fault_n so_o to_o account_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o real_a part_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o reprove_v we_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o our_o soul_n however_o it_o may_v be_v unpleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o safe_a it_o argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o thou_o if_o he_o deal_v thus_o faithful_o with_o thou_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o let_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o be_v open_a ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v his_o most_o severe_a rebuke_n and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o kindness_n from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v rebuke_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o blessedness_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n rebuke_n and_o chasten_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 94.12_o david_n have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o say_v psal_n 119.75_o i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v right_a and_o that_o thou_o in_o faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v i_o and_o v._o 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o afterward_o it_o work_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o heb._n 12.11_o open_a therefore_o