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
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
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
find_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o let_v he_o in_o if_o christ_n have_v thus_o presume_a her_o lock_n with_o but_o put_v in_o his_o finger_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n oh_o what_o will_v his_o company_n be_v when_o himself_o come_v in_o and_o therefore_o without_o any_o more_o delay_n or_o excuse_v in_o all_o haste_n she_o open_v to_o he_o v._o 6._o but_o christ_n though_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o forsake_v she_o and_o cast_v she_o off_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v her_o sensible_a of_o the_o affront_n which_o she_o have_v offer_v he_o and_o of_o her_o ungrateful_a carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o withdraw_v and_o make_v she_o who_o but_o now_o be_v so_o delicate_a and_o easeful_a that_o she_o can_v not_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n or_o come_v barefooted_a over_o the_o house-floor_n to_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o street_n and_o take_v many_o a_o wet_a and_o weary_a step_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n and_o that_o questionless_a with_o a_o ache_a heart_n have_v his_o perfume_n so_o fresh_a in_o her_o breast_n and_o her_o own_o guilt_n so_o fresh_a upon_o her_o conscience_n before_o she_o find_v he_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v but_o in_o a_o word_n mention_v those_o particular_n in_o the_o text_n upon_o which_o i_o design_v to_o ground_v the_o doctrine_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o whole_a conference_n or_o relation_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v ground_v the_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o church_n prayer_n chap._n 4.16_o awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n etc._n etc._n she_o pray_v for_o the_o breathe_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o her_o grace_n may_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o action_n and_o then_o desire_v christ_n company_n when_o she_o be_v fix_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o 2._o we_o have_v christ_n his_o answer_n to_o the_o church_n her_o prayer_n chap._n 5.1_o the_o spouse_n no_o soon_o call_v but_o christ_n make_v answer_n no_o soon_o invite_v but_o christ_n come_v 3._o the_o posture_n which_o he_o find_v she_o in_o at_o his_o come_n go_v to_o bed_n and_o compose_v herself_o to_o sleep_v believer_n do_v sometime_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o wait_v for_o 4._o christ_n his_o call_n and_o proposal_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o spouse_n at_o his_o come_n which_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a since_o his_o come_n be_v at_o her_o request_n v._o 2._o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n 5._o we_o have_v the_o spouse_n her_o unreasonable_a denial_n and_o excuse_n v._o 3._o she_o little_a consider_v how_o wet_a and_o weary_a christ_n be_v and_o manifest_v but_o poor_a respect_n to_o he_o when_o she_o will_v rather_o suffer_v he_o to_o stand_v there_o than_o she_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n or_o defile_v her_o foot_n oh_o what_o difference_n be_v here_o between_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n to_o he_o 6._o we_o may_v observe_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o refusal_n and_o unreasonable_a denial_n though_o christ_n rouse_v up_o her_o grace_n and_o give_v she_o some_o taste_n of_o his_o excellency_n which_o may_v make_v she_o unwearied_o to_o seek_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v her_o smart_n for_o her_o lazyness_n and_o indifferency_n and_o low_a value_n which_o she_o set_v by_o christ_n he_o will_v make_v she_o take_v abundant_o more_o pain_n before_o she_o find_v he_o she_o shall_v seek_v he_o with_o a_o faint_a ache_a heart_n and_o in_o seek_v take_v many_o a_o wet_a and_o weary_a step_n feel_v a_o little_a of_o what_o he_o endure_v at_o the_o door_n before_o she_o find_v he_o v._o 6._o from_o all_o these_o consideration_n in_o the_o text_n i_o gather_v this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o may_v cost_v we_o dear_a to_o be_v lazy_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v especial_o when_o his_o come_n and_o call_v be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n and_o sum_n of_o this_o text_n but_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n prov._n 1.24_o and_o follow_v verse_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 81.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o hear_v o_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a god_n in_o thou_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o bearken_v so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v luke_o 13.34_o 35._o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o wherefore_o your_o city_n be_v leave_v to_o you_o desolate_a 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 i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n observe_v this_o method_n 1._o speak_v something_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n 2._o something_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n 3._o something_o by_o way_n of_o application_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o where_o christ_n knock_v 2._o at_o who_o door_n christ_n knock_v 3._o how_o or_o with_o what_o he_o knock_v 4._o for_o what_o end_n he_o knock_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v 5._o what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o his_o knock_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o where_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n knock_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n knockâ—_n and_o call_n be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o have_v the_o ear_n open_a to_o god_n call_n signify_v little_a if_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v and_o christ_n can_v get_v in_o there_o we_o see_v in_o the_o text_n the_o spouse_n though_o partly_o asleep_a hear_v christ_n knock_n and_o call_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o she_o cause_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o she_o because_o she_o do_v not_o open_a to_o he_o wisdom_n cry_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n open_a or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o as_o christ_n be_v no_o dissembler_n but_o real_a in_o what_o he_o offer_v and_o give_v so_o he_o love_v no_o dissemble_n but_o expect_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v real_a and_o cordial_a with_o he_o now_o to_o pretend_v to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o mock_v he_o and_o dissemble_v with_o he_o this_o god_n complain_v of_o jer._n 3.10_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v to_o i_o with_o the_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o flattery_n or_o lie_v in_o god_n account_n psal_n 78.36_o 37._o they_o pretend_v to_o return_v and_o seek_v early_o after_o god_n nevertheless_o they_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o jeremiah_n complain_v thus_o of_o the_o wicked_a jer._n 12.2_o thou_o be_v near_o they_o in_o their_o lip_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o that_o son_n be_v reject_v who_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o this_o dissemble_a and_o complement_n with_o god_n be_v abominable_a to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n and_o therefore_o he_o require_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o knock_v 2._o because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o christ_n his_o purchase_n and_o therefore_o he_o knock_v there_o it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v not_o that_o be_v a_o appurtenance_n to_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n christ_n will_v never_o have_v pay_v so_o dear_a a_o price_n for_o it_o but_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o soul_n or_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o in_o christ_n eye_n when_o he_o make_v his_o soul_n
another_o if_o one_o argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v they_o make_v use_v of_o another_o leave_v no_o stone_n no_o subject_n unturned_a unspeak_a to_o that_o they_o can_v imagine_v may_v prevail_v with_o you_o what_o bespeak_v all_o this_o earnestness_n and_o industry_n but_o that_o christ_n call_v now_o in_o good_a earnest_n upon_o you_o for_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o without_o he_o it_o be_v he_o that_o direct_v we_o to_o our_o subject_n and_o put_v a_o word_n into_o our_o mouth_n it_o be_v he_o that_o enlarge_v our_o meditation_n bless_v our_o study_n and_o warm_v the_o word_n upon_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v he_o that_o touch_v our_o lip_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o his_o altar_n and_o help_v we_o to_o deliver_v our_o message_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o power_n and_o all_o this_o be_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o the_o call_n may_v be_v more_o convince_a and_o effectual_a upon_o you_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o find_v a_o 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simplicity_n and_o the_o scorner_n delight_v in_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o whole_o depart_v out_o of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o that_o yet_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n that_o his_o spirit_n be_v yet_o strive_v with_o we_o and_o that_o yet_o he_o have_v compassion_n of_o his_o heritage_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o leave_v his_o dwell_a place_n be_v there_o not_o now_o and_o then_o a_o secret_a word_n whisper_v in_o your_o ear_n that_o this_o word_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v send_v a_o particular_a message_n to_o you_o be_v not_o you_o ready_a to_o think_v within_o yourselves_o sometime_o how_o come_v the_o minister_n to_o know_v my_o case_n so_o particular_o and_o to_o speak_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o none_o know_v but_o god_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n why_o you_o must_v know_v that_o this_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v to_o you_o by_o we_o it_o be_v he_o that_o send_v we_o unto_o you_o and_z puts_z word_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o to_o say_v to_o you_o he_o who_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n direct_v we_o what_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n open_v your_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n convince_v your_o conscience_n that_o you_o be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o you_o you_o may_v assure_o know_v that_o this_o a_o special_a knock_n and_o call_v from_o christ_n may_v there_o not_o be_v the_o same_o inward_a work_n in_o your_o heart_n while_o this_o word_n be_v sound_v in_o your_o ear_n or_o represent_v to_o your_o eye_n in_o read_v of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o and_o open_v the_o scripture_n luke_n 24.32_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o etc._n etc._n have_v you_o not_o some_o secret_a motion_n gripe_n and_o pricking_n at_o the_o heart_n under_o this_o or_o other_o ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n say_v open_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o more_o sensible_a and_o pierce_a these_o be_v the_o more_o loud_o be_v christ_n call_n 6._o be_v there_o no_o fear_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n lest_o christ_n his_o stay_n at_o our_o door_n shall_v not_o be_v long_o be_v there_o no_o sign_n and_o symptom_n of_o christ_n weariness_n and_o readiness_n to_o depart_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v there_o not_o a_o general_a fear_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o most_o man_n lest_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o be_v remove_v what_o ground_n and_o cause_n man_n have_v for_o those_o fear_n from_o second_o cause_n i_o say_v nothing_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o fear_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o what_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o be_v evident_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o can_v be_v without_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o fear_n be_v a_o evil_n of_o affliction_n it_o disquiet_v and_o trouble_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o amos_n 3.6_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n but_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o this_o negative_a interrogation_n be_v a_o more_o vehement_a affirmation_n and_o if_o christ_n shall_v not_o whole_o depart_v and_o take_v away_o his_o gospel_n yet_o his_o particular_a calâ—s_n by_o inward_a conviction_n and_o strive_n of_o his_o spirit_n may_v not_o last_v long_o as_o he_o give_v you_o a_o day_n so_o he_o will_v give_v you_o but_o a_o day_n and_o then_o he_o will_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o you_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n how_o much_o of_o this_o day_n may_v be_v spend_v you_o may_v better_o guess_v than_o any_o one_o can_v tell_v you_o know_v how_o long_o he_o have_v call_v and_o wait_v how_o clear_a and_o full_a conviction_n have_v be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v now_o how_o hot_a the_o gospel_n have_v shine_v and_o how_o cool_v it_o be_v now_o and_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o evening_n stretch_v out_o and_o if_o this_o be_v go_v what_o will_v it_o advantage_v you_o to_o have_v the_o gospel_n continue_v it_o will_v be_v but_o for_o your_o harden_v and_o the_o seal_v you_o up_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n isaiah_n be_v a_o powerful_a preacher_n and_o yet_o you_o see_v what_o a_o message_n god_n send_v he_o to_o israeâ—_n isai_n 6.9_o 10._o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a message_n to_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v send_v upon_o this_o errand_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o message_n that_o god_n send_v they_o to_o many_o a_o one_o with_o and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o message_n to_o you_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a however_o we_o must_v go_v what_o message_n our_o master_n send_v we_o and_o if_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o we_o it_o will_v be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o dreadful_a to_o you_o only_o our_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o you_o may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o your_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o your_o everlasting_a peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o your_o eye_n and_o these_o general_a fear_n be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o delay_v or_o linger_v no_o long_o but_o open_a to_o christ_n 7._o be_v not_o all_o these_o call_v by_o gospel-ordidinances_a in_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n here_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o that_o do_v pray_v for_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o prayerless_a soul_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o wish_v they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o number_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o family_n that_o call_v not_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o the_o prophet_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v pour_v his_o wrath_n upon_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o dreadful_a will_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v when_o it_o come_v but_o i_o speak_v here_o to_o those_o that_o do_v pray_v have_v it_o not_o be_v your_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v return_v into_o his_o rest_a place_n he_o and_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o strength_n have_v not_o you_o pray_v arise_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n and_o breath_n upon_o my_o garden_n let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n have_v not_o you_o pray_v that_o you_o may_v see_v and_o meet_v with_o god_n as_o sometime_o you_o have_v do_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o you_o may_v sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n may_v be_v pleasant_a to_o your_o taste_n have_v not_o you_o sigh_v and_o breathe_v out_o
company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o where_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n there_o christ_n interest_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n not_o sufficient_o open_v to_o he_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o man_n find_v who_o pray_v for_o christ_n have_v a_o desire_n of_o he_o yea_o and_o hope_v that_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o a_o love_n for_o he_o and_o yet_o through_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o world_n never_o true_o open_v his_o heart_n to_o christ_n examine_v your_o heart_n therefore_o how_o the_o case_n stand_v with_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v there_o and_o open_v to_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v how_o come_v his_o mortal_a enemy_n the_o world_n to_o have_v such_o a_o interest_n in_o you_o and_o to_o bear_v so_o much_o sway_n with_o you_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o world_n will_v be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n and_o from_o which_o at_o all_o time_n it_o fetch_v direction_n so_o it_o have_v a_o large_a office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n its_o work_n be_v to_o purify_v both_o heart_n and_o life_n act_n 15.9_o purify_n their_o heart_n by_o faith_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n james_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a be_v alone_o i_o may_v well_o compare_v faith_n to_o a_o large_a and_o frugiferous_a tree_n who_o root_n or_o foundation_n be_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n record_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n the_o ground_n or_o seat_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o heart_n the_o command_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o body_n or_o trunk_n of_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o habit_n or_o principle_n of_o faith_n infuse_v into_o we_o and_o nourish_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o several_a branch_n of_o this_o tree_n spread_v themselves_o every_o way_n be_v the_o several_a emanation_n or_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n guide_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n word_n the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o several_a particular_a act_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n guide_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n now_o where_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v make_v warm_a by_o the_o presence_n and_o influential_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v open_v unto_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n the_o tree_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o flourish_v and_o draw_v in_o fresh_a supply_n of_o sap_n from_o the_o rock_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v digest_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n must_v needs_o bring_v forth_o suitable_a and_o proportionable_a fruit_n of_o all_o kind_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o therefore_o thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n where_o then_o be_v the_o fruit_n effect_n act_n and_o flow_n forth_o of_o faith_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o passage_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n where_o be_v thy_o dependence_n upon_o and_o embrace_v of_o his_o promise_n rely_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n where_o be_v thy_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n discharge_v duty_n in_o every_o part_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n live_v by_o and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o every_o thing_n thou_o go_v about_o leave_v the_o issue_n success_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thy_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o god_n to_o his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o be_v thy_o constant_a watch_n against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o heart_n the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o allurement_n and_o enticement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o faithful_a resistance_n of_o all_o temptation_n thy_o deep_a repentance_n for_o and_o faithful_a
22._o go_v thy_o way_n sell_v whatsoever_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o he_o be_v sad_a at_o that_o say_n and_o go_v away_o grieve_v etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o in_o this_o age_n that_o will_v account_v these_o too_o hard_a term_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n upon_o but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o argue_v rational_o why_o shall_v these_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o this_o christ_n bid_v we_o no_o loss_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o part_n with_o earthly_a he_o promise_v we_o heavenly_a treasure_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o a_o corrupt_a part_n or_o member_n though_o it_o be_v painful_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a matth._n 5.29_o 30._o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lose_v a_o corrupt_a part_n than_o lose_v the_o whole_a 4._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n may_v excite_v we_o to_o and_o quicken_v we_o in_o our_o work_n may_v call_v we_o to_o be_v quick_a and_o more_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o our_o work_n he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a he_o may_v bid_v we_o strive_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o many_o shall_v in_o a_o lazy_a and_o slothful_a manner_n seek_v and_o wish_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o this_o lazy_a slothful_a work_n will_v not_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a only_o take_v it_o by_o force_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o read_v pray_v hear_v meditate_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o cold_a and_o careless_a rate_n which_o we_o do_v it_o will_v not_o do_v well_o to_o be_v such_o stranger_n as_o we_o be_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n more_o deep_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o must_v study_v and_o practise_v our_o duty_n more_o thorough_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o prayer_n must_v make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n our_o delight_n and_o daily_a meditation_n must_v in_o all_o thing_n small_a as_o well_o as_o great_a exercise_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n must_v set_v a_o watch_n before_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n lip_n and_o life_n mu_o in_o short_a forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o may_v come_v to_o ask_v we_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v since_o the_o last_o time_n i_o be_v with_o you_o what_o have_v you_o learned_a what_o have_v you_o practise_v what_o proficiency_n have_v you_o make_v what_o account_n can_v you_o give_v of_o the_o talent_n which_o i_o betru_v you_o with_o in_o what_o forwardness_n be_v your_o work_n let_v i_o see_v how_o matter_n stand_v with_o you_o what_o design_n have_v you_o on_o foot_n for_o my_o glory_n and_o what_o be_v the_o design_n which_o you_o be_v now_o carry_v on_o these_o and_o suchlike_a question_n may_v be_v ask_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o now_o if_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n in_o these_o and_o suchlike_a case_n no_o wonder_n though_o she_o be_v unwilling_a at_o this_o time_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o fear_n of_o have_v her_o fault_n discover_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o her_o conscience_n will_v make_v she_o very_o slow_a in_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o be_v note_v before_o but_o if_o reason_n may_v take_v place_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o for_o what_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v real_a truth_n that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a pass_v on_o a_o pace_n and_o irrecoverable_a when_o go_v and_o if_o we_o have_v sleep_v or_o loiter_v be_v it_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o still_o be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v let_v we_o sleep_v or_o loiter_v on_o till_o his_o last_o call_n to_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n as_o he_o do_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n math._n 25._o in_o what_o a_o condition_n will_v you_o be_v when_o you_o shall_v awake_v your_o lamp_n go_v out_o no_o oil_n in_o your_o vessel_n no_o neighbour_n to_o borrow_v of_o every_o one_o have_v little_a enough_o for_o himself_o and_o you_o must_v be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o buy_v when_o you_o shall_v enter_v in_o with_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o come_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o loose_v your_o whole_a expectation_n be_v it_o not_o better_o let_v in_o christ_n now_o and_o be_v content_a to_o shake_v off_o sleep_v while_o you_o have_v time_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o your_o vessel_n with_o your_o lamp_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o delay_n in_o most_o case_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o it_o be_v bad_a put_v off_o thing_n to_o the_o last_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v most_o true_a in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o great_o concern_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n nay_o further_o if_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o we_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o let_v christ_n come_v in_o and_o put_v all_o thing_n to_o right_n in_o we_o then_o to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o random_n till_o they_o be_v pass_v cure_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o never_o be_v soul_n that_o ever_o repent_v of_o this_o whatever_o pain_n it_o be_v put_v to_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v sad_o repent_v the_o shut_v out_o of_o christ_n when_o it_o have_v be_v too_o late_o it_o be_v better_a that_o christ_n bring_v thy_o fault_n and_o sin_n to_o light_n and_o remembtance_n here_o while_o thou_o may_v repent_v and_o reform_v than_o that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v find_v thou_o out_o in_o the_o guilt_n shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o and_o be_v sure_a thy_o sin_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o find_v thou_o out_o numb_a 32.23_o oh_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o you_o to_o hinder_v you_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a spiritual_a reason_n for_o any_o poor_a soul_n to_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n all_o reason_n produce_v for_o that_o end_n be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o oughts_z not_o to_o be_v carnal_a but_o mighty_a to_o the_o pull_v down_o all_o imagination_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v cavil_v or_o carnal_a reason_n one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n doubtless_o both_o which_o be_v bad_a these_o carnal_a reason_n must_v proceed_v from_o either_o from_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o discover_v or_o purge_v out_o which_o may_v well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a for_o he_o say_v psal_n 145.18_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n so_o that_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v questionable_a or_o else_o it_o proceed_v hence_o viz._n from_o pride_n and_o self-love_n pride_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o see_v thing_n â—miss_o in_o thou_o but_o know_v that_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a from_o self-love_n â—n_o that_o thou_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o ease_n and_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o thy_o very_a life_n be_v more_o dear_a to_o thou_o than_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_o let_v none_o of_o these_o base_a and_o sinful_a argument_n keep_v thou_o off_o from_o open_v speedy_o to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o may_v tell_v thou_o also_o of_o the_o advantage_n that_o will_v come_v by_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o before_o only_o this_o one_o give_v i_o leave_v