see_v christ_n from_o the_o cross_n cast_v forth_o a_o threefold_a cord_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o break_v to_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n to_o he_o four_o to_o conclude_v demonst_a what_o mighty_a demonstration_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o we_o do_v our_o redeemer_n give_v at_o and_o since_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n as_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n be_v a_o persuasive_a argument_n to_o draw_v sinner_n to_o he_o so_o his_o ascension_n to_o heaven_n have_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v mighty_a attractive_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n i_o will_v only_o mention_v two_o 1._o the_o gift_n he_o bestow_v at_o his_o ascension_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o ascension_n 1._o the_o gift_n he_o bestow_v on_o man_n at_o his_o ascension_n for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n whereof_o the_o psalmist_n give_v this_o account_n psal._n 68_o 18._o thou_o have_v ascend_v on_o high_a thou_o have_v receive_v gift_n for_o man_n yea_o for_o the_o rebellious_a also_o that_o the_o lord_n god_n may_v dwell_v among_o they_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o roman_a conqueror_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o triumph_n do_v spargere_fw-la missilia_fw-la scatter_v their_o largess_n among_o the_o people_n thus_o christ_n at_o his_o ascension_n shed_v forth_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o various_a kind_n qualify_a man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o plead_v with_o your_o soul_n and_o carry_v on_o his_o suit_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n these_o gift_n be_v extraordinary_a in_o the_o first_o age_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o ordinary_a to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n eph._n 4._o 8_o 9_o to_o some_o he_o give_v depth_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n to_o other_o a_o mighty_a pathos_n a_o melt_a influence_n upon_o the_o affection_n but_o all_o design_v to_o win_v over_o your_o heart_n to_o christ._n this_o show_v what_o care_v he_o take_v and_o what_o provision_n he_o answerable_o make_v for_o the_o success_n of_o his_o great_a design_n to_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n to_o he_o 2_o the_o end_n of_o his_o ascension_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v in_o scripture_n plain_o speak_v the_o vehemency_n of_o christ_n desire_n to_o draw_v soul_n to_o he_o now_o the_o declare_a end_n of_o his_o ascension_n be_v 1_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o convince_v convert_v and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o john_n 16._o 7._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v yond_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v to_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n without_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n and_o no_o such_o conviction_n can_v be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n can_v not_o come_v to_o effect_v these_o thing_n upon_o man_n heart_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o ascend_v john_n 7._o 39_o but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v thus_o christ_n provide_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o his_o great_a design_n upon_o your_o heart_n when_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o thought_n of_o that_o glory_n make_v he_o not_o to_o forget_v his_o great_a design_n upon_o earth_n 2_o another_o end_n of_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o make_v intercession_n with_o the_o father_n for_o all_o and_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o he_o that_o their_o future_a sin_n may_v make_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o a_o privilege_n able_a to_o draw_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o sinner_n to_o he_o 1_o john_n 2._o 1_o 2._o my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o mark_v it_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n must_v encourage_v and_o embolden_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n that_o will_v be_v a_o vile_a abuse_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god._n but_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n i_o e._n if_o sin_n surprise_v and_o deceive_v any_o gracious_a soul_n the_o bent_n of_o who_o heart_n be_v against_o it_o let_v he_o not_o be_v discourage_v he_o have_v a_o potent_a advocate_n ascend_v into_o the_o heaven_n to_o continue_v the_o peace_n betwixt_o god_n and_o that_o soul._n o_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v here_o to_o gain_v the_o consent_n of_o a_o sinner_n heart_n to_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n 3_o another_o declare_a end_n of_o christ_n ascension_n be_v to_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a as_o in_o the_o forecited_a place_n psal._n 68_o 17._o that_o be_v to_o captivate_v and_o triumph_v over_o satan_n as_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n who_o lead_v we_o captive_a in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o vanity_n he_o conquer_v satan_n upon_o the_o cross_n col._n 2._o 15._o but_o he_o triumph_v over_o he_o at_o his_o ascension_n and_o without_o such_o a_o conquest_n and_o triumph_n no_o soul_n can_v come_v to_o christ._n 4_o in_o a_o word_n christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o prepare_v mansion_n of_o rest_n and_o glory_n for_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v embrace_v he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n john_n 14._o 2_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o i_o go_v to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o you_o q._n d._n it_o satisfy_v i_o not_o to_o enjoy_v my_o glory_n in_o heaven_n alone_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o by_o faith_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o let_v they_o know_v for_o their_o encouragement_n that_o the_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o john_n 17._o 22._o all_o these_o thing_n loud_o speak_v the_o fervent_a desire_n of_o christ_n soul_n after_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o poor_a sinner_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v 2_o have_v prove_v the_o point_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o earnest_a suitor_n for_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n we_o next_o come_v to_o show_v the_o marvellous_a and_o admirable_a grace_n and_o condecension_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v five_o way_n to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o every_o consider_v soul._n 1._o though_o christ_n be_v thus_o intent_n and_o earnest_n in_o his_o suit_n for_o your_o consent_n yet_o he_o gain_v nothing_o by_o you_o when_o you_o do_v consent_n the_o gain_n be_v to_o yourselves_o but_o not_o to_o he_o he_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o rom._n 9_o 5._o above_o all_o accession_n from_o the_o creature_n what_o do_v the_o sun_n gain_v by_o enlighten_v and_o animate_v the_o low_a world_n or_o what_o do_v a_o fountain_n gain_v when_o man_n drink_v and_o be_v refresh_v by_o its_o water_n if_o any_o soul_n that_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n shall_v present_o resolve_v henceforth_o to_o break_v asunder_o all_o the_o tie_n and_o engagement_n betwixt_o he_o and_o sin_n to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o give_v away_o himself_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n to_o live_v henceforth_o as_o a_o hallow_a dedicate_a creature_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n this_o indeed_o will_v turn_v to_o the_o infinite_a and_o everlasting_a advantage_n of_o such_o a_o soul_n but_o yet_o christ_n can_v be_v profit_v thereby_o 2_o and_o that_o which_o still_o increase_v the_o wonder_n be_v this_o that_o though_o christ_n make_v no_o gain_n or_o profit_n by_o our_o conversion_n yet_o have_v he_o impoverish_v himself_o to_o gain_v such_o unprofitable_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v to_o he_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o poor_a to_o make_v we_o rich_a so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 9_o for_o you_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o your_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o you_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a he_o expend_v his_o riches_n make_v no_o advantage_n unto_o himself_o his_o incarnation_n impoverish_v his_o reputation_n phil._n 2._o 7._o how_o poor_a be_v christ_n when_o he_o say_v psal._n 22._o 6._o but_o i_o be_o a_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n a_o
word_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a internal_a voice_n but_o all_o this_o give_v we_o but_o a_o remote_a imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o therefore_o three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v the_o innate_a character_n and_o special_a property_n of_o this_o internal_a spiritual_a voice_n of_o christ_n which_o must_v be_v hear_v or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v he_o i._o character_n and_o the_o first_o character_n be_v this_o it_o be_v a_o secret_a and_o a_o still_a voice_n whereby_o somewhat_o be_v as_o it_o be_v whisper_v into_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v external_o to_o the_o ear_n much_o like_o that_o of_o nathan_n to_o david_n thou_o be_v the_o man._n this_o still_a voice_n sound_v throughout_o the_o whole_a soul_n yet_o none_o hear_v it_o but_o the_o soul_n concern_v in_o it_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o sam._n 9_o 15._o the_o lord_n tell_v samuel_n in_o his_o ear_n the_o night_n before_o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v he_o whisper_v the_o secret_a into_o the_o prophet_n mind_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n whisper_v a_o word_n into_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o sinner_n which_o make_v his_o heart_n to_o tremble_v after_o this_o manner_n this_o be_v thy_o very_a state_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v thy_o sin_n which_o be_v now_o open_v by_o the_o gospel_n in_o thy_o ear_n this_o be_v a_o voice_n without_o sound_n or_o noise_n to_o any_o other_o but_o very_o intelligible_a to_o the_o soul_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v speak_v you_o read_v in_o 1_o king_n 19_o 11_o 12._o when_o elijah_n stand_v upon_o the_o mount_n before_o the_o lord_n there_o come_v a_o great_a and_o strong_a wind_n which_o rend_v the_o mountain_n and_o break_v in_o piece_n the_o rock_n before_o the_o lord_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o wind_n and_o after_o the_o wind_n a_o earthquake_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o after_o the_o earthquake_n a_o fire_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o in_o the_o fire_n and_o after_o the_o fire_n a_o still_o small_a voice_n and_o it_o be_v so_o when_o elijah_n hear_v it_o that_o he_o wrap_v his_o face_n in_o his_o mantle_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v here_o dreadful_a thing_n be_v thunder_v against_o man_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o law_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v know_v hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o sinner_n but_o until_o the_o lord_n come_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o apply_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o conscience_n the_o sinner_n never_o cover_v his_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n nor_o go_v aside_o to_o mourn_v and_o lament_v his_o misery_n this_o voice_n of_o god_n sound_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o soul._n as_o for_o the_o outward_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n alone_o it_o signify_v little_a in_o hear_v man_n hear_v not_o matth._n 13._o 13._o they_o have_v the_o voice_n of_o man_n but_o not_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n they_o hear_v the_o sound_n but_o feel_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n what_o be_v speak_v external_o die_v in_o the_o ear_n that_o hear_v it_o but_o this_o still_a voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o secret_a passage_n make_v its_o way_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o none_o know_v what_o god_n speak_v but_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v that_o be_v the_o first_o character_n ii_o character_n the_o internal_a spiritnal_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o personal_a and_o particular_a voice_n speak_v distinct_o and_o particular_o to_o the_o case_n and_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o if_o it_o be_v by_o name_n minister_n do_v and_o must_v speak_v in_o general_a they_o draw_v the_o bow_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o a_o adventure_n not_o know_v to_o who_o god_n will_v direct_v the_o arrow_n but_o the_o spirit_n guide_v it_o to_o the_o mark._n he_o apply_v general_a truth_n unto_o particular_a person_n so_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o be_v full_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o lord_n intend_v and_o mean_v it_o in_o such_o a_o convictive_a and_o threaten_a expression_n o_o say_v the_o soul_n have_v the_o lord_n single_v i_o out_o in_o special_a this_o be_v my_o very_a state_n and_o case_n you_o read_v john_n 10._o 5._o that_o christ_n call_v his_o sheep_n by_o name_n how_o do_v he_o call_v they_o by_o name_n but_o by_o speak_v direct_o and_o particular_o to_o their_o condition_n and_o case_n as_o if_o he_o call_v they_o by_o their_o particular_a name_n he_o do_v not_o now_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o of_o old_a call_v samuel_n samuel_n or_o saul_n saul_n but_o he_o send_v a_o beam_n of_o convince_a light_n into_o the_o conscience_n plain_o discover_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v our_o sin_n danger_n or_o duty_n and_o so_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o god_n name_v he_o and_o true_o till_o it_o come_v to_o this_o the_o word_n have_v no_o save_v operation_n upon_o the_o soul._n a_o man_n may_v hear_v ten_o thousand_o general_a truth_n assent_n to_o they_o and_o never_o be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o how_o still_o and_o quiet_a be_v david_n conscience_n till_o nathan_n strike_v the_o nail_n upon_o the_o head_n by_o a_o home_n personal_a application_n and_o then_o his_o conscience_n startle_v thus_o god_n single_v out_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n from_o among_o a_o thousand_o in_o the_o congregation_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n rip_v up_o the_o secure_a conscience_n the_o rest_n hear_v the_o same_o word_n but_o feel_v not_o the_o same_o efficacy_n and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o choice_a mercy_n when_o god_n shall_v please_v thus_o to_o single_a out_o one_o person_n from_o among_o many_o after_o this_o manner_n to_o speak_v to_o his_o heart_n as_o christ_n say_v in_o luke_n 4._o 25_o 26._o many_o widow_n be_v in_o israel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o elias_n etc._n etc._n but_o to_o none_o of_o they_o be_v elias_n send_v save_v unto_o sarepta_n a_o city_n of_o sydon_n unto_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v a_o widow_n so_o here_o multitude_n sit_v with_o you_o under_o the_o same_o prayer_n or_o sermon_n but_o unto_o none_o of_o they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v the_o spirit_n send_v to_o make_v a_o particular_a convictive_a application_n thereof_o but_o unto_o thou_o in_o this_o the_o peculiar_a goodness_n of_o god_n shine_v out_o and_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v admire_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o that_o soul._n iii_o character_n three_o this_o spiritual_a internal_a voice_n of_o christ_n be_v distinguishable_a by_o the_o soul_n that_o hear_v it_o from_o all_o other_o voice_n john_n 10._o 4._o the_o sheep_n know_v his_o voice_n as_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o weight_n and_o majesty_n which_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o human_a composure_n so_o in_o this_o voice_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o majesty_n a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n a_o divine_a and_o awful_a authority_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o human_a voice_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n john_n 7._o 46._o never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man._n the_o same_o may_v we_o say_v of_o his_o spiritual_a voice_n the_o soul_n never_o hear_v such_o a_o voice_n before_o it_o seal_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o heart_n so_o firm_o that_o no_o objection_n be_v leave_v against_o it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o when_o we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o man._n and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o this_o inward_a voice_n of_o christ_n which_o apparent_o difference_n it_o from_o all_o human_a voice_n 1._o a_o marvellous_a light_n come_v into_o the_o soul_n with_o it_o which_o discover_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n god_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n the_o same_o time_n he_o speak_v unto_o it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o and_o now_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v manifest_a and_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o that_o word_n of_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 25._o 2_o a_o marvellous_a power_n deny_v this_o voice_n to_o make_v a_o deep_a and_o firm_a impression_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o power_n be_v a_o innate_a character_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o soul_n receive_v it_o as_o he_o with_o much_o assurance_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o thess._n 1._o 5._o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o to_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n they_o can_v not_o be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o be_v of_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o that_o word_n
in_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v ephes._n 3._o 9_o to_o make_v all_o man_n see_v what_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o now_o unto_o the_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god._n the_o next_o intention_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o set_v open_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n without_o which_o all_o the_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o gracious_a contrivance_n of_o god_n for_o and_o about_o we_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o real_a advantage_n christ_n stand_v knocking_z and_o speak_v by_o his_o spirit_n of_o which_o we_o have_v before_o treat_v receive_v their_o success_n and_o attain_v their_o end_n when_o the_o heart_n open_v itself_o by_o faith_n to_o receive_v he_o and_o not_o till_o then_o hence_o note_n ix_o doct._n that_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o receive_v christ_n by_o faith_n doct._n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o aim_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o mark_n to_o which_o all_o the_o arrow_n in_o the_o gospel_n quiver_n be_v level_v the_o centre_n unto_o which_o those_o bless_a line_n be_v draw_v john_n 20._o 31._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v and_o believe_v may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n all_o those_o precious_a truth_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v you_o to_o faith._n the_o great_a aim_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o illumination_n conviction_n humiliation_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n john_n 6._o 29._o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_a opus_fw-la deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la a_o work_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o author_n but_o it_o be_v that_o on_o which_o god_n eye_n be_v fix_v in_o his_o work_n upon_o we_o the_o end_n and_o aim_v of_o his_o work_n great_a person_n have_v great_a design_n this_o be_v the_o glorious_a project_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o every_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v engage_v and_o concern_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o father_n have_v his_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n and_o such_o a_o hand_n as_o without_o it_o no_o heart_n can_v ever_o open_a or_o move_v in_o the_o least_o towards_o christ_n john_n 6._o 44._o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o say_v christ_n except_o my_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o none_o but_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a can_v raise_v up_o a_o dead_a heart_n unto_o save_a faith_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o son_n hand_n be_v in_o this_o work_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n 3_o and_o then_o for_o the_o spirit_n he_o come_v from_o heaven_n design_o and_o express_o to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o beget_v faith_n in_o they_o john_n 16._o 9_o so_o that_o this_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o heaven_n the_o drist_n and_o level_a both_o of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o god._n touch_v this_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v here_o speak_v endeavour_v to_o open_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a project_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o ensue_a property_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o instrument_n employ_v in_o it_o 4._o the_o scope_n and_o aim_n of_o it_o and_o first_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o design_n of_o god_n we_o little_o understand_v what_o a_o marvellous_a thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v bring_v to_o close_v with_o christ_n by_o faith._n it_o will_v transport_v we_o with_o admiration_n do_v we_o thorough_o consider_v it_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n place_v it_o in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o all_o the_o glorious_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flâ—sh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world._n observe_v with_o what_o work_v of_o wonder_n faith_n be_v here_o rank_v and_o associate_v it_o be_v a_o astonish_a work_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_v in_o flesh_n that_o he_o that_o thunder_v in_o the_o cloud_n shall_v be_v hear_v cry_v in_o a_o cradle_n that_o he_o who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o shall_v become_v a_o man._n it_o be_v astonish_v that_o when_o he_o be_v take_v down_o dead_a from_o the_o cross_n lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o the_o stone_n seal_v upon_o it_o he_o shall_v rise_v on_o the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o his_o own_o power_n that_o ever_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o such_o a_o miserable_a and_o sorlorn_a people_n as_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o no_o less_o marvellous_a be_v it_o to_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o poor_a creature_n glue_v so_o fast_o to_o idolatry_n so_o perfect_o dead_a in_o sin_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n upon_o such_o self-denying_a term_n as_o to_o let_v go_v all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o bless_a inheritance_n which_o they_o never_o see_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o marvellous_a work_n of_o god_n indeed_o there_o will_v never_o be_v such_o joy_n and_o triumph_v in_o heaven_n among_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o open_n of_o every_o sinner_n heart_n to_o christ_n luke_n 15._o 7._o the_o whole_a city_n of_o god_n be_v move_v with_o it_o heaven_n ring_v again_o with_o the_o joyful_a tiding_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o will_n begin_v to_o bow_v and_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o news_n be_v quick_o in_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n rejoice_v at_o the_o tiding_n as_o when_o a_o young_a prince_n be_v bear_v the_o conduit_n run_v with_o wine_n there_o be_v joy_n in_o every_o city_n throughout_o the_o kingdom_n so_o also_o there_o be_v in_o heaven_n when_o christ_n have_v get_v a_o new_a habitation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o any_o sinner_n upon_o earth_n moreover_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o design_n appear_v from_o the_o great_a reward_n promise_v by_o the_o lord_n to_o every_o servant_n of_o he_o who_o have_v but_o the_o least_o hand_n to_o help_v it_o on_o god_n will_v never_o reward_v the_o instrument_n so_o rich_o if_o the_o success_n of_o the_o work_n be_v not_o of_o great_a value_n in_o his_o eye_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v ill_o reward_v by_o man_n perfecute_v and_o reproach_v for_o their_o labour_n but_o god_n will_v bountiful_o repay_v their_o pain_n and_o faithfulness_n dan._n 12._o 3._o they_o that_o turn_v many_o unto_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n and_o as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v it_o a_o very_a great_a and_o important_a design_n upon_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v much_o set_v second_o and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a and_o important_a design_n and_o work_v of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n in_o itself_o a_o work_n who_o difficulty_n surmount_v the_o ability_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o work_n carry_v on_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o the_o great_a opposition_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v note_v rev._n 3._o 7._o that_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o only_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o sinner_n by_o faith._n man_n think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o believe_v but_o if_o you_o consult_v the_o scripture_n you_o will_v quick_o be_v inform_v how_o gross_o you_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o work_n in_o col._n 2._o 12._o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n through_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o glorious_a operation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n indeed_o you_o know_v it_o astonish_v the_o
liberty_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v set_v no_o more_o in_o your_o day_n nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o posterity_n sermon_n iii_o revel_v 3._o 20._o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n etc._n etc._n have_v finish_v christ_n solemn_a preface_n and_o clear_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n i_o now_o come_v to_o a_o three_o observation_n which_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o these_o word_n behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n and_o that_o sad_a truth_n therein_o imply_v be_v this_o doctrine_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o lock_v up_o and_o fast_o bar_v against_o jesus_n christ_n their_o only_a saviour_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o all_o that_o pain_n and_o patience_n use_v and_o exercise_v by_o christ_n in_o wait_v patient_o and_o knock_v importunate_o for_o entrance_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o clear_a method_n in_o this_o point_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v state_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n 1._o how_o it_o appear_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o shut_v up_o 2._o what_o be_v those_o lock_n and_o bar_n that_o shut_v they_o up_o 3._o that_o no_o power_n of_o man_n can_v remove_v these_o bar_n first_o that_o all_o heart_n be_v natural_o shut_v and_o make_v fast_o against_o christ_n be_v a_o sad_a but_o certain_a truth_n we_o read_v john_n 1._o 11_o 12._o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o etc._n etc._n he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o people_n from_o who_o stock_n he_o spring_v up_o a_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v be_v prefigure_v in_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o type_n of_o the_o law_n and_o in_o who_o they_o may_v all_o clear_o discern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o all_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o miracle_n plain_o tell_v they_o who_o he_o be_v and_o whence_o he_o come_v yet_o few_o discern_v or_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god._n christ_n find_v the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n general_o shut_v against_o he_o save_v only_o a_o few_o who_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 12._o these_o indeed_o receive_v he_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n exclude_v and_o deny_v entrance_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god._n so_o again_o in_o john_n 5._o from_o 33._o to_o 40._o christ_n reason_n with_o they_o and_o give_v undeniable_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n come_v to_o save_v they_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n vers_fw-la 33._o you_o send_v unto_o john_n and_o he_o bare_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n tell_v they_o the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n among_o they_o be_v their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 34._o show_v they_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n his_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n vess_n 36._o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o he_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o immediate_a testimony_n give_v of_o he_o from_o heaven_n vers_fw-la 37._o the_o father_n himself_o which_o have_v send_v i_o bath_n bear_v witness_n of_o i_o he_o do_v so_o at_o his_o baptism_n matth._n 3._o 17._o and_o lo_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o so_o again_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o the_o holy_a mount_n math._n 17._o 5._o while_o be_v yet_o speak_v behold_v a_o bright_a cloud_n overshadow_a they_o and_o behold_v a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o he_o bid_v they_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o critical_o examine_v his_o perfect_a correspondence_n to_o they_o vers_n 39_o enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o heart_n to_o receive_v he_o with_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o behold_v the_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o resistance_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o he_o vers_n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n not_o a_o soul_n will_v open_v with_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v pur_fw-mi forth_o to_o that_o end_n if_o another_o come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n say_v he_o vers_n 43._o he_o will_v you_o receive_v any_o body_n rather_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n every_o cheat_n can_v impose_v upon_o you_o easy_o it_o be_v to_o i_o only_o your_o heart_n have_v such_o strong_a aversation_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twosold_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n against_o jesus_n christ._n 1._o natural_a 2._o judicial_a first_o natural_a every_o soul_n come_v into_o this_o world_n shut_v up_o and_o fast_o close_v against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o very_a will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o free_a and_o most_o arbitrary_a faculty_n comeâ—_n into_o the_o world_n bar_v and_o bolt_v against_o christ_n rom._n 8._o 7._o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v phil._n 2._o 13._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n this_o be_v a_o dismal_a effect_n of_o the_o fall_n who_o feel_v not_o strong_a aversation_n violent_a rebellion_n and_o obstinate_a resistance_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n when_o move_a towards_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o weak_a and_o tremble_a act_n of_o faith_n second_o there_o be_v a_o judicial_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n against_o christ._n this_o be_v a_o sore_a and_o tremendous_a stroke_n of_o god_n punish_v former_a rebellion_n psal._n 81._o 11_o 12._o israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n this_o look_n like_o a_o prelude_n of_o damnation_n a_o very_a near_o preparation_n to_o ruin_v israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o there_o be_v the_o natural_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o there_o be_v the_o judicial_a shut_v up_o of_o the_o heart_n they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o shall_v not_o hear_v oh_o fearful_a judgement_n thus_o the_o lord_n give_v up_o the_o heathen_n rom._n 1._o 26._o they_o have_v abuse_v their_o natural_a light_n and_o now_o their_o mind_n be_v judicial_o darken_v give_v up_o to_o a_o sottish_a and_o injudicious_a mind_n not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v duty_n from_o sin_n safety_n from_o danger_n a_o mind_n that_o shall_v elect_v the_o worst_a thing_n and_o reprobate_a the_o best_a this_o be_v the_o reprobate_a mind_n unto_o which_o god_n give_v they_o up_o what_o sad_a word_n can_v the_o lord_n speak_v than_o this_o unless_o it_o be_v take_v he_o devil_n it_o be_v true_a those_o that_o god_n shut_v up_o he_o can_v open_v and_o those_o who_o justice_n shut_v up_o mercy_n can_v set_v free_a but_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o power_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n to_o do_v it_o job_n 12._o 14._o he_o shut_v up_o a_o man_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o open_n these_o two_o closure_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o always_o find_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n they_o be_v not_o christ_n meet_v with_o many_o a_o repulse_n and_o endure_v with_o much_o patience_n the_o gainsaying_n of_o sinner_n before_o he_o pronounce_v that_o dreadful_a sentence_n upon_o they_o isa._n 6._o 9_o 10._o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a &_o c._n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o once_o dreadful_a be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o soul_n and_o none_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o spiritual_a judicial_a stroke_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o have_v sit_v long_o under_o the_o light_n rebel_a against_o it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v lock_v and_o shut_v up_o against_o christ._n second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o those_o lock_n and_o bar_n be_v which_o oppose_v and_o forbid_v christ_n entrance_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o poor_a sinner_n and_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v 1._o ignorance_n 2._o unbelief_n 3._o pride_n 4._o custom_n in_o sin_n 5._o presumption_n 6._o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n bar_n enough_o to_o secure_v the_o soul_n in_o satan_n possession_n and_o frustrate_v all_o the_o design_n of_o mercy_n except_o a_o almighty_a power_n from_o heaven_n break_v they_o asunder_o first_o bar._n the_o first_o bar_n make_v fast_o
knock_n and_o no_o open_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o common_a especial_o among_o the_o unconverted_a that_o live_v under_o a_o lively_a gospel_n rouse_a ministry_n of_o this_o christ_n complain_v matth._n 11._o 16_o 17._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n they_o be_v like_a unto_o child_n sit_v in_o the_o marketplace_n and_o call_v to_o their_o fellow_n say_v we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o have_v not_o lament_v q._n d._n neither_o the_o delicious_a air_n and_o melody_n of_o gospel_n grace_n nor_o the_o mournful_a and_o dreadful_a threat_n of_o damnation_n to_o unbeliever_n avail_v any_o thing_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o embrace_v i_o no_o voice_n from_o mount_n gerezim_n or_o mount_n ebal_n will_v prevail_v with_o you_o ah_o how_o many_o sad_a witness_n unto_o this_o truth_n have_v i_o now_o before_o my_o eye_n but_o god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v thus_o all_o round_a no_o no_o there_o be_v some_o soul_n who_o hear_v and_o open_a even_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n with_o the_o word_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o it_o become_v successful_a 4_o sometime_o christ_n knock_v with_o a_o thick_a succession_n of_o conviction_n a_o quick_a repetition_n of_o his_o call_n some_o man_n have_v have_v thousand_o of_o conviction_n in_o a_o few_o year_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n say_v as_o it_o be_v exod._n 4._o 8._o if_o they_o will_v not_o harken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o first_o sign_n yet_o they_o may_v believe_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o latter_a sign_n and_o yet_o sometime_o neither_o the_o former_a nor_o the_o latter_a avail_n any_o thing_n how_o oft_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n and_o you_o will_v not_o matth._n 23._o 37._o how_o often_o intimate_v the_o many_o call_v christ_n give_v jerusalem_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o yet_o all_o in_o vain_a obstinate_a sinner_n christ_n have_v be_v knock_v and_o call_v at_o some_o of_o your_o conscience_n from_o your_o very_a childhood_n thousand_o of_o conviction_n have_v be_v try_v upon_o some_o of_o you_o and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n your_o soul_n be_v shut_v fast_o against_o he_o the_o lord_n have_v wait_v from_o year_n to_o year_n for_o your_o answer_n by_o this_o signify_v how_o loath_a he_o be_v to_o part_v with_o you_o such_o a_o time_n thou_o be_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n nigh_o unto_o death_n at_o such_o a_o time_n under_o such_o a_o sermon_n and_o then_o christ_n knock_v at_o thy_o soul_n if_o all_o this_o be_v in_o vain_a so_o many_o conviction_n as_o you_o have_v stifle_v so_o many_o faggot_n you_o carry_v with_o you_o to_o hell_n to_o increase_v your_o flame_n and_o torment_n yet_o common_o those_o quick_a repetition_n and_o redoubling_n of_o the_o stroke_n of_o conviction_n end_v well_o and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a sign_n when_o one_o conviction_n revive_v another_o and_o the_o lord_n keep_v the_o soul_n still_o wake_v but_o o_o take_v heed_n and_o try_v not_o his_o patience_n too_o long_o lest_o the_o next_o stroke_n be_v more_o dreadful_a than_o all_o the_o former_a not_o to_o open_v your_o heart_n but_o smite_v dead_a your_o hope_n for_o heaven_n 5_o sometime_o christ_n knock_v intermitting_o knock_v and_o stop_v a_o call_n and_o silence_n and_o that_o at_o a_o considerable_a time_n and_o distance_n a_o conviction_n this_o day_n and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o another_o in_o many_o month_n there_o be_v some_o age_a sinner_n that_o have_v not_o have_v more_o than_o one_o or_o two_o remarkable_a rouzing_n of_o conscience_n in_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n time_n and_o then_o no_o more_o doubt_v think_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v his_o spirit_n always_o strive_v with_o man_n gen_n 6._o 3._o no_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o god_n say_v to_o the_o word_n convict_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n no_o more_o not_o a_o stroke_n more_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n but_o henceforth_o be_v thou_o for_o obduration_n not_o to_o open_v but_o to_o shut_v he_o up_o isa._n 6._o 10._o reader_n bethink_v thyself_o how_o long_o be_v it_o since_o thy_o conscience_n be_v rouse_v and_o awaken_v o_o say_v one_o seven_o or_o ten_o year_n ago_o i_o hear_v such_o a_o sermon_n which_o tear_v my_o conscience_n to_o piece_n i_o fall_v under_o such_o a_o sad_a providence_n which_o rouse_v and_o awaken_v all_o my_o fear_n but_o since_o that_o time_n all_o have_v be_v still_o and_o quiet_a the_o lord_n give_v a_o second_o awaken_v lest_o you_o awake_v with_o the_o flame_n of_o god_n wrath_n about_o you_o i_o observe_v it_o be_v usual_a when_o god_n work_v upon_o any_o very_a early_a he_o knock_v thus_o intermitting_o now_o the_o conscience_n be_v active_a and_o full_a of_o trouble_n than_o the_o vanity_n of_o youth_n extinguish_v these_o conviction_n again_o but_o the_o lord_n follow_v his_o design_n and_o at_o last_o the_o conviction_n settle_v and_o end_n in_o conversion_n 6_o christ_n sometime_o knock_v with_o both_o hand_n at_o once_o with_o the_o word_n and_o with_o the_o rod_n together_o the_o latter_a in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o former_a and_o if_o ever_o the_o soul_n be_v like_a to_o open_v it_o will_v open_v then_o when_o ordinance_n and_o affliction_n work_v together_o the_o word_n smite_v the_o conscience_n with_o conviction_n and_o at_o or_o about_o the_o same_o time_n providence_n smite_v the_o outward-man_n with_o some_o affliction_n to_o make_v the_o word_n work_v effectual_o or_o under_o some_o smart_a affliction_n a_o suitable_a word_n be_v seasonable_o direct_v to_o the_o conscience_n and_o thus_o juncta_fw-la juvant_n the_o one_o assist_v the_o other_o and_o both_o together_o produce_v the_o desire_a effect_n thus_o the_o lord_n wrought_v upon_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o thes._n 1._o 6._o and_o you_o become_v follower_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n in_o much_o affliction_n a_o child_n die_v a_o estate_n be_v lose_v or_o a_o sickness_n seize_v at_o the_o time_n when_o conscience_n be_v prepare_v by_o a_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n or_o affliction_n have_v prepare_v it_o for_o the_o word_n the_o rod_n upon_o the_o back_n help_v the_o word_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o if_o both_o these_o work_n in_o fellowship_n will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n there_o be_v little_a hope_n that_o any_o thing_n will_v do_v it_o 7_o every_o knock_n of_o christ_n disturb_v the_o sinful_a rest_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o rouze_v guilt_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o put_v the_o inner-man_n into_o great_a distress_n and_o trouble_v before_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n all_o be_v still_o and_o quiet_a within_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o quiet_a sleep_n of_o sinful_a security_n no_o fear_n or_o trouble_v molest_v its_o rest_n luke_n 11._o 21._o when_o a_o strongman_n arm_v keep_v his_o palace_n his_o good_n be_v in_o peace_n but_o when_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o shall_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o overcome_v he_o he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v the_o armour_n which_o satan_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n to_o defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o convictive_a stroke_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o general_a mercy_n of_o god_n the_o outward_a duty_n of_o religion_n partial_a reformation_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o christ_n come_v by_o effectual_a conviction_n he_o disarm_v the_o sinner_n of_o all_o these_o plea_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n see_v what_o break_a reed_n it_o lean_v upon_o when_o the_o commandment_n come_v say_v paul_n sin_v revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7._o 9_o i_o e._n all_o my_o vain_a hope_n expire_v no_o artifice_n of_o satan_n can_v any_o long_o quiet_v the_o sinner_n conscience_n he_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n meditate_v a_o escape_n farewell_o now_o to_o sound_v and_o quiet_a sleep_n no_o peace_n till_o out_o of_o danger_n 8_o every_o effectual_a knock_n of_o christ_n give_v a_o alarm_n to_o hell_n and_o put_v satan_n to_o all_o his_o shift_n and_o art_n to_o secure_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o convince_a sinner_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o jealous_a spirit_n and_o when_o his_o interest_n be_v in_o danger_n he_o bestir_v himself_o to_o purpose_n the_o time_n of_o conviction_n be_v a_o hour_n of_o temptation_n we_o wrestle_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n say_v the_o apostle_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n or_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o high-place_n or_o about_o heavenly_n eph._n 6._o 12._o the_o strife_n betwixt_o satan_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v
of_o satan_n to_o think_v so_o but_o this_o be_v what_o i_o say_v that_o communion_n with_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o mere_a performance_n of_o duty_n communion_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v two_o thing_n separable_a one_o from_o the_o other_o man_n may_v multiply_v duty_n and_o yet_o be_v stranger_n to_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o they_o even_o humiliation_n and_o fast_a day_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o soul_n that_o be_v estrange_v from_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n zach._n 7._o 5._o speak_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o unto_o the_o priest_n say_v when_o you_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o the_o five_o and_o seven_o month_n even_o these_o seventy_o year_n do_v you_o at_o all_o fast_o unto_o i_o even_o unto_o i_o q._n d._n have_v your_o soul_n pure_a intention_n and_o respect_n in_o those_o duty_n to_o my_o glory_n have_v you_o special_a communion_n with_o i_o or_o i_o with_o you_o in_o those_o duty_n do_v you_o ever_o feel_v your_o soul_n in_o these_o day_n wound_v for_o sin_n or_o do_v you_o not_o fast_o out_o of_o custom_n and_o mourn_v for_o company_n god_n may_v be_v near_o in_o man_n mouth_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n far_o from_o their_o reins_o jer._n 12._o 2._o religious_a word_n may_v flow_v out_o of_o man_n lip_n when_o not_o one_o drop_n of_o religion_n touch_v their_o reins_o and_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o secret_a inward_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n you_o can_v therefore_o safe_o depend_v upon_o this_o christ_n reject_v this_o plea_n matth._n 7._o 22._o get_v a_o better_a evidence_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n than_o this_o or_o you_o will_v certain_o come_v short_a of_o your_o expectation_n i_o know_v you_o not_o say_v christ_n there_o be_v never_o any_o spiritual_a acquaintance_n betwixt_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o approbation_n 2_o neither_o do_v all_o stir_n and_o work_n of_o the_o affection_n in_o duty_n infallible_o evidence_n and_o prove_v communion_n betwixt_o god_n and_o that_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a yea_o common_a to_o have_v the_o affection_n raise_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n and_o by_o external_a motive_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o you_o see_v in_o that_o example_n ezck._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o on_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o the_o sweet_a modulation_n of_o the_o prophet_n voice_n be_v like_o the_o skilful_a touch_n of_o a_o rare_a musical_a instrument_n which_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n move_v and_o excite_v their_o affection_n thus_o johns_n hearer_n rejoice_v in_o his_o ministry_n for_o a_o season_n i_o confess_v this_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o cast_v soul_n into_o a_o mistake_n of_o their_o condition_n they_o distinguish_v not_o betwixt_o the_o influence_n that_o come_v upon_o their_o affection_n from_o without_o from_o extrinsic_a thing_n and_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o inward_a divine_a and_o spiritual_a but_o then_o ii_o to_o show_v you_o positive_o what_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v here_o we_o must_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o thing_n it_o presuppose_v in_o we_o 2._o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o consist_v first_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n pre-required_n and_o presuppose_a unto_o all_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o duty_n and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v man_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o god._n you_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o his_o people_n and_o communion_n with_o his_o ordinance_n but_o not_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o these_o pre-requisites_a be_v three_o i_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o all_o communion_n with_o he_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v in_o union_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o union_n there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n you_o know_v say_v a_o excellent_a person_n the_o member_n receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o head_n 84._o unless_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o it_o nor_o the_o branch_n from_o the_o root_n all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o here_o be_v a_o vast_a possession_n but_o all_o found_v upon_o union_n as_o all_o communion_n be_v found_v upon_o union_n so_o all_o union_n terminate_v in_o communion_n and_o the_o close_o the_o union_n the_o full_a be_v the_o communion_n before_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v stranger_n unto_o god_n eph._n 2._o i3_n we_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v make_v nigh_o it_o be_v in_o the_o belove_a we_o be_v make_v accept_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o alienation_n from_o christ_n we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o communication_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n with_o the_o seal_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o a_o native_a indian_a have_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o london_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o say_v christ_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o ii_o communion_n with_o god_n presuppose_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o sanctification_n a_o find_v and_o sincere_a change_n of_o heart_n no_o sanctification_n no_o communion_n 1_o john_n 1._o 6._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n the_o apostle_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o such_o bold_a pretender_n the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n that_o latter_a clause_n restrain_v all_o spiritual_a communion_n unto_o upright_a soul_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o job_n 13._o 16._o iii_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v grace_v implant_v but_o also_o implant_v grace_n excite_v grace_n in_o act_n for_o a_o man_n may_v have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v without_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n for_o by_o this_o grace_n be_v awake_v and_o put_v into_o act_n a_o believer_n when_o he_o be_v asleep_a and_o act_v no_o grace_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n but_o if_o he_o will_v have_v actual_a communion_n his_o faith_n love_n and_o delight_n must_v be_v awake_v they_o must_v not_o lie_v asleep_a in_o the_o habit_n thou_o say_v seek_v my_o face_n my_o heart_n say_v unto_o thou_o thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v psal._n 27._o 8._o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n so_o earnest_o beg_v fresh_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o excite_v her_o grace_n into_o act_n cant._n 4._o i6_n awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n blow_v upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o let_v my_o belove_a come_v into_o his_o garden_n and_o eat_v his_o pleasant_a fruit_n and_o though_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o to_o wait_v for_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o mean_a time_n to_o neglect_v all_o proper_a outward_a mean_n of_o exciting_a their_o own_o grace_n engage_v their_o heart_n to_o approach_v unto_o god_n jer._n 30._o 21._o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n the_o seaman_n may_v trim_v the_o sail_n weigh_v the_o anchor_n put_v all_o into_o a_o sail_a posture_n but_o till_o a_o gale_n come_v from_o heaven_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o motion_n the_o same_o spirit_n that_o plant_v the_o habit_n be_v he_o also_o that_o excite_v the_o act_n of_o grace_n these_o three_o thing_n therefore_o be_v pre-requisites_a unto_o all_o communion_n with_o god._n second_o next_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o this_o heavenly_a privilege_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o more_o general_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o spiritual_a correspondency_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul._n god_n let_v forth_o influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v return_n again_o unto_o god._n communion_n be_v a_o mutual_a action_n so_o in_o the_o text_n i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o we_o cry_v to_o god_n and_o god_n answer_v that_o cry_n by_o the_o income_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n upon_o the_o soul_n psal._n i38_n 3._o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthn_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul._n more_o particular_o there_o be_v many_o way_n or_o method_n wherein_o man_n have_v this_o spiritual_a correspondence_n or_o communion_n with_o god_n viz._n 1._o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o attribute_n 2._o in_o