a_o offer_n for_o sin_n psal_n 71.23_o my_o lip_n shall_v great_o rejoice_v and_o my_o soul_n which_o thou_o have_v redeem_v the_o soul_n be_v the_o jewel_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o therefore_o though_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o box_n or_o cabinet_n with_o it_o yet_o the_o cabinet_n without_o the_o jewel_n will_v not_o give_v he_o content_a it_o be_v the_o heart_n or_o soul_n therefore_o that_o he_o call_v for_o when_o he_o knock_v 3._o because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o royal_a seat_n or_o throne_n and_o christ_n come_v not_o to_o be_v a_o truckle-bed_n guest_n but_o to_o rule_v and_o reign_v in_o we_o and_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o command_a faculty_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n he_o may_v by_o that_o command_n the_o whole_a man_n but_o without_o this_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o keep_v possession_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o man_n the_o heart_n be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o the_o stream_n that_o run_v in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o man_n proceed_v if_o this_o be_v not_o pure_a the_o stream_n must_v needs_o be_v filthy_a and_o therefore_o prov._n 4.23_o we_o be_v command_v to_o keep_v the_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n the_o heart_n be_v always_o full_a and_o be_v continual_o send_v forth_o legion_n of_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a how_o shall_v christ_n keep_v the_o outward_a man_n quiet_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o for_o he_o our_o saviour_n speak_v it_o as_o a_o impossibility_n mat._n 12.34_o 35._o that_o they_o be_v evil_a shall_v speak_v good_a thing_n and_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o that_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o therefore_o according_a as_o the_o heart_n be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v such_o be_v the_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n the_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o his_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n the_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n evil_a thing_n how_o shall_v the_o fruit_n be_v good_a when_o the_o tree_n be_v bad_a the_o heart_n then_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o christ_n will_v daily_o be_v send_v forth_o such_o troop_n of_o filthy_a molest_a enemy_n that_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o quiet_a abode_n near_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v either_o have_v the_o royal_a fort_n deliver_v and_o open_v to_o he_o or_o he_o will_v not_o come_v there_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v filthy_a the_o whole_a man_n be_v defile_v with_o what_o issue_v from_o thence_o and_o see_v what_o flood_n of_o stink_a filthiness_n issue_n from_o the_o heart_n and_o defile_v the_o man_n mat._n 15.18_o 19_o 20._o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false_a witness_n blasphemy_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o sweet_a breath_n of_o christ_n endure_v near_o such_o a_o sink_n of_o filthiness_n if_o he_o may_v not_o come_v to_o the_o spring_n or_o rise_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_a stay_n for_o he_o 4._o christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n or_o none_o because_o his_o chief_a suit_n and_o request_n be_v for_o our_o love_n and_o this_o he_o can_v have_v without_o the_o heart_n because_o it_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o though_o it_o send_v its_o servant_n abroad_o yet_o itself_o never_o stir_v from_o thence_o and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v have_v this_o unless_o he_o have_v the_o heart_n such_o be_v christ_n love_n towards_o his_o spouse_n that_o he_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o she_o and_o the_o term_n he_o propose_v be_v marriage-term_n wherein_o love_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a and_o great_a reason_n he_o shall_v have_v this_o not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o have_v love_v we_o and_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o regard_n we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o give_v he_o nor_o can_v he_o expect_v any_o other_o thing_n with_o we_o that_o may_v be_v desirable_a portion_n we_o have_v none_o not_o so_o much_o as_o clothes_n to_o our_o back_n oâ—_n to_o cover_v our_o nakedness_n nor_o meat_n for_o our_o belly_n nor_o penny_n of_o money_n in_o our_o purse_n beauty_n and_o comeliness_n we_o have_v none_o till_o he_o have_v beautify_v we_o with_o his_o comeliness_n wisdom_n and_o part_n we_o have_v none_o for_o by_o nature_n we_o aâ—â—_n fool_n providence_n or_o good_a housewifery_n wâ—_n have_v none_o for_o we_o have_v a_o good_a portion_n leave_v we_o and_o we_o have_v waste_v and_o spend_v it_o all_o great_a friend_n and_o ally_n we_o have_v none_o that_o can_v dâ—_n any_o thing_n for_o we_o for_o we_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thâ—_n loathe_v of_o our_o person_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o wâ—_n be_v bear_v and_o none_o eye_n pity_v we_o and_o as_o foâ—_n our_o descent_n our_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o mother_n a_o hittite_n a_o curse_a generation_n as_o wâ—_n read_v ezek._n 16._o beginning_n what_o have_v wâ—_n then_o that_o may_v commend_v we_o to_o christ_n or_o thâ—â—_n may_v in_o any_o sort_n please_v he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o oâ—â—_n love_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a thâ—â—_n he_o shall_v have_v this_o nay_o since_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o he_o will_v have_v this_o or_o not_o matâ—â—_n with_o we_o 5._o christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n open_v where_o he_o come_v because_o the_o feast_n and_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o chief_o respect_v the_o heart_n the_o outward_a man_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v in_o they_o or_o advantage_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n christ_n his_o feast_n be_v spiritual_a and_o therefore_o but_o little_a grateful_a to_o the_o flesh_n or_o outward_a man_n the_o word_n that_o christ_n speak_v be_v part_n of_o his_o banquet_n or_o feast_n and_o david_n say_v they_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n or_o the_o honeycomb_n but_o what_o refreshment_n or_o feast_n will_v these_o be_v to_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a man_n if_o the_o heart_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o host_n 2.14_o christ_n will_v allure_v his_o spouse_n and_o take_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o will_v speak_v comfortable_o to_o she_o or_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v word_n yield_v but_o little_a comfort_n or_o refreshment_n if_o they_o be_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n john_n 6._o christ_n tell_v we_o he_o will_v give_v his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o feed_v we_o and_o this_o but_o after_o a_o imaginary_a way_n neither_o for_o we_o must_v not_o real_o have_v his_o body_n and_o blood_n after_o a_o corporeal_a manner_n but_o spiritual_o represent_v and_o adumbrate_v by_o a_o little_a break_a bread_n and_o poured-forth_a wine_n if_o this_o feast_n therefore_o extend_v to_o or_o concern_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o body_n it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o poor_a hungry_a feast_n he_o find_v it_o so_o that_o go_v away_o from_o the_o ordinance_n without_o find_v and_o feed_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o banquet_n spiritual_n and_o such_o as_o immediate_o concern_v the_o heart_n the_o scripture_n will_v never_o call_v it_o a_o feast_n of_o marrow_n and_o wine_n settle_v upon_o the_o lees_n nor_o will_v david_n say_v psal_n 63.5_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n when_o he_o feed_v upon_o this_o and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o feast_n be_v chief_o spiritual_a and_o respect_v the_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v lose_v and_o signify_v nothing_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o open_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n knock_v be_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o he_o require_v shall_v be_v open_v to_o he_o 2._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v at_o who_o door_n do_v christ_n knock_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n knock_v at_o every_o one_o door_n that_o live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n live_v under_o gospel-ordinance_n but_o at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o christ_n knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o heart_n require_v entrance_n and_o admission_n thou_o that_o read_v or_o hear_v this_o word_n whoever_o thou_o be_v male_a or_o female_a bond_n or_o free_n young_a or_o old_a rich_a or_o poor_a high_a or_o low_a whatever_o order_n rank_n or_o degree_n thou_o be_v of_o in_o whatever_o condition_n or_o state_n thou_o be_v at_o thy_o door_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n by_o this_o word_n knock_v say_v open_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n see_v the_o universality_n of_o christ_n
your_o request_n to_o christ_n say_v tell_v i_o oh_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v and_o where_o thou_o cause_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n etc._n etc._n oh_o that_o i_o may_v enjoy_v powerful_a ordinance_n and_o meet_v with_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o my_o eye_n may_v see_v my_o teacher_n and_o my_o ear_n hear_v a_o voice_n behind_o i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o suchlike_a prayer_n as_o these_o you_o have_v be_v ever_o and_o anon_o put_v up_o and_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o your_o prayer_n christ_n be_v come_v and_o stand_v knock_v and_o call_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n and_o my_o undefiled_a those_o call_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v according_a to_o your_o real_a desire_n and_o in_o answer_n to_o your_o prayer_n must_v needs_o be_v eminent_a and_o remarkable_a 8._o be_v not_o you_o the_o profess_a spouse_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v profess_o give_v up_o yourselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a marriage-covenant_n unto_o christ_n engage_v and_o swear_v that_o you_o will_v be_v he_o and_o at_o his_o service_n what_o deep_a obligation_n can_v you_o lay_v upon_o yourselves_o than_o you_o have_v do_v in_o your_o baptism_n and_o renew_v covenant_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o by_o solemn_a vow_n and_o covenant_n upon_o several_a occasion_n so_o that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v more_o solemn_o engage_v to_o open_a to_o christ_n than_o you_o be_v and_o in_o regard_n you_o expect_v his_o come_n every_o hour_n do_v it_o not_o stand_v you_o upon_o to_o be_v always_o upon_o your_o watchtower_n wait_v when_o your_o lord_n will_v come_v that_o you_o may_v present_o open_v to_o he_o and_o now_o when_o he_o both_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a summons_n to_o you_o to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o every_o call_n of_o a_o husband_n especial_o such_o a_o one_o as_o christ_n be_v shall_v have_v so_o much_o weight_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o therefore_o if_o not_o to_o other_o yet_o to_o you_o this_o call_n shall_v be_v sufficient_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a or_o else_o your_o husband_n may_v charge_v you_o with_o disloyalty_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n 9_o do_v ever_o christ_n use_v more_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o sweet_a compellation_n than_o he_o do_v at_o this_o day_n do_v he_o not_o say_v as_o to_o the_o spouse_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a do_v not_o the_o sweet_a expression_n of_o his_o love_n in_o suffer_v bleed_a die_v for_o you_o speak_v thus_o much_o do_v not_o the_o sweet_a voice_n and_o love_a entreaty_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n and_o messenger_n speak_v this_o language_n do_v not_o his_o constant_a care_n about_o you_o and_o providential_a kindness_n unto_o you_o in_o every_o respect_n and_o according_a to_o what_o your_o heart_n can_v wish_v bespeak_v you_o in_o this_o love_a manner_n do_v not_o all_o these_o lay_v that_o christ_n speak_v like_o a_o most_o sweet_a love_a tender_a and_o kind-hearted_a husband_n to_o you_o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n etc._n etc._n and_o sure_o these_o soft_a word_n may_v break_v the_o bone_n and_o force_v open_a the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o delâ—â—_n i_o be_o sure_a christ_n have_v manifest_v as_o much_o love_n and_o deal_v with_o as_o much_o tenderness_n towards_o we_o as_o ever_o he_o do_v towards_o a_o people_n and_o therefore_o his_o call_n be_v loud_a enough_o to_o be_v hear_v 10._o be_v not_o his_o head_n fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n in_o a_o good_a sense_n that_o he_o come_v full_o fraught_v and_o furnish_v with_o all_o fullness_n and_o plenitude_n of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v desire_v or_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o of_o your_o soul_n that_o ever_o do_v open_a to_o and_o let_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n whether_o ever_o you_o find_v any_o want_n in_o he_o or_o be_v straighten_v in_o he_o whether_o he_o bring_v not_o more_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n with_o he_o than_o ever_o you_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v though_o you_o open_v your_o mouth_n never_o so_o wide_a have_v he_o not_o full_o answer_v and_o over-answered_n your_o most_o enlarge_a expectation_n so_o that_o you_o may_v have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a far_a more_o abundant_o if_o you_o have_v be_v able_a to_o contain_v it_o every_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n have_v a_o drop_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o refreshment_n hang_v at_o it_o which_o you_o may_v be_v welcome_a to_o and_o therefore_o his_o call_n be_v loud_a enough_o when_o he_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o have_v bring_v with_o he_o but_o take_v the_o argument_n in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o the_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n have_v not_o christ_n suffer_v enough_o in_o his_o humiliation_n in_o make_v way_n to_o receive_v you_o into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o but_o you_o must_v put_v he_o to_o new_a pain_n and_o trouble_v by_o make_v he_o to_o stand_v wait_v and_o dance_a attendance_n at_o your_o door_n while_o you_o be_v snort_v and_o stretch_v yourself_o upon_o your_o bed_n of_o ease_n and_o security_n be_v not_o he_o once_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n sufficient_a but_o you_o must_v crucify_v he_o afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o new_a pain_n by_o your_o slothful_a and_o sluggish_a delay_n and_o unreasonable_a excuse_n do_v not_o christ_n suffer_v enough_o in_o his_o name_n and_o honour_n from_o wicked_a blasphemous_a wretch_n who_o rend_v and_o tear_v his_o very_a name_n wilful_o reject_v he_o and_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n to_o rule_v over_o they_o but_o must_v he_o also_o be_v slight_v and_o undervalue_v by_o you_o must_v he_o suffer_v in_o his_o minister_n by_o the_o revile_n evil-speakings_a and_o persecution_n that_o they_o endure_v in_o and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a but_o their_o heart_n also_o must_v be_v make_v sad_a by_o your_o refusal_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o weight_n of_o this_o argument_n make_v this_o call_n to_o be_v very_o loud_a and_o especial_o at_o this_o day_n under_o the_o circumstance_n that_o we_o now_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v serious_o consider_v by_o these_o inquiry_n we_o may_v see_v that_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n be_v very_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o answer_v we_o make_v to_o this_o call_n whether_o we_o have_v do_v and_o real_o do_v open_a to_o this_o call_v or_o no_o which_o be_v the_o 2._o enquiry_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o make_v and_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o be_v serious_a in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o great_o concern_v we_o since_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v so_o eminent_a and_o his_o stay_n have_v be_v so_o long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n what_o answer_n have_v we_o make_v to_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n have_v we_o hearty_o sincere_o and_o ready_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v enter_v in_o but_o alas_o if_o we_o deal_v faithful_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o account_n which_o we_o give_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o christ_n have_v have_v no_o better_o if_o so_o good_a a_o answer_n from_o we_o than_o he_o have_v here_o from_o his_o spouse_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o our_o heart_n make_v but_o true_a and_o faithful_a answer_n to_o these_o follow_a query_n 1._o if_o we_o have_v true_o open_v to_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o conviction_n be_v so_o ineffectual_a and_o fruitless_a as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n we_o find_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ministry_n the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o work_v by_o way_n of_o conviction_n person_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v the_o person_n so_o and_o so_o guilty_a be_v a_o little_a startle_v and_o affright_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n their_o conscience_n smite_v they_o and_o tell_v they_o as_o nathan_n do_v david_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o this_o reproof_n come_v that_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o guilty_a of_o sin_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o unregeneracy_n in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o that_o if_o thou_o die_v in_o this_o estate_n thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n or_o course_n leave_v to_o avoid_v this_o but_o by_o open_v to_o
open_v to_o i_o my_o dear_a spouse_n for_o i_o be_o come_v at_o thy_o request_n though_o i_o have_v not_o a_o dry_a hair_n upon_o my_o head_n or_o thread_n upon_o my_o back_n therefore_o open_a to_o i_o and_o let_v i_o in_o and_o she_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o go_v to_o bed_n i_o can_v get_v up_o i_o can_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n now_o as_o to_o put_v on_o my_o coat_n i_o be_o compose_v myself_o for_o rest_n have_v wash_v my_o foot_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o defile_v or_o dirty_a they_o with_o come_v over_o the_o floor_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v have_v come_v in_o you_o shall_v have_v come_v soon_o suppose_v all_o this_o will_v this_o answer_n be_v well_o take_v may_v not_o this_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o this_o proud_a beggar_n and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o blast_v all_o her_o hope_n have_v i_o undervalue_v myself_o thus_o may_n the_o king_n say_v to_o advance_v a_o proud_a beggar_n and_o do_v she_o serve_v i_o thus_o but_o i_o will_v leave_v she_o in_o the_o condition_n i_o find_v she_o and_o come_v no_o more_o at_o she_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n nay_o there_o can_v be_v that_o inequality_n between_o the_o high_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o mean_a beggar_n that_o there_o be_v between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v of_o how_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o may_v be_v to_o shut_v out_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v especial_o when_o his_o come_n be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n 6._o consider_v the_o great_a wrong_n which_o we_o do_v to_o jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o do_v not_o open_v to_o he_o at_o his_o call_n the_o wrong_n that_o will_v fall_v upon_o christ_n by_o our_o not_o open_v to_o he_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o text_n in_o these_o word_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 which_o word_n as_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n as_o well_o as_o a_o good_a denote_v the_o misery_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n that_o jesus_n christ_n endure_v in_o make_v way_n and_o come_v unto_o his_o people_n in_o which_o word_n i_o will_v observe_v 1_o the_o great_a pain_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v to_o come_v such_o be_v the_o length_n and_o tediousness_n of_o the_o way_n so_o many_o obstruction_n and_o let_n so_o many_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n that_o he_o be_v benight_a and_o it_o be_v get_v very_o late_a when_o he_o come_v and_o therefore_o pity_v to_o let_v he_o stand_v any_o long_o wet_v and_o weary_a oh_o what_o haste_n will_v a_o love_a wife_n make_v to_o arise_v and_o open_v to_o her_o husband_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v and_o if_o she_o do_v not_o her_o husband_n may_v well_o take_v it_o unkind_o at_o her_o hand_n and_o yet_o the_o spouse_n here_o make_v a_o apology_n i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n etc._n etc._n such_o carriage_n as_o this_o may_v well_o cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v 2._o here_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o drop_n and_o dew_n of_o the_o night_n which_o seem_v to_o denote_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o hardship_n for_o so_o we_o find_v they_o make_v use_n of_o in_o scripture_n when_o jacob_n will_v set_v forth_o what_o hardship_n he_o endure_v with_o his_o father-in-law_n laban_n in_o his_o service_n he_o say_v gen._n 31.40_o in_o the_o day_n the_o drought_n consume_v i_o and_o the_o frost_n by_o night_n affliction_n in_o many_o place_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o night_n and_o so_o they_o may_v well_o be_v understand_v here_o especial_o consider_v how_o wet_a and_o stormy_a a_o night_n it_o be_v and_o true_o jesus_n christ_n have_v very_o stormy_a weather_n to_o come_v to_o his_o spouse_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n what_o hardship_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n see_v how_o christ_n himself_o complain_v psal_n 102.23_o he_o have_v weaken_v my_o strength_n in_o the_o way_n he_o have_v shorten_v my_o day_n he_o meet_v with_o the_o storm_n of_o divine_a wrath_n which_o make_v he_o to_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o the_o storm_n be_v so_o bitter_a that_o he_o pray_v father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o and_o yet_o it_o please_v the_o father_n to_o bruise_v he_o and_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n the_o chastisement_n of_o our_o peace_n be_v lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o with_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v yet_o we_o account_v he_o strike_v smite_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_a he_o endure_v hardship_n not_o only_o from_o enemy_n but_o from_o friend_n and_o therefore_o say_v these_o be_v the_o wound_n which_o i_o receive_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zech._n 13.6_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o stormy_a night_n that_o the_o spouse_n therefore_o shall_v deny_v he_o entrance_v such_o a_o night_n as_o this_o be_v especial_o when_o he_o have_v endure_v all_o this_o for_o her_o sake_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o she_o be_v great_a unkindness_n and_o may_v well_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v 3._o his_o urge_v this_o argument_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o great_a prejudice_n that_o may_v come_v to_o he_o by_o her_o delay_n and_o make_v he_o to_o stand_v wet_a and_o weary_a there_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n seem_v to_o lie_v here_o and_o he_o thus_o argue_v o_o my_o spouse_n i_o have_v undertake_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o wearisome_a journey_n for_o thy_o sake_n i_o be_o at_o last_o though_o late_o come_v in_o a_o weary_a wet_a and_o drop_a condition_n to_o the_o door_n it_o may_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o my_o health_n to_o stand_v long_o here_o in_o this_o condition_n i_o be_o in_o as_o thou_o pity_v my_o life_n and_o health_n and_o have_v any_o respect_n for_o i_o open_a and_o let_v i_o in_o and_o suffer_v i_o not_o to_o stand_v here_o and_o catch_v my_o death_n what_o more_o forcible_a argument_n can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o a_o wise_a that_o have_v any_o real_a respect_n for_o her_o husband_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o sluggish_a humour_n she_o tell_v he_o she_o have_v put_v off_o her_o coat_n and_o can_v put_v they_o on_o she_o will_v rather_o suffer_v her_o husband_n to_o starve_v at_o the_o door_n than_o she_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n and_o let_v he_o in_o indeed_o such_o unkind_a carriage_n as_o these_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o christ_n health_n they_o wound_v and_o crucify_v he_o afresh_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 6.6_o it_o must_v needs_o take_v a_o deep_a and_o sorrowful_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n to_o think_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o requital_n of_o all_o his_o suffering_n and_o that_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o spouse_n well_o may_v this_o then_o cause_v his_o jealousy_n to_o burn_v and_o cause_v he_o in_o a_o rage_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o consider_v this_o that_o every_o denial_n every_o delay_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n cut_v he_o to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v make_v his_o pierce_a heart_n to_o bleed_v afresh_o 4._o the_o patience_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o suffering_n seem_v here_o to_o be_v point_v at_o also_o he_o have_v not_o only_o watch_v till_o he_o have_v feel_v a_o drop_n but_o drop_n yea_o till_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o drop_n he_o be_v wet_a to_o the_o very_a skin_n not_o a_o dry_a thread_n or_o free_a place_n about_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v endure_v to_o stay_v no_o long_o and_o therefore_o so_o earnest_o call_v open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n to_o refuse_v to_o open_v in_o this_o case_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a wrong_n to_o christ_n and_o may_v cost_v we_o dear_a if_o he_o shall_v thereupon_o depart_v as_o just_o he_o may_v be_v thus_o wrong_v and_o affront_v by_o we_o but_o 5._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o call_v which_o make_v the_o wrong_n intolerable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o place_n where_o he_o call_v be_v his_o own_o house_n the_o door_z whereat_o he_o knock_v be_v his_o own_o door_n we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o the_o place_n where_o christ_n knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o spouse_n have_v before_o give_v her_o heart_n to_o christ_n therefore_o it_o be_v his_o own_o door_n that_o he_o knock_v at_o and_o to_o his_o own_o spouse_n that_o he_o call_v open_v to_o i_o etc._n etc._n
he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n i_o have_v seek_v he_o but_o can_v find_v he_o i_o have_v call_v he_o but_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o many_o believer_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v there_o be_v cause_n for_o it_o they_o have_v give_v christ_n some_o unkind_a answer_n he_o have_v call_v but_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o heed_v he_o have_v knock_v and_o they_o have_v not_o open_v and_o therefore_o he_o will_v make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o affront_n and_o unhandsome_a carriage_n before_o they_o shall_v find_v he_o again_o 3._o hence_o also_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o gross_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o have_v many_o of_o we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o refuse_v to_o open_a to_o christ_n at_o his_o knock_n and_o call_v a_o great_a cheat_n the_o devil_n can_v not_o put_v upon_o we_o nor_o great_a danger_n can_v we_o possible_o be_v in_o than_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o he_o to_o refuse_v or_o delay_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o yet_o how_o ordinary_a be_v it_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n to_o put_v this_o cheat_n upon_o we_o and_o by_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o cheat_v what_o dreadful_a and_o tremendous_a danger_n have_v we_o many_o of_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o christ_n have_v call_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o by_o his_o word_n and_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o yet_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o this_o very_a day_n we_o have_v put_v he_o off_o with_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a excuse_n and_o have_v not_o full_o open_v the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o he_o christ_n have_v press_v we_o so_o far_o with_o argument_n and_o those_o convince_a and_o startle_v one_o and_o of_o all_o sort_n so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o he_o may_v say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v or_o say_v more_o than_o i_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o what_o cold_a entertainment_n have_v he_o find_v at_o our_o door_n may_v he_o not_o just_o complain_v of_o we_o as_o of_o israel_n of_o old_a isai_n 53.1_o who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v bare_a it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n to_o tremble_v to_o think_v at_o the_o loud_a knock_n and_o call_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o sinner_n in_o these_o nation_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o day_n have_v be_v shut_v out_o few_o have_v sincere_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v true_o say_v as_o be_v complain_v john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o many_o that_o have_v make_v a_o large_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o true_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o heart_n nay_o may_v not_o christ_n say_v i_o be_o near_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o nay_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o we_o hope_v be_v true_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v many_o a_o time_n pray_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n and_o yet_o at_o his_o come_n have_v shut_v he_o out_o and_o yet_o where_o be_v there_o any_o but_o they_o have_v their_o plausible_a excuse_n though_o if_o they_o be_v all_o examine_v they_o will_v prove_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o this_o in_o the_o text._n but_o these_o we_o shall_v make_v further_a inquiry_n into_o under_o another_o use_n only_o here_o let_v we_o take_v notice_n what_o a_o horrible_a cheat_n the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n have_v hereby_o put_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n we_o have_v hereby_o bring_v ourselves_o into_o which_o will_v undeniable_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o what_o and_o who_o those_o pretend_a friend_n and_o lover_n be_v that_o we_o have_v entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n while_o we_o have_v shut_v out_o christ_n and_o refuse_v to_o open_v at_o his_o call_n shall_v i_o tell_v you_o 1_o what_o and_o 2_o who_o they_o be_v 1._o what_o they_o be_v the_o lover_n which_o we_o have_v dote_v upon_o and_o entertain_v in_o our_o heart_n while_o christ_n have_v be_v keep_v out_o they_o be_v first_o false_a and_o flatter_a lover_n they_o do_v not_o love_v we_o real_o and_o cordial_o though_o they_o make_v great_a show_n and_o pretence_n of_o love_n there_o be_v none_o that_o love_v so_o real_o as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v his_o love_n be_v towards_o we_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v he_o much_o disservice_n but_o these_o only_a love_n we_o while_o we_o please_v and_o gratify_v they_o do_v but_o cross_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n or_o flesh_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o will_v hate_v you_o and_o manifest_v themselves_o your_o enemy_n christ_n love_n be_v pure_a love_n without_o any_o by-end_n but_o the_o love_n of_o these_o be_v only_o a_o pretend_a love_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o their_o own_o design_n his_o love_n be_v a_o love_n indeed_o and_o he_o have_v by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o in_o real_a and_o great_a deed_n manifest_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o love_n but_o their_o love_n be_v mere_o verbal_a and_o complemental_a promise_v much_o but_o perform_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o promise_v his_o love_n be_v chief_o manifest_v in_o adversity_n in_o strait_n in_o distress_n when_o all_o other_o frown_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o have_v now_o hither_o to_o betake_v ourselves_o but_o to_o he_o but_o their_o love_n be_v only_o in_o prosperity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v the_o least_o need_n of_o they_o for_o if_o ever_o we_o real_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o as_o at_o death_n and_o at_o judgement_n than_o they_o will_v be_v the_o further_a off_o from_o help_v we_o of_o afford_v any_o relief_n nay_o then_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o the_o first_o that_o shall_v set_v themselves_o against_o we_o and_o be_v these_o friend_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o our_o heart_n when_o jesus_n christ_n must_v be_v shut_v out_o how_o do_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v miserable_o delude_v by_o these_o errand_n cheat_v 2._o these_o lover_n and_o pretend_a friend_n they_o be_v unprofitable_a lover_n and_o friend_n let_v they_o afford_v the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v they_o can_v afford_v no_o such_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n as_o jesus_n christ_n can_v and_o do_v the_o wiseman_n speak_v of_o worldly_a thing_n say_v prov._n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o eye_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o secure_v or_o hold_v fast_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o matth._n 4._o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o faith_n all_o these_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v but_o suppose_v these_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o give_v and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o real_o give_v they_o yet_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o loose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n but_o suppose_v he_o will_v persuade_v you_o that_o you_o may_v gain_v the_o one_o and_o save_v the_o other_o yet_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a 1_o joh._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 and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o he_o can_v save_v his_o soul_n for_o the_o apostle_n say_v if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v gal._n 1.8_o and_o if_o we_o love_v not_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v we_o can_v love_v he_o that_o beget_v for_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n be_v one_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o real_a profit_n to_o be_v get_v by_o they_o but_o be_v great_a loser_n and_o therefore_o in_o harken_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v miserable_o cheat_v 3._o they_o be_v very_o uncomfortable_a friend_n if_o compare_v with_o christ_n they_o pretend_v mirth_n and_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o mirth_n the_o heart_n be_v sad_a
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 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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
no_o good_a thing_n psal_n 84.11_o and_o do_v not_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o will_v also_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o rom._n 8.32_o do_v you_o think_v to_o live_v more_o to_o your_o own_o pleasure_n contentment_n or_o comfort_n be_v it_o not_o in_o his_o presence_n that_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n that_o there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 16.11_o be_v it_o not_o in_o he_o alone_o that_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n can_v have_v true_a peace_n and_o a_o calm_a and_o that_o when_o nothing_o but_o storm_n and_o tempest_n be_v without_o read_v john_n 16.33_o tell_v i_o who_o but_o christ_n can_v put_v your_o soul_n into_o david_n frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o in_o david_n condition_n psal_n 63._o banish_v hunt_v persecute_a in_o the_o wilderness_n destitute_a of_o maintenance_n friend_n a_o restingplace_n ordinance_n every_o hour_n in_o jeopardy_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o his_o soul_n fill_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n in_o the_o company_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n there_o can_v he_o sing_v and_o give_v â—raise_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n also_o be_v he_o when_o he_o pen_v psalm_n 57_o and_o yet_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v to_o sing_v and_o give_v praise_n if_o you_o think_v you_o can_v â—ive_a more_o profitable_o or_o more_o pleasant_o without_o christ_n in_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a way_n and_o course_n let_v i_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o your_o time_n carriage_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n that_o that_o be_v by_o past_a and_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o the_o same_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 6.21_o what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a this_o i_o will_v assure_v you_o that_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o profit_n pleasure_n honour_n or_o comfort_n no_o company_n be_v like_a to_o christ_n oh_o therefore_o let_v not_o he_o stand_v without_o while_o worse_a company_n be_v entertain_v in_o your_o heart_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christian_n heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o guilt_n doubt_n fear_n and_o dissatisfaction_n of_o every_o kind_n but_o for_o want_v of_o the_o company_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n if_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v but_o with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n arise_v upon_o and_o shine_v into_o our_o heart_n he_o will_v quick_o dispel_v and_o scatter_v all_o those_o midnight_n fog_n and_o terror_n that_o do_v so_o disturb_v and_o disquiet_v we_o and_o render_v our_o life_n so_o uncomfortable_a 2._o suppose_v that_o you_o can_v live_v well_o enough_o without_o christ_n while_o you_o live_v in_o this_o world_n let_v i_o ask_v you_o what_o you_o will_v do_v or_o how_o you_o will_v make_v up_o your_o account_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n without_o he_o you_o know_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n the_o judgement_n you_o know_v also_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n for_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n act_v 17.31_o and_o that_o in_o that_o day_n we_o must_v give_v he_o account_v of_o all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o flesh_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n whether_o secret_a or_o open_a whether_o in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n there_o than_o we_o can_v avoid_v the_o meeting_n with_o christ_n how_o then_o do_v you_o think_v that_o christ_n the_o judge_n will_v look_v upon_o you_o at_o that_o day_n who_o have_v so_o slight_o look_v upon_o he_o when_o he_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n read_v with_o seriousness_n prov._n 1.24_o to_o the_o end_n matth._n 25.11_o 12._o oh_o the_o countenance_n and_o look_n of_o christ_n which_o to_o you_o now_o be_v despicable_a but_o to_o the_o saint_n lovely_a will_v to_o you_o then_o be_v most_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a then_o will_v you_o cry_v to_o the_o mountain_n and_o hill_n to_o fall_v on_o you_o and_o to_o hide_v you_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o abide_v it_o 3._o let_v i_o further_o ask_v you_o what_o be_v it_o that_o hinder_v you_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o present_a be_v it_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o colour_n or_o face_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o if_o not_o why_o do_v you_o suffer_v it_o to_o hinder_v you_o if_o it_o have_v let_v we_o examine_v it_o and_o see_v what_o strength_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v but_o at_o present_a call_v to_o mind_v these_o three_o great_a and_o main_a hindrance_n that_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n 1._o the_o low_a and_o mean_a esteem_n which_o person_n have_v of_o christ_n company_n feast_n and_o banquet_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o for_o some_o sensible_a good_a thing_n who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a thing_n psal_n 4.6_o something_n that_o may_v yield_v they_o some_o present_a advantage_n that_o may_v advance_v their_o estate_n their_o credit_n pleasure_n or_o honour_n something_o that_o they_o may_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n or_o handle_v or_o taste_v etc._n etc._n something_o that_o be_v obvious_a to_o sense_n but_o as_o for_o invisible_a thing_n a_o interest_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n a_o future_a reward_n in_o another_o life_n only_o for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o apprehend_v in_o the_o promise_n these_o thing_n be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o if_o christ_n will_v give_v they_o of_o these_o worldly_a good_a thing_n than_o they_o will_v set_v store_n by_o he_o but_o if_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o spiritual_a feast_n of_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n of_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n these_o be_v not_o much_o take_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o feast_n company_n and_o benefit_n be_v spiritual_a be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o by_o carnal_a heart_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o open_v to_o he_o they_o make_v light_n of_o it_o as_o not_o judge_v he_o worth_a the_o open_n to_o but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n i_o may_v easy_o demonstrate_v for_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o have_v so_o low_a a_o esteem_n and_o value_n of_o christ_n his_o benefit_n and_o banquet_n if_o we_o do_v but_o right_o understand_v ourselves_o we_o will_v suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v all_o that_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v he_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o want_v true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n true_a comfort_n in_o his_o soul_n can_v these_o thing_n give_v he_o this_o without_o christ_n but_o where_o a_o soul_n have_v christ_n he_o may_v have_v peace_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n david_n in_o a_o wilderness_n paul_n and_o silas_n in_o a_o dungeon_n with_o their_o foot_n fast_o in_o the_o stock_n their_o stripe_n and_o wound_n unwashed_a can_v sing_v praise_n to_o god_n with_o a_o merry_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n nay_o my_o friend_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o express_v that_o quietness_n and_o serenity_n of_o spirit_n that_o abundant_a peace_n of_o conscience_n joy_n of_o heart_n contentation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o a_o believer_n enjoy_v in_o the_o company_n of_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4.7_o it_o be_v call_v a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 1.8_o it_o be_v not_o what_o a_o man_n have_v but_o what_o give_v true_a peace_n satisfaction_n and_o contentment_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o this_o none_o but_o christ_n can_v do_v and_o therefore_o his_o company_n and_o banquet_n must_v needs_o be_v not_o so_o despicable_a as_o many_o man_n account_v they_o but_o alas_o it_o be_v their_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o experience_n will_v they_o but_o be_v persuade_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o company_n and_o rarity_n of_o his_o banquet_n they_o will_v have_v a_o more_o venerable_a esteem_n for_o christ_n than_o now_o they_o have_v 2._o another_o grand_a hindrance_n that_o keep_v we_o off_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n be_v the_o urgency_n of_o other_o business_n when_o christ_n come_v and_o call_v person_n be_v so_o crowd_v with_o other_o business_n that_o they_o can_v be_v at_o leisure_n to_o open_v to_o he_o or_o give_v
he_o any_o entertainment_n man_n be_v general_o get_v plunge_v so_o deep_a in_o the_o care_n and_o cumber_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o weigh_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n that_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o to_o procure_v admission_n into_o their_o heart_n oh_o how_o busy_a be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n head_n and_o heart_n hand_n and_o foot_n yea_o whole_a soul_n and_o body_n as_o busy_o exercise_v about_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v and_o they_o think_v all_o this_o little_a enough_o too_o they_o think_v they_o get_v little_a enough_o by_o it_o and_o how_o shall_v these_o then_o have_v leisure_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n no_o wonder_v though_o he_o call_v be_v so_o ineffectual_a when_o person_n 〈◊〉_d so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o world_n that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o leisure_n to_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v 〈◊〉_d be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v whether_o that_o which_o they_o be_v about_o or_o 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entertainment_n a_o business_n one_o will_v think_v indispensible_a and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n blame_v she_o for_o this_o luke_n 10.40_o 41_o 42._o but_o martha_n be_v cumber_v about_o much_o serve_v and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o how_o many_o be_v â—oth_a 〈◊〉_d employ_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o 〈◊〉_d to_o consider_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v more_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v than_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o will_v speak_v these_o few_o word_n you_o think_v yourselves_o well_o employ_v in_o your_o earnest_n and_o not_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n the_o care_n and_o business_n that_o only_o relate_v to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o you_o see_v nothing_o more_o needful_a at_o present_a to_o be_v do_v let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o question_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a business_n which_o you_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n do_v you_o not_o sometime_o find_v leisure_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n dress_z and_o adorn_v the_o body_n you_o will_v say_v yes_o without_o these_o we_o can_v not_o live_v nor_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o follow_v our_o business_n well_o will_v time_n be_v afford_v for_o take_v and_o feed_v upon_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v and_o no_o time_n allow_v for_o feed_v upon_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n read_v john_n 6.27_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n have_v your_o body_n more_o need_n of_o clothes_n to_o cover_v your_o nakedness_n and_o keep_v your_o warm_a than_o your_o soul_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o robe_n or_o garment_n if_o you_o do_v but_o as_o real_o see_v how_o naked_a your_o soul_n look_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n etc._n etc._n you_o will_v be_v as_o much_o ashamed_a of_o yourselves_o as_o you_o will_v now_o be_v to_o have_v man_n see_v your_o body_n naked_a and_o therefore_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o as_o great_a need_n to_o take_v fit_a and_o convenient_a time_n for_o the_o feed_n and_o clothe_v your_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v for_o feed_v and_o clothe_v your_o body_n and_o if_o there_o be_v as_o great_a need_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v not_o your_o precious_a soul_n famish_v and_o starve_v while_o you_o so_o careful_o pamper_v your_o body_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o your_o great_a and_o urgent_a business_n in_o the_o world_n again_o you_o that_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o busy_a about_o the_o world_n and_o have_v your_o time_n and_o thought_n so_o take_v up_o about_o it_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o this_o one_o question_n more_o whether_o do_v you_o judge_v that_o your_o success_n in_o your_o worldly_a affair_n do_v principal_o flow_v from_o your_o own_o wisdom_n care_n and_o pain_n or_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n i_o believe_v that_o few_o or_o none_o of_o you_o will_v be_v so_o audacious_o impious_a as_o to_o affirm_v the_o former_a whatever_o you_o think_v but_o rather_o that_o your_o successive_a business_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n and_o if_o so_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n or_o warrant_v you_o can_v expect_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o your_o endeavour_n when_o you_o wilful_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o your_o heart_n against_o his_o well_o belove_a son_n and_o when_o you_o make_v so_o light_a of_o he_o and_o his_o company_n that_o every_o worldly_a trifle_n must_v take_v place_n of_o he_o and_o be_v prefer_v before_o he_o may_v not_o many_o of_o you_o succeed_v better_o in_o your_o worldly_a business_n if_o you_o will_v give_v christ_n better_a entertainment_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o cumber_v yourselves_o less_o about_o the_o world_n christ_n bid_v we_o matth._n 6.33_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o promise_v that_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v intimate_v that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v a_o competency_n of_o this_o world_n to_o ourselves_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n to_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n for_o our_o soul_n we_o say_v that_o he_o that_o will_v drive_v on_o a_o trade_n must_v have_v interest_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o can_v have_v interest_n in_o nor_o acquaintance_n with_o a_o better_a friend_n than_o christ_n nor_o one_o that_o can_v bestead_v we_o more_o in_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o our_o worldly_a business_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v rich_a and_o add_v no_o sorrow_n therewith_o prov._n 10.22_o o_o spare_v some_o time_n therefore_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o worldly_a business_n to_o open_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n 3._o another_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n may_v be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n of_o the_o work_n either_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n or_o when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o he_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n in_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o grapple_v with_o and_o overcome_v faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o two_o principal_a way_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o these_o be_v two_o grace_n not_o without_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v unto_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o they_o many_o person_n at_o a_o distance_n think_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o particular_a case_n they_o many_o time_n find_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n see_v this_o in_o a_o instance_n mark_v 9.24_o we_o have_v a_o man_n bring_v his_o 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