the_o sleepy_a spouse_n of_o christ_n alarm_v or_o a_o warn_v to_o beware_v of_o drowsiness_n when_o christ_n call_v lest_o he_o withdraw_v in_o a_o discontent_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o some_o sermon_n upon_o cant._n 5_o and_o the_o beginning_n by_o j._n b._n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o matth._n 23.37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n psal_n 95.7_o 8._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n recommend_v in_o a_o preface_n by_o m._n nath._n vincent_n london_n print_v 〈◊〉_d samuel_n crouch_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n at_o 〈…〉_o to_o mrs._n j._n d._n the_o author_n wish_v all_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n honour_a friend_n it_o be_v at_o your_o request_n and_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n that_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o publish_v these_o follow_a sermon_n the_o reason_n whereof_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v because_o your_o heart_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n open_v to_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n when_o you_o hear_v it_o i_o must_v confess_v the_o matter_n or_o subject_n herein_o treat_v of_o be_v very_o sweet_a and_o precious_a and_o such_o as_o may_v well_o warm_v the_o freeze_a heart_n of_o any_o that_o have_v the_o least_o drachm_n of_o sincere_a love_n 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some_o who_o curious_a stomach_n may_v loathe_v such_o plain_a and_o homely_a diet_n yet_o possible_o it_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o poor_a creature_n who_o be_v hungry_a humble_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o god_n word_n some_o poor_a hungry_a soul_n may_v perhaps_o here_o meet_v with_o meat_n though_o there_o be_v little_a sauce_n to_o he_o have_v and_o if_o any_o poor_a soul_n shall_v reap_v benefit_n by_o my_o poor_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v bless_v god_n for_o own_v such_o a_o worthless_a creature_n in_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n and_o if_o it_o do_v good_a the_o less_o of_o the_o instrument_n the_o more_o will_v there_o be_v of_o god_n see_v in_o it_o i_o beg_v of_o you_o therefore_o and_o of_o all_o candid_a reader_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o small_a treatise_n may_v come_v their_z and_o your_o serious_a perusal_n of_o it_o with_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o it_o what_o you_o 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it_o be_v bad_a enough_o if_o only_o profane_a person_n be_v fast_o asleep_a in_o sin_n it_o be_v worse_o that_o professor_n be_v so_o too_o but_o it_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o that_o the_o wise_a virgin_n slumber_n as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a what_o may_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o carnal_a security_n we_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v of_o when_o man_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v on_o after_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o evil_a heart_n the_o lord_n confute_v their_o presumption_n by_o threaten_v all_o the_o curse_n write_v in_o his_o book_n and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o their_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n promise_v safety_n to_o themselves_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o sinner_n sudden_a
company_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o may_v live_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n always_o behold_v his_o most_o lovely_a face_n hear_v his_o most_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o taste_v of_o his_o most_o royal_a dainty_n the_o breathe_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o for_o reality_n though_o not_o for_o degree_n that_o christ_n his_o breathe_n be_v towards_o she_o cant._n 2.14_o o_o my_o dove_n let_v i_o see_v thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o hear_v thy_o voice_n for_o sweet_a be_v thy_o voice_n and_o thy_o countenance_n be_v comely_a it_o be_v thus_o with_o david_n psal_n 27.4_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o may_v but_o have_v one_o request_n it_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n and_o whatever_o become_v of_o other_o thing_n this_o as_o the_o main_a will_v he_o seek_v after_o but_o alas_o be_v it_o not_o far_o otherwise_o with_o we_o in_o these_o day_n and_o that_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v love_n to_o christ_n if_o we_o look_v what_o most_o man_n be_v busy_a about_o what_o take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o thought_n what_o their_o discourse_n be_v most_o about_o in_o all_o company_n what_o they_o spend_v most_o time_n in_o and_o weary_a themselves_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o from_o day_n to_o day_n shall_v we_o not_o find_v it_o rather_o to_o be_v the_o world_n than_o christ_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o this_o may_v be_v too_o true_o say_v of_o many_o that_o their_o most_o frequent_a pleasant_a and_o abide_v thought_n be_v about_o the_o world_n these_o lie_v down_o with_o they_o these_o rise_v up_o these_o go_v out_o and_o come_v in_o with_o they_o as_o if_o these_o be_v their_o only_a business_n do_v this_o argue_n that_o these_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n where_o the_o door_n be_v open_a a_o man_n may_v enter_v in_o without_o obstruction_n but_o here_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o christ_n to_o get_v crowd_v in_o if_o it_o come_v to_o the_o door_n it_o get_v no_o further_o have_v little_a or_o no_o admission_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n no_o abide_n there_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o very_a gross_a sin_n that_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v overcome_v by_o but_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v any_o mention_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v overcome_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n demas_n indeed_o be_v say_v to_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o only_o his_o desert_v his_o public_a work_n or_o station_n the_o scripture_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o leave_v this_o brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o he_o we_o know_v what_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 6.9_o 10._o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n and_o the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 2.15_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o same_o heart_n christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n these_o two_o contrary_a master_n will_v be_v encroach_a upon_o each_o other_o and_o impose_v their_o contradictory_n command_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o i_o 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be_v more_o despise_v and_o christ_n company_n will_v be_v more_o delightful_a and_o more_o store_n set_v by_o 5._o and_o last_o if_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o fruit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v see_v there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o where_o christ_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v into_o the_o soul_n the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v by_o faith_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v summer-tide_n with_o that_o soul_n grace_n will_v bud_v blossom_n and_o bear_v fruit_n and_o if_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v fruitful_a why_o not_o faith_n if_o faith_n therefore_o be_v fruitful_a where_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o concern_v we_o to_o examine_v what_o fruit_n of_o faith_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o for_o as_o faith_n have_v a_o large_a root_n or_o foundation_n have_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o object_n upon_o which_o it_o 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embrace_v of_o his_o promise_n rely_v upon_o his_o all-sufficiency_n where_o be_v thy_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n discharge_v duty_n in_o every_o part_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n live_v by_o and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n in_o every_o thing_n thou_o go_v about_o leave_v the_o issue_n success_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thy_o business_n and_o concern_v to_o god_n to_o his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n where_o be_v thy_o constant_a watch_n against_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o heart_n the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o allurement_n and_o enticement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thy_o faithful_a resistance_n of_o all_o temptation_n thy_o deep_a repentance_n for_o and_o faithful_a
the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v little_a notice_n take_v of_o to_o love_v he_o therefore_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o love_n as_o we_o ought_v who_o we_o have_v not_o see_v this_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o open_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o that_o we_o never_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n but_o only_o have_v hear_v tell_v of_o this_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o scarce_o attainable_a by_o a_o sluggish_a soul_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o inquire_v after_o he_o but_o let_v not_o this_o hinder_v for_o we_o have_v such_o discovery_n of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v they_o out_o as_o will_v render_v he_o altogether_o lovely_a far_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v not_o sloth_n hinder_v we_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o love_n 2._o as_o there_o may_v be_v difficulty_n and_o unpleasantness_n in_o open_v so_o there_o may_v be_v difficult_a and_o unpleasant_a work_n when_o we_o have_v open_v to_o christ_n and_o let_v he_o in_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o this_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o for_o instance_n 1._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o may_v rip_v up_o our_o old_a sore_n and_o bring_v our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n which_o may_v renew_v our_o torment_n and_o pain_n when_o christ_n come_v in_o he_o make_v new_a discovery_n in_o the_o soul_n many_o a_o sin_n forget_v and_o not_o due_o repent_v of_o be_v bring_v to_o mind_n and_o the_o sting_n of_o it_o wound_n and_o cut_v the_o soul_n put_v the_o soul_n to_o new_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o pain_n and_o this_o make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a of_o open_v to_o christ_n there_o be_v in_o every_o one_o such_o a_o indelible_a sense_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o guilt_n that_o though_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o real_a desire_n of_o christ_n company_n yet_o be_v real_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o lest_o christ_n shall_v discover_v there_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o have_v see_v and_o therefore_o it_o argue_v not_o only_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o grace_n but_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o grace_n when_o the_o soul_n without_o inward_a reluctancy_n or_o fearfulness_n can_v say_v as_o david_n psal_n 139.23_o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n this_o be_v a_o work_n wherein_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v tender_o deal_v with_o and_o lest_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v deal_v faithful_o and_o round_o the_o soul_n be_v afraid_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n though_o reason_n will_v pray_v with_o we_o to_o have_v our_o wound_n search_v yet_o nature_n itself_o be_v afraid_a to_o have_v the_o surgeon_n meddle_v with_o it_o such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n many_o fainthearted_a christian_n be_v unwilling_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o rather_o shut_v he_o out_o but_o oh_o my_o friend_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christ_n be_v not_o ready_o open_v to_o by_o you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o the_o long_a you_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o worse_a it_o will_v be_v with_o you_o your_o soul_n be_v ulcerate_v with_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o find_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o let_v in_o at_o all_o you_o must_v unavoidable_o perish_v of_o this_o wretched_a disease_n and_o if_o you_o do_v let_v he_o in_o hereafter_o he_o must_v then_o search_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n your_o sin_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n eat_v deep_a and_o deep_o into_o your_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o your_o pain_n be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a when_o your_o wound_n come_v to_o be_v search_v and_o therefore_o let_v spiritual_a reason_n prevail_v with_o you_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o delay_n that_o which_o here_o thou_o make_v use_v of_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o thy_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o strong_a yea_o the_o strong_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n quick_o it_o be_v infinite_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v so_o precious_a a_o surgeon_n at_o hand_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o childish_a thing_n then_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o door_n because_o thou_o need_v his_o help_n but_o be_v afraid_a lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o rip_v up_o thy_o sore_n this_o flesh-pleasing_a easefulness_n be_v that_o which_o ruin_v many_o thousand_o 2._o he_o may_v call_v we_o off_o from_o our_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n which_o be_v urgent_a upon_o we_o he_o may_v say_v to_o thou_o come_v follow_v i_o be_v not_o so_o hasty_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n lay_v aside_o thy_o business_n for_o a_o while_n i_o have_v other_o business_n for_o thou_o to_o do_v let_v i_o have_v thy_o company_n a_o little_a for_o for_o that_o end_n be_o i_o come_v this_o may_v be_v the_o language_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v very_o unpleasing_a unto_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v hot_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o world_n this_o soul_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o answer_v as_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o will_v follow_v thou_o but_o suffer_v i_o first_o to_o go_v and_o bury_v my_o father_n let_v i_o but_o dispatch_v such_o or_o such_o business_n that_o be_v urgent_a upon_o i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v wait_v upon_o thou_o but_o o_o soul_n consider_v with_o thyself_o what_o have_v thou_o of_o great_a concernment_n to_o do_v than_o to_o hearken_v to_o and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n if_o christ_n company_n be_v no_o more_o worth_a and_o his_o feast_n of_o no_o great_a value_n he_o may_v resolve_v thou_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o his_o dainty_n his_o business_n with_o thou_o may_v be_v the_o correct_v thy_o fault_n the_o illuminate_v thou_o with_o spiritual_a wisdom_n wash_v and_o spiritualize_v thy_o cold_a and_o carnal_a aâ—_n 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v sure_a his_o main_a business_n with_o thou_o â—oâ—â—tes_v to_o thy_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o concern_v of_o thy_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a and_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—port_n to_o thou_o than_o any_o worldly_a business_n whatsoever_o as_o thy_o soul_n be_v of_o 〈…〉_o than_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o will_v 〈…〉_o thou_o to_o gain_v the_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈…〉_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n 〈…〉_o give_v in_o exchange_n for_o thy_o soul_n 〈…〉_o lose_v by_o thy_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o 〈…〉_o neglect_v of_o that_o spiritual_a work_n which_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d thou_o to_o 3._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n sometime_o put_v his_o spouse_n or_o people_n upon_o some_o unpleasant_a work_n which_o they_o will_v glad_o be_v excuse_v from_o and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o open_n to_o he_o sometime_o he_o call_v to_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o renew_a act_n of_o repentance_n as_o be_v hint_v before_o sometime_o upon_o the_o mortification_n of_o some_o belove_a lust_n which_o may_v be_v as_o painful_a and_o as_o unwilling_o yield_v to_o as_o the_o cut_n off_o the_o right_a hand_n right_a foot_n or_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n nay_o his_o word_n may_v further_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n discern_v and_o discover_v the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n heb._n 4.12_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o will_v shall_v be_v discover_v or_o cut_v off_o or_o at_o least_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v it_o may_v be_v put_v to_o in_o this_o work_n and_o therefore_o linger_v and_o put_v off_o christ_n from_o time_n to_o time_n sometime_o again_o christ_n may_v put_v his_o spouse_n upon_o such_o duty_n as_o may_v cross_v her_o natural_a inclination_n or_o particular_a present_a and_o visible_a interest_n such_o as_o deny_v herself_o take_v up_o her_o cross_n follow_v he_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n for_o christ_n endure_v reproach_n evil-speakings_a persecution_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v unpleasing_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o wherein_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v as_o to_o its_o natural_a inclination_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o he_o pray_v not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v here_o the_o soul_n often_o stick_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n be_v loath_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o flesh_n have_v so_o strong_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n go_v away_o from_o christ_n mark_v 10.21_o
i_o believe_v lord_n help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n which_o manifest_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o true_o christian_n that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n as_o they_o ought_v find_v this_o a_o very_a difficult_a work_n in_o case_n of_o a_o easy_a nature_n than_o this_o here_o of_o this_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o a_o lazy_a sluggish_a soul_n be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v at_o such_o pain_n there_o be_v some_o weary_a step_n that_o a_o believer_n must_v take_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n as_o 1._o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o finisher_n and_o perfect_a as_o well_o as_o the_o author_n and_o beginner_n of_o this_o grace_n faith_n in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o habit_n must_v be_v obtain_v of_o christ_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o to_o tug_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o ought_v be_v no_o easy_a work_n especial_o if_o christ_n for_o some_o time_n seem_v to_o hold_v back_o and_o deny_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n this_o put_v the_o soul_n sometime_o into_o a_o sweat_n and_o therefore_o the_o easeful_a soul_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v at_o this_o pain_n his_o patience_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o he_o faint_v and_o flag_n in_o the_o duty_n 2._o another_o weary_a step_n the_o soul_n must_v take_v to_o get_v faith_n into_o the_o exercise_n be_v the_o search_v the_o word_n and_o promise_n and_o right_o apply_v they_o it_o be_v sometime_o difficult_a to_o find_v such_o promise_n as_o may_v right_o suit_v our_o condition_n when_o we_o have_v find_v they_o it_o may_v be_v something_o more_o difficult_a right_o to_o understand_v they_o according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o purport_n of_o they_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a to_o get_v our_o heart_n right_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o most_o of_o all_o to_o clear_v up_o our_o interest_n in_o they_o so_o that_o sometime_o a_o believer_n find_v a_o promise_n and_o meditate_v see_v it_o to_o suit_v his_o condition_n well_o enough_o but_o yet_o lay_v it_o aside_o can_v suck_v no_o sweetness_n from_o it_o because_o he_o can_v clear_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o particular_a condition_n or_o qualification_n annex_v thereto_o which_o he_o find_v not_o in_o himself_o in_o this_o case_n to_o believe_v seem_v difficult_a and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o no_o comfort_n gather_v from_o it_o upon_o this_o account_n a_o lazy_a soul_n sit_v down_o in_o unbelief_n and_o do_v not_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 3._o another_o weary_a step_n be_v the_o overcome_a that_o unbelieving_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o prone_a unto_o unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n which_o natural_o flow_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o accompany_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n more_o or_o less_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o this_o part_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n poor_a soul_n find_v as_o much_o difficulty_n in_o the_o overcome_a as_o any_o corruption_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o of_o all_o corruption_n none_o have_v more_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o than_o this_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n proper_o be_v unseen_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o sense_n such_o as_o seem_v to_o thwart_v both_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o frequent_a experience_n such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o bottom_v our_o faith_n concern_v upon_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o hope_n contrary_a to_o hope_v and_o this_o make_v the_o work_n difficult_a hereupon_o few_o christian_n be_v so_o resolve_v and_o industrious_a as_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n which_o the_o psalmist_n be_v psal_n 73._o to_o search_v thing_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o weigh_v thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o therefore_o they_o sit_v down_o without_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n 4._o another_o difficulty_n be_v the_o gripe_a guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o unworthiness_n which_o so_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n when_o they_o shall_v open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v dim_a and_o they_o can_v with_o any_o confidence_n look_v christ_n in_o the_o face_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a say_n that_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n need_v no_o accuser_n conscience_n will_v inward_o check_v the_o adulterous_a spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v she_o blush_v when_o she_o shall_v open_v to_o he_o and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n the_o psalmist_n complain_v that_o he_o be_v so_o compass_v about_o and_o torment_v with_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v not_o look_v up_o psal_n 40.12_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n very_o common_a in_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n that_o they_o must_v not_o dare_v not_o by_o faith_n open_a to_o and_o close_o with_o christ_n till_o they_o have_v attain_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o internal_a purity_n and_o sanctity_n as_o may_v make_v they_o fit_a for_o and_o in_o a_o sort_n worthy_a of_o his_o company_n but_o these_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o wrong_a end_n they_o shall_v first_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o then_o he_o will_v help_v they_o to_o and_o carry_v on_o in_o they_o this_o work_n of_o purity_n for_o it_o be_v his_o work_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o purify_v and_o this_o purify_n virtue_n we_o must_v fetch_v from_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n because_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o our_o work_n be_v first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o this_o work_n be_v difficult_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o look_v he_o in_o the_o face_n by_o faith_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n upon_o our_o conscience_n this_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o grain_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n who_o will_v glad_o have_v something_o of_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o righteousness_n in_o its_o justification_n whereas_o our_o work_n be_v to_o disclaim_v all_o worthyness_n of_o our_o own_o and_o to_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o rope_n about_o our_o neck_n as_o selfcondemned_n person_n lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o pure_a grace_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n for_o justification_n and_o life_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o remain_v any_o measure_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o pride_n christ_n will_v be_v shut_v out_o the_o weary_a step_n of_o self-denial_n in_o this_o case_n the_o sluggish_a christian_a be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v thus_o you_o see_v the_o work_n itself_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o hence_o the_o lazy_a christian_a lie_v down_o upon_o his_o bed_n of_o present_a ease_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o will_v the_o soul_n but_o consider_v the_o amends_o that_o christ_n company_n will_v make_v for_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o how_o easy_a all_o these_o duty_n will_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n come_v in_o sure_o the_o soul_n will_v never_o think_v his_o pain_n better_o bestow_v than_o in_o open_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v he_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n in_o prayer_n and_o help_v we_o by_o his_o own_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o himself_o and_o prevail_v it_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v promise_n to_o our_o mind_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o right_o to_o apply_v they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o sweetness_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v we_o a_o pisgah-sight_n of_o unseen_a thing_n and_o assure_v our_o soul_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o help_v our_o unbelief_n and_o it_o be_v he_o and_o he_o alone_o that_o by_o his_o blood_n must_v purge_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n oh_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o let_v not_o these_o impediment_n hinder_v you_o and_o as_o in_o faith_n so_o in_o open_v the_o heart_n to_o christ_n by_o love_n there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n much_o ado_n to_o bring_v the_o heart_n to_o open_v full_o to_o christ_n by_o love_n these_o worldly_a thing_n seem_v so_o lovely_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v much_o steal_v away_o by_o they_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o constant_o present_a with_o we_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o see_v as_o it_o be_v afar_o off_o these_o worldly_a thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a and_o suitable_a to_o sense_n by_o which_o we_o too_o much_o live_v that_o
find_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o let_v he_o in_o if_o christ_n have_v thus_o presume_a her_o lock_n with_o but_o put_v in_o his_o finger_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n oh_o what_o will_v his_o company_n be_v when_o himself_o come_v in_o and_o therefore_o without_o any_o more_o delay_n or_o excuse_v in_o all_o haste_n she_o open_v to_o he_o v._o 6._o but_o christ_n though_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o forsake_v she_o and_o cast_v she_o off_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v her_o sensible_a of_o the_o affront_n which_o she_o have_v offer_v he_o and_o of_o her_o ungrateful_a carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o withdraw_v and_o make_v she_o who_o but_o now_o be_v so_o delicate_a and_o easeful_a that_o she_o can_v not_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n or_o come_v barefooted_a over_o the_o house-floor_n to_o seek_v he_o in_o the_o street_n and_o take_v many_o a_o wet_a and_o weary_a step_n in_o the_o dark_a night_n and_o that_o questionless_a with_o a_o ache_a heart_n have_v his_o perfume_n so_o fresh_a in_o her_o breast_n and_o her_o own_o guilt_n so_o fresh_a upon_o her_o conscience_n before_o she_o find_v he_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n at_o this_o time_n i_o shall_v but_o in_o a_o word_n mention_v those_o particular_n in_o the_o text_n upon_o which_o i_o design_v to_o ground_v the_o doctrine_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o the_o doctrine_n in_o the_o whole_a conference_n or_o relation_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v ground_v the_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o church_n prayer_n chap._n 4.16_o awake_v o_o northwind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n etc._n etc._n she_o pray_v for_o the_o breathe_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o her_o grace_n may_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o action_n and_o then_o desire_v christ_n company_n when_o she_o be_v fix_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o 2._o we_o have_v christ_n his_o answer_n to_o the_o church_n her_o prayer_n chap._n 5.1_o the_o spouse_n no_o soon_o call_v but_o christ_n make_v answer_n no_o soon_o invite_v but_o christ_n come_v 3._o the_o posture_n which_o he_o find_v she_o in_o at_o his_o come_n go_v to_o bed_n and_o compose_v herself_o to_o sleep_v believer_n do_v sometime_o pray_v for_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o wait_v for_o 4._o christ_n his_o call_n and_o proposal_n which_o he_o make_v to_o the_o spouse_n at_o his_o come_n which_o be_v but_o very_o reasonable_a since_o his_o come_n be_v at_o her_o request_n v._o 2._o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o my_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n 5._o we_o have_v the_o spouse_n her_o unreasonable_a denial_n and_o excuse_n v._o 3._o she_o little_a consider_v how_o wet_a and_o weary_a christ_n be_v and_o manifest_v but_o poor_a respect_n to_o he_o when_o she_o will_v rather_o suffer_v he_o to_o stand_v there_o than_o she_o will_v be_v at_o the_o trouble_n to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n or_o defile_v her_o foot_n oh_o what_o difference_n be_v here_o between_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n to_o he_o 6._o we_o may_v observe_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o refusal_n and_o unreasonable_a denial_n though_o christ_n rouse_v up_o her_o grace_n and_o give_v she_o some_o taste_n of_o his_o excellency_n which_o may_v make_v she_o unwearied_o to_o seek_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v make_v her_o smart_n for_o her_o lazyness_n and_o indifferency_n and_o low_a value_n which_o she_o set_v by_o christ_n he_o will_v make_v she_o take_v abundant_o more_o pain_n before_o she_o find_v he_o she_o shall_v seek_v he_o with_o a_o faint_a ache_a heart_n and_o in_o seek_v take_v many_o a_o wet_a and_o weary_a step_n feel_v a_o little_a of_o what_o he_o endure_v at_o the_o door_n before_o she_o find_v he_o v._o 6._o from_o all_o these_o consideration_n in_o the_o text_n i_o gather_v this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n and_o may_v cost_v we_o dear_a to_o be_v lazy_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v especial_o when_o his_o come_n and_o call_v be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n this_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n and_o sum_n of_o this_o text_n but_o we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o substance_n in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n prov._n 1.24_o and_o follow_v verse_n because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v etc._n etc._n psal_n 81.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o hear_v o_o my_o people_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o strange_a god_n in_o thou_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o bearken_v so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v luke_o 13.34_o 35._o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o wherefore_o your_o city_n be_v leave_v to_o you_o desolate_a rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o i_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o be_v with_o i_o in_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n observe_v this_o method_n 1._o speak_v something_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n 2._o something_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n 3._o something_o by_o way_n of_o application_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o where_o christ_n knock_v 2._o at_o who_o door_n christ_n knock_v 3._o how_o or_o with_o what_o he_o knock_v 4._o for_o what_o end_n he_o knock_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v 5._o what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o his_o knock_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o where_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n knock_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n knockâ—_n and_o call_n be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o man_n heart_n to_o have_v the_o ear_n open_a to_o god_n call_n signify_v little_a if_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v and_o christ_n can_v get_v in_o there_o we_o see_v in_o the_o text_n the_o spouse_n though_o partly_o asleep_a hear_v christ_n knock_n and_o call_v well_o enough_o and_o yet_o she_o cause_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o she_o because_o she_o do_v not_o open_a to_o he_o wisdom_n cry_v prov._n 23.26_o my_o son_n give_v i_o thy_o heart_n christ_n will_v have_v the_o heart_n open_a or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o come_v in_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o as_o christ_n be_v no_o dissembler_n but_o real_a in_o what_o he_o offer_v and_o give_v so_o he_o love_v no_o dissemble_n but_o expect_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v real_a and_o cordial_a with_o he_o now_o to_o pretend_v to_o embrace_v christ_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o heart_n be_v to_o mock_v he_o and_o dissemble_v with_o he_o this_o god_n complain_v of_o jer._n 3.10_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o her_o treacherous_a sister_n judah_n have_v not_o turn_v to_o i_o with_o the_o whole_a heart_n but_o feign_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v no_o better_a than_o flattery_n or_o lie_v in_o god_n account_n psal_n 78.36_o 37._o they_o pretend_v to_o return_v and_o seek_v early_o after_o god_n nevertheless_o they_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o jeremiah_n complain_v thus_o of_o the_o wicked_a jer._n 12.2_o thou_o be_v near_o they_o in_o their_o lip_n but_o far_o from_o their_o reins_o that_o son_n be_v reject_v who_o say_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o this_o dissemble_a and_o complement_n with_o god_n be_v abominable_a to_o the_o heart-searching_a god_n and_o therefore_o he_o require_v that_o the_o heart_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o knock_v 2._o because_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o christ_n his_o purchase_n and_o therefore_o he_o knock_v there_o it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v not_o that_o be_v a_o appurtenance_n to_o the_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n christ_n will_v never_o have_v pay_v so_o dear_a a_o price_n for_o it_o but_o the_o inward_a man_n the_o soul_n or_o heart_n be_v that_o which_o be_v chief_o in_o christ_n eye_n when_o he_o make_v his_o soul_n
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
knock_n or_o call_v rev._n 3.20_o i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o rev._n 22.17_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o come_v and_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o isai_n 55.1_o he_o every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n christ_n knock_v not_o only_o at_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o here_o of_o the_o spouse_n open_v my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a but_o also_o at_o the_o door_n of_o other_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v he_o not_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n at_o the_o door_n of_o his_o own_o regenerate_a one_o he_o call_v for_o the_o awaken_n and_o â—â—â—â—ring_v up_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o yet_o stranger_n to_o he_o he_o call_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v live_v and_o find_v rest_n for_o their_o soul_n matth._n 11.28_o 29_o 30._o to_o believer_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v their_o grace_n that_o be_v already_o implant_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o to_o unbeliever_n he_o call_v to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v not_o the_o mean_a soul_n nor_o the_o great_a sinner_n leave_v out_o of_o his_o call_n and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v but_o open_a to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v in_o though_o their_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n and_o crimson_a he_o will_v make_v they_o as_o snow_n and_o wool_n isai_n 1.16_o 17_o etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v how_o or_o with_o what_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v christ_n do_v not_o ordinary_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o saul_n act._n 9_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n ordinary_o call_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o way_n 1._o christ_n knock_v or_o call_v sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n christ_n many_o time_n send_v some_o remarkable_a providence_n or_o other_o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o people_n when_o they_o be_v sleepy_a and_o sluggish_a and_o these_o providence_n they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n sometime_o such_o as_o we_o call_v mercy_n though_o all_o his_o dispensation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n but_o by_o mercy_n i_o mean_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v joyous_a and_o desirable_a for_o the_o present_a he_o sometime_o load_v his_o people_n with_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n hos_fw-la 11.3_o 4._o and_o every_o mercy_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o awaken_n and_o quicken_a spur_n unto_o duty_n therefore_o god_n complain_v hosea_n 2.8_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o give_v they_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n wool_n and_o flax_n silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v serve_v he_o withal_o and_o because_o they_o do_v not_o threaten_v to_o take_v they_o away_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o god_n expostulation_n with_o his_o people_n deut_n 32.6_o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v person_n to_o repentance_n god_n expect_v it_o and_o by_o this_o many_o time_n call_v sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o correction_n and_o judgement_n strive_v by_o the_o smartness_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n that_o be_v rather_o harden_v by_o prosperity_n and_o to_o affright_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o to_o awaken_v his_o own_o people_n out_o of_o that_o sleep_n which_o they_o have_v lull_v themselves_o into_o by_o prosperity_n thus_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n when_o he_o lay_v person_n in_o fetter_n and_o iron_n of_o affliction_n then_o he_o show_v they_o their_o way_n and_o their_o transgression_n wherein_o they_o have_v exceed_v and_o of_o these_o two_o way_n of_o knock_v usual_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n lead_v the_o way_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v than_o judgement_n and_o the_o rod_n follow_v after_o for_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n lam._n 3.33_o but_o if_o need_v be_v they_o must_v be_v in_o heaviness_n through_o manifold_a tribulation_n and_o temptation_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o thus_o god_n call_v by_o his_o providence_n 2._o sometime_o god_n call_v by_o his_o ordinance_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o faithful_a minister_n hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a god_n have_v qualify_v and_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n to_o call_v and_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o bid_v guest_n to_o his_o wedding-supper_n matth._n 22._o and_o the_o beginning_n and_o this_o be_v their_o work_n which_o they_o be_v send_v about_o and_o be_v give_v they_o in_o charge_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o i_o command_v you_o so_o act_v 26.18_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n christ_n himself_o come_v and_o preach_v for_o this_o end_n and_o his_o doctrine_n or_o sermon_n be_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n matth._n 4.17_o and_o john_n the_o baptist_n come_v with_o this_o message_n mark_v 1.4_o yea_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o every_o minister_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o have_v commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n so_o then_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n as_o if_o god_n do_v beseech_v you_o by_o we_o we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o sermon_n that_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n preach_v be_v a_o call_n and_o knock_v from_o christ_n to_o open_v unto_o he_o 3._o sometime_o christ_n call_v by_o the_o secret_a impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n thus_o we_o read_v act_n 2.37_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n sermon_n they_o be_v prick_v at_o their_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v here_o be_v a_o inward_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o conscience_n accompany_v the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n thus_o god_n secret_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n to_o attend_v to_o what_o be_v preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 16.14_o and_o thus_o the_o jailor_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n act_v 16.29_o 30_o 31_o etc._n etc._n this_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n sinner_n many_o time_n have_v when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o do_v not_o always_o give_v heed_n and_o hearken_v to_o it_o and_o this_o many_o time_n the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v lazy_a drowsy_a and_o to_o fall_v asleep_a in_o security_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o not_o to_o quench_v or_o grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o thess_n 5.19_o ephes_n 4.30_o and_o indeed_o the_o two_o former_a way_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v be_v ineffectual_a unless_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o last_o way_n of_o call_v for_o neither_o ordinance_n nor_o providence_n can_v awaken_v sinner_n unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n by_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v job_n 36.8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n that_o he_o first_o bind_v they_o in_o cord_n and_o then_o open_v their_o ear_n to_o discipline_n 4._o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v for_o what_o end_n christ_n knock_v and_o call_v or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_n that_o the_o end_n or_o reason_n of_o christ_n knock_n and_o call_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o at_o the_o door_n of_o who_o heart_n he_o call_v but_o usual_o when_o he_o call_v he_o will_v have_v or_o design_n one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n or_o thing_n 1._o to_o awaken_v sinner_n out_o of_o their_o deep_a sleep_n in_o sin_n and_o security_n
sinner_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o fast_o asleep_a in_o such_o a_o dead_a sleep_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n knock_v and_o speak_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v awaken_v they_o hence_o we_o read_v john_n 5.25_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v which_o must_v be_v mean_v not_o of_o a_o natural_a death_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n but_o of_o a_o death_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o say_v the_o time_n now_o be_v and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v i._n e._n by_o the_o powerful_a voice_n of_o his_o spirit_n who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n will_v you_o see_v what_o one_o of_o christ_n call_n be_v in_o this_o case_n read_v eph._n 5.14_o awake_v thou_o that_o sleep_v and_o stand_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n shall_v give_v thou_o life_n this_o he_o speak_v not_o only_o to_o the_o ear_n by_o his_o word_n but_o to_o the_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n 2._o christ_n his_o call_n at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n many_o time_n design_v repentance_n repentance_n be_v a_o gospel-duty_n incumbent_n upon_o every_o person_n act_v 17.30_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o for_o this_o end_n he_o send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o repentance_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o can_v come_v to_o he_o again_o but_o by_o repentance_n it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n because_o repentance_n be_v proper_o a_o gospel-doctrine_n a_o doctrine_n that_o the_o law_n preach_v not_o for_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n admit_v of_o no_o repentance_n but_o upon_o our_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n immediate_o pronounce_v a_o curse_n gal._n 3.10_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o but_o the_o gospel-covenant_n admit_v of_o yea_o call_v for_o repentance_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v mercy_n yea_o promise_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n upon_o our_o repentance_n prov._n 28.13_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v luke_n 13_o 5._o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unregeneracy_n than_o christ_n knock_v by_o his_o word_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o business_n with_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o that_o they_o must_v either_o repent_v or_o perish_v everlasting_o if_o person_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o regeneracy_n and_o have_v by_o some_o temptation_n or_o other_o lapse_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o it_o may_v be_v have_v some_o sin_n lodging_n in_o they_o not_o yet_o true_o discover_v and_o consequent_o not_o particular_o repent_v of_o then_o and_o in_o such_o case_n christ_n call_v to_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v act_n of_o repentance_n for_o repentance_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o concern_v we_o all_o our_o life_n long_o and_o therefore_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o these_o repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n 3._o christ_n call_v to_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n when_o christ_n come_v to_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n he_o come_v as_o a_o mediator_n and_o peacemaker_n to_o make_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n which_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o each_o other_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o sin_n have_v a_o utter_a enmity_n against_o each_o other_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o enmity_n christ_n have_v take_v away_o by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n the_o cause_n be_v remove_v he_o come_v and_o call_v to_o entreat_v that_o the_o enmity_n itself_o may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o will_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o though_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n for_o it_o yet_o man_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v woo_v and_o persuade_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o his_o heart_n the_o enmity_n that_o be_v lodge_v there_o against_o god_n and_o his_o wayâ—_n and_o therefore_o christ_n be_v force_v to_o knock_v and_o call_v again_o and_o again_o before_o we_o will_v in_o this_o case_n be_v persuade_v to_o yield_v to_o his_o suit_n 4._o christ_n call_v for_o a_o closure_n with_o himself_o by_o faith_n as_o the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n to_o obtain_v peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n we_o by_o our_o sin_n be_v indebt_v to_o god_n more_o than_o ever_o we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v be_v therefore_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v arrest_v by_o divine_a justice_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n where_o we_o may_v lie_v and_o rot_v to_o all_o eternity_n jesus_n christ_n see_v we_o in_o this_o misery_n and_o distress_n come_v and_o call_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n offer_v to_o be_v our_o surety_n to_o pay_v every_o farthing_n of_o our_o debt_n for_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o that_o he_o may_v have_v our_o full_a and_o free_a consent_n to_o do_v this_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o with_o thankfulness_n what_o kindness_n he_o show_v herein_o and_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o work_n for_o we_o and_o wherever_o justice_n shall_v lay_v any_o charge_n or_o accusation_n against_o we_o we_o will_v by_o faith_n confident_o and_o steadfast_o plead_v his_o satisfaction_n for_o our_o discharge_n this_o be_v all_o that_o he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o upon_o this_o condition_n only_o promise_v to_o pay_v our_o debt_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n free_v we_o from_o imprisonment_n and_o seal_v we_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a discharge_n that_o shall_v for_o ever_o stand_v good_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n in_o this_o case_n be_v such_o as_o these_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n isai_n 55.1_o hâ—_n every_o one_o that_o thirst_v come_v unto_o the_o water_n and_o he_o that_o have_v no_o money_n come_v you_o buy_v and_o eat_v yea_o come_v and_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n rev._n 22.17_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o he_o assure_v we_o john_n 1.12_o that_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o they_o he_o will_v give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n and_o sure_o one_o will_v think_v this_o call_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v embrace_v with_o all_o readiness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n 5._o christ_n call_v to_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o subjection_n to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o law_n he_o call_v to_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o we_o and_o learn_v of_o he_o mat._n 11.29_o this_o call_n be_v like_a unto_o that_o of_o boaz_n to_o his_o kinsman_n ruth_n 4._o buy_v naomi_n inheritance_n but_o know_v also_o that_o thou_o must_v buy_v it_o of_o ruth_n i._n e._n buy_v the_o inheritance_n but_o thou_o must_v take_v she_o to_o be_v thy_o wife_n also_o to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o thy_o kinsman_n that_o be_v dead_a so_o say_v our_o saviour_n come_v and_o take_v the_o inheritance_n that_o i_o have_v purchase_v for_o thâ—â—_n and_o thou_o be_v free_o welcome_a to_o it_o but_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o do_v this_o thou_o must_v also_o 〈◊〉_d i_o to_o be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o 〈◊〉_d solemn_o engage_v to_o behave_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o loyal_a faithful_a and_o obedient_a wife_n to_o i_o thou_o must_v take_v i_o whole_o as_o i_o be_o only_o absolute_o and_o everlasting_o not_o only_o for_o a_o priest_n to_o make_v atonement_n for_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o father_n but_o as_o a_o prophet_n to_o teach_v thou_o such_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o requisite_a for_o thou_o to_o observe_v and_o as_o a_o king_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v thou_o by_o my_o law_n thy_o heart_n must_v be_v my_o throne_n and_o there_o must_v i_o sit_v and_o exercise_v my_o authority_n and_o have_v thy_o whole_a man_n
at_o command_n this_o christ_n call_v for_o but_o alas_o too_o many_o that_o like_a boaz_n his_o kinsman_n have_v a_o mind_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o inheritance_n yet_o here_o turn_v their_o back_n and_o will_v rather_o let_v the_o inheritance_n go_v to_o another_o than_o they_o will_v take_v christ_n with_o it_o many_o will_v have_v christ_n his_o crown_n but_o few_o will_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o therefore_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v but_o slow_o hearken_v to_o in_o this_o respect_n 6._o christ_n call_v sometime_o to_o awaken_v and_o excite_v his_o spouse_n when_o she_o be_v dull_a and_o sluggish_a in_o her_o work_n sometime_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n own_o people_n grow_v lazy_a and_o sluggish_a either_o lay_v aside_o their_o spiritual_a work_n or_o perform_v it_o lazy_o if_o they_o pray_v they_o pray_v heartless_o and_o careless_o as_o if_o they_o matter_a not_o whether_o they_o speed_v or_o not_o if_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o do_v it_o in_o too_o formal_a and_o customary_a a_o manner_n not_o study_v to_o profit_v thereby_o if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o come_v not_o with_o that_o appetite_n and_o enlarge_v desire_n and_o expectation_n that_o they_o shall_v though_o indeed_o their_o want_n be_v many_o and_o great_a yet_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o they_o that_o he_o do_v to_o elijah_n what_o do_v thou_o here_o elijah_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n or_o a_o good_a account_n of_o their_o be_v there_o they_o have_v sin_n enough_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o yet_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n bleed_v and_o die_v do_v but_o little_o move_v or_o affect_v they_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v and_o yet_o mourn_v but_o little_a over_o he_o they_o can_v behold_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o have_v little_a stir_n of_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o their_o spiritual_a watch_n they_o let_v that_o fall_n though_o in_o their_o enemy_n country_n and_o hereby_o they_o give_v advantage_n and_o opportunity_n to_o their_o enemy_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o take_v they_o in_o his_o net_n therefore_o that_o careful_a and_o faithful_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n see_v in_o what_o danger_n we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o enemy_n watchfulness_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o lazy_a and_o sluggish_a posture_n which_o indispose_v we_o for_o our_o work_n and_z gives_z advantage_n to_o our_o adversary_n he_o therefore_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o awaken_v we_o and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o watch_n and_o to_o our_o work_n to_o our_o watch_n lest_o our_o enemy_n come_v and_o take_v we_o nap_v and_o to_o our_o work_n leave_v the_o night_n come_v before_o our_o work_n be_v perfect_v it_o be_v a_o manifest_a token_n of_o christ_n his_o care_n and_o faithfulness_n thus_o to_o knock_v and_o call_v by_o awaken_n ordinance_n or_o providence_n when_o thus_o he_o find_v we_o incline_v to_o sloth_n or_o sluggishness_n and_o yet_o many_o time_n he_o be_v force_v to_o call_v aloud_o before_o he_o can_v make_v we_o hear_v 7._o christ_n call_v to_o open_v to_o he_o and_o take_v part_n with_o he_o of_o that_o rich_a feast_n or_o banquet_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o bring_v with_o he_o believer_n know_v their_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o christ_n for_o continual_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n they_o make_v their_o request_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v a_o feast_n in_o their_o soul_n that_o he_o will_v fill_v their_o heart_n with_o â—ood_a and_o gladness_n that_o his_o comfort_n may_v deâ—ight_v their_o heart_n whatever_o other_o thought_n may_v trouble_v and_o cumber_v they_o and_o hereupon_o christ_n come_v and_o knock_v for_o open_v and_o entertainment_n say_v as_o in_o the_o text_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a and_o promise_v as_o rev._n 3.20_o if_o any_o man_n will_v open_v to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v sup_v with_o i_o christ_n will_v not_o loose_v his_o feast_n when_o he_o have_v prepare_v it_o nor_o do_v he_o love_v to_o eat_v his_o morsel_n alone_o but_o desire_v the_o company_n of_o his_o spouse_n for_o who_o he_o have_v prepare_v they_o and_o therefore_o call_v this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o text._n the_o spouse_n vers_fw-la 16._o of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n have_v pray_v for_o the_o revival_n of_o grace_n in_o her_o heart_n that_o she_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v christ_n and_o be_v so_o fix_v beg_v his_o company_n this_o request_n be_v grant_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o her_o request_n come_v and_o desire_n to_o have_v the_o door_n open_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n come_v with_o load_n of_o comfort_n he_o many_o time_n find_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o he_o long_o knock_v and_o call_v before_o he_o gain_v admission_n the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n stand_v many_o time_n long_o at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o open_v to_o and_o receive_v they_o by_o faith_n and_o many_o a_o excuse_n and_o put-off_a will_v many_o a_o poor_a soul_n make_v against_o itself_o before_o it_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n for_o its_o own_o comfort_n yea_o sometime_o so_o compliment_v it_o and_o plead_v excuse_n till_o christ_n in_o a_o angeâ—_n withdraw_v and_o make_v the_o soul_n long_o and_o with_o a_o ache_a heart_n to_o seek_v christ_n in_o the_o promise_n before_o she_o find_v he_o and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n design_n to_o discover_v in_o this_o text._n and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n will_v have_v when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v the_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o special_a time_n of_o christ_n his_o knock_n and_o call_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v no_o dispensation_n of_o god_n that_o he_o exercise_v towards_o we_o but_o it_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o it_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n and_o come_v with_o some_o message_n unto_o we_o messenger_n be_v not_o send_v but_o upon_o some_o message_n or_o errand_n god_n minister_n be_v his_o messenger_n send_v unto_o we_o with_o some_o word_n of_o reproof_n instruction_n counsel_n or_o comfort_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n 2_o tim._n 13.16_o and_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o his_o messenger_n bring_v and_o therefore_o their_o message_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v because_o it_o be_v a_o call_n or_o message_n from_o god_n every_o secret_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n check_n and_o conviction_n of_o thy_o conscience_n be_v a_o call_n from_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v listen_v and_o hearken_v to_o for_o conscience_n be_v god_n deputy_n or_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n every_o providence_n that_o befall_v thou_o whether_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o or_o affliction_n be_v a_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n and_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n in_o it_o something_o that_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o learn_v by_o it_o yea_o even_o those_o common_a providence_n whether_o of_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o befall_v thou_o in_o common_a with_o other_o they_o come_v with_o some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o a_o packet_n of_o letter_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o town_n or_o place_n by_o one_o common_a post_n or_o carrier_n but_o every_o one_o letter_n in_o particular_a come_v about_o his_o own_o special_a business_n though_o it_o come_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o common_a carrier_n so_o in_o common_a affliction_n or_o judgement_n though_o they_o come_v in_o a_o common_a way_n and_o by_o a_o common_a hand_n either_o humane_a or_o divine_a or_o in_o a_o common_a way_n of_o providence_n yet_o they_o come_v upon_o a_o particular_a errand_n and_o about_o particular_a business_n to_o the_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v if_o they_o come_v to_o thou_o know_v therefore_o that_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a message_n to_o thou_o from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o understand_v the_o voice_n and_o learn_v the_o lesson_n but_o though_o there_o be_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o god_n in_o every_o passage_n of_o god_n carriage_n towards_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o special_a time_n wherein_o god_n call_v be_v much_o more_o remarkable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o slight_v
his_o ordinance_n or_o providence_n let_v we_o not_o stand_v debate_v whether_o we_o shall_v let_v he_o in_o or_o not_o whatever_o posture_n we_o be_v in_o though_o naked_a in_o our_o bed_n for_o this_o be_v a_o special_a time_n of_o his_o come_n and_o will_v be_v unkind_o take_v if_o he_o find_v not_o admission_n according_a to_o his_o invitation_n 4._o when_o christ_n his_o call_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n when_o christ_n be_v in_o so_o very_o good_a earnest_n that_o he_o woe_n and_o entreat_v and_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n this_o be_v a_o loud_a because_o a_o earnest_n call_v and_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v come_v very_o nigh_o even_o to_o the_o very_a door_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n advise_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o close_v with_o such_o a_o opportunity_n as_o this_o isai_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text._n christ_n be_v come_v to_o her_o door_n and_o not_o only_o stand_v there_o knock_v but_o by_o all_o the_o friendly_a compellation_n imaginable_a endeavour_n to_o persuade_v she_o to_o let_v he_o in_o open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a and_o when_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o come_v near_o to_o the_o door_n and_o put_v in_o his_o finger_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n as_o though_o he_o will_v make_v a_o forcible_a entry_n intimate_v his_o earnest_a desire_n to_o have_v admission_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unkind_o do_v of_o she_o to_o keep_v he_o out_o and_o cost_v her_o dear_a before_o he_o do_v come_v in_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v with_o thou_o 5._o when_o christ_n his_o lock_n be_v wet_a with_o the_o dew_n of_o the_o night_n then_o be_v his_o call_n earnest_a and_o importunate_a and_o it_o will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o keep_v he_o out_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n open_v to_o i_o my_o sister_n my_o love_n my_o dove_n my_o undefiled_a 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 many_o thing_n may_v be_v include_v in_o this_o argument_n and_o all_o of_o force_n to_o persuade_v she_o to_o let_v he_o in_o and_o make_v the_o argument_n more_o strong_a and_o forcible_a make_v the_o call_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o loud_o and_o the_o denial_n the_o more_o unreasonable_a the_o word_n may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n 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 i_o e._n i_o come_v full_o fraught_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o cheer_v refresh_a and_o fructify_a of_o thy_o spiritual_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o i_o to_o make_v thou_o perfect_o and_o every_o way_n happy_a only_o open_a to_o i_o and_o let_v i_o in_o and_o then_o thou_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o that_o be_v i_o and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o i_o what_o be_v not_o want_v in_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v to_o thou_o only_o open_a to_o i_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v i_o in_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o our_o emptiness_n and_o penury_n arise_v not_o from_o any_o want_n or_o defect_n in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o he_o all_o fullness_n dwell_v but_o from_o ourselves_o because_o we_o open_v not_o to_o he_o and_o thus_o understand_v they_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o spouse_n her_o prayer_n chapter_n 4.16_o awake_v o_o north_n wind_n and_o come_v thou_o south_n and_o breath_n upon_o my_o garden_n that_o the_o spice_n thereof_o may_v flow_v out_o she_o pray_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o her_o grace_n may_v be_v revive_v and_o make_v more_o active_a and_o odoriferous_a and_o to_o this_o christ_n answer_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v this_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o fullness_n of_o it_o be_v to_o open_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o let_v he_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o if_o she_o will_v do_v so_o he_o assure_v she_o that_o he_o bring_v all_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o blessing_n with_o he_o his_o very_a head_n and_o lock_n be_v fill_v with_o they_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o most_o full_a and_o convince_a argument_n be_v apply_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o her_o prayer_n and_o may_v well_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o loud_a call_n in_o her_o ear_n sufficient_a to_o raise_v she_o though_o lay_v down_o to_o take_v her_o ease_n but_o the_o word_n may_v also_o be_v take_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n import_v the_o misery_n and_o hardship_n which_o christ_n have_v undergo_v in_o come_v to_o she_o in_o so_o dark_a and_o wet_a a_o night_n and_o that_o still_o he_o do_v endure_v by_o stand_v out_o of_o door_n in_o the_o wet_a and_o dark_a and_o cold_a as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v o_o my_o dear_a spouse_n thou_o by_o thy_o prayer_n which_o so_o late_o thou_o do_v send_v to_o i_o do_v importune_v my_o company_n and_o help_v and_o out_o of_o that_o true_a affection_n which_o i_o have_v for_o thou_o and_o commiseration_n of_o thy_o condition_n i_o have_v undertake_v this_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n wherein_o i_o be_o benight_a the_o way_n have_v be_v very_o foul_a for_o i_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n of_o god_n wrath_n alone_o have_v endure_v much_o persecution_n in_o my_o own_o person_n and_o the_o person_n of_o my_o minister_n and_o much_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o myself_o it_o have_v cost_v i_o my_o dear_a heart_n blood_n to_o make_v my_o way_n to_o thou_o and_o the_o weather_n have_v be_v very_o wet_a stormy_a and_o tempestuous_a so_o that_o i_o be_o wet_a to_o the_o very_a skin_n not_o a_o dry_a hair_n upon_o my_o head_n and_o the_o night_n have_v be_v and_o be_v very_o dark_a so_o dark_a that_o it_o make_v i_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o now_o i_o be_o come_v i_o stand_v at_o thy_o door_n in_o this_o miserable_a wet_a and_o weary_a condition_n desire_v entrance_n and_o admission_n therefore_o open_a to_o i_o and_o though_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o warm_a bed_n and_o at_o ease_n yet_o consider_v what_o a_o sad_a condition_n i_o be_o in_o and_o how_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o my_o health_n to_o stand_v here_o in_o this_o condition_n and_o do_v not_o so_o far_o forget_v thy_o relation_n to_o i_o thy_o late_a request_n the_o pain_n and_o hardship_n which_o i_o have_v endure_v and_o do_v endure_v and_o the_o reciprocal_a affection_n which_o thou_o ought_v to_o bear_v unto_o i_o as_o to_o suffer_v i_o to_o stand_v here_o out_o of_o door_n but_o arise_v quick_o and_o open_o to_o i_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o pity_n or_o commiseration_n in_o thy_o heart_n show_v it_o now_o to_o i_o thy_o belove_a husband_n and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o make_v the_o argument_n press_v and_o cogent_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o loud_a a_o powerful_a and_o irresistible_a call_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o explication_n and_o now_o follow_v the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o to_o be_v lazy_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n call_v and_o knock_v may_v be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n especial_o when_o his_o come_n and_o call_v be_v in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n as_o you_o see_v here_o it_o be_v in_o the_o text._n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v manifest_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o our_o ingratitude_n and_o unkindness_n which_o hereby_o we_o manifest_v nay_o i_o may_v say_v not_o only_a unkindness_n and_o unthankfulness_n but_o we_o hereby_o manifest_v wonderful_a hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n we_o importune_v and_o entreat_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o our_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o prayer_n we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v very_o earnest_o desirous_a of_o his_o company_n and_o that_o we_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o his_o help_n and_o therefore_o will_v take_v no_o denial_n but_o entreat_v again_o and_o again_o at_o last_o christ_n yield_v consent_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o business_n come_v little_o question_v but_o to_o find_v we_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v he_o or_o however_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o he_o when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v in_o regard_n we_o have_v so_o earnest_o invite_v he_o therefore_o now_o at_o his_o come_n to_o find_v the_o door_n shut_v we_o so_o careless_a of_o his_o company_n as_o not_o to_o watch_v for_o he_o one_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o knock_v
and_o call_v for_o we_o to_o answer_v i_o have_v put_v off_o my_o coat_n how_o shall_v i_o put_v they_o on_o i_o have_v wash_v my_o foot_n how_o shall_v i_o defile_v they_o to_o make_v thus_o light_a oâ—_n his_o pain_n and_o come_n what_o great_a unkindness_n or_o manifest_a token_n of_o complement_a dissimulation_n and_o hypocrisy_n can_v be_v show_v well_o may_v christ_n say_v o_o spouse_n though_o thy_o invitation_n seem_v to_o be_v real_a yet_o by_o this_o carriage_n i_o see_v and_o plain_o perceive_v the_o falseness_n and_o treachery_n of_o thy_o dissemble_a heart_n foâ—_n instead_o of_o deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o i_o thou_o have_v but_o mock_v i_o and_o how_o can_v thou_o then_o say_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o well_o may_v christ_n then_o take_v this_o ingratitude_n and_o dissimulation_n unkind_o from_o she_o and_o take_v occasion_n hereupon_o to_o depart_v if_o any_o of_o you_o shall_v invite_v a_o friend_n to_o your_o house_n and_o according_a to_o your_o earnest_a invitation_n your_o friend_n come_v but_o at_o his_o come_n you_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o he_o and_o though_o you_o be_v within_o yet_o you_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o he_o may_v he_o not_o well_o take_v this_o piece_n of_o ingratitude_n and_o mockery_n unkind_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o high_a affront_n put_v upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o depart_v in_o a_o rage_n and_o resolve_v to_o miss_v your_o door_n the_o next_o time_n he_o come_v that_o way_n but_o if_o a_o wife_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o her_o husband_n will_v not_o this_o manifest_a much_o dissimulation_n and_o unkindness_n and_o may_v not_o he_o well_o take_v this_o as_o a_o high_a affront_n to_o be_v thus_o slight_o look_v upon_o by_o his_o wife_n such_o be_v the_o case_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n though_o he_o depart_v in_o a_o discontent_n when_o thus_o affront_v and_o treacherous_o deal_v with_o we_o find_v it_o reckon_v among_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n isai_n 53.2_o 3._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v slight_o esteem_v and_o account_v of_o among_o man_n there_o be_v no_o beauty_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n we_o hide_v our_o face_n as_o it_o be_v from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteemeâ—_n they_o not_o so_o john_n 1.11_o he_o come_v to_o his_o owâ—_n and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o thus_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o mock_v and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o thiâ—_n go_v near_o his_o heart_n and_o may_v well_o put_v hiâ—_n into_o a_o rage_n against_o we_o this_o affront_n woulâ—_n far_o more_o easy_o have_v be_v bear_v have_v it_o beeâ—_n from_o a_o enemy_n but_o from_o a_o friend_n and_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n one_o that_o have_v give_v he_o so_o faiâ—â—_n a_o invitation_n this_o cut_n and_o wound_n to_o thâ—_n very_a heart_n see_v what_o david_n personate_n christ_n in_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n speak_v psal_n 55.12_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n that_o reproach_v i_o than_o i_o can_v have_v bear_v it_o buâ—_n it_o be_v thou_o a_o man_n my_o equal_a my_o guide_n anâ—_n my_o acquaintance_n this_o so_o provoke_v that_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 15._o let_v death_n seize_v on_o they_o and_o let_v they_o go_v down_o quick_a into_o hell_n for_o wickedness_n be_v among_o they_o yea_o this_o strike_v sad_a upon_o christ_n spirit_n psal_n 41.9_o yea_o my_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v which_o do_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o such_o affront_n as_o these_o cut_v deep_a they_o wound_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v hereupon_o be_v sad_a and_o dreadful_a to_o the_o soul_n 2._o consider_v the_o great_a damage_n which_o our_o soul_n sustain_v by_o keep_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o we_o shut_v he_o out_o he_o may_v withdraw_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o withdraw_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o live_v without_o he_o we_o read_v john_n 15.5_o without_o i_o â—_o e._n jesus_n christ_n you_o can_v do_v nothing_o neither_o please_v to_o god_n nor_o profitable_a to_o yourselves_o and_o therefore_o what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n be_v â—ou_fw-mi leave_v in_o if_o christ_n depart_v therefore_o say_v god_n hos_n 9.12_o wo_n also_o unto_o they_o when_o i_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o assure_v thyself_o that_o thou_o â—anst_v not_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o cause_n â—im_v to_o withdraw_v than_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o when_o â—e_n come_v at_o thy_o invitation_n christ_n may_v withdraw_v yea_o and_o so_o withdraw_v as_o never_o to_o â—eturn_v again_o or_o call_v at_o thy_o door_n more_o psal_n â—1_n 11_o 12._o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o â—y_a voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o so_o i_o â—ave_n they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n god_n knock_v forty_o year_n at_o israel_n door_n but_o when_o no_o admission_n will_v be_v have_v than_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o â—rath_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n psal_n 95.10_o 11._o see_v that_o threaten_n against_o ephraim_n than_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o great_a hos_fw-la 4.17_o ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o as_o if_o god_n have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v he_o i_o have_v call_v often_o at_o his_o door_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n therefore_o i_o will_v concern_v myself_o no_o more_o about_o he_o i_o will_v call_v no_o more_o at_o his_o door_n read_v with_o tremble_a ezek._n 24.13_o 14._o prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n sometime_o though_o god_n may_v at_o last_o return_n and_o be_v reconcile_v and_o call_v again_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v long_o first_o and_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n may_v he_o cause_v thou_o to_o take_v in_o seek_v of_o he_o before_o thou_o find_v he_o god_n threaten_v this_o hos_fw-la 5.15_o i_o will_v go_v and_o return_v to_o my_o place_n and_o hide_v myself_o until_o they_o seek_v my_o face_n in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o text_n that_o christ_n do_v deal_v thus_o with_o his_o spouse_n when_o she_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a he_o have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v christ_n have_v hear_v and_o answer_v she_o at_o her_o first_o call_v but_o since_o she_o have_v deal_v so_o deceitful_o and_o disingenious_o with_o he_o she_o shall_v now_o call_v and_o call_v again_o before_o he_o give_v she_o any_o answer_n shall_v seek_v and_o seek_v he_o sorrow_v before_o she_o shall_v find_v he_o she_o be_v but_o now_o so_o lazy_a easeful_a and_o delicate_a that_o she_o can_v not_o abide_v to_o be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o put_v on_o her_o coat_n have_v put_v it_o off_o can_v not_o endure_v so_o much_o hardship_n as_o to_o tread_v upon_o the_o floor_n with_o her_o naked_a foot_n lest_o she_o shall_v defile_v it_o but_o if_o christ_n be_v so_o little_a store_n set_v by_o her_o love_n to_o christ_n shall_v be_v further_o try_v she_o shall_v take_v a_o long_a journey_n and_o not_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o soulness_n of_o the_o way_n neither_o before_o she_o find_v he_o if_o it_o be_v so_o tedious_a a_o journey_n to_o cross_v the_o house-floor_n christ_n will_v see_v whether_o she_o will_v take_v a_o journey_n through_o the_o street_n and_o highway_n in_o as_o dark_a and_o foul_a way_n and_o weather_n as_o he_o have_v come_v before_o she_o find_v he_o that_o so_o she_o may_v know_v something_o of_o what_o he_o have_v endure_v in_o come_v to_o she_o and_o may_v now_o ready_o open_a to_o he_o the_o next_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o shut_v out_o christ_n when_o he_o knock_v and_o call_v 3._o consider_v the_o benefit_n and_o bounty_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o into_o the_o soul_n that_o open_v to_o and_o entertain_v he_o our_o saviour_n say_v rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_n if_o any_o man_n open_a to_o i_o i_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o if_o christ_n will_v make_v a_o feast_n unto_o the_o soul_n that_o let_v he_o in_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v ill_a to_o keep_v he_o out_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o such_o store_n of_o provision_n within_o herself_o as_o to_o despise_v the_o feast_n which_o christ_n will_v make_v she_o in_o the_o text_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o this_o argument_n to_o move_v she_o to_o open_v the_o door_n for_o my_o head_n be_v fill_v
our_o heart_n when_o he_o call_v for_o admission_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o â—rove_v that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v no_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o head_n 9_o i_o may_v draw_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o argue_v ab_fw-la esse_fw-la ad_fw-la posse_fw-la such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v it_o prove_v of_o very_o sad_a consequence_n to_o the_o spouse_n here_o to_o keep_v out_o christ_n he_o in_o a_o discontent_n withdraw_v and_o depart_v and_o leave_v she_o in_o a_o very_a sad_a condition_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o her_o inward_a guilt_n for_o give_v he_o such_o a_o unkind_a ungrateful_a and_o irrational_a answer_n and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pain_n which_o she_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v before_o she_o find_v he_o again_o before_o it_o will_v defile_v her_o foot_n to_o come_v over_o the_o house-floor_n to_o open_v to_o her_o belove_a and_o be_v too_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a a_o work_n for_o she_o to_o do_v but_o now_o she_o follow_v he_o and_o call_v after_o he_o through_o the_o mity_n street_n and_o highway_n and_o never_o complain_v of_o wearyness_n nor_o the_o foulness_n of_o the_o way_n but_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v he_o whatever_o it_o cost_v she_o or_o whatever_o she_o endure_v and_o be_v of_o such_o consequence_n to_o she_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o to_o we_o nay_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v so_o if_o we_o as_o she_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o he_o at_o his_o call_n but_o i_o have_v exceed_v my_o first_o intention_n in_o enlarge_n upon_o the_o former_a particular_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v no_o more_o to_o this_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v and_o so_o i_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v application_n and_o the_o 1_o use_v shall_v be_v by_o way_n of_o instruction_n or_o information_n be_v it_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o be_v sluggish_a and_o secure_a when_o christ_n call_v then_o hence_o learn_v 1._o that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o bless_a consequence_n to_o be_v watchful_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o open_v when_o christ_n knock_v and_o call_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 24.46_o 47._o bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v he_o shall_v make_v he_o ruler_n over_o all_o his_o good_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o advise_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o that_o without_o weariness_n or_o give_v over_o till_o he_o come_v luke_n 12.35_o 36_o 37_o 38._o let_v your_o loin_n be_v gird_v about_o and_o your_o light_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o will_v return_v from_o the_o wedding_n that_o when_o he_o come_v and_o knock_v they_o may_v open_v to_o he_o immediate_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n who_o when_o the_o lord_n come_v shall_v find_v watch_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o he_o shall_v gird_v himself_o and_o make_v they_o to_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o second_o watch_n or_o in_o the_o three_o watch_n and_o find_v they_o so_o bless_a be_v those_o servant_n mark_v that_o at_o whatsoever_o time_n he_o come_v if_o he_o find_v they_o about_o their_o watch_n and_o at_o their_o work_n they_o shall_v be_v bless_v but_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o a_o little_a further_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o particular_n 1._o consider_v the_o satisfaction_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o a_o gracious_a heart_n to_o be_v at_o home_n and_o at_o his_o work_n or_o on_o his_o watch_n when_o christ_n call_v i_o a_o intimate_a friend_n do_v but_o call_v at_o our_o door_n we_o account_v it_o a_o happiness_n that_o he_o find_v 〈◊〉_d within_o how_o much_o more_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n account_v it_o a_o happiness_n that_o his_o belove_a jesus_n at_o his_o come_n find_v he_o within_o in_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n to_o give_v he_o the_o best_a entertainment_n that_o he_o have_v especial_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v always_o upon_o our_o watch_n matth._n 25.13_o watch_n for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o how_o when_o your_o lord_n will_v come_v which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o watch_v till_o christ_n do_v come_v oh_o say_v the_o soul_n this_o be_v my_o duty_n never_o to_o sleep_v or_o be_v secure_a but_o always_o to_o be_v watch_v what_o a_o happy_a chance_n be_v it_o that_o i_o be_v upon_o my_o watch_n when_o my_o lord_n and_o master_n come_v and_o that_o he_o find_v i_o so_o do_v find_v i_o it_o my_o duty_n sure_o he_o will_v take_v this_o well_o at_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v bless_v 2._o consider_v our_o preparedness_n to_o receive_v he_o he_o that_o look_v for_o a_o friend_n will_v have_v every_o thing_n in_o readiness_n against_o he_o come_v to_o make_v his_o friend_n welcome_a so_o will_v a_o gracious_a soul_n that_o expect_v christ_n his_o come_n will_v have_v every_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n for_o his_o welcome_a entertainment_n and_o account_v it_o his_o happiness_n that_o he_o have_v so_o it_o will_v be_v wonderful_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v christ_n come_v when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n earnest_a look_v for_o christ_n his_o come_n when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n come_v and_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o readiness_n we_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o watch_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o long_o and_o ready_a to_o think_v every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o the_o door_n to_o be_v our_o friend_n when_o our_o friend_n do_v come_v we_o be_v very_o glad_a and_o bid_v he_o hearty_o welcome_a and_o tell_v he_o we_o begin_v to_o think_v he_o long_o and_o be_v afraid_a lest_o any_o business_n shall_v have_v prevent_v his_o come_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o see_v he_o come_v and_o account_v ourselves_o happy_a that_o our_o expectation_n be_v fulfil_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o this_o wait_a posture_n for_o christ_n o_o my_o dear_a saviour_n say_v she_o i_o think_v it_o long_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v absent_a from_o i_o i_o give_v thou_o a_o earnest_a invitation_n be_v earnest_o desirous_a of_o thy_o company_n and_o sensible_a how_o great_o i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o i_o endeavour_v to_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o thy_o entertainment_n and_o have_v do_v that_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v thou_o long_o every_o hour_n have_v seem_v ten_o to_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v delay_v and_o i_o have_v wait_v in_o hope_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o fear_n lest_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v prevent_v thy_o come_n but_o thy_o stay_n so_o long_o have_v quicken_v my_o desire_n and_o now_o i_o be_o more_o abundant_o glad_a that_o thou_o be_v come_v by_o how_o much_o thy_o stay_n make_v i_o afraid_a that_o thou_o will_v not_o come_v o_o welcome_a welcome_o my_o long_a looked-for_a dear_a saviour_n thy_o come_n make_v amends_o for_o my_o long_a wait_a now_o i_o think_v my_o labour_n and_o patience_n well_o bestow_v come_v in_o my_o dear_o belove_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o readiness_n and_o prepare_v for_o thy_o entertainment_n thus_o the_o soul_n account_v herself_o happy_a that_o christ_n come_v thus_o seasonable_o and_o that_o she_o be_v thus_o fit_v and_o in_o a_o ready_a posture_n for_o his_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v bless_v who_o christ_n find_v in_o this_o posture_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o christ_n will_v take_v at_o his_o come_n to_o find_v we_o in_o a_o watchful_a expect_v and_o prepare_v posture_n this_o posture_n will_v so_o wonderful_o please_v jesus_n christ_n that_o instead_o of_o sit_v down_o and_o be_v attend_v and_o serve_v by_o we_o he_o will_v make_v we_o to_o sit_v down_o and_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o gird_v himself_o and_o serve_v we_o luke_n 12.37_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o guest_n and_o he_o will_v be_v the_o servitor_n the_o satisfaction_n which_o this_o will_v be_v to_o christ_n may_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o find_v we_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o take_v himself_o to_o be_v welcome_a if_o at_o our_o come_n to_o our_o friend_n house_n we_o find_v not_o only_o the_o door_n open_a the_o house_n
dress_v and_o all_o in_o order_n but_o we_o find_v our_o friend_n in_o the_o door_n wait_v and_o earnest_o look_v for_o we_o think_v our_o tarry_n long_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_o welcome_a now_o we_o be_v come_v so_o when_o christ_n find_v the_o heart_n prepare_v and_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o door_n watch_v or_o look_v in_o the_o way_n wherein_o she_o expect_v to_o see_v he_o come_v he_o may_v thence_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n to_o that_o soul_n sure_o say_v christ_n i_o shall_v now_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n to_o my_o spouse_n now_o she_o be_v so_o earnest_o wait_v and_o look_v for_o i_o and_o this_o please_v christ_n more_o than_o all_o the_o variety_n that_o she_o can_v possible_o prepare_v for_o he_o for_o alas_o she_o be_v but_o poor_a have_v no_o rich_a entertainment_n for_o he_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v of_o his_o own_o send_n and_o prepare_v and_o therefore_o welcome_a be_v likely_a to_o be_v his_o best_a fare_n and_o all_o that_o she_o can_v give_v he_o and_o therefore_o christ_n expect_v no_o great_a matter_n from_o she_o but_o to_o have_v the_o door_n open_a and_o himself_o make_v welcome_a when_o he_o come_v and_o where_o he_o find_v this_o he_o be_v so_o well_o please_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v no_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v while_o he_o stay_v he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o feast_n and_o of_o the_o dress_n of_o it_o too_o and_o therefore_o we_o read_v cant._n 5.1_o that_o he_o not_o only_o eat_v but_o gather_v his_o fruit_n himself_o i_o have_v gather_v my_o myrrh_n with_o my_o spice_n i_o have_v eat_v my_o honeycomb_n with_o my_o honey_n etc._n etc._n 2._o find_v we_o in_o this_o posture_n he_o may_v expect_v that_o we_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o other_o company_n and_o business_n to_o entertain_v he_o with_o our_o company_n christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v when_o his_o spouse_n be_v in_o the_o throng_n or_o crowd_v of_o worldly_a company_n and_o business_n for_o than_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o time_n of_o private_a conference_n and_o discourse_n with_o she_o which_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o business_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n both_o he_o and_o she_o will_v lose_v the_o benefit_n and_o sweetness_n of_o the_o opportunity_n friend_n account_v that_o time_n lose_v that_o they_o can_v enjoy_v one_o another_o though_o they_o be_v together_o all_o the_o while_n if_o by_o throng_n of_o company_n they_o can_v have_v their_o discourse_n and_o conference_n which_o they_o design_v in_o their_o meeting_n they_o account_v their_o time_n lose_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v what_o a_o unhappy_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o we_o meet_v at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o and_o that_o thus_o we_o be_v interrupt_v in_o our_o discourse_n the_o more_o intimate_a that_o friend_n be_v the_o more_o private_a matter_n of_o discourse_n they_o have_v and_o the_o less_o they_o care_v to_o be_v interrupt_v with_o company_n none_o more_o intimate_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n anâ—_n have_v matter_n of_o private_a conference_n with_o she_o do_v not_o care_n to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o she_o have_v a_o crowd_n of_o other_o company_n about_o she_o but_o when_o she_o be_v alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o come_v if_o she_o be_v not_o alone_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o apart_o by_o herself_o and_o then_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v most_o heed_v and_o have_v most_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o she_o therefore_o we_o read_v hos_fw-la 2.14_o i_o will_v allure_v she_o say_v god_n and_o bring_v she_o into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o will_v speak_v comfortable_o unto_o she_o or_o speak_v to_o her_o heart_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v now_o when_o christ_n find_v the_o soul_n wait_v and_o look_v for_o he_o all_o alone_a either_o in_o her_o door_n or_o in_o the_o highway_n he_o may_v well_o conclude_v i_o come_v seasonable_o for_o yonder_o be_v my_o spouse_n all_o alone_a free_a from_o cumber_v and_o other_o business_n wait_v for_o my_o come_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v expect_v her_o company_n and_o this_o abundant_o please_v he_o for_o it_o be_v her_o company_n he_o chief_o come_v for_o christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v crowd_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o world_n he_o desire_v her_o company_n alone_o and_o be_v best_a please_v when_o he_o find_v it_o so_o 3._o find_v we_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o watchfulness_n our_o clothes_n on_o and_o our_o loin_n gird_v he_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v we_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o drowsy_a and_o sluggish_a condition_n and_o that_o therefore_o his_o company_n will_v be_v pleasant_a and_o not_o burdensome_a to_o we_o and_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v better_o need_v by_o we_o when_o sleep_n and_o sluggishness_n overtake_v we_o the_o company_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n be_v but_o burdensome_a and_o their_o discourse_n but_o little_o regard_v we_o have_v rather_o have_v their_o room_n than_o their_o company_n their_o silence_n than_o their_o discourse_n because_o we_o be_v desirous_a to_o compose_v ourselves_o for_o rest_n and_o sleep_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n when_o she_o be_v in_o a_o sleepy_a and_o secure_a condition_n his_o company_n be_v no_o whit_n pleasant_a and_o his_o discourse_n sink_v but_o ear-deep_a if_o it_o do_v that_o and_o therefore_o do_v little_a good_a now_o christ_n love_v not_o to_o come_v and_o find_v his_o spouse_n in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o this_o but_o when_o he_o find_v she_o watch_v or_o busy_a at_o her_o spiritual_a work_n in_o a_o lively_a condition_n now_o say_v he_o my_o company_n will_v be_v acceptable_a now_o in_o a_o lively_a manner_n will_v she_o unbosom_v herself_o to_o i_o tell_v i_o her_o whole_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o i_o shall_v as_o free_o impart_v my_o counsel_n and_o comfort_n unto_o she_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o condition_n that_o i_o desire_v to_o find_v she_o in_o and_o find_v she_o in_o this_o condition_n it_o yield_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o christ_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o bless_a posture_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o posture_n to_o give_v christ_n such_o abundant_a satisfaction_n 4._o that_o they_o be_v thus_o bless_v that_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v upon_o their_o watch_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o honour_n and_o benefit_n which_o he_o will_v confer_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v commend_v and_o praise_v they_o he_o will_v give_v they_o honourable_a title_n well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n he_o will_v give_v they_o bountiful_a reward_n and_o a_o sumptuous_a feast_n and_o he_o himself_o will_v come_v forth_o and_o serve_v they_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o therefore_o need_v no_o further_a enlargement_n 2._o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o damnable_a and_o desperate_a condition_n of_o many_o sinner_n and_o the_o mournful_a droop_a and_o seek_v condition_n of_o many_o saint_n it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n seldom_o come_v abroad_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o because_o when_o he_o come_v he_o find_v such_o unready_a admission_n and_o entertainmet_a if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o sinner_n perish_v everlasting_o and_o that_o under_o gospel-light_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v not_o because_o he_o never_o call_v or_o knock_v at_o their_o door_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_a and_o let_v he_o in_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n john_n 3.19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v so_o mat._n 23.37_o o_o jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o you_o will_v not_o so_o also_o prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v how_o often_o do_v christ_n knock_v and_o call_v by_o his_o word_n by_o his_o rod_n by_o his_o messenger_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o sinner_n be_v in_o a_o deep_a sleep_n of_o security_n and_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o condemnation_n again_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o we_o see_v so_o many_o christian_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n inquire_v as_o here_o the_o spouse_n do_v see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v if_o you_o see_v he_o tell_v
no_o real_a mirth_n or_o cheerfulness_n can_v they_o give_v but_o he_o that_o have_v but_o once_o taste_v how_o good_a and_o pleasant_a christ_n company_n be_v he_o may_v true_o say_v he_o never_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o good_a and_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a friend_n in_o all_o his_o life_n he_o may_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n i_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o my_o taste_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o pretend_a friend_n but_o there_o be_v much_o sourness_n harshness_n and_o unpleasantness_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a his_o very_a yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n there_o be_v comfort_n in_o his_o very_a cross_n in_o his_o company_n a_o believer_n may_v sing_v at_o midnight_n in_o a_o prison_n with_o his_o foot_n fast_o in_o the_o stock_n but_o as_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o they_o always_o end_v in_o pain_n what_o paul_n say_v of_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o profit_n rom._n 6.21_o what_o profit_n have_v you_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a so_o may_v i_o say_v what_o pleasure_n can_v you_o take_v in_o those_o pretend_a friend_n who_o company_n will_v certain_o end_v both_o in_o shame_n and_o pain_n 4._o their_o design_n be_v destructive_a whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v and_o however_o they_o may_v flatter_v thou_o and_o promise_v rest_n and_o sleep_v and_o quietness_n it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o may_v destroy_v thou_o and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n they_o be_v but_o suchlike_a friend_n to_o thou_o as_o dalilah_n be_v to_o samson_n if_o she_o cause_v he_o to_o sleep_v upon_o her_o lap_n it_o be_v but_o that_o she_o may_v cut_v his_o lock_n and_o deliver_v he_o weak_a into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n to_o torment_v he_o if_o they_o cry_v peace_n peace_n unto_o thou_o and_o lull_v thou_o asleep_o in_o security_n it_o be_v but_o that_o they_o may_v bind_v thou_o with_o the_o devil_n in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n be_v these_o therefore_o friend_n to_o be_v trust_v who_o while_o they_o flatter_v thou_o purposely_o design_v thy_o destruction_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o ruin_n both_o of_o thy_o soul_n and_o body_n oh_o how_o do_v person_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o the_o flatter_a pretence_n of_o false_a friend_n but_o real_a enemy_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n keep_v out_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n who_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n indeed_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o those_o be_v that_o be_v entertain_v in_o the_o heart_n while_o jesus_n christ_n be_v shut_v out_o but_o 2._o let_v we_o see_v who_o these_o be_v that_o do_v thus_o cheat_v we_o i_o will_v in_o short_a tell_v thou_o who_o they_o be_v though_o by_o the_o mark_n which_o i_o have_v already_o give_v of_o they_o thou_o may_v easy_o guess_v who_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o three_o grand_a enemy_n of_o thy_o soul_n the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n these_o be_v thâ—y_a that_o thou_o take_v they_o for_o thy_o friend_n and_o welcome_a guest_n into_o thy_o heart_n be_v cheat_v by_o enemy_n they_o be_v and_o the_o great_a and_o most_o inveterate_a implacable_a malicious_a and_o unmercyful_a enemy_n that_o thou_o have_v yea_o beside_o they_o thou_o have_v not_o such_o enemy_n in_o all_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o these_o do_v thou_o receive_v for_o thy_o bosome-friend_n and_o that_o while_o thou_o shutte_v out_o he_o that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a friend_n that_o thou_o have_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v do_v more_o for_o thou_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o what_o joab_n say_v to_o david_n when_o he_o mourn_v so_o excessive_o for_o absalon_n that_o may_v i_o true_o say_v to_o thou_o by_o this_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o love_v thy_o enemy_n and_o hate_v thy_o friend_n for_o if_o these_o false_a dissemble_a and_o rebellious_a absaloms_n might_n but_o live_v and_o be_v thy_o companion_n thou_o mattere_v not_o though_o jesus_n christ_n be_v starve_v to_o death_n at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n oh_o wretched_a cruelty_n and_o misguide_a blindfolded_a affection_n that_o will_v thus_o be_v cheat_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o the_o flattery_n of_o they_o that_o seek_v thy_o life_n and_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v possession_n in_o thy_o heart_n for_o none_o but_o these_o who_o have_v ever_o be_v mortal_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n christ_n will_v give_v thou_o counsel_n to_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o thy_o heart_n to_o be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o give_v thou_o this_o advice_n for_o he_o love_v and_o be_v ever_o well_o please_v with_o his_o son_n and_o will_v have_v he_o seat_v in_o the_o royal_a throne_n of_o thy_o heart_n yea_o he_o be_v reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v appoint_v thy_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o christ_n that_o counsel_v thou_o thus_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n for_o entrance_n and_o admission_n it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v also_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v send_v upon_o his_o errand_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n yea_o he_o be_v hearty_o grieve_v when_o thou_o resiste_v these_o motion_n of_o he_o and_o if_o christ_n may_v not_o come_v in_o he_o will_v not_o long_o stay_v there_o himself_o strive_v with_o thou_o it_o can_v be_v thy_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v a_o faithful_a witness_n and_o admonisher_n and_o will_v speak_v true_o when_o it_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o the_o counsel_n it_o give_v be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o vicegerent_n it_o be_v and_o who_o authority_n it_o bear_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o that_o give_v thou_o this_o counsel_n but_o those_o enemy_n before_o mention_v satan_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n for_o the_o counsel_n be_v like_o they_o and_o right_o father_n itself_o and_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o thus_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o such_o enemy_n to_o thy_o soul_n as_o these_o be_v and_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o cheat_n and_o the_o wrong_n which_o we_o sustain_v by_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o advantage_n which_o these_o our_o enemy_n have_v get_v by_o our_o harken_v unto_o they_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v by_o they_o thus_o long_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o three_o advantage_n they_o have_v get_v by_o persuade_v thou_o to_o keep_v thy_o heart_n shut_v against_o christ_n advantage_n they_o be_v to_o they_o and_o their_o design_n but_o most_o fearful_a wrong_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o soul_n 1._o they_o have_v occasion_v thou_o to_o commit_v many_o a_o sin_n which_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v if_o thou_o have_v long_a since_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o thy_o great_a sin_n in_o refuse_v to_o open_v at_o christ_n call_n which_o be_v every_o time_n renew_v and_o repeat_v when_o thou_o refuse_v to_o open_v whatever_o thy_o excuse_n be_v nor_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v couch_v and_o include_v in_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o thy_o excuse_n though_o these_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o little_a but_o i_o speak_v of_o that_o sinful_a frame_n of_o heart_n and_o course_n of_o life_n that_o thou_o lead_v and_o live_v it_o while_n jesus_n christ_n be_v keep_v out_o of_o thy_o soul_n reflect_v upon_o thyself_o and_o consider_v how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o christ_n give_v thou_o the_o first_o call_v and_o consider_v what_o course_n of_o life_n thou_o have_v lead_v since_o how_o many_o wilful_a and_o know_v sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v one_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o another_o yea_o the_o same_o sin_n many_o a_o time_n over_o and_o over_o again_o these_o sin_n all_o of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o many_o of_o they_o doubtless_o have_v be_v prevent_v if_o thou_o have_v open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o first_o call_n if_o thou_o have_v suffer_v he_o to_o have_v come_v in_o he_o will_v have_v change_v the_o habit_n frame_n bend_v and_o inclination_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o course_n of_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n he_o will_v have_v set_v thou_o about_o his_o work_n and_o keep_v thou_o employ_v in_o his_o business_n that_o thou_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v time_n or_o leisure_n to_o have_v hearken_v to_o satan_n temptation_n it_o be_v
satan_n find_v we_o idle_a that_o most_o give_v advantage_n to_o his_o temptation_n christ_n will_v have_v put_v his_o spirit_n within_o thou_o that_o shall_v have_v help_v thou_o against_o temptation_n and_o will_v have_v purify_v thy_o heart_n by_o faith_n his_o grace_n shall_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o his_o strength_n make_v perfect_a in_o thy_o weakness_n he_o will_v have_v keep_v that_o thy_o foot_n shall_v not_o have_v slide_v who_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o israel_n that_o neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n he_o will_v have_v arm_v thou_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n whereby_o thou_o may_v have_v resist_v and_o repel_v or_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o will_v have_v renew_v thou_o with_o daily_o renew_a strength_n in_o thy_o soul_n yea_o he_o will_v have_v keep_v thou_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n thou_o have_v not_o therefore_o have_v so_o many_o ghastly_a sin_n to_o have_v reflect_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o with_o a_o tremble_a heart_n and_o gripe_a conscience_n with_o horror_n and_o consternation_n as_o now_o thou_o have_v if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o consideration_n methinks_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v all_o excuse_n and_o cavil_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o make_v the_o soul_n afraid_a of_o ever_o refuse_v to_o open_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o may_v full_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o grand_a cheat_n and_o irreparable_a wrong_n which_o our_o enemy_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o by_o persuade_v we_o not_o to_o open_v to_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o consider_v the_o high_a affront_n and_o provocation_n which_o we_o have_v give_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o keep_v he_o out_o so_o long_o he_o have_v call_v again_o and_o again_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o come_v in_o but_o we_o will_v not_o he_o have_v stand_v knock_v till_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n and_o yet_o can_v get_v nothing_o from_o we_o but_o frivolous_a and_o vain_a excuse_n and_o what_o do_v we_o think_v will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o will_v his_o patience_n never_o be_v wear_v out_o will_v his_o wrath_n never_o be_v kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n will_v the_o stir_n of_o his_o spirit_n never_o have_v end_n will_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n never_o have_v a_o night_n will_v he_o never_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o thou_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n tremble_v o_o fond_a man_n to_o think_v at_o those_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v of_o dangerous_a and_o dreadful_a consequence_n thus_o to_o deny_v he_o admission_n he_o have_v thereupon_o withdraw_v himself_o and_o depart_v and_o sometime_o never_o return_v again_o but_o if_o he_o have_v be_v find_v it_o have_v be_v after_o long_o weary_a and_o tedious_a seek_v of_o he_o and_o why_o may_v he_o not_o do_v so_o again_o nay_o certain_o he_o will_v do_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o wrong_n and_o cheat_v which_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n have_v put_v upon_o thou_o be_v a_o unsufferable_a wrong_n which_o they_o can_v never_o make_v thou_o amends_o for_o let_v they_o therefore_o cheat_v thou_o no_o long_o 3._o consider_v that_o every_o knock_n and_o call_v that_o christ_n give_v and_o we_o refuse_v do_v lock_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n fast_o against_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v lock_v before_o so_o that_o if_o ever_o christ_n get_v in_o he_o must_v give_v fierce_a knock_n and_o loud_o call_v than_o ever_o he_o do_v before_o he_o must_v take_v some_o other_o course_n with_o thou_o than_o ever_o he_o have_v yet_o take_v therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 3.13_o exhort_v one_o another_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitsness_n of_o sin_n sin_n deceitful_o and_o insensible_o harden_v the_o heart_n and_o by_o degree_n cauterize_v or_o fear_v the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n that_o it_o grow_v brawny_a and_o past_a feel_n and_o then_o christ_n may_v call_v and_o call_v again_o and_o to_o little_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unspeakable_a wrong_n which_o thy_o enemy_n have_v already_o do_v thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v wrong_a past_o recovery_n if_o they_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o cheat_v thou_o still_o use_v 2._o be_v it_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o be_v sluggish_a secure_a and_o slothful_a when_o christ_n 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 then_o this_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n to_o inquire_v how_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o christ_n and_o our_o soul_n at_o this_o day_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a 〈◊〉_d he_o do_v now_o and_o then_o visit_v we_o and_o come_v to_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v a_o candlestick_n in_o christ_n right_a hand_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o walk_v sometime_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o golden_a candlestick_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o intimacy_n and_o familiarity_n with_o and_o give_v frequent_a visit_n to_o his_o church_n where_o can_v christ_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v find_v we_o have_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o name_n record_v among_o we_o and_o he_o have_v say_v that_o where_o he_o record_v his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v meet_v his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o we_o be_v under_o his_o special_a care_n and_o providence_n about_o who_o he_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n concern_v and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v how_o we_o stand_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o be_v it_o the_o state_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n and_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v how_o matter_n stand_v between_o christ_n and_o our_o soul_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o have_v his_o pleasant_a company_n or_o whether_o he_o have_v turn_v his_o back_n withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v away_o from_o we_o in_o a_o discontent_n because_o he_o have_v knock_v and_o call_v and_o we_o have_v not_o open_v unto_o he_o and_o it_o concern_v we_o the_o rather_o to_o make_v this_o enquiry_n because_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o some_o time_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v considerable_a towards_o we_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v near_o some_o period_n some_o great_a work_n or_o other_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o wheel_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o ever_o long_o may_v possible_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v and_o such_o time_n of_o god_n remarkable_a work_n be_v usual_o try_v and_o shake_a time_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o wing_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o use_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o whether_o christ_n have_v not_o and_o do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n eminent_o knock_v and_o call_v 2._o what_o entertainment_n christ_n find_v and_o what_o answer_n we_o have_v make_v 1._o let_v we_o inquire_v whether_o christ_n have_v not_o and_o do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n eminent_o knock_v and_o call_v be_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o belove_v to_o be_v hear_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n say_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 we_o have_v tell_v you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n of_o god_n providence_n exercise_v towards_o we_o but_o it_o have_v something_o of_o a_o call_n from_o christ_n in_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o special_a time_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n do_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n knock_v and_o call_v require_v entrance_n and_o admission_n how_o we_o may_v know_v those_o time_n i_o have_v endeavour_v there_o to_o show_v it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n here_o to_o assign_v new_a time_n of_o christ_n eminent_a calling_n but_o by_o reflect_v upon_o those_o to_o make_v enquiry_n whether_o the_o case_n be_v not_o we_o and_o whether_o according_a to_o those_o sign_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o eminent_a call_n christ_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n eminent_o knock_v and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o open_v unto_o he_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v sum_v up_o into_o these_o nine_o or_o ten_o query_n and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v how_o
jesus_n christ_n repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v thy_o sin_n turn_v to_o god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o take_v up_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n flee_v unto_o christ_n alone_o for_o justification_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o thy_o own_o utter_a unworthiness_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o take_v he_o for_o thy_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n give_v up_o thyself_o unto_o he_o in_o all_o humble_a hearty_a and_o sincere_a submission_n to_o his_o will_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n this_o the_o word_n dictate_v and_o conscience_n set_v in_o with_o it_o and_o second_v it_o and_o to_o make_v up_o the_o conviction_n more_o full_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n come_v in_o and_o tell_v thou_o that_o this_o condition_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v in_o thou_o must_v either_o turn_v or_o die_v to_o day_n if_o thou_o will_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n then_o harden_v not_o thy_o heart_n ere_o long_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_a thy_o sun_n will_v be_v set_v thy_o day_n of_o grace_n over_o and_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n hereupon_o thy_o conscience_n be_v startle_v and_o thou_o begin_v to_o think_v with_o thyself_o what_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v haste_v some_o sudden_a earnest_a motion_n purpose_n and_o resolution_n to_o turn_v and_o to_o break_v off_o from_o thy_o old_a way_n and_o course_n to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o alas_o how_o sudden_o be_v all_o these_o vanish_v and_o go_v again_o and_o thou_o fall_v fast_o asleep_a again_o in_o security_n conviction_n wear_v off_o affection_n cool_a fear_n abate_v sin_n look_v not_o so_o terrible_a thy_o own_o estate_n and_o condition_n not_o to_o dreadful_a and_o hopeless_a death_n not_o so_o near_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n not_o so_o hot_a and_o scorch_a and_o so_o the_o wook_n be_v lay_v aside_o and_o leave_v undo_v and_o thou_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o the_o vomit_n and_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o she_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o at_o most_o if_o these_o continue_v still_o thou_o go_v with_o a_o inward_a gripe_a wound_a conscience_n and_o do_v not_o real_o come_v out_o of_o thyself_o unto_o christ_n for_o heal_v christ_n be_v little_a store_n set_v by_o or_o seek_v after_o but_o thou_o patche_v up_o a_o plaster_n for_o thy_o wound_a conscience_n of_o some_o pitiful_a poor_a and_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o thy_o own_o take_v up_o some_o small_a formal_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o stop_v the_o clamour_n of_o thy_o conscience_n and_o christ_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o stand_v without_o still_o nay_o may_v i_o not_o say_v of_o some_o that_o instead_o oâ—_n open_v to_o chr_v they_o be_v harden_v in_o theiâ—_n sin_n and_o grow_v sermon-proof_n the_o word_n oâ—_n god_n affect_v they_o not_o take_v not_o hold_v upoâ—_n they_o as_o sometime_o it_o have_v do_v but_o theâ—_n with_o less_o pain_n and_o torture_v of_o conscience_n caâ—_n turn_v off_o reproof_n than_o former_o they_o coulâ—_n have_v do_v and_o sit_v more_o quiet_o and_o undisturbed_o under_o ordinance_n and_o that_o not_o because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o former_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o both_o in_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o they_o be_v before_o but_o because_o their_o heart_n be_v more_o harden_v and_o their_o conscience_n more_o brawny_a and_o their_o soul_n more_o sluggish_a and_o senseless_a than_o they_o be_v before_o be_v this_o thy_o open_n to_o christ_n be_v this_o the_o entertainment_n which_o christ_n find_v when_o his_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o dew_n and_o his_o lock_n with_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o night_n oh_o consider_v this_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a before_o christ_n be_v withdraw_v and_o go_v we_o have_v a_o sad_a complaint_n which_o god_n make_v against_o ephraim_n hos_n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n o_o ephraim_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o for_o your_o goodness_n be_v as_o a_o morning-cloud_n and_o as_o a_o early_a dew_n it_o pass_v away_o a_o morning-cloud_n seem_v to_o promise_v rain_n but_o as_o the_o sun_n arise_v it_o vanish_v away_o a_o early_a dew_n seem_v to_o moisten_v and_o refresh_v the_o earth_n but_o when_o the_o sun_n come_v to_o be_v hot_a the_o dew_n be_v quick_o go_v and_o the_o grass_n scorch_v so_o much_o the_o more_o so_o be_v their_o goodness_n very_o vanish_v and_o unconstant_a they_o seem_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n word_n to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o to_o promise_v and_o purpose_n amendment_n but_o alas_o their_o promise_n and_o purpose_n quick_o vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o according_a to_o what_o you_o find_v psal_n 78.34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o have_v it_o not_o be_v too_o much_o your_o case_n under_o conviction_n you_o have_v seem_v to_o promise_n god_n fair_a thing_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o hope_n of_o your_o conversion_n and_o change_n but_o no_o soon_o have_v the_o heat_n of_o conviction_n be_v over_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v quick_o vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o be_v this_o the_o entertainment_n that_o christ_n have_v find_v blame_v he_o not_o then_o if_o he_o depart_v and_o make_v you_o seek_v he_o before_o you_o find_v he_o but_o further_a since_o it_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o let_v i_o carry_v on_o this_o query_n about_o conviction_n a_o little_a further_o you_o who_o real_o be_v believer_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o christ_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o covenant-relation_n to_o christ_n have_v you_o open_v to_o the_o call_v of_o christ_n have_v there_o not_o be_v many_o strong_a conviction_n upon_o your_o spirit_n in_o many_o particular_a case_n wherein_o you_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o your_o conscience_n have_v smite_v you_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o you_o have_v stifle_v these_o conviction_n and_o have_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n you_o have_v many_o time_n be_v convince_v of_o your_o pride_n worldly-mindedness_a vanity_n and_o unsavoriness_n sloth_n and_o lukewarmness_n backwardness_n to_o duty_n deadness_n in_o duty_n unbelief_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o such_o like_a thing_n and_o yet_o your_o heart_n have_v not_o be_v willing_a full_o to_o open_v to_o christ_n in_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o let_v conviction_n have_v its_o perfect_a work_n in_o order_n to_o your_o reformation_n you_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o know_v yourselves_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n have_v reprove_v conscience_n have_v speak_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v speak_v and_o yet_o you_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n and_o dictate_v thereof_o but_o have_v turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n and_o go_v on_o in_o your_o sin_n still_o be_v this_o your_o open_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n who_o be_v your_o lord_n and_o husband_n and_o who_o command_n shall_v have_v influence_n upon_o you_o oh_o my_o friend_n we_o may_v all_o sad_o complain_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o make_v excuse_n and_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n 2._o if_o the_o door_n be_v not_o shut_v against_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o little_o prize_v so_o little_a store_n set_v by_o at_o this_o day_n we_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o one_o way_n of_o christ_n his_o calling_n be_v by_o his_o ordinance_n in_o and_o by_o they_o he_o convince_v of_o and_o reprove_v sin_n direct_v in_o and_o encourage_v unto_o duty_n communicate_v grace_n afford_v his_o company_n give_v in_o nourishment_n refreshment_n strength_n and_o comfort_n unto_o the_o hungry_a pant_a soul_n these_o be_v the_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n that_o be_v for_o the_o refresh_a the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n where_o these_o therefore_o be_v slight_v christ_n must_v necessary_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o not_o open_v to_o we_o have_v the_o spouse_n cant._n 1.7_o 8._o inquire_v where_o she_o may_v meet_v she_o belove_v and_o he_o tell_v she_o she_o may_v find_v he_o in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n there_o he_o record_v his_o name_n and_o there_o he_o meet_v his_o people_n and_o bless_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o careless_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n against_o he_o person_n may_v and_o often_o do_v frequent_a the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o their_o heart_n fast_o shut_v against_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n yea_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n
of_o christ_n call_n that_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n great_a contempt_n can_v person_n pour_v upon_o christ_n than_o to_o despise_v and_o set_v light_a by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v as_o mean_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o ordinary_o be_v christ_n shut_v out_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o deadness_n of_o trade_n and_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n all_o kind_n of_o commodity_n carry_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a christ_n trade_n be_v very_o low_a the_o commodity_n which_o christ_n offer_v in_o the_o market_n of_o his_o ordinance_n though_o very_o rich_a and_o costly_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a rate_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o most_o man_n o_o how_o slight_a a_o occasion_n will_v keep_v person_n back_o from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n if_o any_o worldly_a business_n be_v to_o be_v do_v person_n think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v move_v to_o leave_v that_o and_o to_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o spouse_n here_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o move_v she_o to_o leave_v her_o warm_a bed_n to_o come_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n o_o how_o many_o will_v rise_v more_o early_o travel_v further_o and_o take_v more_o pain_n for_o a_o earthly_a bargain_n than_o to_o meet_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n these_o must_v only_o be_v attend_v at_o leisure-time_n when_o man_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n lose_v man_n a_o hour_n in_o their_o shop_n or_o a_o single_a bargain_n if_o but_o to_o the_o value_n of_o a_o shilling_n in_o their_o trade_n they_o think_v christ_n bid_v they_o loss_n if_o he_o move_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o worldly_a business_n and_o attend_v upon_o he_o many_o value_n christ_n and_o his_o company_n at_o a_o low_a rate_n than_o thirty_o piece_n some_o again_o can_v spare_v time_n to_o attend_v ordinance_n but_o if_o it_o must_v cost_v they_o any_o thing_n these_o ordinance_n must_v be_v forbear_v in_o many_o place_n and_o with_o many_o person_n he_o be_v the_o best_a minister_n that_o will_v be_v hire_v at_o the_o cheap_a rate_n though_o his_o preach_n be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n though_o he_o seldom_o disturb_v they_o with_o any_o considerable_a call_v from_o christ_n other_o though_o they_o do_v frequent_a ordinance_n yet_o not_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o bind_v conscience_n but_o as_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v or_o leave_v undo_v without_o any_o guilt_n or_o blame_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v little_a matter_n of_o rush_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a business_n into_o a_o ordinance_n altogether_o unprepared_a and_o uncomposed_a but_o their_o thought_n and_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o little_a matter_n of_o run_v into_o the_o world_n again_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o ordinance_n be_v end_v without_o allow_v themselves_o the_o least_o time_n to_o meditate_v or_o beg_v god_n blessing_n upon_o what_o they_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o be_v this_o your_o open_n to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o reason_n of_o person_n unfruitfulness_n under_o ordinance_n at_o this_o day_n because_o the_o ordinance_n be_v not_o conscientious_o attend_v nor_o do_v person_n allow_v themselves_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v have_v its_o soak_a influence_n upon_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n sir_n you_o do_v too_o ordinary_o if_o not_o constant_o shut_v out_o christ_n this_o low_a esteem_n that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v among_o we_o do_v sufficient_o manifest_a that_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o right_o open_a to_o christ_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2.3_o she_o sit_v down_o under_o his_o shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o his_o fruit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o her_o taste_n but_o these_o have_v scarce_o time_n and_o less_o mind_n to_o sit_v down_o at_o all_o but_o be_v in_o a_o run_a posture_n as_o if_o christ_n bounty_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o stay_n for_o 3._o if_o the_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o person_n be_v so_o cold_a formal_a and_o indifferent_a both_o in_o their_o profession_n practice_n and_o performance_n sure_o if_o christ_n be_v let_v in_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v more_o warm_a and_o lively_a grace_n will_v be_v more_o active_a in_o we_o than_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n we_o read_v cantic_a 5.5_o that_o when_o christ_n put_v but_o in_o his_o finger_n by_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o door_n though_o the_o door_n be_v not_o full_o open_v to_o he_o yet_o he_o leave_v such_o a_o warm_n perfume_a virtue_n behind_o he_o as_o set_v the_o spouse_n her_o grace_n afloat_o she_o can_v rest_v no_o long_o in_o her_o bed_n but_o arise_v her_o bowel_n yern_v towards_o he_o and_o before_o she_o get_v the_o door_n open_a her_o finger_n drop_v with_o myrrh_n there_o will_v be_v a_o sensible_a alteration_n of_o the_o humour_n to_o speak_v so_o a_o change_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n where_o christ_n come_v and_o meet_v with_o ready_a entertainment_n the_o soul_n sleepy_a fit_n will_v be_v over_o when_o christ_n come_v in_o and_o her_o grace_n will_v fall_v to_o their_o work_n faith_n will_v be_v strong_o active_a love_n will_v be_v inflame_v thankfulness_n will_v be_v increase_v obedience_n will_v be_v more_o exact_a and_o universal_a repentance_n more_o deep_a and_o serious_a the_o heart_n whole_o and_o zealous_o engage_v for_o christ_n when_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o oh_o how_o far_o otherwise_o be_v it_o with_o we_o something_o of_o the_o carcase_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n a_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v but_o little_a of_o the_o life_n and_o zeal_n and_o warmth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n leave_v in_o former_a day_n when_o christ_n be_v eminent_o see_v in_o his_o ordinance_n and_o believer_n heart_n be_v more_o free_o and_o full_o open_a to_o he_o we_o see_v what_o holy_a heavenly_a zealous_a universal_o circumspect_a christian_n be_v then_o to_o be_v find_v what_o wonderful_a work_n do_v manifest_v themselves_o in_o they_o and_o be_v do_v by_o they_o but_o where_o have_v we_o almost_o any_o christian_n of_o the_o old_a stamp_n and_o strain_v leave_v now_o adays_o we_o have_v much_o talk_n of_o religion_n but_o little_a holy_a strict_a and_o exemplary_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n sure_o i_o be_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o christian_n in_o former_a day_n and_o those_o that_o now_o live_v then_o they_o be_v humble_a holy_a blameless_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n zealous_a for_o god_n glory_n lively_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a in_o their_o duty_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n fervent_a in_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o that_o not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n but_o now_o how_o many_o professor_n of_o religion_n be_v there_o who_o be_v proud_a covetous_a sensual_a complier_n with_o the_o fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n envious_a malicious_a backbiter_n slanderer_n have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n very_o curious_a about_o circumstance_n very_o careless_a about_o the_o substance_n and_o practical_a part_n of_o religion_n this_o show_v that_o though_o we_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o forehead_n yet_o jesus_n christ_n be_v too_o much_o keep_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n 4._o if_o the_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o christ_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n have_v so_o great_a a_o share_n and_o interest_n there_o sure_o where_o christ_n come_v he_o gain_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v after_o he_o nothing_o more_o earnest_o desire_v or_o diligent_o seek_v for_o than_o christ_n rachel_n language_n to_o jacob_n upon_o better_a ground_n and_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o gracious_a heart_n to_o god_n give_v i_o child_n or_o i_o die_v so_o say_v the_o soul_n give_v i_o christ_n or_o i_o die_v i_o can_v no_o long_o be_v without_o he_o i_o languish_v and_o pine_v away_o for_o want_n of_o he_o if_o i_o may_v have_v but_o one_o wish_n or_o request_n in_o all_o the_o world_n it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v bestow_v christ_n upon_o i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o only_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o and_o title_n or_o claim_n to_o he_o but_o that_o i_o may_v have_v his_o
mortification_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o discover_v by_o the_o word_n where_o be_v thy_o sincere_a cordial_a constant_a universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v that_o thy_o rule_n in_o all_o thy_o action_n square_n thy_o whole_a life_n and_o conversation_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n thyself_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n according_a thereunto_o give_v every_o duty_n in_o thy_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n its_o due_a time_n place_n and_o respect_v not_o allow_v the_o world_n to_o engross_v to_o itself_o what_o proper_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o service_n and_o put_v off_o god_n with_o such_o homage_n and_o service_n as_o may_v better_v fit_a and_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o our_o worldly_a concernment_n my_o meaning_n be_v our_o invert_v or_o go_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o command_n or_o advice_n of_o our_o saviour_n 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 all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o our_o general_n and_o particular_a place_n and_o calling_n keep_v god_n and_o his_o interest_n above_o and_o prefer_v it_o before_o the_o world_n if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n wherein_o thy_o soul_n in_o some_o measure_n abound_v never_o tell_v i_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o true_o open_a to_o christ_n but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o thy_o unfruitfulness_n remain_v in_o measure_n and_o part_n at_o least_o shut_v against_o christ_n notwithstanding_o thy_o pretence_n to_o open_v to_o he_o how_o be_v it_o with_o you_o then_o friend_n in_o what_o posture_n do_v you_o find_v your_o heart_n be_v they_o open_a or_o shut_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o christ_n his_o call_n have_v be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o what_o entertainment_n he_o have_v find_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o question_n that_o be_v now_o put_v to_o your_o 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humiliation_n that_o so_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a call_v of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o have_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o his_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n have_v find_v such_o cold_a and_o poor_a entertainment_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o this_o i_o will_v not_o much_o enlarge_v upon_o because_o i_o will_v keep_v within_o some_o convenient_a bound_n it_o be_v too_o obvious_a and_o apparent_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o great_a profession_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n desire_v of_o he_o and_o frequent_a implore_v his_o company_n by_o prayer_n we_o have_v in_o too_o sad_a and_o shameful_a a_o manner_n shut_v he_o out_o at_o his_o come_n though_o his_o call_n have_v be_v visible_a and_o convince_a how_o may_v we_o then_o tremble_v to_o think_v how_o this_o our_o behaviour_n will_v be_v resent_v by_o he_o there_o be_v many_o that_o from_o what_o they_o behold_v 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heart_n to_o confess_v and_o bewail_v and_o for_o time_n to_o come_v resolve_v against_o this_o unworthy_a ungrateful_a and_o undutiful_a behaviour_n towards_o our_o lord_n and_o husband_n but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o a_o ______o 4._o use_v viz._n of_o exhortation_n to_o beseech_v you_o all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o open_a to_o the_o call_v and_o knock_v of_o christ_n lay_v aside_o all_o excuse_n whatsoever_o o_o let_v christ_n have_v your_o heart_n let_v he_o have_v warm_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n there_o do_v i_o need_v here_o to_o use_v argument_n or_o summon_v in_o the_o topic_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o quicken_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o embrace_v this_o reasonable_a motion_n or_o if_o i_o shall_v use_v all_o the_o argument_n i_o can_v invent_v or_o that_o i_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o mouth_n and_o pen_n of_o other_o man_n will_v these_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o you_o if_o christ_n his_o own_o word_n and_o argument_n can_v prevail_v can_v i_o in_o this_o case_n or_o any_o man_n breathe_v say_v more_o for_o christ_n than_o he_o can_v and_o do_v speak_v for_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o christ_n can_v how_o shall_v i_o think_v to_o prevail_v with_o you_o if_o either_o friendly_a compellation_n earnest_a entreaty_n or_o strong_a argument_n may_v prevail_v none_o of_o these_o be_v want_v in_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v endeavour_v according_a to_o my_o power_n and_o weak_a ability_n to_o unfold_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o and_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o only_o beg_v your_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o they_o and_o consider_v their_o weight_n and_o importance_n see_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o preponderate_a and_o outweigh_v all_o argument_n that_o your_o carnal_a deceitful_a heart_n a_o subtle_a devil_n and_o a_o allure_a whorish_a world_n can_v bring_v against_o this_o duty_n only_o give_v i_o leave_v 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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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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 child_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v heal_v his_o come_n argue_v something_o of_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n have_v fail_v in_o the_o cure_n and_o the_o child_n be_v rather_o worse_o than_o better_o the_o man_n faith_n begin_v to_o stagger_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o word_n vers_fw-la 22._o if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n have_v compassion_n on_o we_o and_o help_v we_o hereupon_o christ_n call_v he_o to_o the_o real_a exercise_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 23._o if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o poor_a man_n upon_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n find_v some_o faith_n but_o yet_o this_o very_a weak_a and_o hardly_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n without_o waver_v or_o doubt_v cry_v out_o
22._o go_v thy_o way_n sell_v whatsoever_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v take_v up_o thy_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o he_o be_v sad_a at_o that_o say_n and_o go_v away_o grieve_v etc._n etc._n i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o in_o this_o age_n that_o will_v account_v these_o too_o hard_a term_n to_o accept_v of_o christ_n upon_o but_o if_o man_n will_v but_o argue_v rational_o why_o shall_v these_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o our_o open_n to_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o this_o christ_n bid_v we_o no_o loss_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o part_n with_o earthly_a he_o promise_v we_o heavenly_a treasure_n if_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o a_o corrupt_a part_n or_o member_n though_o it_o be_v painful_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a matth._n 5.29_o 30._o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o lose_v a_o corrupt_a part_n than_o lose_v the_o whole_a 4._o christ_n at_o his_o come_n may_v excite_v we_o to_o and_o quicken_v we_o in_o our_o work_n may_v call_v we_o to_o be_v quick_a and_o more_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o our_o work_n he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a he_o may_v bid_v we_o strive_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n for_o many_o shall_v in_o a_o lazy_a and_o slothful_a manner_n seek_v and_o wish_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o may_v tell_v we_o that_o this_o lazy_a slothful_a work_n will_v not_o attain_v the_o end_n that_o we_o aim_v at_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a only_o take_v it_o by_o force_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n to_o read_v pray_v hear_v meditate_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o cold_a and_o careless_a rate_n which_o we_o do_v it_o will_v not_o do_v well_o to_o be_v such_o stranger_n as_o we_o be_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n but_o we_o must_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n more_o deep_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o must_v study_v and_o practise_v our_o duty_n more_o thorough_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n and_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o prayer_n must_v make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n our_o delight_n and_o daily_a meditation_n must_v in_o all_o thing_n small_a as_o well_o as_o great_a exercise_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n must_v set_v a_o watch_n before_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n lip_n and_o life_n mu_o in_o short_a forget_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forward_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o may_v come_v to_o ask_v we_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o have_v you_o be_v do_v since_o the_o last_o time_n i_o be_v with_o you_o what_o have_v you_o learned_a what_o have_v you_o practise_v what_o proficiency_n have_v you_o make_v what_o account_n can_v you_o give_v of_o the_o talent_n which_o i_o betru_v you_o with_o in_o what_o forwardness_n be_v your_o work_n let_v i_o see_v how_o matter_n stand_v with_o you_o what_o design_n have_v you_o on_o foot_n for_o my_o glory_n and_o what_o be_v the_o design_n which_o you_o be_v now_o carry_v on_o these_o and_o suchlike_a question_n may_v be_v ask_v by_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n in_o now_o if_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n in_o these_o and_o suchlike_a case_n no_o wonder_n though_o she_o be_v unwilling_a at_o this_o time_n to_o open_v to_o christ_n the_o fear_n of_o have_v her_o fault_n discover_v and_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o her_o conscience_n will_v make_v she_o very_o slow_a in_o open_v to_o christ_n as_o be_v note_v before_o but_o if_o reason_n may_v take_v place_n this_o shall_v be_v no_o hindrance_n at_o all_o for_o what_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v real_a truth_n that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a and_o our_o time_n but_o short_a pass_v on_o a_o pace_n and_o irrecoverable_a when_o go_v and_o if_o we_o have_v sleep_v or_o loiter_v be_v it_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o still_o be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n to_o awake_v out_o of_o sleep_n the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v let_v we_o sleep_v or_o loiter_v on_o till_o his_o last_o call_n to_o come_v to_o the_o wedding_n as_o he_o do_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n math._n 25._o in_o what_o a_o condition_n will_v you_o be_v when_o you_o shall_v awake_v your_o lamp_n go_v out_o no_o oil_n in_o your_o vessel_n no_o neighbour_n to_o borrow_v of_o every_o one_o have_v little_a enough_o for_o himself_o and_o you_o must_v be_v force_v to_o go_v to_o buy_v when_o you_o shall_v enter_v in_o with_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o come_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o loose_v your_o whole_a expectation_n be_v it_o not_o better_o let_v in_o christ_n now_o and_o be_v content_a to_o shake_v off_o sleep_v while_o you_o have_v time_n to_o get_v oil_n into_o your_o vessel_n with_o your_o lamp_n we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o delay_n in_o most_o case_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o it_o be_v bad_a put_v off_o thing_n to_o the_o last_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v most_o true_a in_o this_o case_n that_o so_o great_o concern_v the_o eternal_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n nay_o further_o if_o thing_n be_v amiss_o in_o we_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o let_v christ_n come_v in_o and_o put_v all_o thing_n to_o right_n in_o we_o then_o to_o let_v they_o go_v at_o random_n till_o they_o be_v pass_v cure_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o never_o be_v soul_n that_o ever_o repent_v of_o this_o whatever_o pain_n it_o be_v put_v to_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o though_o many_o a_o soul_n have_v sad_o repent_v the_o shut_v out_o of_o christ_n when_o it_o have_v be_v too_o late_o it_o be_v better_a that_o christ_n bring_v thy_o fault_n and_o sin_n to_o light_n and_o remembtance_n here_o while_o thou_o may_v repent_v and_o reform_v than_o that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v find_v thou_o out_o in_o the_o guilt_n shame_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o and_o be_v sure_a thy_o sin_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o find_v thou_o out_o numb_a 32.23_o oh_o therefore_o let_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n have_v influence_n upon_o you_o to_o hinder_v you_o from_o open_v to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a spiritual_a reason_n for_o any_o poor_a soul_n to_o refuse_v to_o open_v to_o christ_n all_o reason_n produce_v for_o that_o end_n be_v carnal_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v for_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o oughts_z not_o to_o be_v carnal_a but_o mighty_a to_o the_o pull_v down_o all_o imagination_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v cavil_v or_o carnal_a reason_n one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n doubtless_o both_o which_o be_v bad_a these_o carnal_a reason_n must_v proceed_v from_o either_o from_o a_o secret_a love_n to_o some_o sin_n or_o lust_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o discover_v or_o purge_v out_o which_o may_v well_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o for_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n 66.18_o if_o i_o regard_v iniquity_n in_o my_o heart_n god_n will_v not_o hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a for_o he_o say_v psal_n 145.18_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n so_o that_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v questionable_a or_o else_o it_o proceed_v hence_o viz._n from_o pride_n and_o self-love_n pride_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o see_v thing_n â—miss_o in_o thou_o but_o know_v that_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a from_o self-love_n â—n_o that_o thou_o so_o much_o desire_v the_o ease_n and_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o if_o thy_o very_a life_n be_v more_o dear_a to_o thou_o than_o christ_n thou_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n o_o let_v none_o of_o these_o base_a and_o sinful_a argument_n keep_v thou_o off_o from_o open_v speedy_o to_o christ_n at_o his_o call_n i_o may_v tell_v thou_o also_o of_o the_o advantage_n that_o will_v come_v by_o open_v to_o christ_n but_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o before_o only_o this_o one_o give_v i_o leave_v
to_o mention_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v free_o open_v to_o christ_n now_o he_o will_v ready_o open_v to_o thou_o at_o death_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v few_o but_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o trouble_n and_o restlessness_n of_o their_o present_a state_n and_o not_o full_o satisfy_v with_o the_o present_a state_n they_o be_v in_o but_o be_v still_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o something_o further_o in_o hope_n another_o condition_n may_v be_v better_o and_o this_o they_o may_v gather_v from_o all_o their_o experience_n that_o a_o rest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v here_o and_o consequent_o all_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v but_o in_o a_o seek_v condition_n seek_v for_o rest_n and_o can_v find_v none_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o parable_n they_o have_v often_o something_o within_o that_o suggest_v this_o be_v not_o your_o rest_a place_n by_o daily_a experience_n they_o also_o see_v that_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o therefore_o they_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o rest_n must_v be_v have_v in_o another_o world_n or_o not_o have_v at_o all_o for_o here_o no_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o do_v remain_v a_o rest_n for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o only_o and_o who_o be_v these_o people_n of_o god_n but_o they_o that_o open_v to_o christ_n here_o for_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n he_o it_o be_v that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n that_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o any_o at_o that_o day_n that_o will_v not_o open_v to_o he_o now_o no_o he_o tell_v we_o quite_o the_o contrary_a prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n you_o know_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n cry_v loud_a open_v to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v i_o know_v you_o not_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o restlessness_n in_o this_o world_n that_o thou_o be_v weary_a of_o or_o in_o hell_n that_o thou_o be_v afraid_a of_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o rest_n at_o death_n and_o in_o heaven_n desirable_a open_a to_o christ_n now_o as_o ever_o thou_o will_v avoid_v the_o one_o or_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o other_o so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o use_n if_o either_o sense_n of_o duty_n love_v to_o thyself_o and_o thou_o own_o happiness_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n or_o love_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o thou_o if_o any_o thing_n either_o of_o divinity_n or_o humanity_n may_v work_v upon_o thou_o here_o be_v fullness_n of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o open_a to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o let_v reason_n prevail_v with_o thou_o but_o thou_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v i_o open_v to_o christ_n and_o what_o will_v you_o have_v i_o in_o this_o case_n to_o do_v i_o be_o willing_a to_o open_v to_o christ_n if_o i_o know_v but_o how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n that_o i_o may_v help_v thou_o a_o little_a in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a work_n i_o shall_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o carry_v and_o what_o to_o do_v and_o so_o shall_v conclude_v this_o subject_n and_o these_o direction_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o manner_n or_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n 2._o such_o as_o may_v have_v respect_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n in_o and_o make_v himself_o manifest_a unto_o the_o soul_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o such_o direction_n as_o respect_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o heart_n open_v to_o christ_n now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o consider_v how_o many_o way_n the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o heart_n may_v these_o several_a way_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n by_o unbelief_n by_o impenitency_n by_o want_n of_o love_n or_o coldness_n of_o affection_n by_o sloth_n and_o sluggishness_n either_o in_o our_o watch_n or_o work_v a_o little_a to_o open_v each_o of_o these_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o they_o what_o of_o the_o heart_n or_o in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v open_v to_o christ_n 1._o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n such_o be_v the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o though_o the_o sinner_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o his_o sin_n yet_o he_o seek_v to_o justify_v himself_o and_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o satisfaction_n for_o a_o pardon_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o their_o shift_v off_o their_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o transmit_v the_o guilt_n upon_o some_o one_o else_o adam_z when_o examine_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v faulty_a lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o eve_n and_o in_o some_o sense_n upon_o god_n himself_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o give_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o i_o do_v eat_v the_o woman_n when_o examine_v lay_v the_o guilt_n upon_o the_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o &c_n &c_n and_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o pride_n remain_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o adam_n posterity_n which_o make_v they_o use_v their_o uttermost_a endeavour_n to_o justify_v themselves_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o excuse_n that_o be_v make_v for_o sin_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o person_n do_v so_o overmuch_o value_v their_o own_o work_n of_o righteousness_n judge_v in_o effect_n that_o every_o small_a parcel_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o expiate_v the_o great_a sin_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v jesus_n christ_n be_v undervalue_v and_o little_a store_n set_v by_o for_o a_o man_n will_v never_o be_v whole_o behold_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o his_o justification_n while_o he_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o to_o lean_v to_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n as_o this_o pride_n harden_v god_n heart_n against_o the_o sinner_n and_o make_v god_n to_o resist_v or_o set_v himself_o in_o battle-array_n against_o the_o sinner_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v james_n 4.6_o and_o as_o this_o self-justifying_a confidence_n cause_v christ_n many_o time_n to_o pass_v by_o the_o door_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n without_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n matth._n 9.13_o that_o be_v those_o that_o be_v through_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n righteous_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n so_o this_o pride_n do_v harden_v and_o shut_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o sinner_n against_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n psal_n 10.4_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n before_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v true_o and_o full_o open_v to_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n get_v rid_v of_o all_o pride_n and_o self-confidence_n labour_v to_o be_v humble_a low_a and_o vile_a in_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o such_o christ_n will_v look_v isai_n 66.2_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o that_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o i_o e._n they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a humble_a self-denying_a spirit_n have_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n bring_v unto_o they_o to_o these_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n and_o therefore_o bless_a be_v these_o poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n while_o david_n justify_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o sin_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o but_o when_o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o confess_v free_o his_o sin_n god_n come_v in_o with_o pardon_n psal_n 32._o oh_o therefore_o labour_n after_o humility_n and_o lowness_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a humble_a yourselves_o therefore_o and_o in_o due_a time_n god_n will_v exalt_v you_o with_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n christ_n must_v do_v all_o and_o have_v the_o glory_n as_o well_o as_o the_o command_n of_o all_o where_o he_o come_v and_o
therefore_o he_o be_v fit_a company_n for_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a self-denying_a self-condemning_a sinner_n 2._o the_o heart_n be_v many_o time_n shut_v against_o christ_n by_o unbelief_n faith_n be_v the_o hand_n whereby_o christ_n be_v receive_v faith_n must_v open_v the_o door_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o where_o faith_n be_v want_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v shut_v against_o christ_n unbelief_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a bar_n or_o bolt_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v fast_o shut_v against_o christ_n this_o bar_n therefore_o must_v be_v remove_v before_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v open_v to_o christ_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v be_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n unbelief_n be_v the_o great_a gospel-sin_n the_o rock_n upon_o which_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n as_o plit_v therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n beware_v therefore_o of_o unbelief_n and_o open_a to_o he_o by_o faith_n christ_n give_v many_o invitation_n and_o call_v such_o as_o you_o read_v isai_n 55.1_o etc._n etc._n believe_v therefore_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o willing_a to_o receive_v those_o that_o he_o make_v such_o call_v unto_o and_o of_o those_o number_n thou_o be_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o wilful_o exclude_v thyself_o through_o unbelief_n he_o make_v many_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n of_o adoption_n sanctification_n and_o life_n eternal_a and_o withal_o he_o tell_v thou_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v have_v therefore_o by_o faith_n embrace_v these_o promise_n apply_v they_o to_o thyself_o thankful_o close_a with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o answer_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v but_o on_o thy_o part_n manifest_v thy_o real_a willingness_n thou_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o unto_o thou_o with_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n therefore_o open_a to_o christ_n by_o faith_n believe_v his_o word_n embrace_v his_o promise_n obey_v his_o command_n dread_v his_o threaten_n give_v up_o thyself_o by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o thou_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 3._o sometime_o the_o heart_n be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o impenitency_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n but_o too_o common_a and_o ordinary_a among_o sinner_n that_o repentance_n be_v only_o needful_a in_o some_o few_o gross_a case_n for_o some_o great_a and_o notorious_a enormity_n but_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o a_o less_o magnitude_n they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o pardon_v in_o course_n without_o any_o considerable_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o find_v not_o themselves_o guilty_a of_o such_o great_a sin_n they_o conceit_n that_o they_o need_v no_o repentance_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v understand_v luke_n 15.7_o joy_n shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o and_o nine_o just_a person_n that_o need_v no_o repentance_n i._n e._n that_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o secret_a thought_n but_o of_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o they_o shut_v out_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o person_n that_o they_o have_v no_o great_a need_n of_o or_o occasion_n for_o they_o think_v themselves_o whole_a and_o therefore_o see_v no_o need_n of_o a_o physician_n but_o he_o that_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o his_o soul_n must_v see_v a_o need_n of_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o sinner_n a_o great_a sinner_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o christ_n must_v see_v himself_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n by_o nature_n a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n and_o this_o his_o enmity_n he_o must_v repent_v of_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o must_v be_v real_o willing_a and_o desirous_a of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n must_v abhor_v himself_o for_o his_o former_a enmity_n and_o resolve_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v no_o long_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n but_o must_v come_v with_o a_o humble_a break_a melt_a heart_n to_o god_n beg_v pardon_n for_o what_o be_v bypass_a and_o deliberate_o resolve_v and_o promise_v new_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n for_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o he_o must_v do_v from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sinful_a and_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o upon_o this_o repentance_n it_o be_v that_o christ_n come_v in_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o thou_o will_v open_v to_o christ_n aright_o set_v thyself_o serious_o to_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n perform_v that_o work_n thorough_o let_v no_o know_a sin_n or_o sin_n that_o thou_o can_v possible_o discover_v in_o thyself_o pass_v unrepented_a of_o go_v therefore_o into_o secret_a examine_v thy_o own_o heart_n what_o sin_n thou_o can_v find_v lodge_v there_o meditate_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n of_o they_o and_o dwell_v so_o long_o upon_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o till_o such_o time_n as_o thou_o have_v bring_v thy_o heart_n to_o a_o utter_a loathe_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o and_o of_o thyself_o for_o commit_v of_o they_o and_o allow_v thyself_o in_o they_o and_o till_o thou_o come_v to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v thyself_o as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n for_o harken_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o they_o and_o then_o let_v god_n hear_v thou_o bemoan_v thyself_o and_o complain_v of_o thy_o own_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a and_o wretched_a condition_n thou_o have_v bring_v thyself_o into_o by_o thy_o sin_n and_o beg_v help_v of_o god_n to_o turn_v thou_o and_o bring_v thou_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o bestow_v he_o upon_o thou_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v sincere_o and_o faithful_o thou_o shall_v find_v christ_n ready_a to_o come_v in_o unto_o thy_o soul_n see_v this_o exemplify_v in_o ephraim_n repentance_n jer._n 31.18_o 19_o 20._o sure_o i_o have_v hear_v ephraim_n bemoan_v himself_o thus_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o and_o i_o be_v chastise_v as_o a_o bubock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n turn_v thou_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v turn_v for_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n after_o i_o be_v turn_v i_o repent_v after_o i_o be_v instruct_v i_o smite_v upon_o my_o thigh_n i_o be_v ashamed_a yea_o even_o confound_v because_o i_o do_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o my_o youth_n be_v ephraim_n my_o dear_a son_n be_v he_o a_o pleasant_a child_n for_o ever_o since_o i_o speak_v against_o he_o i_o earnest_o remember_v he_o still_o therefore_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n ephraim_n by_o repentance_n open_v his_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o then_o god_n heart_n be_v open_a towards_o he_o and_o god_n bowel_n yearn_v towards_o he_o thus_o do_v thou_o humble_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v exalt_v thou_o open_v thy_o heart_n by_o repentance_n and_o thou_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o sometime_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o decay_n or_o want_v of_o love_n it_o be_v want_n of_o due_a love_n and_o respect_n to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n do_v we_o love_v christ_n more_o we_o shall_v more_o ready_o open_a unto_o christ_n and_o do_v we_o more_o real_o and_o fervent_o love_v he_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o of_o his_o company_n if_o love_n be_v want_v christ_n care_v not_o to_o come_v in_o that_o soul_n neither_o indeed_o will_v there_o be_v convenient_a room_n for_o christ_n in_o that_o soul_n if_o thy_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v cold_a thy_o heart_n will_v be_v shut_v against_o he_o for_o the_o heart_n be_v natural_o contract_v and_o shut_v where_o love_n be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o love_n to_o open_v expand_v or_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n towards_o the_o object_n belove_v if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v christ_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o soul_n set_v love_n to_o work_v love_n will_v make_v christ_n precious_a and_o desirable_a to_o thy_o soul_n and_o thereupon_o set_v thou_o a_o longing_n for_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a love_n will_v enlarge_v thy_o desire_n and_o make_v thou_o impatient_a of_o his_o absence_n and_o spur_v thou_o on_o to_o a_o more_o diligent_a seek_v of_o he_o love_n will_v bid_v christ_n welcome_a at_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o will_v endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o remove_v whatever_o may_v be_v offensive_a and_o distasteful_a to_o he_o
but_o to_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o his_o entertainment_n nay_o love_n make_v the_o soul_n to_o think_v no_o time_n lose_v in_o his_o company_n nor_o any_o cost_n too_o great_a for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o therefore_o if_o love_n have_v be_v cold_a or_o want_v towards_o christ_n let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o but_o labour_v to_o get_v and_o maintain_v more_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n and_o this_o will_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v his_o company_n for_o love_n will_v make_v thou_o to_o hunger_n after_o christ_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n we_o read_v rev._n 2._o that_o god_n threaten_v ephesus_n that_o he_o will_v depart_v and_o remove_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o because_o of_o her_o decay_n in_o her_o love_n towards_o he_o she_o have_v lose_v she_o first_o love_n and_o well_o he_o may_v for_o the_o less_o she_o love_v he_o the_o more_o be_v her_o heart_n contract_v and_o shut_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o little_a room_n can_v he_o have_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o consequent_o little_a heart_n to_o stay_v there_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o suffer_v thy_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o decay_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o mind_n of_o his_o company_n but_o get_v thy_o heart_n fill_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v have_v ready_a and_o welcome_a entertainment_n when_o he_o come_v 5._o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n by_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n now_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a negligence_n which_o christian_n be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o a_o negligence_n or_o sluggishness_n in_o their_o work_n or_o 2._o in_o their_o watch_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o both_o which_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n 1._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o work_n slothful_a work_v and_o labour_v in_o our_o spiritual_a call_n do_v but_o keep_v christ_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v after_o a_o sluggish_a and_o slothful_a manner_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o matter_n not_o christ_n company_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v he_o for_o christ_n will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o a_o slothful_a man_n will_v scarce_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n till_o christ_n come_v but_o like_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o text_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o his_o work_n and_o be_v go_v to_o bed_v when_o christ_n call_v and_o too_o lazy_a too_o to_o arise_v to_o open_v to_o he_o some_o person_n indeed_o be_v impatient_a of_o christ_n delay_n because_o of_o their_o earnest_a desire_n of_o his_o company_n they_o be_v sick_a of_o love_n to_o these_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o will_v not_o tarry_v other_o be_v impatient_a under_o delay_n because_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o duty_n love_v not_o to_o tug_v and_o toil_n and_o sweat_v in_o duty_n too_o long_o but_o will_v have_v christ_n come_v that_o their_o work_n may_v be_v over_o and_o if_o he_o come_v not_o in_o their_o time_n they_o leave_v off_o their_o work_n these_o do_v shut_v out_o christ_n will_v thou_o therefore_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o slothful_a or_o sluggish_a in_o duty_n but_o be_v diligent_a painful_a and_o industrious_a in_o thy_o spiritual_a work_n be_v diligent_a in_o mortify_v sin_n in_o quicken_a grace_n in_o discharge_v duty_n and_o those_o of_o all_o sort_n that_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o may_v find_v thou_o so_o do_v busy_o employ_v in_o thy_o lord_n work_v and_o then_o will_v he_o say_v to_o thou_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 2._o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v shut_v out_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o sluggishness_n in_o our_o watch_n the_o spouse_n here_o have_v lay_v aside_o her_o watch_n be_v compose_v herself_o for_o rest_n and_o now_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n find_v her_o door_n shut_v when_o sinner_n grow_v lazy_a and_o let_v fall_v their_o watch_n they_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a posture_n for_o satan_n to_o find_v they_o than_o christ_n for_o satan_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v and_o therefore_o his_o fit_a opportunity_n be_v when_o he_o can_v find_v they_o nap_v and_o secure_a but_o christ_n come_v as_o a_o friend_n and_o therefore_o will_v find_v we_o watch_v he_o come_v as_o a_o master_n and_o therefore_o expect_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n over_o thyself_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o thou_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n watch_v against_o the_o treachery_n deceitfulness_n and_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o thy_o own_o heart_n watch_v against_o the_o insinuation_n of_o a_o entice_a allure_a world_n watch_v against_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o subtle_a devil_n watch_v thy_o corruption_n that_o they_o prevail_v not_o in_o thou_o watch_v thy_o grace_n that_o they_o neither_o decay_n nor_o be_v idle_a watch_v thy_o faith_n that_o that_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o watch_v thy_o patience_n that_o that_o wear_v not_o out_o but_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n and_o watch_v thy_o love_n that_o by_o the_o decay_n and_o cooling_n of_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o contract_v and_o shut_v against_o christ_n keep_v up_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o faithful_a watch_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_v when_o christ_n come_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v upon_o his_o watchtower_n ready_a to_o open_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v the_o heart_n may_v be_v shut_v against_o christ_n and_o consequent_o by_o direct_v you_o to_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n have_v instruct_v you_o how_o to_o get_v and_o keep_v the_o heart_n open_a for_o christ_n to_o all_o which_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o thing_n more_o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n then_o live_v always_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_n look_v for_o his_o come_n when_o the_o servant_n think_v with_o himself_o my_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n he_o will_v not_o come_v yet_o he_o grow_v idle_a and_o careless_a and_o neglect_v both_o his_o work_n and_o his_o watch_n but_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o judge_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v come_v and_o i_o know_v not_o at_o what_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o watch_v of_o the_o night_n this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o always_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n open_a and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n at_o his_o come_n whereas_o the_o want_n of_o this_o make_v we_o suffer_v our_o faith_n to_o decay_v our_o love_n to_o cool_v and_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v shut_v and_o contract_v against_o christ_n at_o his_o come_n and_o these_o be_v the_o the_o direction_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o speak_v to_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o heart_n 2._o i_o have_v some_o direction_n to_o give_v thou_o with_o reference_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o soul_n 1._o will_v thou_o have_v thy_o heart_n open_a to_o christ_n aright_o then_o open_a thy_o heart_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n the_o direction_n which_o here_o i_o give_v be_v the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o christ_n himself_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n prov._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o wisdom_n cry_v without_o she_o utter_v her_o voice_n in_o the_o street_n how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o and_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o the_o want_n of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o the_o heart_n be_v keep_v so_o close_o shut_v against_o christ_n you_o know_v that_o one_o way_n of_o open_v to_o christ_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o be_v by_o faith_n roll_v and_o recumb_n upon_o christ_n and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v his_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o psal_n 9.10_o and_o the_o reason_n render_v be_v because_o by_o know_v he_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o he_o never_o forsake_v they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o iâ—_n
be_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o excellency_n all-sufficiency_n and_o suitableness_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o insufficiency_n and_o emptiness_n that_o make_v our_o love_n to_o christ_n so_o very_o cold_a for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o love_n be_v some_o suitable_a desirable_a good_a thing_n be_v we_o better_a acquaint_v then_o with_o that_o fullness_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o and_o free_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o christ_n do_v we_o but_o see_v his_o loveliness_n in_o every_o respect_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o person_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o disposition_n and_o qualification_n the_o loveliness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o undertake_n and_o his_o suitableness_n every_o way_n to_o our_o condition_n we_o shall_v from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o love_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n cry_v out_o with_o the_o spouse_n he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a nay_o our_o love_n towards_o he_o and_o desire_v after_o he_o will_v be_v so_o fervent_a that_o we_o shall_v say_v with_o the_o spouse_n tell_v he_o that_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n if_o therefore_o thou_o will_v have_v thy_o heart_n more_o open_a to_o christ_n study_n christ_n better_o for_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v exalt_v or_o set_v on_o high_a such_o as_o know_v his_o name_n and_o set_v their_o love_n upon_o he_o psal_n 91.14_o and_o how_o can_v he_o more_o high_o advance_v thou_o than_o by_o honour_v thou_o with_o his_o company_n our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n make_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o voice_n when_o he_o call_v and_o therefore_o we_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o his_o call_n 2._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v of_o thou_o and_o as_o he_o teach_v thou_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n let_v thy_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o attend_v thereunto_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n be_v who_o attend_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n yea_o let_v thy_o heart_n burn_v within_o thou_o while_o he_o be_v talk_v with_o thou_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n do_v while_o christ_n talk_v with_o they_o attend_v diligent_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v with_o the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o thy_o heart_n open_a ready_o prepare_v to_o receive_v whatsoever_o divine_a truth_n god_n shall_v make_v know_v unto_o thou_o and_o resolve_v to_o practice_v what_o truth_n thou_o shall_v receive_v let_v thy_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v when_o thou_o come_v to_o every_o ordinance_n as_o samuel_n do_v speak_v lord_n for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v or_o as_o paul_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v or_o as_o the_o people_n to_o moses_n but_o with_o a_o better_a heart_n and_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v will_v we_o do_v and_o be_v obedient_a open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o let_v none_o of_o his_o command_n be_v grievous_a but_o say_v with_o david_n o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n remember_v that_o christ_n be_v thy_o lord_n and_o husband_n it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o command_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v and_o therefore_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o thou_o for_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n and_o in_o keep_v his_o command_n there_o be_v great_a reward_n 3._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o christ_n thou_o may_v assure_v thyself_o that_o christ_n will_v advise_v thou_o to_o nothing_o but_o for_o thy_o good_a see_v what_o counsel_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o asian_a church_n rev._n 2_o 3._o chap._n his_o counsel_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o every_o church_n to_o instance_n in_o that_o of_o laodicea_n she_o be_v a_o very_a lukewarm_a church_n and_o yet_o very_o proud_a self-confident_a church_n she_o say_v she_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o know_v not_o that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o what_o be_v christ_n counsel_n to_o she_o i_o counsel_v thou_o to_o buy_v of_o i_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o white_a raiment_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o that_o the_o shame_n of_o thy_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o anoint_v thy_o eye_n with_o eyesalve_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v rev._n 3.17_o 18._o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o faithful_a friend_n and_o physician_n will_v certain_o give_v very_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n he_o be_v call_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n isai_n 9.6_o open_v thy_o heart_n and_o listen_v to_o the_o counsel_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o thou_o he_o will_v instruct_v thou_o how_o to_o mortify_v thy_o sin_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o improve_v ordinance_n to_o perform_v duty_n to_o exercise_v thy_o grace_n he_o will_v teach_v thou_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o order_v thy_o conversation_n aright_o and_o to_o improve_v all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o thou_o take_v but_o christ_n counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v amiss_o for_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o communicative_a of_o his_o wisdom_n never_o fail_v any_o that_o trust_n and_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n read_v james_n 1.5_o if_o any_o of_o you_o want_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o but_o know_v this_o that_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o counsel_n slight_v to_o do_v this_o will_v high_o displease_v he_o read_v prov._n 1.24_o etc._n etc._n i_o call_v 〈◊〉_d but_o you_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v theâ—_n shall_v they_o call_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o open_v to_o christ_n counsel_n thou_o may_v follow_v thy_o own_o device_n and_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o psal_n 81.11_o 12._o write_v out_o the_o text._n 4._o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o too_o wise_a in_o thy_o own_o conceit_n as_o to_o think_v that_o christ_n can_v find_v no_o fault_n with_o thou_o but_o as_o david_n speak_v concern_v the_o righteous_a so_o do_v thou_o from_o thy_o very_a heart_n say_v let_v the_o righteous_a christ_n smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n though_o thou_o know_v before_o hand_n that_o he_o will_v find_v fault_n with_o thou_o at_o his_o come_n yet_o be_v never_o the_o more_o afraid_a to_o let_v he_o in_o nor_o be_v thou_o weary_a of_o his_o rebuke_n it_o be_v unpleasant_a discourse_n many_o time_n when_o our_o friend_n rip_v up_o our_o fault_n and_o tell_v we_o of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v real_o our_o fault_n so_o to_o account_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o real_a part_n of_o a_o friend_n to_o reprove_v we_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o our_o soul_n however_o it_o may_v be_v unpleasant_a yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o safe_a it_o argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a love_n of_o christ_n towards_o thou_o if_o he_o deal_v thus_o faithful_o with_o thou_o for_o who_o he_o love_v he_o rebuke_n and_o chasten_v rev._n 3.19_o let_v thy_o heart_n therefore_o be_v open_a ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v his_o most_o severe_a rebuke_n and_o take_v it_o as_o a_o kindness_n from_o he_o that_o he_o will_v rebuke_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o blessedness_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o the_o lord_n rebuke_n and_o chasten_v and_o teach_v he_o out_o of_o his_o law_n psal_n 94.12_o david_n have_v find_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o say_v psal_n 119.75_o i_o know_v o_o lord_n that_o thy_o judgement_n be_v right_a and_o that_o thou_o in_o faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v i_o and_o v._o 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a yet_o afterward_o it_o work_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n in_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o heb._n 12.11_o open_a therefore_o