YOu have heard al∣ready out of these words, the gra•i∣•us behaviour of Christ towards sin∣ners, viz. his sin∣gular readinesse, his earnest im∣portunity, and his patient ex∣pectations to enter into their hearts and save them (Behold 〈◊〉 stand at the door and knock.)

I am now to discover the Page  76 dutiful behaviour of sinners to∣wards Christ (If any man heare my words and open the doors, I will come into him, &c.)

The words (you see) are ex∣pressed in an hypothetical, or conditional form, If any man, &c. to note unto us,

That something must be done on our part, as well as something on Christs part; though Christ be willing to save a sinner, yet he will not save him against his will. 'Tis true, this willingnesse to open unto Christ is not a na∣tural, but a supernatural effect, it is voluntas mota, nay mutata, (as Austin rightly speaks) yet it it must be, or else there can be no conversion, no salvation of us.

Againe, they are expressed in an indefinite way as well as con∣ditional: Not if this or that man; but if any man, &c. To note

That there is a latitude, a full Page  77 latitude in the offer of Christ and grace: No sinner (under the Gospel) is excluded by Christ, but by himself. Although the Ap∣plication of Christ be definite and particular, yet the proclamation is indefinite and general: Favours (say the Lawyers)▪ sunt ampli∣andi.

Now the condition of Christs entrance, is only this, If any man hear my voice and open the doore: The hearing answers to his coun∣selling, in verse 18. and the open∣ing answers to his knocking in v. 20. Both of them united make up (if I mistake not) that which we call beleeving, which comes by hearing, and is in it self the eare of the soul to hearken, and the key of the soul to open unto Christ: But of this more anon; In the mean time there are two very remarkable propositions from the Text.

1. That the door of a sinners heart ought to open unto Christs Page  78 calling and knocking.

2. That whatsoever the for∣mer condition of any sinner hath been, and whatsoever his present condition is, yet if he opens to Christ, Christ will be his.

Doct. 1. That the doore of a sin∣ners heart ought to open unto Christ calling and knocking.

Before I explicate this propo∣sition, let me premise a distinction or two.

1. You must distiguish 'twixt officium and principium: I do not say that the sinner can open his door to Christ but that he ought to open it: the ability is one thing, the duty is another.

2. Although it be true, that in conversion, the sinner doth actually open the door to Christ, yet you must distinguish 'twixt what he doth virtute innata, and what he doth virtute illata: by a power of his own, and by a power given unto him: the for∣mer we deny, the latter we grant.

Page  79These things being premised I shall now discusse three particu∣lars.

1. What door of a sinner that is which must be opened.

2. What the opening of that door is, and how farre it ex∣tends.

3. Why that door must be opened, since Christ is able by his omnipotency to come into the soul of a sinner without his open∣ing.

Quest. 1. What door of a sinner that is which must be opened unto Christ calling and knocking?

Sol. The door in the general is the whole soul of man: The soul of man is the house in which Christ desires to dwell: And it is * the door too thorow which Christ intends to enter, although some other Lord hath got possession, yet the soul belongs only to Christ, as by right of creation, (for he made it) so also by right of Redemption, (for he hath Page  80 bought and purchased it.)

But principally there are two noble faculties of the soul, which (I humbly conceive) make up this door.

1. The judgement of a sinner: at this part of the door stands the Gospel, in the truth of it, (this is a true saying, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, 1 Tim. 1. 15.)

2. The will of a sinner: at this part of the door stands the Gospel, in the goodnesse of it. This is a true saying, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (this is for the understanding) and is worthy of all acceptation, (here is goodnesse,) and properly respects the will of a sinner. So that whatsoever the Gospel holds forth concerning Christ, It pre∣sents all of it to these doors, and these two faculties may and can reach (either by way of percei∣ving in the understanding, or by way of receiving in the will) the Page  81 whole summe of Evangelical sal∣vation.

And in truth, al the commerce or trading (if I may so speak) which Christ hath with a sinner, or that a sinner hath with Christ, is o∣riginally and primarily at these doors.

Quest. 2. But the next questi∣on is more difficult, What the opening of the door is, and how far it extends?

Sol. I answer by parts.

1. In respect of the understand∣ing and judgement of a sinner, the door is opening when three things are wrought.

1. An evangelical apprehension, not only of our necessity of Jesus Christ, but also of his excellency, designation, qualification, suffi∣ciency, and willingnesse to save sinners.

When so much spiritual light is let in, as that a sinner discerns Christ to be a Saviour, that God hath set him forth, and sent him to Page  82 be so, and that he hath accom∣plished the full work of our Redemption, and that a sinner is capable of him and it; yea and the soul gives credence hereto: Now the key (if I may so express my self) is put into the door. *

2. A singular appreciation of this Jesus Christ, so that now he stands as it were in his glory and beauty before the eyes of a poor sinner, like the Sunne dazling and drowning all the Stars. Not self-confidence, nor creature-comfort, nor help, nor hope do move him: Yea the soul counts all but drosse and dung in compari∣son of Christ, Phil. 3.

And Christ alone is esteemed by the poor humbled sinner, as the superlative excellency, the chiefest of ten thousands, the royal signet of divine love, the onely desirable of my soul, the peculiar remedy of my misery, the absolute center of my everlasting blessednesse, and the most attractive Adamant or Page  83 Load-stone of all my affecti∣ons.

Now when this is stamped and formed in the soul, then not one∣ly the key is put into the doore, but also the door is (as it were) unl•ckt to Christ. *

3. A comfortable subjection unto the authority and sovereignty of Christ, in respect of his Person, and Laws, and wayes, and con∣ditions.

The soul lets fall all proud ca∣vils, reasonings, disputes, excep∣tions, and quarrels, and now pro∣fesseth it self to be fully satisfied, resolved and cleered, about Christ and all concerning Christ; It as∣sents, and saith, This is that glo∣rious, gracious, blessed Christ, whom I judge, and acknowledge to be worthy of all credence, of all reverence, of all acceptance of all affiance, of all obedience: And all his Laws, and Rules to be a most holy, spiritual, righte∣ous, and good will, infinitely Page  84 pure, justly sovereigne, onely saving.

Yea, and that there is no con∣dition which he propounds, whe∣ther active or passive, but it is most equal to submit unto it: Happy is the man who may en∣joy him, upon any, upon all his gracious and soul-saving termes: Christ with any losse, is gaine, e∣nough, yea upon the crosse he is a Saviour good enough.

And when this is done, then * the door is not only unlockt, but the hand also is upon the doore, even ready to set it open to Christ.

2. In respect of the will, and here (in a word) the door is o∣pened, when by faith the will is changed and inclined to a right e∣lection, and acceptation of Christ.

When it is not only invited, but also changed, not only touched, but drawn, not only mollified, but also perswaded, or Page  85 as Saint Austine spake, When of unwilling it is made willing, and being freed by grace, it be∣comes * now free to open to Christ.

For the better understanding of this, know, that when the will * of a sinner opens to Christ.

1. It comes off to Christ determi∣nately or compleatly: the School∣men * do rightly observe that there are two sorts of inclinations in the will.

Some are imperfect and in∣compleat, as (vota & velleitates) wishings and wouldings, to which the will is partly willing, and partly unwilling: It is divided, it hangs upon an indifferent bal∣lance, Arguments of either side do poise it with an equal strength: The soul fees reason to respect and open to Christ, and yet it is tottered with reasons, not yet, or not so fully, to give way unto him.

Some are perfect and compleat Page  86 as (volitiones) the peremptory bents of the will, wherein the person (as one sufficiently cleered and resolved, and biassed) comes off fully, without any ifs or ands; The scale hath sufficient in it to weigh it down, the sinner •ees so much of the excellency of Je∣sus Christ, and of his sutablenesse, that he crys out, O Lord! give me Christ, I must have Christ, I will have Christ; I will stand up∣on nothing so that I may have Christ; farewel sin, farewel my self; Take the world who will; let me have Christ, my minde is satisfied, my heart is resolved and fixed, I know my need of Christ; I know the worth of Christ, I have heard his call, I like his articles, I prize his per∣son, he is the end and desire of my soul; Christ is willing to save me, and I (O Lord) I am most willing to receive and serve him.

2. It comes off to Christ free∣ly Page  87 and electively: There is (to our conceit and apprehension) a twofold opening of the will to * Christ.

One arising from the meer ur∣gency of an anguished conscience, which may make a man willing to subscribe to any course (for the present.) As in a storme, the Marriner is willing to cast out all his lading to preserve himself, so a sinner may be willing to give up all, and to give way to Christ in the tempest of a vexing and tormenting conscience, to procure a little ease and calmness; All which springs only from self-love, and looks upon Christ, not so directly as one to make peace with God; but reflexively as one to make peace and ease in the conscience. And this exigence being once removed, the heart of a sinner (having served its turn of Christ) expels Christ, and closeth up it self against him: Like the Athenians and others, Page  88 who made use of brave Com∣manders, when an enemy brake in and endangered their Cities, but being once secured, they grew weary, pickt a quarrel and benished them.

Another arising from the effi∣cacy of saving faith, which when it opens the will to Christ, it in∣clines and raiseth it to him from Arguments to be found in Christ alone; It sees reason enough in Christ to make us willing to o∣pen unto Christ; Namely such a perfection of goodnesse, and ex∣cellency, and sutablenesse, that if there were no conscience to trouble me, Nay if there were no heaven to crown me, yet the beauty of Christ alone hath won my heart, he alone is object and motive too.

As there is sweetnesse enough in the honey it self, to invite a man to eat it; so in Christ alone, to open to him and to have union with him.

Page  893. It comes off with ind•finite closure, both in respect of it self, and in respect of Christ.

1. In respect of it self: O Lord Christ, I lay down all that I am at thy feet, I am no longer mine own, but thine, I expect nothing, I reserve nothing, my whole soul, body, state, honor, liberty, ability, life are thine. I do not insist on any lust to be spared; I do not desire any worldly thing to be exempted; I do not crave any further time to be granted, Take the house, take the key, take my heart, take present pos∣session of all.

2. In respect of Christ: I close with thee, and with all concern∣ing thee, with thy person (O that I had union with it!) with thy graces, (O that I had communi∣on with them!) with thy righte∣ousnesse (it is my only confidence,) with thy will (it is my only guide,) with thy services (they are my liberty,) with thy promises (they Page  90 are my ability,) with thy suffer∣ings (they are my glory,) with thy rewards (they are my eternal felicity.) Thou art a goodnesse better then all prosperity; thou art a comfortablenesse sufficient in all adversitie; Heaven is not heaven without thee, and misery is heaven enough with thee.

4. When the door of the will rightly opens to Christ, It comes off with the concomitant attendance of the whol soul: the whole soul stands open to look on ChrisT, to admire Christ, to welcome Christ. The memory stands open and remembers the excellent things which it hath heard of Christ. The minde stands open, and contemplates (even with astonishment) the royal glories in Christ, the surpassing love of Christ, the merciful com∣passion of Christ, the great re∣demption and full salvation by Christ. Yea all the affections open themselves and come forth (as it were) to let in and welcome Page  91 Christ. Love comes forth and saith, welcome Christ, thou art the bridgroom of my soul. Desire comes forth, and saith welcome Christ, thou art the satisfaction of my soul. Delight comes forth, and saith welcome Christ, thou art the paradise of my soul. Hope comes forth, and saith welcome Christ, thou hast been the long looked for of my soule. Joy comes forth, and saith, welcome Christ, thou art the centre and rest of my soule. Grief comes forth, and saith welcome Christ, I am offended and exceedingly troubled, because I have dealt so unkindly with a gracious Christ. Anger comes forth, and saith, welcome Christ, I am vexed at the very heart, that for poor and base things I should all this while keep out my blessed Christ. Hatred comes forth, and saith, welcome Christ, I protest I will never have any peace, nor yeild service, but will do my best to Page  92 destroy all these sinful Lusts, the enemies of Christ And fear comes forth and saith, welcome Christ; I owe thee all reverence, and will watch the soul that it shall never willingly grieve Christ more. And zeal comes forth and saith, wel∣come Christ, I will do the more for thee, because I have done so much against thee: I am resol∣ved to do any thing for thee, who hast done every thing for me: thou didst not spare thy blood to save my soul, and I will not spare my life to serve thine honour: And now (sirs) when the soul is thus formed and framed by faith, (when the judgement thus comes off to Christ, and the will thus comes off to Christ) then is the door (at which Christ hath knockt) truly and fully open∣ed.

Quest. 3. Why that door must be opened to Christ, when Christ is able by his omnipotency (with∣out our opening) to enter into the Page  93 heart of any sinner?

Sol. That you may have a more clear and distinct resolution of this enquiry, premise a few things with me.

1. In matters of this nature, it is not safe to insist on the abso∣lute power of Christ, but we must rather respect his ordinate power, if I may so expresse my self; Christ is (in respect of his abso∣lute power) as able to damne us as to save us; to throw us in∣to hel, as well as draw us up to heaven.

2. Although the doore must be opened, yet this is done by ver∣tue of an omnipotent act from Christ too

There are three things where∣in Christ declares his Almighty power.

First, the creation of the world.

Secondly, the conversion of sinners.

Thirdly, the resurrection of the Page  94 dead. To quicken a dead sinner, to make him a beleever, declares as great power as to give a new * being.

3. Yet thirdly, Christ will not so act his omnipotency in a sin∣ners conversion, as to exclude the heart of a sinner from opening to him, but will make the heart of a sinner willing to open to him; Because,

1. Christ intends in this work a conjugal union 'twixt himself and the soul of a sinner, unto which a mutual consent of will is requi∣site.

To some other kinds of union, this is not necessary, but unto a match or marriage it is: Christs Will, and our will reciprocally meeting make it up.

I do confesse that all the offers of Christ are precious, and de∣clare unspeakable readinesse or willingnesse on his part, but there must be also consent, and an ac∣ceptance on our part, or else no Page  95 saving will come to us. For it is not salvation only purchased, or onely offered, which actually saves a sinner, it must be salvation also embraced and accepted, &c.

2. Christ in this converting work, principally aimes at the glorifying of his grace and rich love, and mercy, and therefore he carries it on by such wayes, and steps wherein the soul may take notice of them. When he did create man, this he did without any more ado, by a sole word of power, which then he intended to magnifie. But when he con∣verts a sinner, now he orders eve∣ry act and passage, so that the sinner shall subscribe all the glory to his free grace and great love. Now he must see his lost conditi∣on without Christ, now he must see the travels and sufferings of Christ, to redeem and save him; now he must see the tender care of Christ, and vehement desire Page  96 to bestow himself, and purchase on him; Now he must see the glories and riches of Christ, to perswade and draw him; Now he must see the free bounty of Christ, in insisting on no condition but this, open unto me, and be but willing to let me in. Now he must see, that nothing in himselfe can be salvation unto him; the heart must open to Christ, or else it must perish.

3. Christ will have the sinner to esteeme him a most valuable ob∣ject, and to let him in as one that is worthy: Meer power (whether we will or no) may set up it self, whether we think the person wor∣thy or not; But Christ will come in rather upon choise; His worth shall make as much way for him as his power, the sinner shall say, it is better to let in Christ, then to keep out Christ.

4. The work is done if this door be opened; Christ stands upon no more.

Page  97Nothing is done by us, if the will comes no off to Christ: All the knowledge which a man hath, and all the troubles which a man feels, and all the duties which a man performes, and all the good words which a man speaks, they are all as nothing, they alter not the condition; The condition is still Christlesse till the will o∣pens to let in Christ: But all comes off, the work is done if the will comes off and opens to Christ; Christ hath got what he would have, he hath got the strong castle, he hath now won all; for all the soul stands or falls with the will, holds out or comes in with the will. The whole man is at the obedience of his will and if that be now at the obedi∣ence of Christ, Christ hath got all.

Ʋse 1. Should the door of a sinners heart open to the voice and knocking of Christ? Let us reflect then on our selves, and seri∣ously Page  98 search whether our heart• be set open unto him; Are you yet made willing to entertaine Christ.

Beloved, be pleased to consider a few things.

1. You have had many callings, many offers, many knockings at the doore from Christ: partly,

By the •spiration of the world; O how many commands? how many entreaties? how many in∣vitations? how many promises?

By the inspiration of the Spirit; O how much illumination? how many convictions? How many motions and excitations?

Now what are become of those golden drops? of those coelestial breaths, of those almost perswa∣sions, of those unanswerable de∣monstrations of eternal life by Christ, of eternal life with∣out Christ? Thou hast been a∣wakened by them, why didst thou not rise? Thou didst rise out of thy bed, why didst not Page  99 thou step down to the door? Thou didst step down to the door, why didst not thou open? Why didst thou step back from thy con∣victions, from thy resolutions?

2. Christ is worthy, is most wor∣thy of admission: Sirs, is Jesus Christ a considerable object in your eyes or not? Is there any worth at all or value in him? Is there more worth in a saving Christ, then in a damning lust? can any thing stand in competition with him, either for intrinsecal perfection, or for respective perfe∣ction to your souls? is the crea∣ture (that specious, short, tran∣sient, empty nothing) fit to be let in, and set up in the heart? Is sinne (that vile, in glorious, God∣dishonouring, and soul-damning hell) fit to be let in and set up in the heart? shall that which is the least of good, (the world) and that which is the greatest of evil (sinne) lie in the chamber and Christ (the centre of happinesse) Page  100 still be thrust out to lie in the manger?

3. Many hearts are as yet shut against Christ: they are not o∣pened to him; what think you of such, whose eares are not open to Christ? you read of some in Scrip∣ture, * who refused to hear, yea, and stopped their ears least they should hear; and too many there are amongst us who decline the hear∣ing of the Word, &c. Is it likely the heart is open, when the eare is not open? What think you of such who professe a dislike of Christ? we will not have this man to reigne over us, spake they in the Gospel; and the Apostle relates of some, that they could not abide wholesome doctrine, and of others, by Luke, that spake against the way too of Christ, He came amongst his own, and his own received him not, said John. Yea Christ himself de∣livered it of the Jews, ye will not come unto me that ye might have life, John 5. 40. What think you Page  101 of such who prefer other things before Christ? the honour of men, as they in John, the profits of the world, and pleasures, as they in the Parable: Esau preferred a messe of pottage before his birth-right: the Jews preferred Barrabas a thief before Christ, &c.

4. It is a difficult thing to make a sinner willing to open his heart to Christ. There is so much igno∣rance to removed out of the minde. There is so much resist∣ance against the truth, and way of salvation to be removed out of the judgement; there is so much confidence in our own abilities and righteousnesse; there is so much pride and stomack, to lie at the door of another, and there to beg, and there to depend for an almes of free mercy; there is so much unbelief, whether Christ can save, or whether Christ will save; so many reasonings, so many fears, besides the natural oppositions of the will of a sinner Page  102 to the commands of Christ, & the holiness of Christ, and the conditi∣ons of Christ, that it is of al things under heaven, the most difficult to be willing to open to Christ.

O how many Sermons! how many strokes in afflictions? how many lashes in conscience? how many condescensions of mercy? how many operations of the spirit of God ere the sinner will step and stoop to open unto Christ? The Prodigal was wel-nigh fa∣mished, ere he would returne to his Fathers house; and the sinner is made to lie a while in hell, be∣fore he can be made willing to accept of heaven.

5. Many think that their wills are opened to receive Christ, and yet they are stut, or else not truely opened. They like to heare a Minister preaching of Christ, e∣specially such a Minister; O Sirs, it is not the excellency of Christ which draws you, it is only the elegancy of the servants which Page  103 affect you. It was not Christ, but the loaves, which made the mul∣titude to flock so much: The child loves the painted book, but cares not for the printed lesson: You like the phrases, we speak (your eares are open) but you regard not the precepts which we deliver from Christ to you, (your hearts are not open.) Their hearts are open to a glorified Christ but not to a crucified Christ; when Hosanna was sung, then all the multitude follow Christ, but when crucifying was cryed, then they all forsook him. They are willing to open to Christ, so that they may be open to sinne too; this is like an Inne-keepers doore, which is open to every passenger: Or if willing only and altogether for Christ, this is onely in case of extremity upon a racking con∣science, or upon a dying bed.

Quest. How then may we know that our hearts have been, or are rightly opened to let in Jesus Christ.

Page  104Sol. This may be known (as I conceive) three wayes, 1. By the causes. 2. By the concomi∣tants. 3. By the consequents of opening.

1 By the causes.

1. The right opening of the heart ariseth from the word, this is the key of the Spirit of Christ, by which he opens a sinners heart.

The word in the legal part is a key which shuts up a sinner, Gal. 3. 23. and in the evangelical part, it is a key which opens the heart of a sinner; there it is said in Isa. 61. 1. to open the prison to them that are bound. When it hath convinced a person of his sinful and lost estate, and killed and broken him, in respect of wrath and self confidence, then it proceeds to revive him, and raise him by the possibilities, and hopes of mercy and salvation in Christ.

And this it doth three ways.

Page  1051. Proponendo; both by reveal∣ing (objecta credibilia) the matter and manner of a sinners salvation, (God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that who∣soever beleeveth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, John 3. 16.) and by inviting the sinner to come and accept of him and his salvation; If any man thirst, let him come unto me, John 7. 37.

2. Imponendo; by commanding sinners to come unto Christ, 1 Joh. 3. 23. This is his commandment, that we should beleeve on the Name of his S•nne Jesus Christ. This is called a bidding of people to a mar∣riage, Mat. 22. 3.

3. Apponendo, by promising that Christ will not reject such a com∣ing soule, John 6. 37. nor deale harshly with it, matth. 12. 20. not break the bruised reed; But will lovingly embrace it, Matth. 11. 28. Come unto me and I will give you rest, yea, and secure it from hell, Page  106 and assure it of heaven, John 3. 16.

2. The right opening of the heart ariseth from faith: this (in Scripture) is called, the coming grace, and the receiving grace, and the opening grace, when the Lord gives faith to the heart this is an eye to see all the revelations of the Gospel, this is an eare to hear all the commands of the Gospel, this is an hand to clasp all the promises of the Gospel, and to set the door wide open to Jesus Christ. O sinner, saith faith, here is mercy to be had, and here is salvation to be had, and Christ to be had, and all for thee? Thou gavest up thy condition as despe∣rate, but be of good cheer, I see a Saviour, I see a satisfaction, I see a deliverance, God is willing to be reconciled to thee; Christ hath born thy sinnes, made thy peace, offers himself to thee, en∣treats thee, commands thee, as∣sures thee of salvation if thou Page  107 comest to him. O cryes out an heart awaked by faith, O Christ I blesse thee, O Christ I come un∣to thee; Thou art worthy of all acceptation; my heart is ready, the door is open O Christ, and welcome O Christ too, &c.

2. By the Concomitants.

1. The whole body (if I may speak improperly) of the will is opened to Christ, when the heart is rightly opened.

The Schoolmen report unto us divers motions and abilities in the will, which give me leave to make use of to my purpose, they tell us in the will of man there * is,

• 1. Election, which is a preac∣ceptation of a good before an evil, or of one good before another.
• 2. Consent, which is a comply∣ing of the will with the judgement in a good pro∣propanded, and apprehend∣ed, and approved.
• Page  1083. Intention, which is a ten∣dancy, or an extending of the will in the use of means for the assecution of a good represented and desired.
• 4. Imperium, or command, which is a secret authority it hath to do dispose all the facul∣ties of the soule to move according to its bent.
• 5. Fruition, which is a delight∣ful acquiescence in a good possessed. All this appears in the heart which is rightly opened unto Christ. The Will,

1. Makes choise of Christ, above all, and before all: Sinne is vile, and the world is empty; there is none in heaven that the soul prefers to Christ, or on earth that it desires in compari∣of Christ: Christ is best, best of all.

2. Consents to Christ, subscribes to Christ: Christ hath not one will, and the soul another: What Page  109 Christ commands is good, what he likes is best.

3. Extends the soul to all the meanes of attaining Christ; It will pray for Christ, enquire for Christ, hear for Christ, wait for Christ, weep for Christ.

4. Commands all the man to give up to Christ: every room in the house, every facultie in the soul; it will set up Christ in our contemplation, in our judgments, in our affections, in our speeches, in our studies, in our lives.

5. The fruition of Christ is most sweet and pleasunt: I have enough, said Jacob, Joseph is yet alive: The Merchant who sold all for the pearl, and bought it, rejoyced in his pearle: Christ alone is Portion, and Lands, and Houses, and Father, and Mo∣ther, and Sister, and Brother, and Profit, and Pleasure, and Com∣fort, and Happinesse enough to the soule that opens unto Christ.

Page  1102. A whole Christ is opened unto: O brrthren, as Christ, so every thing in and about Christ, is precious: His salvation is pre∣cious, his doctrine is precious, his way is precious, his redemption is precious, his righteousnesse is pre∣cious, his holinesse is precious, his blood is precious, his will is preci∣ous. His Priestly office is preeious, and so is his Prophetical office, and so is his Kingly office: Reigning with Christ is precious, and so is suffering for Christ; Gaining by Christ is precious, and so is losing for Christ; Receiving from Christ is precious, and so is doing for Christ; The comforting vertue of Christ is precious, and so is his mortifying vertue, and so is his healing vertue, and so is his guid∣ing or leading vertue. An halfe Christ was never ordained to be a Saviour, the whole Lamb was a sacrifice; and a whole Christ is a sinners salvation.

Page  1113. The heart is opened unto Christ onely: If you have a fore∣door for Christ, and a back-door to open unto sin, you will deceive and lose your souls. An heart, and an heart is ever a false heart: the young man in the Gospel was wil∣ling to have Christ, but then he must have his possessions too: Some of the Jews would have had Christ, but then they must have the praise of men too. O no, one heaven cannot hold too Sonnes; one heart can hold but one •hrist onely, or no Christ at all; Christ and grace it may hold (many pearls may be upon one string) but Christ and sin it cannot hold, (light and darkness have no com∣munion.) The heart of man is just fit for Christ: There is so much in Christ as will take up a whole heart. There is not a room or cor∣ner to be spared for any lust. And in truth, a whole love is little e∣nough for Christ, a whole desire, a whole delight, a whole hope, a whole Page  112 joy, a whole confidence, all little e∣nough for Christ; Christ can fill them all: the box of oyntment was little enough for the feet of Christ, &c.

3. By the Consequents.

But these will more aptly fall in, in the subsequent part of the text, unto which I will refer them.

Ʋse 2. I should now proceed to an use of Exhortation, to stand it out no longer, but presently to o∣pen unto Christ, and then to an use of Direction, what course we should take so that our hearts may be opened.

But I will first handle the other Proposition which I mentioned at the beginning, and refer these two Uses to the closure of it.