assurance_n 4._o be_v much_o in_o selfe-examination_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o help_v a_o soul_n into_o a_o right_a understanding_n about_o its_o condition_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o satan_n seek_v to_o beat_v off_o so_o much_o from_o this_o duty_n but_o exercise_n yourselves_o much_o to_o it_o at_o seasonable_a time_n i_o e._n when_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v clear_a in_o a_o day_n of_o desertion_n they_o be_v dim_a and_o so_o you_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o mis-judge_n about_o your_o state_n and_o you_o be_v principal_o then_o to_o attend_v upon_o other_o duty_n as_o the_o inquire_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v and_o a_o come_n up_o to_o his_o end_n therein_o and_o a_o seek_n for_o its_o return_n etc._n etc._n but_o selfe-judging_a act_n be_v of_o great_a use_n towards_o assurance_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o disable_v for_o know_v its_o condition_n 5._o be_v much_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o your_o own_o soul_n god_n end_n towards_o the_o israelite_n in_o all_o their_o temptation_n and_o miraculous_a preservation_n be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n deut._n 29._o v._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o it_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n that_o they_o soon_o forget_v god_n work_n psal_n 106.13_o christian_n know_v not_o what_o they_o lose_v by_o bury_v their_o experience_n they_o disable_v themselves_o for_o strengthen_v the_o weak_a hand_n and_o confirm_v the_o feeble_a knee_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v to_o add_v one_o grace_n to_o another_o as_o one_o mean_v to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 5_o 6.10_o a_o heap_n of_o experience_n must_v needs_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o clear_n up_o the_o state_n though_o you_o can_v keep_v but_o the_o shell_n the_o carcase_n of_o your_o experience_n yet_o have_v they_o upon_o record_n and_o afterward_o the_o lord_n may_v cause_v dry_a bone_n to_o live_v 6._o be_v often_o renew_v act_n of_o faith_n especial_o take_v all_o opportunity_n that_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o most_o eminent_a act_n of_o it_o when_o abraham_n by_o a_o eminent_a act_n of_o faith_n have_v declare_v his_o willingness_n to_o follow_v god_n call_v in_o the_o offer_n up_o of_o isaac_n then_o he_o obtain_v a_o double_a testimony_n of_o acceptation_n with_o god_n gen._n 22._o five_o 11_o 12._o a_o angel_n call_v to_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n this_o angel_n be_v christ_n for_o he_o speak_v as_o god_n v._o 12.16_o and_o his_o speak_v to_o abraham_n be_v for_o a_o double_a end_n 1._o to_o stay_v his_o hand_n v._o 12.2_o to_o manifest_v the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n v._o 12._o now_o i_o know_v thou_o fear_v god_n see_v thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o content_a with_o this_o but_o v._o 15_o 16._o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v unto_o abraham_n out_o of_o heaven_n the_o second_o time_n if_o isaac_n have_v die_v one_o sight_n of_o christ_n will_v abundant_o have_v recompense_v abraham_n for_o his_o great_a loss_n but_o behold_v after_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o grace_n he_o come_v again_o the_o second_o time_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o doubtless_o do_v endear_v isaac_n to_o he_o he_o be_v his_o son_n and_o only_a son_n v._o 16._o and_o a_o son_n of_o promise_n too_o heb._n 11.17_o and_o the_o slay_v of_o he_o seem_v to_o cross_v both_o god_n command_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o kill_v and_o that_o promise_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v v._o 18._o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n get_v above_o all_o and_o he_o have_v a_o double_a appearance_n of_o christ_n after_o it_o object_n but_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o i_o seem_v to_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o promise_v that_o faith_n shall_v act_v upon_o and_o so_o do_v forbid_v my_o believe_a however_o i_o find_v my_o heart_n so_o out_o of_o frame_n and_o my_o condition_n so_o sad_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o act_v faith_n on_o promise_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n whatever_o thy_o condition_n be_v if_o thou_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n thou_o can_v not_o tell_v but_o that_o thou_o may_v find_v mercy_n if_o thou_o want_v interest_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o thou_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o by_o believe_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v not_o thy_o soul_n so_o much_o about_o that_o question_n whither_o thou_o have_v believe_v or_o not_o but_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n by_o a_o fresh_a act_n of_o faith_n a_o repetition_n of_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o a_o saint_n in_o his_o dark_a condition_n isai_n 50.10_o he_o that_o walk_v in_o such_o darkness_n that_o be_v have_v no_o light_n be_v enjoin_v then_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n if_o particular_a promise_n fail_v or_o be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n fail_v that_o it_o be_v a_o midnight_n of_o darkness_n with_o the_o soul_n yet_o there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o run_v to_o and_o trust_v in_o still_o what_o his_o name_n be_v see_v exod._n 34._o v._o 5_o 6._o the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n forgive_a iniquity_n and_o transgression_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n when_o thou_o can_v not_o see_v that_o he_o be_v gracious_a to_o thou_o or_o that_o he_o have_v forgive_v thy_o sin_n yet_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n upon_o he_o through_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o way_n wait_v for_o his_o be_v gracious_a and_o for_o his_o forgive_n thy_o sin_n i_o will_v not_o have_v a_o soul_n upon_o slighty_a ground_n cast_v away_o all_o former_a experience_n but_o if_o egyptian_a darkness_n seem_v to_o cover_v it_o the_o best_a way_n to_o recover_v all_o again_o be_v by_o a_o new_a act_n of_o faith_n psal_n 56.3_o what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v trust_v in_o thou_o when_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o unsoundnes_n of_o heart_n than_o it_o ought_v to_o trust_v in_o god_n as_o well_o as_o under_o other_o fear_n 2._o oftentimes_o the_o lord_n do_v cast_v in_o matter_n of_o discouragement_n in_o a_o soul_n way_n to_o believe_a purposely_o to_o draw_v out_o act_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o v._n 19_o 20._o abraham_n body_n be_v dead_a and_o sarahs_n womb_n dead_a before_o the_o son_n of_o promise_n be_v give_v math._n 15.24_o i_o come_v not_o but_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n here_o be_v a_o word_n to_o appearance_n against_o she_o so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v seem_a impossibility_n in_o the_o way_n to_o his_o mercy_n yea_o a_o word_n may_v be_v cast_v in_o and_o that_o by_o christ_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v against_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v intend_v by_o christ_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o hinder_v believe_v but_o usual_o in_o such_o case_n the_o lord_n give_v clearness_n about_o what_o be_v duty_n before_o he_o block_v up_o the_o way_n to_o it_o yea_o and_o hold_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o it_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o discouragement_n this_o woman_n be_v the_o more_o importunate_a the_o more_o repulse_n and_o seem_a denial_n she_o have_v from_o christ_n what_o the_o word_n do_v undoubted_o warrant_v to_o be_v thy_o duty_n in_o that_o condition_n thou_o be_v in_o though_o thou_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o word_n and_o never_o so_o much_o against_o there_o yet_o thou_o ought_v the_o more_o eager_o to_o own_o thy_o duty_n and_o believe_v be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n mark_n 16._o v._n 15_o 16._o rom._n 10.9_o 1_o joh._n 3.23_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n at_o all_o time_n â—or_a in_o all_o condition_n psal_n 62.8_o and_o know_v that_o christ_n do_v never_o contradict_v his_o own_o command_n to_o forbid_v any_o soul_n believe_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o shall_v beat_v thou_o off_o from_o this_o it_o be_v thy_o duty_n to_o live_v a_o life_n offaith_n when_o thou_o want_v feeling_n christ_n be_v without_o feel_v when_o he_o cry_v out_o why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o yet_o not_o without_o a_o faith_n of_o assurance_n for_o he_o say_v my_o god_n my_o god_n so_o psal_n 89._o v._n 34_o 35_o 36._o the_o lord_n engage_v himself_o by_o covenant_n and_o oath_n that_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n shall_v be_v astablish_v for_o ever_o and_o present_o he_o be_v rush_v under_o such_o dispensation_n as_o do_v threaten_v the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v v._o 38_o
39_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o lord_n end_v herein_o be_v not_o to_o lead_v he_o into_o contradictory_n apprehension_n to_o his_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v pass_v just_a before_o but_o to_o give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n to_o believe_v above_o and_o against_o hope_n 7._o in_o all_o importunity_n with_o god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n make_v use_n of_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o present_v the_o lord_n with_o your_o prayer_n or_o any_o performance_n of_o your_o own_o but_o urge_v his_o name_n nature_n word_n or_o free_a promise_n etc._n etc._n isai_n 63._o v._n 15._o he_o plead_v and_o expostulate_v with_o the_o lord_n where_o be_v thy_o zeal_n and_o strength_n the_o sound_v of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o of_o thy_o mercy_n towards_o i_o be_v they_o restrain_v and_o present_o there_o be_v assurance_n v._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n so_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n proclaim_v that_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o moses_n take_v advantage_n to_o challenge_v god_n of_o his_o word_n a_o long_a time_n after_o numb_a 14._o v._n 17_o 18._o as_o thou_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n forgive_a iniquity_n and_o at_o last_o he_o draw_v out_o a_o testimony_n from_o the_o lord_n v._o 20._o i_o have_v pardon_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n 8._o seek_v for_o much_o inward_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o write_a word_n the_o word_n declare_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o for_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o try_v a_o testimony_n by_o that_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o temptation_n if_o hide_v in_o the_o heart_n psal_n 119.11_o math._n 4.10_o and_o these_o yield_v to_o do_v tend_v to_o weaken_v and_o darken_v assurance_n here_o i_o shall_v add_v a_o few_o rule_n about_o make_v use_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v profitable_a not_o only_o towards_o assurance_n but_o to_o other_o end_n also_o 1._o some_o spiritual_a consideration_n see_v to_o arise_v from_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o well_o as_o express_v scripture_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o temptation_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o find_v any_o express_a scripture_n to_o help_v thou_o against_o it_o yet_o some_o scripturall_a consideration_n may_v be_v beneficial_a towards_o thy_o relief_n and_o soule-establishment_n psal_n 73._o he_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o adversity_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o say_v v._o 13._o very_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o he_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n v._o 16_o 17._o when_o i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o it_o be_v too_o painful_a for_o i_o until_o i_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n but_o how_o be_v he_o keep_v up_o against_o the_o temptation_n before_o his_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n v._o 15._o if_o i_o say_v i_o will_v speak_v thus_o behold_v i_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o thy_o child_n this_o spiritual_a consideration_n keep_v it_o from_o prevail_a viz._n that_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o he_o must_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n never_o have_v a_o people_n on_o earth_n for_o adam_n noah_n abraham_n isaac_n jacob_n and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v have_v be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n and_o cross_n 2._o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o drift_n and_o consonant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o his_o main_a end_n in_o any_o scripture_n it_o to_o he_o own_v as_o of_o god_n though_o not_o contain_v in_o express_a word_n in_o scripture_n a_o christian_a be_v apt_a to_o be_v stumble_v when_o some_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n though_o of_o a_o perfect_a and_o entire_a sense_n be_v cast_v in_o if_o there_o be_v a_o variation_n in_o some_o term_n from_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o hereupon_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o reject_v it_o and_o to_o reckon_v it_o not_o from_o god_n whereas_o if_o it_o bear_v the_o sense_n of_o some_o one_o place_n or_o have_v the_o drift_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o thou_o ought_v to_o improve_v it_o if_o suitable_a to_o thy_o condition_n else_o all_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v useless_a math._n 4._o v._n 9_o satan_n tempt_v christ_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o christ_n oppose_v he_o with_o deut._n 6.13_o &_o 10.20_o thou_o shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o by_o fear_v here_o be_v mean_v worship_n as_o fear_v isa_n 29.13_o be_v expound_v by_o worship_n math._n 15.9_o and_o serve_v he_o be_v intend_v exclusive_o of_o service_n to_o any_o other_o as_o appeareth_z deut._n 6.14_o and_o though_o neither_o worship_n nor_o only_a be_v find_v in_o the_o place_n he_o allege_v and_o the_o chief_a stress_n of_o the_o answer_n rest_v upon_o those_o two_o word_n yet_o because_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n &_o meaning_n of_o they_o hence_o christ_n say_v it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v so_o that_o scripture_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a against_o temptation_n and_o towards_o comfort_n or_o any_o spiritual_a end_n though_o the_o very_a term_n be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o thought_n 3._o a_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o in_o one_o condition_n may_v have_v much_o deducible_a from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v succour_v to_o a_o soul_n in_o another_o condition_n or_o that_o which_o be_v use_v upon_o one_o occasion_n may_v be_v useful_a on_o another_o occasion_n math._n 4._o v._n 7._o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n christ_n make_v use_v of_o that_o scripture_n deut._n 6.16_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o israel_n christ_n allege_v it_o against_o satan_n here_o israel_n be_v forbid_v tempt_a god_n as_o at_o massab_n of_o which_o see_v exod._n 17._o v._o 1.7_o in_o their_o distress_n and_o want_v they_o tempt_v god_n by_o say_v be_v god_n among_o we_o their_o not_o trust_v god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n and_o provision_n be_v their_o tempt_a of_o he_o and_o yet_o christ_n allege_v it_o against_o trust_v of_o god_n for_o extraordinary_a preservation_n without_o a_o call_v to_o it_o or_o when_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v afford_v 4._o a_o part_n of_o a_o scripture_n may_v be_v intend_v for_o thy_o present_a advantage_n &_o not_o the_o whole_a math._n 4._o v._n 7._o christ_n make_v use_v of_o but_o part_n of_o that_o deut._n 6.16_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o waâ—_n suitable_a to_o his_o present_a occasion_n so_o one_o part_n of_o a_o promise_n may_v be_v fulfil_v to_o thou_o and_o it_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o question_v whither_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n or_o no_o because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v not_o accomplish_v to_o thou_o 5._o a_o bare_a give_v in_o of_o a_o word_n be_v not_o a_o safe_a ground_n for_o conclusion_n about_o what_o be_v a_o soul_n duty_n or_o condition_n i_o observe_v that_o christian_n in_o these_o day_n build_v much_o upon_o the_o give_v or_o bint_v in_o of_o word_n when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a ftreight_o about_o what_o be_v their_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v call_v to_o if_o a_o write_a word_n be_v hint_v though_o it_o speak_v nothing_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n neither_o express_o nor_o by_o consequence_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v inclination_n thereupon_o to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o another_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v their_o call_n to_o lie_v there_o whereas_o if_o the_o word_n which_o be_v give_v in_o do_v evidence_n this_o to_o be_v duty_n at_o this_o time_n or_o in_o this_o condition_n then_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o bring_n to_o remembrance_n a_o word_n which_o be_v of_o directive_n use_v to_o they_o but_o then_o they_o be_v to_o make_v not_o the_o give_v in_o of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o word_n it_o felse_a the_o rule_n and_o warrant_v that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n other_o that_o know_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o believer_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o set_v about_o it_o until_o they_o have_v some_o particular_a word_n hint_v in_o to_o encourage_v thereunto_o and_o they_o wait_v for_o this_o bless_v god_n when_o you_o have_v one_o but_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v enjoin_v it_o once_o by_o the_o word_n which_o be_v its_o own_o voice_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n to_o neglect_v the_o duty_n though_o he_o do_v not_o add_v inward_a impulsion_n to_o it_o other_o upon_o the_o give_n in_o of_o some_o consolatory_a or_o witness_v word_n be_v apt_a to_o conciude_v about_o their_o in_o to_o dit_fw-fr in_o christ_n thence_o but_o all_o these_o act_n very_o 〈…〉_o 1._o because_o satan_n 〈◊〉_d a_o hand_n in_o the_o
seem_v to_o be_v under_o a_o midnight_n of_o spiritual_a darkness_n before_o yet_o when_o the_o spirit_n have_v shine_v upon_o its_o own_o work_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o put_v new_a life_n into_o former_a experience_n than_o it_o can_v conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v arisen_a upon_o or_o in_o the_o heart_n who_o be_v hide_v or_o unseen_a till_o then_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v eph._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n and_o for_o what_o end_n v._o 18._o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n i_o e._n that_o you_o may_v know_v upon_o what_o certain_a ground_n zanch._n ut_fw-la sciatis_fw-la qualis_fw-la &_o quam_fw-la certa_fw-la sit_fw-la spes_fw-la qua_fw-la nos_fw-la sperare_fw-la jussit_fw-la dominus_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la ne_fw-la ulla_fw-la subeat_fw-la animos_fw-la vestros_fw-la &_o mentes_fw-la vestras_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la non_fw-la dum_fw-la praestitis_fw-la zanch._n and_o foundation_n your_o hope_n be_v build_v and_o so_o may_v be_v free_v from_o doubt_n about_o the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o how_o be_v this_o attain_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v v._o 18._o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n clear_v and_o brightn_v of_o the_o understanding_n and_o indue_a that_o with_o supernatural_a light_n to_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o natural_o it_o can_v not_o know_v the_o spirit_n raise_v heighn_v and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n apprehension_n of_o divine_a thing_n by_o dart_v in_o spiritual_a light_n and_o thus_o it_o attain_v a_o revelation_n knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n of_o call_v so_o psal_n 36.9_o not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n but_o in_o thy_o light_n i_o e._n in_o divine_a light_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a if_o thy_o spirit_n give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v what_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n or_o have_v a_o divine_a stamp_n or_o impress_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n we_o shall_v see_v light_a and_o often_o the_o prophet_n beg_v for_o irradiation_n psal_n 31.16_o &_o 67._o 1._o &_o 80.3.7.19_o &_o 119._o v._o 135._o cause_o thy_o face_n to_o shine_v and_o hence_o 2_o corin._n 4._o v._n 4.6_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o these_o irâ—â—diations_n a_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o compare_v its_o condition_n with_o and_o right_o to_o judge_v thereof_o by_o that_o perfect_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o the_o spirit_n witness_v as_o by_o operation_n within_o so_o also_o by_o a_o write_a word_n without_o this_o do_v contribute_v much_o to_o assurance_n the_o word_n declare_v 1._o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v attaineable_a and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5._o v._n 8.10_o 2._o what_o those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v which_o do_v evidence_n adoption_n as_o faith_n joh._n 1.12_o it_o give_v description_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o grace_n and_o open_v the_o nature_n property_n and_o effect_n of_o these_o or_o discover_v what_o operation_n a_o witness_v work_n have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o be_v real_a injoyer_n of_o it_o whereby_o a_o man_n may_v discern_v whither_o those_o work_n he_o have_v find_v be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n real_a and_o not_o counterfeit_a special_a and_o not_o common_a 3._o what_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n be_v whereby_o these_o work_n may_v become_v witness_v 4._o what_o application_n of_o a_o word_n do_v make_v it_o witness_v yet_o not_o the_o word_n alone_o but_o that_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o irradiation_n and_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v adoption_n if_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n afford_v this_o proposition_n towards_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_n 16.16_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v but_o i_o believe_v now_o towards_o this_o the_o word_n tell_v we_o what_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o spirit_n work_v and_o act_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o by_o its_o irradiation_n help_v we_o to_o see_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v yet_o i_o believe_v and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v from_o the_o word_n therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v what_o this_o witness_v work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v chap._n vi_o of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o adoption_n and_o that_o first_o immediate_o by_o itself_o prove_v by_o four_o argument_n qu._n 2._o how_o do_v the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o adoption_n ans_fw-fr 1._o more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o 2._o by_o water_n 3._o by_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5_o 8._o ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o spirit_n witness_v more_o immediate_o by_o itself_o i_o say_v by_o itself_o not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o write_a word_n but_o to_o distinguish_v this_o way_n of_o witness_v from_o those_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5.8_o it_o be_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o these_o that_o make_v they_o witness_v to_o we_o efficient_o but_o beside_o the_o spirit_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o its_o own_o which_o it_o afford_v to_o some_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o satisfaction_n about_o their_o adoption_n sometime_o when_o they_o be_v gasp_v after_o communion_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n give_v they_o such_o sweet_a unexpressible_a heart-enamouring_a soul-ravishing_a manifestation_n of_o itself_o and_o of_o divine_a love_n as_o effectual_o overcome_v they_o into_o a_o undoubted_a persuasion_n thereof_o ordinary_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_v of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o this_o way_n of_o witness_v he_o make_v the_o word_n without_o a_o voice_n within_o by_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o particular_a soul_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o express_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o some_o scriptural_a consideration_n or_o in_o or_o present_o after_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n in_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n by_o the_o word_n as_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o very_a mercy_n of_o assurance_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n because_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n it_o may_v seem_v very_o improper_a to_o call_v it_o immediate_a and_o yet_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n but_o the_o expression_n may_v be_v bear_v withal_o 1._o because_o the_o spirit_n have_v such_o a_o eminent_a stroke_n here_o and_o do_v more_o eminent_o manifest_v its_o own_o presence_n in_o this_o then_o in_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v here_o it_o witness_v not_o in_o a_o discursive_a way_n by_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o premise_n but_o the_o spirit_n â—â—â—â—â—eth_v the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o work_v it_o into_o the_o persuasion_n by_o a_o direct_a act_n without_o any_o necessary_a reflection_n upon_o work_n former_o wrought_v within_o it_o effectual_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v its_o adoption_n 2._o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v the_o very_a breath_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o all_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a breathe_n or_o inspiration_n man_n be_v say_v immediate_o to_o speak_v unto_o one_o another_o when_o they_o use_v word_n to_o each_o other_o face_n to_o face_n now_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n 3._o because_o i_o use_v the_o word_n immediate_a to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o other_o way_n of_o witness_v now_o that_o beside_o the_o spirit_n witness_v by_o water_n i_o e._n sanctification_n and_o by_o blood_n i._n e._n justification_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a way_n of_o witness_v it_o may_v appear_v upon_o these_o ground_n arg._n 1._o from_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n himself_o rom._n 8.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v proper_a to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n do_v that_o which_o his_o substitute_n or_o servant_n do_v by_o his_o appointment_n 453._o not_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v witness_n as_o every_o effect_n be_v a_o witness_n of_o its_o cause_n but_o the_o spirit_n himself_o do_v it_o say_v the_o text._n symonds_n desert_v soul_n case_n and_o cure_n pag._n 453._o a_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n by_o his_o steward_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n himself_o have_v perform_v any_o work_n that_o argue_v his_o do_v it_o in_o his_o own_o
a_o time_n and_o many_o gracious_a effect_n be_v produce_v by_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o these_o be_v more_o full_o open_v elsewhere_o especial_o under_o the_o general_a evidence_n object_n but_o many_o have_v have_v flash_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n luk._n 8.13_o yea_o have_v be_v raise_v unto_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o hope_n and_o even_o a_o triumph_a joy_n who_o yet_o have_v be_v hypocrite_n job_n 8.13_o &_o 27.8_o job_n 20._o v._o 5._o and_o other_o have_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n &_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v under_o delusion_n all_o this_o while_n hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o how_o shall_v i_o discern_v that_o i_o go_v beyond_o these_o answ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n already_o hint_v that_o will_v difference_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o such_o slash_n as_o these_o be_v but_o further_o 1._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n cause_n glorious_a transsormation_n into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o word_n delusion_n or_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n leave_v without_o these_o a_o man_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o it_o as_o saul_n do_v 1_o sam._n 10.10_o and_o yet_o no_o imprint_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n some_o one_o affection_n as_o joy_n may_v arise_v upon_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o word_n as_o matth._n 13.20_o 21._o and_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o root_n mark_n 4.6_o the_o heart_n not_o be_v change_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v effectual_o by_o a_o word_n than_o there_o be_v a_o counterpane_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o hence_o jerem._n 31.33_o hebr._n 8.10_o the_o lord_n do_v promise_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o write_v his_o word_n in_o their_o heart_n some_o principle_n and_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n be_v wrought_v within_o that_o have_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o word_n 2_o corin._n 3.3.18_o we_o behold_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v mr_n forbes_n the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o smell_n of_o a_o apothecaris_n shop_n which_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o receive_v although_o he_o never_o carry_v any_o of_o these_o odoriferous_a thing_n with_o he_o but_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o impart_v the_o thing_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o real_o to_o possess_v it_o so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v see_v engrave_v in_o it_o mercy_n peace_n love_n righteousness_n life_n joy_n and_o christ_n himself_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v write_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o witnessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v powerful_a operation_n in_o the_o heart_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o spiritual_a gospel_n end_v there_o the_o end_n any_o work_n drive_v at_o be_v a_o great_a discoverer_n what_o it_o be_v if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o light_o but_o effectual_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o the_o noise_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n be_v take_v even_o with_o carnal_a heart_n many_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n matth._n 19_o v._n 16.22_o may_v be_v inquisitive_a after_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v desire_n to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o be_v very_o sorrowful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o these_o imply_v some_o tastig_fw-mi of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v hebr._n 6._o v._o 4_o 5._o a_o man_n may_v be_v elevate_v with_o rapture_n of_o joy_n upon_o a_o suppose_a interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o all_o this_o may_v be_v but_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n like_o haman_n he_o may_v think_v who_o will_v the_o lord_n honour_n but_o myself_o esth_n 6._o v._n 6._o but_o with_o the_o young_a man_n he_o may_v mind_v earthly_a thing_n more_o than_o christ_n or_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o say_v forbes_n as_o a_o physician_n that_o have_v prepare_v a_o comfortable_a potion_n for_o the_o health_n of_o a_o belove_a patient_n he_o will_v give_v to_o other_o a_o little_a of_o it_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v the_o taste_n of_o it_o but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v any_o strength_n to_o make_v any_o operation_n in_o the_o stomach_n so_o the_o lord_n may_v let_v some_o carnal_a man_n discern_v some_o goodness_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n but_o these_o taste_n do_v not_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o the_o refresh_a power_n of_o these_o they_o may_v be_v wrought_v into_o a_o great_a reformation_n and_o a_o glorious_a outward_a profession_n hereby_o but_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o to_o cause_v their_o heart_n to_o mount_v up_o christ-ward_n and_o place_v their_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o alone_o but_o the_o speaking_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v the_o soul_n cry_v out_o as_o cant._n 5.10_o 11._o my_o belove_a be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a the_o chief_a among_o ten_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n v._o 16._o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a a_o soul_n at_o such_o a_o day_n can_v but_o reckon_v christ_n the_o top_n of_o its_o glory_n and_o it_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n but_o in_o he_o and_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o the_o smile_n of_o his_o face_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o in_o its_o account_n reall-tasts_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a cause_n the_o soul_n to_o disrelish_v carnal_a delight_n and_o embitter_v those_o sweet_n to_o it_o say_v the_o soul_n shall_v i_o be_v take_v with_o the_o smile_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o the_o smile_a face_n of_o christ_n better_a shall_v i_o be_v drink_v with_o the_o sweet_a cup_n of_o worldly_a delight_n be_v not_o the_o wine_n in_o christ_n cellar_n better_a shall_v i_o feed_v upon_o ash_n after_o christ_n have_v lead_v i_o into_o his_o banquet_a house_n o_o no._n whither_o shall_v i_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o other_o question_n chap._n fourteen_o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n qu_n 2._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o blood_n ans_fw-fr 1._o from_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o the_o free_a promise_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o application_n of_o material_a blood_n but_o the_o gospel_n discover_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v intend_v and_o be_v useful_a for_o justification_n redemption_n etc._n etc._n and_o offer_v it_o for_o such_o use_n and_o end_n unto_o particular_a soul_n the_o application_n of_o blood_n be_v by_o faith_n rom._n 3.25_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v by_o a_o promise_n because_o faith_n ever_o must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n to_o fasten_v upon_o and_o rom._n 10_o v._n 8.10_o the_o apostle_n check_v &_o reprove_v for_o such_o carnal_a apprehension_n as_o that_o we_o must_v clamber_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n no_o say_v he_o the_o lord_n reach_v it_o forth_o and_o make_v it_o nigh_o to_o we_o in_o or_o by_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o same_o word_n promise_v believer_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 9_o so_o that_o a_o divine_a word_n be_v the_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n unto_o soul_n and_o for_o their_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n thereby_o this_o be_v god_n deed_n of_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v to_o show_v for_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o blood_n and_o all_o advantage_n that_o come_v by_o it_o and_o their_o acquittance_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o debt_n they_o do_v owe_v to_o justice_n many_o be_v possess_v with_o apprehension_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v assurance_n of_o interest_n in_o that_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o inward_a porplexity_n about_o it_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v the_o write_a word_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n whereas_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v you_o the_o blood_n in_o the_o several_a use_n it_o serve_v to_o be_v you_o also_o and_o that_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v you_o for_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o blood_n and_o the_o covenant_n heb._n 10._o v._o 16.19_o &_o 12._o v._o 24._o &_o 13._o v._o 20._o and_o your_o conclusion_n of_o interest_n