and_o the_o same_o time_n and_o they_o be_v both_o but_o witness_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o help_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v one_o and_o the_o same_o conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n iii_o there_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o true_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o soul_n behold_v the_o very_a juice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o precious_a vine_n flow_v down_o into_o his_o soul_n as_o into_o one_o of_o his_o branch_n the_o soul_n find_v the_o same_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n drop_v down_o into_o his_o bosom_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n conclude_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o head_n have_v influence_n from_o it_o now_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v about_o this_o which_o be_v concause_n which_o may_v clear_v up_o to_o our_o understanding_n what_o may_v be_v safe_o hold_v forth_o in_o these_o 1._o that_o none_o of_o these_o 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and_o omega_n that_o which_o strike_v the_o first_o and_o last_o stroke_n that_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o which_o set_v on_o work_v all_o other_o mean_n for_o that_o end_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v this_o principal_a efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n i_o shall_v clear_v to_o you_o by_o some_o demonstration_n i._o it_o appear_v by_o the_o general_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n be_v design_v to_o that_o office_n alone_o to_o reveal_v truth_n or_o to_o guide_v soul_n into_o all_o truth_n as_o appear_v john_n 16.43_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v
be_v real_o from_o god_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o every_o soul_n believe_v or_o unbelieve_a remember_v as_o far_o as_o possible_a all_o the_o consideration_n that_o have_v be_v premise_v about_o this_o question_n and_o withal_o these_o fix_a and_o establish_v in_o your_o mind_n proceed_v with_o i_o to_o make_v a_o righteous_a trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o you_o conceive_v your_o soul_n have_v receive_v of_o your_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o then_o all_o these_o consideration_n premise_v our_o question_n propound_v must_v be_v thus_o staâ—ed_v quest_n how_o shall_v any_o soul_n that_o conceive_v he_o have_v receive_v and_o do_v actual_o enjoy_v certain_a and_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n demonstrate_v from_o certain_a necessary_a and_o evident_a reason_n that_o those_o his_o evidence_n be_v real_o from_o god_n answ_n for_o answer_v then_o direct_o to_o the_o question_n there_o be_v but_o two_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n 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certain_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o soul_n may_v prove_v its_o union_n from_o god_n be_v take_v from_o the_o cause_n now_o the_o cause_n be_v various_a but_o the_o two_o principal_a reason_n must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o two_o principal_a cause_n now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o which_o concur_v together_o and_o be_v never_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o the_o two_o efficient_a cause_n instrumental_a be_v the_o lord_n bless_v write_v word_n and_o that_o precious_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o write_a word_n be_v the_o more_o remote_a cause_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o more_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n now_o because_o the_o reason_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v any_o conclusion_n be_v most_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o most_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n though_o but_o still_o instrumental_a because_o the_o spirit_n do_v more_o immediate_o send_v down_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o do_v most_o clear_o reveal_v to_o faith_n the_o lord_n will_v to_o take_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o also_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o integrity_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o believe_v thence_o we_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o i_o answer_v thus_o that_o the_o first_o primary_n and_o principal_a reason_n from_o whence_o a_o soul_n may_v conclude_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n be_v that_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v those_o beam_n of_o light_a proceed_n from_o the_o 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unto_o any_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n do_v evidence_n that_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o bless_a spirit_n second_o it_o must_v be_v open_v that_o the_o light_n that_o so_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o most_o potent_a and_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o beget_v the_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n even_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o high_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n first_o it_o must_v be_v manifest_v that_o the_o light_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n to_o evidence_n to_o any_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v evidence_n itself_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n there_o be_v such_o sparkling_n of_o divinity_n in_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o spirit_n send_v down_o into_o any_o believe_a soul_n to_o discover_v its_o union_n that_o the_o eye_n that_o behold_v those_o beam_n of_o light_n see_v the_o 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name_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o palin_o engrave_v upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n that_o the_o soul_n so_o easy_o discern_v it_o that_o all_o fear_n doubt_n and_o suspicion_n all_o working_n of_o jealousy_n that_o those_o evidence_a beam_n of_o light_n be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n be_v banish_v by_o their_o mighty_a power_n i_o mean_v the_o soul_n enjoy_v those_o at_o that_o instant_n while_o their_o lustre_n their_o heavenly_a bright_a shine_a coruscation_n and_o glory_n continue_v the_o soul_n fear_v not_o that_o they_o be_v delusion_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o question_v that_o they_o be_v delusion_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 2.27_o but_o the_o anoint_v which_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o he_o abide_v in_o you_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n communicate_v to_o you_o abide_v in_o you_o which_o be_v here_o call_v the_o anoint_v because_o according_a to_o that_o in_o isa_n 61.1_o 2._o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n upon_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v call_v the_o anoint_v of_o christ_n for_o his_o mediatorial_n office_n and_o so_o the_o participate_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o believer_n be_v call_v the_o anoint_v of_o believer_n to_o partake_v of_o their_o head_n now_o say_v he_o the_o anoint_v abide_v in_o you_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v you_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o be_v no_o lie_n the_o spirit_n teach_v you_o all_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o mean_a of_o all_o truth_n and_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n for_o that_o no_o believe_a soul_n yet_o understand_v while_o he_o dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n paul_n himself_o understand_v but_o in_o part_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n forenamed_a the_o grand_a gospel_n truth_n
distinction_n about_o cause_n or_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o understand_v this_o question_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o promise_n be_v make_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o the_o soul_n must_v understand_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n and_o the_o less_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n though_o there_o be_v proper_o unto_o every_o action_n but_o one_o principal_a cause_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o instrumental_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v the_o respect_n of_o efficient_a cause_n for_o the_o produce_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a neither_o unless_o it_o be_v coordinate_a 2._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o mean_n or_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v divide_v again_o into_o natural_a instrumental_a efficient_a 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concause_n with_o another_o and_o both_o contribute_v assistance_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n 5._o these_o efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v divide_v again_o into_o subordinate_a cause_n or_o coordinate_a cause_n that_o be_v such_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o though_o they_o work_v together_o be_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n or_o else_o such_o as_o produce_v a_o equal_a power_n joint_o together_o for_o the_o effect_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o that_o efficient_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v subordinate_a when_o one_o have_v the_o supremacy_n and_o all_o have_v dependence_n upon_o one_o though_o many_o thing_n have_v influence_n into_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v coordinate_a when_o they_o have_v equal_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o one_o not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v without_o another_o now_o all_o these_o distinction_n of_o cause_n must_v be_v understand_v for_o a_o right_n clear_a understanding_n of_o 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by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o discover_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o water_n and_o to_o signify_v the_o soul_n partake_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n by_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o so_o consequent_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o death_n and_o life_n consequent_o seal_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o he_o and_o live_v for_o he_o so_o the_o other_o sacrament_n the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o signify_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o break_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o application_n of_o those_o element_n to_o he_o be_v element_n by_o which_o his_o body_n shall_v be_v refresh_v and_o clear_v be_v appoint_v to_o show_v the_o life_n and_o nourishment_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o christ_n alone_o these_o sacrament_n in_o their_o right_a institution_n may_v be_v instrumental_a immediate_a cause_n afar_o off_o to_o contribute_v to_o a_o soul_n something_o of_o his_o union_n so_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o christian_a conference_n inquire_v into_o the_o freeness_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o latitude_n of_o it_o and_o every_o spiritual_a ordinance_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o any_o remembrance_n may_v contribute_v something_o to_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n which_o be_v proper_o artificial_a cause_n not_o natural_a but_o of_o a_o mix_a kind_n partly_o artificial_a and_o partly_o natural_a and_o all_o these_o be_v in_o this_o kind_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v mean_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o i_o may_v not_o say_v never_o but_o god_n use_v one_o of_o these_o mean_n to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v common_o â—â—â—eived_v that_o there_o be_v three_o more_o immediate_a joint_n concur_v cause_n to_o make_v up_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n from_o the_o promise_n though_o those_o forename_a mean_n do_v work_v instrumental_o for_o that_o end_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v work_v more_o inward_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v to_o be_v joint_a cause_n work_v for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n i_o mean_v for_o assure_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o i._o the_o irradiation_n i_o mean_v the_o bright_a shine_a light_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o precious_a heavenly_a lamp_n that_o shine_v so_o clear_o into_o the_o dark_a soul_n that_o it_o make_v the_o soul_n see_v in_o a_o sensible_a way_n that_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o promise_n and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v in_o that_o promise_n faith_n give_v the_o soul_n such_o a_o feel_a experience_n that_o it_o do_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v even_o when_o it_o be_v receive_v of_o it_o his_o soul_n grasp_v jesus_n christ_n so_o powerful_o as_o he_o feel_v his_o arm_n grasp_v jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o promise_n ii_o there_o be_v the_o conclusion_n renew_v conscience_n draw_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o spiritual_a and_o experimental_a reason_n that_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o his_o particular_a soul_n and_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o promise_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o appear_v from_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v son_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o two_o fold_v witness_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o spirit_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o renew_a understanding_n or_o conscience_n that_o give_v the_o testimony_n and_o both_o of_o they_o witness_n at_o one_o
shall_v be_v break_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n become_v finite_a answ_n 2._o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o the_o union_n that_o the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v your_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v according_a as_o the_o scripture_n name_v it_o fivefold_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n or_o a_o union_n of_o peace_n make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n this_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n then_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v divide_v when_o there_o be_v jar_n and_o quarrel_n take_v up_o by_o one_o person_n against_o another_o but_o the_o remove_n of_o these_o quarrel_n and_o controversy_n between_o those_o person_n be_v the_o make_v those_o person_n one_o again_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v such_o a_o bless_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o god_n in_o adam_n as_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o jar_n imaginable_a in_o god_n bosom_n against_o we_o nor_o in_o our_o bosom_n against_o god_n but_o through_o our_o curse_a transgression_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n we_o give_v god_n such_o offence_n as_o he_o have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n and_o our_o heart_n have_v a_o curse_a quarrel_n against_o god_n whence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n in_o our_o mind_n now_o the_o union_n god_n intend_v to_o bring_v the_o soul_n to_o in_o christ_n be_v a_o union_n of_o agreement_n that_o be_v the_o removing_z all_o those_o jar_n and_o difference_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o marriage_n or_o a_o matrimonial_a union_n the_o lord_n have_v such_o infinite_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n in_o his_o bosom_n towards_o soul_n that_o when_o they_o have_v despise_v that_o bless_a union_n with_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o by_o creation_n he_o will_v make_v they_o better_o again_o than_o they_o be_v first_o make_v by_o another_o union_n he_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o marriage_n union_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n a_o spouse_n to_o christ_n and_o christ_n a_o husband_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o advance_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n above_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v but_o minister_a spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n they_o never_o have_v such_o a_o honour_n as_o to_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n this_o union_n you_o find_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n in_o eph._n 5._o speak_v of_o marriage_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n say_v he_o i_o speak_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n so_o rev._n 19.7_o and_o chap._n 21.9_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o spirit_n he_o will_v communicate_v of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v his_o wife_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o spirit_n with_o himself_o that_o the_o saint_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 6.17_o 4._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lively_a pattern_n of_o himself_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 8.29_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n hence_o he_o say_v 2_o pet._n 1.3_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v partaker_n of_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o union_n of_o nature_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v a_o union_n of_o holiness_n that_o as_o he_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n he_o will_v make_v his_o spouse_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n nay_o we_o be_v say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n eph._n 4_o 18_o that_o be_v to_o live_v the_o same_o life_n of_o god_n 5._o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o headship_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o have_v jesus_n christ_n as_o his_o head_n and_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v common_o call_v by_o man_n the_o mystical_a union_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hide_a union_n that_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o body_n this_o union_n be_v thus_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o elect_n that_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n choose_v to_o be_v vessel_n to_o which_o he_o will_v communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o all_o eternity_n quest_n 2._o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n thus_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n how_o can_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n will_v effect_v such_o a_o gracious_a work_n as_o this_o to_o unite_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n in_o all_o those_o way_n i_o answer_v first_o negative_o second_o affirmative_o ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o must_v not_o conceive_v that_o the_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n be_v the_o original_n principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n as_o though_o this_o union_n of_o soul_n with_o christ_n do_v depend_v only_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n reveal_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n of_o union_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o themselves_o either_o by_o resist_v or_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n that_o the_o reveal_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o will_n 2._o neither_o must_v you_o conceive_v that_o those_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v by_o their_o own_o effectual_a virtue_n produce_v this_o union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o christ_n faith_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o unite_n grace_n by_o which_o the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o do_v not_o produce_v this_o union_n by_o any_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n and_o proper_a quality_n in_o itself_o but_o as_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v wrought_v by_o those_o revelation_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n 3._o neither_o do_v those_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o outward_a ear_n work_v this_o effect_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v say_v john_n 6.45_o every_o one_o that_o have_v learn_v of_o the_o father_n come_v unto_o i_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v and_o learn_v those_o truth_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n that_o immediate_o produce_v those_o effect_n but_o hear_v from_o the_o father_n that_o be_v by_o god_n give_v inward_a beam_n of_o light_n to_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o he_o do_v discover_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o soul_n ans_fw-fr 2._o i_o answer_v affirmative_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v produce_v this_o union_n three_o way_n 1._o by_o discover_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o soul-alluring_a property_n of_o it_o it_o be_v instrumental_o that_o the_o lord_n use_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o soul_n that_o a_o union_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v and_o to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n beauty_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o that_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n present_a condition_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v to_o accept_v of_o that_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n union_n can_v be_v effect_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n without_o a_o discovery_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n by_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n do_v gather_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a glass_n as_o it_o be_v whereby_o the_o soul_n may_v discover_v the_o way_n of_o attain_v a_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n 2._o by_o convey_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a soul_n to_o apprehend_v that_o union_n though_o the_o most_o orient_a bright_a glister_a colour_n be_v present_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n cover_v with_o darkness_n they_o can_v not_o take_v up_o a_o man_n meditation_n about_o they_o neither_o can_v he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o now_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n that_o though_o the_o gospel_n hold_v forth_o the_o union_n yet_o we_o can_v be_v take_v up_o with_o it_o nor_o pass_v
judgement_n upon_o it_o till_o the_o eye_n be_v open_v therefore_o the_o gospel_n present_v a_o union_n to_o be_v obtain_v and_o give_v eye_n to_o see_v that_o union_n hence_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v part_n of_o christ_n office_n isa_n 42.6_o 7._o to_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o thence_o we_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.2_o to_o receive_v a_o understanding_n to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o by_o infuse_v a_o disposition_n into_o the_o will_n to_o embrace_v that_o union_n propound_v unto_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n the_o lord_n by_o those_o inward_a revelation_n do_v convey_v a_o holy_a inclination_n into_o the_o perverse_a obstinate_a will_n whereby_o the_o will_n be_v draw_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o union_n propound_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o once_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v a_o spiritual_a eye_n by_o those_o revelation_n of_o gospel_n truth_n to_o apprehend_v a_o union_n tender_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o christ_n in_o the_o beauty_n excellency_n necessity_n and_o sutableness_n of_o it_o that_o very_a vision_n of_o that_o union_n with_o the_o property_n of_o it_o do_v change_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o wrought_v in_o opposition_n against_o god_n former_o and_o cause_v the_o will_n to_o desire_v that_o union_n propound_v in_o christ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o then_o by_o the_o light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o these_o truth_n reveal_v the_o soul_n apprehend_v that_o union_n as_o the_o only_a chief_a good_a and_o then_o the_o will_n can_v but_o close_v with_o it_o and_o embrace_v it_o then_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o embrace_v that_o union_n the_o union_n be_v make_v up_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o four_o respect_n mention_v from_o whence_o do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o union_n of_o likeness_n and_o similitude_n and_o that_o be_v make_v up_o from_o those_o 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have_v a_o part_n in_o his_o death_n than_o be_v our_o sin_n crucify_v in_o his_o death_n know_v this_o by_o this_o discussive_a power_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o through_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n for_o all_o the_o injury_n and_o indignity_n the_o soul_n have_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o the_o soul_n apprehend_v a_o willingness_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o receive_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n whereby_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o what_o the_o lord_n propound_v to_o it_o than_o the_o understanding_n begin_v to_o argue_v thus_o what_o be_v thou_o unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n then_o the_o intent_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v conformable_a to_o his_o image_n and_o can_v thou_o walk_v contrary_a to_o christ_n 2._o the_o understanding_n constrain_v from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o engagement_n to_o be_v like_a to_o christ_n first_o the_o understanding_n will_v urge_v the_o engagement_n of_o god_n honour_n if_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n than_o thou_o be_v engage_v to_o hold_v up_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o christ_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n in_o thy_o conversation_n thou_o be_v to_o be_v a_o golden_a pillar_n whereupon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o great_a character_n second_o the_o union_n of_o likeness_n follow_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o agreement_n and_o sutableness_n of_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n disposition_n through_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o embrace_v union_n propound_v with_o christ_n there_o be_v such_o a_o disposition_n prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o sweet_o close_v with_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o become_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o unlike_a to_o he_o quest_n 3._o why_o do_v the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o answer_v this_o question_n two_o thing_n must_v first_o be_v premise_v in_o general_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a efficient_a cause_n of_o another_o act_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n will_v have_v determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v one_o thing_n that_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o determine_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v another_o thing_n as_o though_o the_o first_o act_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o second_o act_n of_o god_n will_v for_o god_n will_v be_v god_n himself_o and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o simple_a act_n of_o god_n will_v he_o will_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o at_o once_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v nothihg_v that_o the_o lord_n determine_v that_o move_v inward_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v another_o thing_n as_o the_o consequent_a of_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n that_o all_o his_o operation_n be_v dependent_a in_o himself_o yet_o as_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v effect_v by_o other_o so_o proper_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o thing_n for_o another_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v one_o thing_n to_o produce_v such_o a_o end_n as_o the_o lord_n will_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n to_o have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o thing_n below_o to_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o be_v and_o keep_v the_o natural_a virtue_n communicate_v to_o they_o though_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n will_n yet_o they_o be_v will_v to_o that_o end_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v there_o be_v divers_a end_n which_o may_v improper_o be_v call_v cause_n of_o the_o lord_n intent_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n reas_n 1._o because_o the_o union_n of_o god_n the_o father_n with_o soul_n be_v effect_v by_o and_o through_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n col._n 1.19_o 20._o it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o have_v make_v peace_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o cross_n by_o he_o to_o reconcile_v all_o thing_n unto_o himself_o it_o be_v by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v to_o himself_o that_o shall_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o union_n of_o agreement_n with_o god_n so_o that_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v that_o bond_n of_o connexion_n between_o god_n and_o any_o soul_n as_o in_o job_n 9.33_o where_o job_n complain_v he_o can_v not_o come_v
with_o himself_o conclu_n 2._o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o particular_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o union_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_n confidence_n of_o the_o particularity_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v both_o of_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n take_v away_o particular_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n particular_a will_n towards_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o you_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o adherence_n take_v away_o the_o particular_a confidence_n and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v tender_v 2._o both_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o say_v of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o indeed_o that_o the_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v when_o he_o once_o act_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n differ_v gradual_o that_o be_v in_o many_o degree_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o adherence_n yet_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o be_v both_o substantial_o the_o same_o they_o be_v but_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o take_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o only_o this_o differ_v in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o faith_n of_o assurance_n act_v that_o confidence_n by_o way_n of_o the_o time_n past_a that_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o good_a will_v alone_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n whereas_o that_o confidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o dependence_n or_o adherence_n may_v work_v thus_o that_o 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certain_a infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n but_o now_o say_v the_o soul_n by_o what_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n make_v efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o bare_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_a to_o the_o particular_a soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n i_o must_v first_o premise_v divers_a thing_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o then_o lie_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n in_o what_o condition_n soever_o under_o what_o temptation_n in_o what_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n soever_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v accept_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o though_o indeed_o the_o promise_n work_v this_o effect_n very_o rare_o in_o soul_n yet_o at_o all_o time_n the_o promise_n have_v that_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o addition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o promise_n neither_o by_o word_n nor_o light_n neither_o by_o way_n of_o particularise_v soul_n nor_o by_o way_n of_o comprehensiveness_n to_o make_v it_o conclude_v soul_n neither_o do_v the_o soul_n build_v upon_o any_o thing_n add_v to_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n itself_o be_v the_o absolute_a ground_n that_o the_o soul_n always_o build_v upon_o in_o receive_v evidence_n from_o it_o now_o because_o the_o promise_n itself_o do_v not_o at_o every_o time_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n manifest_a unto_o that_o soul_n thus_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o who_o it_o have_v evidence_v his_o union_n therefore_o think_v some_o soul_n it_o be_v something_o superad_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o some_o again_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o position_n itself_o that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n shall_v give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o some_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o kind_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o soul_n name_n to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n shall_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o some_o superadded_a revelation_n but_o neither_o of_o both_o these_o must_v be_v conceive_v but_o the_o promise_n have_v always_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o light_a to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o only_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o tower_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o it_o be_v with_o this_o foundation_n as_o with_o other_o foundation_n when_o the_o timber_n be_v hew_v and_o square_a fit_n for_o a_o groundsel_n it_o must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o foundation_n so_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v instruction_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v see_v his_o assurance_n stand_v firm_a upon_o it_o prem_n 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o a_o subordination_n to_o his_o will_n for_o the_o effect_v any_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o produce_v or_o effect_v such_o a_o end_n this_o i_o premise_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o mean_n when_o we_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v this_o promise_n make_v sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o primary_n efficient_a cause_n upon_o which_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o dependence_n and_o all_o thing_n employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v that_o be_v inferior_a cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o be_v call_v mean_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o create_a cause_n some_o such_o inferior_a cause_n may_v be_v call_v a_o principal_a cause_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v this_o end_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o that_o use_n prem_n 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o various_a mean_n that_o do_v common_o concur_v together_o for_o effect_v one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o have_v divers_a relation_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o work_v diverse_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a kind_n of_o influence_n from_o divers_a thing_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n and_o whatever_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a cause_n it_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mean_n so_o in_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o evidence_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v and_o do_v concur_v for_o effect_v that_o bless_a end_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n though_o those_o various_a thing_n work_v in_o a_o various_a manner_n and_o one_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n and_o another_o have_v another_o influence_n and_o so_o be_v look_v at_o as_o divers_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o assurance_n prem_n 4._o four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o
guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o observe_v why_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n now_o in_o this_o guide_n the_o soul_n into_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v two_o office_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v design_v to_o first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n make_v know_v first_o the_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o cast_v in_o the_o precious_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n whereby_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n apprehensive_a of_o any_o truth_n this_o make_v know_v of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o communicate_v of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o the_o soul_n or_o in_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a eye_n of_o discern_v we_o be_v all_o like_a poor_a bartimeus_n bear_v blind_a the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o now_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n alone_o to_o make_v a_o precious_a eye_n salve_n that_o may_v restore_v spiritual_a sight_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o discern_a truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 5.20_o in_o conversion_n we_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v a_o disposition_n to_o know_v he_o a_o understanding_n capable_a of_o know_v he_o 2._o the_o spirit_n present_v truth_n to_o that_o spiritual_a eye_n tâ—â—t_n that_o he_o have_v communicate_v therefore_o in_o eph._n 1.17_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o internal_a spiritual_a habit_n of_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v truth_n but_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n also_o that_o be_v of_o manifest_v the_o truth_n unto_o the_o soul_n 3._o in_o make_v know_v spiritual_a truth_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o impediment_n that_o do_v prevent_v the_o discern_a of_o truth_n present_v though_o the_o spirit_n give_v eye_n and_z presents_z truth_n there_o may_v be_v such_o impediment_n between_o the_o soul_n eye_n and_o the_o truth_n that_o may_v prevent_v the_o soul_n discern_v there_o may_v be_v some_o film_n or_o some_o corrupt_a humour_n some_o film_n of_o lust_n or_o selfishness_n that_o may_v hinder_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o spirit_n make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n know_v the_o first_o truth_n that_o god_n discover_v to_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v his_o own_o sin_n his_o guilt_n and_o danger_n of_o condemnation_n must_v as_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n as_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o john_n 16.8_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o reprove_v or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o make_v it_o clear_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o sinful_a wretch_n that_o believe_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n also_o must_v make_v this_o application_n will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o equal_a and_o proportionable_a sense_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o wrath_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o every_o sinner_n understand_v sin_n and_o wrath_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o spirit_n alone_o that_o do_v make_v application_n of_o the_o truth_n make_v know_v it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o but_o so_o far_o as_o every_o soul_n do_v understand_v what_o sin_n and_o wrath_n be_v the_o effect_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o wrath_n will_v remain_v in_o such_o a_o heart_n but_o alas_o experience_n enough_o teach_v we_o that_o many_o sinner_n that_o have_v large_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v wrath_n and_o condemnation_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o effect_n in_o the_o least_o manner_n the_o effect_n be_v two_o condemnation_n in_o the_o soul_n judgement_n horror_n and_o anguish_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o condemnation_n he_o that_o understand_v sin_n right_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n understand_v it_o to_o be_v damnable_a therefore_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v condemnation_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o man_n to_o confess_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a and_o to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v sinner_n but_o far_o off_o from_o draw_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a enough_o of_o the_o conclusion_n though_o they_o conclude_v sin_n to_o be_v damnable_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o conclude_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n so_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o the_o second_o effect_n that_o follow_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v horror_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o that_o condemnation_n though_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o a_o soul_n go_v so_o far_o as_o almost_o to_o conclude_v itself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o damn_a condition_n yet_o far_o be_v it_o from_o let_v it_o take_v effect_n upon_o his_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o lie_v heavy_a upon_o his_o heart_n as_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o the_o reveal_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n reveal_v depend_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n must_v say_v here_o be_v thy_o sin_n and_o yonder_o be_v the_o pit_n of_o misery_n before_o a_o man_n can_v apply_v those_o truth_n to_o his_o own_o soul_n 2._o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v the_o application_n in_o regard_n the_o terror_n and_o horror_n for_o sin_n be_v appropriate_v by_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o his_o work_n alone_o whence_o you_o shall_v see_v rom._n 8.16_o fear_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v that_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o work_v fear_n and_o anguish_n and_o vexation_n of_o soul_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n 2._o the_o spirit_n alone_o must_v be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n in_o evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spirit_n particular_a and_o peculiar_a office_n that_o it_o be_v appoint_v unto_o by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o spirit_n have_v its_o office_n and_o that_o be_v to_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o peculiar_a one_o of_o christ_n hence_o the_o name_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 16.17_o now_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v the_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o principal_a instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n in_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o consolation_n unto_o the_o soul_n faith_n now_o the_o spirit_n shall_v give_v soul_n but_o small_a comfort_n can_v he_o not_o give_v they_o comfort_n unto_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n reveal_v the_o everlasting_a inheritance_n to_o be_v they_o everlasting_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v they_o and_o then_o let_v they_o see_v holiness_n in_o they_o to_o be_v a_o drop_n of_o the_o inheritance_n that_o the_o soul_n shall_v feed_v itself_o with_o to_o eternity_n the_o comfort_n be_v but_o small_a 2._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v by_o appropriate_v the_o thing_n promise_v that_o the_o promise_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v any_o consolation_n there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v comfort_n from_o the_o promise_n propriety_n and_o security_n the_o soul_n must_v see_v propriety_n or_o else_o no_o love_n at_o lest_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o while_o there_o be_v not_o the_o satiate_a of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n comfort_n be_v the_o content_a the_o soul_n have_v in_o behold_v his_o desire_a satisfaction_n now_o whatever_o the_o soul_n see_v it_o satisfi_v not_o till_o it_o have_v a_o propriety_n in_o it_o and_o till_o there_o be_v a_o security_n