act_v by_o his_o own_o power_n the_o divine_a light_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n p._n 233._o 2._o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n diverse_a thing_n in_o the_o promise_n or_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o spirit_n do_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v reveal_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v clear_a in_o many_o particular_n from_o p._n 234._o to_o 340._o the_o first_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 236._o a_o second_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n p._n 254._o a_o three_o p._n 262._o a_o four_o p._n 267._o a_o five_o p._n 269._o a_o six_o p._n 274._o the_o security_n give_v to_o soul_n from_o the_o covenant_n oath_n seal_n p._n 274._o from_o the_o many_o engagement_n upon_o god_n himself_o p._n 305._o 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n p._n 340._o what_o conscience_n be_v the_o two_o most_o eminent_a work_n of_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n former_o infuse_v into_o their_o proper_a exercise_n p._n 345._o what_o the_o spirit_n excitatjoin_v be_v p._n 350._o 5._o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n both_o its_o attestation_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o faith_n p._n 355._o to_o 392._o quest_n how_o soul_n that_o conceive_v themselves_o to_o have_v receive_v certain_a and_o satisfy_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v know_v certain_o and_o infallible_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v real_o from_o god_n and_o not_o a_o diabolical_a enthusiasm_n or_o inspiration_n or_o a_o delusion_n by_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n p._n 392._o several_a thing_n concern_v diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 393._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a act_n of_o the_o devil_n policy_n towards_o believer_n and_o unbeliever_n p._n 406._o quest_n can_v the_o devil_n look_v into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o know_v what_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v p._n 425._o 2._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o conscience_n p._n 431._o 3._o satan_n power_n upon_o the_o affection_n and_o passion_n p._n 436._o premise_n about_o a_o soul_n trial_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v whether_o it_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o be_v a_o diabolical_a inspiration_n p._n 437._o four_o sinful_a distemper_n incident_a to_o believe_v soul_n when_o doubtful_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidenc_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o do_v incapacitate_v for_o a_o just_a trial_n and_o true_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n p_o 445._o quest_n if_o soul_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o impatiency_n rashness_n irrational_a affection_n prejudicial_a conceit_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o under_o decay_n of_o holiness_n be_v unsuitable_a for_o a_o right_a trial_n of_o their_o evidence_n then_o what_o suitable_a mean_n remain_v for_o such_o soul_n in_o these_o sad_a condition_n under_o fear_n that_o their_o eaidence_n be_v delusion_n answer_n p._n 455._o if_o the_o examination_n can_v only_o be_v take_v from_o those_o evidence_n which_o remain_v in_o their_o perspicity_n clearness_n and_o sanctify_a power_n then_o quest_n what_o use_n can_v soul_n make_v of_o the_o evidence_n they_o conceive_v they_o have_v receive_v of_o their_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o lustre_n and_o orient_a brightness_n of_o their_o evidence_n be_v eclipse_v p._n 472._o answer_v in_o 4_o proposition_n six_o holy_a use_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v for_o former_a evidence_n p._n 479._o nine_o argument_n from_o former_a evidence_n to_o plead_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n p._n 483._o from_o all_o those_o consideration_n the_o question_n be_v thus_o state_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 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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 cause_n and_o artificial_a the_o natural_a instrumental_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o work_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a inbred_a virtue_n that_o be_v by_o a_o proper_a disposition_n of_o its_o own_o and_o by_o a_o power_n that_o it_o have_v in_o itself_o without_o dependence_n upon_o any_o create_a cause_n though_o nothing_o that_o be_v a_o instrumental_a cause_n can_v be_v say_v to_o work_v by_o his_o own_o virtue_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n 3._o you_o must_v understand_v that_o instrumental_a efficient_a cause_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v again_o either_o as_o those_o that_o be_v mediate_a cause_n or_o immediate_a cause_n the_o mediate_a efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o contribute_v something_o to_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n that_o be_v that_o which_o have_v some_o influence_n into_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n either_o direct_o or_o indirect_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o far_o off_o there_o be_v many_o immediate_a thing_n that_o come_v between_o that_o make_v up_o the_o soul_n evidence_n the_o immediate_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o work_v so_o immediate_o that_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n assurance_n and_o the_o cause_n that_o which_o have_v the_o last_o stroke_n as_o i_o may_v say_v that_o be_v proper_o the_o immediate_a cause_n that_o which_o be_v once_o effect_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o soul_n do_v immediate_o and_o without_o intermission_n of_o time_n draw_v the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o immediate_a efficient_a cause_n 4._o instrumental_a cause_n be_v such_o as_o either_o solitary_a efficient_a cause_n or_o combine_v efficient_a cause_n that_o be_v such_o cause_n as_o work_v by_o themselves_o without_o other_o to_o produce_v such_o a_o effect_n or_o else_o such_o as_o work_v by_o other_o cause_v not_o without_o respect_n there_o be_v a_o efficient_a cause_n alone_o and_o a_o 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 this_o question_n by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n answ_n 1._o first_o i_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n that_o there_o be_v divers_a mediate_v and_o less_o principal_a cause_n that_o do_v afar_o off_o help_v something_o for_o the_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n there_o be_v divers_a such_o cause_n that_o be_v partly_o artificial_a and_o partly_o natural_a of_o this_o nature_n i_o may_v reckon_v up_o divers_a as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o open_n and_o clear_v the_o nature_n the_o largeness_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o a_o soul_n likewise_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n either_o of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o element_n of_o water_n in_o one_o be_v appoint_v 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
principle_n of_o darkness_n there_o be_v first_o something_o to_o be_v premise_v first_o that_o the_o soul_n understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o comfort_n second_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o apply_v comfort_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o comfort_n be_v mean_v only_o that_o strength_n and_o that_o life_n and_o refreshment_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o good_a of_o any_o object_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o his_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v suitable_a for_o the_o poor_a needy_a despicable_a loveless_n soul_n according_a as_o god_n the_o father_n tender_v he_o to_o the_o soul_n to_o speak_v more_o plain_o to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o he_o be_v offer_v free_o to_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o poor_a despicable_a soul_n to_o make_v up_o a_o league_n and_o amity_n and_o love_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o break_v in_o 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their_o own_o nature_n do_v empty_a the_o soul_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o self-confidence_n in_o regard_n it_o remove_v the_o soul_n from_o all_o imaginary_a dependence_n upon_o its_o self_n either_o for_o comfort_n here_o or_o for_o mercy_n and_o happiness_n to_o eternity_n the_o soul_n perfect_a nothingness_n in_o itself_o be_v only_o by_o behold_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o 3._o we_o know_v not_o yet_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v know_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o eph._n 3.19_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o they_o may_v comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o be_v to_o know_v this_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n this_o fullness_n of_o god_n can_v be_v wrought_v by_o nothing_o but_o by_o the_o full_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o comfort_n ii_o in_o regard_n it_o raise_v the_o soul_n thought_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n and_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o high_a estimation_n of_o he_o when_o the_o soul_n apply_v most_o incomprehensive_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o his_o privilege_n for_o the_o refresh_n of_o his_o soul_n then_o do_v the_o soul_n see_v most_o large_o into_o the_o incomprehensive_a gulf_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n see_v jesus_n christ_n most_o clear_o as_o altogether_o incomprehensible_a then_o be_v the_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o high_a thought_n that_o can_v be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n iii_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o large_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v do_v beget_v a_o more_o precious_a fear_n in_o the_o heart_n than_o all_o the_o terror_n sight_n and_o vision_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o the_o soul_n for_o sin_n can_v possible_o beget_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v endanger_v the_o soul_n to_o presume_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o apply_v christ_n in_o two_o large_a a_o measure_n in_o his_o comfort_n shall_v make_v the_o soul_n without_o fear_n now_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o fill_v with_o holy_a fear_n as_o when_o it_o have_v the_o large_a comprehension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o large_a comprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o more_o natural_a be_v the_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n now_o love_n be_v extend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n when_o it_o rest_v upon_o he_o or_o fetch_v in_o joy_n through_o believe_v and_o according_a as_o love_n be_v extend_v so_o be_v fear_v extend_v love_n and_o fear_v go_v hand_n in_o hand_n you_o can_v divide_v they_o a_o man_n of_o large_a love_n be_v a_o man_n of_o large_a fear_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a the_o more_o dear_a any_o object_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o a_o man_n fear_v to_o lose_v it_o four_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v apply_v most_o for_o comfort_n then_o do_v a_o holy_a jealousy_n rise_v high_a in_o the_o heart_n when_o love_n rise_v high_a jealousy_n rise_v high_a jealousy_n be_v compound_v of_o love_n and_o anger_n or_o love_n and_o hatred_n where_o love_n run_v out_o large_o in_o zeal_n there_o be_v a_o zeal_n of_o hatred_n against_o all_o that_o shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o it_o put_v a_o fearful_a man_n and_o a_o jealous_a man_n together_o to_z watch_z over_o a_o belove_a object_n and_o you_o need_v not_o fear_v their_o sleep_v thus_o fear_v and_o jealousy_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o soul_n will_v make_v it_o watchful_a lest_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o outgoing_a of_o the_o heart_n from_o jesus_n christ_n second_o neither_o can_v it_o dry_v up_o the_o repent_v or_o penitent_a tear_n too_o soon_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o the_o spring_n of_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v be_v seal_v up_o by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o large_a measure_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v make_v the_o soul_n presume_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o darkness_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o twofold_a mistake_n first_o that_o the_o discern_a eye_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o sin_n shall_v be_v discern_v shall_v be_v close_v up_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o large_a comfort_n from_o jesus_n christ_n second_o that_o the_o sight_n or_o apprehension_n of_o a_o defect_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o his_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a shall_v be_v the_o original_a of_o true_a godly_a sorrow_n and_o so_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n shall_v perish_v when_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n suitable_a to_o his_o needy_a 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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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take_v notice_n that_o every_o soul_n to_o whole_a faith_n and_o sense_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n have_v true_o reveal_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v full_a satisfaction_n clear_a undoubted_a satisfaction_n concern_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o its_o most_o serious_a deliberate_a meditation_n and_o contemplation_n so_o that_o so_o long_o as_o those_o precious_a beam_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n do_v remain_v actual_o shine_v into_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o doubt_n scruple_n or_o darkness_n in_o the_o soul_n about_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o any_o soul_n that_o have_v receive_v this_o truâ—…_n discovery_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n both_o unto_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n need_v not_o inquire_v for_o any_o more_o proof_n than_o his_o own_o soul_n possess_v at_o that_o instant_n that_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v one_o through_o christ_n §_o second_o the_o second_o instrumental_a cause_n that_o shine_v into_o any_o heart_n real_o from_o god_n to_o discover_v to_o that_o heart_n his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o lord_n precious_a word_n that_o heavenly_a light_n that_o shine_v into_o any_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a heart_n to_o reveal_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o it_o clear_o be_v only_o a_o precious_a spark_n that_o sparkle_v forth_o from_o the_o precious_a burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n and_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o do_v as_o it_o be_v incense_n and_o inflame_v that_o burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a word_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o send_v forth_o those_o bless_a spark_n into_o dark_a heart_n and_o it_o be_v that_o same_o bless_a spirit_n also_o that_o enlighten_v those_o dark_a heart_n to_o see_v discern_v and_o behold_v those_o spark_n that_o that_o burn_a lamp_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n send_v forth_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o write_a word_n be_v but_o concause_n that_o joint_o and_o sweet_o join_v together_o to_o enlighten_v the_o doubtful_a soul_n and_o clear_o reveal_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n have_v for_o his_o assurance_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o hand_n he_o have_v that_o secret_a light_n that_o discover_v itself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n which_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o sense_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o believe_a act_n and_o have_v the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v a_o letter_n write_v from_o the_o almighty_a to_o loveless_a soul_n that_o bear_v witness_v also_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n so_o that_o then_o the_o second_o reason_n next_o to_o the_o prime_a reason_n that_o the_o light_n that_o the_o soul_n receive_v proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o the_o soul_n behold_v it_o clear_o shine_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n but_o to_o clear_v this_o there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n open_v first_o that_o a_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o he_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o aught_o to_o receive_v that_o light_n as_o certain_a and_o infallible_a because_o it_o shine_v from_o the_o write_a word_n second_o that_o the_o lord_n precious_a write_a word_n do_v discover_v to_o particular_a believe_a soul_n their_o particular_a union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o unto_o their_o faith_n and_o unto_o their_o sense_n first_o it_o must_v be_v clear_v that_o a_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o his_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_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
to_o the_o soul_n too_o soon_o yet_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o many_o soul_n that_o they_o do_v believe_v their_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o they_o do_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o that_o though_o they_o be_v vile_a sinner_n yet_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v a_o saviour_n and_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a principle_n that_o the_o devil_n use_v as_o his_o grand_a snare_n wherein_o he_o catch_v many_o soul_n now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o soul_n may_v conceive_v dangerous_o and_o destructive_o their_o own_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o 1._o when_o they_o conceive_v they_o shall_v certain_o attain_v heaven_n and_o glory_n by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o have_v a_o eye_n or_o respect_n to_o any_o other_o benefit_n by_o christ_n now_o indeed_o do_v the_o soul_n conceit_n his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o when_o it_o neglect_v all_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v propound_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o neglect_v the_o behold_v the_o manner_n how_o jesus_n christ_n be_v propound_v and_o confuse_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n alone_o which_o be_v heaven_n and_o glory_n and_o fancy_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v attain_v these_o by_o he_o though_o indeed_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n may_v be_v fix_v upon_o one_o particular_a benefit_n that_o be_v propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o his_o eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o another_o benefit_n and_o thereupon_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v a_o saviour_n and_o as_o he_o save_v be_v the_o primary_n object_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o very_a first_o object_n of_o the_o first_o act_v of_o the_o soul_n faith_n yet_o this_o be_v still_o but_o only_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o be_v thus_o the_o soul_n can_v right_o have_v his_o eye_n of_o faith_n upon_o one_o benefit_n to_o be_v attain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o must_v have_v his_o eye_n upon_o all_o other_o benefit_n also_o propound_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o poor_a needy_a soul_n 2._o a_o soul_n conceit_v his_o salvation_n by_o christ_n too_o soon_o when_o he_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v attain_v heaven_n by_o christ_n without_o look_v for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o nothing_o can_v dash_v in_o sunder_o their_o confidence_n and_o hope_n though_o their_o conscience_n tell_v they_o their_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o and_o their_o practice_n the_o same_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v yet_o you_o must_v conceive_v it_o be_v only_o herein_o that_o this_o conceit_a salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v too_o soon_o 1._o in_o that_o it_o be_v preposterous_a it_o be_v a_o draw_v conclusion_n without_o premise_n that_o be_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o draw_v the_o conclusion_n upon_o then_o a_o soul_n conceive_v right_o when_o he_o conceive_v first_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v mediate_v between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o offence_n and_o displeasure_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n conclude_v therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o be_v save_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o if_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o soul_n salvation_n by_o christ_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o soul_n give_v credit_n to_o any_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o he_o do_v build_v this_o conceit_n than_o it_o be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v too_o soon_o in_o regard_n of_o order_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o indeed_o as_o for_o order_n of_o time_n this_o give_a credit_n to_o such_o a_o word_n of_o god_n as_o hold_v forth_o salvation_n to_o he_o by_o christ_n might_n and_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o the_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o word_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v his_o union_n to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o father_n through_o christ_n 2._o observe_v that_o this_o conceit_v their_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v no_o application_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n tender_v or_o offer_v as_o a_o saviour_n by_o god_n a_o soul_n may_v conceit_v salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o yet_o never_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o saviour_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o god_n offer_v the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o a_o complete_a saviour_n heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o to_o the_o uttermost_a even_o unto_o perfection_n that_o be_v to_o save_v they_o exact_o in_o all_o thing_n from_o all_o evil_n and_o from_o all_o fear_n and_o danger_n that_o can_v possible_o accrue_v now_o he_o that_o conceit_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v save_v he_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n guilt_n and_o misery_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v cast_v into_o do_v not_o conceit_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v his_o complete_a saviour_n and_o so_o apply_v christ_n too_o soon_o 2._o the_o salvation_n that_o god_n tender_v by_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o tender_v he_o as_o a_o saviour_n be_v twofold_a first_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o deliver_v and_o redeem_v the_o soul_n from_o his_o obligation_n unto_o punishment_n now_o this_o salvation_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v reconciliation_n which_o be_v the_o remove_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v bind_v it_o over_o to_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o primary_n cause_n why_o christ_n receive_v his_o name_n mat._n 1.21_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v jesus_n for_o he_o shall_v save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n second_o god_n tender_v by_o christ_n to_o save_v soul_n from_o the_o pollution_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o apply_v christ_n right_o as_o a_o saviour_n apply_v he_o thus_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n as_o one_o that_o have_v triumph_v over_o sin_n and_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o hell_n and_o death_n and_o then_o he_o see_v the_o lord_n invite_v his_o soul_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o conquest_n and_o thereupon_o his_o heart_n close_v with_o the_o tender_a and_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o seven_o principle_n of_o darkness_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o lord_n christ_n must_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o in_o a_o way_n of_o comfort_n darkness_n principle_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v common_o receive_v by_o many_o that_o comfort_n be_v more_o dangerous_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o meddle_v with_o than_o lie_v under_o horror_n and_o terror_n still_o they_o common_o illustrate_v it_o by_o this_o similitude_n say_v they_o some_o drop_n of_o aquavitae_n may_v be_v exceed_o helpful_a to_o a_o poor_a faint_a spirit_n it_o may_v revive_v a_o man_n in_o a_o swoon_n but_o pour_v in_o of_o much_o may_v overcome_v a_o man_n and_o choke_v the_o natural_a vital_a heat_n and_o so_o endanger_v a_o man_n life_n just_o thus_o say_v they_o it_o be_v with_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v sink_v and_o faint_v and_o press_v down_o through_o fear_n of_o the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o sin_n it_o may_v be_v good_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v some_o drop_n of_o the_o precious_a water_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o bosom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o say_v they_o if_o you_o pour_v in_o too_o much_o you_o may_v endanger_v the_o soul_n life_n to_o eternity_n this_o be_v another_o hellbred_a principle_n to_o prevent_v the_o soul_n sight_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o ground_n of_o this_o principle_n first_o that_o the_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n too_o much_o for_o comfort_v the_o soul_n may_v make_v the_o soul_n presumptuous_a thus_o they_o prove_v it_o say_v they_o the_o apply_v the_o law_n too_o much_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o open_v the_o terrible_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n too_o much_o may_v make_v the_o soul_n despair_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o open_n and_o apply_v the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o comfort_v the_o soul_n too_o much_o may_v put_v it_o upon_o a_o desperate_a rock_n of_o presumption_n second_o a_o second_o ground_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apply_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o comfort_v of_o the_o soul_n too_o much_o will_v too_o soon_o dry_a up_o the_o penitent_a tear_n it_o will_v soon_o seal_v up_o the_o spring_n of_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v that_o be_v break_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o
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 it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v now_o at_o this_o present_a to_o receive_v my_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n now_o all_o man_n grant_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o build_v say_v of_o adherence_n or_o dependence_n upon_o otherwise_o you_o must_v take_v away_o all_o ground_n upon_o which_o a_o soul_n must_v believe_v and_o you_o must_v leave_v a_o soul_n under_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v have_v no_o bottom_n upon_o which_o to_o set_v his_o faith_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o open_n of_o the_o second_o question_n and_o that_o be_v quest_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v a_o soul_n receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o have_v be_v determine_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o every_o poor_a despicable_a loveless_a forlorn_a soul_n that_o will_v receive_v he_o be_v the_o only_a unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o 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