he_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n adopt_a justify_v &_o c_o sure_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v of_o this_o because_o it_o be_v unwritten_a answ_n the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o certainty_n about_o this_o as_o well_o as_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o judge_v of_o any_o and_o due_o consider_v all_o requisite_n unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o ingredient_n or_o concur_v act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o apply_v of_o such_o a_o promise_n and_o the_o better_a to_o evince_v this_o and_o answer_v the_o objection_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v much_o conduce_v to_o clear_v this_o coast_n 1._o the_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n than_o the_o object_n a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o right_a object_n for_o his_o faith_n &_o yet_o not_o have_v a_o right_a act_n about_o that_o object_n his_o faith_n can_v witness_v nothing_o thus_o joh._n 2.23_o many_o believe_v in_o christ_n name_n here_o be_v the_o right_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o you_o may_v see_v joh._n 1.12_o and_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a v._o 24_o 25._o and_o no_o evidence_n so_o joh._n 8.30_o 31._o they_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o god_n but_o the_o devil_n for_o their_o father_n v._o 34_o 39.44_o so_o act._n 8._o v._n 13._o yea_o jam._n 2.19_o the_o devil_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o tremble_v and_o the_o apostle_n declare_v this_o purposely_o to_o prove_v the_o defectivenes_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o may_v have_v a_o scriptural_a object_n a_o man_n may_v put_v forth_o but_o a_o natural_a act_n about_o a_o supernatural_a object_n may_v have_v but_o a_o humane_a faith_n about_o divine_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 2.5_o there_o be_v more_o require_v unto_o the_o specificate_a of_o true_a faith_n than_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o credit_v or_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v now_o if_o the_o nature_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v considerable_a and_o must_v be_v discern_v before_o sonship_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o then_o see_v those_o difference_v thing_n about_o the_o act_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v draw_v out_o in_o the_o application_n of_o witness_v word_n hence_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o then_o in_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o scripture_n declare_v such_o as_o do_v right_o believe_v to_o be_v adopt_v and_o justify_v and_o determine_v what_o faith_n be_v joh._n 1.12_o rom._n 5.1_o act._n 13.39_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v and_o the_o give_v such_o a_o characteristical_a note_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o particularise_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v they_o by_o name_n and_o say_v thou_o john_n thomas_n thou_o be_v justify_v or_o adopt_a if_o legacy_n be_v give_v though_o their_o name_n which_o they_o be_v give_v to_o be_v not_o express_o mention_v in_o the_o will_n yet_o a_o distinguish_a character_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o name_n of_o they_o so_o faith_n be_v make_v a_o character_n of_o adopt_a one_o and_o so_o it_o be_v write_v and_o by_o good_a consequence_n it_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n who_o be_v adopt_v 3._o the_o supervenient_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o a_o word_n be_v enough_o to_o particularize_v it_o unto_o the_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o word_n itself_o be_v witness_v it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v in_o scripture_n in_o express_a term_n that_o luther_n or_o calvin_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n yet_o see_v the_o general_a word_n about_o the_o resurrection_n do_v include_v all_o particular_n under_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o improper_a to_o say_v it_o be_v write_v that_o they_o shall_v rise_v again_o but_o though_o the_o scripture_n say_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n application_n of_o those_o general_a word_n that_o cause_v they_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o where_o write_v that_o this_o or_o that_o person_n shall_v believe_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v conviction_n or_o supportment_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o or_o that_o sermon_n or_o that_o this_o scripture_n shall_v be_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n to_o one_o soul_n and_o another_o scripture_n for_o the_o same_o end_n to_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v some_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n necessary_a and_o hereby_o a_o general_a call_n be_v make_v particular_a and_o so_o this_o soul_n believe_v on_o christ_n when_o many_o that_o hear_v the_o same_o sermon_n and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n have_v a_o call_n as_o well_o as_o he_o yet_o believe_v not_o and_o hence_o many_o scripture_n be_v press_v that_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o work_v a_o conviction_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o prevail_v not_o but_o as_o last_v one_o word_n be_v single_v out_o and_o work_v mighty_o that_o way_n at_o the_o same_o word_n act._n 17._o some_o mock_v v._o 32._o other_o believe_v v._o 34._o &_o hence_o many_o word_n suitable_a to_o a_o soul_n condition_n may_v be_v view_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o succour_v and_o at_o last_o one_o cull_v out_o from_o rest_n afford_v much_o relief_n to_o it_o all_o which_o do_v abundant_o evidence_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v sufficient_a to_o particularize_v a_o word_n to_o a_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v ordinary_o afford_v for_o such_o end_n no_o soul_n be_v convert_v but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appropriate_a of_o gospel_n invitation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o like_a concurrence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o some_o word_n will_v make_v they_o witness_v which_o make_v those_o convince_a convert_v support_v &c._n &c._n and_o the_o testimony_n will_v be_v as_o scriptural_a as_o any_o of_o those_o other_o work_n which_o be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o all_o grant_n and_o see_v in_o those_o testify_a act_n by_o a_o word_n the_o spirit_n operate_v as_o efficacious_o and_o usual_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a way_n then_o at_o other_o time_n hence_o they_o be_v as_o visible_a and_o act_n of_o faith_n here_o as_o evident_a as_o about_o other_o word_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v together_o i_o can_v but_o reckon_v the_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v from_o scripture_n both_o direct_o and_o by_o consequence_n though_o the_o word_n alone_o do_v not_o witness_n yet_o by_o the_o spirit_n application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o soul_n it_o do_v and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n indeed_o the_o spirit_n proper_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o witness_v that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o hardly_o be_v a_o witness_n at_o all_o if_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o revealer_n so_o as_o if_o it_o come_v from_o another_o as_o satan_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v and_o hence_o 1_o joh._n 4.16_o we_o have_v know_n and_o believe_v the_o love_n that_o god_n have_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o witness_n 1_o joh._n 5.9_o and_o heaven_n or_o eternal_a life_n be_v absolute_o promise_v unto_o all_o believer_n hebr._n 9.15_o that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o death_n they_o which_o be_v call_v may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a inheritance_n jam._n 2.5_o joh._n 3.15_o that_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v to_o act_v upon_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o word_n be_v undeniable_a what_o use_v else_o do_v they_o serve_v to_o and_o how_o else_o can_v those_o that_o be_v call_v receive_v they_o see_v gal._n 3._o v._n 18.22.29_o 1_o thes_n 5.8_o let_v we_o put_v on_o for_o a_o helmet_n the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n titus_n 1._o v._o 2._o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v whither_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_n be_v raise_v by_o a_o present_a particular_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o by_o a_o reflection_n upon_o forego_v act_n of_o faith_n either_o way_n they_o must_v be_v divine_a because_o build_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v and_o if_o the_o latter_a way_n that_o strong_o prove_v that_o the_o interveen_n of_o reflex_n act_n can_v hinder_v assurance_n from_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o may_v give_v other_o secondary_a evidence_n of_o this_o immediate_a testimony_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o discern_v many_o of_o its_o former_a experience_n at_o such_o
they_o and_o when_o the_o soul_n free_o choose_v this_o complete_a salvation_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o free_o ow_v the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o than_o blood_n be_v witness_v else_o not_o psal_n 4._o v._n 6_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 2._o v._n 2._o 6._o from_o its_o be_v draw_v out_o with_o such_o strength_n after_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o have_v be_v after_o other_o thing_n which_o undoubted_o the_o heart_n have_v be_v set_v upon_o and_o have_v freedom_n for_o a_o unbeliever_n utmost_a if_o he_o do_v come_v up_o to_o it_o be_v not_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o heart_n because_o he_o be_v under_o prevail_a engagement_n to_o fin_n and_o satan_n and_o be_v like_o one_o in_o chain_n a_o love_a interposure_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v the_o heart_n free_a for_o christ_n indeed_o coloss_n 2.12_o act._n 16.14_o 2_o corin._n 3.5_o joh._n 8.36_o a_o man_n may_v in_o a_o slighty_a overly_o way_n deal_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n not_o from_o terror_n of_o conscience_n but_o from_o a_o presumptuous_a freeness_n make_v a_o light_a matter_n both_o of_o finning_n and_o go_v to_o that_o for_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o such_o dalliance_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v despise_v in_o god_n account_n &_o such_o must_v expect_v the_o sore_a punishment_n in_o stead_n of_o great_a salvation_n hebr._n 10.29_o no_o believer_n but_o can_v see_v his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o something_o beside_o christ_n before_o his_o believe_a now_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o attractive_a as_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v and_o interruption_n in_o its_o pursuance_n after_o that_o as_o burdensome_a grievous_a and_o afflictive_a to_o it_o as_o they_o be_v there_o or_o if_o the_o drawing_n of_o that_o blood_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o forcible_a then_o of_o any_o or_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o it_o will_v leave_v all_o behind_o it_o have_v place_v gain_n in_o former_o to_o press_v after_o that_o if_o that_o have_v a_o command_a power_n of_o estate_n life_n and_o all_o than_o it_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v witness_v phil._n 3._o v._n 8_o 9.14_o 7._o from_o its_o feeling_n the_o efficaciousnesse_n of_o that_o blood_n man_n heart_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n hebr._n 10._o v._o 19.22_o &_o 12.24_o when_o spiritual_a enemy_n have_v bring_v in_o strong_a charge_n against_o a_o soul_n and_o if_o it_o may_v have_v follow_v its_o own_o inclination_n it_o will_v have_v join_v with_o satan_n against_o itself_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v cause_v to_o oppose_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o free_a promise_n to_o all_o and_o thereby_o it_o be_v secure_v against_o all_o the_o roar_n of_o the_o law_n &_o temptation_n of_o satan_n that_o now_o they_o be_v all_o silence_v their_o accusation_n be_v answer_v and_o a_o spiritual_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n be_v establish_v there_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o give_v quietness_n then_o as_o job_n 34._o v._o 29._o not_o sin_n nor_o satan_n nor_o conscience_n none_o can_v create_v trouble_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v when_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v by_o blood_n chap._n xv._o show_v how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o water_n qu_n 3._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v witness_v its_o adoption_n by_o water_n i.e._n sanctification_n answ_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o sanctification_n either_o of_o which_o be_v witness_v 1._o the_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n frâ—â—_n sin_n or_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n natural_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n stand_v towards_o and_o be_v even_o destinate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n rom._n 6.17_o but_o after_o believe_v the_o heart_n renounce_v subjection_n to_o it_o there_o be_v in_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o new_a principle_n to_o oppose_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o believer_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n rom._n 6.2_o i.e._n they_o be_v become_v unwilling_a and_o unapt_a to_o yield_v attention_n unto_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n and_o liveles_a in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o have_v it_o death_n wound_v in_o they_o all_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n gal._n 5.24_o sin_n be_v become_v a_o sufferer_n in_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n rom._n 6._o v._n 18_o 22._o and_o have_v a_o divine_a promise_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o reign_v or_o have_v dominion_n over_o they_o v._o 12.14_o and_o that_o this_o do_v witness_n adoption_n see_v rom._n 6._o v._n 16_o 17._o it_o be_v make_v a_o difference_v thing_n of_o their_o two_o state_n and_o v._o 22._o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n &_o rom._n 8_o 13._o 2._o the_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o god_n the_o father_n by_o he_o act._n 11._o v._n 21._o &_o 26._o v._o 20._o psal_n 4.3_o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o be_v new_a creature_n 2_o câ—r_n 5.16_o because_o such_o new_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n be_v put_v into_o their_o soul_n as_o natural_o be_v not_o there_o and_o be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o mere_o natural_a principle_n though_o improve_v to_o the_o height_n there_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o alteration_n but_o a_o work_n of_o creation_n else_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o mutation_n or_o change_v of_o quality_n but_o a_o renovation_n all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a not_o as_o if_o nature_n be_v destroy_v but_o perfect_v by_o the_o infusion_n of_o new_a habit_n into_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o dispose_v they_o to_o move_v christ-ward_n there_o be_v new_a light_n let_v into_o the_o understanding_n coloss_n 3.10_o renew_a in_o knowledge_n and_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o discern_a of_o that_o spiritual_a beauty_n excellency_n and_o perfection_n in_o divine_a thing_n which_o other_o see_v not_o 1_o corin._n 2.14_o coloss_n 1.9_o there_o be_v a_o new_a inclination_n put_v into_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o put_v forth_o new_a act_n upon_o new_a object_n god_n and_o christ_n and_o this_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o v._n 5_o 6._o and_o these_o habitual_a frame_n be_v call_v grace_n and_o be_v diversify_v and_o distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o various_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o way_n they_o act_v in_o and_o end_v they_o drive_v at_o when_o these_o gracious_a disposition_n be_v stir_v up_o or_o strengthen_v to_o act_n upon_o christ_n than_o grace_n be_v account_v to_o be_v exercise_v or_o increase_v and_o these_o be_v call_v sanctification_n 1_o corin._n 1._o v._n 2._o &_o 6._o v._o 11._o 1_o thess_n 5._o v._n 23._o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o 2_o thess_n 2.13_o and_o these_o appear_n in_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n do_v witness_v adoption_n gal._n 5._o v._n 22_o 23._o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n he_o say_v such_o be_v exclude_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n v._o 21._o and_o this_o v._o 22._o be_v add_v by_o way_n of_o antithesis_fw-la or_o opposition_n as_o the_o particle_n but_o do_v intimate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v purposely_o to_o express_v who_o be_v interest_v in_o that_o kingdom_n viz._n such_o as_o attain_v those_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o either_o of_o which_o do_v witness_v justification_n and_o adoption_n rom._n 8.1.14_o according_a to_o the_o part_n of_o sanctification_n so_o the_o question_n must_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o chap._n xvi_o of_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o sin_n and_o adoption_n witness_v thereby_o four_o distinction_n about_o it_o qu_n 1._o how_o may_v a_o soul_n know_v that_o its_o heart_n be_v separate_v from_o sin_n or_o that_o sin_n have_v not_o dominion_n over_o it_o and_o so_o that_o it_o be_v adopt_a before_o i_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o distinction_n which_o may_v help_v weak_a doubt_v christian_n as_o they_o will_v discover_v how_o far_o there_o may_v be_v sin_n and_o yet_o one_o not_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n distinct_a 1._o between_o the_o indwel_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o reign_v of_o sin_n paul_n be_v a_o eminent_a believer_n and_o yet_o sin_n dwell_v in_o he_o rom._n 7.17_o
interest_n or_o procure_v some_o outward_a disadvantage_n and_o may_v be_v incense_v against_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o because_o a_o inordinate_a use_n of_o the_o creature_n procure_v disease_n to_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n a_o parent_n may_v hate_v drunkenness_n or_o unlawful_a game_n because_o his_o child_n be_v like_a to_o become_v a_o bankrupt_a by_o such_o practice_n a_o child_n be_v threaten_v to_o be_v disinherited_a if_o he_o follow_v such_o way_n may_v hereupon_o bridle_v his_o affection_n and_o yet_o may_v be_v under_o the_o reign_a power_n of_o sin_n still_o but_o if_o its_o hinder_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o grace_n or_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n or_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n etc._n etc._n raise_v its_o fear_n of_o sorrow_n for_o and_o hatred_n against_o sin_n than_o it_o act_v evangelical_o psal_n 51._o v._n 2.7.13_o hebr._n 12.1_o 6._o when_o it_o be_v by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o promise_n that_o it_o make_v resistance_n against_o sin_n rom._n 6._o v._n 4.14_o heb._n 9.14_o act._n 5.31_o revel_v 12._o v._n 9.11_o and_o they_o overcome_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o their_o testimony_n joh._n 8._o v._n 34.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a than_o you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o this_o must_v be_v a_o ingredient_n in_o all_o the_o former_a particular_n no_o freedom_n from_o sin_n but_o by_o christ_n luk._n 1.71_o 72.74_o 75._o 7._o when_o sin_n itself_o be_v in_o subjection_n there_o be_v a_o inconsistency_n between_o sin_n reign_v and_o its_o be_v in_o subjection_n it_o can_v be_v both_o king_n and_o subject_a in_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o may_v be_v a_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o get_v the_o upperhand_n for_o a_o time_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n have_v get_v sin_n beneath_o it_o than_o it_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a that_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_v as_o 1._o when_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o a_o speedy_a mortification_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o its_o rebellion_n it_o be_v like_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v the_o field_n any_o long_o some_o party_n may_v rally_v and_o make_v some_o resistance_n but_o they_o do_v but_o hasten_v their_o own_o ruin_n thereby_o so_o the_o motion_n and_o stir_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v feel_v but_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o look_v unto_o christ_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o word_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o these_o and_o it_o be_v speedy_o save_v revel_v 12._o v._n 8_o 9.11_o sin_n in_o the_o lusting_n of_o it_o be_v speedy_o crush_v suppress_v and_o conquer_v it_o can_v prevail_v upon_o the_o heart_n as_o former_o it_o have_v do_v but_o be_v lay_v low_a by_o every_o onset_n this_o be_v the_o report_n that_o may_v be_v give_v upon_o their_o fight_n corruption_n be_v cast_v out_o cast_v out_o this_o argue_v it_o have_v not_o dominion_n 2._o when_o even_o the_o former_a prevailing_n of_o corruption_n be_v make_v serviceable_a towards_o spiritual_a end_n as_o when_o they_o produce_v soule-humiliation_n selfe-abasement_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o the_o more_o admiration_n of_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o studious_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o grace_n in_o open_v a_o way_n to_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n ezek._n 16.61.63_o eph._n 2._o v._n 5_o 6_o 7._o that_o it_o can_v triumph_v over_o sin_n through_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 15.56_o 57_o then_o sin_n be_v in_o subjection_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v discover_v when_o a_o soul_n be_v free_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o i_o shall_v answer_v one_o objection_n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o soul_n retain_v assurance_n notwithstanding_o the_o prevailing_n of_o corruption_n object_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o soul_n may_v retain_v assurance_n after_o it_o have_v find_v the_o prevailing_n of_o corruption_n if_o it_o former_o have_v it_o yet_o must_v it_o not_o avoidable_o loose_v it_o after_o a_o fall_n into_o sin_n premise_v 1._o sin_n be_v either_o of_o infirmity_n only_o or_o grosser_n sin_n which_o be_v the_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n prem_n 2._o either_o there_o be_v a_o nourish_v of_o these_o sin_n or_o a_o endeavour_n to_o the_o utmost_a after_o the_o mortification_n of_o they_o answ_n 1._o assurance_n in_o the_o donation_n and_o continuation_n of_o it_o have_v a_o dependence_n on_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n rom._n 8.16_o 1_o joh._n 5.6_o and_o hence_o if_o the_o spirit_n please_v that_o can_v continue_v such_o a_o work_n upon_o the_o heart_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o if_o that_o will_v suspend_v its_o operation_n though_o no_o such_o provocation_n be_v give_v it_o to_o withdraw_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o continue_v it_o one_o moment_n long_o 2._o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o throw_v or_o cast_v away_o his_o confidence_n so_o long_o as_o scripturall_a ground_n be_v afford_v to_o found_v it_o upon_o it_o be_v the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o sin_n they_o reckon_v it_o their_o duty_n then_o to_o question_v their_o estate_n &_o to_o throw_v up_o all_o former_a persuasion_n of_o interest_n in_o christ_n whereas_o this_o be_v very_o sinful_a it_o not_o only_o want_v a_o word_n to_o warrant_v it_o for_o a_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o word_n to_o be_v one_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v fast_o their_o confidence_n firm_a unto_o the_o end_n hebr._n 3.6_o &_o isai_n 49.14_o she_o be_v upbraid_v for_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v she_o etc._n etc._n you_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v it_o away_o but_o upon_o a_o scripture-ground_n and_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o fall_n be_v consistent_a with_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n and_o peter_n hence_o you_o can_v have_v a_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n to_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n of_o be_v without_o christ_n 3._o the_o nourish_v of_o corruption_n have_v a_o tendency_n to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o assurance_n heb._n 10.22_o psal_n 51.12_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v extreme_o dangerous_a to_o cherish_v the_o least_o sin_n 4._o if_o thou_o enquire_v whither_o assurance_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o nourish_a any_o sin_n either_o thy_o question_n must_v look_v to_o the_o time_n past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v if_o to_o the_o time_n present_a or_o to_o come_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o grant_v thou_o liberty_n one_o moment_n for_o the_o nourish_a any_o corruption_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v studious_a to_o make_v assurance_n and_o any_o sin_n dwell_v together_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o question_n by_o cease_v to_o nourish_v for_o the_o present_a and_o by_o seek_v to_o prevent_v nourish_v any_o sin_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o it_o respect_v the_o time_n past_a that_o former_o thou_o do_v nourish_v some_o corruption_n thy_o after_o mortification_n of_o it_o be_v witness_v 5._o i_o suppose_v assurance_n may_v be_v retain_v after_o not_o only_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n but_o also_o after_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n when_o those_o sin_n be_v not_o nourish_v that_o it_o may_v continue_v after_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v undeniable_a because_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o retain_v it_o see_v the_o best_a of_o saint_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o daily_o rom._n 7.15.24_o and_o for_o other_o sin_n see_v 1_o sam._n 12._o v._n 19_o 20.22_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a wickedness_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n for_o it_o but_o samuel_n forbid_v this_o fear_n and_o call_v they_o up_o unto_o confidence_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o v._o 22._o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n micah_n 7._o v._o 8.9_o though_o i_o fall_v yet_o i_o shall_v arise_v here_o be_v assurance_n and_o yet_o under_o a_o fall_n and_o it_o be_v into_o sin_n v._o 9_o i_o have_v sin_v i_o say_v when_v sin_n be_v not_o nourish_v else_o the_o confidence_n be_v very_o suspicious_a for_o if_o there_o be_v sensible_a assurance_n this_o will_v make_v opposition_n against_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n 1_o sam._n 12._o v._n 20.24_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n purify_v himself_o chap._n xix_o of_o separation_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n qu_n 2._o how_o may_v one_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v separate_v to_o god_n and_o christ_n answ_n 1._o from_o his_o esteem_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n psal_n 73.26_o 27._o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o a_o believer_n will_v account_v even_o heaven_n itself_o
a_o place_n of_o but_o little_a beauty_n glory_n or_o felicity_n if_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o it_o other_o desire_v christ_n only_o for_o heaven_n he_o desire_v heaven_n chief_o for_o christ_n natural_a man_n be_v even_o drink_v and_o swallow_v up_o in_o creature_n delight_n but_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n prevail_v with_o a_o gracious_a heart_n against_o all_o other_o interest_n he_o may_v be_v interrupt_v in_o his_o motion_n to_o christ_n in_o particular_a act_n but_o he_o be_v the_o prime_n principal_a object_n his_o soul_n be_v move_v and_o bend_v towards_o set_v and_o fix_v upon_o and_o give_v up_o to_o rom._n 8.5_o phil._n 3.20_o coloss_n 1.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.7_o col._n 3.11_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o otherthing_n be_v as_o nothing_o to_o he_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o enjoy_v in_o they_o he_o be_v all_o in_o all_o enjoyment_n all_o in_o all_o inlargement_n all_o in_o all_o duty_n all_o in_o all_o comfort_n other_o apprehend_v that_o christ_n it_o better_a than_o the_o gnawing_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n better_a than_o the_o company_n of_o damn_a spirit_n better_a than_o flame_n but_o they_o see_v no_o such_o beauty_n or_o excellency_n in_o christ_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o best_o or_o all_o in_o all_o here_o on_o earth_n they_o can_v verbal_o own_o christ_n as_o superlative_o excellent_a but_o practital_o they_o deny_v it_o and_o they_o know_v not_o christ_n in_o those_o spiritual_a excellency_n which_o advance_v he_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o saint_n take_v he_o as_o clothe_v with_o bolines_n and_o appear_v against_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o prefer_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v base_a and_o low_a before_o he_o the_o follow_a particular_n will_v further_o discover_v when_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o 2._o from_o his_o spend_v his_o high_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o attain_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o christ_n or_o turn_v christ-ward_n it_o can_v stand_v still_o without_o he_o it_o must_v be_v wait_v for_o he_o and_o inquire_v after_o he_o with_o utmost_a diligence_n cant._n 3.3_o see_v you_o not_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v psal_n 130.5_o 6._o phil._n 3.14_o 3._o from_o his_o willingness_n to_o part_v with_o all_o other_o thing_n at_o christ_n call_n or_o for_o his_o sake_n luk._n 14.26.33_o whosoever_o forsake_v not_o all_v that_o he_o have_v 29._o mark_n 8.35_o &_o 10._o v._o 29._o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n matth._n 10.37_o he_o that_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n more_a then_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o 4._o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o his_o heart_n under_o his_o withdrawing_n when_o these_o procure_v such_o heart-sickness_n as_o can_v be_v cure_v no_o way_n but_o by_o his_o returning_n to_o it_o cant._n 5._o v._n 6.8_o tell_v he_o i_o be_o sick_a of_o love_n when_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o upon_o they_o yet_o o_o the_o sigh_n sobbing_n cry_n faint_n of_o love-sick_a soul_n for_o christ_n presence_n no_o quiet_a or_o satisfaction_n without_o he_o like_o the_o child_n that_o nothing_o can_v still_o but_o the_o breast_n so_o nothing_o can_v fill_v up_o christ_n room_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o reckon_v itself_o empty_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o fullness_n without_o he_o it_o be_v resolve_v for_o ever_o to_o go_v in_o widowhood_n if_o he_o will_v not_o own_v it_o as_o his_o spouse_n this_o argue_v a_o consent_n of_o heart_n to_o the_o match_n and_o so_o a_o marriage_n union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n 5._o from_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n these_o be_v a_o certain_a infallible_a evidence_n of_o adoption_n to_o all_o that_o have_v they_o rom._n 8.14_o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n xx._n of_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o when_o qu_n when_o do_v a_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n answ_n 1._o when_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n become_v natural_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o there_o be_v a_o propensitie_n in_o light_a thing_n to_o move_v upward_o and_o in_o heavy_a thing_n to_o move_v downward_o so_o in_o the_o soul_n to_o move_v christ-ward_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o wrath_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o disobedience_n nor_o no_o reward_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n yet_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o way_n themselves_o &_o the_o respect_n it_o owe_v to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v as_o the_o heart_n unto_o a_o own_n of_o christ_n therein_o psal_n 119.30.173_o i_o have_v choose_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 35._o for_o therein_o i_o delight_v so_o rom._n 7.22_o &_o rom._n 8._o v._n 1_o 2._o for_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n carnal_a man_n in_o their_o heart_n call_v a_o liberty_n for_o sin_n freedom_n but_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o free_v from_o condemnation_n and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n they_o call_v this_o their_o liberty_n to_o be_v free_a for_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o reckon_v obligation_n to_o sin_v the_o great_a bondage_n and_o thraldom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n raise_v a_o admirable_a freeness_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n 2_o corin._n 3.17_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n and_o hence_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n rom._n 8.15_o a_o man_n may_v exercise_v himself_o in_o the_o external_a part_n of_o all_o duty_n that_o a_o christian_n be_v engage_v to_o and_o yet_o be_v without_o the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o may_v have_v many_o carnal_a enforcement_n hereunto_o but_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o heart_n to_o these_o way_n that_o he_o will_v not_o but_o be_v employ_v in_o they_o and_o account_v it_o a_o high_a favour_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v use_v he_o in_o any_o service_n for_o himself_o and_o find_v more_o delectation_n in_o these_o then_o in_o any_o other_o way_n that_o it_o become_v even_o meat_n and_o drink_v to_o he_o to_o do_v the_o lord_n service_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a complaint_n and_o lamentation_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o for_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o find_v a_o backwardness_n in_o himself_o or_o any_o contrary_a principle_n which_o seek_v to_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v his_o follow_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o way_n rom._n 7.22_o 23._o then_o he_o enjoy_v the_o leading_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o when_o it_o have_v corroboration_n or_o assistance_n against_o those_o impediment_n that_o will_v hinder_v it_o in_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n lead_v by_o remove_v these_o carnal_a man_n wonder_v that_o any_o shall_v complain_v for_o want_v of_o strength_n unto_o duty_n they_o can_v easy_o come_v up_o to_o they_o but_o it_o arise_v partly_o from_o satan_n not_o molest_v they_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n because_o they_o look_v not_o beyond_o the_o external_a part_n of_o it_o they_o strive_v not_o to_o act_v in_o a_o right_a manner_n or_o for_o right_a end_n or_o because_o they_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o work_n of_o corruption_n when_o yet_o it_o do_v act_v but_o a_o gracious_a heart_n find_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o strengthen_v by_o a_o power_n beyond_o its_o own_o it_o can_v act_v any_o grace_n or_o perform_v any_o duty_n in_o a_o acceptable_a way_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n pray_v ephes_n 3.16_o that_o they_o may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n israel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n isai_n 63._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o how_o do_v he_o lead_v they_o it_o be_v by_o divide_v the_o water_n before_o they_o and_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stumble_v i.e._n the_o lord_n throw_v up_o and_o remoove_v impediment_n out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o take_v away_o what_o may_v cause_v they_o to_o fall_v and_o this_o be_v his_o lead_n of_o they_o so_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v eager_o pursue_v by_o satan_n and_o he_o have_v rage_v against_o thou_o like_o a_o lion_n spoil_v of_o his_o whelp_n that_o thou_o be_v beset_v with_o temptation_n and_o do_v find_v many_o and_o strong_a lusting_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o hinder_v thy_o follow_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n and_o if_o such_o mountain_n have_v be_v make_v plain_n and_o corruption_n bear_v down_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v thy_o heart_n