lord_n confer_v temporal_a blessing_n upon_o it_o and_o he_o pry_v into_o the_o understanding_n to_o discern_v what_o judgement_n it_o pass_v upon_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v temporal_a blessing_n and_o inflict_v sore_a evil_n and_o according_a to_o ordinary_a and_o common_a conception_n of_o the_o understanding_n upon_o such_o providence_n of_o god_n he_o may_v also_o propound_v his_o lie_a argument_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v you_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o devil_n take_v much_o advantage_n to_o confirm_v some_o poor_a ignorant_a one_o in_o their_o soul-deluding_a confidence_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o union_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n from_o the_o constant_a influence_n of_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n in_o their_o bosom_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o other_o soul_n he_o confirm_v in_o their_o soul_n kill_v hope_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o peace_n with_o god_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o cross_n and_o 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who_o they_o be_v suggest_v shall_v not_o understand_v in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n but_o shall_v rather_o conclude_v they_o be_v the_o right_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o faculty_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v communicate_v or_o they_o be_v the_o working_n of_o the_o lord_n bless_a spirit_n thus_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o ahab_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o chron._n 18.23_o the_o way_n of_o this_o near_a access_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o understanding_n to_o communicate_v his_o lie_a argument_n to_o they_o of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n undiscernable_o be_v by_o these_o two_o mean_n 1._o by_o mean_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o pierce_v insensible_o and_o indiscernable_o into_o the_o very_a body_n of_o man_n they_o neither_o see_v perceive_v nor_o feel_v that_o penetration_n of_o satan_n into_o their_o body_n so_o that_o by_o this_o he_o enter_v insensible_o 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false_a rot_a reason_v for_n the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n he_o do_v so_o multiply_v his_o delude_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o union_n have_v a_o power_n upon_o the_o understanding_n when_o the_o argument_n themselves_o have_v little_a power_n the_o devil_n deal_v with_o soul_n as_o he_o do_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o tempt_n of_o he_o he_o present_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n that_o so_o it_o may_v have_v have_v some_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n thus_o the_o devil_n do_v at_o once_o set_v almost_o all_o his_o rot_a reason_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o that_o understanding_n who_o at_o present_a he_o be_v to_o delude_v thus_o you_o shall_v observe_v the_o pharisee_fw-mi in_o that_o 18._o luke_n who_o the_o devil_n delude_v concern_v his_o acceptance_n with_o god_n he_o have_v at_o once_o in_o his_o thought_n the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o other_o that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v and_o also_o his_o exactness_n and_o strictness_n according_a to_o the_o lord_n law_n pay_v tithe_n of_o all_o thing_n his_o extraordinary_a frequency_n in_o solemn_a duty_n his_o fast_v twice_o a_o week_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a all_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n can_v say_v concern_v the_o soul_n acceptation_n with_o god_n be_v propound_v at_o once_o to_o he_o so_o that_o what_o one_o rot_v lie_v reason_n want_v to_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n another_o may_v supply_v 6._o the_o six_o act_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n upon_o the_o understanding_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o he_o hold_v and_o retain_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o its_o full_a intention_n and_o strength_n upon_o those_o lie_a argument_n and_o rot_a reason_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n that_o he_o suggest_v to_o he_o this_o the_o 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gracious_a etc._n etc._n use_v i._o by_o way_n of_o information_n be_v it_o thus_o that_o the_o lord_n intent_n and_o purpose_n in_o reveal_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o draw_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o then_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o doleful_a dreadful_a and_o too_o too_o common_a abuse_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n how_o be_v the_o gospel_n tread_v under_o foot_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o soul_n how_o far_o do_v they_o come_v short_a when_o they_o come_v to_o attend_v upon_o gospel_n ordinance_n how_o few_o consider_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v his_o ordinance_n to_o draw_v their_o wretched_a corrupt_a obstinate_a heart_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n 1._o consider_v the_o neglect_n of_o desire_v a_o conformity_n to_o this_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o pollution_n of_o the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n 2._o consider_v what_o a_o mockery_n and_o dissimulation_n thy_o attendance_n upon_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v unto_o god_n every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v in_o and_o thou_o by_o thy_o attend_v upon_o a_o ordinance_n profess_v thou_o do_v worship_n god_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o soul_n to_o worship_n god_n whilst_o he_o be_v ignorant_a or_o regardless_o of_o the_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o a_o ordinance_n 3._o thy_o neglect_n of_o this_o great_a intent_n of_o god_n in_o his_o ordinance_n be_v a_o direct_a contrary_a walk_v unto_o god_n in_o come_v to_o a_o ordinance_n thou_o do_v come_v with_o some_o intent_n or_o other_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o a_o rational_a creature_n upon_o a_o deliberate_a act_n to_o work_v for_o some_o end_n now_o if_o thou_o do_v always_o come_v with_o a_o intent_n and_o have_v neglect_v the_o intent_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v direct_o it_o be_v a_o contrary_n walk_v to_o god_n ii_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o a_o small_a number_n of_o heart_n have_v have_v the_o right_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o they_o how_o few_o heart_n can_v be_v find_v who_o be_v draw_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o day_n how_o many_o be_v careless_a and_o regardless_o whether_o they_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n or_o no_o iii_o we_o may_v learn_v hence_o to_o behold_v the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o propound_v of_o gospel_n truth_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v your_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n iv_o hence_o learn_v that_o every_o soul_n that_o refuse_v the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v upon_o what_o ground_n soever_o can_v be_v imagine_v be_v a_o rejecter_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n many_o poor_a soul_n through_o the_o curse_a delusion_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n the_o devil_n conceive_v they_o do_v well_o to_o stand_v off_o from_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v in_o the_o gospel_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o sad_a doleful_a miscarriage_n of_o thy_o heart_n thou_o neglecte_v the_o very_a principal_a command_n of_o god_n remain_v disobedient_a while_o thou_o think_v thou_o go_v on_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n v._o learn_v what_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v person_n to_o be_v embracer_n or_o refuser_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o general_a rule_n be_v whether_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v make_v one_o with_o jesus_n christ_n or_o no._n if_o fruit_n can_v manifest_v there_o be_v a_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n than_o we_o may_v judge_v such_o to_o be_v embracer_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o fruit_n manifest_a there_o be_v no_o union_n with_o christ_n then_o can_v we_o not_o charitable_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v embracer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o present_a vi_o hence_o learn_v what_o the_o sum_n perfection_n and_o high_a end_n of_o all_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n make_v one_o it_o be_v christ_n alone_o that_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n of_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o scripture_n the_o way_n be_v to_o make_v christ_n the_o punctum_fw-la the_o centre_n of_o every_o line_n that_o when_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o christ_n we_o be_v far_o from_o read_v the_o scripture_n look_v upon_o the_o type_n ceremony_n genealogy_n all_o lead_n to_o christ_n vii_o hence_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o infinite_a wise_a counsel_n of_o god_n from_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n viii_o hence_o learn_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o near_a sympathy_n of_o affection_n between_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o those_o soul_n upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v its_o right_a effect_n why_o be_v christ_n honour_n the_o soul_n honour_n and_o christ_n advancement_n the_o soul_n advancement_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o affliction_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v christ_n affliction_n the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v christ_n dishonour_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n of_o relation_n there_o will_v be_v a_o nearness_n of_o affection_n ix_o hence_o learn_v the_o intrinsical_a specifical_a difference_n between_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o draw_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o manifest_a communion_n between_o soul_n and_o christ_n already_o unite_v 1_o cor._n 10_o 16._o thence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o person_n that_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o not_o of_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o soul_n be_v a_o suitable_a subject_n to_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v because_o every_o soul_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o separate_a soul_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o only_o some_o few_o soul_n that_o be_v suitable_a subject_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o be_v those_o that_o do_v manifest_a a_o soul_n to_o have_v communion_n therefore_o they_o presuppose_v union_n use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v a_o word_n of_o admonition_n see_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v gospel_n truth_n be_v to_o gather_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n let_v this_o warn_v every_o soul_n from_o heaven_n to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o hear_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v eccl._n 5.1_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n he_o mean_v take_v heed_n and_o watch_v over_o the_o affection_n intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o your_o soul_n when_o you_o approach_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n then_o beware_v your_o affection_n swerve_v not_o from_o god_n there_o be_v three_o great_a miscarriage_n in_o come_v to_o gospel_n ordinance_n 1._o a_o carelessness_n and_o mindlesness_n of_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o approach_v to_o they_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o most_o soul_n in_o a_o congregation_n as_o of_o those_o act_n 19.32_o in_o that_o great_a assembly_n the_o most_o part_n know_v not_o wherefore_o they_o be_v come_v together_o consider_v of_o two_o thing_n in_o this_o wretched_a miscarriage_n of_o heart_n in_o attend_v upon_o the_o gospel_n first_o this_o heedless_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o contempt_n of_o god_n himself_o when_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n send_v a_o precious_a embassage_n to_o thy_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n and_o cry_v to_o thou_o come_v and_o be_v one_o with_o i_o in_o a_o mediator_n and_o thou_o sit_v careless_o neither_o mind_v nor_o regard_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o embassage_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o thou_o to_o cast_v high_a contempt_n upon_o god_n second_o it_o be_v the_o high_a indignity_n and_o affront_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v in_o that_o kind_n to_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 2._o the_o second_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o heart_n be_v the_o take_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o attain_v other_o end_n by_o gospel_n
ordinance_n beneath_o or_o without_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o when_o the_o soul_n aim_v at_o no_o high_a end_n than_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n or_o some_o reformation_n of_o life_n or_o draw_v the_o heart_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n of_o worship_n as_o private_a prayer_n read_v or_o the_o like_a then_o the_o heart_n walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n here_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o while_o thy_o soul_n satisfy_v itself_o in_o any_o of_o these_o thou_o do_v remain_v a_o disobedient_a one_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n let_v thy_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v what_o it_o will_v let_v thy_o reformation_n be_v outward_a and_o inward_a as_o thou_o conceive_v the_o prayer_n thou_o perform_v be_v what_o they_o will_v so_o long_o as_o thou_o take_v contentment_n without_o behold_v the_o union_n complete_v between_o christ_n and_o thy_o soul_n thou_o be_v still_o a_o disobedient_a one_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o dram_n of_o spiritual_a obedience_n in_o all_o those_o duty_n but_o the_o great_a command_n be_v neglect_v thou_o be_v a_o rebel_n still_o to_o the_o crown_n of_o heaven_n second_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o all_o true_a gospel_n worship_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o without_o i_o that_o be_v while_o your_o soul_n be_v disjoin_v from_o i_o it_o be_v not_o only_o mean_v without_o my_o aid_n but_o without_o a_o union_n with_o i_o thou_o be_v as_o far_o from_o right_n pray_v and_o hear_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o ever_o while_o thou_o be_v void_a of_o this_o union_n 3._o the_o three_o miscarriage_n be_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o working_n of_o the_o affection_n towards_o god_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n that_o be_v the_o fix_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o obtain_v any_o other_o end_n through_o gospel_n ordinance_n before_o obtain_v union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o soul_n once_o sensible_a of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n behold_v his_o state_n a_o divide_a estate_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o soul_n many_o time_n belong_v after_o a_o union_n but_o propound_v to_o himself_o a_o disorderly_a way_n of_o obtain_v it_o he_o propound_v the_o gain_n of_o holiness_n and_o holy_a qualification_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v this_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n say_v the_o soul_n while_o i_o remain_v thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o gain_v union_n be_v it_o possible_a such_o a_o filthy_a heart_n while_o it_o remain_v thus_o shall_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n now_o here_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o question_n that_o will_v be_v propound_v by_o the_o soul_n quest_n be_v union_n with_o christ_n the_o first_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o reveal_v gospel_n truth_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n require_v there_o shall_v first_o be_v a_o mortify_n of_o corruption_n a_o draw_v the_o heart_n from_o sin_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o cut_n off_o from_o the_o old_a stock_n that_o it_o may_v be_v ingraft_v into_o the_o new_a vine_n jesus_n christ_n answ_n in_o answer_v this_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o be_v premise_v premise_v 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v this_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o lord_n may_v have_v any_o secret_a intent_n in_o his_o own_o bosom_n sometime_o to_o lay_v a_o soul_n exceed_v low_a and_o rend_v and_o tear_v the_o heart_n with_o sorrow_n first_o as_o intend_v to_o use_v these_o terror_n in_o the_o soul_n instrumental_o to_o draw_v it_o into_o union_n premise_v 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o proper_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n when_o we_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n the_o lord_n intend_v the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v upon_o the_o heart_n now_o these_o two_o thing_n premise_v i_o shall_v answer_v the_o question_n affirmative_o that_o the_o first_o effect_n that_o god_n intend_v the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v upon_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n intend_v that_o before_o he_o intend_v the_o draw_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o any_o sin_n before_o he_o intend_v the_o draw_v it_o to_o any_o holiness_n before_o he_o intend_v so_o much_o as_o to_o draw_v it_o to_o prayer_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o four_o particular_n 1._o the_o lord_n propound_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n lie_v dead_a in_o sin_n immediate_o to_o be_v receive_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v thou_o poor_a lose_a soul_n that_o be_v now_o dead_a in_o sin_n that_o be_v utter_o lose_v do_v thou_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o son_n of_o my_o bosom_n the_o lord_n christ_n to_o mediate_v between_o thou_o and_o i_o and_o to_o be_v a_o day_n man_n to_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o we_o both_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v now_o a_o division_n between_o thou_o and_o i_o i_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o thou_o and_o will_v be_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v i_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a place_n in_o ezek._n 16.6_o 8._o say_v god_n thy_o father_n be_v a_o amorite_n and_o thy_o mother_n be_v a_o hittite_n and_o when_o i_o pass_v by_o thou_o and_o see_v thou_o pollute_v in_o thy_o own_o blood_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v in_o thy_o blood_n live_v and_o when_o i_o pass_v by_o thou_o and_o look_v upon_o thou_o behold_v thy_o time_n be_v the_o time_n of_o love_n not_o only_a wherein_o he_o propound_v his_o love_n but_o set_v his_o love_n then_o i_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o thou_o become_v my_o if_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o lie_v in_o its_o blood_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o blood_n the_o lord_n receive_v it_o into_o covenant_n than_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n must_v needs_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o lie_v thus_o dead_a in_o sin_n i_o may_v add_v rom._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o &_o rom._n 5.10_o even_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n he_o do_v reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o there_o be_v the_o union_n of_o agreement_n hold_v forth_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n that_o god_n call_v the_o soul_n unto_o between_o enmity_n and_o amity_n but_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a passage_n from_o enmity_n into_o union_n into_o a_o state_n of_o agreement_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.1_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n if_o jesus_n christ_n convey_v life_n into_o they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a then_o he_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o life_n also_o even_o while_o they_o be_v dead_a 2._o there_o lie_v a_o injunction_n upon_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o present_a to_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n into_o union_n while_o he_o lie_v dead_a in_o his_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v that_o be_v that_o you_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o he_o have_v send_v and_o take_v he_o into_o union_n with_o your_o soul_n and_o say_v he_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n now_o none_o deny_v but_o the_o command_n of_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n lie_v upon_o soul_n dead_a in_o sin_n for_o the_o present_a and_o none_o dare_v affirm_v that_o god_n command_v the_o soul_n to_o walk_v in_o disobedience_n to_o his_o great_a and_o high_a command_n while_o he_o shall_v walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o a_o inferior_a command_n now_o every_o moment_n the_o soul_n receive_v not_o christ_n into_o union_n it_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n now_o who_o can_v be_v so_o blockish_a as_o to_o conceive_v the_o lord_n allow_v the_o soul_n to_o stay_v one_o moment_n in_o disobedience_n to_o any_o command_n and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o lord_n require_v that_o the_o soul_n shall_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n that_o moment_n that_o he_o be_v propound_v 3._o it_o appear_v because_o there_o can_v no_o spiritual_a act_n proceed_v from_o the_o soul_n without_o union_n complete_v say_v christ_n john_n 15.5_o without_o i_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v separate_z from_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o the_o least_o holy_a spiritual_a motion_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v can_v be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o soul_n while_o it_o remain_v without_o union_n the_o dead_a branch_n can_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n say_v christ_n every_o branch_n that_o be_v not_o in_o i_o wither_v a_o dead_a
man_n can_v walk_v nor_o move_v neither_o can_v a_o dead_a soul_n without_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n either_o walk_n or_o move_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o step_n set_v from_o one_o corruption_n while_o the_o soul_n remain_v without_o union_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n may_v cause_v the_o branch_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v suspend_v through_o the_o terror_n and_o horror_n of_o the_o law_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_n remain_v the_o same_o still_o and_o the_o enmity_n work_v as_o strong_o in_o the_o bosom_n against_o jesus_n christ_n as_o before_o though_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o much_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o sin_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n much_o less_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v act_v any_o holiness_n or_o perform_v any_o spiritual_a duty_n whatsoever_o now_o in_o regard_n the_o lord_n require_v the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o moment_n that_o he_o receive_v the_o gospel_n to_o depart_v from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o require_v all_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o their_o perfection_n therefore_o the_o lord_n require_v the_o mean_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o soul_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o great_a command_n that_o be_v the_o receive_a jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o degree_n tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n nor_o nothing_o that_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n to_o the_o procure_n of_o that_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o lord_n may_v according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n use_v and_o employ_v many_o thing_n as_o antecedent_n go_v before_o this_o union_n but_o after_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o thou_o conceive_v tend_v in_o order_n to_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o near_a union_n than_o it_o be_v before_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v effect_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a there_o be_v no_o medium_n between_o union_n and_o separation_n and_o disjunction_n the_o near_a point_n the_o soul_n can_v stand_v at_o be_v enmity_n now_o all_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v in_o the_o heart_n before_o complete_n union_n take_v not_o away_o the_o enmity_n the_o soul_n moralize_v or_o civilise_a humble_a and_o bring_v to_o prayer_n be_v still_o a_o enemy_n there_o be_v but_o terminus_fw-la à _fw-la quo_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la quem_fw-la the_o term_n from_o which_o and_z the_o term_n to_o which_o without_o any_o medium_n or_o middle_a state_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o the_o union_n but_o a_o soul_n pass_v from_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n to_o perfect_a union_n in_o one_o instant_a in_o one_o moment_n that_o soul_n that_o this_o moment_n be_v a_o enemy_n at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n the_o next_o moment_n the_o lord_n come_v in_o by_o a_o inevitable_a light_n into_o the_o understanding_n and_o irresistible_a power_n into_o the_o will_n be_v as_o complete_o unite_v to_o christ_n as_o any_o soul_n in_o heaven_n use_v iii_o the_o three_o use_n be_v by_o way_n of_o examination_n to_o see_v if_o the_o precious_a gospel_n truth_n have_v have_v their_o effect_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o this_o end_n search_n into_o your_o heart_n to_o see_v whether_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n either_o you_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o you_o be_v not_o unite_v either_o you_o be_v sink_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n and_o all_o depend_v upon_o the_o know_n of_o this_o consider_v these_o three_o of_o four_o thing_n i._o what_o a_o curse_a stupidity_n and_o blockishness_n it_o be_v not_o to_o know_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v unite_v to_o thou_o or_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o thou_o will_v we_o not_o think_v that_o man_n a_o block_n that_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o be_v alive_a or_o dead_a ii_o consider_v how_o curse_o thou_o do_v despise_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v thou_o ride_v a_o hundred_o mile_n to_o make_v sure_a of_o a_o earthly_a estate_n and_o shall_v the_o great_a treasure_n of_o heaven_n stand_v open_a to_o thou_o and_o either_o it_o be_v thou_o or_o it_o be_v not_o thou_o and_o thou_o know_v not_o iii_o consider_v how_o wretched_o thy_o soul_n destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n by_o disregard_v this_o search_n while_o thy_o soul_n persevere_fw-la careless_o not_o regard_v nor_o examine_v whether_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o with_o thou_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o any_o of_o the_o most_o powerful_a gospel_n ordinance_n shall_v ever_o convey_v the_o least_o benefit_n into_o thy_o soul_n and_o that_o in_o two_o respect_n 1._o in_o that_o thou_o make_v thyself_o a_o unsuitable_a subject_n for_o every_o gospel_n ordinance_n ordinance_n have_v but_o two_o end_n either_o to_o allure_v thy_o soul_n into_o union_n or_o else_o to_o seal_v that_o union_n and_o let_v thy_o soul_n enjoy_v that_o bless_a fruit_n thereof_o now_o whilst_o thou_o never_o mind_v whither_o christ_n be_v one_o with_o thou_o or_o no_o thou_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o every_o ordinance_n of_o that_o kind_n 2._o thou_o prevent_a the_o efficacy_n of_o every_o gospel_n ordinance_n upon_o thy_o soul_n what_o concernment_n be_v it_o of_o to_o thy_o soul_n when_o the_o most_o precious_a argument_n of_o love_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o messenger_n of_o god_n when_o thou_o mind_v it_o not_o first_o it_o prevent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o regard_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n while_o thy_o soul_n neglect_v the_o search_n till_o the_o prodigal_a come_v to_o consider_v he_o be_v from_o his_o father_n house_n where_o there_o be_v bread_n enough_o he_o have_v no_o desire_n to_o return_v but_o be_v content_a to_o feed_v upon_o husk_n second_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v thy_o soul_n into_o union_n though_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o every_o soul_n before_o gospel_n ordinance_n take_v effect_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a some_o think_v there_o must_v be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v of_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v close_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o till_o than_o there_o can_v never_o be_v a_o consent_n of_o the_o will_n now_o how_o can_v there_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v thou_o into_o union_n when_o thou_o mind_v not_o whether_o thou_o be_v already_o unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o iv_o consider_v how_o wrongful_o thou_o usurp_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a to_o thyself_o when_o thou_o regard_v not_o whether_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o thy_o soul_n be_v make_v up_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a at_o least_o presuppose_v a_o union_n of_o peace_n than_o it_o presuppose_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v make_v up_o and_o if_o such_o a_o union_n be_v not_o make_v up_o thou_o do_v wrongful_o usurp_v that_o holy_a name_n to_o thyself_o but_o here_o may_v be_v a_o question_n propound_v by_o the_o soul_n quest_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o i_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n or_o no_o or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o may_v evidence_n the_o soul_n union_n i_o shall_v first_o premise_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n and_o then_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n premise_v 1._o first_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o the_o union_n between_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v invisible_a to_o the_o soul_n itself_o though_o the_o marriage_n knot_n may_v be_v knit_v yet_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o a_o poor_a infant_n in_o the_o womb_n while_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a embryo_n yet_o the_o rational_a soul_n know_v it_o not_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o organ_n by_o which_o it_o shall_v work_v thus_o it_o may_v be_v with_o the_o soul_n it_o may_v be_v beget_v to_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v himself_o unite_v to_o christ_n premise_v 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o soul_n may_v discern_v many_o disorder_n and_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o itself_o when_o the_o union_n be_v effect_v or_o produce_v in_o that_o soul_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o at_o their_o
christ_n tender_v the_o lord_n christ_n be_v of_o holy_a pure_a undefiled_a eye_n pure_a than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n can_v think_v the_o lord_n will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o forlorn_a soul_n as_o thou_o that_o have_v so_o curse_o rebel_v against_o he_o o_o no_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o dare_v not_o conceive_v god_n will_v look_v upon_o i_o who_o be_o such_o a_o curse_a wretch_n alas_o poor_a soul_n thou_o think_v this_o to_o be_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v curse_v pride_n thou_o will_v have_v some_o ground_n of_o confidence_n in_o thyself_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v accept_v of_o thou_o and_o thou_o think_v it_o great_a humility_n in_o thyself_o like_o another_o peter_n what_o jesus_n christ_n wash_v my_o foot_n now_o what_o near_a likeness_n be_v here_o between_o this_o pride_n of_o spirit_n and_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v true_o poor_a desire_v never_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o himself_o to_o rest_v upon_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o hope_n of_o ever_o have_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o alas_o this_o difference_n be_v hardly_o discern_v thus_o also_o if_o you_o go_v to_o sincerity_n of_o obedience_n say_v the_o soul_n though_o i_o do_v fail_v in_o my_o purpose_n yet_o i_o hope_v my_o heart_n be_v sincere_a towards_o god_n in_o all_o that_o i_o do_v and_o that_o be_v give_v as_o another_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n i_o say_v it_o be_v true_a but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o mere_a work_n of_o ignorance_n sincerity_n be_v a_o single_a eye_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o what_o thou_o do_v but_o according_a to_o the_o soul_n judgement_n a_o soul_n act_v mere_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o ignorance_n may_v have_v a_o single_a eye_n at_o god_n glory_n rom._n 10.2_o 3._o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o so_o they_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n hence_o the_o soul_n will_v say_v i_o think_v i_o have_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n but_o i_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v i_o may_v be_v deceive_v thus_o in_o these_o chief_a thing_n there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o discern_v the_o jewel_n from_o the_o counterfeit_n ii_o in_o regard_v those_o holy_a disposition_n inclination_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n do_v proper_o proceed_v from_o some_o kind_n of_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n and_o according_a to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n so_o do_v these_o grace_n increase_n and_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n union_n be_v eclipse_v so_o do_v they_o decrease_v to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o most_o promise_v seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o be_v to_o mourner_n whence_o do_v true_a mourn_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o soul_n proceed_v be_v it_o not_o from_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n yea_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n propriety_n in_o christ_n at_o least_o thus_o far_o from_o some_o sight_n of_o probable_a interest_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n behold_v first_o the_o curse_a nature_n of_o sin_n indeed_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n never_o appear_v but_o in_o the_o precious_a glass_n of_o the_o lord_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n to_o poor_a loveless_n soul_n iii_o in_o regard_n the_o right_a nature_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n or_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v discern_v but_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o these_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v not_o a_o full_a conformity_n in_o those_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o thy_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v command_v those_o holy_a quality_n shall_v i_o begin_v at_o the_o low_a which_o be_v sincerity_n of_o heart_n in_o the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n the_o soul_n can_v seldom_o i_o may_v say_v never_o see_v a_o conformity_n in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_n be_v in_o eph._n 6.5_o 6._o it_o be_v speak_v concern_v servant_n but_o it_o hold_v in_o every_o duty_n servant_n be_v obedient_a to_o they_o that_o be_v your_o master_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v in_o singleness_n of_o your_o heart_n as_o unto_o christ_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o heart_n true_a sincerity_n in_o obedience_n to_o any_o command_n it_o be_v a_o singleness_n of_o heart_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n a_o single_a eye_n that_o be_v have_v respect_n to_o nothing_o but_o christ_n alone_o the_o species_n of_o all_o the_o vision_n of_o that_o eye_n with_o which_o he_o respect_v the_o duty_n be_v take_v from_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o now_o how_o far_o short_a shall_v a_o soul_n see_v itself_o of_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n when_o can_v the_o soul_n say_v his_o heart_n be_v single_a to_o christ_n in_o prayer_n or_o in_o any_o ordinance_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o soul_n may_v behold_v at_o all_o time_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o the_o holy_a quality_n inherent_a in_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o rule_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o those_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o heart_n can_v evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n the_o truth_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o themselves_o without_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o soul_n sight_n to_o discern_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n any_o know_a soul_n judge_v itself_o to_o be_v far_o unable_a to_o search_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n jer._n 17_o 9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n have_v never_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o himself_o from_o the_o quality_n itself_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n of_o a_o carnal_a heart_n because_o that_o remain_v unanswered_a the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a 2._o in_o regard_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n appear_v only_o as_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o faith_n therefore_o unless_o the_o soul_n discern_v and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v holy_a quality_n hebr._n 11.6_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n now_o he_o that_o discern_v faith_n discern_v union_n with_o christ_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sight_n of_o union_n before_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o holy_a quality_n answ_n 3._o the_o three_o negative_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v by_o any_o thing_n do_v or_o effect_v by_o the_o soul_n or_o that_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o do_v whether_o we_o look_v upon_o work_n internal_a or_o work_v external_a whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o inward_a move_n of_o the_o affection_n to_o to_o god_n or_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o expression_n of_o those_o affection_n that_o be_v the_o break_v out_o of_o those_o affection_n into_o prayer_n and_o constant_a intercession_n with_o god_n into_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o attend_v upon_o ordinance_n into_o holiness_n express_v in_o the_o conversation_n by_o none_o of_o these_o can_v the_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v clear_v and_o evidence_v yet_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a do_v by_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n though_o no_o work_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o clear_v the_o union_n and_o evidence_n it_o yet_o the_o work_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n in_o itself_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n where_o the_o soul_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a nature_n the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v faith_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o mean_a neither_o in_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n may_v be_v evidence_v without_o the_o soul_n behold_v any_o work_n either_o inward_a or_o outward_a in_o itself_o for_o infallible_o and_o necessary_o in_o the_o soul_n behold_v its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n it_o do_v
faith_n the_o one_o believe_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o his_o judgement_n when_o the_o other_o have_v confuse_v motion_n towards_o god_n without_o judgement_n now_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n 1._o say_v the_o soul_n through_o this_o rash_a distemper_n prevail_v in_o his_o heart_n those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v make_v good_a god_n draw_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n draw_v i_o or_o give_v i_o power_n therefore_o i_o be_o none_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v the_o principle_n be_v true_a but_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v rash_o from_o it_o 1._o the_o soul_n common_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n without_o weigh_v what_o the_o drawing_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o the_o secret_a power_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o promise_n tender_v to_o it_o be_v i_o have_v hear_v a_o soul_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o this_o principle_n but_o when_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o drawing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o enable_v it_o to_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n tender_v in_o the_o promise_n the_o soul_n know_v not_o ask_v it_o do_v ever_o find_v the_o lord_n make_v thy_o heart_n willing_a to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v one_o with_o thy_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n with_o the_o father_n for_o thou_o o_o yes_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o confess_v my_o soul_n belong_v for_o that_o i_o can_v but_o say_v i_o be_o willing_a and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n through_o the_o distemper_n of_o rashness_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v because_o god_n do_v not_o draw_v he_o 2._o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o this_o willingness_n yet_o the_o conclusion_n be_v rash_o draw_v from_o the_o principle_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o time_n that_o god_n have_v limit_v or_o prescribe_v to_o himself_o wherein_o he_o will_v draw_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o he_o intend_v the_o promise_n for_o 3._o the_o soul_n ground_n be_v false_a in_o regard_n the_o scripture_n determine_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n always_o act_v those_o inward_a habitual_a drawing_n of_o his_o when_o he_o have_v once_o actual_o draw_v 2._o say_v some_o soul_n through_o this_o rash_a distemper_n that_o those_o god_n intend_v good_a to_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o decay_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o grow_v more_o corrupt_a but_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o under_o the_o mean_n more_o corrupt_a and_o my_o affection_n decay_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o afraid_a the_o lord_n never_o intend_v to_o do_v good_a to_o i_o now_o i_o pray_v observe_v but_o thy_o own_o rashness_n in_o not_o weigh_v and_o try_v and_o search_v all_o thing_n to_o search_v whether_o indeed_o thou_o be_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o under_o the_o mean_n or_o no_o and_o to_o see_v in_o what_o degree_n thou_o be_v grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n as_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v god_n let_v not_o those_o that_o he_o intend_v good_a to_o in_o christ_n to_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o no._n here_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n weigh_v before_o thou_o have_v draw_v that_o conclusion_n i._o thou_o shall_v have_v weigh_v whether_o thy_o heart_n be_v grow_v more_o corrupt_a or_o no._n divers_a thing_n thing_n be_v considerable_a there_o 1._o though_o thou_o judge_v thyself_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o thou_o may_v not_o true_o have_v more_o corruption_n than_o thou_o have_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o corruption_n that_o be_v effective_o so_o and_o those_o that_o be_v formal_o so_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o may_v see_v corruption_n formal_o in_o thy_o soul_n more_o than_o before_o whereas_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v more_o corrupt_a effectively_o i_o mean_v thus_o thou_o may_v find_v more_o motion_n unto_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n than_o before_o and_o yet_o not_o those_o motion_n prevail_v to_o sin_v effective_o that_o be_v to_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v thy_o soul_n though_o indeed_o interpretative_o and_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o god_n those_o stir_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v call_v sin_n yet_o they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v corruption_n and_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a for_o than_o they_o grow_v corruption_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o they_o 2._o thou_o may_v judge_v thyself_o to_o have_v more_o corruption_n and_o yet_o there_o may_v not_o be_v more_o corruption_n neither_o first_o god_n may_v have_v cast_v more_o light_n into_o thy_o soul_n than_o before_o when_o thou_o do_v judge_v thyself_o not_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o corruption_n now_o through_o light_n every_o iniquity_n have_v a_o great_a weight_n upon_o the_o spirit_n than_o it_o have_v former_o now_o the_o more_o weight_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o spirit_n the_o more_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o through_o more_o light_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o duty_n now_o the_o more_o exquisite_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n the_o more_o abominable_a he_o see_v his_o own_o heart_n second_o if_o there_o be_v not_o more_o light_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a tenderness_n of_o spirit_n infuse_v into_o thou_o than_o former_o so_o that_o thou_o feel_v corruption_n more_o because_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o be_v more_o spiritual_o upon_o thy_o heart_n than_o before_o and_o so_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a to_o thou_o 3._o corruption_n may_v appear_v more_o when_o they_o be_v not_o more_o in_o regard_n there_o may_v be_v many_o occasion_n offer_v to_o draw_v forth_o inherent_a corruption_n into_o exercise_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o legion_n of_o iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n former_o though_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o occasion_n 4._o satan_n may_v be_v suffer_v by_o god_n to_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v out_o corruption_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o corruption_n and_o the_o mortify_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n may_v suffer_v satan_n contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n to_o war_n against_o his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o thy_o heart_n in_o draw_v out_o all_o his_o power_n to_o stir_v thy_o corruption_n that_o thou_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n for_o power_n to_o slay_v they_o so_o that_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v the_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o corrupt_a ii_o suppose_v the_o heart_n shall_v be_v grow_v more_o corrupt_a under_o mean_n for_o a_o season_n suppose_v the_o root_n of_o sin_n shall_v get_v some_o sap_n and_o bud_n and_o sprout_v again_o and_o send_v forth_o its_o branch_n more_o plentiful_o and_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v weigh_v before_o a_o soul_n draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n whether_o sin_n may_v not_o revive_v again_o and_o grow_v more_o lively_a for_o a_o time_n even_o in_o those_o who_o be_v near_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n intend_v all_o the_o good_a in_o the_o promise_v tender_v by_o christ_n iii_o it_o will_v be_v also_o consider_v whether_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o tender_v to_o at_o that_o time_n that_o thou_o may_v receive_v such_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o as_o may_v prevent_v thy_o soul_n from_o still_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o iv_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o the_o soul_n can_v find_v that_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o declension_n as_o it_o be_v now_o fall_v into_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o lord_n 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lord_n especial_o look_v at_o the_o israelite_n seldom_o fail_v in_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v they_o give_v he_o his_o ox_n and_o lamb_n and_o he_o goat_n and_o sheep_n and_o the_o like_a but_o they_o fail_v in_o the_o spirituality_n of_o those_o duty_n of_o worship_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n call_v those_o obblation_n vain_a oblation_n so_o that_o though_o the_o quantity_n of_o a_o soul_n duty_n shall_v hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o other_o yet_o he_o must_v look_v whether_o the_o quality_n will_v hold_v proportion_n whether_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o duty_n will_v proportion_v with_o their_o duty_n whether_o there_o be_v as_o much_o inward_a adoration_n before_o god_n as_o much_o inward_a self_n abasement_n of_o spirit_n as_o much_o strength_n in_o pursue_v after_o communion_n with_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o sufficient_a for_o the_o quality_n of_o duty_n to_o hold_v proportion_n with_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o some_o other_o christian_n but_o all_o the_o former_a rule_n also_o must_v be_v observe_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o where_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v with_o more_o inward_a ability_n and_o inward_a strength_n there_o he_o look_v for_o the_o duty_n to_o excel_v in_o quality_n as_o well_o as_o quantity_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o soul_n open_v which_o be_v the_o compare_v of_o his_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n it_o discern_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n four_o the_o soul_n may_v from_o compare_v himself_o with_o other_o christian_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o duty_n with_o they_o endeavour_v to_o convict_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o
will_n between_o god_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v that_o top-stair_n of_o happiness_n that_o any_o soul_n can_v possible_o ascend_v to_o now_o thence_o see_v happiness_n be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o every_o soul_n natural_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o itself_o without_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o will_n with_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o perfect_a communion_n with_o he_o so_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o scripture_n from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o working_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n enjoy_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o from_o reason_n itself_o that_o the_o spirit_n evidence_n give_v unto_o any_o soul_n of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v necessary_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o declare_v that_o a_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o lord_n will_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o only_a satisfy_a object_n of_o the_o desire_n of_o any_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o 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