three_o in_o what_o manner_n those_o mean_n produce_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n quest_n 1._o the_o first_o question_n be_v from_o whence_o soul_n attain_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a peculiar_a ground_n substantial_o from_o whence_o soul_n can_v expect_v to_o receive_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o free_a promise_n pass_v out_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n alone_o to_o poor_a despisable_a soul_n wherein_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v or_o bestow_v the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o their_o soul_n now_o that_o this_o free_a promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n will_v appear_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n i._o in_o regard_v a_o divine_a word_n must_v be_v the_o proper_a adequate_a object_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n and_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v a_o divine_a word_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o rom._n 10.17_o the_o whole_a gospel_n consider_v as_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o word_n from_o which_o faith_n come_v that_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bare_a hear_n of_o it_o that_o produce_v faith_n but_o through_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n the_o lord_n reveal_v that_o word_n unto_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o true_a infallible_a foundation_n for_o soul_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n past_a out_o from_o god_n as_o a_o promise_n unto_o soul_n be_v make_v a_o ground_n of_o true_a hope_n unto_o soul_n say_v david_n psal_n 119.49_o remember_v thy_o word_n that_o be_v thy_o promise_n unto_o thy_o servant_n upon_o which_o thou_o have_v cause_v i_o to_o hope_v now_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n thus_o consider_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a promise_n that_o a_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n ii_o in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n of_o his_o free_a donation_n and_o give_v christ_n unto_o a_o soul_n that_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o act_n of_o every_o assure_v faith_n it_o must_v be_v through_o some_o light_n and_o apprehension_n the_o soul_n have_v of_o the_o lord_n free_a will_n concern_v his_o soul_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o soul_n shall_v be_v one_o that_o any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n can_v go_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o may_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_n faith_n respect_n thing_n only_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o speech_n from_o some_o person_n or_o other_o and_o respect_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o it_o act_n that_o be_v upon_o which_o faith_n do_v believe_v thus_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o sarahs_n faith_n heb._n 11.11_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o paul_n faith_n be_v express_v thus_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a now_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o mind_n concern_v the_o eternal_a condition_n of_o such_o soul_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n thence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o there_o must_v be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n or_o the_o lord_n donation_n or_o give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n before_o there_o can_v follow_v any_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n faith_n proper_a exercise_n consist_v only_o in_o receive_v whence_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n that_o believe_v and_o receive_v be_v both_o put_v for_o one_o ordinary_o john_n 1.12_o and_o chap._n 3.33_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n for_o every_o right_a exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o must_v be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o something_o give_v that_o may_v be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v of_o indispensable_a necessity_n that_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o lord_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v one_o with_o it_o before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o act_n of_o assure_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n iii_o it_o must_v be_v from_o the_o promise_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o must_v be_v a_o particular_a infallible_a certainty_n to_o faith_n eye_n in_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o faith_n of_o evidence_n do_v act_n faith_n work_v only_o as_o a_o receiver_n can_v receive_v no_o full_a certainty_n or_o have_v any_o full_a confidence_n in_o itself_o of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v effect_v or_o do_v than_o it_o see_v manifest_a from_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o it_o take_v that_o confidence_n or_o assurance_n now_o the_o promise_n alone_o be_v the_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n yea_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o own_o unchangeable_a counsel_n have_v determine_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o certainty_n but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.16_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n from_o whence_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o you_o see_v be_v only_o from_o the_o divine_a promise_n but_o yet_o here_o be_v another_o question_n soul_n will_v cast_v in_o before_o we_o answer_v the_o second_o by_o what_o mean_n quest_n but_o may_v the_o soul_n say_v be_v it_o not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n it_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o near_a ground_n the_o proximate_a ground_n but_o the_o remote_a ground_n the_o further_a off_o ground_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n fulfil_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o near_a ground_n and_o the_o immediate_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o union_n for_o answer_v to_o it_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n to_o be_v premise_v and_o then_o to_o come_v to_o the_o direct_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a receive_v division_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v either_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a absolute_a make_v and_o found_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o so_o to_o be_v accomplish_v only_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o because_o he_o will_n or_o else_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o some_o particular_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o soul_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v also_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n now_o this_o division_n divide_v the_o promise_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o that_o know_a division_n promise_v legal_a and_o promise_n evangelical_a promise_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n prem_n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n proper_o call_v conditional_a promise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o condition_n include_v in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o any_o one_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o promise_n into_o promise_n absolute_a and_o promise_n conditional_a can_v hold_v right_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o every_o promise_n consider_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v all_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v to_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v simple_o and_o full_o determine_v to_o accomplish_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o latitude_n wherein_o he_o do_v propound_v they_o unto_o soul_n and_o that_o without_o any_o impediment_n or_o interruption_n so_o that_o whatever_o can_v possible_o intervene_v yet_o the_o lord_n will_v shall_v prevail_v in_o perform_v the_o promise_n thence_o you_o shall_v observe_v jer._n 31.32_o that_o the_o new_a covenant_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o old_a covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o nation_n in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n whole_o absolute_a contain_v nothing_o but_o promise_n which_o the_o lord_n intend_v to_o
have_v any_o grace_n or_o holy_a habit_n or_o quality_n inherent_a in_o he_o but_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n former_o dark_a about_o his_o union_n must_v have_v respect_n and_o relation_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o gift_n be_v manifest_v else_o the_o gift_n can_v be_v close_v with_o as_o suitable_a thence_o it_o must_v be_v manifest_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o mediator_n to_o a_o poor_a despicable_a and_o desperate_a rebellious_a wretch_n against_o the_o high_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o mediate_v with_o the_o great_a commander_n of_o heaven_n for_o pardon_v to_o such_o a_o poor_a despicable_a rebel_n it_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o gift_n of_o a_o day_n man_n that_o may_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o both_o partay_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n as_o at_o difference_n to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o open_v the_o work_n of_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o faith_n consider_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o ungodly_a one_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o rom._n 4_o 5._o ii_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v first_o in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o soul_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v hitherto_o set_v in_o darkness_n must_v be_v a_o manifestation_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o those_o very_a grace_n and_o the_o grace_n themselves_o consider_v as_o give_v be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v no_o assurance_n unto_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o promise_n wherein_o the_o lord_n hold_v forth_o his_o free_a will_n both_o to_o christ_n and_o those_o grace_n that_o must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v the_o evidence_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o question_n open_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o soul_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n use_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n to_o give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n there_o be_v another_o question_n to_o be_v open_v that_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n all_o the_o absolute_a promise_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n but_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o absolute_a promise_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o particular_a soul_n that_o be_v his_o own_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o or_o any_o other_o know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o particular_a soul_n in_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v no_o particularise_v of_o any_o soul_n answ_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v first_o open_v what_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o every_o soul_n by_o way_n of_o premise_v for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o lie_v down_o two_o conclusion_n for_o the_o full_a answer_n of_o the_o question_n pre._n 1._o first_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n of_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o absolute_a promise_n alone_o be_v like_o jacob_n ladder_n it_o be_v the_o heavenly_a ladder_n upon_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o come_v down_o into_o any_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v the_o precious_a golden_a chain_n that_o bind_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o precious_a marriage_n knot_n of_o union_n be_v only_o knit_v by_o that_o chain_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o absolute_a good_a will_n unto_o soul_n be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o first_o ground_n of_o union_n between_o jesus_n christ_n and_o soul_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o revelation_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n good_a will_n concern_v soul_n now_o thence_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n that_o soul_n be_v unite_v than_o it_o be_v not_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v from_o eternity_n and_o so_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o mercy_n flow_v down_o from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o lord_n elective_a love_n but_o rather_o the_o first_o and_o primary_n cause_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n shall_v be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o so_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o stream_n of_o scripture_n truth_n it_o shall_v be_v of_o he_o that_o will_v and_o run_v and_o not_o of_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o there_o must_v be_v some_o grace_n acceptable_a to_o god_n presuppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n unto_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o union_n with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o conditional_a promise_n or_o a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v now_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o condition_n or_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o such_o a_o holy_a quality_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v any_o holy_a quality_n conceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n acceptable_a to_o god_n before_o union_n then_o either_o the_o soul_n must_v receive_v some_o holy_a quality_n that_o flow_v not_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o deny_v the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o in_o col._n 1.9_o and_o john_n 1.16_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o some_o grace_n some_o holy_a quality_n shall_v be_v convey_v into_o the_o soul_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v convey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n still_o remain_v a_o stranger_n to_o god_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o quality_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o union_n than_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v a_o belove_a one_o of_o god_n out_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n alone_o in_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v well_o please_v pre._n 2._o that_o the_o first_o proper_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v ever_o by_o or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o union_n be_v not_o by_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n then_o the_o devil_n faith_n shall_v hold_v equal_a proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o soul_n unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o devil_n themselves_o do_v as_o full_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o precious_a absolute_a promise_n as_o any_o unite_a soul_n and_o do_v as_o full_o expect_v the_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o then_o shall_v the_o soul_n dependence_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o suitable_a ground_n for_o the_o dependence_n the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n but_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n all_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v describe_v in_o any_o word_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v conditional_a promise_n those_o be_v not_o discover_v at_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o absolute_a promise_n prove_v a_o particular_a ground_n to_o the_o soul_n apprehension_n that_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o absolute_a promise_n see_v the_o lord_n particular_o tender_v himself_o to_o accept_v it_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o that_o dependence_n prem_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o this_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n unto_o soul_n
insinuation_n and_o suggestion_n that_o proceed_v from_o hell_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a disposition_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n to_o comply_v with_o that_o curse_a suggestion_n of_o hell_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n receive_v be_v but_o a_o delusion_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n i._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a endeavour_n of_o sense_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o regain_v his_o first_o dominion_n to_o have_v the_o prime_a command_a authority_n in_o the_o believe_a heart_n hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o most_o precious_a saint_n have_v maintain_v a_o mighty_a battle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n against_o sense_n strive_v to_o prevail_v over_o faith_n and_o yet_o the_o strong_a saint_n have_v be_v incline_v and_o ready_o dispose_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o by_o sense_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v according_a to_o what_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o working_n of_o god_n in_o they_o so_o you_o see_v the_o holy_a man_n gidion_n judg._n 6.12_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o indeed_o be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_n appear_v to_o he_o and_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o thou_o mighty_a man_n of_o valour_n but_o mark_v now_o sense_n strive_v for_o the_o dominion_n over_o faith_n say_v gidion_n oh_o my_o lord_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o why_o then_o be_v all_o this_o befall_v we_o and_o where_o be_v all_o his_o miracle_n which_o our_o father_n tell_v we_o of_o say_v do_v not_o the_o lord_n bring_v we_o up_o from_o egypt_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v we_o and_o deliver_v we_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o midianite_n thus_o sense_n say_v in_o another_o case_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v i_o to_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n why_o be_v my_o heart_n leave_v thus_o and_o thus_o why_o be_v my_o corruption_n thus_o strong_a so_o again_o you_o shall_v observe_v psal_n 73.2_o the_o godly_a man_n asaph_n confess_v that_o sense_n do_v so_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n that_o his_o soul_n by_o that_o have_v well_o night_n lose_v its_o stand_v in_o faith_n my_o foot_n be_v almost_o go_v my_o step_n have_v well_o nigh_o slip_v nay_o sense_n wrought_v so_o far_o that_o you_o shall_v observe_v v._o 13._o the_o holy_a man_n have_v conclude_v that_o he_o have_v cleanse_v his_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a disposition_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o suggestion_n of_o hell_n that_o his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v be_v but_o a_o delusion_n there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n in_o this_o to_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o sense_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n with_o sense_n in_o the_o cause_n that_o sense_n argue_v against_o the_o soul_n sense_n argument_n tend_v all_o to_o prove_v a_o impossibility_n to_o forlorn_a soul_n shall_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o the_o suggestion_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o unite_v so_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o sutableness_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o suggestion_n as_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o sense_n maintain_v against_o the_o soul_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n in_o the_o medium_n that_o sense_n use_v to_o disprove_v the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o ground_n of_o that_o suggestion_n from_o hell_n that_o the_o believe_a soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n be_v setched_a always_o from_o some_o defect_n or_o some_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n either_o from_o some_o want_n of_o holiness_n or_o some_o unsuitable_a work_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o what_o the_o soul_n conceive_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n now_o sense_n argument_n be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v always_o the_o voice_n of_o sense_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n my_o heart_n be_v thus_o and_o thus_o vile_a i_o be_o dead_a vain_a and_o formal_a blockish_a carnal_a sensual_a sleighty_a and_o loose_a i_o be_o little_o better_a than_o a_o block_n under_o ordinance_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 3._o by_o sense_n comply_v with_o this_o suggestion_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n that_o his_o evidence_n of_o union_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n sense_n do_v immediate_o aspire_v to_o the_o throne_n again_o in_o the_o believe_a heart_n and_o do_v immediate_o endeavour_v the_o dispossess_v of_o faith_n if_o the_o heart_n comply_v with_o that_o suggestion_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n then_o see_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n be_v primary_o and_o principal_o unto_o faith_n faith_n be_v make_v whole_o subject_a to_o the_o soul_n sense_n so_o that_o sense_n than_o bear_v the_o prime_a and_o principle_n rule_v in_o the_o soul_n ii_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a disposition_n in_o a_o believe_a soul_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o suggestion_n of_o hell_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o desperate_a enmity_n of_o carnal_a reason_n against_o faith_n in_o every_o believe_a soul_n the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 8.7_o the_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o reason_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n so_o against_o all_o the_o holy_a working_n of_o god_n in_o a_o soul_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n it_o be_v enmity_n against_o that_o special_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o believe_a disposition_n there_o be_v a_o irreconciliable_a opposition_n between_o carnal_a reason_n and_o faith_n in_o every_o soul_n carnal_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v that_o gracious_a unspeakable_a mystery_n of_o the_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n through_o believe_v only_o and_o because_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n carnal_a reason_n be_v always_o for_o self-advancement_n and_o therefore_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o soul_n believe_v which_o be_v the_o low_a debasement_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o carnal_a reason_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o every_o consequent_a act_n of_o faith_n also_o so_o that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o believe_a act_n in_o any_o soul_n do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o throw_v down_o those_o strong_a carnal_a reason_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 2_o cor._n 10.45_o throw_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v imaginations-original_a it_o be_v as_o beza_n render_v it_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v throw_v down_o whereby_o the_o flesh_n have_v fortify_v itself_o against_o the_o spirit_n draw_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v so_o opposite_a be_v carnal_a reason_n to_o faith_n that_o it_o invent_v a_o multitude_n of_o false_a reason_n and_o rot_a ground_n to_o persuade_v the_o unregenerate_a soul_n to_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n that_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n throw_v down_o those_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o soul_n shall_v believe_v likewise_o again_o after_o the_o first_o act_n of_o believe_v carnal_a reason_n turn_v the_o mouth_n of_o his_o great_a ordnance_n whereby_o it_o mannage_n the_o battle_n against_o faith_n another_o way_n then_o carnal_a reason_n mannage_n it_o against_o the_o right_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v and_o persuade_v the_o soul_n it_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o it_o may_v not_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o dispicable_a soul_n as_o he_o to_o believe_v now_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o enmity_n of_o carnal_a reason_n in_o the_o heart_n against_o faith_n there_o be_v a_o ready_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o suggestion_n that_o his_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n 1._o the_o evidence_n be_v suitable_a to_o carnal_a reason_n carnal_a reason_n leap_v now_o in_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o suggestion_n and_o say_v thus_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v and_o yet_o you_o will_v presume_v though_o you_o be_v unholy_a and_o altogether_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o now_o you_o see_v you_o have_v undo_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o cast_v yourselves_o into_o the_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n 2._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o powerful_a inclination_n in_o every_o soul_n to_o comply_v with_o carnal_a reason_n carnal_a reason_n be_v our_o own_o and_o because_o our_o own_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v ourselves_o under_o its_o power_n 3._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o oppiniativeness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o strength_n
first_o embrace_v of_o christ_n have_v strange_a conceit_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o no_o question_n the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v real_a only_o through_o want_n of_o clearness_n of_o light_n many_o disorderly_a affection_n be_v in_o they_o which_o be_v set_v in_o order_n afterward_o premise_v 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n to_o be_v observe_v between_o argument_n or_o confirm_v sign_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n those_o proper_o be_v call_v evidence_n that_o do_v in_o their_o proper_a nature_n discover_v union_n whenever_o they_o be_v present_a so_o that_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v present_a the_o soul_n can_v question_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o those_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v evidence_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o clear_v up_o union_n with_o christ_n whenever_o they_o be_v present_a in_o the_o soul_n now_o of_o that_o nature_n be_v many_o holy_a disposition_n and_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o able_a to_o clear_v up_o the_o soul_n union_n yet_o these_o be_v evidence_n that_o may_v and_o do_v clear_a unquestionable_o whenever_o the_o lord_n discover_v they_o the_o question_v you_o ask_v be_v a_o great_a question_n the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v how_o we_o may_v attain_v evidence_n of_o union_n our_o union_n either_o be_v dark_a or_o doubtful_a or_o else_o never_o have_v clear_a evidence_n you_o that_o have_v it_o do_v not_o ask_v how_o you_o shall_v have_v it_o confirm_v more_o and_o more_o but_o how_o you_o shall_v have_v evidence_n of_o your_o union_n now_o i_o shall_v answer_v first_o negative_o how_o you_o may_v not_o second_o affirmative_o how_o you_o may_v neg._n first_o negative_o how_o you_o may_v not_o in_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n ans_fw-fr 1._o first_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v from_o any_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v effect_v in_o or_o upon_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v neither_o by_o his_o illumination_n humiliation_n or_o reformation_n neither_o by_o a_o restrain_v work_n from_o sin_n or_o prevent_v work_n of_o sin_n or_o allure_a work_n from_o sin_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v effect_v upon_o the_o soul_n all_o these_o work_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o clear_v up_o union_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o upon_o three_o ground_n 1._o in_o regard_v all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v go_v before_o union_n may_v be_v and_o be_v wrought_v upon_o soul_n that_o never_o obtain_v union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o humiliation_n sorrow_n for_o sin_n restraint_n from_o sin_n some_o kind_n of_o turn_v the_o heart_n away_o from_o sin_n some_o kind_n of_o love_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n all_o those_o that_o go_v before_o the_o very_a instant_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n may_v be_v effect_v in_o many_o soul_n that_o never_o obtain_v union_n nay_o they_o may_v be_v and_o appear_v great_a in_o many_o soul_n that_o never_o obtain_v union_n than_o in_o soul_n that_o attain_v unto_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o in_o regard_n those_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o soul_n be_v common_a to_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o unite_v as_o well_o as_o to_o soul_n unite_v thence_o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n whatever_o must_v evidence_n union_n to_o a_o soul_n must_v be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o soul_n unite_v that_o it_o may_v be_v proper_o say_v that_o no_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o complete_o unite_v to_o christ_n can_v have_v such_o a_o work_n upon_o their_o heart_n now_o no_o such_o work_n go_v before_o immediate_a union_n but_o may_v be_v common_a to_o a_o soul_n never_o unite_v to_o christ_n for_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o judas_n in_o reformation_n and_o desire_n to_o ordinance_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o a_o wretched_a herod_n mark_v 6.20_o he_o hear_v john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o reform_v many_o thing_n for_o a_o soul_n mourn_v after_o god_n apparent_o we_o may_v see_v it_o in_o esau_n a_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o want_n of_o union_n may_v mourn_v most_o bitter_o now_o in_o regard_n of_o rhe_n commonality_n of_o the_o work_n to_o soul_n not_o unite_v as_o well_o as_o unto_o soul_n unite_v they_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o union_n 2._o in_o regard_v these_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n can_v yield_v no_o divine_a witness_n or_o testimony_n unto_o the_o poor_a doubt_v soul_n indeed_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n originally_n be_v divine_a work_n and_o work_v of_o divine_a power_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o yield_v a_o divine_a testimony_n now_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a ground_n the_o proper_a object_n of_o all_o divine_a faith_n must_v be_v a_o divine_a ground_n if_o it_o be_v a_o fallible_a ground_n it_o be_v a_o fallible_a faith_n if_o a_o uncertain_a ground_n it_o be_v a_o uncertain_a faith_n if_o a_o humane_a ground_n it_o be_v a_o humane_a faith_n now_o in_o case_n upon_o those_o ground_n as_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n shall_v believe_v its_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o shall_v not_o believe_v it_o with_o a_o divine_a faith_n because_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o upon_o 3._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n make_v by_o god_n unto_o soul_n that_o have_v these_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v no_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v burden_v with_o sin_n or_o the_o like_a i_o mean_v thus_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o engage_v in_o any_o of_o these_o promise_n to_o soul_n that_o have_v such_o and_o such_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o those_o he_o will_v bring_v into_o union_n and_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v because_o my_o soul_n be_v burden_v with_o sin_n or_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v now_o convince_v my_o soul_n in_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n that_o therefore_o i_o have_v right_a to_o such_o and_o such_o a_o promise_n no_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o by_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v have_v right_a to_o these_o promise_n and_o to_o the_o effect_v those_o qualification_n in_o the_o soul_n too_o ans_fw-fr 2._o second_o we_o can_v evidence_n our_o union_n by_o any_o thing_n inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v not_o by_o any_o gracious_a quality_n habit_n inclination_n or_o disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v from_o god_n into_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o dwell_v in_o it_o be_v as_o insufficient_a to_o manifest_v and_o evidence_n this_o interest_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v all_o holy_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o any_o soul_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o ground_n i._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o near_a similitude_n and_o likeness_n of_o counterfeit_n quality_n and_o grace_n to_o all_o those_o holy_a quality_n and_o grace_n and_o habit_n that_o can_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o soul_n the_o devil_n have_v his_o artist_n at_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v at_o work_n and_o there_o be_v no_o precious_a jewel_n of_o grace_n the_o spirit_n frame_v in_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o devil_n artist_n can_v counterseit_v a_o jewel_n of_o as_o near_o similitude_n as_o possible_a only_o to_o delude_v poor_a soul_n yea_o there_o be_v such_o a_o nearness_n of_o likeness_n in_o those_o false_a disposition_n to_o those_o true_a precious_a holy_a quality_n as_o the_o imperfect_a sight_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v possible_o discern_v the_o difference_n when_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v dark_a as_o to_o instance_n in_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v a_o emptiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o confidence_n in_o itself_o be_v nothing_o in_o its_o own_o eye_n mark_v what_o a_o near_a counterfeit_n the_o devil_n artist_n can_v make_v curse_a pride_n of_o spirit_n so_o as_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v discern_v nay_o so_o near_o as_o the_o soul_n common_o mistake_v a_o soul_n be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o move_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v now_o come_v the_o devil_n what_o such_o a_o curse_a wretch_n as_o thou_o be_v receive_v the_o lord_n
that_o do_v hear_v the_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o do_v careful_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o heart_n but_o must_v be_v satisfy_v about_o his_o union_n but_o our_o experience_n tell_v we_o this_o that_o the_o most_o understand_a soul_n about_o union_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o their_o union_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o the_o answer_n open_v now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o affirmative_a there_o be_v another_o question_n will_v be_v cast_v in_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o que._n 1._o but_o may_v the_o soul_n say_v if_o none_o of_o these_o can_v evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v all_o those_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o something_o thus_o inherent_a in_o themselves_o and_o do_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n rot_a and_o unsound_a and_o no_o evidence_n must_v we_o now_o cast_v away_o all_o our_o thought_n of_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v former_o gather_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o qualification_n inherent_a in_o our_o soul_n before_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v this_o question_n i_o must_v first_o premise_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o conceive_v either_o quality_n inherent_a in_o his_o soul_n or_o work_v do_v by_o his_o soul_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o union_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o unite_n mean_v between_o christ_n and_o thy_o soul_n that_o have_v draw_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o come_v into_o thy_o heart_n and_o to_o dwell_v in_o thou_o and_o so_o to_o cause_v thou_o to_o dwell_v in_o he_o this_o be_v no_o less_o than_o gross_a popery_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o the_o cause_n of_o union_n 2._o i_o also_o premise_v that_o thou_o have_v not_o take_v quality_n inherent_a in_o thyself_o or_o work_v do_v by_o thyself_o as_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o thou_o do_v believe_v thy_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a sandy_a foundation_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o build_v upon_o this_o be_v to_o ground_v a_o divine_a faith_n upon_o a_o humane_a ground_n to_o ground_v a_o certain_a conclusion_n upon_o a_o poor_a changeable_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v to_o make_v thy_o faith_n of_o no_o long_o last_v than_o the_o constancy_n of_o thy_o heart_n in_o such_o work_n or_o the_o constancy_n of_o thy_o sight_n in_o behold_v such_o disposition_n in_o thy_o heart_n this_o be_v both_o unsafe_a and_o exceed_v dangerous_a 3._o i_o must_v premise_v that_o thou_o mistake_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o thy_o evidence_n conceive_v thyself_o to_o receive_v thy_o evidence_n from_o quality_n inherent_a in_o thyself_o or_o work_v do_v by_o thyself_o when_o thou_o receive_v it_o from_o a_o promise_n of_o free_a grace_n alone_o it_o may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n declare_v to_o thou_o his_o willingness_n to_o accept_v of_o thy_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o let_v thou_o see_v thy_o heart_n close_v with_o that_o gracious_a tender_a he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v thou_o see_v such_o holy_a disposition_n in_o thy_o soul_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o thy_o union_n thence_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o do_v conclude_v thy_o evidence_n be_v from_o these_o when_o it_o be_v from_o something_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o work_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v demand_v whether_o thy_o qualification_n thus_o consider_v be_v evidence_n i_o answer_v negative_o and_o affirmative_o first_o they_o be_v no_o right_a kind_n of_o evidence_n 1._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o faith_n that_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v unto_o faith_n with_o such_o a_o authority_n that_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o revealer_n of_o that_o truth_n the_o soul_n do_v believe_v it_o and_o close_o with_o it_o now_o in_o that_o manner_n the_o word_n alone_o be_v proper_a evidence_n unto_o faith_n assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v always_o have_v a_o divine_a ground_n to_o build_v upon_o now_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a ground_n but_o a_o divine_a word_n and_o thy_o own_o disposition_n and_o grace_n be_v no_o divine_a but_o a_o humane_a ground_n 2._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o a_o necessary_a truth_n build_v upon_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n or_o reason_n now_o the_o union_n of_o thy_o soul_n with_o christ_n can_v never_o be_v right_o take_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n build_v upon_o thy_o own_o work_n as_o the_o unchangeable_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v no_o work_n do_v by_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v a_o unchangeable_a reason_n upon_o which_o a_o soul_n may_v build_v such_o a_o truth_n as_o this_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n in_o regard_n thou_o be_v never_o yet_o full_o certain_a of_o the_o right_a nature_n of_o those_o thy_o work_n or_o of_o those_o disposition_n in_o thy_o soul_n from_o whence_o thou_o do_v gather_v those_o thought_n of_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o i_o answer_v affirmative_o they_o may_v be_v improper_o call_v evidence_n and_o they_o may_v have_v beget_v a_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o thy_o soul_n though_o not_o a_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n opinion_n be_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o some_o truth_n propound_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n propound_v now_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o gracious_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n may_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n to_o thy_o soul_n that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v afford_v some_o probable_a argument_n of_o thy_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o from_o thence_o may_v have_v fly_v these_o three_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o thence_o may_v have_v rise_v a_o quiet_a and_o calm_a in_o the_o soul_n a_o cessation_n from_o those_o perturbation_n and_o tumult_n the_o soul_n be_v disquiet_v with_o former_o 2._o hence_o may_v flow_v some_o refreshment_n a_o hope_n of_o possibility_n to_o the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n bring_v admirable_a refreshment_n much_o like_o a_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v shipwreck_n at_o sea_n see_v but_o a_o ship_n come_v towards_o he_o gives_z him_z hope_v of_o be_v take_v in_o 3._o from_o hence_o may_v arise_v some_o flit_a joy_n though_o christ_n do_v but_o pass_v by_o as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o soul_n do_v but_o see_v his_o face_n through_o a_o crevice_n it_o refresh_v his_o heart_n thus_o far_o they_o may_v be_v evidence_n of_o opinion_n unto_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n that_o must_v be_v note_v about_o this_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n lest_o we_o mistake_v for_o though_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o many_o soul_n may_v prove_v such_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a issue_n of_o they_o may_v hold_v to_o eternity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a danger_n to_o the_o safety_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o soul_n therefore_o observe_v i._o that_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n in_o soul_n do_v yet_o fall_v short_a of_o raise_v those_o soul_n into_o a_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n about_o and_o concern_v evidence_n of_o union_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o three_o thing_n 1._o in_o regard_v these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o fullness_n of_o certainty_n and_o that_o strength_n of_o confidence_n that_o the_o rule_n concern_v evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n do_v require_v soul_n to_o be_v raise_v to_o when_o this_o opinion_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n there_o can_v be_v a_o full_a certainty_n now_o the_o scripture_n require_v soul_n to_o attain_v a_o full_a confidence_n about_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n heb._n 10.22_o 2._o in_o regard_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n consolation_n in_o these_o evidence_n be_v lay_v upon_o a_o ground_n disagree_v to_o the_o rule_n the_o rule_n be_v only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v now_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v immutable_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v build_v heb._n 6.17_o 18._o 3._o in_o regard_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v unsuitable_a in_o measure_n and_o degree_n to_o that_o which_o god_n intend_v for_o his_o people_n soul_n he_o intend_v full_a consolation_n to_o they_o a_o plerophery_a of_o consolation_n but_o how_o weak_a be_v those_o comfort_n that_o flow_v from_o those_o weak_a fluctuate_a inherent_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n quality_n or_o the_o work_n of_o those_o quality_n ii_o you_o must_v note_v about_o these_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n that_o no_o soul_n may_v just_o satisfy_v or_o content_v itself_o with_o only_a those_o evidence_n of_o
no_o more_o sutableness_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o promise_n for_o a_o invitation_n for_o poor_a burden_a soul_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n than_o there_o be_v in_o other_o promise_v hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n to_o soul_n for_o present_v not_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n there_o lie_v as_o great_a a_o invitation_n upon_o every_o soul_n under_o heaven_n as_o the_o burden_a there_o lie_v a_o command_n upon_o every_o soul_n the_o invitation_n run_v as_o equal_o to_o the_o dead_a in_o sin_n under_o the_o great_a captivity_n to_o satan_n as_o to_o soul_n groan_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n second_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o promise_n be_v rest_n and_o refreshment_n now_o you_o see_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v hold_v forth_o to_o they_o to_o be_v receive_v for_o the_o future_a only_o through_o believe_v and_o so_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o every_o soul_n under_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v make_v to_o burden_a soul_n under_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v so_o burden_v or_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v with_o any_o such_o quality_n of_o grace_n you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o god_n discover_v to_o poor_a necessitous_a soul_n where_o they_o shall_v have_v refreshment_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n be_v thou_o poor_a necessitous_a soul_n will_v have_v refreshment_n and_o thou_o poor_a burden_a soul_n will_v have_v ease_n come_v to_o i_o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o i_o by_o faith_n and_o take_v my_o word_n say_v jesus_n christ_n thou_o shall_v have_v rest_n iii_o if_o you_o look_v into_o promise_n make_v to_o mourn_a soul_n as_o in_o mat._n 5.5_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o mourn_v for_o they_o shall_v be_v comfort_v so_o isa_n 61.1_o 2._o speak_v of_o christ_n he_o shall_v come_v to_o comfort_v those_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n but_o now_o those_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o mourner_n as_o have_v the_o quality_n of_o sorrow_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o be_v afflict_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o grieve_v for_o they_o no_o not_o as_o grieve_v for_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n by_o their_o sin_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v respect_n to_o that_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o sorrow_n as_o a_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n than_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a quality_n now_o be_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o good_a quality_n it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v the_o good_a quality_n increase_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o soul_n whereas_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o the_o mourn_a soul_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o quality_n by_o comfort_n comfort_n and_o mourning_n be_v two_o contrary_n so_o that_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n have_v a_o good_a quality_n in_o they_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o misery_n to_o have_v the_o promise_n than_o a_o happiness_n 2._o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o sorrow_n as_o inherent_a than_o the_o soul_n may_v claim_v comfort_n by_o his_o mourning_n or_o because_o of_o his_o mourning_n and_o so_o the_o original_n of_o the_o soul_n comfort_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o quality_n inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n 4._o if_o you_o go_v on_o to_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n bless_v be_v they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o promise_n here_o be_v not_o make_v to_o a_o soul_n poor_a in_o spirit_n as_o have_v that_o quality_n in_o he_o for_o than_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o give_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v hold_v forth_o to_o no_o soul_n but_o to_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o poor_a and_o empty_a and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v hold_v forth_o particular_o as_o the_o lord_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o soul_n but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v thus_o poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o nothingness_n and_o so_o the_o first_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o a_o soul_n as_o have_v true_a holiness_n and_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o promise_n by_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o sight_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o soul_n to_o make_v he_o receive_v a_o promise_n there_o be_v a_o four_o question_n to_o be_v answer_v before_o we_o can_v pass_v to_o the_o affirmative_a answer_n quest_n 4._o be_v not_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o faith_n and_o believe_v as_o believe_v that_o through_o faith_n a_o man_n can_v only_o claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n say_v the_o soul_n sure_o faith_n be_v a_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o faith_n they_o be_v make_v to_o quality_n as_o quality_n answ_n 1._o first_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n actual_o void_a of_o faith_n though_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v without_o respect_n unto_o believe_v for_o the_o future_a yet_o i_o say_v without_o any_o present_a believe_v the_o most_o primary_n principal_a fundamental_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o soul_n void_a of_o faith_n actual_o they_o be_v make_v only_o to_o sinner_n and_o that_o in_o their_o very_a estate_n of_o sinfulness_n though_o not_o proper_o as_o they_o be_v sinner_n that_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v sinner_n as_o if_o sinner_n be_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o heinous_a sinner_n in_o that_o doleful_a condition_n the_o lord_n make_v the_o promise_n to_o as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o that_o precious_a promise_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o chief_a he_o look_v upon_o himself_o only_o as_o a_o sinner_n in_o the_o application_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o save_v he_o thus_o the_o promise_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v make_v to_o such_o actual_o without_o faith_n call_v they_o as_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o close_o with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o they_o to_o make_v up_o reconciliation_n thus_o also_o that_o of_o luk._n 19.20_o that_o christ_n come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v another_o precious_a promise_n yet_o make_v to_o soul_n only_o lose_v without_o respect_n to_o any_o present_a be_v of_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n in_o soul_n and_o therefore_o not_o make_v to_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o which_o those_o promise_n shall_v be_v make_v as_o that_o promise_n ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v for_o the_o beget_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v change_v whereby_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o redemption_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n answ_n 3._o three_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v unto_o faith_n as_o a_o quality_n pre-existent_a in_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v as_o a_o quality_n to_o be_v remain_v in_o a_o soul_n before_o he_o claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n so_o that_o no_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o a_o believer_n because_o he_o do_v believe_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n believe_v nor_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n particular_a interest_n in_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n believe_v though_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v his_o believe_v for_o if_o faith_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o soul_n as_o a_o quality_n to_o receive_v the_o promise_n than_o these_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v 1._o no_o promise_n can_v be_v fulfil_v in_o and_o to_o a_o soul_n before_o it_o actual_o believe_v and_o then_o either_o faith_n itself_o must_v not_o be_v a_o gift_n from_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n or_o else_o the_o great_a fundamental_a gift_n shall_v be_v convey_v unto_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n nor_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n 2._o then_o no_o soul_n may_v receive_v a_o promise_n nor_o believe_v a_o promise_n before_o he_o see_v his_o own_o faith_n that_o be_v a_o soul_n till_o he_o can_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n into_o my_o soul_n he_o may_v not_o receive_v any_o promise_n the_o
of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n pre._n 2._o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v a_o distinction_n between_o assurance_n of_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n as_o in_o 1_o john_n 4.16_o say_v he_o we_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n to_o we_o he_o make_v a_o twofold_a assurance_n a_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n now_o indeed_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v call_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n they_o have_v both_o the_o property_n of_o knowledge_n knowledge_n be_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n now_o in_o both_o these_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n arise_v as_o a_o necessary_a truth_n from_o a_o unchangeable_a ground_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o which_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n gather_v the_o conclusion_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o behold_v the_o peculiar_a inseparable_a effect_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v that_o unchangeable_a ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n gather_v the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n pre._n 3._o three_o that_o both_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n associate_n or_o companion_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n at_o one_o time_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n cotemporary_a that_o be_v accompany_v one_o another_o that_o when_o one_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v assurance_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v also_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o for_o a_o threefold_a reason_n 1._o in_o regard_v those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v witness_v or_o declare_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o soul_n whenever_o the_o lord_n reveal_v from_o his_o own_o word_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o take_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o lord_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n witness_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o willingness_n to_o confer_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o grace_n his_o soul_n want_v all_o the_o holiness_n the_o hungry_a or_o empty_a soul_n be_v breathe_v after_o he_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v the_o soul_n he_o shall_v have_v love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n he_o shall_v have_v poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o strength_n over_o corruption_n 2._o through_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n those_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v beget_v immediate_o now_o in_o regard_n these_o be_v thus_o necessary_o beget_v thence_o it_o be_v the_o sight_n of_o they_o come_v to_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v apparent_a in_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o lively_a working_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o grace_n be_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o every_o soul_n by_o or_o through_o the_o lord_n reveal_v unto_o the_o soul_n a_o ground_n for_o assurance_n of_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n mourn_v for_o sin_n more_o sweet_o and_o melt_v more_o precious_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o before_o though_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v some_o heart-breaking_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o wretchedness_n former_o it_o be_v then_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o poor_a in_o himself_o and_o loathe_v and_o abhor_v himself_o more_o than_o ever_o before_o pre._n 4._o four_o though_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o soul_n yet_o the_o assurance_n of_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o according_a to_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n draw_v from_o his_o own_o grace_n when_o there_o be_v not_o some_o unchangeable_a ground_n manifest_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o right_n orderly_a way_n never_o flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n flow_v from_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o arise_v upon_o these_o two_o ground_n 1._o in_o regard_v it_o must_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o soul_n by_o god_n that_o do_v procure_v a_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o appear_v thus_o the_o grace_n or_o love_n or_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n then_o the_o lord_n do_v draw_v the_o the_o soul_n to_o assurance_n of_o faith_n when_o he_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o own_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o take_v it_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o mere_a disposition_n of_o his_o own_o will_v alone_o for_o no_o other_o respect_n whatever_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o now_o those_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o grace_n but_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o grace_n in_o particular_a unto_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v through_o grace_n reveal_v that_o grace_n have_v its_o right_a proper_a effect_n in_o a_o soul_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n it_o have_v the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o effect_n according_a to_o that_o in_o 1_o john_n 3.2_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v when_o we_o behold_v he_o through_o that_o sight_n we_o shall_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o divers_a place_n as_o john_n 15.16_o say_v christ_n you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n now_o at_o present_a as_o their_o portion_n but_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v christ_n first_o but_o the_o manifestation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n choose_v their_o soul_n first_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n choose_v jesus_n christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o light_a reveal_n to_o a_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n choice_n of_o he_o so_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o strength_n wherewith_o the_o will_n close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o choice_n again_o now_o the_o choice_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o any_o habit_n of_o grace_n that_o ever_o any_o soul_n bring_v forth_o there_o be_v no_o gracious_a act_n true_o gracious_o act_v by_o any_o soul_n till_o the_o will_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v draw_v in_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n choose_v he_o to_o union_n with_o himself_o upon_o which_o the_o will_v also_o choose_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o and_o again_o you_o may_v consult_v with_o that_o know_a place_n in_o 1_o john_n 4.19_o say_v he_o we_o love_v he_o because_o he_o first_o love_v we_o not_o that_o from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n love_v their_o love_n do_v proceed_v though_o that_o be_v true_a but_o from_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n love_n now_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o gala._n 5_o 6._o faith_n work_v by_o love_n the_o very_a first_o operation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n towards_o christ_n be_v by_o love_n the_o soul_n at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o reach_v out_o a_o hand_n of_o faith_n to_o grasp_v hold_n of_o christ_n it_o reach_v out_o also_o a_o hand_n of_o love_n unto_o christ_n now_o then_o observe_v the_o grace_n and_o working_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n for_o a_o soul_n to_o gather_v assurance_n of_o knowledge_n from_o and_o those_o grace_n not_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o soul_n but_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o lord_n manifestation_n unto_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o assurance_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n go_v before_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n 2._o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v always_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o knowledge_n remain_v dark_a and_o hide_a and_o obscure_a to_o the_o
soul_n when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n remain_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a the_o truth_n of_o grace_n appear_v most_o clear_o from_o their_o original_a from_o whence_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n upon_o which_o they_o grow_v in_o regard_n other_o fruit_n may_v have_v so_o near_o a_o resemblance_n to_o they_o as_o they_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o have_v so_o much_o darkness_n in_o it_o whilst_o it_o remain_v here_o below_o but_o when_o the_o original_n of_o grace_n appear_v when_o the_o soul_n see_v his_o love_n flow_v mere_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o even_o because_o of_o god_n love_n to_o the_o soul_n therefore_o the_o soul_n love_v god_n again_o it_o be_v then_o that_o love_n appear_v in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n and_o indeed_o never_o till_o then_o so_o that_o till_o the_o love_n or_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n or_o mourn_v for_o sin_n appear_v to_o the_o soul_n itself_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o his_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o right_a stamp_n now_o in_o regard_n the_o effect_n of_o grace_n be_v doubtful_a when_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o soul_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_a thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o in_o order_n of_o time_n now_o these_o thing_n consider_v when_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o question_n must_v be_v concern_v this_o assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o the_o assurance_n of_o knowledge_n for_o you_o presuppose_v yourselves_o not_o to_o have_v any_o union_n therefore_o observe_v what_o question_n you_o ask_v you_o ask_v how_o you_o may_v gain_v a_o assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o your_o particular_a soul_n be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n now_o this_o question_n will_v divide_v itself_o into_o two_o question_n first_o how_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o how_o soul_n that_o do_v conceive_v and_o judge_n and_o estimate_n themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n may_v know_v whether_o their_o union_n be_v true_a whether_o their_o evidence_n be_v right_a evidence_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v delusion_n the_o first_o question_n must_v resolve_v every_o poor_a doubt_v scrupulous_a soul_n about_o his_o union_n but_o now_o observe_v such_o soul_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o i_o about_o the_o union_n of_o their_o soul_n nor_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v reveal_v unto_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o respect_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o produce_v faith_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o act_n of_o almighty_a power_n as_o you_o may_v see_v ephe._n 1.19_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n he_o pray_v also_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v call_v a_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n power_n and_o a_o mighty_a power_n that_o be_v a_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n as_o a_o incomprehensible_a essence_n for_o it_o be_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o god_n that_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n parallel_v that_o power_n that_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o the_o produce_v the_o consequence_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v also_o another_o mighty_a work_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o consequence_n be_v the_o peace_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o soul_n bosom_n the_o settle_n of_o the_o poor_a toss_a soul_n in_o his_o own_o wish_a for_o heaven_n now_o the_o beget_n such_o peace_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n isa_n 57.18_o 19_o he_o create_v peace_n creation_n be_v a_o work_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o as_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o infinite_a divine_a essence_n creation_n be_v to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o creature_n whatever_o 3._o it_o must_v be_v a_o supernatural_a divine_a light_n that_o can_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n therefore_o you_o shall_v see_v ephe._n 1.17_o 18._o how_o the_o apostle_n desire_v that_o those_o ephesian_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n he_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v into_o their_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o propound_v as_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n in_o the_o lord_n call_v soul_n you_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n not_o only_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v of_o a_o habit_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o understanding_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n but_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o light_n of_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n to_o discover_v those_o deep_a hide_a thing_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o understanding_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o your_o union_n can_v reveal_v no_o more_o than_o a_o external_a and_o outward_a light_n to_o the_o outward_a eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v your_o scrupulous_a soul_n can_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n about_o your_o union_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v reveal_v by_o man_n unto_o your_o soul_n but_o i_o pray_v mistake_v not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o soul_n may_v not_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n through_o that_o as_o a_o mean_n but_o rather_o i_o affirm_v that_o through_o those_o revelation_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n the_o lord_n do_v communicate_v true_a light_n into_o the_o spiritual_a understanding_n the_o lord_n strike_v in_o with_o the_o revelation_n of_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a upon_o truth_n and_o put_v light_a into_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o truth_n 4._o in_o regard_v the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v a_o peculiar_a officer_n for_o that_o end_n and_o have_v design_v that_o work_n of_o satisfy_a soul_n about_o their_o union_n for_o that_o officer_n as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o alone_o thence_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n have_v give_v the_o officer_n a_o name_n suitable_a for_o that_o end_n which_o be_v the_o comforter_n john_n 14.26_o and_o common_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o by_o that_o name_n alone_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o lead_v into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16.13_o and_o it_o must_v be_v truth_n that_o be_v some_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o must_v give_v such_o soul_n satisfaction_n about_o their_o union_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o soul_n scrupulous_a about_o their_o union_n can_v expect_v satisfaction_n from_o any_o thing_n reveal_v by_o any_o man_n to_o their_o soul_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o that_o be_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o reveal_v to_o their_o soul_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o common_o suppose_a ground_n from_o whence_o they_o seek_v for_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n second_o in_o raise_v their_o eye_n of_o expectation_n to_o the_o right_a original_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n we_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o great_a question_n how_o soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o yet_o before_o this_o question_n can_v be_v answer_v it_o will_v divide_v itself_o into_o there_o branch_n first_o from_o whence_o or_o from_o what_o ground_n soul_n do_v attain_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n second_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v soul_n attain_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n
i_o shall_v desire_v to_o clear_v from_o divers_a particular_n 1._o in_o regard_v the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o soul_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 4.16_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o it_o may_v be_v by_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o promise_n may_v be_v sure_a to_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o that_o the_o immediate_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o promise_n must_v be_v gift_n alone_o appear_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o regard_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o must_v be_v grace_n eph._n 1.6_o 7._o that_o we_o may_v be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n therefore_o in_o ezek._n 16.62_o 63._o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v the_o absolute_a promise_n what_o be_v the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v remember_v and_o be_v confound_v and_o never_o open_v thy_o mouth_n any_o more_o because_o of_o thy_o shame_n when_o i_o be_o pacify_v towards_o thou_o for_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v strange_a one_o will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o consounded_a when_o god_n be_v pacify_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o be_v pacify_v but_o here_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n lay_v grace_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o way_n towards_o they_o purposely_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o that_o god_n communicate_v to_o soul_n may_v be_v to_o himself_o alone_o second_o in_o regard_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v ground_n of_o certainty_n it_o must_v be_v either_o grace_n in_o god_n or_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n either_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v thing_n see_v ad_fw-la therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n heb._n 11.1_o 2._o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o regard_n faith_n can_v discern_v no_o certainty_n of_o god_n difference_v one_o soul_n from_o another_o but_o what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o the_o lord_n difference_v one_o soul_n from_o another_o but_o only_o his_o own_o will_n rom._n 9.12.18_o 3._o in_o regard_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o soul_n right_a of_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o a_o sight_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o receive_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v secret_o allure_v the_o heart_n from_o those_o dark_a vision_n of_o christ_n to_o embrace_v he_o true_o so_o as_o there_o be_v a_o real_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o soul_n can_v judge_v aright_o of_o his_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n so_o tender_v to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o soul_n till_o he_o see_v that_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n upon_o the_o right_a ground_n 4._o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n duty_n to_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o that_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n manifest_v his_o give_v of_o his_o gift_n now_o the_o order_n wherein_o the_o lord_n propound_v his_o gift_n be_v first_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o then_o the_o gift_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o the_o adjunct_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o thence_o the_o lord_n invite_v the_o soul_n and_o command_v the_o soul_n first_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v christ_n that_o so_o it_o may_v partake_v of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o those_o disposition_n of_o holiness_n the_o soul_n belong_v for_o 5._o in_o that_o the_o lord_n judge_v it_o sufficient_a for_o assure_v the_o waver_a tremble_v soul_n of_o a_o poor_a sinner_n fear_v the_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n you_o shall_v read_v gen._n 3.15_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n give_v to_o adam_n when_o out_o of_o question_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n a_o mere_a discovery_n of_o his_o absolute_a free_a will_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o soul_n themselves_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v sole_o by_o a_o way_n devise_v by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n by_o a_o mediator_n by_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o conquer_a the_o power_n of_o hell_n that_o do_v then_o hold_v poor_a soul_n captive_a can_v adam_n have_v receive_v no_o evidence_n nor_o no_o assurance_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o again_o in_o christ_n from_o that_o promise_n the_o soul_n of_o adam_n have_v be_v leave_v altogether_o comfortless_a there_o be_v no_o description_n give_v by_o god_n of_o any_o grace_n that_o his_o own_o spirit_n do_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o that_o he_o have_v accept_v into_o union_n with_o himself_o 6._o in_o regard_v the_o pattern_n hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n of_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v their_o union_n with_o christ_n receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n from_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n from_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n alone_o to_o do_v good_a unto_o their_o soul_n in_o gen._n 15.6_o 7_o 8_o compare_v with_o rom._n 4.18_o 19_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n the_o father_n of_o all_o believer_n he_o receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o lord_n blessing_n he_o in_o christ_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o take_v into_o union_n with_o christ_n only_o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a will_n towards_o he_o another_o pattern_n you_o see_v isa_n 6.5_o 6_o 7_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o wretchedness_n cry_v out_o woe_n be_v i_o i_o be_o undo_v etc._n etc._n a_o seraphim_n fly_v unto_o he_o have_v a_o live_a coal_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o take_v off_o the_o altar_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o his_o mouth_n you_o must_v conceive_v it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o vision_n and_o say_v lo_o this_o have_v touch_v thy_o lip_n and_o thy_o iniquity_n be_v take_v away_o and_o thy_o sin_n purge_v here_o be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o the_o lord_n free_a love_n to_o isaiah_n it_o give_v he_o no_o character_n at_o all_o but_o tell_v he_o his_o iniquity_n be_v take_v away_o and_o this_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n of_o isaiah_n as_o you_o may_v see_v v._o 8._o by_o his_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n here_o i_o be_o send_v i_o and_o the_o case_n be_v every_o way_n parallel_n only_o this_o particularize_v the_o person_n of_o isaiah_n whereas_o other_o promise_n be_v hold_v forth_o general_o but_o yet_o every_o particular_a soul_n be_v as_o full_o include_v and_o the_o promise_n be_v as_o absolute_o speak_v to_o every_o soul_n receive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v unto_o isaiah_n and_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o promise_n that_o do_v put_v as_o much_o particularity_n and_o do_v as_o much_o particularize_v the_o promise_n to_o any_o one_o soul_n as_o this_o promise_n be_v particularise_v to_o isaiah_n in_o a_o vision_n so_o that_o it_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n absolute_a will_n alone_o that_o the_o soul_n receive_v a_o full_a ground_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o 5_o conclusion_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o five_o conclusion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a soul_n doubtful_a of_o his_o union_n that_o do_v thus_o evidence_n unto_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n now_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n still_o dark_a in_o his_o union_n can_v be_v in_o order_n the_o first_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n though_o at_o the_o very_a same_o instant_n the_o soul_n may_v by_o the_o discover_n of_o those_o grace_n see_v his_o union_n and_o conclude_v his_o union_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n yet_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a ground_n that_o give_v the_o certainty_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v i._o in_o regard_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n can_v be_v first_o receive_v of_o a_o soul_n by_o faith_n as_o a_o soul_n be_v gracious_a or_o by_o the_o soul_n be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o soul_n that_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
of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god_n alone_o but_o if_o they_o can_v see_v any_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o their_o bosom_n than_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v believe_v you_o see_v the_o spirit_n have_v here_o in_o this_o case_n also_o evidence_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v afford_v a_o real_a experiment_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o unbelieving_a thomas_n who_o be_v not_o only_o incline_v to_o see_v ground_n of_o believe_v in_o a_o visible_a way_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o the_o feeling_n of_o his_o hand_n but_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o have_v it_o that_o way_n or_o no_o way_n unless_o i_o see_v thus_o and_o thus_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v iii_o a_o three_o case_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v precedent_n be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o loathsome_a horrible_a dreadful_a and_o most_o hateful_a imagination_n work_v in_o the_o heart_n against_o god_n in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o some_o experimental_a witness_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n now_o the_o case_n be_v very_o high_a i_o find_v a_o experiment_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n discover_v in_o a_o case_n that_o be_v as_o high_a in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v leave_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o a_o pattern_n his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n be_v perplex_v and_o trouble_v with_o as_o hateful_a horrible_a imagination_n propound_v to_o he_o as_o ever_o be_v propound_v to_o any_o soul_n in_o matth._n 4.6_o 9_o the_o devil_n propound_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v murder_v himself_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o second_o that_o he_o shall_v presume_v upon_o his_o father_n promise_n to_o he_o and_o be_v careless_a of_o walk_v according_a to_o his_o father_n will_n say_v the_o devil_n he_o have_v say_v that_o his_o angel_n shall_v have_v charge_n over_o he_o lest_o he_o shall_v dash_v his_o foot_n against_o a_o stone_n there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n of_o thought_n propound_v to_o his_o imagination_n worse_o than_o these_o and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v worship_v the_o devil_n what_o more_o hateful_a and_o horrible_a thought_n can_v be_v inject_v into_o any_o bosom_n than_o this_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n himself_o now_o under_o this_o general_n be_v comprehend_v these_o two_o particular_a case_n 1._o there_o be_v comprehend_v the_o case_n of_o all_o blasphemous_a thought_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o perplex_v distress_a soul_n that_o if_o a_o soul_n shall_v say_v within_o himself_o sure_a never_o any_o object_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v ever_o have_v such_o hellish_a thought_n as_o be_v present_v to_o my_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o my_o heart_n tremble_v to_o name_n the_o spirit_n may_v then_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n remembrance_n this_o precious_a pattern_n of_o christ_n the_o devil_n inject_v into_o his_o pure_a mind_n thought_n that_o be_v as_o dreadful_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n high_a majesty_n thought_n that_o have_v as_o much_o of_o the_o poison_n of_o hell_n in_o they_o as_o ever_o think_v that_o be_v inject_v into_o thy_o curse_a heart_n 2._o under_o this_o come_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o temptation_n concern_v self_n murder_n or_o self_n destruction_n in_o this_o case_n the_o spirit_n may_v bring_v to_o remembrance_n the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o as_o the_o soul_n precedent_n or_o pattern_n the_o lord_n let_v he_o be_v perplex_v with_o temptation_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n iv_o a_o four_o case_n be_v the_o want_n of_o all_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n either_o in_o quicken_a and_o revive_v or_o in_o comfort_v in_o this_o case_n you_o may_v take_v the_o dear_o belove_v one_o of_o god_n david_n psal_n 22._o wherein_o indeed_o he_o speak_v typical_o relate_v to_o christ_n especial_o yet_o also_o speak_v but_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n at_o that_o time_n too_o say_v he_o v._o 1._o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o far_o from_o help_v i_o and_o from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o roar_n and_o v._o 14._o so_o psal_n 77.3_o 4._o i_o remember_v god_n and_o be_v trouble_v i_o complain_v and_o my_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v etc._n etc._n another_o pattern_n the_o lord_n give_v we_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n job_n he_o cry_v out_o chap._n 6.4_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v within_o i_o the_o poison_n whereof_o drink_v up_o my_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n so_o chap._n 13.24_o 25_o 26._o wherefore_o hide_v thou_o thy_o face_n and_o hold_v i_o for_o thy_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n now_o under_o this_o come_v in_o two_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o soul_n 1._o the_o case_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o all_o the_o working_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n into_o the_o soul_n 2._o under_o this_o come_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n want_v the_o manifest_v light_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o beauty_n and_o glory_n to_o its_o soul_n so_o that_o if_o any_o soul_n want_v this_o manifest_v light_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v begin_v to_o cast_v off_o all_o confidence_n and_o to_o waver_v and_o stagger_v and_o doubt_v lest_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v it_o to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o gospel_n love_n then_o the_o spirit_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o bring_v to_o remembrance_n these_o eminent_a pattern_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o temper_n under_o the_o same_o want_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v real_o the_o object_n of_o that_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n in_o christ_n reveal_v v._o a_o five_o case_n be_v the_o case_n of_o fruitlesness_n inefficacy_n of_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o god_n in_o prayer_n in_o this_o case_n also_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v eminent_a pattern_n those_o two_o forename_a one_o both_o job_n and_o david_n you_o shall_v find_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n job_n 23.8_o 9_o behold_v i_o go_v forward_o but_o he_o be_v not_o there_o and_o backward_o but_o i_o can_v perceive_v he_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n where_o he_o do_v work_v but_o i_o can_v behold_v he_o etc._n etc._n his_o meaning_n be_v he_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o mean_n the_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o seek_v after_o god_n but_o he_o will_v not_o be_v find_v so_o if_o you_o look_v upon_o david_n psal_n 22.2_o o_o my_o god_n i_o cry_v in_o the_o day_n time_n but_o thou_o hear_v not_o and_o in_o the_o night_n season_n i_o be_o not_o silent_a so_o that_o here_o god_n show_v soul_n a_o experiment_n of_o some_o who_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n and_o yet_o object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n vi_o a_o six_o case_n be_v the_o inability_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o pour_v out_o request_v that_o in_o isa_n 63.17_o will_v show_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v leave_v his_o whole_a church_n as_o a_o pattern_n in_o that_o case_n why_o have_v thou_o make_v we_o to_o err_v from_o thy_o way_n and_o harden_v our_o heart_n from_o thy_o fear_n these_o soul_n complain_v of_o the_o lord_n suffer_v such_o senslesness_n and_o blockishness_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v upon_o they_o as_o make_v they_o unsuitable_a for_o every_o duty_n of_o the_o lord_n worship_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o be_v object_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n vii_o a_o seven_o case_n be_v the_o behold_v all_o argument_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v in_o a_o soul_n against_o those_o promise_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o gospel_n tender_v in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v that_o precious_a pattern_n of_o abraham_n who_o he_o choose_v to_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o all_o believer_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o he_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n that_o be_v against_o all_o ground_n and_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o hope_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v though_o he_o see_v all_o possibility_n against_o that_o promise_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v he_o concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o come_v through_o his_o loin_n to_o be_v his_o lawful_a seed_n by_o sarah_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o believe_v though_o he_o see_v his_o own_o body_n dead_a and_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v v._o 20._o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n his_o spirit_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o waver_v under_o this_o general_n may_v be_v comprehend_v these_o three_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o soul_n 1._o the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a under_o heaven_n to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n the_o soul_n consider_v
worthless_a unlovely_a sinner_n by_o manifest_v such_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o sinful_a soul_n as_o that_o love_n be_v subject_a to_o no_o variation_n alteration_n or_o shadow_n change_n when_o the_o soul_n so_o walk_v as_o he_o declare_v practical_o that_o the_o rich_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o unworthy_a soul_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o stand_v firm_a and_o unmoveable_a like_a mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v then_o do_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o lord_n glorious_a love_n shine_v through_o the_o soul_n so_o as_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o it_o thus_o god_n glorify_v himself_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o balak_n through_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n balaam_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n israel_n by_o send_v that_o message_n to_o balaam_n numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v that_o be_v not_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o his_o thought_n shall_v change_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v shall_v it_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v his_o word_n concern_v his_o people_n shall_v certain_o be_v fulfil_v so_o likewise_o when_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n intend_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o name_n in_o his_o people_n heart_n mal._n 3.6_o he_o discover_v to_o they_o his_o precious_a thought_n of_o love_n concern_v they_o in_o declare_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o say_v he_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n i_o change_v not_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v so_o the_o church_n exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n by_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o she_o lament_v 3.22.22_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o now_o a_o soul_n manifest_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n to_o his_o unworthy_a soul_n by_o its_o constancy_n and_o unmoveableness_n in_o that_o precious_a confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v once_o raise_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o that_o end_n that_o believe_v soul_n may_v thus_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o they_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v unchangeable_a ground_n unmoveable_a rock_n for_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o stand_v upon_o he_o have_v add_v his_o oath_n to_o his_o word_n heb._n 6.17_o 18._o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n by_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v lie_v they_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n that_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n tender_v it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o have_v give_v those_o unchangeable_a ground_n for_o faith_n to_o build_v upon_o 1._o that_o those_o eclipse_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n in_o its_o unchangeableness_n by_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v prevent_v sure_o it_o be_v the_o bowel_n of_o the_o compassion_n of_o our_o tender_a god_n in_o christ_n that_o wrought_v towards_o the_o unlovely_a soul_n that_o cause_v he_o to_o stoop_v down_o so_o low_a as_o to_o add_v a_o oath_n to_o his_o word_n which_o give_v no_o security_n in_o itself_o to_o a_o soul_n more_o but_o only_o a_o full_a security_n to_o our_o unbelieve_a heart_n in_o our_o low_a apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o the_o precious_a consolation_n of_o his_o people_n may_v not_o change_v and_o it_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o god_n in_o the_o working_n of_o those_o compassion_n that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o love_n may_v not_o be_v veil_v by_o the_o unconstancy_n and_o fickleness_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o soul_n shall_v declare_v by_o believe_v when_o their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a act_n that_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a love_n in_o god_n through_o christ_n to_o unlovely_a sinner_n and_o when_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o liveliness_n of_o those_o holy_a act_n in_o their_o heart_n shall_v cease_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v again_o declare_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v withdraw_v again_o from_o they_o 2._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o love_n in_o its_o unchangeableness_n may_v shine_v forth_o in_o its_o brightness_n with_o transparent_a glory_n so_o as_o the_o soul_n under_o the_o sad_a defect_n of_o holy_a act_n and_o working_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n may_v still_o declare_v the_o precious_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o unlovely_a to_o be_v the_o same_o sound_v upon_o his_o own_o will_v only_o which_o can_v never_o be_v move_v the_o constancy_n and_o unmoveableness_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o his_o confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n beget_v be_v always_o the_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n so_o long_o as_o the_o light_n continue_v shine_v into_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o lustre_n and_o glory_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v of_o paul_n in_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o 6._o have_v receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n what_o then_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a of_o everlasting_a communion_n with_o god_n that_o be_v we_o be_v confident_a at_o all_o time_n constant_o our_o confidence_n be_v unmoveable_a yea_o doubtless_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n shine_v into_o any_o soul_n be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o the_o conform_v office_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o light_a shine_a from_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n must_v necessary_o establish_v the_o heart_n in_o that_o confidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o light_n remain_v the_o confidence_n must_v remain_v also_o and_o that_o in_o its_o power_n and_o strength_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o first_o way_n open_v how_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o the_o soul_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o his_o love_n in_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o soul_n manifest_v the_o same_o glory_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o sinful_a soul_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v reveal_v to_o be_v in_o he_o second_o god_n be_v exalt_v through_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o soul_n manifestation_n that_o a_o incomprehensible_a perfection_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n dwell_v in_o god_n god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n not_o only_o to_o be_v holy_a but_o holiness_n itself_o amos_n 4.2_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v by_o his_o holeness_n that_o be_v he_o have_v swear_v by_o himself_o he_o have_v discover_v such_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v in_o he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a unspeakable_a abhorrency_n of_o all_o that_o be_v cross_a and_o contrary_a unto_o holiness_n in_o its_o perfection_n hab._n 1.13_o yea_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n dwell_v in_o he_o exod._n 15.11_o now_o then_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n exalt_v through_o a_o soul_n when_o the_o soul_n conceive_v of_o god_n as_o thus_o excellent_a and_o wonderful_a in_o holiness_n when_o the_o soul_n declare_v before_o the_o world_n that_o his_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v purity_n and_o holiness_n itself_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v say_v to_o cry_v to_o the_o lord_n holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n isa_n 6.3_o and_o also_o the_o office_n of_o the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v describe_v rev._n 4.8_o 9_o by_o their_o cry_a night_n and_o day_n without_o cease_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n because_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v when_o there_o be_v such_o manifestation_n and_o declaration_n of_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n to_o dwell_v in_o god_n now_o a_o soul_n may_v manifest_v this_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n to_o dwell_v in_o god_n these_o three_o or_o four_o several_a way_n i._o by_o a_o precious_a sensible_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o infinite_a disproportion_n and_o disagreement_n in_o his_o most_o holy_a exact_a exquisite_a action_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v most_o mighty_o assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_v holy_a
a_o treatise_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n wherein_o be_v declare_v what_o this_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v and_o many_o false_a ground_n of_o union_n discover_v in_o which_o these_o two_o weighty_a quest_n be_v large_o handle_v viz._n i._o how_o soul_n do_v attain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n ii_o 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 their_o evidence_n of_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 from_o the_o devil_n translation_n of_o himself_o into_o angelical_a glory_n by_o j._n l._n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o london_n print_v for_o j._n hancock_n at_o the_o three_o bibles_n in_o popes-head-alley_n in_o cornhill_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o occasion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o open_n of_o they_o doct_n that_o the_o purpose_n and_o intetn_n of_o god_n in_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v that_o he_o may_v gather_v together_o their_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n they_o may_v be_v one_o with_o the_o father_n as_o he_o and_o christ_n be_v one_o p._n 5._o three_o question_n answer_v quest_n what_o be_v this_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v one_o with_o jesus_n christ_n answer_v 1_o negative_a 2_o affirmative_o p._n 6._o quest_n 2._o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o he_o answer_v 1_o negative_o 2_o affirmative_o p._n 9_o quest_n 3._o why_o the_o lord_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o bring_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n two_o premise_n and_o 4_o answer_n p._n 14._o use_v 1_o of_o information_n in_o 9_o particular_n p._n 19_o use_v 2._o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n p._n 23._o wherein_o three_o great_a miscarriage_n of_o soul_n in_o attend_v upon_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v open_v 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 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 magnify_v into_o the_o new_a vine_n jesus_n christ_n two_o premise_n the_o answer_n p._n 24._o use_v 3_o of_o examination_n whether_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n four_o thing_n to_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o know_v it_o p._n 29_o this_o great_a question_n propound_v 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 answ_n 1._o negative_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v these_o way_n 1._o not_o from_o any_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o be_v effect_v in_o or_o upon_o the_o soul_n p._n 32._o 2._o not_o by_o any_o thing_n inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n p._n 34._o 3._o not_o 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 p._n 38._o 4._o not_o from_o the_o outward_a revelation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n clear_v in_o three_o particular_n p._n 45._o some_o question_n answer_v before_o the_o affirmative_a answer_n quest_n 1._o whether_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o something_o thus_o inherent_a in_o themselves_o and_o do_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v rot_v and_o unsound_a and_o no_o evidence_n p._n 47._o answer_v 1._o negative_o 1._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o faith_n p._n 49._o 2._o they_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o knowledge_n p._n 49._o answ_n 2._o affirmative_o those_o may_v be_v improper_o call_v evidence_n be_v evidence_n of_o opinion_n p._n 50._o five_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v about_o evidence_n of_o opinion_n quest_n 2._o why_o do_v the_o scripture_n propound_v the_o soul_n obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o its_o love_n unto_o god_n as_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n p._n 56._o quest_n 3._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o quality_n inherent_a in_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o heart_n see_v union_n with_o christ_n can_v be_v evidence_v from_o it_o answer_v p._n 60._o quest_n 4_o be_v not_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o faith_n and_o believe_v as_o believe_v that_o through_o faith_n only_o a_o man_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n answer_v p._n 66._o the_o use_n of_o conditional_a promise_n open_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 69._o answ_n 2._o the_o affirmative_a answer_n how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o premise_n p._n 71._o the_o question_n must_v be_v concern_v assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o knowledge_n it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o question_n 1._o how_o soul_n do_v obtain_v the_o first_o certain_z infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n 3._o in_o what_o manner_n quest_n from_o whence_o do_v soul_n obtain_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n answ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a proper_a ground_n substantial_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n own_o free_a promise_n clear_v in_o three_o particular_n p._n 80._o quest_n but_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v some_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o a_o soul_n receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n p._n 82._o under_o what_o notion_n the_o promise_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o 5._o particular_n p._n 87._o two_o thing_n to_o clear_v those_o text_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o promise_v run_v upon_o conidition_n open_v in_o many_o particular_n p._n 91._o quest_n but_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n reveal_v first_o these_o grace_n that_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o people_n by_o to_o be_v in_o such_o soul_n and_o then_o through_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o clear_a to_o soul_n that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o lord_n christ_n out_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_v alone_o through_o the_o promise_n from_o p._n 96._o to_o 105._o quest_n how_o can_v the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n can_v have_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n see_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o own_o will_n to_o accept_v any_o one_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n answer_v p._n 105._o 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 four_o premise_n the_o positive_a answer_n p._n 113._o 118._o three_o joint_n concur_v cause_n and_o what_o they_o be_v p._n 119._o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a most_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o promise_v evidence_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n p._n 123._o clear_v in_o 4._o particular_n quest_n 3._o in_o what_o manner_n do_v a_o soul_n receive_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n 5._o premise_n p._n 130._o the_o positive_a answer_n in_o open_v five_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v produce_v in_o every_o soul_n to_o who_o it_o do_v manifest_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n 1._o the_o spirit_n illumination_n 2._o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n 4._o the_o spirit_n excitation_n 5._o the_o spirit_n attestation_n or_o witness_n unto_o the_o soul_n p._n 132._o 1._o the_o spirit_n illumination_n p._n 133._o this_o consist_v 1._o in_o the_o infusion_n of_o great_a degree_n of_o divine_a light_n into_o the_o soul_n 2._o in_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o impediment_n these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n i._o principle_n of_o darkness_n of_o which_o there_o be_v 8._o open_v in_o many_o particular_n p._n 136._o to_o 178._o ii_o dark_a distemper_n six_o of_o they_o open_v p._n 178._o to_o 233._o 2._o the_o spirit_n
reason_n be_v plain_a whatever_o the_o promise_n shall_v be_v make_v unto_o that_o must_v necessary_o be_v see_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o promise_n can_v be_v believe_v but_o now_o what_o a_o preposterous_a course_n be_v this_o and_o what_o a_o impossible_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v see_v my_o faith_n before_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o i_o shall_v see_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n before_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o my_o soul_n nay_o rather_o that_o i_o shall_v see_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n before_o ever_o faith_n do_v put_v forth_o a_o act_n 3._o then_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v no_o absolute_a covenant_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o covenant_n void_a of_o all_o condition_n for_o shall_v the_o lord_n make_v a_o promise_n to_o a_o quality_n as_o a_o quality_n that_o quality_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o lord_n shall_v bind_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o promise_n then_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o particular_a soul_n interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o through_o the_o be_v of_o the_o quality_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o who_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v but_o you_o read_v in_o ezek._n 36._o and_o jer._n 33._o the_o covenant_n be_v hold_v forth_o absolute_o the_o lord_n undertake_v every_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o lord_n also_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o own_o will_v alone_o rom._n 9.11_o to_o 15._o answ_n 4._o four_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o quality_n do_v not_o promise_v any_o mercy_n or_o grace_n or_o favour_n unto_o soul_n in_o those_o quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v as_o look_v over_o all_o the_o promise_n mat._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o speak_v peace_n here_o to_o the_o burden_a soul_n nor_o yet_o comfort_n as_o invite_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v comfort_n because_o they_o be_v burden_v or_o in_o their_o be_v burden_a and_o groan_v under_o sin_n but_o do_v direct_v they_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o refreshment_n come_v to_o i_o and_o then_o you_o shall_v have_v rest_n so_o that_o promise_n to_o thirsty_a one_o john_n 7.37_o if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n the_o lord_n speak_v no_o peace_n to_o they_o in_o their_o thirst_v but_o send_v they_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o receive_v comfort_n absolute_o as_o though_o there_o be_v no_o thirst_v in_o their_o soul_n so_o likewise_o it_o be_v of_o every_o such_o promise_n now_o from_o this_o will_v follow_v a_o direct_a answer_n to_o that_o question_n promise_n the_o use_n of_o conditional_a promise_n of_o what_o purpose_n and_o use_v these_o promise_n be_v of_o then_o first_o they_o be_v of_o a_o directive_n use_v use_n of_o directive_n use_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o soul_n find_v himself_o poor_a and_o penurious_a find_v himself_o thirsty_a and_o long_v after_o this_o refreshment_n or_o that_o refreshment_n after_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o sanctification_n or_o receive_v more_o grace_n these_o promise_n be_v of_o use_n to_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o carry_v the_o soul_n beyond_o break_a cistern_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v to_o for_o refreshment_n and_o to_o open_v to_o he_o the_o everlasting_a fountain_n where_o only_o he_o can_v have_v refreshment_n 2._o the_o promise_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o such_o quality_n they_o be_v of_o use_n by_o way_n of_o support_n support_n support_n to_o underprop_v the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n the_o promise_n to_o poor_a burden_a soul_n though_o it_o do_v not_o present_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n because_o he_o be_v burden_v he_o have_v rest_n yet_o it_o open_v a_o possibility_n or_o probability_n of_o rest_n and_o that_o do_v sweet_o underprop_v the_o poor_a sink_a soul_n when_o he_o be_v sink_v under_o his_o burden_n as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o poor_a blind_a man_n be_v come_v after_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o disciple_n cry_v to_o he_o to_o hold_v his_o peace_n yet_o when_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o jesus_n christ_n call_v for_o he_o though_o he_o have_v not_o his_o sight_n from_o thence_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v some_o refreshment_n to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o his_o soul_n to_o rest_v upon_o whereas_o he_o see_v no_o fooâ—f_a hope_n to_o stand_v upon_o before_o 3._o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o those_o very_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n quality_n to_o beget_v the_o quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v by_o hear_v the_o lord_n invite_v poor_a thirsty_a empty_a soul_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v open_v to_o behold_v his_o own_o emptiness_n and_o by_o discover_v of_o the_o precious_a working_n of_o love_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n to_o poor_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o poor_a necessitous_a soul_n without_o any_o condidition_n require_v of_o they_o the_o heart_n of_o poor_a soul_n be_v so_o allure_v and_o sweet_o draw_v out_o after_o god_n that_o all_o those_o holy_a disposition_n and_o quality_n be_v beget_v in_o they_o yea_o faith_n itself_o to_o which_o so_o many_o promise_n be_v make_v therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a isa_n 52.20_o that_o what_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o turn_v from_o transgression_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 11.26_o apply_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n as_o fulfil_v that_o very_a quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o soul_n even_o make_v they_o to_o turn_v from_o their_o iniquity_n and_o ungodliness_n christ_n shall_v perform_v the_o condition_n as_o though_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o a_o quality_n in_o soul_n or_o to_o make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n for_o the_o promise_n beget_v the_o condition_n 4._o they_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o reveal_n unto_o a_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n union_n to_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n open_v and_o discover_v those_o promise_n unto_o the_o soul_n for_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n reveal_v not_o unto_o a_o soul_n the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n from_o any_o promise_n make_v to_o a_o quality_n in_o this_o manner_n that_o be_v by_o show_v the_o soul_n the_o quality_n in_o himself_o to_o which_o god_n have_v make_v a_o promise_n and_o therefore_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n that_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v such_o grace_n or_o mercy_n to_o i_o yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o quality_n by_o manifest_v the_o lord_n love_v kindness_n and_o free_a grace_n to_o a_o soul_n in_o that_o promise_n absolute_o as_o well_o to_o beget_v the_o quality_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v as_o to_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o a_o quality_n all_o one_o with_o a_o absolute_a promise_n also_o further_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v also_o through_o reveal_v the_o soul_n union_n by_o such_o a_o promise_n beget_v that_o very_a quality_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o apprehend_v the_o quality_n to_o be_v beget_v in_o himself_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o soul_n claim_v right_a to_o the_o promise_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o quality_n now_o that_o which_o remain_v be_v the_o affirmative_a part_n of_o the_o answer_n christ_n how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o answer_v didirect_o how_o a_o soul_n may_v know_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o give_v this_o affirmative_a answer_n there_o be_v divers_a thing_n also_o must_v be_v premise_v further_a premise_v 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v this_o that_o in_o our_o ordinary_a phrase_n of_o speech_n we_o do_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o we_o call_v every_o assurance_n of_o our_o union_n a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o union_n and_o whatever_o can_v make_v a_o man_n infallible_o certain_a he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n that_o we_o say_v in_o our_o ordinary_a phrase_n can_v give_v a_o soul_n a_o knowledge_n of_o his_o union_n and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n do_v seem_v to_o countenance_v this_o our_o phrase_n of_o speak_v as_o in_o job_n 19.25_o i_o know_v that_o my_o redeemer_n live_v which_o can_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o only_o the_o knowledge_n
believe_v say_v will_v i_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v but_o alas_o i_o have_v such_o a_o curse_a deceitful_a heart_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o lest_o my_o heart_n delude_v i_o 5._o when_o the_o jealousy_n over_o the_o heart_n prevail_v so_o much_o as_o the_o soul_n spend_v all_o his_o thought_n in_o find_v out_o the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o close_v before_o the_o soul_n venture_v upon_o a_o actual_a close_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o tender_v when_o a_o soul_n through_o this_o jealousy_n set_v porce_v and_o gaze_v upon_o the_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n how_o wretched_o his_o heart_n delude_v he_o former_o and_o hereupon_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v not_o close_o till_o he_o can_v see_v the_o uprightness_n of_o his_o heart_n in_o close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o so_o thereupon_o afterward_o spend_v all_o his_o prayer_n and_o pour_v out_o all_o his_o desire_n to_o god_n for_o uprightness_n for_o integrity_n of_o heart_n in_o close_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forbear_v that_o actual_a close_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v without_o the_o least_o delay_n from_o every_o soul_n thus_o you_o see_v also_o how_o this_o jealousy_n come_v to_o work_v in_o a_o sinful_a way_n and_o become_v a_o sinful_a distemper_n and_o indeed_o when_o 〈◊〉_d come_v thus_o work_v it_o exceed_o darken_v the_o soul_n and_o prevent_v its_o discern_a what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o 1._o in_o regard_n jealousy_n prevent_v the_o soul_n gaze_v upon_o the_o absolute_a promise_n that_o be_v tender_v to_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o soul_n must_v needs_o be_v keep_v from_o discern_v what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o when_o it_o be_v keep_v from_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o the_o promise_n for_o though_o there_o be_v habitual_a divine_a light_n in_o the_o promise_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o useful_a till_o it_o be_v draw_v out_o into_o exercise_n habitual_a divine_a light_n in_o the_o understanding_n be_v like_o the_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v asleep_a or_o like_o the_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v shut_v it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o that_o make_v the_o soul_n discern_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o lord_n discover_v in_o the_o promise_n and_o than_o it_o be_v the_o very_o gaze_v upon_o the_o promise_n that_o draw_v out_o that_o divine_a light_n former_o receive_v in_o exercise_n also_o 2._o this_o distemper_n of_o jealousy_n maintain_v perpetual_a fear_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o its_o false_a apply_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n fear_n be_v always_o the_o companion_n of_o jealousy_n the_o more_o fearful_a the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o jealous_a and_o the_o more_o jealous_a the_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o fearful_a and_o those_o fear_n be_v like_o a_o thick_a fog_n or_o mist_n that_o darken_v the_o divine_a light_n receive_v so_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o discern_v any_o of_o those_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n in_o any_o clearness_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n hold_v forth_o and_o thereby_o the_o soul_n be_v keep_v from_o discern_v his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o may_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o promise_n now_o this_o jealousy_n over_o the_o heart_n itself_o must_v be_v heal_v before_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v clear_a satisfaction_n to_o itself_o of_o its_o union_n with_o christ_n two_o way_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n usual_o heal_v this_o 1._o the_o spirit_n press_v with_o all_o urgency_n upon_o the_o soul_n the_o present_a immediate_a necessity_n of_o his_o yield_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n without_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o of_o any_o delay_n and_o defer_v common_o upon_o these_o distemper_n of_o jealousy_n prevail_v the_o soul_n deny_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v only_o conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o delay_n and_o defer_v a_o while_n till_o he_o see_v clear_o a_o more_o suitable_a uprightness_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o close_v now_o the_o spirit_n come_v upon_o the_o soul_n and_o press_v it_o upon_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v his_o duty_n immediate_o without_o the_o least_o delay_n hereby_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v draw_v to_o adventure_v to_o believe_v though_o it_o be_v with_o tremble_a lest_o his_o wretched_a heart_n shall_v deceive_v he_o 2._o the_o spirit_n discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o independency_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_n upon_o any_o act_n of_o his_o own_o consider_v in_o himself_o the_o spirit_n clear_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n engagement_n of_o himself_o as_o well_o to_o make_v the_o heart_n faithful_a and_o true_a and_o upright_o in_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v as_o to_o give_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v receive_v he_o the_o spirit_n it_o may_v be_v bring_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o that_o jer._n 31.33_o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o thence_o the_o lord_n engagement_n of_o himself_o to_o put_v in_o faithfulness_n into_o the_o deceitful_a hypocritical_a heart_n whereby_o the_o close_a shall_v be_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wretched_a wickedness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n strive_v to_o deceive_v he_o the_o five_o dark_a distemper_n be_v the_o soul_n measure_v and_o judge_v its_o self_n too_o too_o much_o by_o other_o christian_n distemper_n dark_a distemper_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o excellency_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o other_o soul_n we_o shall_v open_v it_o to_o you_o how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o soul_n thus_o to_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o christian_n and_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o then_o how_o this_o distemper_n come_v to_o prevail_v and_o how_o it_o work_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o lawfulness_n in_o a_o soul_n measure_v himself_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o line_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o try_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o way_n by_o compare_v his_o own_o heart_n &_o way_n by_o the_o heart_n &_o way_n of_o other_o christian_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v discern_v there_o be_v seven_o or_o eight_o particular_a act_n that_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a for_o a_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o they_o 1._o every_o soul_n allure_v towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n aught_o with_o the_o great_a diligence_n and_o circumspection_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n a_o full_a view_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n have_v intend_v from_o eternity_n to_o propose_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o saint_n like_v so_o many_o glorious_a heavenly_a star_n set_v in_o the_o low_a region_n of_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n may_v shine_v forth_o they_o be_v set_v like_o so_o many_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o gaze_v upon_o according_a to_o prov._n 4.18_o the_o righteous_a be_v like_o the_o sun_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o until_o the_o perfect_a day_n yea_o further_o the_o precious_a beam_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o glory_n be_v appoint_v to_o shine_v forth_o through_o their_o light_n so_o that_o every_o soul_n neglect_v the_o behold_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o precious_a glass_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o his_o people_n to_o see_v the_o reflection_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o when_o they_o neglect_v to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o christian_n within_o view_n 2._o every_o soul_n ought_v in_o the_o view_n that_o he_o take_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o saint_n and_o their_o grace_n to_o have_v a_o reflection_n upon_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o his_o own_o grace_n every_o soul_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o these_o saint_n as_o we_o look_v upon_o glass_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v our_o own_o face_n 3._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o compare_v his_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n he_o discern_v in_o all_o christian_n within_o his_o view_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o measure_v the_o grace_n themselves_o second_o the_o expression_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o their_o duty_n first_o they_o ought_v to_o measure_v the_o grace_n themselves_o even_o the_o inward_a habit_n of_o grace_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v they_o in_o other_o 1._o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o those_o grace_n they_o discern_v in_o other_o christian_n 2._o they_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o
either_o in_o his_o heart_n or_o life_n 1._o to_o convince_v he_o of_o all_o his_o voluntary_a defect_n by_o discern_v how_o the_o principle_n of_o other_o christian_n be_v improve_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o soul_n may_v convince_v himself_o of_o his_o wilful_a defect_n that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o principle_n shall_v walk_v so_o far_o contrary_a to_o god_n 2._o the_o soul_n may_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v itself_o of_o all_o his_o unsuitable_a walk_n to_o his_o profession_n by_o gaze_v upon_o the_o brightness_n of_o that_o principle_n of_o christianity_n profess_v by_o other_o christian_n that_o shine_v forth_o in_o their_o conversation_n 3._o the_o soul_n may_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v itself_o of_o his_o own_o unsutableness_n in_o his_o walk_n to_o his_o engagement_n unto_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o of_o his_o unsuitableness_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n v._o every_o soul_n ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o break_v his_o own_o heart_n for_o any_o disproportion_n he_o can_v discern_v between_o his_o own_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n between_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o their_o grace_n there_o be_v many_o precious_a soul-melting_a argument_n that_o a_o soul_n may_v help_v itself_o to_o towards_o the_o break_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o any_o unsuitable_a walk_n towards_o jesus_n christ_n by_o measure_v his_o own_o life_n and_o grace_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n 1._o the_o soul_n may_v be_v help_v to_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o transcendency_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o lord_n grace_n in_o christ_n to_o his_o soul_n 2._o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o superlative_a degree_n of_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n see_v the_o disproportion_n between_o himself_o and_o other_o christian_n he_o may_v say_v lord_n what_o a_o curse_a crooked_a hellish_a perverse_a heart_n have_v i_o 3._o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o height_n of_o dishonour_n do_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o he_o when_o he_o shall_v see_v that_o those_o that_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v fellow_n member_n with_o so_o bear_v up_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o conversation_n and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o and_o see_v scarce_o so_o much_o as_o any_o spark_n of_o that_o glorious_a image_n of_o christ_n to_o shine_v forth_o in_o he_o 4._o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v have_v a_o inward_a holy_a shame_n to_o seize_v upon_o it_o to_o see_v the_o growth_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n his_o brethren_n and_o see_v himself_o so_o barren_a so_o empty_a and_o poor_a vi_o every_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o his_o own_o soul_n from_o a_o discovery_n of_o any_o unsutableness_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o other_o christian_n vii_o a_o soul_n may_v measure_v himself_o so_o far_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o as_o to_o draw_v quicken_a argument_n from_o thence_o to_o awaken_v his_o heart_n to_o more_o watchfulness_n diligence_n and_o circumspection_n 1._o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n excel_v his_o own_o a_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o propound_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n separation_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o only_o peculiar_a to_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o so_o much_o excel_v he_o in_o grace_n 2._o a_o soul_n may_v from_o thence_o propound_v to_o himself_o the_o lord_n predestination_n of_o he_o to_o as_o full_a a_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n as_o any_o of_o those_o that_o he_o see_v excel_v he_o in_o grace_n from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v argue_v with_o god_n why_o shall_v other_o have_v such_o a_o large_a spark_n of_o grace_n from_o christ_n when_o i_o be_o so_o empty_a and_o poor_a and_o have_v scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o christ_n 3._o a_o soul_n may_v from_o hence_o find_v out_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o much_o depend_v upon_o his_o soul_n as_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o christian_n that_o so_o far_o excel_v he_o in_o grace_n 4._o the_o soul_n may_v from_o thence_o propound_v to_o himself_o a_o necessity_n of_o conformity_n between_o all_o the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thereby_o awaken_v his_o heart_n to_o strive_v for_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n or_o grace_n that_o he_o discern_v in_o any_o christian_n viii_o and_o last_o the_o soul_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a view_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o all_o other_o christian_n within_o his_o sight_n with_o a_o constant_a reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o provoke_v he_o to_o jealousy_n to_o a_o kind_n of_o emulation_n lest_o other_o christian_n shall_v magnify_v and_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n more_o than_o he_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o christian_n by_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n their_o grace_n and_o duty_n the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v open_v be_v when_o a_o soul_n measure_v himself_o by_o other_o christian_n become_v a_o dark_a sinful_a distemper_n or_o when_o a_o soul_n measure_v himself_o too_o too_o much_o by_o other_o christian_n so_o that_o by_o measure_v himself_o by_o other_o he_o keep_v himself_o from_o that_o bless_a heavenly_a light_n that_o shall_v shine_v into_o his_o heart_n whereby_o he_o may_v receive_v satisfaction_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v four_o way_n how_o this_o measure_n a_o man_n self_n by_o other_o christian_n become_v a_o dark_a distemper_n i._o when_o a_o man_n make_v his_o conformity_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n either_o in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o consent_v to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v or_o else_o in_o the_o renew_a exercise_n of_o faith_n again_o upon_o any_o occasion_n that_o be_v thus_o when_o the_o soul_n conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n when_o he_o see_v the_o same_o holiness_n and_o activity_n of_o spirit_n for_o god_n the_o same_o heavenliness_n and_o spirituality_n the_o same_o precious_a disposition_n work_v in_o their_o strength_n in_o his_o soul_n to_o god_n that_o he_o discern_v to_o be_v in_o other_o christian_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o soul_n conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o accept_v his_o loveless_a soul_n in_o christ_n when_o he_o discern_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o his_o heart_n and_o other_o christian_n when_o he_o behold_v his_o own_o heart_n dead_a and_o other_o christian_n lively_a his_o own_o heart_n shut_v up_o and_o other_o enlarge_v in_o all_o their_o faculty_n towards_o god_n this_o distemper_n be_v both_o exceed_a sinful_a and_o exceed_v dark_a when_o it_o grow_v once_o to_o this_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o proportion_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o that_o soul_n yea_o the_o soul_n by_o this_o make_v the_o eternal_a unchangeable_a love_n of_o god_n to_o be_v alterable_a various_a and_o changeable_a according_a to_o the_o alteration_n and_o variation_n of_o man_n heart_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o vail_n and_o eclipse_v at_o least_o if_o not_o a_o nullify_n the_o freedom_n of_o the_o lord_n love_v in_o christ_n to_o poor_a loveless_a despicable_a soul_n it_o be_v a_o make_v the_o lord_n love_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n and_o holiness_n in_o soul_n and_o to_o be_v convey_v into_o soul_n upon_o that_o ground_n 3._o it_o make_v the_o soul_n nullify_v undervalue_v and_o wretched_o disparage_v all_o the_o precious_a promise_n in_o god_n bless_a book_n the_o soul_n make_v those_o unchangeable_a word_n of_o god_n insufficient_a to_o support_v and_o uphold_v a_o poor_a sink_n trouble_a lade_a soul_n and_o to_o satisfy_v it_o concern_v god_n will_v to_o receive_v it_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o depart_n from_o the_o precious_a spring_n of_o consolation_n dig_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n for_o thirsty_a soul_n and_o a_o choose_v a_o poor_a empty_a dry_a brook_n ii_o when_o a_o soul_n in_o make_v a_o just_a parallel_n between_o himself_o and_o other_o make_v every_o defect_n that_o he_o behold_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o duty_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o duty_n of_o other_o christian_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n
disproportion_n a_o soul_n find_v out_o between_o himself_o and_o other_o christian_n his_o grace_n and_o their_o grace_n his_o duty_n and_o their_o duty_n be_v make_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o draw_v a_o final_a conclusion_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n from_o as_o thus_o when_o a_o soul_n argue_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o see_v there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o precious_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o my_o spirit_n that_o i_o behold_v and_o see_v apparent_a be_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o and_o such_o christian_n they_o have_v their_o heart_n so_o powerful_o draw_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o close_v with_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o union_n that_o they_o be_v enable_v by_o a_o mighty_a power_n from_o god_n to_o believe_v but_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n draw_v my_o heart_n and_o come_v with_o a_o mighty_a power_n to_o constrain_v my_o soul_n to_o close_v with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tender_v and_o therefore_o sure_o god_n never_o intend_v good_a to_o my_o soul_n that_o this_o be_v a_o dark_a and_o sinful_a distemper_n will_v appear_v in_o divers_a thing_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o disproportion_n between_o one_o christian_n and_o another_o that_o be_v not_o sinful_a disproportion_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n without_o a_o man_n sin_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o order_n and_o degree_n yea_o in_o the_o very_o be_v of_o all_o the_o working_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n before_o the_o actual_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o christ_n by_o any_o act_n of_o believe_v first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n that_o other_o christian_n have_v have_v upon_o they_o before_o their_o actual_a consent_n to_o the_o lord_n christ_n tender_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n that_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o have_v second_o a_o disproportion_n may_v be_v in_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n for_o sin_n that_o other_o christian_n have_v have_v upon_o they_o for_o sin_n before_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o grief_n of_o mind_n thy_o soul_n have_v hitherto_o have_v upon_o thâ—â—_n three_o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o effect_n that_o fear_v of_o conscience_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n do_v natural_o produce_v in_o soul_n as_o doubtfulness_n and_o multitude_n of_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o thy_o own_o soul_n these_o indeed_o be_v the_o common_a effect_n that_o grief_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n produce_v and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a disproportion_n between_o thy_o doubt_n and_o the_o doubt_n of_o other_o christian_n and_o yet_o no_o sin_n neither_o as_o appear_v in_o this_o because_o neither_o fear_n of_o conscience_n nor_o doubt_n of_o mind_n nor_o scruple_n and_o objection_n against_o the_o soul_n do_v in_o the_o least_o commend_v any_o soul_n to_o god_n as_o all_o thing_n be_v sin_n before_o union_n with_o christ_n so_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o conscience_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n sin_n and_o all_o those_o doubt_n and_o objection_n sin_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o the_o least_o virtue_n in_o they_o to_o commend_v a_o soul_n to_o god_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o grace_n without_o sin_n first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o by_o which_o he_o measure_v himself_o it_o may_v be_v he_o yet_o remain_v but_o a_o green_a tender_a plant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o measure_n himself_o by_o a_o old_a flourish_a green_a olive_n in_o god_n house_n second_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o help_n and_o mean_n of_o growth_n the_o field_n be_v not_o blame_v because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o fruitful_a as_o the_o garden_n when_o the_o garden_n be_v daily_o water_v and_o dress_v 3._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o no_o sin_n first_o in_o regard_n there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n to_o occasion_n to_o act_v grace_n in_o thou_o that_o be_v in_o other_o the_o occasion_n be_v like_o the_o wind_n to_o the_o ship_n that_o set_v the_o ship_n a_o go_v they_o be_v but_o the_o heavenly_a wind_n as_o it_o be_v that_o blow_n upon_o grace_n that_o set_v grace_n a_o work_n and_o various_a grace_n must_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o occasion_n now_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o god_n bind_v himself_o in_o covenant_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o soul_n second_o the_o grace_n of_o other_o christian_n may_v be_v act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n i_o call_v it_o extraordinary_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_a at_o all_o time_n to_o all_o christian_n that_o have_v some_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o quicken_a spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a gale_n from_o heaven_n his_o grace_n may_v be_v act_v and_o through_o thy_o want_n of_o those_o quickning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thy_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v so_o act_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n three_o there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o outward_a excitation_n and_o quicken_a unto_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n a_o soul_n stand_v not_o only_o in_o necessity_n of_o the_o inward_a breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o outward_a excitation_n too_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v through_o the_o outward_a excitation_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v those_o inward_a breathe_n of_o his_o quicken_a spirit_n now_o if_o other_o christian_n by_o who_o thy_o soul_n do_v measure_n itself_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o excitation_n that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v more_o bellows_o blow_v upon_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n than_o thou_o though_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o the_o act_n the_o bare_a disproportion_n may_v not_o be_v thy_o sin_n second_o there_o may_v be_v many_o sinful_a disproportion_n that_o yet_o destroy_v not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o disproportion_n in_o faith_n itself_o first_o there_o may_v be_v a_o want_n of_o most_o of_o the_o high_a and_o excellent_a operation_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o not_o the_o be_v of_o union_n destroy_v second_o faith_n may_v be_v oppress_v with_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v suppress_v three_o there_o may_v be_v the_o want_n of_o almost_o all_o steadfastness_n stability_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o soul_n can_v seldom_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o believe_a frame_n one_o moment_n and_o yet_o that_o sinful_a defect_n may_v not_o nullify_v the_o union_n with_o christ_n 2._o there_o may_v be_v a_o sinful_a disproportion_n in_o all_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o the_o union_n with_o christ_n hold_v that_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a motion_n towards_o god_n may_v be_v unactive_a when_o thou_o see_v other_o full_a of_o life_n and_o activity_n and_o yet_o this_o sinful_a disproportion_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o union_n now_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o sad_a distemper_n thus_o to_o measure_v the_o soul_n by_o other_o 1._o in_o regard_n there_o be_v such_o a_o disproportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o other_o christian_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v find_v out_o discover_v nothing_o but_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o soul_n sin_n in_o its_o neglect_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v god_n intend_v no_o good_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o bless_a will_n of_o god_n reveal_v isa_n 55.7_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v abundant_o to_o pardon_v to_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v 2._o in_o regard_v when_o the_o great_a disproportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o other_o christian_n be_v find_v out_o yet_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o those_o that_o jesus_n christ_n now_o come_v to_o woo_v and_o persuade_v and_o beseech_v to_o be_v one_o with_o his_o father_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o distemper_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v or_o whence_o it_o arise_v in_o soul_n i._o it_o be_v common_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o lord_n maintain_v a_o proportion_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n now_o what_o a_o dark_a blind_a principle_n be_v this_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o 1._o you_o must_v conceive_v the_o lord_n do_v equal_o dispense_v to_o all_o his_o people_n soul_n all_o kind_n of_o grace_n he_o leave_v suitable_a disposition_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o all_o his_o bless_a will_n thus_o far_o the_o lord_n proportion_v grace_n but_o then_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o proportion_v the_o
be_v render_v thus_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o in_o purify_n he_o will_v not_o purify_v or_o in_o absolve_v will_v not_o absolve_v not_o mention_v either_o wicked_a one_o or_o guilty_a one_o or_o any_o person_n whatever_o for_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o contradiction_n shall_v the_o word_n run_v thus_o the_o lord_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a therefore_o i_o shall_v hold_v to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o may_v be_v most_o near_o render_v that_o be_v forgive_a sin_n and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o cleanse_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n and_o then_o if_o you_o observe_v this_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n be_v only_o thus_o much_o that_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o upon_o who_o he_o will_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n include_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v and_o will_v exercise_v his_o mercy_n his_o grace_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o his_o abundant_a goodness_n unto_o soul_n only_o upon_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o will_n upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o because_o he_o will_v and_o to_o no_o other_o person_n upon_o no_o other_o respect_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o himself_o free_o will_n and_o then_o that_o include_v the_o last_o beam_n of_o the_o gospel-light_n after_o all_o the_o other_o former_o discover_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o very_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o that_o be_v that_o all_o those_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v only_o to_o those_o person_n who_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o the_o lord_n will_v though_o they_o be_v so_o tender_v to_o every_o loveless_a soul_n in_o general_a that_o will_v embrace_v he_o so_o that_o thus_o now_o you_o see_v the_o first_o thing_n clear_v that_o all_o gospel-discovery_n be_v at_o 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gospel_n discover_v and_o that_o be_v the_o six_o particular_a seven_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v the_o lord_n to_o have_v give_v in_o his_o bless_a word_n precedent_n example_n and_o pattern_n suitable_a to_o the_o case_n and_o state_n of_o every_o soul_n upon_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v already_o effect_v whatever_o mercy_n and_o love_v the_o gospel_n discover_v to_o forlorn_a despicable_a loveless_a sinner_n the_o lord_n have_v so_o abound_v and_o superabound_v in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o love_n that_o out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o those_o his_o compassion_n towards_o loveless_a sinner_n he_o have_v condescend_v beneath_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o superexcellent_a majesty_n to_o give_v all_o kind_n of_o security_n whatever_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v to_o poor_a doubt_v spirit_n concern_v his_o gospel-love_n there_o be_v eight_o particular_a case_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v pattern_n and_o example_n unto_o soul_n which_o case_n comprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o estate_n and_o temper_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o soul_n to_o be_v under_o i._o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o superlative_a height_n of_o soul_n wickedness_n the_o be_v plunge_v into_o a_o bottomless_a ocean_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o abomination_n and_o pollution_n that_o be_v imaginable_a in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v eminent_a pattern_n first_o if_o you_o look_v into_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o and_o read_v over_o the_o black_a bill_n of_o almost_o all_o kind_n of_o abomination_n that_o be_v there_o reckon_v up_o fornicatour_n idolater_n adulterer_n effeminate_a abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n reviler_n extortioner_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v v._o 11._o that_o some_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o black_a bill_n of_o all_o pollution_n be_v wash_v sanctify_a justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n all_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o for_o say_v the_o text_n such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o another_o pattern_n the_o lord_n leave_v 2_o chron._n 33.11_o 12_o 13._o of_o manasseh_n who_o heap_v up_o wickedness_n upon_o wickedness_n yet_o the_o lord_n make_v he_o a_o pattern_n of_o gospel-love_n and_o mercy_n another_z you_o have_v in_o paul_n in_o 1_o tim._n 1.15_o one_o drink_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o saint_n like_o water_n one_o blaspheme_v jesus_n christ_n offer_v all_o kind_n of_o injury_n and_o indignity_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n do_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a that_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o love_n manifest_v in_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n and_o admit_v he_o into_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o himself_o through_o christ_n and_o this_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v leave_v it_o as_o a_o experiment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o they_o who_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o to_o life_n everlasting_a so_o act._n 2.30_o those_o that_o have_v wash_v their_o malicious_a and_o envious_a hand_n in_o the_o innocent_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n so_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o doleful_a story_n of_o our_o first_o fall_n by_o eve_n who_o do_v first_o provoke_v the_o anger_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n yet_o she_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n gen._n 3.15_o ii_o the_o second_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v give_v pattern_n be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o unbelief_n the_o potency_n and_o prevalency_n of_o unbelieve_a disposition_n i_o shall_v propound_v but_o two_o pattern_n to_o you_o in_o this_o case_n first_o of_o david_n who_o under_o the_o rage_n of_o unbelief_n psal_n 116.11_o say_v in_o his_o haste_n all_o man_n be_v liar_n that_o those_o prophet_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o dissembler_n notwithstanding_o he_o have_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o message_n come_v from_o god_n the_o second_o pattern_n be_v in_o unbelieving_a thomas_n john_n 20.24_o 25_o 26._o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n except_o he_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n yet_o gospel_n love_n and_o mercy_n be_v discover_v to_o he_o vers_n 27._o under_o this_o case_n come_v in_o these_o two_o case_n of_o soul_n wherein_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v 1._o in_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o feel_v the_o lord_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n draw_v their_o heart_n to_o believe_v say_v the_o poor_a perplex_a soul_n sure_o the_o lord_n draw_v all_o that_o he_o intend_v shall_v come_v to_o christ_n through_o believe_v but_o alas_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o god_n have_v draw_v my_o heart_n therefore_o sure_o god_n have_v not_o choose_v i_o to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o gospel_n grace_n and_o love_n now_o the_o spirit_n may_v witness_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o soul_n as_o much_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o unbelieve_a disposition_n as_o his_o unbelieving_a spirit_n yet_o the_o bowel_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o restrain_v from_o they_o 2._o here_o come_v in_o that_o case_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o affection_n and_o desire_n towards_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o strong_a inclination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o receive_v security_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o gospel_n mercy_n and_o love_n from_o something_o that_o shall_v be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v also_o a_o common_a case_n of_o soul_n that_o they_o can_v discern_v any_o disposition_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o bosom_n
of_o the_o arguing_n of_o his_o own_o carnal_a reason_n this_o you_o may_v observe_v in_o asaph_n psal_n 73_o 16._o he_o confess_v the_o conceitedness_n of_o his_o own_o carnal_a reason_n when_o he_o say_v i_o think_v to_o know_v this_o but_o he_o confess_v when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o sactuary_n to_o consult_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v faith_n be_v judge_n than_o he_o find_v himself_o as_o ignorant_a as_o a_o very_a beast_n iii_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a disposition_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o hell_n that_o his_o union_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v such_o corrupt_a affection_n remain_v in_o every_o believe_v soul_n in_o some_o degree_n that_o make_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n to_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n plausible_a and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o believe_a soul_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o faithfulness_n in_o reveiw_v such_o a_o dispicable_a forlorn_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v in_o some_o degree_n possess_v every_o believe_a soul_n now_o in_o regard_n that_o suggestion_n from_o hell_n that_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n and_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o concur_v with_o that_o suggestion_n also_o do_v nourish_v and_o increase_v the_o soul_n suspicion_n and_o afford_v matter_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o jealousy_n thence_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o soul_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n even_o that_o very_a suggestion_n that_o under_o one_o respect_n be_v like_o a_o dreadful_a poison_a arrow_n that_o stick_v in_o the_o heart_n to_o wound_v the_o bowel_n yet_o in_o another_o respect_n it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n plausible_a and_o pleasant_a iv_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a disposition_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n to_o comply_v with_o this_o suggestion_n that_o his_o evidence_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n in_o regard_n the_o remain_a corruption_n in_o the_o believe_a soul_n do_v evade_v the_o mighty_a power_n of_o faith_n in_o crucify_a mortify_a and_o suppress_v they_o by_o comply_v with_o this_o suggestion_n faith_n power_n against_o corruption_n consist_v especial_o in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o holy_a boldness_n claim_v power_n from_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n against_o corruption_n in_o his_o holy_a bold_a engage_v his_o bless_a god_n in_o christ_n to_o come_v in_o for_o his_o assistance_n now_o this_o power_n of_o faith_n against_o corruption_n be_v abundant_o weaken_v by_o the_o heart_n comply_v with_o that_o suggestion_n from_o hell_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n 2._o it_o consist_v in_o faith_n holy_a oratory_n in_o argue_v within_o the_o soul_n against_o corruption_n indeed_o there_o be_v faith_n mighty_a power_n in_o bring_v in_o such_o impregnable_a argument_n as_o all_o the_o sophistry_n of_o hell_n itself_o can_v devise_v a_o evasion_n from_o they_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v premise_v concern_v delusion_n only_o in_o reference_n to_o believe_a soul_n first_o that_o believe_v soul_n may_v not_o account_v it_o strange_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o suggestion_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n second_o that_o believe_a soul_n may_v not_o subscribe_v sudden_o to_o that_o suggestion_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n without_o due_a holy_a examination_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n that_o back_n and_o fortify_v that_o suggestion_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o now_o in_o reference_n to_o unbelieve_a soul_n there_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v add_v still_o by_o way_n of_o premise_v concern_v these_o delusion_n pre._n 5._o five_o i_o must_v also_o premise_v that_o the_o most_o profound_a policy_n the_o depth_n of_o subtlety_n and_o suggestion_n of_o all_o the_o spirit_n who_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n be_v employ_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o delude_v multitude_n of_o soul_n with_o false_a hope_n counterfite_a joy_n self-deceiving_a and_o soul-destroying_a confidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o father_n thus_o the_o policy_n of_o hell_n be_v employ_v to_o delude_v those_o poor_a foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25.11_o 12._o by_o argue_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n signify_v there_o by_o their_o lamp_n that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v by_o he_o whereas_o poor_a foolish_a soul_n they_o see_v at_o last_o to_o their_o everlasting_a horror_n and_o amazement_n that_o they_o be_v mere_o cozen_v by_o the_o devil_n sophistry_n thus_o certain_o the_o wit_n of_o hell_n be_v employ_v to_o deceive_v those_o self-flattering_a jew_n john_n 8.18_o to_o make_v they_o conceive_v their_o natural_a birth_n from_o abraham_n be_v ground_n sufficient_a whereupon_o they_o shall_v conceive_v the_o bless_a god_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v their_o god_n whereas_o the_o dear_a compassionate_a redeemer_n of_o lose_a soul_n be_v constrain_v to_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v of_o the_o family_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v their_o father_n thus_o be_v that_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi luke_n 18.11_o by_o the_o subtle_a sophistry_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n delude_v also_o he_o be_v even_o triumph_v as_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o heaven_n he_o be_v thank_v god_n before_o hand_n for_o it_o but_o indeed_o as_o it_o be_v the_o master_n piece_n of_o the_o devil_n policy_n to_o persuade_v true_a believe_v soul_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o result_n of_o all_o those_o curse_a counsel_n of_o hell_n concern_v unbelieving_a soul_n live_v under_o gospel_n preach_v be_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v certain_o join_v to_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o save_v by_o he_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v various_a ground_n of_o this_o different_a practice_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o hell_n against_o believe_v and_o unbelieve_a soul_n the_o persuasion_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v to_o conceive_v that_o his_o evidence_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n be_v most_o suitable_a for_o the_o devil_n purpose_v to_o work_v upon_o a_o believe_a soul_n i._o in_o regard_v every_o believe_a soul_n be_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o himself_o such_o a_o view_n have_v every_o such_o soul_n receive_v of_o his_o loathsome_a filthiness_n and_o forlorness_n that_o in_o some_o degree_n he_o do_v for_o ever_o abhor_v himself_o he_o be_v utter_o out_o of_o love_n with_o himself_o and_o all_o that_o he_o be_v and_o have_v now_o thence_o it_o be_v the_o persuasion_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n be_v suitable_a to_o fasten_v and_o take_v impression_n upon_o such_o a_o soul_n ii_o every_o believe_a soul_n have_v experimental_o find_v the_o dreadful_a self-flattery_n that_o his_o spirit_n be_v exceed_o prone_a to_o his_o heart_n have_v flatter_v he_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n from_o various_a rot_a ground_n believe_v soul_n have_v experimental_o find_v that_o one_o time_n he_o imagine_v his_o estate_n to_o be_v safe_a and_o sure_a and_o secure_a mere_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o change_n and_o reformation_n from_o what_o he_o be_v another_o time_n he_o think_v his_o estate_n to_o be_v secure_a mere_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v public_a and_o private_a now_o from_o these_o many_o experience_n of_o the_o sandy_a foundation_n that_o his_o heart_n have_v cause_v he_o to_o build_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o security_n and_o safety_n for_o eternity_n upon_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v jealous_a and_o ready_a to_o entertain_v any_o scruple_n about_o his_o own_o estate_n he_o be_v very_o fearful_a lest_o he_o shall_v build_v upon_o another_o sandy_a foundation_n iii_o every_o believe_a soul_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o infinite_a invaluable_a worth_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o suspicious_a of_o disappointment_n so_o that_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o infinite_a value_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n natural_o flow_v suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o union_n and_o thence_o the_o suggestion_n that_o the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o delusion_n be_v suitable_a and_o feed_v that_o suspicion_n iv_o every_o believe_a soul_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o union_n by_o foster_a false_a hope_n and_o groundless_a conceit_n of_o union_n by_o flatter_v himself_o in_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o
suitable_a for_o believe_v soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n as_o well_o in_o the_o spiritual_a life_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a life_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o ground_n to_o maintain_v a_o lively_a hope_n that_o when_o it_o be_v night_n day_n may_v break_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n unquestionable_o to_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v such_o a_o lively_a hope_n 3._o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o its_o former_a evidence_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o obstruct_v itself_o in_o the_o obscurity_n darkness_n and_o dreadful_a blindness_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n the_o believe_a soul_n ought_v to_o say_v within_o himself_o o_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n irradiate_v the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n how_o clear_a how_o unquestionable_a be_v it_o to_o my_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n bless_a will_n to_o receive_v my_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o i_o will_v embrace_v he_o and_o though_o i_o have_v now_o the_o same_o word_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o my_o soul_n yet_o how_o dark_a be_v it_o to_o my_o soul_n for_o the_o present_a how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o my_o poor_a blind_a mind_n to_o receive_v and_o apprehend_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o receive_v this_o my_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o instruct_v itself_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o lord_n way_n towards_o believe_a soul_n from_o hence_o the_o soul_n may_v learn_v that_o the_o lord_n carry_v on_o the_o soul_n towards_o full_a communion_n with_o himself_o through_o christ_n as_o well_o by_o sensible_a decay_n in_o communion_n as_o by_o sensible_a increase_v in_o communion_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v instruct_v itself_o that_o joy_n and_o peace_n ravishment_n of_o spirit_n triumph_v act_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o inseparable_a from_o believe_v soul_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v want_v that_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v constant_a at_o least_o to_o the_o soul_n attain_v unto_o perfection_n of_o communion_n so_o that_o thus_o the_o soul_n may_v learn_v to_o adore_v the_o lord_n in_o apprehend_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o his_o way_n even_o towards_o believe_v soul_n the_o unsearchableness_n of_o his_o wisdom_n that_o neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v measure_v 5._o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n who_o brightness_n and_o glory_n be_v now_o eclipse_v the_o soul_n may_v instruct_v itself_o in_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o entire_a constant_a uninterrupted_a dependence_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n the_o soul_n ought_v in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o enjoy_v when_o that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n give_v beam_n of_o light_n to_o his_o dark_a mind_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o precious_a word_n to_o say_v o_o how_o infinite_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o hang_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n continual_o for_o the_o constant_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n into_o this_o my_o dark_a heart_n 6._o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n the_o soul_n ought_v to_o collect_v holy_a plea_n and_o precious_a argument_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o return_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n unto_o his_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v enjoy_v any_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n and_o kindness_n they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engage_v the_o lord_n to_o return_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v absent_a many_o be_v the_o argument_n that_o a_o believe_a soul_n may_v collect_v from_o the_o former_a enjoyment_n of_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o plead_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o return_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n again_o to_o his_o soul_n 1._o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n the_o soul_n may_v remember_v the_o precious_a suitable_a disposition_n that_o possess_v his_o heart_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o lord_n in_o every_o ordinance_n now_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v raise_v a_o precious_a argument_n wherewith_o he_o may_v go_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n and_o cry_v to_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n when_o shall_v that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_a return_n to_o this_o darken_a soul_n of_o i_o 2._o the_o soul_n may_v remember_v the_o readiness_n the_o quickness_n the_o activity_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n bless_v will_n now_o from_o hence_o the_o soul_n may_v fetch_v a_o strong_a argument_n wherewith_o to_o come_v before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n o_o my_o god_n may_v the_o believe_a soul_n say_v when_o thy_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n have_v the_o precious_a operation_n upon_o my_o heart_n what_o a_o bless_a concurrence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o my_o crooked_a opposite_a will_n to_o this_o thy_o holy_a will_n o_o what_o a_o union_n of_o love_n be_v there_o between_o this_o thy_o majesty_n and_o my_o opposite_a heart_n how_o impatient_a then_o be_v my_o soul_n of_o any_o disagreement_n between_o my_o will_n and_o thy_o will_n how_o ready_o be_v my_o heart_n dispose_v for_o any_o thing_n thy_o bless_a majesty_n command_v but_o now_o alas_o lord_n now_o the_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n be_v suspend_v what_o a_o disagreement_n be_v there_o between_o thy_o majesty_n will_n and_o my_o will_n how_o straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o inclination_n of_o my_o heart_n now_o to_o obedience_n to_o thy_o bless_a will_n lord_n may_v the_o soul_n say_v have_v respect_n to_o thy_o own_o honour_n send_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n into_o this_o dark_a heart_n 3._o the_o soul_n may_v remember_v how_o high_o the_o bless_a name_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v and_o magnify_v in_o his_o heart_n when_o that_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n continue_v its_o bless_a operation_n to_o evidence_n actual_o its_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n now_o from_o thence_o the_o soul_n from_o who_o the_o lustre_n and_o glory_n of_o these_o his_o former_a evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v now_o eclipse_v may_v argue_v with_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o send_v down_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n again_o to_o his_o dark_a soul_n 4._o even_o when_o the_o orient_a brightness_n and_o heavenly_a lustre_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n be_v eclipse_v and_o darken_v yet_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v remember_v the_o capaciousness_n and_o enlarge_v openness_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o communion_n with_o god_n while_o the_o orient_a lustre_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n do_v actual_o remain_v now_o from_o hence_o the_o soul_n may_v gather_v strength_n of_o argument_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n to_o petition_v the_o return_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n again_o to_o his_o soul_n the_o soul_n may_v plead_v that_o the_o suitableness_n and_o right_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n depend_v upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n 5._o even_o when_o the_o orient_a brightness_n of_o the_o soul_n former_a evidence_n be_v eclipse_v and_o obscure_v yet_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v remember_v how_o glorious_o the_o lovely_a beauty_n and_o soul_n enamour_v brightness_n of_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v transparent_a through_o he_o when_o the_o heavenly_a lustre_n of_o his_o former_a evidence_n do_v actual_o remain_v in_o the_o soul_n now_o from_o hence_o the_o soul_n may_v gather_v a_o precious_a argument_n whereby_o he_o may_v lay_v a_o engagement_n upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n to_o send_v down_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n again_o thence_o the_o soul_n may_v plead_v that_o the_o lustre_n and_o heavenly_a beauty_n of_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v manifest_v through_o he_o depend_v upon_o his_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n 6._o when_o the_o cammand_a power_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v cease_v for_o the_o present_a to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n yet_o then_o the_o soul_n may_v remember_v that_o the_o tender_a compassionate_a bowel_n of_o god_n have_v move_v within_o he_o and_o yearned_a towards_o his_o soul_n former_o now_o from_o thence_o the_o feeble_a almost_o faint_v droop_a soul_n may_v still_o gather_v more_o strength_n and_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n again_o to_o claim_v the_o spirit_n of_o light_n and_o manifestation_n to_o
that_o thence_o it_o appear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v and_o declare_v as_o particular_o to_o a_o believe_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o if_o it_o do_v speak_v to_o any_o soul_n by_o name_n for_o that_o light_n that_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n sense_n and_o feeling_n or_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o believe_v the_o write_a worb_n speak_v as_o plain_o to_o a_o particular_a soul_n sense_n and_o knowledge_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v particular_o believe_v as_o it_o do_v declare_v to_o any_o particular_a rebellious_a obstinate_a sinner_n that_o he_o particular_o do_v sin_n the_o word_n say_v whosoever_o walk_v thus_o or_o thus_o transgress_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o this_o speak_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n so_o sin_v que._n but_o the_o soul_n may_v say_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n know_v 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divinity_n shine_v forth_o in_o they_o whereas_o the_o most_o heighten_v reason_n of_o the_o accute_a son_n of_o adam_n can_v discern_v nothing_o but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n v._o 14._o and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o bless_a spirit_n to_o a_o believer_n heart_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o lord_n write_a word_n that_o they_o have_v their_o original_a from_o the_o lord_n himself_o than_o the_o foundation_n of_o believer_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a authority_n neither_o can_v a_o believer_n say_v in_o believe_v any_o truth_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n that_o he_o know_v who_o he_o have_v believe_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o god_n himself_o ii_o when_o that_o ever_o bless_a spirit_n do_v reveal_v to_o any_o believe_a soul_n the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n than_o the_o proper_a light_n of_o the_o write_a word_n itself_o shine_v forth_o so_o 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so_o clothe_v with_o power_n and_o irresistible_a authority_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v such_o property_n of_o god_n himself_o peculiar_a unto_o god_n soul-searching_a heart-dividing_a property_n find_v out_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o then_o the_o believe_a soul_n be_v compass_a about_o with_o reason_n clothe_v in_o with_o reason_n that_o appear_v shine_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o that_o satisfy_v the_o believe_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o almighty_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n divinity_n be_v then_o every_o way_n engrave_v upon_o the_o write_a word_n in_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o as_o the_o spirit_n in_o its_o cast_v the_o precious_a heavenly_a light_n into_o the_o beliving_a soul_n do_v write_v his_o own_o name_n upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o light_n also_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n write_a word_n there_o be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o those_o beam_n of_o light_n also_o that_o the_o soul_n know_v as_o well_o as_o believe_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o god_n himself_o see_v they_o shine_v forth_o from_o that_o word_n of_o his_o that_o the_o soul_n believe_v with_o confidence_n yea_o so_o satisfy_o and_o so_o know_o to_o his_o full_a contentment_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o bless_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n will_v you_o know_v you_o that_o be_v confident_a this_o day_n that_o a_o light_n do_v shine_v into_o your_o soul_n to_o satisfy_v you_o concern_v your_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o this_o union_n be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o will_v you_o be_v assure_v as_o well_o to_o knowledge_n as_o to_o faith_n that_o you_o
do_v go_v before_o the_o act_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n in_o those_o soul_n faith_n be_v the_o first_o habit_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o in_o time_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o any_o soul_n it_o do_v also_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n work_n and_o manifest_v itself_o in_o act_v before_o any_o other_o habit_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o that_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o absolute_a promise_n must_v be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o any_o other_o holy_a quality_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o thence_o in_o regard_n this_o particular_a way_n in_o apply_v these_o absolute_a promise_n be_v without_o any_o holy_a quality_n in_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o word_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n absolute_a promise_n to_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o this_o faith_n can_v arise_v this_o be_v general_o grant_v of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a general_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o be_v hold_v forth_o as_o make_v unto_o the_o people_n and_o church_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n first_o confidence_n or_o adherence_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o the_o general_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v speak_v particular_o to_o every_o soul_n who_o attain_v any_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v answer_v affirmative_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a ground_n of_o faith_n of_o assurance_n or_o a_o particular_a evidence_n to_o assure_v a_o soul_n faith_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v open_v in_o two_o conclusion_n conclu_n 1._o the_o absolute_a promise_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reveal_v to_o a_o soul_n faith_n a_o certainty_n of_o his_o union_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v a_o equivalency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n that_o run_v to_o all_o soul_n to_o any_o particular_a 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that_o paul_n do_v receive_v do_v the_o same_o light_n appear_v from_o the_o promise_n as_o do_v to_o paul_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o equivalency_n in_o what_o the_o absolute_a promise_n can_v give_v to_o testify_v union_n to_o what_o a_o particular_a promise_n give_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o the_o latitude_n or_o largeness_n and_o extensiveness_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a mercy_n and_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o absolute_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o people_n soul_n they_o be_v all_o propound_v as_o indefinite_a proposition_n that_o be_v without_o any_o certain_a bound_n in_o that_o promise_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n set_v to_o it_o neither_o this_o kind_n of_o sinner_n or_o that_o kind_a of_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o rebellious_a but_o sinner_n so_o mark_v 16.15_o go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n preach_v the_o gospel_n what_o be_v that_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v say_v go_v and_o tell_v every_o soul_n my_o father_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o myself_o and_o unless_o this_o be_v receive_v tender_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o preach_v exclude_v the_o declare_v of_o god_n will_v to_o every_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o you_o exclude_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o angel_n luke_n 2.10_o when_o he_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o who_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o people_n no_o i_o bring_v glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o people_n there_o be_v no_o other_o bound_n set_v but_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o a_o man_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o creature_n he_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o promise_n he_o can_v say_v but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n if_o he_o will_v embrace_v the_o lord_n christ_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o expresness_n of_o the_o command_n to_o every_o soul_n particular_o to_o apply_v the_o promise_n 1_o john_n 3.23_o this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o again_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o you_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n now_o believe_v can_v contain_v but_o two_o thing_n either_o a_o give_a credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o promise_n hold_v forth_o and_o sure_o this_o can_v be_v mean_v for_o the_o devil_n themselves_o believe_v as_o much_o or_o else_o a_o receive_n unto_o their_o particular_a soul_n what_o the_o lord_n there_o tender_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o you_o observe_v it_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n general_o hold_v forth_o believe_v in_o this_o sense_n thence_o it_o be_v that_o believe_a and_o receive_v in_o scripture_n be_v put_v both_o for_o one_o 1_o john_n 1.12_o now_o that_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o command_n of_o believe_a reach_n thus_o far_o to_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o themselves_o will_v be_v clear_v by_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_v all_o unbelief_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o eminent_o forbid_v in_o this_o command_n of_o believe_v when_o any_o positive_a duty_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n the_o contrary_n must_v needs_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o same_o law_n virtual_o and_o all_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v now_o believe_v be_v enjoin_v virtual_o unbelief_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v forbid_v the_o fruit_n of_o unbelief_n be_v doubt_v and_o so_o all_o doubt_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v to_o fulfil_v his_o promise_n of_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v content_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v christ_n into_o union_n with_o he_o all_o this_o doubt_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v there_o forbid_a virtual_o in_o regard_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n command_v because_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o root_n unbelief_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o faith_n 2._o in_o regard_v the_o strength_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n the_o soul_n be_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thing_n unquestionable_o certain_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o poor_a loveless_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n so_o that_o in_o effect_n the_o lord_n do_v in_o that_o command_n to_o the_o soul_n to_o believe_v enjoin_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v fullness_n of_o assurance_n from_o the_o very_a promise_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n yet_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o command_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n that_o it_o do_v express_o command_v every_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n for_o then_o the_o promise_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n in_o regard_n the_o great_a number_n be_v at_o enmity_n but_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o command_n be_v to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v he_o and_o this_o the_o lord_n enjoin_v the_o most_o rebellious_a wretch_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n come_v the_o first_o command_n to_o such_o rebellious_a soul_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v their_o rebellious_a soul_n into_o union_n
with_o himself_o conclu_n 2._o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o the_o absolute_a promise_n to_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o ground_n of_o particular_a dependence_n upon_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o union_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o particular_n 1._o in_o regard_n confidence_n of_o the_o particularity_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v both_o of_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n take_v away_o particular_a confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n particular_a will_n towards_o such_o a_o particular_a soul_n to_o receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o you_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o adherence_n take_v away_o the_o particular_a confidence_n and_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a general_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v tender_v 2._o both_o the_o confidence_n in_o the_o say_v of_o dependence_n and_o faith_n of_o assurance_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n though_o indeed_o that_o the_o confidence_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v when_o he_o once_o act_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n differ_v gradual_o that_o be_v in_o many_o degree_n from_o the_o faith_n of_o dependence_n and_o adherence_n yet_o they_o be_v both_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n they_o be_v both_o substantial_o the_o same_o they_o be_v but_o a_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o take_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o only_o this_o differ_v in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o time_n that_o faith_n of_o assurance_n act_v that_o confidence_n by_o way_n of_o the_o time_n past_a that_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o good_a will_v alone_o have_v receive_v his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n whereas_o that_o confidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o dependence_n or_o adherence_n may_v work_v thus_o that_o 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certain_a infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n but_o now_o say_v the_o soul_n by_o what_o mean_n be_v the_o promise_n make_v efficacious_a for_o this_o end_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o bare_a absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_a to_o the_o particular_a soul_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o question_n i_o must_v first_o premise_v divers_a thing_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o then_o lie_v down_o the_o answer_n in_o positive_a conclusion_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fullness_n of_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o to_o discover_v at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o particular_a soul_n in_o what_o condition_n soever_o under_o what_o temptation_n in_o what_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n soever_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o receive_v his_o particular_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v accept_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v jesus_n christ_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o though_o indeed_o the_o promise_n work_v this_o effect_n very_o rare_o in_o soul_n yet_o at_o all_o time_n the_o promise_n have_v that_o sufficiency_n in_o itself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o addition_n make_v by_o god_n to_o the_o promise_n neither_o by_o word_n nor_o light_n neither_o by_o way_n of_o particularise_v soul_n nor_o by_o way_n of_o comprehensiveness_n to_o make_v it_o conclude_v soul_n neither_o do_v the_o soul_n build_v upon_o any_o thing_n add_v to_o the_o promise_n but_o the_o promise_n itself_o be_v the_o absolute_a ground_n that_o the_o soul_n always_o build_v upon_o in_o receive_v evidence_n from_o it_o now_o because_o the_o promise_n itself_o do_v not_o at_o every_o time_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n manifest_a unto_o that_o soul_n thus_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o who_o it_o have_v evidence_v his_o union_n therefore_o think_v some_o soul_n it_o be_v something_o superad_v to_o the_o promise_n and_o some_o again_o be_v ready_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o position_n itself_o that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n shall_v give_v the_o soul_n assurance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o some_o revelation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o kind_n of_o revelation_n of_o the_o soul_n name_n to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o so_o the_o soul_n shall_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o some_o superadded_a revelation_n but_o neither_o of_o both_o these_o must_v be_v conceive_v but_o the_o promise_n have_v always_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o light_a to_o discover_v to_o the_o soul_n the_o lord_n willingness_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o only_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o tower_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o it_o be_v with_o this_o foundation_n as_o with_o other_o foundation_n when_o the_o timber_n be_v hew_v and_o square_a fit_n for_o a_o groundsel_n it_o must_v have_v a_o wise_a master_n builder_n to_o lay_v it_o for_o a_o foundation_n so_o the_o soul_n must_v have_v instruction_n from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n so_o as_o he_o may_v see_v his_o assurance_n stand_v firm_a upon_o it_o prem_n 2._o second_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o a_o subordination_n to_o his_o will_n for_o the_o effect_v any_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o produce_v or_o effect_v such_o a_o end_n this_o i_o premise_v that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o mean_n when_o we_o say_v by_o what_o mean_n be_v this_o promise_n make_v sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n evidence_n of_o his_o union_n god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o primary_n efficient_a cause_n upon_o which_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o dependence_n and_o all_o thing_n employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v that_o be_v inferior_a cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n himself_o they_o be_v call_v mean_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o create_a cause_n some_o such_o inferior_a cause_n may_v be_v call_v a_o principal_a cause_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n for_o effect_v this_o end_n of_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v effectual_a for_o that_o use_n prem_n 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a and_o various_a mean_n that_o do_v common_o concur_v together_o for_o effect_v one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o have_v divers_a relation_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o work_v diverse_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a kind_n of_o influence_n from_o divers_a thing_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o end_n and_o whatever_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o principal_a cause_n it_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mean_n so_o in_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o evidence_v to_o a_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o may_v and_o do_v concur_v for_o effect_v that_o bless_a end_n in_o the_o soul_n for_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o draw_v from_o the_o absolute_a promise_n the_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n though_o those_o various_a thing_n work_v in_o a_o various_a manner_n and_o one_o have_v influence_n into_o the_o end_n and_o another_o have_v another_o influence_n and_o so_o be_v look_v at_o as_o divers_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o great_a matter_n of_o assurance_n prem_n 4._o four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o there_o be_v four_o or_o five_o