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
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
thing_n be_v thus_o clear_v the_o question_n that_o the_o soul_n propound_v can_v stand_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o condition_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o fulfil_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v conclude_v his_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o so_o have_v his_o evidence_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n it_o can_v be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o such_o condition_n that_o a_o soul_n shall_v have_v his_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o then_o the_o question_n will_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o question_n quest_n but_o say_v the_o soul_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n first_o reveal_v those_o grace_n that_o he_o describe_v his_o own_o people_n by_o to_o be_v in_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 and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v through_o the_o sight_n of_o such_o grace_n as_o god_n describe_v to_o be_v in_o his_o people_n that_o a_o soul_n must_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o of_o god_n people_n answ_n 1._o now_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v reserve_v to_o himself_o his_o own_o liberty_n concern_v his_o own_o particular_a word_n from_o whence_o he_o do_v reveal_v to_o soul_n infallible_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o bind_v himself_o from_o a_o reveal_n unto_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o some_o word_n describe_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o people_n unite_v unto_o christ_n nor_o from_o some_o word_n only_o invite_v soul_n unto_o christ_n answ_n 2._o second_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o evidence_n unto_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n without_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o some_o measure_n or_o degree_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v the_o lord_n own_o people_n by_o when_o the_o lord_n reveal_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o soul_n he_o do_v reveal_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o willing_a accept_n of_o christ_n so_o give_v and_o that_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o soul_n see_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o so_o consequent_o do_v see_v such_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n answ_n 3._o three_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v never_o reveal_v any_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o any_o soul_n as_o the_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o evidence_v unto_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n intend_v in_o this_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n never_o reveal_v those_o grace_n in_o soul_n to_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o soul_n right_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n never_o manifest_v unto_o any_o soul_n that_o because_o there_o be_v such_o and_o such_o holy_a disposition_n or_o precious_a heavenly_a quality_n that_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o he_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v incline_v towards_o he_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o confer_v the_o lord_n jesus_n upon_o he_o or_o to_o accept_v he_o into_o union_n through_o christ_n but_o the_o lord_n reveal_v himself_o willing_a to_o accept_v soul_n into_o union_n with_o himself_o in_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o poor_a despicable_a worthless_a soul_n without_o the_o least_o good_a disposition_n or_o holy_a inclination_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v in_o their_o heart_n second_o the_o lord_n never_o reveal_v those_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n assurance_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o manifest_a to_o the_o soul_n that_o because_o there_o be_v such_o grace_n or_o such_o precious_a habit_n in_o his_o soul_n therefore_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o the_o soul_n ought_v to_o believe_v the_o lord_n free_a sender_n and_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o it_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o make_v those_o grace_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n hope_v and_o comfort_n shall_v rest_v upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o god_n shall_v discover_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v cause_v the_o soul_n by_o discover_v grace_n to_o be_v in_o he_o to_o bottom_v its_o hope_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n than_o shall_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o rather_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n see_v now_o the_o scripture_n never_o propound_v any_o holy_a quality_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n consider_v the_o quality_n as_o be_v inherent_a in_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n the_o scripture_n propound_v believe_v without_o the_o sight_n of_o any_o of_o those_o quality_n as_o that_o which_o every_o soul_n ought_v to_o seek_v after_o with_o his_o great_a strength_n john_n 20.29_o second_o shall_v the_o lord_n manifest_a grace_n to_o be_v in_o soul_n first_o so_o as_o to_o bottom_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o grace_n than_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o soul_n upon_o a_o immutable_a unchangeable_a ground_n the_o spirit_n itself_o in_o all_o its_o working_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o work_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o time_n of_o such_o working_n be_v well_o compare_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o wind_n that_o blow_v where_o and_o when_o it_o list_v and_o so_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o working_n of_o those_o grace_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v changeable_a thing_n and_o shall_v the_o lord_n ground_n the_o faith_n of_o a_o soul_n upon_o a_o changeable_a ground_n he_o shall_v walk_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n heb._n 6.18_o he_o have_v give_v two_o immutable_a ground_n his_o word_n and_o oath_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v there_o shall_v be_v everlasting_a constant_a unchangeable_a ground_n upon_o which_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v build_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v unmoveable_a and_o unchangeable_a consolation_n answ_n 4._o four_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v and_o do_v to_o some_o soul_n reveal_v grace_n to_o be_v in_o they_o before_o he_o do_v evidence_n unto_o their_o faith_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o lord_n may_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v some_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n some_o break_a heartedness_n for_o sin_n some_o precious_a change_n before_o he_o do_v assure_v unto_o their_o faith_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o then_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v note_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o conclusion_n first_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o grace_n to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o soul_n unquestionable_o so_o as_o to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o the_o acceptance_n of_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o dreadful_a storm_n of_o fear_n and_o terror_n that_o may_v be_v rise_v upon_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v much_o allay_v but_o alas_o there_o will_v be_v many_o a_o wave_n go_v over_o the_o soul_n still_o second_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n hold_v equal_a proportion_n with_o that_o evidence_n the_o lord_n give_v to_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n free_a gift_n of_o christ_n to_o he_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o the_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n run_v parallel_v together_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o clear_a together_o hold_v one_o equal_a proportion_n and_o therefore_o until_o god_n assure_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v he_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o soul_n have_v not_o a_o unquestionable_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o his_o soul_n answ_n 5._o it_o be_v not_o the_o discovery_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o poor_a doubt_a soul_n but_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n absolute_a uncontrollable_a will_n to_o receive_v a_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n faith_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n from_o whence_o the_o soul_n be_v assure_v of_o his_o union_n with_o he_o now_o this_o
in_o that_o propriety_n he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v fear_n and_o doubt_n arise_v of_o lose_v it_o again_o can_v the_o soul_n see_v union_n with_o christ_n unless_o the_o voice_n say_v thus_o i_o be_o thou_o and_o will_v never_o separate_v from_o thou_o it_o will_v give_v no_o true_a comfort_n the_o soul_n will_v be_v more_o afraid_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o happiness_n then_o rejoice_v in_o the_o present_a good_a enjoy_v 3._o it_o will_v appear_v in_o regard_n there_o be_v nothing_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n to_o the_o soul_n his_o union_n from_o the_o promise_n satisfy_o but_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v be_v a_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o that_o that_o be_v in_o the_o revelation_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o sin_n gild_n and_o subjection_n to_o everlasting_a damnation_n before_o the_o soul_n can_v receive_v any_o satisfaction_n or_o any_o true_a freedom_n from_o those_o dreadful_a horror_n that_o possess_v a_o soul_n upon_o the_o true_a revelation_n of_o his_o dreadful_a estate_n of_o sin_n woe_n and_o misery_n now_o its_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o that_o reveal_v with_o power_n the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o soul_n through_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v again_o with_o another_o voice_n which_o have_v as_o great_a a_o power_n to_o pronounce_v the_o absolution_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o condemnation_n through_o christ_n the_o soul_n can_v never_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n nor_o be_v free_a from_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n in_o himself_o four_o the_o scripture_n itself_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o need_v quote_v only_o that_o one_o place_n rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n when_o he_o will_v rise_v to_o the_o high_a evidence_n he_o rise_v to_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n that_o will_v clear_v it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o that_o by_o a_o special_a peculiar_a application_n of_o the_o promise_n 1._o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n itself_o intimate_v it_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o sometime_o the_o spirit_n be_v take_v in_o scripture_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o grace_n he_o put_v the_o emphasis_n upon_o it_o the_o spirit_n itself_o that_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v thus_o to_o witness_n to_o the_o soul_n 2._o he_o put_v it_o as_o a_o distinct_a witness_n it_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n 3._o it_o be_v by_o particular_a application_n it_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o witness_v adoption_n now_o we_o can_v believe_v our_o adoption_n without_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o from_o a_o word_n and_o therefore_o that_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o the_o soul_n thus_o you_o have_v the_o second_o question_n open_v that_o be_v by_o what_o mean_v a_o soul_n do_v receive_v the_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n there_o be_v a_o three_o question_n quest_n 3._o in_o what_o manner_n do_v the_o soul_n receive_v the_o first_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o first_o question_n that_o the_o absolute_a promise_n of_o god_n receive_v any_o poor_a despicable_a loveless_n forlorn_a soul_n that_o will_v into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o first_o infallible_a ground_n of_o the_o soul_n evividence_n of_o union_n and_o it_o be_v eonclude_v that_o there_o be_v various_a mean_n that_o do_v concur_v together_o to_o enable_v the_o soul_n to_o receive_v his_o union_n from_o this_o absolute_a promise_n though_o there_o be_v one_o immediate_a mean_n that_o work_v in_o the_o promise_n assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o question_n now_o remain_v how_o this_o mean_n do_v produce_v this_o end_n or_o how_o the_o lord_n work_v in_o and_o through_o these_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o absolute_a promise_n efficacious_a and_o effectual_a to_o manifest_v to_o the_o poor_a doubt_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n for_o the_o open_n of_o it_o i_o must_v premise_v something_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o and_o then_o lie_v down_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o positive_a conclusion_n prem_n 1._o first_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o influence_n that_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o do_v contribute_v unto_o the_o evidence_n unto_o any_o doubtful_a soul_n his_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n christ_n only_o produce_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o effect_n in_o that_o soul_n that_o do_v receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o suppose_v it_o be_v through_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v at_o one_o time_n bring_v to_o mind_v the_o absolute_a promise_n in_o the_o clearness_n of_o light_n it_o hold_v forth_o and_o make_v application_n of_o that_o promise_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o suppose_v another_o time_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o end_n still_o there_o be_v the_o same_o effect_n beget_v by_o these_o various_a mean_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v enable_v to_o receive_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o union_n prem_n 2._o second_o i_o shall_v premise_v that_o all_o the_o influence_n that_o any_o mean_n do_v contribute_v for_o the_o evidence_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n alone_o so_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n or_o of_o prayer_n or_o any_o ordinance_n towards_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o bless_a end_n in_o the_o soul_n may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o regard_n those_o mean_n contribute_v not_o the_o least_o in_o themselves_o otherwise_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n employ_v they_o as_o his_o own_o instrument_n for_o assure_v to_o the_o soul_n his_o faith_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n prem_n 3._o three_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o assure_v the_o soul_n faith_n of_o union_n in_o the_o promise_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o limit_v himself_o to_o any_o constant_a particular_a order_n in_o assure_v unto_o soul_n their_o union_n with_o christ_n from_o the_o promise_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v true_o the_o spiritual_a wind_n that_o blow_v where_o and_o how_o it_o list_v there_o be_v no_o limitation_n propound_v in_o the_o word_n whereby_o it_o shall_v appear_v the_o spirit_n shall_v bind_v himself_o to_o work_v in_o the_o same_o order_n in_o all_o soul_n to_o evidence_n to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v set_v no_o bound_n to_o himself_o of_o any_o degree_n of_o those_o effect_n that_o it_o do_v produce_v to_o soul_n whereby_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v efficacious_a to_o assure_v to_o the_o soul_n faith_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n but_o it_o work_v various_o in_o the_o heart_n prem_n 4._o four_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o assure_v to_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o promise_n his_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o the_o full_a and_o life_n of_o it_o be_v altogether_o unspeakable_a and_o inexpressable_a sure_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o be_v mean_v only_o of_o those_o gospel_n joy_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n that_o eye_n never_o see_v nor_o ear_n never_o hear_v neither_o do_v it_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o man_n to_o conceive_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o and_o likewise_o well_o may_v that_o place_n be_v apply_v that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o neither_o do_v any_o man_n or_o angel_n know_v those_o secret_a discovery_n of_o the_o lord_n mind_n and_o open_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o soul_n faith_n who_o he_o do_v assure_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o be_v unite_v unto_o christ_n prem_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o five_o premise_v though_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n
faith_n the_o one_o believe_v in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o his_o judgement_n when_o the_o other_o have_v confuse_v motion_n towards_o god_n without_o judgement_n now_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o distemper_n of_o spirit_n 1._o say_v the_o soul_n through_o this_o rash_a distemper_n prevail_v in_o his_o heart_n those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v make_v good_a god_n draw_v they_o to_o embrace_v they_o but_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n draw_v i_o or_o give_v i_o power_n therefore_o i_o be_o none_o to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v the_o principle_n be_v true_a but_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v rash_o from_o it_o 1._o the_o soul_n common_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n without_o weigh_v what_o the_o drawing_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o the_o secret_a power_n infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n to_o receive_v those_o promise_n tender_v to_o it_o be_v i_o have_v hear_v a_o soul_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o this_o principle_n but_o when_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o drawing_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o enable_v it_o to_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n tender_v in_o the_o promise_n the_o soul_n know_v not_o ask_v it_o do_v ever_o find_v the_o lord_n make_v thy_o heart_n willing_a to_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v one_o with_o thy_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v up_o a_o union_n with_o the_o father_n for_o thou_o o_o yes_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o confess_v my_o soul_n belong_v for_o that_o i_o can_v but_o say_v i_o be_o willing_a and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n through_o the_o distemper_n of_o rashness_n draw_v this_o conclusion_n that_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v because_o god_n do_v not_o draw_v he_o 2._o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o this_o willingness_n yet_o the_o conclusion_n be_v rash_o draw_v from_o the_o principle_n in_o regard_n there_o be_v no_o time_n that_o god_n have_v limit_v or_o prescribe_v to_o himself_o wherein_o he_o will_v draw_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o he_o intend_v the_o promise_n for_o 3._o the_o soul_n ground_n be_v false_a in_o regard_n the_o scripture_n determine_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n always_o act_v those_o inward_a habitual_a drawing_n of_o his_o when_o he_o have_v once_o actual_o draw_v 2._o say_v some_o soul_n through_o this_o rash_a distemper_n that_o those_o god_n intend_v good_a to_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o to_o decay_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o grow_v more_o corrupt_a but_o say_v the_o soul_n i_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o under_o the_o mean_n more_o corrupt_a and_o my_o affection_n decay_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o afraid_a the_o lord_n never_o intend_v to_o do_v good_a to_o i_o now_o i_o pray_v observe_v but_o thy_o own_o rashness_n in_o not_o weigh_v and_o try_v and_o search_v all_o thing_n to_o search_v whether_o indeed_o thou_o be_v grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o under_o the_o mean_n or_o no_o and_o to_o see_v in_o what_o degree_n thou_o be_v grow_v more_o corrupt_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n as_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v god_n let_v not_o those_o that_o he_o intend_v good_a to_o in_o christ_n to_o fall_v into_o sin_n or_o no._n here_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n weigh_v before_o thou_o have_v draw_v that_o conclusion_n i._o thou_o shall_v have_v weigh_v whether_o thy_o heart_n be_v grow_v more_o corrupt_a or_o no._n divers_a thing_n thing_n be_v considerable_a there_o 1._o though_o thou_o judge_v thyself_o more_o corrupt_a yet_o thou_o may_v not_o true_o have_v more_o corruption_n than_o thou_o have_v a_o soul_n be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o corruption_n that_o be_v effective_o so_o and_o those_o that_o be_v formal_o so_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o may_v see_v corruption_n formal_o in_o thy_o soul_n more_o than_o before_o whereas_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v more_o corrupt_a effectively_o i_o mean_v thus_o thou_o may_v find_v more_o motion_n unto_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n than_o before_o and_o yet_o not_o those_o motion_n prevail_v to_o sin_v effective_o that_o be_v to_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v thy_o soul_n though_o indeed_o interpretative_o and_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o god_n those_o stir_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v call_v sin_n yet_o they_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v corruption_n and_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o corrupt_a for_o than_o they_o grow_v corruption_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o they_o 2._o thou_o may_v judge_v thyself_o to_o have_v more_o corruption_n and_o yet_o there_o may_v not_o be_v more_o corruption_n neither_o first_o god_n may_v have_v cast_v more_o light_n into_o thy_o soul_n than_o before_o when_o thou_o do_v judge_v thyself_o not_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o corruption_n now_o through_o light_n every_o iniquity_n have_v a_o great_a weight_n upon_o the_o spirit_n than_o it_o have_v former_o now_o the_o more_o weight_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o spirit_n the_o more_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o through_o more_o light_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o duty_n now_o the_o more_o exquisite_o the_o soul_n discern_v the_o duty_n god_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n the_o more_o abominable_a he_o see_v his_o own_o heart_n second_o if_o there_o be_v not_o more_o light_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a tenderness_n of_o spirit_n infuse_v into_o thou_o than_o former_o so_o that_o thou_o feel_v corruption_n more_o because_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o be_v more_o spiritual_o upon_o thy_o heart_n than_o before_o and_o so_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a to_o thou_o 3._o corruption_n may_v appear_v more_o when_o they_o be_v not_o more_o in_o regard_n there_o may_v be_v many_o occasion_n offer_v to_o draw_v forth_o inherent_a corruption_n into_o exercise_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o legion_n of_o iniquity_n in_o thy_o heart_n former_o though_o they_o do_v not_o appear_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o occasion_n 4._o satan_n may_v be_v suffer_v by_o god_n to_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v out_o corruption_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o corruption_n and_o the_o mortify_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n may_v suffer_v satan_n contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n to_o war_n against_o his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o thy_o heart_n in_o draw_v out_o all_o his_o power_n to_o stir_v thy_o corruption_n that_o thou_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n for_o power_n to_o slay_v they_o so_o that_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o may_v be_v the_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o corrupt_a ii_o suppose_v the_o heart_n shall_v be_v grow_v more_o corrupt_a under_o mean_n for_o a_o season_n suppose_v the_o root_n of_o sin_n shall_v get_v some_o sap_n and_o bud_n and_o sprout_v again_o and_o send_v forth_o its_o branch_n more_o plentiful_o and_o bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v weigh_v before_o a_o soul_n draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n whether_o sin_n may_v not_o revive_v again_o and_o grow_v more_o lively_a for_o a_o time_n even_o in_o those_o who_o be_v near_o to_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n to_o who_o god_n intend_v all_o the_o good_a in_o the_o promise_v tender_v by_o christ_n iii_o it_o will_v be_v also_o consider_v whether_o the_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o draw_v such_o a_o conclusion_n from_o a_o real_a sense_n of_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o tender_v to_o at_o that_o time_n that_o thou_o may_v receive_v such_o influence_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o as_o may_v prevent_v thy_o soul_n from_o still_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o iv_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o the_o soul_n can_v find_v that_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o declension_n as_o it_o be_v now_o fall_v into_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v exclude_v all_o that_o fall_v into_o it_o from_o receive_v himself_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o free_a grace_n if_o i_o shall_v follow_v up_o this_o rashness_n of_o the_o soul_n further_o i_o may_v open_v that_o the_o soul_n real_a declension_n in_o affection_n that_o be_v former_o may_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v consider_v whether_o affection_n do_v work_v in_o the_o lord_n own_o orderly_a way_n through_o the_o follow_v of_o the_o judgement_n in_o close_v with_o the_o truth_n propound_v in_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o truth_n affect_v thy_o heart_n as_o be_v new_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o dictate_v
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
spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n towards_o the_o draw_v forth_o its_o faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n or_o by_o which_o the_o spirit_n do_v proceed_v to_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o four_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o heart_n for_o reveal_v to_o they_o their_o union_n with_o christ_n certain_o and_o infallible_o excitation_n the_o spirit_n excitation_n so_o as_o to_o give_v the_o demonstration_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n former_o infuse_v into_o their_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a exercise_n now_o here_o you_o must_v observe_v the_o spirit_n do_v not_o quicken_v inlve_v and_o actuate_v all_o kind_n of_o gracious_a disposition_n infuse_v into_o the_o sanctify_a soul_n in_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n assure_v its_o faith_n of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n for_o indeed_o the_o soul_n assurance_n unto_o faith_n do_v not_o proper_o arise_v from_o any_o of_o the_o act_n of_o those_o holy_a disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o it_o but_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n unto_o loveless_n sinner_n for_o indeed_o the_o spirit_n in_o this_o work_n of_o excitation_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o assure_v the_o soul_n through_o believe_v of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v only_o and_o peculiar_o the_o believe_a disposition_n that_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o soul_n at_o christ_n first_o comprehend_v the_o soul_n for_o its_o proper_a object_n and_o as_o exercise_v influence_n chief_o flow_v down_o from_o that_o believe_a disposition_n now_o the_o spirit_n excitation_n of_o the_o believe_a disposition_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o three_o former_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o heart_n in_o regard_n all_o these_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n be_v but_o preparative_n to_o this_o four_o effect_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v this_o four_o effect_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n draw_v forth_o believe_v disposition_n into_o act_n which_o be_v the_o formality_n of_o assurance_n or_o assurance_n itself_o the_o other_o only_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a preparative_n unto_o the_o assurance_n they_o be_v preparation_n indeed_o both_o privative_o and_o positive_o but_o they_o be_v but_o preparation_n first_o these_o three_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v preparation_n privative_o by_o prevent_v all_o impediment_n and_o obstruction_n that_o hinder_v the_o soul_n from_o act_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o assurance_n i._o the_o first_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v its_o illumination_n that_o do_v privative_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o assure_v act_n of_o faith_n 1._o by_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o bottome_v its_o confidence_n upon_o the_o sand_n before_o the_o bless_a work_n of_o illumination_n soul_n mistake_v the_o right_a bottom_n of_o their_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o so_o consequent_o cast_v out_o the_o anchor_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o own_o humiliation_n for_o sin_n another_o time_n upon_o the_o quickening_n and_o enlarging_n of_o their_o heart_n through_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n and_o so_o consequent_o never_o entertain_v the_o least_o confidence_n of_o the_o lord_n accept_v of_o they_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n any_o further_a than_o they_o can_v discern_v those_o quicken_a enlarge_v 〈◊〉_d inlivening_n of_o that_o sanctify_a spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n 2._o that_o do_v prepare_v privative_o for_o the_o assurance_n by_o prevent_v the_o soul_n from_o seek_v in_o a_o false_a manner_n after_o the_o attain_n of_o confidence_n upon_o a_o true_a bottom_n before_o the_o spirit_n full_a illumination_n the_o soul_n common_o mistake_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o cast_v out_o a_o anchor_n of_o confidence_n upon_o that_o true_a ground_n as_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o right_a manner_n of_o any_o soul_n cast_v himself_o with_o confidence_n upon_o the_o lord_n unless_o the_o soul_n do_v first_o discern_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o beleiver_n ii_o the_o second_o work_n also_o of_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o soul_n be_v to_o prepare_v privative_o for_o the_o assure_v of_o the_o soul_n faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n through_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n all_o misapprehension_n about_o the_o tender_a of_o union_n with_o christ_n with_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v iii_o by_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n the_o soul_n be_v prepare_v privative_o for_o the_o assure_v his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n and_o that_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o remove_v of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o reason_n that_o possessess_v the_o soul_n before_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o degree_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n by_o that_o irradiation_n the_o heart_n be_v hale_v hither_o and_o thither_o by_o a_o apprehension_n of_o reason_v that_o always_o dwell_v within_o he_o the_o heart_n sometime_o incline_v to_o a_o dreadful_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o his_o forlorn_a soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n another_o time_n again_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v even_o his_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n now_o by_o the_o irradiation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n of_o the_o conscienee_n the_o contrariety_n of_o reason_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v remove_v the_o reason_n for_o accept_v the_o soul_n into_o union_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n bear_v more_o weight_n with_o the_o spirit_n than_o all_o the_o objection_n and_o contradiction_n that_o hell_n and_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n can_v make_v against_o it_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n discern_v more_o ground_n to_o imagine_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 than_o he_o discern_v ground_n to_o think_v the_o contrary_n 2._o through_o the_o spirit_n conviction_n the_o uproar_v and_o tumult_n in_o the_o soul_n affection_n be_v allay_v and_o help_v through_o the_o contrariety_n of_o reason_v in_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o affection_n be_v put_v into_o a_o tumult_n and_o rage_n when_o one_o kind_n of_o reason_v prevail_v than_o one_o kind_n of_o affection_n work_v strong_o and_o when_o contrary_a reason_n prevail_v then_o contrary_a affection_n work_v as_o high_o 3._o the_o spirit_n conviction_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o spirit_n manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v prepare_v for_o the_o soul_n receive_v assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o remove_v the_o distraction_n that_o possess_v the_o soul_n thought_n as_o the_o affection_n common_o be_v in_o a_o confusion_n so_o the_o thought_n also_o the_o mind_n be_v constant_a in_o nothing_o else_o but_o unconstancy_n stay_v or_o fix_v upon_o nothing_o now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o soul_n receive_v assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n the_o spirit_n privative_o to_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o it_o removes_z this_o distemper_n second_o they_o be_v preparation_n positive_o also_o i._o the_o spirit_n work_v of_o illumination_n that_o do_v prepare_v the_o subject_n for_o assurance_n it_o be_v through_o that_o illumination_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v dispose_v into_o a_o possible_a condition_n and_o a_o capable_a condition_n to_o discern_v that_o everlasting_a rock_n of_o age_n whereupon_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o christ_n shall_v be_v cast_v ii_o the_o spirit_n irradiation_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v also_o prepare_v positive_o for_o the_o assure_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n in_o regard_n that_o prepare_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o assurance_n that_o discover_v the_o true_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v confident_a of_o his_o acceptance_n into_o union_n iii_o the_o three_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v conviction_n that_o prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o receive_v the_o assurance_n unto_o his_o faith_n of_o his_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o apply_v the_o matter_n of_o assurance_n particular_o unto_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n manifestation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o discover_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o soul_n may_v be_v confident_a of_o their_o acceptance_n into_o union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n conviction_n that_o make_v particular_a application_n of_o that_o ground_n of_o confidence_n those_o three_o former_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v only_o preparative_a unto_o assurance_n the_o formality_n of_o assurance_n be_v still_o behind_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n come_v with_o this_o four_o work_n which_o be_v the_o exciting_a and_o stir_a up_o this_o believe_a disposition_n into_o exercise_n therefore_o now_o we_o must_v open_v to_o you_o what_o this_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v
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